our dad’s day picks
Curious what gifts are the tops according to our team? Here are a few goodies they’ve had their eye.
Is your Dad a loyal follower of the men of ‘Duck Dynasty’? If so, he will love this old fashioned insulated mason jar mug. Holds 20 oz of his favorite beverage. Whether he chooses Sy’s Iced Tea, a soft drink, or a classic beer, it is sure to stay cold for hours in this retro mug! $12.95
If you have a movie buff dad like I do, this is a great idea for Father’s Day. I love that it has movies from all different genres and decades and I love the clever pictures used to describe them. I know my dad will love this for sure. $14.95
If anyone’s dad is anything like mine, they would love this beer bottle lime platter! It is the perfect gift for any beer loving dad. You can use the bottle and little lime knife to cut up some limes or hang the bottle on the wall as an awesome decoration. This is on my list for this Father’s Day! $14.50
My brother insists when he buys a minivan, he’ll decorate it with Misfits and Black Flag stickers. After 3 kids (soon to be 4), he’s still rockin’! This is the perfect tool for a guy who refuses to grow boring and insist on being the cool dad. $21.95
I bought this book for my father and he loved it! Any dad who loves to have all the answers will enjoy reading this book and filling his brain with even more silly information! $13.95
This is the perfect gift for all of those wine lovers. The wine aerator is something that they will continue to use and love. I plan on giving this to my dad for part of his Father’s Day gift. $11.95
My dad is a super practical guy so whenever you ask him what he wants… he says,”socks & underwear” I refuse to buy him these items, but do try to surprise him with something he’ll like and can use. This year it’s a PocketMonkey! He’ll be the MacGyver of the group with this snazzy pocket tool. $12.95
The perfect staple for any guys man cave! I bought this plaque customized– with my family’s last name on it and I plan on giving it to my dad for father’s day! Rustic and creative! Also 100% recycled and personalize-able, who could ask for more? $52.95 ($10 extra for personalization)
My dad is possibly one of the most forgetful individuals. Maybe a mental note pad will help? He’s sure to get a laugh from it! $4.00
Considering my dad could eat bacon at every setting, this is the perfect way for him to do it. Now he can make sure every sandwich, bagel and waffle has his favorite taste. $6.95
I love this guy – he makes opening a beer so much fun :) pretty heavy duty as well, he’ll be happy to nom nom nom his way through lots of bottles! $11.95
This is such a clever gift for that golfer that always has golf on his mind! Sip a little coffee, sink a few putts while relaxing with that cup of java. Perfect for that hard to buy man in your life that just can’t get golf off his mind! $12.95
Most of our dads have a great sense of humor, and a love for hot sauce. My dad found the out-house packaging hilarious! It protects the bottle, and gives the hot sauce that extra kick of fun! $14.95
Do you like seeing what team catching fireflies is loving? We’re happy to share some of our favorite finds. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be in the loop & get our latest scoop.
gasoline for your summer road trip
Here is another breezy (& very addictive I might add) song to add to your summer playlist.
A review reads, “Australian alternative six-piece Alpine—fronted by the ethereal dual vocals of Phoebe Baker and Lou James—decided to throw everything but the musical kitchen sink into their debut album and, surprisingly, it works. Light harmonies? Check. Disco beats? Check. Quiet reflective songs? Of course. Killer dance songs begging to be remixed? They’ve got them! Within the 12 tracks that make up A Is For Alpine, the sextet (which also includes Christian O’Brien, Ryan Lamb, Tim Royall and Phil Tucker) oscillates their sound smoothly between delicate guitar-driven dream pop and synth-laden electronic soundscapes featuring an undeniable dance beat” -Bailey Pennick
Like discovering sunny tunes that make you want to dance? Simply subscribe to this blog and we’ll email you our latest and greatest music finds.
