AK Events: Auntie Approved Vendor Spotlight — Blooms for Happiness

Some vendors are talented. Some vendors are reliable. And then there are vendors who put their entire heart into what they do.

For February — and for Valentine’s season especially — I’m highlighting a florist who truly lives up to her name: Blooms for Happiness.

Where It Started

I first connected with Tiffany, owner of Blooms for Happiness, while searching for local florals for a gala. She happened to share a familiar name with a family friend, which instantly built trust — but it didn’t take long for her work to fully earn it.

Tiffany has an incredible ability to take an event’s theme, color palette, or vision and turn it into stunning, thoughtful arrangements. Truly — there is nothing she can’t do. If you’ve ever scrolled her Facebook albums, you know exactly what I mean.

What Clients Don’t Always See

Florals are one of those things people admire, but rarely see behind the scenes. And after assisting with Mother’s Day deliveries, I gained a whole new level of respect.

Tiffany is in her shop at 3:00 a.m., arranging florals with care and intention. Her husband is right there with her, helping plan delivery routes and making sure every arrangement arrives exactly where it needs to be. Her whole heart goes into each piece.

This isn’t just a job for her — it’s her passion. She is, quite literally, forever your flower girl.

Handling Emotion With Care

Florals are often tied to the most emotional moments in people’s lives — joyful ones, stressful ones, and deeply meaningful ones.

I’ve seen Tiffany go above and beyond for events that carry heavy emotion. One that stands out was an arrangement for a young military man. She made sure it was delivered early, incorporated flags, and was absolutely perfect — no shortcuts, no oversight.

I know she’s handled countless high-pressure moments I haven’t personally witnessed (hello, bridezillas ... I'm sure), but what I do know is this: when it matters most, she shows up with care and professionalism.

Where Blooms for Happiness Fits

Honestly? What event doesn’t need florals?

Blooms for Happiness is a beautiful fit for:

• Weddings

• Showers

• Galas & fundraisers

• Corporate events

• Celebrations of life

• And everything in between

Their arrangements don’t just decorate a space — they bring warmth, intention, and joy. They literally bring the happiness.

Auntie Real Talk

Why do I trust Tiffany when the pressure is on? Because she shows up — and then exceeds expectations.

What I wish more clients understood about florals:

• You truly get what you pay for

• These are not grocery-store arrangements

• Bridal florals especially take time, planning, and expertise

This is not a “day-of” or “day-before” task. The cost can feel like sticker shock, but the time saved, stress avoided, and experience created is absolutely worth it.

Good florals don’t just look pretty —they create an experience, set the tone, and make an event feel truly special. And Blooms for Happiness does exactly that.

Where to Find Them & What They Offer

Blooms for Happiness is a full-service florist proudly serving River Falls, WI and the surrounding communities — including Hudson, Roberts, Hammond, New Richmond, and more.

Whether you’re planning for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, just because, or emotional moments like sympathy arrangements, they have a wide variety of fresh floral designs for every occasion.

From modern bouquets and romantic roses to plants, gift baskets, and custom arrangements — everything is hand crafted with passion and personal attention.

They offer:

• Wedding and ceremony flowers

• Sympathy and funeral arrangements

• Seasonal bouquets (Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, etc.)

• Everyday blooms for birthdays, anniversaries, get-well wishes, and “just because” moments

• Plants and gift bundles to make your floral gift even more special

Delivery options include same-day local delivery around River Falls, plus nationwide delivery through their florist network — perfect for last-minute gifting or thoughtful gestures near or far.

📍 Visit them at:1674 Commerce Court, River Falls, WI 54022 

👉 Browse arrangements and order online at bloomsforhappiness.com.

AK Events: Auntie Approved Vendor Spotlight - Croix Coffee Co.

If there’s one thing Auntie Kailey takes seriously, it’s coffee that shows up and actually does its job.

January is full of planning meetings, early mornings, vendor walkthroughs, and let’s be honest—recovering from the holidays. That’s exactly why I’m kicking off my Auntie Approved (Chaos-Approved) Vendor Spotlight series with Croix Coffee Co.

Where It Started

I first connected with Croix Coffee Co. at a Central St. Croix Chamber Java Jumpstart, and they immediately stood out. Not just because coffee was present (which already earns points), but because they had cold brew, drip, and decaf.

That trifecta tells me everything I need to know: they care about everyone in the room.

Why Event Coffee Matters (More Than People Think)

Coffee at events isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about comfort.

It gives guests something warm to hold, something familiar to enjoy, and something that helps the whole room settle in. From a planning perspective, good coffee:

• keeps mornings running smoothly

• helps guests linger and connect

• supports emotional moments at more intimate events

And Croix Coffee Co. gets the logistics. If you’re brewing yourself, they make sure they know what equipment you’re using and even send instructions. If they’re handling the brew, they clarify cups, creamers, and details ahead of time—which is planner gold.

Where They Shine

Croix Coffee Co. is truly a fit for any event, but I especially love them for:

• Brunch showers

• Celebrations of life

• Corporate meetings (automatic yes)

• Community events like Trunk or Treats ;)

• Weddings—especially those early bridal suite, behind-the-scene moments

What really sealed the deal, though, was their reliability. I trust Ben—full stop. He’s made sure my events were caffeinated whether he was heading into town or on his way out. That kind of follow-through matters when timelines are tight and expectations are high.

Auntie’s Honest Take

Off the record? Everyone should be drinking this coffee.

It’s roasted to perfection, incredibly fresh, and backed by people who understand both quality and execution. They’re based in Roberts, Wisconsin, and they’re exactly the kind of local business I’m proud to recommend.

Where to Find Them

• Roasted in Roberts, WI

• Beans, cold brew, and event support available

• Learn more at croixcoffeeco.com

This is the first of many Auntie Approved spotlights—vendors I trust when the pressure is on and the details matter.

AFTER-PARTY ETIQUETTE & THANK-YOUS

Holiday Hosting Tip #6 — After-Party Etiquette & Thank-Yous. Smart, simple ways to wrap up your event with gratitude and grace.

You did it — the guests came, the food disappeared, and your house survived.

Now for the final phase: wrapping up with style and sanity.

🧹 Clean Up — But Don’t Overdo It

• Do dishes and trash tonight; the rest tomorrow.

• Start the dishwasher before bed — future you will cheer.

🎁 Share Leftovers & Memories

• Package extras for guests.

• Send a thank-you text or photo recap.

💌 Say Thanks the Simple Way

• Text, note, or DM works — keep it personal.

• Mention one specific thing (“Your cookies were gone in five minutes!”).

📦 Store Smart for Next Year

• Label bins clearly.

• Toss what’s broken.

• Keep a “First Out” box for essentials.

From the Clipboard of a Chaos Coordinator:

“Hosting ends when the lights go out — but hospitality lingers long after the door closes.”

FAQs:

• When to send thank-yous? Within 3–5 days.

• Do I have to post on social media? Nope, but sharing memories helps!

• How to reset after burnout? Unplug, rest, and celebrate yourself.