atlanta gift show finds
Every second week of July I get to pack my bags and go live in gift-show-land for 6 days (also known as Americasmart in Atlanta). You know all the things you see in all the gift and home decor shops across the US? Almost all of that stuff lives here in 3 giant buildings with numerous floors (and human hamster tunnels linking them all together)
In addition to shopping for fabulous finds for our shops, I also have a display of the goodies I make for other shop owners to purchase for their stores.
This time around I picked out items for the upcoming holidays. I always lean towards whimsical styles and this year is no different however I have embraced a woodland theme for this Christmas. Cute critters like hedgehogs, owls, foxes and birds were too tempting to pass by without inviting them to be showcased in catching fireflies this December. Here is a little taste of our upcoming holiday offerings…
Then there is Halloween. Silly looking witches, jack-o-lanterns and more owls of course. The one item that makes me laugh the most are what they call ‘ugly sticks’ (a witch head on top of a long stick) I’m not 100% sure how generational that saying is, but it brought back some funny memories for me. And isn’t this chalkboard art awesome?! Lots of those signs in everyday sayings are coming in soon too!
I’m always on the hunt for cute, reasonably priced handbags, wallets, jewelry and scarves. And boy-oh-boy I found some loot! This is only a small sampling of what’s to come in the next month…
And lastly some other fun finds like hair brushes that give your locks a light watermelon smell, super soft animal baby blankets, straws that flavor your milk as you sip on them, colorful crosses and a.i. paper’s new map themed assortment (more on that soon!)
All of these pretties and more will start arriving in the weeks to come so stay tuned! And if you want to see larger pictures hop on over to our instagram page.
Want to be the first to know whats coming to catching fireflies? Then sign up to receive blog posts like these in your email inbox HERE
ann arbor fairy doors
If you are looking for a little adventure to embark on with your kids this summer, I suggest a trip to Ann Arbor to find some fanciful fairy doors.
If you look a little closer, you’ll find these miniature magical doors tucked in a large variety of businesses all around the city. Even NPR has taken notice and recently chatted with Jonathan Wright, founder of Urban Fairy Operations about this whimsical phenomenon. Take a listen to his 3 minute interview HERE.
Being the whimsical shop we are, I decided to take it one step farther and create an actual fairy house for catching fireflies. It always makes me smile to find coins, candy and other found objects children leave behind for the fairies to find.
If you peek inside this happy home you’ll also find a tiny table & chair set I created with some twigs, bark and trusty hot glue. Here’s how I made it…
I adorned it with some colorful silk flowers and voila… a delightful dining experience for fairies with fine taste.
Between this really cute residence, our purple wheelbarrow garden and amusing bubble factory, we are quite sure fairies do dance with the fireflies in our courtyard at dusk when no one is looking ;-)
Love to see how we make days brighter for people & fairies alike? Then sign up to receive these colorful blog posts in your email inbox!
ann arbor location in the spotlight
It’s hard to believe that Steve and I first toured through our Ann Arbor location last year around this time.
We dreamed and envisioned what we could bring to this space to make 419 Detroit Street a shine little brighter…
… and I’m happy to say our vision has become a wonderful whimsy-filled reality (fairy bubble factory & all)!
It has been a joy bringing our latest location to life so I was thrilled to find out that we were selected as a finalist for a Retail Excellence Award from Gifts and Decorative Accessories Magazine. This means catching fireflies will be featured in their August issue and Steve & I get to head to New York for the awards ceremony at the Chelsea Piers next month!
Stay tuned to see if our whimsical world wins the hearts of the judges… and even if it doesn’t we know we’re already winners with our fabulous firefly fans who make what we do possible in the first place :-)
Like to see what’s shakin’ at catching fireflies? Stay in the loop by signing up to receive these colorful updates in your email inbox!
24 sweet summer party goods
Summer BBQ season is in full swing! Plan to party in style with a few of our dynamite finds for your outdoor gathering.