dad’s day gift guide
Dad’s big day is just over a week away! Whether he likes an extra cold brew, rocks the grill or is a Mr. Fix it, we’ve got ya covered.Here are a few finds to make your gift giving a breeze. Shop ALL DAD’S DAY goodies HERE
Dads That Have Everything
1. Give your backyard squirrels a run for their money with this hilarious bungee feeder $14.95
2. No dad’s wallet should be without the amazing pocket monkey tool. This credit card sized creature can perform 12 amazing feats that will make any guy look like a hero in a time of need. $12.95
3. Never drop another screw or nail again when you wear this handy magwear wristband $18.95
4. Create a custom license plate sign for dad’s office, man cave or garage $52.95 – $62.95
5. Give your dad the opportunity to share his story with you in this handsome journal. Inside are questions to prompt some of the best stories of his life. Once filled out, it truly becomes a family keepsake $11.95
6. If your pop’s gotta an itchy back, this extendable back scratcher will become a beloved tool quick $7.95
7. Keep dad’s bottled beer icy cold to the last drop by using the magnificent chillsner $29.95 set of two
8. Never forget a password again with the help of this handy dandy logbook $7.95
Dads Who Like To Grill
1. Let dad brand his signature into his juice steaks before serving them up with this personalized branding iron. $21.95
2. This firewire makes grilling kabobs a cinch! $11.95 set of two
3. If your dad likes to rock and grill… this bbq fork was designed just for him $21.95
4. With just a handful of basic ingredients your dad and wow his wife and kids with tasty dinners using this book $15.99
5. Dad can flip his burgers in style while rockin’ to his favorite tunes $21.95
6. Never be left with an empty tank when you’re ready to cook dinner again with this helpful tank gauge $3.95
Dads Who Have Little Youngsters
1. Celebrate all the wonderful things daddy does with this sweet book. $6.99
2. Make your thumb wars official with this great arena $7.95
3. Spark memorable conversations that may never have happened without the help of go ask cards $8.95
4. This saying is so simple, yet true. Remind dad with every cup of coffee how much you love him $14.95
5. Skip the ‘Best Dad Ever’ trophy and surprise him with this handmade frame filled with a special photo instead. $33.50 (personalization available for additional $3)
6. Let dad know he rocks with this sentimental handmade photo magnet $10
Dads Who Like a Good Read
1. If your dad thinks beer is awesome, you might need to buy him a six pack & add this book to his library $15.95
2. Slip one of your favorite family photos in this book for a good laugh $15
3. Maybe after your Father’s Day BBQ you can challenge dad to the man test $12.99
4. If your dad is the best give him the best! (or at least let him know where he can find it) $19.99
5. Throw a couple sporting event tickets in this book for a memorable & meaningful gift $12.95
6. Does your dad need some fresh one liners? Keep him current with this humorous read $9.95
Dads Who LOVE Bacon
1. Spice up your spaghetti, popcorn, vegetables and more with tasty bacon salt $4.95
2. This book belongs in every bacon lovers library $14.95
3. Bacon floss… for when you still want to taste bacon after you brush your teeth $4.95
4. How do you get bacon stuck in your teeth? By using bacon toothpicks of course! $2.95
5. When plain ol’ mayonnaise just won’t do… you need Baconnaise $6.95
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.
berkley art bash wish list
Tis’ the time of year where talented artists fill four blocks of 12 Mile in downtown Berkley for the 12th Annual Berkley Art Bash. Since our first catching fireflies shop is located in the middle of it all and it is a Chamber of Commerce sponsored event, I’ve had the pleasure of directing this show for the past nine years. It’s hard to resist all the amazing goodies that will be for sale this Saturday so I’ve been doing a little pre-shopping.
So if anyone is looking to surprise me with a gift I will love (huhm~humh…Steve McCrumb) here is my wish list :-)
I’ve admired Courtney Fischer’s jewelry for a while and these earrings are calling my name.
I actually purchased one of Betty Floored’s adorable owls for our German daughter Tessa last year and secretly hoped she left it here… but it made the flight along with Tessa back to Waldshut.
