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Monday, February 9, 2015

10 Mindsets for Success


Success is something all career-driven individuals desire yet it eludes many people -- at least at the levels desired. Why are some businesspeople successful and others not?
It has everything to do with habits, beliefs, passion, flexibility and attitude.
Often there's nothing really different between one entrepreneur and another in terms of ability, as each person can do whatever he or she wants. What it all comes down to is having the frame of mind to set practical habits and keep a balance between attachment and commitment and letting things happen. 
Here are 10 mindsets for success:

1. Choose courage over fear.

To be successful, you have to have courage. And to become courageous, do courageous things. Much of being successful is about going beyond what you think you're capable of -- venturing into the unknown. Whether you fail or succeed, you will learn and grow. 
Growth, in and of itself, means attaining a level of success whether it came from success or failure.

2. Believe in yourself.

Attitude is everything. A negative attitude decreases success and a positive attitude creates success. Without that belief in yourself, you'll lack a path to success. 
Success is something that's created. It's not something that merely "happens.”
When you firmly believe in yourself, you can achieve virtually anything: It's within this belief that you'll find the power to create the resilience and fortitude needed to keep going when things get tough.

3. Choose good company.

Whom you surround yourself with is among the most important choices you'll make as you climb up the business ladder. Negativity is contagious and if work groups, especially bosses, are negative, there will be a ceiling to your success.
To reach the goals you desire, be willing to change bosses if necessary. Or if you're the boss, rid your team of toxic people immediately.
It only takes one toxic person to destroy the morale of an entire campaign. Further, when you surround yourself with other successful, goal-oriented individuals, you can learn from them and take on some of their habits to add to your own as you proceed along your road to success.

4. Adopt self-chosen goals.

Knowing and being clear about where you're headed in business is something that must come from within. When your goals selected by you, you're more motivated to achieve them.
That's because by achieving these goals, you attain a new desired piece of yourself. When your goals arise from your instigation, they carry a deeper meaning and confer a greater impact on your identity.
Each self-selected goal realized adds a depth and an internal expansion to you as a person. Personal expansion is just one of the great gifts to come from succeeding in your business goals.

5. Have a purpose and a vision.

Visualization is powerful because actions follow thoughts. A great technique for nurturing your vision and purpose is to make your goals visual. Some people use vision boards; others opt for treasure maps. And still others set goals identifying specific dates for their achievement.
Whatever works best is a matter for the individual to figure out.
I believe that anything that's written down is more likely to be achieved than visions kept only in the head. When you make your purpose visual, you make it real. When you keep them in your mind, they remain wishes.

6. Accept the challenge.

There are few easy paths up a mountain and often they're hard to find. Challenge will be an essential piece in any type of success in business.
And challenge is what creates your growth along the journey. Each challenge obstructing your path provides you with the chance to create a more defined direction toward attaining your dream vendors, customers, managers, employees -- and numbers. For this reason, bless each challenge. Each one is a compass directing you toward new business leads, circumstances and opportunities.

7. Be discerning.

Selectivity creates success. You must think deeply and intelligently about the bigger picture and what it is you need for each step along the way to continue articulating and executing your business goals.
Mindfulness means being aware of all angles and staying sharply in touch with the present so that you do not have to clean up mistakes in the future.
Be discerning of group dynamics: which person is the best at what job, which customers or deals will take you the furthest and what it is that each moment is calling on you to do or change to be the most efficient.
That's how selectivity offers you the pursuit of success.

8. Be willing to take risks.

There are no guarantees on any path to success in life or business. The unknown is always looming. Therefore, risk and education are often the mechanisms necessary for knowing more clearly if you're on the right path.
If you're afraid to risk, you will put limits on your success and stay where you're comfortable. You cannot get what you want if you don't risk rejection and go for what you desire.

9. Do what you love.

You're more likely to succeed in business when you're invested in your passion and making your career fit your personality. There is a way to find passion about anything and everything you do in life.
You may not love every part of your job but tolerating discomforts by looking at the bigger picture makes your investment of time and energy worthwhile.
Be willing to love and find purpose in all aspects of what your business requires, commit to it and see what you're doing as being a benefit to others. When you love the business you're in, there is nothing that can keep you from wanting to work at it, nurture it and make it grow.

