Everyone knows that nothing gold can stay, and that's especially true when it comes to fresh-cut flowers. You may try to put them in water immediately after receiving that colorful bouquet, but it always seems like the flowers die before you even get a chance to enjoy them. What gives?

If you want to elongate the lifespan of your fresh flowers, these smart tips might help you out.

1. Cut the stems. As soon as you get the flowers, cut approximately 3/4-inch from the stem. You'll want to cut at an angle to allow the water to flow up the stem.
2. Fill the vase. Fill the vase with fresh, cool water and a packet of flower food, which is often included in the bouquet (for wildflowers, you can pick some up at your local nursery or garden supply store).
3. Remove debris. If some stray leaves or pieces fall off of your flowers during cutting, make sure to remove them from the water, as this can cause bacteria to grow.
4. Give them enough room. Placing too many flowers in one vase can prevent them from properly absorbing water, so make sure that they can sit comfortably inside the vase.
5. Don't place in direct sunlight. Make sure to display flowers in a cool, dry place.
6. Change the water. One of the most common reasons why flowers die so quickly is because people forget to change their water. You'll want to add fresh water and more flower food every other day or so.

How to Care for Fresh Cut Flowers [Teleflora]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Ken Hawkins

A well-styled sofa can really make a difference in the over all look of your living room. Even a perfectly good, beautiful sofa can seem dull without the right styling elements. Follow these simple tips to help spruce up your sofa.

• Update your rug to one with a bold pattern. This can define a neutral area and help complement your sofa.
• Replace your lamp with a floor lamp that’s taller and sleek to polish the whole look around the sofa.
• To balance the space around the sofa, add a plant to the opposite side of the sofa.
• Add a large framed piece of art above the sofa. You want to keep it simple so one piece of art is plenty.
• For a quick update to your sofa, add a blanket or throw. Draping the throw over your sofa can soften up the design.
• Use four to five pillows to add comfort. You’ll want to use different shapes and sizes to fill the sofa out. Try mixing a few different patterns or shades. This can add comfort and really transform your seating space.

BEFORE & AFTER: How To Style Your Sofa [Elle Décor]
Throw Pillows: 4 Tips to Style Your Sofa [Huffington Post]
Guest Post: How to Style Your Sofa [Pottery Barn]

CC-BY-2.0/ProFlowers

Have a relaxing day with fun and laughter!