Flower Horoscopes – November 2009

	Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet November introduces demands that aren’t likely to be satisfied by more hard work — and events may not unfold according to your plan. Life seems harder now, and this time can be a test of your will. You are urged to think long-term yet stay on top life’s immediate changes.
	Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid Practical and immediate issues get the attention this November, leaving less time to fantasize about the future. Professional lives feel the shuffle as a sense of spirituality or community service feels like it’s missing. The danger is taking on more than you can handle.
	Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria Serious conversations are on the agenda this November. Dreams come into the focus of reality, bringing new life to your desires. Total discipline is critical to achieving your goals, and distancing yourself from individuals who don’t respect you may determine whether you gain more control over your life.
	Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip This can be an explosive month, a month that offers the potential for breaking through stubborn resistance and empowers you to overcome difficult obstacles. You are forced to take relationships and your own limitations much more seriously now, tough decisions are in the air.
	Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily November is slated to stir up relationship conflicts and perhaps even anger with yourself. The stakes in the game of love are getting higher as your desire for more may upset a current companion or attract the ardor of a new one.
	Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose Something big has changed, yet it might be difficult to put your finger on it. You could run into obstacles that seem to stand in the way of your happiness this month. Although you may worry whether you can withstand the slow but intense pressure to change, have faith that you are up to the task.
	Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium November fuels competitive feelings and challenges you to get more out of yourself. There is a temptation to pursue a romantic fantasy, and the foresight to achieve your goals in ways that stir up the least amount of folly.
	Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower November starts a long-term process where you begin establishing healthy patterns in your everyday life that will sustain you for years. You are forced to eliminate destructive behavior and excessive consumption of resources while still finding the freedom to explore your imagination.
	Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy Travel and education are key this month, and you feel the need to break from the pressures of your routine. You may have to struggle to get what you want, so be bold in the pursuit of your dreams.
	Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea There’s no room for laziness this month, and extra efforts will be recognized and rewarded. There is change in the air, change that will affect the most stable and fundamental areas of your life, but leave you stronger and wiser if you’re up for the challenge.
	Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony Professional and personal change are stressed this November, and it’s better to be bold and take the initiative than to stand still and simply react. You find yourself more comfortable in your own skin now, making you more alluring to others.
	Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation Service, spirit and self-awareness are three major areas of interest throughout November. Your attention is drawn to meeting your obligations, but patience is essential. Spiritual ideals can be turned into action now, and there is a call to connect with higher meaning and dimensions beyond the ordinary.

Horoscopes courtesy Tarot.com

FTD Pulls Local Florist Print Ads

It is hard to believe what I heard today. FTD has pulled the Parade Magazine ads! There will not be any further print ads this year from FTD according to Jim Nokes at FTD! I am sure you will see their ads in AARP! You know, we experience the same with Local Flower Shop. People saying they are cutting back. I am increasing my holiday ads and shops are pulling back. Shops are all waiting. I ask, waiting for what? How do we get back business if we are not visible? Inserts should be the best ever! It is the way to reach EVERYONE. Anyone familiar with Clipper Magazine? It was a magazine with coupons for local businesses. Pro Flowers is in it nationally. Yes, those will translate to FROM YOU flower orders. INCOMING!

So the way I see it, many shops are sitting back watching the “orders go by” but waiting to get busy. WHY?

I ask you this, why should you become busier this year? You need to answer this yourself.

We can no longer wait for the business to come to us.

Arthur Conforti visits Teleflora Sales Convention in Oklahoma City

Last week, I was asked to speak at the Teleflora national Sales Meeting. The topic was my story as a florist and what has kept my shop running all these years. For me, the story began before I became a florist when I was driving a county bus or later when I was selling hot dogs. I asked Jack Howard if he really wanted me to tell my whole story and he replied, “all of it!” What I revealed to my audience was that I was successful with all these jobs due to one common thread: my passion and attitude. From sing alongs on the bus, to offering a dog-aholic discount card, to walking customers to their car after wrapping up their flowers. It all begins and ends with my Passion and Attitude. Today, 23 years later, much of the same holds true for me and my business.

