40+ Hip Gifts For Hostesses, Co-Workers, Teachers & More

Looking for a way to thank those who make your life a little sweeter throughout the year?

Like… your hair stylist that makes you look like a million bucks or a neighbor that checks in on your dog when you have long work days…  your babysitter who will come watch your kiddos at a moment’s notice, that teacher who took the extra time with your child to help him succeed… we could go on.  We’re all pretty lucky to have so many folks in our life who make days brighter!  Here’s a few goodies that celebrate those moments.

   Just Want To Say Thanks
      

     

1. What better way to celebrate warm hearts than with a giant cup of snowman soup?  $9.95

2.  Take a little happiness with you wherever you go with these sweet sterling dipped bird earrings.  $13.95

3.  Celebrate the small things by filling this adorable jar with candy, notes of appreciation or a gift card.  $11.95

4. Let them know… “What the heart gives away is never gone.  It is kept in the hearts of others.” with this sentimental handcrafted quote collage.  $33.50

5.  This handmade memory magnet has another great saying that is so true… “The heart that gives, gathers” $10

6.  Want to show appreciation to someone who has a big heart?  Give them this beautiful hand carved river stone created by artisans in Haiti.  $6.95

7.  Let them know they are part of making this world a better, brighter place with this uplifting book filled with quotes to inspire. $14.50

 

    For TerrificTeachers

1. This handy alligator is hungry for staples and will remove them in one bite.  $8.95

2.  With all the hand washing and sanitizing that goes on during the winter months teacher’s hands will be thirsty for this subtle citrus smelling, all natural hand cream. $10.95  (also comes in travel size $5.95)

3.  Cover your classroom windows with snowflakes for every season with some help from this crafty book. $9.99

4.  Thank your teacher for planting seeds of possibility with this handcrafted memory magnet. $10

5.  Monkey bread always makes a marvelous holiday treat. $12.95

6.   This Christmas pastries flour sack towel makes a pretty & practical gift.  It would be even more sweet if you pair it with a plate of homemade treats $9.95

7.  Leave a note of appreciation on this handmade posy post-it holder for a memorable thank you gift $23.50

 

   Your Awesome Office Mates

1. This playful putty could help bring forth brilliant ideas from your co-worker’s brain storming sessions. (maybe you should grab a can for you too) $11.95

2.  Keep track of the upcoming year with this super cute Curly Girl mini calendar. $7.99

3.  Your co-worker’s screen would stay squeaky clean with the help of this doggy screen cleaner. Its chamois tummy cleans and reduces static on your screens and monitors-always leaving a zesty hint of lemon in the air.  $11.95

4.  This humorous sticky note pad will bring a big grin to your co-worker’s face and definitely lighten the mood when their desk is overflowing with papers. $4

5.  Who doesn’t need a sugar fix now and then?  Fill this giant glass pill container with your favorite sweets to get you through the work day.  $25.95

6. These sweet smelling hi-liters will make reviewing reports a bit more pleasant. $5.95

7.  Surprise a bunch of your co-workers by sneaking silly eyes onto their boring office accessories with these emergency googly eyes. $8.95

 

    Secret Santa Surprises under $5

1. Keep your lips moist & flavorful with this yummy chocolate chip cookie flavored lip balm.  $2.95

2.  Who couldn’t use a little seed of happiness to brighten their day?  $2

3.  Doesn’t this hilarious magnet belong on your sarcastic friends fridge?  $5

4.  Maybe these tissues are right!? Could it be that’s why you sneeze all the time at work? $2

5.  Keep your teeth clean while enjoying the taste of your favorite meat treat with these kitschy toothpicks $2.95

6.  Everyone needs a little pick-me-up when a cold comes to visit & this shower burst is the perfect prescription.  $4.25

7.  Time travel back to the good ole days of fruit stripe gum.  It may not hold its flavor like today’s gums, but those first few minutes are juicilicious! $1.50

8.  How do you show your holiday spirit?  We think this jingle ring makes the perfect December accessory. $3.95

   For The Happening Hostess

1. Turn any empty wine bottle into an instant candle holder with one of these clever wine cork candles.  $9.95

2.  Everybody needs a little help from Santa and a pomegranate martini won’t hurt either :-)  $8.95

3.  Who couldn’t use a little extra glamour in the kitchen?  This oven glove is perfect for pulling pretty cookies out of the oven.  $15.95