10. Gratitude.

When you see life and career in terms of the lack in what you have achieved, you cannot drive your business up the ladder of success. Then negativity is impeding your progress.
You must look at all you have and realize how great what you have is as compared to the situation of many others.
When you have this attitude, you stop suffering and complaining about the small stuff. On each receipt you pay out, write thank you. That's not only to thank the person, event, vendor or customer for what's provided you but also to give a private thanks acknowledging that you have the abundance necessary to pay for the service, product or event.
Habits coupled with flexibility provide you with a path to success. Success is fluid and so rigidity will stand in its way.
Developing these mindsets give you a compass to navigate the ever-changing tides on the way to business and financial goals. These mindsets allow openness and flexibility while also providing you precise direction.

Unsure how to view the class schedule or how to sign up for a class.....email me at: flowerclassroom@gmail.com I will be glad to answer any question at: 913-708-2988 thanks! Christina Burton-Fox AIFD

Thursday, February 5, 2015

If I had a FLOWER


Picture Yourself Resilient

I was reading an article and wanted to share how important ART really is:

Battling stress is an ART- literally.  Painting and drawing improve the brains ability to bounce back under pressure, even if you're no Picasso, according to a study from the University Hospital Erlangen in Germany.  Newly retired adults who blocked off time to paint or draw once a week for 10 weeks demonstrated greater psychological resilience-labspeak for that roll-with-the-punches cool we all dream of having in the face of stress.

Creating visual ART improves the connection between brain regions associated with resilience, likely because it's an activity that calls for integrating cognitive, motor and creative skills, the study authors say.  Pass the paint, please

I would like to add:  Pass the FLOWERS please!

Article: Prevention Magazine
October 2014






Unsure how to view the class schedule or how to sign up for a class.....email me at: flowerclassroom@gmail.com I will be glad to answer any question at: 913-708-2988 thanks! Christina Burton-Fox AIFD

Throw Back Thursday Flower Event

Throw Back Thursday Event

A fiesta event...This was fun to plan and execute for this client.  Back yard parties can be the best places to entertain, pick a theme, plan the FLOWERS then the amazing food & beverage...invite the guests and let yourself have FUN.

This event is all about the details...from then walk to the entry to the buffet/bar and then the table tops and the back yard festive ribbon poles.

Happy to look back!!
Christina Burton-Fox  AIFD CFD













Unsure how to view the class schedule or how to sign up for a class.....email me at: flowerclassroom@gmail.com I will be glad to answer any question at: 913-708-2988 thanks! Christina Burton-Fox AIFD

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Paula Pryke wedding flowers book preview



British Floral Designer Paula Pryke

Here new Wedding flowers book preview






































Unsure how to view the class schedule or how to sign up for a class.....email me at: flowerclassroom@gmail.com I will be glad to answer any question at: 913-708-2988 thanks! Christina Burton-Fox AIFD

Free Flower class tonight

Thursday Evening Flower Therapy

January 15th and 29th         February 19th
March 5th and 26tth            April 9th and 23rd

6:30-8:30pm

A free floral class session

Let’s explore an AIFD Symposium Program DVD format

We will explore a new program once a month with a question & answer session following the DVD program.

Watch amazing designers and educators, be inspired!!

Please register~~~ seating is limited

Email your name & phone# to:

Can’t wait to meet you in the classroom

Christina Burton-Fox   AIFD


Unsure how to view the class schedule or how to sign up for a class.....email me at: flowerclassroom@gmail.com I will be glad to answer any question at: 913-708-2988 thanks! Christina Burton-Fox AIFD

Thursday, January 22, 2015

The Language of Flowers

Flowers do speak a language, clear and intelligible.  Observe them, reader, love them, linger over them and ask your own heart if they do not speak affection, benevolence and piety.


In every culture and throughout time, flowers have been central to the human experience.  Whether growing wild or in carefully tended gardens, blooming in works of art or written into the pages of great literature, flowers have always surrounded and supported us.  They appear in our most significant rituals and traditions all around the globe: from east to west; from ancient civilization to the present day; when we hope or pray, love or mourn, we do it with flowers in our hands.