After listening to the other Teleflora speakers speak, I looked at all the materials they presented and really began to think. They talked about all the ways to help a florists’ success; they provide everything you could need to open and run your flower shop. From A-Z, they offer: POS, credit card clearing, fresh flower purchasing, marketing, design training, accounting tips, a websites and support. What more could a florist really want?

The problem (and a sore spot for many florists) is that Teleflora markets to retail customers. They use online marketing strategies, print, TV and anything possible to attract customers, even spending huge amounts to air a spot during the Super Bowl.

But here is the way I see it…

If  Teleflora stopped the marketing, who would get those orders? Would it really be the local florist? Or would this not just give a bigger piece of the pie to 1800, FTD and Pro Flowers?

I believe that these orders would not go to a local florist as local florists aren’t marketing. And if you don’t market, no one knows about your products or services or brand!

So, where am I going with all this? Well, my talk to their team was how I made my shop successful and I did that with my passion for marketing and an attitude that if I didn’t go out and secure the orders in my neighborhood, then someone else would!

If you want to do better for yourself, you HAVE TO market. Teleflora has always supported the my efforts to help local florists  in marketing to increase exposure. We have a great relationship with Teleflora supporting our growing our websites and marketing materials we print every holiday season. Teleflora has always been willing to support all our efforts.

I believe that Teleflora is sincerely concerned about the retail florist and has been looking for ways to ”Save the Florist.” Think about it, what do they have without us?

The point is to stop complaining and start working your opportunities. Passion and Attitude will shape your destiny so stop worrying about what the other guys are doing and focus on what you should be doing and utilize every resource you can!

Our team at Beneva and the team at Teleflora are always just a phone call away and can help with any number of marketing initiatives! Don’t be afraid to reach out and work with your peers, after all we need each other to keep this industry alive!

In my personal opinion the next time you see your Teleflora rep look at them as a consultant not a salesman. There is a world of resourches and affiliates that telelflora has access to to help you enhance your business. Share your concerns and look for solutions. Let’s stop pointing fingers and start creating solutions. Marketing in our own back yard is the first step in taking back our industry.

Flower Horoscopes – October 2009

	Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet Career is the main focus for Capricorn this month, placing you right in your element. Your drive is already intensified and you crave immediate success, but you may face a shortage of time or resources to pull off your ambitious schemes.
	Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid Your level of mental activity is heightened this month, giving you plenty of opportunities to share your love of ideas. Hopes for a more rewarding future that have been circulating inside your head will be more easily translated into positive action now.
	Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria While you’re not the most materialistic person, money is on your mind this month. Beware spending sprees and panic about resources, and instead focus on fresh ideas to increase your income — a plan that’s been simmering below the surface can be put into action now.
	Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip Four planets in relationship-oriented Libra keep you focused on everyone but you this month. Now is the time to find some much-needed balance as you learn more about successful cooperation and reevaluate your relationship to the world.
	Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily The emphasis is on redefining and expanding your professional life this month. Nevertheless, it’s all for naught if you don’t take a break once in a while — rejuvenation is an essential factor in maintaining good health and productivity.
	Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose If you felt pushed to your limits last month, you now have time to catch your breath and integrate the recent changes. You’re now free to entertain new ideas and learn fresh ways to interact with others.
	Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium Insecurity and impulsiveness may threaten you this month; still, it’s important to push past the status quo and into new territory now.
	Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower If money is tight these days, October may prove to be a transition that lightens your worries. Where relationships are concerned, though, it’s important to remember that all that glitters is not gold.
	Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy Money matters steal the spotlight this month, with investments and business partnerships at the forefront. It’s time to draw on the undeveloped gifts you have within you to upgrade your sense of self-worth and, in turn, your income.
	Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea Expect challenges this month as you work to complete old business, but remember that pruning back your tree of life now will encourage healthier growth ahead. October should find you blessed with grace and inspiration to push forward.
	Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony This month you might feel like you’re lurking in the shadows and observing carefully before your next move. You probably won’t receive all the recognition you deserve, but should find yourself blessed with professional boldness and creativity that will carry you into next year.
	Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation Opportunities for spontaneous creativity and play are everywhere this October. Your fiery personality gets punched up with even more sparkle than usual, letting you take the initiative to bring more love and fun into your life.

