2009 is winding down but the fun isn't dwindling at all. This Halloween, one of our favorite coworkers dressed as DaVinci's Mona Lisa which was too cool for the rest of us to pass up. Check out these fun Halloween photos of your favorite Flower Shop Network, FGmarket, and Wedding And Party Network employees as they find themselves in Mona Lisa's shoes. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween from Flower Shop Network!

90th Birthday Flowers by Flowers Plus

Congratulations to Joel at Flowers Plus, a Charlotte NC florist, for winning this week's Flower Shop Network Facebook photo contest of the week!

It's a team effort for sure over at Flowers Plus. Johnny Fann submitted a photo of Joel's design and then called on all of his friends (and a few of ours) to vote for the photo. Together, the votes tallied very high for Joel's winning arrangement. We're very happy for everyone at Flowers Plus because they work hard to please everyone they meet. Customers, coworkers, other florists, other people…everyone. They deserve a nod and now they have an award to go with it.

Neat story–my birthday was the 23rd of October. Joel's birthday was the 24th. Here's a happy belated birthday present, Joel.

Want to get in on the action? Join the photo contest by submitting your photo to the Flower Shop Network Facebook page or adding it in a comment on this post. There's always something fun happening when Flower Shop Network is around so come join us and see some really fantastic photos.

Get a look at this week's other photo contest entries from other fans and local florists: (View all on the FSN Facebook page)

Anniversary Flower Arrangement

Two thumbs up to Corinne Galarneau and the florists of Artistic Petals & Scents for winning this week's Flower Shop Network Facebook photo contest!

Artistic Petals & Scents, a flower shop in Hanna Alberta Canada, is constantly pushing the envelope with their unique designs. If it's not new, special or exciting, it just doesn't come from Artistic Petals & Scents! If you want fresh floral design and great customer service, you're in good hands here.

Corinne recently submitted a floral arrangement photo featuring a mixed vase of flowers with an interesting design. Everything about this arrangement, from color to movement, strikes a chord with the heart of viewers. The arrangement was created by Sam to celebrate the one year anniversary of Artistic Petals & Scents under new ownership. It's a beautiful vase of flowers and worthy of the coveted "FSN photo of the week" title.

Flower Shop Network's Facebook photo of the week contest is open to all participants with a fun floral industry related photo. Read the official rules then join us on Flower Shop Network's Facebook page. Maybe you will see your name in next week's post.

Want to buy flowers like these from a local florist? Flower Shop Network connects you directly with a florist in your area.

Flower Girl Bouquet by FloraBella Designs

Congratulations to Renee De Stefano Griswold of FloraBella Designs for submitting this week's Flower Shop Network Facebook Photo Contest of the Week!

As it's clear to see, FloraBella Designs is a Wallingford CT flower shop full of talented florists with a desire to make the best, most beautiful flower arrangements for any occasion.

Renee is a whiz with weddings and is the bride's go-to gal for top notch designs. Did you know that the flower girl in this photo is Renee's daughter? Precious from head to toe, she's a treat for the eyes as she hides behind the flower girl bouquet.

Congratulations Renee and everyone at FloraBella Designs!

Want To Enter The Contest Too? Don't Forget:

• You can read the official rules anytime on Flower Shop Network's Bloomin' Blog.
• You don't have to be a florist to submit a photo to the contest.
• Votes count! Make sure to have your friends "like" and comment on your photo. Don't let an awesome photo go unnoticed. Vote! (Only Flower Shop Network and FSN employee votes do not count.)
• It only takes a few seconds to enter the contest. See recent photo submissions and upload your photo today on the FSN Facebook page.
• Have you faved/fanned the FSN Facebook page? It's the only way to make your voice (and your votes) known.

Keep uploading and visit next week to see if you won!

It's no secret that Flower Shop Network has been deeply and personally affected by breast cancer. Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we'd like to give you our reasons why we hope this month will be a strong month for everyone who has been affected by the horrible disease.

"Think Pink" Flowers for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

1. Recently each one of us was touched by the tragic loss of our dear friend, Jackie Marshall, who passed away earlier this year from complications of breast cancer. Having been in remission for many years, the cancer resurfaced later in another part of her body and took her much quicker than any of us had imagined possible.
2. Our own Loranne Atwill suffered a loss long before selling her flower shop to pursue her dreams with Flower Shop Network, Wedding And Party Network, and FGmarket. One of the florists in her shop was diagnosed with breast cancer and was sadly lost to the illness.
3. A very good friend of mine and a strong mentor lost her life battling the disease for only a few months. After a double mastectomy, the cancer was still not isolated and removed. My family, her family and many friends have never forgotten the sound of her voice or how happy it made us to hear her laugh. We just miss it.

