Celebrate!

According to the Society of American Florists, Christmas/Chanukah is the No. 1 floral-buying holiday. Thirty percent of adults purchase flowers or plants as gifts for the holiday season. Now, before you start getting all misty-eyed about how sentimental we are, it turns out that more than a third of those surveyed buy those flowers and plants for themselves (34%).

So if your holiday season needs an infusion of color, fragrant aromas, or simply the promise of warmer days ahead, go out and buy yourself a bouquet. Better yet, have an artful arrangement delivered to your home, and then act all surprised when you receive it. Heck, it’s the holidays. You deserve it. We’ll never tell.

However you choose to celebrate the close of 2008, everyone here at Media South sends along best wishes for a safe, happy, and peaceful holiday season.

Hey, Mr. President

Plenty of people who know way more than we do are giving President-Elect Obama advice these days on topics ranging from resuscitating the economy to picking out the perfect dog for his daughters. While we could offer some sage design advice (such as, the White House really could use an emergency visit from “Extreme Home Makeover”), we’re a bit light on foreign policy and financial matters. That’s why we particularly enjoyed this “Open Letter to the President-Elect” from Chris Low, chief economist for First Tennessee.

Low’s commentary is a quick, easy read, which clearly articulates the key challenges facing the new President and our nation, while offering practical advice on how to respond. The letter is featured in the latest issue of Executive Highlights, a First Tennessee corporate business publication produced by Media South.

Comfort Food

When the economy is tanking, Americans typically turn to comfort food. We’re not quite sure how big vats of macaroni and cheese help soothe the psyche, but when the going gets rough, the nation starts carbo-loading.

While we love a steaming scoop of comfort carbs as much as anyone, we think a better (and healthier) culinary response to crisis is preparing and savoring the most delicious home-cooked dishes imaginable. Eating at home to save money doesn’t have to mean Hamburger Helper. Instead, make mealtime the highlight of an otherwise stressful day. Plan ahead, use some creativity, and add flavor, substance, and perhaps, a touch of the exotic to nourish both body and spirit.

For inspiration, visit the new Avanti Savoia website created by Media South with our partners at Averra Media. Avanti Savoia offers culinary treasures from around the world including all the ingredients needed to make fabulous and filling meals every night of the week. In addition to a catalog of the “best of the best” olive oils, pastas, chocolates, and more, the site includes recipes, special discounts, and gift certificates. Order by Dec. 23 for Christmas Day delivery, or treat yourself to some real culinary comfort any day of the year.