Horoscopes courtesy Tarot.com

Stay Out of the Bunker

Companies that adopt a bunker mentality—cutting marketing and public relations activities in an attempt to save money—will ultimately damage their position in the market. This will afford competitors an opportunity to seize market share. Don’t believe me? Google “Kellogg’s Vs. Post“–breakfast cereal was never the same after the Great Depression. Kellogg continued marketing during the great depression while Post pulled back.

Re-evaluate Your Marketing Strategy. Refusing to cut your marketing/PR activity doesn’t mean you continue business as usual. Make certain your advertising and overall marketing/PR strategies are effective. Are you reaching your target market through the channels you currently use? Should that newspaper dollar go to radio or TV? Are you using social marketing tools? Mass emailing with interesting content? Sales should not be all you use your email marketing for.

Tell Your Story! Public Relations is not a wholly reactive discipline—it’s not just there to serve as a buffer for bad news. A good public relations professional constantly works to identify the most compelling (interesting, sexy, exciting, timely) elements of your organization and packaging it for the news media. Through established relationships with the media gatekeepers and correctly-packaged (newsworthy) information, your Public Relations professional can potentially get your company that great feature on the front page of the business section or a sound bite on the 5 o’clock news. This brand-centric strategy improves visibility and credibility. There are local agencies that can assist you with this. However, you can do this yourself as well. Just send meaningful content about something you are doing that is special. Remember, it is all about the reader. It is not so much about what you want to announce, but more so what the reader is interested in learning about your story. How does it affect them?

A good example is Good Neighbor Day. If you are doing this, it is a story. This program is more about attracting news and media than giving away flowers. Take advantage and send press releases out. Start the morning with flowers at all the news and media stations announcing your big day. This is a story worth talking about. After all, who doesn’t want to talk about receiving flowers?

What separates your shop from your competition? Wire services sell containers, you have a numbered collectable with our Conforti Collection Fitz and Floyd Holly Berry Bowl. Numbered and hand painted it is a numbered collectible that completed a beautiful series of gifts. Wouldn’t you want a limited edition gift if you had a choice?

Marketing brochure. While our prices are the lowest in the industry, it is still costly to distribute. I will tell you this, it is not 30% of sales. That is what we give up on incoming orders. Filling a wire in order costs over 30%. We do this to be able to send out orders. They are break even at best and ok to do, as long as it is not more than 15% of your total business. So, where does the other 85% come from? This is up to you!

Designing flowers and waiting for the phone to ring simply isn’t enough. We need to make people look. We need to attract attention at our stores and on our websites. This last quarter of the year is the biggest in our industry. Will you be in the bunker? Will you take the conservative roll like Post did in the great depression? Or will you take your market share like Kellogg’s.

We have no intention at Beneva Flowers of leaving anything on the table. We not only want every transaction, we are watching to insure we protect our database with enough options to keep customers thinking Beneva when sending flowers or gifts. We do this by insuring we have as many choices and options for a consumer as any national competitor and we back those with exceptional service.

If you have not yet ordered marketing brochures for the holidays, call us, we can help you with creative ways to get these materials into the hands of your customers and your potential customers! Call us Today at 866.768.2420.