It's hard not to meet someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It is a prevalent, horrible disease that sneaks and attacks without warning, without repentance. It is very important that a cure is found and found FAST. Having known all but first hand the difficulties of the disease, it's our sincerest hopes that people (including us) do everything we can this month and every one after to help find a way to end the suffering for our sisters.

Many florists give a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or another respectable foundation involved in the fight against breast cancer. Contact your local flower shop today to see if they participate in any programs. If they don't, request one!

Know someone battling breast cancer? Respectfully and gently show your respect by sending a Breast Cancer Awareness flower bouquet to your loved one.

Chuppah Flowers by A Fantasy In Flowers

Congratulations to A Fantasy In Flowers, a Jacksonville FL flower shop, for winning the first ever FSN Facebook Photo of the Week contest! The winning photo this week showcases a chuppah covered in flowers overlooking a lovely scene in Jacksonville.

The quality of these chuppah flowers is not surprising given the reputation of A Fantasy In Flowers. Let the story behind the photo speak for itself. Straight from the designer:

Thank you! This was actually daughter #4 of the Rabbi. We have now done the flowers for 4 out of 6 daughters with 2 more to go!!!! [...] Actually 6 daughters and 2 sons. The youngest 2 daughters are still to be married!

Word of mouth gets around when 1000 words just won't cut it for a photo like this. If you need a fantastic florist in Jacksonville Florida, stop by and see the florists at A Fantasy In Flowers. You'll be amazed!

Want to submit YOUR photos to the contest?Attach the photo in a comment below and include contact information OR visit the FSN Facebook page to submit your floral industry related photos.

Read the official FSN Facebook photo contest rules.

It's easy to enter. Just submit your floral industry related photos (limit 5 per week) and check the Bloomin' Blog on Monday to see if you won!

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Leave your photos in a comment on the weekly Winner blog. Include name, florist/flower shop, city/st
2. Post your photos as fan photos on the FSN Facebook page. Include the name of the person/florist/flower shop who receives credit for the photo.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. Flower Shop Network will pick a new winner every Monday from photos submitted the previous Monday through Sunday. eg. Photos submitted Monday Sept 28 – Sunday Oct 3 are eligible for the Photo of The Week on Monday, Oct 4th. So on, so forth.
2. Only 5 photos may be submitted per person/page per week.
3. Duplicate photos may not be submitted for reentry. HOWEVER, Wedding And Party Network is running a similar contest. You may submit the same photo to both sites, but no photo will be considered for the contest more than ONE week per page (FSN or WPN).
4. Comments and likes on a photo will make up 50% of the vote for that photo.

I know, I know. That's a lot of rules but we're trying to have fun with it so submit away! Don't forget to have your friends/fans check out and vote for your photos!

Happy viewing.

Flower Shop Network

Flower Shop Network is now on Facebook! You can still find the same great information plus see pictures from friends and chat with us (Jamie & Brynn) as well as other florists. I can't keep the excitement to myself any longer!!

We would also love to view your Facebook page so  let us know if you're on Facebook as well!

To find/fan/fave us (any or all will do!), visit Flower Shop Network on Facebook.

Don't forget to check out Wedding And Party Network and FGmarket.com on Facebook as well!

That's right! Today is Jamie Jamison Adams' birthday. Our plant and flower expert is another year older but doesn't look it at all! Everyone at Flower Shop Network is spending the day wishing her a happy birthday so we thought we'd give her one giant blog birthday card that says…

Happy Birthday Jamie!

Jamie's Flower Shaped Cupcake Birthday Cakes

Once again Flower Shop Network is booming with excitement. Why? Because The Networker's summer edition is available! Florists–check your mail this week because the summer 2009 edition of The Networker should be hitting your mailbox soon. If you would like to view The Networker (.pdf file), feel free! Here's some of what you'll find in The Networker this time:

• News about the enhanced FSNf2f.com sites
• Tips for increasing summer sales
• Cost-effective tips for promoting wedding flowers
• Much more!

We know you'll love FSN Networker Summer 2009 and hope to find your comments here shortly!