Vanessa Diffenbaugh




Unsure how to view the class schedule or how to sign up for a class.....email me at: flowerclassroom@gmail.com I will be glad to answer any question at: 913-708-2988 thanks! Christina Burton-Fox AIFD

Sunday, January 18, 2015

2015 Flower Trends from Event Planners Guidebook


Christina Burton-Fox  AIFD CFD
instructor & designer

















 Flower Trend:  Majestic

Regal and rich shades of violet & purple, combine with gold using the entire purple family from deep plums, bright red violets, lavender & orchids.
flowers:  phalenopsis, calla, hydrangea, peony,cymbidium and stock

Flower Trend:  Lapis Luxury




Event of blue & white, refined formal & crisp.  This looks inspired by the waters of the world.  Formal sophistication powered by the blue & white porcelains & linens.
flowers:  blue hydrangea, white phalenopsis, white calls's, roses, stock & carnations with blue delphinium & agapanthus.

Flower Trend: Kaleidoscope

A mirad of radiant colors & patterns, the style is sophisticated, yet modern, bold prints, playful & bright.  Colors & shapes are bright orange,coral red, hot pink & turquoise.  Clean lines and architectural forms, sphere & topiaries accented with bold graphics prints, this tailored look.
flowers:  gerbera, roses, dahlia & ranunculus.

Flower Trend:  Modern Garden

Soft & unstructured with an earthy & artisanal feel.  This look is the perfect harmony of hand crafted, modern & vintage.  A blend of world textures with modern shapes, tones of champagne, plum, blush pink, moss & mineral blue sky.  Weathered, tarnished or wooden vessels add a rustic beauty.
flowers:  garden blooms, roses, clematis, stock & veronica mix with textural greens like lambs ear and succulents.

www.flowertrendsforcast.com
by International Floral Distributors



Unsure how to view the class schedule or how to sign up for a class.....email me at: flowerclassroom@gmail.com I will be glad to answer any question at: 913-708-2988 thanks! Christina Burton-Fox AIFD

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Floral Design Student's Review of the flower classroom

As my students finish the Explore Floral Design class I have them answer a few questions that allow me to improve, and know what they are thinking overall about this floral design experience.  I post them in the Raves and review section of the blog.  And always highlight a few in the post area.

Thank you Sally for the review and have enjoyed having you in this class and all the follow up Wedding classes to enable you to proivde amazing floral designs and concepts.

Christina Burton-Fox  AIFD



Today I am posting the review from a student, Sally Teahan.

*  Please tell me about your experience:
It was nerve wrecking at first, but once I learned to relax and trust my eye it was easier.  I loved all the design days.

*Did the class hit the mark for you?  Did it miss the mark?
Yes it was just what I was looking for.

*Did the cost of class = the value?
At first it seemed expensive but once I saw the value of all the flowers & information I felt it was a great value.

*What was the best day of class for you?
Loved the Tropical Day

*What was the most challenging day of class?
Boutonniers & personal flowers

*Write a review that I may publish with your name on my blog or Facebook:

I enrolled in the Explore Floral Design class to offer another element to my Wedding and Event Planning Business. I wanted to offer bridal flowers or other floral designs to my clients.  I had always loved floral design, but had never really been trained and wanted to learn the correct way of doing things.  I learned even more than I thought I would.  I loved every minute of class time and the information was so practical and useful.  Christina is a very talented floral designer and a great teacher.  I feel like I can go forward and use all this information in my business.  This was probably the most helpful and directly useful class I hav ever taken!
Sally Teahan




Unsure how to view the class schedule or how to sign up for a class.....email me at: flowerclassroom@gmail.com I will be glad to answer any question at: 913-708-2988 thanks! Christina Burton-Fox AIFD

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Webinar class from Fitz designs

https://www.facebook.com/creationsbyfitzdesign/posts/781873601901598:0

Follow this link for a free webinar class from Fitz designs 

We all love to learn new things...using exciting products makes it Fantastic'


