a run to remember
One of the many reasons I like hosting exchange students is because they definitely make life more interesting. Their youthful spirit and thirst for adventure is contagious. I had the pleasure of capturing this some of this excitement at The Color Run in Ypsilanti last Saturday.
I played paparazzi for our German daughter, Jule and her Danish friend Therese. It was a rather cool and gray morning but that didn’t curb the enthusiasm of 15,000 happy people jammin’ to catchy dance tunes getting ready to run through explosions of color.
How it works is at each kilometer marker there is a different colored large arch with numerous color puffers waiting to douse you with powdered color.
I met up with Jule & Therese at the last blue arch to capture the spirit of the run. You really can go as crazy as you want with the color.
There are plenty of color puffers that are happy to cover you with their color if you wish.
I must admit, part of me wanted to be more than just the paparazzi and I’m already thinking of who might want to color run with me in the coming year. You can see when the color run is coming to your city HERE. (Registration for summer runs in Windsor & Toledo open May 15 for all you Detroiters)
Think you might have caught the color fever? Watch this magical video & you might need to sign up for your very own run to remember!
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grilled cheese with a french twist
I think the title of this book sums up my feelings about this classic comfort food. It was hard to pick which recipe to try first, but this one won the family vote.
Here’s what you’ll need:
2 tablespoons of butter at room temperature
sourdough bread
brie
fresh chopped fresh thyme
black forest ham
granny smith apple
The combination of the tart crunchy apple, salty ham & creamy brie with a kick of thyme was quite tasty. I added a little side salad and made Jule a happy gal when she returned home hungry from her soccer game.
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our mother’s day picks
There’s just 5 more days until we take time out to really celebrate our moms! Team catching fireflies has been making their gift lists and here a few of their picks…
My mom has created so many great memories for me. Framing one of those great memories will make the perfect gift for her! $37.50
This clock was a great gift for my mom she is just like the style of this clock, practical and whimsical! The perfect folk art piece to liven up any space. Everyone loves a cute and functional gift! $59.95
I absolutely love this magnet. The saying is most definitely true, “Moms make the best memories.” This would be the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. A little something that will bring so many smiles. $10
My mom’s house is already quite full of many lovely things so I like to surprise her with adorable art that can go outside. I know the song birds that visit her garden will be quite thrilled with this new cute and cozy home. $27.95
Most of our scrubbies end up on the edge of the kitchen sink, in a puddle of standing water. Ew! This fun stand from Forked Up Art provides a perfect place for scrubbies that lets them dry quickly. A perfect gift for Mom this year! $27.95
This is easily one of our top selling frames at catching fireflies. The colors are gorgeous and the sentiment is perfect for so many photos. $37.50
My mother and her friends take trips every year up to Traverse City and the Leelanau wineries. These glasses are great for breaking out new bottles of wine at the hotel. Much better than using the plastic hotel cups! I personally appreciate that they are BPA-free. $14.95
This adorable hook hanger would be the perfect idea for a Mother’s Day gift. It can hang keys, jewelry or anything else your heart desires! The message can also light up your moms day or anyone else who looks at it! $29.50
Instead of doing the traditional Mother’s Day gift this year, I thought it would be nice to mix it up and get a gift that is both sweet and silly. For a mom who loves to read, this is a great gift idea! $16.95
I love this sunflower lid – it does exactly what it claims to, adds sunshine to my fridge, and saves my wasting tons of saran wrap!! $14.95
Find a nice picture of you and your sibling, clip it, and you’ve made a great gift for mom! What mother doesn’t love to look upon the glowing faces of her children? This magnet is a great way to display pictures all year long! $10
I love this adorable jewelry pouch that is both stylish and functional. I gave one to my college student daughter and she loves it. It’s great for organizing your favorite jewelry when traveling or for just having them organized in your room. With travels around the corner for me, this one is on my list for Mother’s Day! $15.95
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a playground for flower fairies
When I first saw these whimsical gypsy garden goodies at the gift show this past January I couldn’t wait for spring to come so I could create my own fairy land!
I love the creativity and endless options of containers you can use to create these magical vignettes. You could make something small to go on your front porch or have fun with a larger display on your back deck. And what a fun activity to do with your little ones too!
I’m happy to say we’ve set up sweet fairy land shops at all our locations so you can come pick & choose what goodies you would like in your garden. And since we have a large courtyard at our Ann Arbor location, we transformed an old wheel barrow into a pretty purple fairy world.
Complete with an alyssum river and tree bark sidewalks of course!
What flower fairies wouldn’t want to make this their fanciful home? So what are you waiting for? Start setting up your mini magical world this spring!
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24 Great Gifts For Grandma
We love the saying ‘Grandmas are Moms with Extra Frosting’ so we whipped up some sweet gift ideas that will give your grandma a grin next Sunday.