1. You’ll always have a free hand to load more snacks on this clever appetizer plate that holds your wine glass $16.95 for set of 4
2. Fill this fish up with cold lemonade or ice tea and watch your guests giggle as they pour $39.95
3. Keep the flies away from your fruit salad with this helpful lily pad lid $14.95
4. You’ll flip for these fantastic dip plates! Great for kids too $4.95 each
5. Bring a little bling to your buffet with these adorned spreaders $17.95
6. Turn any bowl into a chip and dip with this handy dip clip $12.95
1. Keep your bottled beer icy cold until the last sip with the oh-so-innovative chillsner $29.95 set of two
2. Add a little silliness to your sip with these reusable mustache straw clips $9.95
3. This insulated mason jar tumbler will keep your drink cold and keep you looking cool $12.95
4. Your wine will taste divine in these go anywhere wine glasses 14.95 set of 4
5. Keep your bottle of grape cool with the help of a corkcicle $24.95
6. Turn soda, juice or lemonade into a slush in minutes with the classic slush mug $9.95
1. Mix up your potato salad and keep a beat with these drumstick spoons $12.95
2. Place your steaming baked beans on this red hot chili pot coaster $9.95
3. Flip your steaks with this rock-n-roll BBQ fork $21.95
4. Slice up the peppers for your veggies tray on this glass choppin cutting board $15.95
5. Flip your burgers while while listening to some rockin’ tunes $21.95
6. Turn up the volume on your favorite guitar riff and open you favorite brew $9.95
1. Mark your meat masterpiece with this personalizable branding iron $21.95
2. Make killer kabobs with these flexible grilling skewers $11.95
3. Spice things up a bit with some killer hot sauce $6.95
4. Easy clean up recipes that taste great? Sign us up! $12.95
5. BBQ rule #1… always have propane in your tank $3.95
6. Add a little bacon salt to your burgers for an extra smoky and salty kick $4.95
Do you like goodies that FUNctional? We’re happy to share some of our clever finds. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be in the loop & get our latest scoop.
a piece of my heart
June has become the month of goodbyes for Steve and me. Last year we sent our first German daughter, Tessa back to Waldshut and last week Jule, our second German daughter made her way back to Berlin.
Just like real kids, each of these girls were unique and special in their own ways. Coming from a large city, Jule was incredibly independent and fearless when it came to making friends. I was amazed by her ability to connect with so many juniors and seniors from different friend groups. Most of the time we saw these interactions happen virtually through texting, snapchat, facebook, instagram, twitter and most recently vine (can there be any more social options?!) But at her surprise going away party we saw many of her close friends come together and it was really a rewarding moment.
I realized that her short stay with us was much larger than just her experience. Of course as host parents we connect, learn, change and grow throughout the year but it was such a gift to see how her friends also broke boundaries and made strong bonds that changed their school year experience for the better. They even made this heartwarming goodbye video for her!
I was recently listening to a message from Andy Stanley about having a faith that frees us from fear. And there’s no doubt that making the choice to have a teenager you don’t know from a different country live with you for a year is a bit scary. It is. And it’s not all happy instagram photos (but I’m going to show those to you anyways ;-)
But making these kind of choices in life does free you from fear and opens up your capacity to love… and that’s a pretty amazing thing.
Jule’s short stay in the mitten will always have a dear place in her heart so I designed this frame as a goodbye present and wrote a personal message on the back. Even though I’ve never been to Berlin, part of my heart will also be connected to that city as I continue to track with Jule in the upcoming years.
People always ask Steve and me if we’re going to host again. Since we’ve done it for the past 2 years, we’ve been saying that we were going to take a year off… but when we step away from the everyday and look at the impact we have on these kids and the people they meet it does make you see things differently.
If this is an adventure you would like to experience please don’t hesitate to email me with any concerns, questions or curiosities. Host families come in all sizes and ages. I’d be happy to chat candidly about our experiences with you. To see what students still need homes in your area for the upcoming school year, I encourage you to visit YFU-USA.org
Like to see how I spend my time away from catching fireflies? Then sign up to receive blog posts like these in your email inbox HERE
2013 best of detroit winners!
Because of fantastic firefly fans like you we were voted Best Gift Shop in Detroit by Hour Magazine for the 7th year in a row! Our sister store, Yellow Door Art Market also won Best Place to Buy a Craft for the 3rd year in a row.
To celebrate we invited our team to the Best of Detroit Party. Instead of just sending paper invites, I chose to use some dollar store plastic wine glasses. I enjoy sending odd things through the mail, however the postal team warned me about my latest endeavor. I hate to say they were right as not all of my glasses made it to their destined mailboxes but the ones that did make the trip generated some smiles.
More smiles and silliness ensued at the party. It’s always fun seeing everyone dressed up, sampling tons of tasty food and dancing the night away.
I accumulated so many great shots and clips from the night, I put my new iMovie app to work to create a short video that captured the mood of the evening. Thank you team for everything you do to make catching fireflies and yellow door a wonderful place to work and shop! And thank you Jule (our German exchange student) for turning me on to creating memory videos… you keep me young & inspired :-)
Like to see where we spend our time away from catching fireflies? Then sign up to receive blog posts like these in your email inbox HERE
32 top travel finds
Whether your calendar is filling up with weekend trips up north, road trips to a few states away or you are flying off to some place fantastic… we have a some terrific travel finds for you. Shop all TRAVEL goods HERE.
