Shireen's Favorite Things

The Flower Bar inside Field of Flowers at 5101 S. University Drive, Davie, Florida 33328

I always feel a lot of pressure when it comes to my Valentine’s Day blog. I look for the gut-wrenching love story, one that rips the heart out, gives the spirit a healthy dose of self-reflection and leaves me (and hopefully you,) better for it. The thing is…

This year I got nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Well, at least in the drama department. That’s not such a bad thing, though. If you’re a regular blog reader, you know exactly what I’m talking about. All of the bad stuff (and believe you me, it was bad) has slowly dissipated from my life. My health struggles, the ex-husband and the loss of Sydney.

I’d like to say I’m better for it (and perhaps part of me is,) but the truth is, I’m just different. I’ve learned so many things about myself over the last few years, I wanted to share what I’ve found to be the perfect kind of love (it being almost Valentine’s Day and all). Mind you…

I’d usually go off and buy an expensive pair of shoes, gorge myself with some extravagant dinner, maybe even buy myself a designer purse and then find solace in the fact I could provide it for myself. I mean, who needs a man? Right? Well, not exactly.

Love comes in all shapes and sizes (and yes, sometimes it happens to be a man or a woman,) but for me, the most powerful and perfect kind of love is self love. I know, I know, it sounds so cliche’. Love yourself and love will find you, but really, it’s not that easy.

It’s more like, if you love yourself, you need less of all that BS society fills your head with. If I take time to care for myself — mentally, physically and emotionally — I’m able to provide MYSELF with stability, fulfillment and the mothering that makes me feel, well, LOVED.

I used to think some perfect man or relationship could solve it all; make me whole, take me away, rescue me. I spent years thinking if I could only find “the one” my life would be perfect and that deep unrest, yearning and longing I’ve known for years would magically disappear, but instead — I came to realize that the love I truly needed and longed for – was and has always been — inside of myself.

“The Blossoming” is about learning how to love yourself and figuring out what that means. Of course, we’re all different and we all have different needs, but that’s part of what makes life and living it so incredibly rare and special.

A few years ago, I wrote a blog called “Flower Power” about learning to reinvent myself after being diagnosed with a major illness. Yup, I took up flower arranging as a hobby, but it was so much more than that. It was an awakening of sorts. Although it was such a simple thing (piecing together pretty flowers), it brought me a lot of happiness and I’d even go so far as saying it brought me solace.

I think it was because it was the first time I actively tried loving myself. I gave myself permission to enjoy my life and do something that truly made me happy. It wasn’t my “aha” moment, per se, but I think that’s where it began.

As I started to heal from my sickness, flower arranging became less of a priority. I’d tinker with a bouquet from Publix every now and then or even rearrange flowers from Whole Foods, but nothing like before. The lesson, however, has always stayed with me.

That’s why when I heard about the #MyFlowerBar concept, I was immediately smitten. Inside Field of Flowers in Davie they’ve built this amazing room. It looks like something out of a Nancy Meyers movie: light, airy and serene. It’s dubbed…

“The Flower Bar” and provides you with everything you need to get lost in an afternoon of sheer pleasure: a sassy apron, petite pruning shears and pretty flowers to make your own arrangement. They serve wine and even light yummy scented candles.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be on your own; bring a friend, have a party, celebrate a bridal shower all while taking a class. Better yet, follow one of their many flower recipes (called the Renoir, Klimt, Van Gogh, just to name a few.) You can get all the info (a.k.a the recipe) on one of their nifty tablets.

After you’re done arranging, take a photo on their social media camera, post it and take your bouquet home in its frilly recipe box. Whether you’re gifting your bouquet or keeping it for yourself, it’s sure to add a special energy to any room. In the meantime, that “loving yourself” thing…

It’s hard freaking work. At least it has been for me.. especially as I’ve aged, changed, evolved and grown. Sometimes, things become clearer as I become more seasoned in life, while others become more of a mystery. My mom always says to me: “The older I get, the less I know.” Now, I get it.

I guess the important thing is to accept it all. The good, the bad, the beautiful and yes, even the ugly. I definitely don’t have it all figured out (yet) but I do know “The Blossoming” is the kind of love that’s given me a sense of self-acceptance and that’s the kind of romance I’ve always longed for. Happy Valentine’s Day! xo

Open 7 days a week! Monday-Saturday 8:30am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm.

The Flower Bar is inside Field of Flowers in Davie. It’s a straight shot if you’re coming from Miami and you hit the turnpike. It’s in a busy little shopping plaza with plenty of parking. Also, if you’re not up for arranging, FOF has an open flower market that’s awe-inspiring. Just make sure to stop and smell the roses (and all the other flowers, too).

www.fieldofflowers.com
Twitter: @FieldoFlowers
Instagram: @fl_fieldofflowers
Facebook: Field of Flowers

Wardrobe provided by in order of appearance (IG) @hollenandjen @HotMiamiStyles @tikiboutique