The more I see this Stitch 248 bag in our Berkley Art Bash ads, the more I want it. Love the coloring, pattern & style.
I can never get enough of Cellar Door Soap and who couldn’t use a bit more moxie?
I am all about cute headbands and wear them most days in the summer… and bonus ~ this mod design from Planet Pinup is also reversible!
I also like wearing a stack of bracelets once it’s short sleeve season and this Daisy Chains bracelet would look mighty nice with my mix.
I wouldn’t call myself a huge mustache nut, however these silly animal buttons from Barrel of Monkeys are pretty stinkin’ cute!
Love this sweet and simple sentiment from Karla’s Place.
Chicalookate has LOADS of fantastic magnet sayings but this is one of my favorites. A good reminder to see everyday.
Creative Customology is a new comer to the Bash this year and I really like her posy necklaces.
This pretty peacock print from Sloe Gin Fizz has also been calling my name ever since I put her in the Art Bash advertisements.
I’m a bit of a scarf hound and think this gorgeous green silk scarf from Pink Bunny Batiks needs to make a home in my closet.
Aren’t these the cutest note cards from Basement Art Creations?
So now that I’ve listed 13 of MY wants… I think Gus would be a happy hound if I brought home some homemade treats from Doggy Deli.
He would also look handsome in this spiffy summer collar from Toothy Toys.
And I guess Steve should get a little something too… since he is the muscle behind helping us pull off this busy annual event. He likes this slick tee design from Detroit GT.
So that’s my list. I invite you to peruse through our 115 artists to make yours or better yet, come on out and see all these fantastic goods in person this Saturday from 10-6. And did I mention catching fireflies’ annual GIANT SIDEWALK SALE will also be going on all day? There are tons of great deals to be had at delirious discounts! Visit BerkleyArtBash.com for more info.
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20 great gifts for grads
How do you celebrate 12 years of tests, friends, papers, school clubs, homework, field trips, school sports and more? A card and some cash will do but if you want to make it a bit more personal, consider throwing in an inspiring or humorous find that the graduate will remember. Below are our top 20 gift ideas for grads or you can shop all Grad Gifts HERE.
1. Start the next exciting season of life by making a wish. This colorful ribbon bracelet reads, “A dream is a wish your heart makes” and when it wears off your wish comes true $3.95 (also comes in pink)
2. This inspiring book of quotes is a great to give to a graduate in lieu of a traditional card $5.95
3. Celebrate your graduating year by putting it into a print $21.95 for 8×10 or $38.95 for 11×14
4. It doesn’t hurt to get a head start on sounding smart! $5.99
5. Take time to smell the flowers and celebrate the success of graduation with this handcrafted inspiring bud vase $23.50
6. If you gotta grad going to MSU or UofM send them off with strong coffee and school mug $15.95
7. This timeless advice from Curly Girl belongs on every dorm refrigerator. $5
8. Send the grad off with this Irish Blessing, “May the dreams you hold dearest always come true and the kindness you spread keep returning to you” $33.50
9. Gotta graduate that thinks they are a genius? This book was written for them! $15
10. Capture the memories that will last a lifetime in this hand crafted frame $33.50 (can also be personalized for $3)
11. Enhance the graduate’s confidence, self esteem, energy, ambition and drive with this carnelian necklace $23.95
12. When it comes to studying for an exam or writing a paper who couldn’t use a little help? Work out those brain cells and hands with this thinking putty $11.95
13. Keep your toothbrush cute and clean when toting it to & from the dorm bathroom $6.95
14. Sharing a bathroom with strangers can be stressful. Keep things discrete and smelling sweet with the help of poo-pourri $9.95
15. If creativity counts these hilarious exam answers would get an A! $9.95
16. Keep your far-away friends close by with this hand crafted memory magnet that reads, “Friends are the sunshine in life” $10
17. Doesn’t a getting a diploma for 12 years of school deserve GIANT smarties? $1.50
18. Heading into the unknown world of dorm life next year? Here’s summer read to get you ready $12.95
19. These sweet star studs will remind you to keep reaching for the stars $13.95
20. Get ready to sparkle and shine with this inspiring mini votive candle that reads, “Just wait until you see what is possible when you shine your little light on the world” $5.95
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.
summer vacation photo giveaway
Memorial Day is behind us and June is right around the corner which means summer vacation will be here before we know it!
