Unique Flower Designs: September’s Aster

September’s birth flower, the Aster, is a delicate flower that enhances any bouquets or garden. Used as a frilly filler in florists’ unique flower designs, the Aster is known for its daisy-like petals and fringed texture.

MEANINGS & USES
The exact origin of the name Aster is debated. Some say the name for these beautiful flowers is direct from Greek mythology: Asters were said to have grown from the tears of the Goddess Asterea. Others say they were named for their abundant growing patterns (like the night sky) and their star-like shape.

Asters have long been given to symbolize love, daintiness and afterthought. Gentlemen and ladies in the past used to present them to people they hoped to draw affection from. Placed on the graves of French soldiers, Asters were used as a symbol of a better life to come. They can also be used to symbolize a 20th Wedding Anniversary and are a wonderful gift in a bouquet for any occasion.

The petals of the Aster used to be smoked to ward off evil serpents, but could also be used to help with headaches, colds, back pain and muscle spasms.

CULTIVATION
Asters are most often used now as filler in bouquets and as a delicate accents in gardens. They grow best in rich, wet soil in direct sun – partial shade, and should be thinned and replanted every two years. Because Asters grow in thick bunches, they can be separated and replanted in gardens in the spring. Asters bloom from mid summer – early fall and are a perfect choice for a fall wedding bouquet.

The Aster grows in over 600 species and can also be found in a variety of colors: white, pink, lavender, red, purple. They are a popular choice for gardens due to their ability to attract butterflies, bees and birds. They grow to be less than a foot tall and are a good choice for filler or accent flowers in gardens.

Perhaps the Greeks had it right, Asters may have grown from a goddess’ tears… or perhaps September's birth flower is just are simply a lovely, delicate choice for any unique flower design or a gardener’s delight.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web writer and publisher. She is an avid gardener and is fascinated with floriculture and Calgary Flowers.

How to Choose Your Wedding Day “Do”

Not sure how to style your hair on the big day? Choosing your wedding hairstyle shouldn’t get your veil in a bunch! You want to look your best, and we want to help, here are the top tips to turn your mane into a wedding-day do.

1. Don’t do anything outrageous! Sure you’ve always wanted to try a Mohawk – a  month before your wedding is not the time for a big change. Save the daring look for when the ring is on your finger.
2. Go with a natural colour. If your hair is brown, this is probably not the best time to go platinum. Highlights: good. Bleaching whole head: bad.
3. Do test runs! Make sure you book those hair appointments for test runs a minimum of 6 weeks before your wedding. Hearing “Surprise” from your hairdresser the day of won’t be pleasant.
4. Compliment your dress, don’t compete with it. Your hairstyle should be an extension of your dress, not a whole new showpiece. If you are sporting a ballgown, an updo is the way to go; if you are looking romantic in soft flowing layers, wearing your hair down in loose curls looks dreamy.
5. Come to terms with your hair’s personality. Everyone’s hair has a nasty side. Whether its flaw is frizziness, crazy curls or cowlicks, be sure to make peace with it and choose a hairdo that will finesse, not fight, with your hair’s worst enemies.
6. Choose a hairdo you can handle. A mile-high beehive may not be the answer if you plan to dance the night away… Choose something you are prepared to keep in check all night.
7. Respect the elements. If your hair tends to frizz at the slightest hint of moisture and you’re marching down the aisle outdoors, leaving it loose on a rainy day may not work in your favour. If you’re outdoors, consider Mother Nature as a consultant to your style.
8. Veil or no veil… Your veil, tiara or headdress is essential to your style. Make sure it accompanies you on your test runs and that is can be easily and naturally worked in to your hair. Also, be sure that your headdress’ fasteners will stay in place all night.
9. Go with the flow… Did you write “Black-tie” on the invite? Make sure your hair reflects your wedding theme.
   Formal = updo
   Semi-formal = casual up-do or hair half-up
   Casual = just make sure you take the rollers out of your hair!
10. This is the most important rule: do what you feel comfortable with! It’s your day girl so have fun! (Just remember your wedding pictures will be ion your wall forever…)

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web author and publisher who enjoys writing on a variety of topics. She currently resides in Edmonton and is researching budgets, brides and Edmonton spa services.

From Flowers to Diamonds: The Smart Man’s Guide to Apologizing

So… You screwed up again. It’s okay to admit it. In fact, if you actually admit it, you’re farther down the right track than most men. Kudos! Unfortunately, admitting you’re wrong is often-times not the “best you can do.” Chin up fella, she’ll forgive you, with some encouragement – which in this case means some form of bribery.

Here is your basic guide to apologizing for normal, everyday occurrences:

What You Did	Gift Required	Recommended Apology
Left your clothes on the ground	Flowers: a small arrangement with at least three red roses.	“I’m sorry babe – when will I learn!”
“Lost” your wallet, keys, watch, etc. somewhere in the house (in plain view but she had to find it.)	Flowers – small arrangement with lilies should do the trick.	“I’m sorry about that hon – I’d lose my head if it wasn’t screwed on tight!”
Left your expensive phone in the pocket of your pants. She washed it but it’s still your fault.	You pay for a new phone – and don’t ever mention it again.	“I’m sorry that you washed my phone - I will NEVER leave my phone in my pants again!”
Broke item that once belonged to a dead, obscure relative of hers.	Night out with the girls: tell her you’re staying at home with kids Friday night (DO NOT use the term “babysit”.)	“Dang that was stupid of me. I really miss your Great-Great-Aunt / Cousin / Grandma too…”
Broke item that once belonged to a dead, obscure relative of hers then lied about it, then told the truth after she found it in the garbage.	Jewelry: You can probably get away with some funky silver jewelry here.	“I don’t know hay I did that – I guess I just love you so much I couldn’t bear to see you in pain.”
Gave her your “honest opinion” about something she was wearing.	Romantic dinner made by you including fancy dessert.	“I’m sorry hon - I think you look better naked…”
Get caught not listening	Top to Bottom House cleaning while she’s out shopping at your encouragement, with your cash.	“I’m really sorry honey – I know what you were saying is really important to you and therefore it’s important to me.”
Went to strip club.	Hotel room, dinner and flowers. (Not to be booked for at least one week after offence.)	“I’m sorry honey – I just had to go with (insert name here) because he’s been having a rough time lately. You know I think those girls are nasty.”
Looked at another woman while with your wife.	The whole package: hotel room, babysitter, diamonds and bouquet of roses or her favourite flowers. (Not to be booked for at least two weeks after offence.)	“I’m sorry I just thought she looked a lot like my sister / mom / aunt. But I was wrong - my sister / Mom / Aunt is much prettier.”
Doing any of the above while she has PMS.	Massage and foot rub after she’s had a bath and you’ve cleaned the house and put the kids to bed.	Don’t say anything, just run. Take the kids. Don’t come back until you’ve had a lengthy visit with your Mom.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web publisher and writer. She is a Mom of two, stellar wife (most of the time) and enjoys writing and researching on a variety of topics, especially topics on marriage, weddings, Calgary flowers and the way to a woman's heart.