Home ShowcRE REVIEW EVIEW
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Tri-City News Friday, February 10, 2012, A33
Perfect timing: Flowers make us happy IN THE GARDEN Brian Minter
V
alentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you really want to make your special person happy, here is something you may find interesting: The Society of American Florists partnered with the world renowned researcher, Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., of Rutgers University, on some ground-breaking research to examine the effect of flowers on human emotion and well being. Over a 10-month period, some very interesting results were discovered. Dr. Haviland-Jones and her research team found that the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects future behaviour in a positive manner far beyond what is normally true. Flowers, it has been shown are a natural and healthful moderator of people’s moods. “Common sense tells us that flowers
make us happy”, says Dr. HavilandJones, “and now science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being.” Here are five main points as condensed from her report:
IN QUOTES
“With so much stress and depression in today’s world, it’s great to know that something as simple as a bouquet of flowers can help to cheer someone up.”
ALL SMILES
Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. Study participants expressed true or excited smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.
ers make the space more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere.
GREATER ENJOYMENT
HAPPY, HAPPY
Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
INTIMATE CONNECTIONS
Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
Brian Minter
SHARING THE WARMTH
Flowers are a symbol for sharing. The study explored where in homes people displayed flowers. Arrangements were placed in areas of the home that are open to visitors – such as foyers, living rooms and dining rooms – suggesting that flow-
512 Mentmore Street Coquitlam $
849,800
OPEN HOUSE
People who buy more flowers are happier. Once learning the study results, participants in all ages and gift categories reported that they would be buying more flowers in the future. This may seem like a promotion for the floral industry, but I thought these results would be interesting to everyone. It’s great to know that something as simple as a bouquet of flowers can help to cheer someone up.
#112-101 Parkside Drive, Port Moody
$635,800
SUN. 2-4 PM
NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS The Home Team is a non-profit community outreach program of the Cornerstone Seventh-day Adventist Church that is seeking out unique and meaningful ways to better the lives of individuals and families within the Tri-Cities and extended area. Registered Charity #118818491 Do you know a family in the Tri-Cities area that is in need of some help with their home?
• Updated Burquitlam home with designer paint colours • 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 wood burning fireplaces • New hi-efficiency furnace, gutters & 3 year old roof • Almost all new flooring, new mouldings & baseboards • Rec room, media & games room down with access to outdoor pool
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$341,000 • Centrally located corner suite on quiet side • Stainless steel appliances & granite countertops • Large master & den which could be used as a bedroom • Views of the mountains & city • Walking distance to Douglas College, shopping & more
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#1-1240 Holtby Street, Coquitlam
$589,880 • Move in ready former showhome townhome located across from park • Kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances & tiled backsplash • All bedrooms with built in cabinets & master with stunning ensuite • Beautiful living room with large windows, electric fireplace and built-ins • End unit with double wide garage with rubber tiled floor & built in cabinets
• Spacious 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom end unit townhome • Kitchen with gas range top and built in oven • Large balcony + patio backing onto greenbelt • Huge rec room & plenty of storage + double garage • Vaulted ceilings & located close to all amenities
2565 Verbena Place, Coquitlam $
789,888
• Lovely family home with over $135,000 in upgrades • NEW roof, skylights, gutters, hardwood floors, carpet & tiles • Custom built in cabinets in recreation room & den • Kitchen with NEW granite & stainless steel appliances • Located on low traffic cul-de-sac
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824,900
• Extensively renovated beauty in Heritage Mountain • Solid wood cabinets in completely upgraded kitchen & baths • All new high end s/s appliances, granite counters • Over $165,000 in upgrades in the last 5 years • Too many extra features to mention