Happy Labor Day Weekend,

Arthur Conforti

Flower Horoscopes – September 2009

	Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet The pressure to change the direction of your life is strong this month, and you could find it challenging to separate your fantasies from reality.
	Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid Money matters may arise this month, and you’re reminded to be more intuitive when developing your talents and managing your cash flow. Growth could come in business or personal partnerships, but beware feeling stifled by overly controlling relationships.
	Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria Your ongoing struggle between personal freedom and committed partnership heats up this month, and you find motivation to take more control of your life. Expect changes in the way you connect with others and remember it’s healthier to make the first move than to sit back and react to what’s thrust upon you.
	Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip This transitional month reveals your options for the next few months — at a time when you might feel close to your breaking point. You may wish to act now, but some things aren’t very clear, making it difficult to distinguish your fantasies from what’s really going on.
	Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily Advancing your romantic skills and creative abilities is on the agenda this August, and the time is ideal for taking calculated risks that reveal your feelings and your talent. It’s time to focus on your playful side and refine your capacity to attract others with charm and grace.
	Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose This is not an easy month for you, but applying extra effort where it’s needed will allow you to look back at this month with pride and accomplishment. Be on the lookout for opportunities to turn the tide and respond to familiar pressures in a radically new ways.
	Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium You take yourself seriously this month, yet you may feel as if you’re pushing a boulder up a steep hill. It’s a time to keep an open mind and avoid serious commitments — what you hear is probably not what you get, so turn those information filters up a notch.
	Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower August brings tension to relationships, reminding you to pay close attention to what you own and what you want. You may feel a great sense of urgency to break out of a rut, but this is a long-term process where amazing epiphanies do little to liberate you.
	Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy Examining relationships is a major theme for you this month, and you’re reminded that losing yourself in a co-dependent connection is not a recipe for long-term success. Your flaws may seem more serious than they are, so even minor changes will have greater impact than you imagine.
	Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea This month finds you pressed to choose between taking a risk and following a more conventional path. Ultimately, this is a turning point, a time to focus your attention on crucial issues and to push through these major changes.
	Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony Your heart may be opening with love, joy and innocence this month, but the complexities of the world keep imposing themselves to pull you out of the little paradise you’re creating. A spirit of play stirs your imagination, even when it comes to turning the fire of disagreement into fuel for fun.
	Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation Your struggle between freedom and responsibility is triggered this month, a time when fatigue or frustration can keep you from achieving your goals. Emotions are likely to sway you, so be sure to clarify your expectations in close relationships to keep them growing.

Horoscopes courtesy Tarot.com

CEO makes business blossom despite economy

Reprinted from lbknews.com

Jeanette Billings
Staff Writer
jbillings@lbknews.com

Conforti has built a bustling operation of more than 40 employees garnering 70% of Sarasota’s floral market share.

What does football, clam chowder, a geranium and a hibachi grill have in common? Everything, according to Beneva Flowers President, Arthur Conforti. “My business is like a football franchise; I am the coach and my employees are my team, our clients are the fans. My coaching philosophy is simple. We have 100 yards to score a touchdown. 100 yards is a long way, but if we break it down into 10-yard plays we can make it to the goal in 10 plays,” says Conforti.

It wasn’t always that way for Conforti. When he launched his family floral business, it was just his mother, father and himself in a small flower shop at 6980 Beneva Road in Sarasota. But with his commitment to clients and his strong repeat client base, Conforti has built a bustling empire of over 40 employees garnering 70% of Sarasota’s market share.

Today, Conforti’s shop occupies the entire business plaza at the corner of Beneva and Clark. The floral empire encompasses a showroom, telephone sales center, floral design studio, delivery dispatch center, wedding consultation studio and a worldwide marketing division.

Conforti is touted throughout the floral industry as the gold standard for floral operations. In-fact, his operation and management has been so successful Conforti also owns Beneva Solutions, a coaching and consulting business offered to start up florists. “Businesses need to stop focusing on the top-line and redirect their focus to the bottom-line. Take today’s economy: everyone is worrying about slow sales. Sales are down, that is true. So what if sales are down? What are you doing to bring your operating costs down? A well-run business can report profits if run correctly regardless if sales are up or down. Through changing economies, politics and demographics Conforti has adjusted to meet ever-fluctuating needs. He has added 24-hour delivery, Internet shopping and live web cams for clients. He has trimmed payroll, streamlined delivery methods by organizing his delivery routes and using GPS technology efficiently.

