<I>The Eagle/Cheryl Jessup</I><BR>Teri Bowden, owner of A Flower Shop and More, stands among a sampling of the sweets and other gifts ready for Valentine's Day.

As the name implies, A Flower Shop and More definitely offers more than just flowers.

Owner Teri Bowden, who has been working at the shop for about five years, took over ownership last September, along with her husband Charles. Since then, they have made a few product changes and additions, and have more ideas in mind.

Among these are “tap and sing” helium balloons, some of which light up too. Also available for the first time this Valentine’s Day, are boxed long-stem roses, which come with a complimentary sample box of gourmet chocolate truffles.

It was Bowden’s husband who thought that boxed flowers, as opposed to an arranged bouquet, might appeal to people as a more “old-fashioned and romantic” option.

The gourmet truffles, from Lake Champlain Chocolates in Vermont, are a treat in themselves and are available at A Flower Shop and More in gift packages of various sizes and types. Bowden says they have been quite popular since first offered last Christmas.

Also available are “candy bouquets,” arrangments of various types of candy bars and other sweets. They are also researching diabetic gourmet chocolates, in a continuing effort to truly satisfy needs and cravings of all their customers.

Bowden says they try to offer something for everyone, not just women – who are the most apt to walk in the door – but teens and men, too. The whole idea, she says, is to just “keep growing.”

A Flower Shop and More is located at 100 E. Main in John Day. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9-1 on Saturday. For more information, call 575-2112 or 877-670-3701.