This means it’s time to change up our display windows at our Berkley shop. So after perusing pinterest for some inspiration I have decided to go with a travel theme and would love to feature our firefly fan’s favorite summer vacation spots.
Want your family photo to be in our display? Just email your image to: service@catchingfireflies.com with the subject title SUMMER VACATION along with where it was taken. You could also share why you loved vacationing there if you wish.
As a thank you for sharing your pics, all photos will be entered to win one of our Peace Love & Sunshine frames or memory magnets. Stay tuned to see your photos in our display, on our blog and on facebook. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to visit someplace new this summer?
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22 terrific gifts for top teachers
Does your child’s teacher deserve bonus points for working with your little angel for the past 9 months? Is the support staff at your school out of this world? Is there a special someone that made your child’s school year unforgettable? Show how much you appreciate them with a little something that says thank you.
1. This handmade bud vase celebrates the art of teaching and is the perfect place to show off pretty posies $23.50
2. Stubborn staples get eaten for lunch when this alligator staple remover pays a visit $8.95
3. Let your teacher know how much you loved being in their class with a hand carved riverstone from Haiti $6.95
4. This handmade mug is meant to hug and keep your hands warm during chilly days $21.95
5. Fill your home with the smell of summer in minutes by lighting this lovely little soy candle $9.95 (also available in other scents)
6. Thank your teacher for helping you bloom into a 4 star student with this fun flower pen $5.95
7. This necklace will remind your teacher of the important seeds she is planting all year long $14.95
8. Let your teacher know you will miss her smile with this cute & useful pocket mirror $3.95
9. Your teacher can unwind with this amazing smelling shower burst $4.25
10. This little wisdom says it all, “What the heart gives away is never gone. It is kept in the heart of others.” $33.50
11. Moisturizing in a must with all the hand-washing that takes place in school and this lotion is one of the best $5.95
12. Can’t fit all the things you’re thankful for in a card? This sweet and thoughtful book takes care of that for you $9.99
13. Thank your teacher for encouraging you to explore, discover, create and dream with this pewter bracelet $15.95
14. Does your child require the teacher to fuel up before class begins? $13.95
15. Bake a batch of your most famous cookies and include this cute spoon and recipe too! $9.95
16. Turn a boring tape dispenser into a spiffy snail $16.50
17. Thank your teacher for inspiring you to reach for the stars with these earrings $13.95
18. Clip your favorite photo from the school year to this handmade memory magnet $10
19. Let your teacher know how happy you were in her class with this seed of happiness $2
20. Flowers picked from recess would look lovely in this handmade magnetic bud vase $10
21. Your teacher can keep her drinks cool in this clever insulated mason jar mug $12.95
22. Thank your teacher for all she did to help you grow & change with these cute butterfly paper clips $4.95
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.
you belong here
I listened to an interview with Leagues recently on the Relevant Podcast and loved this tune as soon as I heard it. Just take a listen… you’ll be singing along too.
A review reads, “Described as “fresh” and “unjaded”, these three bring a happiness that represents not innocence, but a decision to just enjoy life even in its most complicated moments. The music of Leagues describes love and laughter, seriousness and nothingness, and comes out feeling full with everything. It’s irresistible because it’s real and it’s lively.” ~ Elizabeth Coscia
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crazy for lemon cream cake
Steve & I had the pleasure of having both our parents visit us for Mother’s day again this year. This gave me a reason to play around with creating cute jar desserts for all of us to enjoy. Last years mini no-bake cheesecakes were quite the hit, so I scoured high & low to find a pick that could compete. The choice ~ lemon cream cake.
