A Night of Blooms, Laughter, and a Little Self-Care at Greenbriar Market

Guest Blog - Christina Pilarski 

In the middle of the everyday chaos—muddy boots by the door, Nerf darts scattered underfoot, and the ever-spinning to-do list—it felt downright luxurious to press pause and step into something beautiful.

The “Elevate Your Grocery Store Bouquet” workshop at Greenbriar Market was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. It was a gentle reminder that carving out a couple of hours for yourself can feel like reclaiming a little piece of calm in the middle of the whirlwind that is motherhood, entrepreneurship, and life in general.

I joined a group of fellow moms and friends for an evening that felt refreshingly outside the box. This wasn’t just a night out—it was an experience. From the moment we walked into Greenbriar’s bright and welcoming space, there was a sense of ease. We were greeted with a welcome cocktail (mocktail for some of us!), the scent of fresh greenery, and warm smiles all around. We gathered around one big table—no assigned seats, no pressure—just community, creativity, and connection.

Andrea from Lily and Vine Co. was our floral guide, and she brought so much calm, expertise, and encouragement to the process. She taught us how to elevate a basic grocery store bouquet—yes, those pre-packaged ones we all walk past a hundred times—into something truly special. With hands-on help and pro tips (hello, flower food hacks and arranging by height!), Andrea made sure that even those of us who usually keep plants at a safe distance felt confident and proud of our final creation. Her energy was kind, intentional, and quietly empowering.

The workshop hit that perfect sweet spot: fun and relaxed, but with enough structure that we were actually learning something new. There were moments of deep focus, where we were all gently adjusting stems and stepping back to admire our work, and then there were the loud, joyful moments—bursts of laughter when someone’s bouquet took a rogue turn or when directions were repeated (again) just to make sure we got it right. My friend Mia was especially determined to master the process—she kept repeating each of Andrea’s tips out loud like a personal mantra, already planning how she’d recreate the bouquet at home. We were all rooting for her (and mentally repeating the steps ourselves).

And the timing? Spot on. We were home in time for bedtime routines, but with a sense that we had done something nourishing for ourselves. It's rare as a mom to feel like you get both: time for connection and creativity, and time to still be present at home.

Of course, we couldn’t resist a little post-workshop shopping. The $10 Greenbriar gift card that came with the event was basically an invitation to explore—and we did. I stocked up on my favourite Ornata bath bombs. They're made in Calgary, cruelty-free, vegan, and leave zero mess in the tub—just silky, hydrated skin and a few minutes of spa-like calm after a long day. I also snagged a Sebeana hair clip—crafted from cellulose acetate, a more sustainable and durable alternative to plastic. It’s beautiful, functional, and like so many things at Greenbriar, created with purpose by a local brand. These little indulgences feel extra special because they come from small Alberta-based businesses—many of them woman-owned, as Shawn, one of our amazing hosts, reminded us. As a female entrepreneur, that hit close to home.

So here’s to the quiet rebellions. To doing something just for you. To bouquets that brighten your kitchen counter and remind you that you deserve beauty in the middle of your everyday.

And to Greenbriar—thank you for creating the space to bloom, to connect, and to remember that a simple night out can leave a lasting impression.