One thing Conforti has not done is open new locations. “The overhead cost expansion adds to your bottom-line can be the most destructive line item for a business. Conforti maintains that his centralized operation allows him to deliver one of his most important business edicts, “Give customers what they want and need.”

And what customers want and need often exceed your basic flower order. In-fact last week he was posed with a very specific request. The caller, a young woman from Maine, asked if Conforti and his team could round-up and deliver a can of clam chowder, a geraniums and a hibachi. Instead of asking “Are you crazy,” Conforti immediately and instinctively assured her that it would be done!

For Conforti, this request was not out of the ordinary. He says that in a typical week Beneva Flowers delivers everything from romantic gestures, sometimes highly personal and unique gift ideas, down to somber flowers sent to those in mourning. It is the act of fulfilling the unique demands and vision of his customers that is hallmark to his company’s ongoing success.

Though Conforti has been in the flower business for over 20 years, he learned his business lessons while driving a SCAT bus, his first job here after relocating from New York. He learned that knowing your customer is key to providing exceptional customer service. While driving the bus, he remembered faces, names, locations, favorite stops, etc. He transformed those tenets into a business that spans wedding planning to business coaching and marketing. He has seen flower trends come and go, and by anticipating those changes in taste and design, Conforti stays ahead of the game by tapping into his greatest resource, his clients.

Flower Horoscopes – August 2009

	Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet Several new people enter your circle this month. There will be one in particular you hit it off with. This person will remind you of what a great sense of humor you have, especially when you share a wave length. An investment you made will start to pay off.
	Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid This will be a month of great ideas. At home, you’ll see ways to streamline, at work you’ll be a brilliant brainstormer. The key is not to rush into a solution. Instead, take your time and mull over all the options. The 12th and the 17th are good days to make purchases.
	Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria You may need to clear the air with a neighbor or colleague. Don’t second-guess yourself, this isn’t the first time you’ve been annoyed over the same issue. Single Pisces: Put yourself out there (maybe give online dating a try?). Married Pisces: Remember to go dates!
	Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip Don’t save your goodies (china, say) just for holidays. Bring it out and put a new twist on your ordinary routine. In other words, it’s easy to make every day special. Trust your intuition this month. The logic will become clear later on. Also, your patience with a relative will be rewarded.
	Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily You may get an interesting invitation at the end of the month, but think twice before accepting. Don’t dismiss a niggling health concern. Check it out and save yourself the stress. Go with the flow and you’ll get an unexpected boost to your love life … rock on, girl!
	Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose You may get the chance to spend time with a close friend or relative who moved away. By all means, take it! It could require some effort (ie buying a plane ticket) on your part, but spending time with people who really get you is worth it. The 21st is a lucky day.
	Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium News flash: It’s OK to say no. I know this will shock all the people pleasers out there, but the world won’t stop if you decline a request from time to time! Keep your cool if you’re pulled into a bit of a drama mid-month. Resist the urge to confide too much in a co-worker.
	Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower There’s something you’ve been talking about doing for several months, maybe even years. Now is the time for action. If you need help, ask and you will receive. Meanwhile, be sure to savor the rest of summer: outdoor concerts, picking flowers from your garden, a day at the beach.
	Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy Got your eye on a new guy? Why not send him some flowers? And don’t forget to treat yourself to a massage or just to a few hours of doing nothing. On the 8th and 9th you’ll be feeling sassy!
	Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea Walk away from an offer that sounds too good to be true. After all, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. A chance encounter will buoy your spirits all month. This is a good time to tap your natural creativity. The last week of August is a good time to hedge your bets.
	Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony Decide to do your part for the environment by changing one habit per month. For August, maybe it’s remembering to bring a re-useable cloth bag to the grocery store and saying no to paper and plastic bags. A friend or relative will ask you to cut him/her some slack. Say OK.
	Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation Surprise a friend by offering to do a favor. Some babysitting perhaps? Tell your boyfriend/husband/best friend how much fun you have together. Don’t let bad drivers or rude strangers get on your nerves. With all that positive energy you’re sending out, this is bound to be a super month!