Design by Gary Wells AIFD





Monday, January 12, 2015

Explore Floral Design begins next Monday

Explore Floral Design              
12~Mondays    

Begins January 19, 2015

Maximum 8 students
January 19, 26
February 2,9,16,23
March 2,9,16,23,30
April 6th
84 class hours of hands on training
  9:30-5:30   1 hour lunch




Overview

This 12 day Exploration of Floral Design class will teach the basic principals of floral design, and so much more.  Each day will have a lecture & hands on designing.  Students will participate in the processing and handling of fresh flowers each day for the lab session.   The students will be trained to execute all basic forms of design to apply for a floral designer position.  This is a required class for job placement.  The class offers business information on pricing for profit, daily sales, floral delivery expenses, and bulk purchases for profitability, and so much more!  The students will have a final exam on materials covered during lectures.  And every class day will be more fun than you can imagine and the amount of flowers to work with and industry information is fantastic!
FLOWERS are beautiful creations, the curiosity and enthusiasm for information on FLOWERS is contagious.  Take yourself somewhere new….to the Flower Classroom.  Learn to be a FLOWER expert.
This class enables you to become a FLOWER expert!   Having so much fun every class session.
Objectives
·       Introduction to design 
·       Color terms and theory
·        Processing and handling of fresh flowers 
·       Flower & Foliage identification
·       Hands on design of basic forms of    design
·       Techniques in design 
·       Wedding Bouquets 
·       Flowers to wear
·       Sympathy Tributes
·       Every day designs
·       Pricing of floral products
·       Salesmanship with FLOWERS
     Special Event Flowers
·       Handling Customer complaints
     Hiring the best employees
·       Tropical floral designs
·       Field trip to Floral Wholesalers
     Floral Terminology

Activities

Each student will have materials provided to execute all designs.  The classroom also has additional books, supplies and flowers for purchase.  This allows students to practice additional designs at home.
We will cover the Principles, Elements & Techniques of Design
·       Balance, Emphasis, Harmony, Proportion, Rhythm & Unity
·       Color, Form, Line, Space & Texture
·       Bailing, Banding, Binding, Bunching, Clustering, Detailing, Facing, Framing, Grouping, Hand Tying, Kubari, Lacing, Layering, Mirroring, Pave, Pillowing, Sequencing, Sheltering, Stacking, Terracing, Tufting, Veiling, Wrapping & Zoning.

Floral Design Tools

The Flower Classroom provides a Notebook of Floral information, Color Wheel and a California Flower Selection guide, and other industry catalogs.
 Students should bring something for note   taking and a calculator.  The classroom has assorted tools available to use, new floral tools are available in the classroom to purchase.  Any other tools necessary for the class will be available.

Evaluation

A certificate of completion of this class will be available with a passing grade on the final exam. 
Students that have enrolled and passed the Explore Floral Design and wish to enroll in the Advanced Floral design class that follows will be given a discount on that class price when combining these 2 classes.
Christina Burton-Fox   AIFD   instructor

FLOWERS are beautiful creations.  The curiosity and enthusiasm for information about flowers is contagious.  Enroll in the Flower Classroom for the most up to date information….when the ordinary won’t do…take yourself somewhere new!



Materials

Fresh flowers and foliage’s and the containers will be provided for all the designs.  These designs are yours to take with you at the end of each class day.  You will not take apart your designs to execute the next floral design.
Flower selection will be seasonal.  The classroom will have a wide selection of flowers to choose from for design execution.  You will have permanent materials and all wire, tape, glue, etc. will be provided. 
Styles of Design
·      Botanical
·      Circular Mass
·      Formal Linear
·      Line-Mass
·      Triangular
·      Vegetative




Class Registration

84 hours classroom time
Registration & Class Materials for a       12-day class              
  $1,864.50

This amount is due in full to reserve your design table.  Payment can be made with any major credit card or with Pay Pal. 
You can copy and paste this link for payment.  I will confirm your registration after the payment is received.

PayPal link for payment of Class
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BKXUGEZDLPERA
Cancelation of your space in the class is allowed up to 14 days before class for a full refund.  After that a credit will be applied for classes in the future.
 Call for more information.           913-708-2988