Oh, hey. It’s just me, slinking back into the blogosphere with my tail between my legs. I wish I could say I was off doing something cool, like some kind of top secret government super awesome ninja mission. Alas, twas not anything cool or exciting. There have, however, been some cool and exciting things happening at the Flower Shop. We have some great new stuff for the holiday season: bears and penguins and gnome armies galore!  To make up for my absence I made a thing! Take a virtual walk with me through all the latest and greatest Christmas goodies and do-dads we have to offer. Like what you see? Give the little thumbs up button a push. Until next time, friends.

45 years ago today, my grandparents, two of the most adorable people to exist, opened Bakanas Flowers with one pocket full of dreams and the other full of ambition. Actually, I have no idea if that’s true. I wouldn’t be born for another 23 years. But this post isn’t about my birthday, which is in 88 days if anyone was wondering, it’s about the shop’s. What started out as a garden store operated from my grandparent’s garage has become one of South Jersey’s top florists. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get the shop to where it is today. There were plenty of ups and downs; no idea if that’s actually true, again wasn’t born. I just thought it sounded catchy.

As a third generation Bakanas, I’ve spent most of my life in this store. My family likes to tell stories about the days when I was shorter than the workstations and how cute it would be when I stood on them. As a 5’ 7” adult in my early 20s, apparently it’s not cute anymore. I remember playing “Chex Quest” on the only computer they had. The back design room seemed magical to me; maybe that’s because that’s where the magic happens? Or maybe it was because I was told to stay out of there so many times. It was probably the latter. Saturdays were spent coloring in the office. The delivery vans and undersides of desks quickly became the “Millennium Falcon” and empty flower boxes, forts. The back lot behind the building was were my brother and I would have snow ball fights in the winter and caterpillar races in the summer. We’d watch the minnows dance along the ravine’s surface and in the spring, we’d watch baby geese take their first steps and swims. Eventually I took my place behind the counter and while there have been plenty of dull moments, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I often get asked what it’s like and how I like working with my family. Why wouldn’t I like it? I get to work with the people I love. I even consider some of my coworkers family, I’ve known them most of my life. Even though this crew can’t tell the difference between Star Wars and Firefly, I couldn’t imagine a shift without them.

Bakanas Flowers has been around for 45 years, my entire life, I couldn’t and can’t imagine the building, the people, and the flowers not being apart of it for a second. Here’s to 45 years and 45 more!

Howdy All,

I just wanted to take a quick minute to thank you for reading. On Wednesday there were over 100 views to this little blog. I can honestly say I was quite shocked and honored (You like me! You really like me!) to sign on that morning and see the view count well into the 80s. Especially, since I don’t update this thing all that often. By the end of the day the views were well into the 100s and I couldn’t be happier. It’s a great feeling and a huge ego boost to know people are actually reading, and liking, the stuff I write.  So, from the bottom of my heart I thank you. And as a thank you I am offering this special reward for being dedicated readers: Come in before 6:00pm today with a can of ground coffee, as large as possible, for the shelters in Ocean County and take home a free rose (I may even be present to sign autographs, and I’m only half kidding!); tomorrow I will be taking it all to the Office of Emergency Management so get in here today! Just think of how thankful the people will be to have something warm to drink after the snow comes.

I hope everyone stays safe and warm. Again, thank you for reading and keep it up!

-Liz

“Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
the Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
‘Twas his intent.
To blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below.
Poor old England to overthrow

By God’s mercy he was catch’d with a dark lantern and lighted match.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

Hip hip hoorah!”

Lots of things to be discussed today. Let’s dive right in!

First: Happy Guy Fawkes day to all! For those of you unfamiliar with today, you’d be surprised how many people think today is just a Monday, Guy Fawke’s Day goes by many names, The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, Gunpowder Treason Plot, Bonfire Night, or Firework Night. The Gunpowder Plot was an assassination attempt on King James I. The plan was to blow up Parliament during the State Opening on… you guessed it! The 5th of November! Guy Fawkes was the man in charge of setting the charge of the gunpowder. He was found guarding the explosives, arrested, and eventually hanged with the rest of his co-conspirators rendering the attempt a failure.

He sings “Monster Mash” with his pumpkin buddy!

Second: Happy Halloween New Jerseyians! And a belated Happy Halloween to the rest of the world! Sandy’s mischief pushed Halloween back a few days but I’m sure your kids are ready to get out there and show off their costumes! We had a good turn out on Friday when Marlton held its Halloween Festivities.  If you are out Trick-or-Treating today, stay safe, and warm!

Third: It seems strange that just a week ago the state was shut down, and I was hunkered down in my room catching up on The Walking Dead wondering if and when the power would go out. Luckily, it didn’t. And also luckily, everyone at the shop made it through unscathed. But there are many who didn’t. Sections of Marlton were without power for days and there are many in New Jersey and New York who are without homes and power for who knows how long. It’s surreal to think that the communities devastated by Frankenstorm are a measly hour away, and it could have just as easily been us. We got lucky; we have heat, power, and gas. There are many ways we can lend them a helping hand. The local Wawas are collecting donations to benefit Sandy Victims. The Red Cross is also collecting donations via their website or simply text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to Disaster Relief efforts. If you’re looking for something more local The Rotary Club of Marlton is collecting cans of coffee for the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management.  Donations can be brought here, to our shop. Evesham Township will be holding “Towns Helping Towns” from November 5th- 8th. Collection Sites will be placed at -Evesham Township Schools: Beeler Elementary, Demasi Elementary/Middle, Evans Elementary, Jaggard Elementary, Marlton Elementary/Middle, Rice Elementary, and Van Zant Elementary; Evesham Municipal Building: 984 Tuckerton Road; Gibson House Community Center: 535 E. Main Street; and any of the Evesham Fire Departments: 26 E. Main Street, 150 Merchants Way (Kings Grant), 498 Hopewell Road; Indian Spring Country Club: Elmwood Road 8:00am-8:00pm; Shop Rite of Marlton: Route 70/73 7:00am-12:00 midnight, and all Evesham Voting Poll locations 6:00am-8:00pm. They are collecting new or gently used: Blankets, Coats/Jackets, Gloves, Scarves, Baby Formula, Baby Diapers, Hand Sanitizer, Flashlights with batteries, D cell Batteries, Granola/Breakfast Bars, and Juice Boxes. More information can be found on the Evesham Fire-Rescue facebook page.

The Mt. Laurel Fire Department (69 Elbo Lane in Mt. Laurel) is also holding “Stuff a 45-Foot Tractor Trailer” from November 8th to the 9th for 24 hours from 6:30am-6:30am or until the truck is full. They are collecting Cleaning supplies: Mops, buckets, rubber gloves, trash bags, towels, and paper towels. Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste. Clothing (New items): Socks, Sweatpants/Sweatshirts Men’s Women’s and Children’s sizes. Baby: Diapers, wipes, blankets, and formula. Food: non-perishables and water. More information can be found on their facebook page as well.

These people need our help, let’s all do what we can to get through this. We’re Jersey Strong.

Finally: Don’t forget to vote tomorrow! It is an important election and our civic duty. I expect all of you who are eligible to get out to the polls, it doesn’t matter who your vote for, just do it. None of this “I don’t vote because it doesn’t matter.” It matters, and by not voting you are voting, so you might as well go all in.