Grandmas That Have Everything
1. Celebrate all of grandma‘s gems by putting them into print! $21.95 for 8x10 $38.95 for 11×14
2. Help grandma keep all her computer passwords in one pretty place with this organizer $8.95
3. Keep eye glasses, camera lens and phone screens clean using this portable & stylish lens cleaner $9.95
4. Turn a sunny window into a magical rainbow show with a solar rainbow maker $27.95
5. This lovely gurgle pot will give grandma & her grandkids lots of giggles $39.95
6. Give grandma an opportunity to share her story with you in this beautiful journal. Inside are questions to prompt some of the best stories of her life. In the end this book will become a family treasure $11.95
Grandmas With Little Grandkids
1. Let grandma know how much she is loved with this handmade frame (personalization available for $3) $33.50
2. Showcase one of grandma’s favorite memories with this handmade memory magnet $10
3. These clever question cards will prompt family conversations to remember $8.95
4. Grandma can fill this beautiful book with memories that will last a lifetime $19.95
5. Keep grandma’s nails looking fabulous with this hand painted everlasting glass nail file $9.95
6. Sweet and simple… this mug says it all. $14.95
Grandmas Who Like to Garden
1. Neighborhood squirrels will keep grandma entertained as they bungee for corn $14.95
2. Let grandma know how much you enjoy spending time with her with this artful clock $59.95
3. Bring grandma’s favorite buds inside with this sweet handmade message bud vase $23.50
4. Treat grandma’s over worked gardening hands with this yummy smelling all natural lotion $10.95
5. This tiny magnetic bud vase is perfect for fresh picked dandelions $10
6. Feathered friends would love to move in this cute and cozy felt home in your grandma’s backyard. $27.95
Grandmas Who Are Great Cooks
1. Grandma can add a little bling to her serving with these adorned salad servers $24.95
2. This herb flour sack dish towel is pretty and practical. It dries dishes like a dream $9.95
3. Most grandmas have measuring spoons, but we bet they don’t have ones for a smidgen, pinch or dash! $14.95
4. Read recipes with ease with some help from this useful recipe rock $10.95
5. Your grandma will be amazed how she ever survived without these magical silicone lily pad lids $8.95 & up
6. Keep grandma‘s tea nice and hot while it steeps with this silicone mug lid $7.95
Do you like giving gifts that bring BIG grins? 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.
51 fabulous finds for mom
The Mother’s Day countdown is on! Are you ready? We invite you to peruse through a few of our fantastic gift ideas that will make your mom smile.
Moms That Have Everything
1. Give mom a spa experience in her very own bathroom with a four pack of super smelling shower bursts $17.95
2. This magical head tingler is the ticket to instant relaxation after a long day of mom’s duties $7.95
3. Give mom’s jewelry a pretty place to call home with this handmade jewelry holder $49.50
4. Mom will love wrapping her hands around her favorite cup of coffee or tea with this handmade handwarmer mug $21.95
5. Celebrate your family by putting them into print! $21.95 for 8x10 $38.95 for 11×14
6. Keep mom’s nails looking fabulous with this hand painted everlasting glass nail file $9.95
Moms That Are Sentimental
1. Give mom an opportunity to share her story with you in this beautiful journal. Inside are questions to prompt some of the best stories of her life. In the end this book will become a family treasure $11.95
2. Show mom some love and help others with this hand carved river stone heart from Haiti $6.95
3. Capture one of your family’s happy memories in this handmade frame $37.50
4. Thank mom for planting seeds of love laughter and smiles in your life $14.95
5. Mark down memories yet to be made in this brilliant one-line-a-day journal $16.95
6. What mom’s heart wouldn’t melt if she received this heartfelt magnet from her daughter? $5
Moms That Like To Laugh
1. What better way to start the day than with a little caffeinated humor? $14.95
2. Pair this hilarious heat changing mug with a bag of mom’s favorite coffee beans for a big smile $13.95
3. Mom will appreciate your insight when you give her this helpful and humorous magnet $5
4. Are you guilty of making your mom mad? Give her this funny dammit doll to help vent her frustrations $13.95
5. Be thankful that your family photos aren’t as crazy as the ones in this book… or maybe they are? $15
Mom’s With Little Youngsters
1. The perfect journal for mom’s who have kids that keep them laughing with their silly sayings $14.95
2. Mom‘s who like to write lists will love this new fun way to document their kiddos $16.95
3. These clever question cards will prompt family conversations to remember $8.95
4. Showcase one of mom’s favorite memories with this handmade memory magnet $10
5. Let mom know that she is the best ever with this handmade frame (personalization available for $3) $33.50
6. Sweet and simple… this mug says it all. $14.95
Moms That Like To Garden
1. Mom‘s plants will never go thirsty with some help from plant nannies $19.95
2. This handmade picture posy holds mom’s favorite photos on its magnetic stem $45.50
3. Feathered friends would love to move in this cute and cozy felt home in your mom’s backyard. $27.95
4. Bring mom’s favorite buds inside with this sweet handmade message bud vase $23.50
5. This wildflower dish towel is pretty and practical. It dries dishes like a dream $9.95
6. Treat mom’s over worked gardening hands with this yummy smelling all natural lotion $10.95
Moms Who Are Queen of the Kitchen
1. Wouldn’t mom look marvelous in this mushroom apron with a removable wiping towel? $26.95
2. No more soggy sponges that invite bacteria with the help of this handsome helper $27.95
3. This cute glass cutting board celebrates what family dinner is all about. $24.95