Planning Your Adventure
1. Don’t wait to go on a trip of a lifetime until you’re too old! $11.99
2. Experiencing other cultures is a great way to expand your horizons (and also can give you a good laugh) $15
3. Discover quirky roadside attractions and scary spots all over the USA with this entertaining guide $19.95
4. Who knew so many mysteries & oddities are right in our own neck of the woods?! $19.95
5. Haven’t decided where to go yet? This best of list will give you some great ideas! $19.99
6. This book could turn your 3 star trip into a 5 star experience with all its super helpful tips & advice $14.95
Preparing to Pack
1. Do you have scary stuff growing in your toothbrush travel case? Keep it simple & clean with this clever toothbrush protector $6.95
2. Keep your jewelry organizied & safe in this useful & pretty travel pouch $15.95
3. Check the back of your hair & spot hiding poppy seeds with this lovely little mirror $3.95
4. Stash your ibuprofen for unexpected headaches in this compact and cute pill box $4.95
5. Need to share a bathroom for a week? Might want to grab a bottle of poo-pourri $9.95
6. Don’t sweat about forgetting something with the use of this helpful ‘pack this’ pad $6.95
Road Trippin’ With The Kids
1. Take a break from the electronics and go old school with this colorful and fun activity book. $12.99
2. Keep the car smelling fresh with a little help from this whimsical air freshener $8.95 (set of 3)
3. Spark memorable conversations that may never have happened without the help of go ask cards $8.95
4. Doodle the drive away in this compact sketch book $9.99
5. Silly stories and an English class refresher in one! A classic way to pass the time $6.99
6. Remember fashion plates? This compact version is perfect for back seat fashionistas $9.95
Flying The Friendly Skies
1. Watch your favorite tv shows or scroll through all your apps with ease using this i-plunge. $7.95
2. A curly girl quote is sure to add some inspiration to your luggage $12.95
3. Be green and pack smart with this zippered tote that fits perfectly under an airline seat. $16.95
4. Fit all your important purse belongings in a pouchee & make your second carry-on count $27.95
5. Document your trip and save your ticket stubs during your adventure $14.95
6. Avoid extra airline charges by weighing your luggage before you head to the terminal $9.95
7. Slip your favorite scent in your carry-on with the help of travelo $14.95
Headed To The Campground
1. Find out fascinating facts about your kids when you spark conversations with chat pack $10.95
2. Keep cool on those hot afternoons with this cute battery powered ice cream fan $8.95
3. Create fabulous family memories during your time together away from normal life $14.95
4. Amplify your favorite tunes with this no power solution $12.95
5. Plan banagrams anytime, anywhere with anyone who can spell $14.95
6. Roast the perfect marshmallow or hotdog using this reeling roaster $21.95
Do you like giving gifts that are outside of the box? We’re happy to share some of our clever gift ideas. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be in the loop & get our latest scoop.
where is summer taking you?
School is officially out so let the summer adventures begin!
We dressed up our ladies in maps, printed a few photos from our instagram feed and threw in some suitcases for our Berkley location summer vacation window.
Some of my favorite places I’ve visited in the last year included a number of festive New Jersey beach towns, the always lovely Northern Michigan, sunny South Haven and sweet summer evening concerts.
Where is this summer taking you?
Like to see the inspiration behind catching fireflies? Then sign up to receive these on-the-road blog posts in your email inbox HERE
creamy crock pot chicken tacos
Everyone needs an easy-peasy dinner recipe that is quick to make & tastes great… and this one fits the bill. You don’t even need to thaw your frozen chicken breasts (which I always forget to do ahead of time) to whip this together. Here’s all you need:
4 frozen chicken breasts, a 16 oz jar of salsa, 1 cup sour cream, flour tortilla shells and desired taco fixings.
Place frozen chicken in a greased slow cooker and pour salsa over chicken. Cover and cook for 8-10 hours on low or 6-8 on high. When cooked thoroughly shred chicken using two forks and mix in the sour cream then serve up!
For more simple recipes that will become a staple in your dinner menu… check out 200 Slow Cooker Creations.
Like delicious recipes that will have your friends and family asking for more? We love sharing our finds. Don’t want miss out on our future features… simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email in box.
Fox 2 Segment 6.12.13
I had a chance to talk to Lee Thomas of Fox 2 Detroit all about our great dad and grad gifts this year.
Find all of these great gift ideas in Graduation and Father’s Day shopping categories.
Like hip gift ideas that will give dad a grin? We love sharing our finds. Don’t want to miss out on our future features… simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email in box.