Horoscopes courtesy Teleflora.

Don’t Let this Happen to You!

Most people who think about sending flowers do so at the last minute. Maybe something special just happened or a birthday or anniversary popped up and you needed something fast. Perhaps you just wanted to brighten someone’s day with flowers. Now what? Do you go to the internet and search FLOWERS? Or do you trust your local flower shop to handle your needs. Whatever you may do, why?

We always want to learn. In many cases we find people who look for deals often find out that the flowers they sent were packed up in a box. That’s right, pictured in a vase with a stylized design and yet packed in a box and delivered in a package only to have your recipient have to put it together. By the time you pay for shipping, was it really worth the savings?

Flower Horoscopes – July 2009

	Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violetBecause you are so talented, more projects could land on your desk. Be diplomatic and do what you can to help, but you may need to set some new boundaries. Call on your boss to back you up. The 6th and 26th will be special days.
	Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid One of the secrets to being happy is being able to forgive. While it’s tempting to hold a grudge, it also saps your energy. Focus on seeing the best in people and being grateful for the good things. When it comes to romance, life’s too short to be shy. Go for it!
	Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria With vacation season in full swing, you may be drawn to the ocean, water sign that you are. Being a beachcomber will relax and rejuvenate you, perhaps in preparation for a major new creative project that you’ll be involved in. You may even be leading the charge.
	Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip Summer is a great time to get in shape. Keep your goals realistic, be patient and you’ll get there. Whatever you do, don’t give up. And bouquets of fresh flowers are great calorie-free treats to reward yourself when you’re friends with your scale!
	Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily You may find hear unexpectedly from an out-of-town relative who wants to get back in touch. Do it as long as there’s not too much drama involved. Skip the tabloids and pick a classic novel to read this summer. The 19th will be a good day to make a purchase.
	Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose Bored kids + hot sun = a stress fest! It may sound impossible, but the key to keeping your sanity while school’s out is finding a little time for yourself. And don’t succumb to the idea that you have to entertain your kids 24/7. Then, pat yourself on the back, you’re doing a great job!
	Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium Romance is all around us so if you want more of it in your life, just create it. How about a single rose by your bathtub or some dahlias on your nightstand? And don’t let July go by without a picnic by the beach or under the stars. Meanwhile, a former rival will turn out to be a pal.
	Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower A person you’re close to may try to talk you out of a decision. Consider his/her comments but in the end trust yourself. Single Leos: If you can’t be 101% yourself with a guy you’ve gotten to know, move on. There are lots of other fish in the sea. Married Leos: Choose your battles carefully.
	Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy Virgos like order and structure, but this is a good time to mix it up a little, sistah! Take a new route to work, join a meditation class, read a new author, try a cuisine you’ve never sampled before. If you are due for a checkup or screening this summer, don’t put it off.
	Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea That Chicken Little co-worker who drives you crazy? Cut him/her some slack. Work smart so you can get out of the office and enjoy a few summer nights. A mystery may unfold midmonth and you’ll be tapping your Nancy Drew vibe to solve it. The 14th will be a lucky day.
	Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony Beware of revealing too much personal info poolside or at the water cooler. And if you find yourself giving into jealousy, just say no! There may be some extra cash in your pocket at the end of the month. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you: more rest, perhaps?
	Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation Make a point of slowing down and, yes, smelling the roses. Invest time and energy in your friendships. Your sense of humor and knack for witty banter will be an asset on the 12th. Pick one fear that you will conquer, starting this month. You can do it!