4. Mom can dish up your favorite food with this beautiful bamboo spoon that reads ‘made with love’ $8.95
5. Your mom will be amazed how she ever survived without these magical silicone lily pad lids $8.95 & up
Moms Who Like Their Wine Time
1. Collect some of mom’s favorite wine corks and create a cool upcycled trivet $13.95
2. This artful clock proclaims any time of the day is a good time for wine! $59.95
3. Like to cook with wine… and drink it while you do? This measuring wine glass was designed for you! $15.95
4. Mom can take her favorite wine anywhere with worrying about breaking the glass with govino glasses $14.95
5. Keep mom’s wine at the perfect chilled temp with this handy corkcicle $24.95
6. This towel sums up motherhood perfectly… “I thank God for my children every day. Without them I’d never have known how well red wine compliments chicken nuggets” $9.95
Moms Who Are Brand New
1. This magnet celebrates how something so small can remind us how big love is $5
2. Keep mom’s precious ones close to her heart with a personalized name necklace $104+
3. Capture one mom’s favorite moments in this handmade frame (personalization available for $3) $33.50
4. It’s amazing how just one line can trigger memories that last a lifetime $16.95
5. This sentimental book celebrates the never ending love between parent & child $16.99
6. Because every mommy has had some of those days where an adult sippy cup is needed. $19.95
Moms Who Have Furry Children
1. They may be slobbery but dog kisses are just one of the ways our four legged family members show love $8.95
2. This thirsty flour sack towel will dry up any wet mess. $9.95
3. Does your pooch belong in this handmade frame? $36.50
4. These stories of animal friendships will melt any pet lover’s heart $13.95
5. Any dog lover has acquired this special taste over time $14.95
Do you like giving gifts that bring BIG grins? 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.
go do
If I had to pair a soundtrack to my previous post about the simple signs of spring, it would have to be this inspiring melody by Jonsi of Sigur Ros.
A review reads, “Listening to the giddy, fluttering woodwinds that grace album opener “Go Do,” you’d be forgiven for thinking you were listening to the soundtrack of a Disney movie starring cheery, anthropomorphic woodland creatures. An insistent kick drum pounds out the time as Jónsi sings, “You always know that we can do anything.” The first time I heard the phrase belly-flop off his lips, I groaned inwardly: What is this gauzy, pseudo-inspirational twaddle? But the more I digested the record, the more I sensed Jónsi’s excitement about having a blank artistic canvas to work on.” – Jason Killingsworth
For me this is one of those songs that makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger. It makes me want to skip when I’m walking outside under a bright blue sky or sing out loud when driving down the road on a warm breezy day. You can see all the lyrics here, but some of my favorite ones are…
Go sing, too loud
Make your voice break- Sing it out
Go scream, do shout
Make an earthquake…
Go do, you’ll know how to
Just let yourself, fall into landslide
Go do, you’ll know how to
Just let yourself, give into low tide
Go do!
Tie strings to clouds
Make your own lake – Let it flow
Throw seeds to sprout
Make your own break – Let them grow
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earth day giveaway
In celebration of our great planet this upcoming Monday, we’ve put together some green goodies that are fashionable, fun and good for our earth.
This inspiring journal is made from 100% post consumer waste and for every one sold, a school workbook is donated to a child in need. The retro bicycle tote and funny change purse are made with 95% post consumer waste and 1% of all sales is donated to the conservation work of The Nature Conservancy. This earth friendly book is full of tips and recipes to help you go green and save green at home. This fresh smelling and 70% organic lotion makes your skin super soft with it’s natural and non-drying properties. ($60.75 value)
Just enter below & we’ll select the lucky firefly fan’s name on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 and the winner will be listed on this post.
Have fun, good luck and thanks for playing!
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the best thing about our towns
We are excited to be partnering with Michigan artist, Katie Doucette this year. She makes these sweet subway signs that celebrate our state.
We are going to be carrying this 8×10 Michigan themed sign soon and she also agreed to do similar styled ones for our store cities, Ann Arbor, Berkley, Rochester and also Detroit. But we need your help! If you live in any of these cities or have some serious Detroit pride, we’d like to hear what wording you’d like to see on our custom signs.
We invite you to comment below. Just list the city (Ann Arbor, Berkley, Rochester or Detroit) and the the words you feel that represent the city best. (comments will appear after approval)
Thanks for being a part of creating this art!
a fun time at festifools
Steve & I made our way down to Ann Arbor Sunday afternoon to experience the art-full parade of puppets make their way down Main Street.
Festifools brings students and community volunteers together to create unique public art that is free and accessible to everyone. Specifically, they make huge-mongous papier-mâché puppets and march them around in early April.
The creativity was quite impressive and the environment oh-so-whimsical.
Not surprising that mother earth and happy hippie guy made an appearance :-)
This pretty purple dragon was one of my favs… along with Mr. VanGough.
Simply a fabulous way to spend the first Sunday afternoon in April. Mark it on your calendars for 2014!
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