The original recipe called for creating this cake in a 10″ pan and cutting it in half to spread the lemon cream mixture between the two cakes. I’m fairly certain if I tried this feat the cake would not turn out so pretty so I decided to break out my mason jars and create 8 individual cakes instead.
Here’s what you need:
| 1 pkg | White Cake Mix, plus ingredients to prepare |
| 1 pkg | Lemon Cake Mix |
| ½ cup | Sour Cream |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla Extract |
| 1 | Lemon, juiced + Zest from 1/2 the lemon |
| 1 cup | Whipping Cream |
| 8 oz | Mascarpone Cheese |
| 1 cup | Powdered Sugar |
| 4 Tbsp | Room Temp Real Butter |
Prepare the white cake mix as the box states and add the sour cream and vanilla. Spray eight 8 oz wide mouth mason jars with a non-stick cooking spray and pour batter inside. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
Cut in the cake to create a space for the cream and remove top. Cut off excess cake to create a flat cake top. (These extra pieces are great for snacking and dipping in the magnificent cream you’ll be mixing up next!)
Beat the whipping cream, Mascarpone cheese, lemon juice, zest and powdered sugar until creamy and stiff. (caution: splatter alert) Also in case you were wondering… Mascarpone cheese is a fancy Italian cream cheese you can find in the specialty cheese section at most grocers.
Taste this mixture and you’ll want to dip anything and everything you can find in it. I think this alone would make a fabulous fruit dip!
Fill the center of your cakes with this cream and place the top cake back on. Then add a bit more of the cream for the frosting. This next step I feel is optional but it does give it that extra punch of lemon taste.
Mix 1/4 of the lemon cake mix with 4 tablespoons of room temperature butter and sprinkle on top.
Once assembled I kept these in the fridge for storage & took them out an hour or so before serving.
I’m happy to say they were a hit with the moms and the dads too! This is definitely a great light dessert (in taste… not in calories :-) that is perfect for a spring or summer party.
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metro parent feature – may 2013
Catching Fireflies Unique Gift Boutique in Southeast Michigan
This eclectic shop has locations in Ann Arbor, Berkley and Rochester. Visit to find special family presents from a wide array of whimsical creations.
Looking for something out-of-the-ordinary, but not sure what exactly that may be? Buzz into Catching Fireflies – a neat indie boutique that now has a downtown Ann Arbor location to complement its two Oakland County stores.
Owners April and Steve McCrumb invite you to peruse their plentiful collection of whimsical, often handmade, wonders, for kids (from babies to teens), teachers, grandparents – and you, too!
A welcoming scene
Describing herself as “the creative half” and her husband, Steve, as “the business half,” April and her staff comb gift shows to unearth the creations suited to her particular brand of whimsy.
Bathtub teas, bacon-flavored toothpicks, cupcake go-go purses and floral jewelry pouches are just a few examples.
“I feel really grateful to be doing this for a living,” April says.
Her customers inspire her, as well. She enjoys seeing a face light up when someone finds the perfect gift. There are many to chose from, too, in categories such as trinkets and treasures, wine lovers, Michigan goods, kitchen, office, travel, wedding and jewelry – to name a few.
Spreading their wings
No stranger to the community, April began selling her handmade photo frames at The Sunday Artisan Market in Ann Arbor while she attended Eastern Michigan University.
“I’ve always loved the area,” she says, and had been keeping her eye on the Ann Arbor building – which is nestled near Kerrytown and Zingerman’s Delicatessen – for some time, feeling it would be a good fit for the store.
The third in a growing chain of stores, the latest Catching Fireflies opened in February of 2013, with an official grand opening in March. Its original Berkley location opened in 2000, and it has a Rochester nook, too.
Products are also available online. See something you like? You can have it shipped to the store and pick it up from there.
