Horticulture, specifically floral design. Exterior landscape design courses are also helpful, as are art history courses, color theory, and especially interior plantscaping. It would be extremely beneficial to get some actual work experience in a floral shop, as reputation is everything. Initially this is not a high-paying field, so do your homework, and create a niche with a product/service mix that is in demand in your area. Good luck!

You need my SHOPPING GRID! I've even convinced a co-worker it's the best way. I made an Excel spreadsheet (I can send it to you if you have Excel) with one-inch squares on it, and it's always in my checkbook. Each square gets a person's name. As I think of ideas for that person, I write it down. As I buy the gifts on sale throughout the year (I can't handle the stress of last-minute shopping and I always shop the sales!) I put a check by that gift. When that person's gifts are purchased, I cross off their square. Ta-dum! If you stick to the grid, you'll never over-buy for one person and not the other. (And if one person ends up with 3 small/inexpensive gifts and the other one large/expensive gift, wrap up the small ones as if they were one...I do that with my kids and as long as they have the same number of packages to open, they're happy.) Having multiple ideas ready also helps make the shopping easier. For example, if your nephew's list says "dress shirt" and "sweatshirt", buy the one that's on sale the week you're at the mall.... Julie jbeadle@twmi.rr.com

Well up until last night I was being good and had not bought myself anything while swap shopping. However last night I went to Home Goods and I bought myself 2 pans. I bought a whole set of Tramontina pots 2 years ago from TJ Maxx and Home Goods. Folks on the cookware forum found out this type was not going to be around after that. I was so happy to find a 1.5 QT saucepan and a small frying pan last night. The saucepan I was sorry I had not bought and the fry pan, well... I could not resist. I also bought a butter bell for my dad's apartment. He doesn't use butter but DH and I really miss our butter bell when we visit. Also it was only $7.99. The I bought a steamer with an extendable center post for easy removal. I am also eyeing a bench to go in my living room. It has a lift up seat with storage underneath and 2 big pillow on top to discourage me from piling things up on it. -Robin

I was really late this year, don't think I realized just how late it was. I don't even have all my Christmas cards made out and sent. Took Lauren to the mall this weekend (twice) we gave up on even trying Saturday as it was jammed packed all around the mall area and no parking anywhere. Went back earlier on Sunday and had no problems. Got her some clothes that I just let her pick out. I gave up trying to find something that fit her and then wrapping them up, only for them to not fit. Most of what I got was on-line but I waited till nearly the last minute and most of it is shipping right at the last minute. I did manage to find a little kitchenette for a child we're buying for at work, stupid me saw an ad in the paper early last week. I waited till the end of the week to go looking for it at Wal-Mart, of course, it was no where in sight and now can't even find it on-line, so Saturday I bought another one on-line. Expected to arrive between the 18th and 22nd and guess what? It showed up tonight! Wow, I'm impressed. Bought a Christmas tree at Amazon the same night and wasn't expecting to be able to put it up this year, but it came yesterday. Talk about fast. It's beautiful too. So glad I don't have to prop up my old tree with magazines anymore. lol. The stuff is now trickling in the mail and I have to start wrapping before I go to work on Friday...I know they kids will be snooping.