The Bare Necessities

Here in Vienna it has been absolutely freezing outside, and, inspired by Melina's advice on combatting the winter blues with a burst of yellow flowers, I decided to pick up something cheap and easy from my regular discount grocery store around the corner.

I consider flowers to be a basic household necessity, something to be incorporated into the monthly budget just as legitimately as food, toiletries and our internet connection.  When I have company over or we are hosting a party (or sometimes just when there is a bunch of flowers for sale too gorgeous to pass up!), then I will spend a bit more on flowers than usual.  But on a regular basis there is no need to break the bank--a simple arrangement of the least expensive flowers out there can be enough to infuse your home with life and color. 

Most often, you get the most bang for your buck if you choose a flower that is currently in season, blooming naturally somewhere.  At the moment in Europe, it's so cold and  wintry still that we'll have to wait for many of our more exciting options to be available, but some flowers are still around, including a fantastic, versatile go-to option: tulips. 

At the local Hofer, the same as an Aldi, which are in the States, too

An even more inspiring display of options

This week I was in the mood for a bigger arrangement (it is REALLY cold), so I sprang for two colors of tulips (still under 6 euros!). Most often I just buy one bunch.  

As beautiful as a complex, varied arrangement can be, for your weekly flower budget's sake, don't forget: you can bring a bright, colorful burst of happiness into your home with just a single, simple bunch of flowers you pick up with your groceries.

Liza