4.  This air tight sunflower silicone lid replaces messy plastic wrap & keeps things covered from the freezer to the oven.  $8.95

5.  Spruce up your hostess’ spreader collection by adding these beautiful beaded ones to the mix.  $17.95

6.  Chill your wine to the perfect temperature with this pretty and practical corkcicle.  $24.95

7.  Spice up the typical party conversations with this box filled with 135 questions to spark interesting discussions. $25

 

    Books… A Great Go-to–Gift For Almost Anyone

1. Celebrate the extraordinary everyday with this beautiful book filled with inspiring quotes $14.50

2.  Tune up on your trivial knowledge about everyday objects with this interesting read.  $12.95

3.  This heartwarming book is full of terrific tales of animals finding friendships in the most unique circumstances. $13.95

4.  Not many cartoon friends can endure the test of time quite like the Peanuts.  $12.95

5.  This book is all about the little things (that we sometimes overlook) that make life simply awesome.  $15

6.  Well…. don’t they?  Celebrate the wisdom & humor of your fellow sistas with this cheeky read.  $16.95

7.  Who couldn’t use a few fancy words now & then.  You’ll sound super smart after paging through this handy book.  $5.99

8.  We all have a few of these hidden away in our photo albums.  Enjoy the perusing through other family mishaps in this entertaining book.  $15

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.

over 30 clever gifts for teens, toddlers & inbetween

It’s time to think about the kids on your gift list.  If it pains you to just give gift cards & tech stuff to teens or you like to think outside of the toy isle, here are a few of our simple suggestions.

   For Teen Gals
      

1. Magically sharpen your pencils with some help help from this handy unicorn.  $6.95

2.  Dress up your nails with a little extra sparkle with this blinged out nail kit.  $5.95

3.  What mood are you in?  Find out when you slip one of these classic rings on your finger.  $4.00

4. Want to add a little color to your locks but don’t want a long term commitment?  Hair chalk was made just for you!  $14.95

5.  Whoooos sick and tired of plain jane contact lens cases?  This cute owl is just waiting to make friends with your second set of eyes.  $5.95

6.  Gotta gal who’s gonna change the world… and do it in style?  This cute votive candle celebrates such a spirit.  $5.95

7.  Add splashes of color to your teen’s room by adding this magical rainbow maker.  When the sun hits the small solar panel, the crystal begins to rotate creating little bursts of color that dance on your wall.  $27.95

    For Teen Guys

1. Turn soda, juice, chocolate milk & more into slush!  This magical mug has been around since the 70’s & continues to be popular will all ages.  $9.95

2.  Calling all bacon fans.  Why wait until breakfast to indulge in the tempting taste of bacon?  Start your day with a meat-tasting smile when you use this funny floss. $4.95

3.  Turn cash into flying money with this creative origami airplane book.  $5.95

4.  Suction this silly mini plunger to the backside of any phone for a clever stand.  $7.95

5.  Not all teens are smart, but some do get an A+ in creativity when it comes to silly test answers.  Big grins are guaranteed from your teen guy with this hilarious book. $9.95

6.   Make this magical metal infused putty dance with the giant magnet that is included in the tin.  A great desk toy to get those brain cells stimulated.  $15.95

   For The Girls

1. Young girls will have a blast drawing tattoos on themselves & friends alike.  A wonderful gift for a artsy girl who likes to have slumber party. $16.95

2.  A locked diary is a classic girl’s gift.  Every gal needs a special place to record what’s on their mind, who they have a crush on or big dreams they want to achieve. $10.95

3.  Wear your thoughts & dreams on your wrist with these great message bracelet kits that you can personalize to say whatever you want whenever you want. $13.95

4. Bake up some sweet cupcakes & look super cute in this adorable apron set. $24.95

5.  Turn small drawings into pretty pendants & charms with this cool shrinking craft kit.  $8.95

6.  Spark your little girl’s imagination with this pocket doodle book.  It’s filled with pages of prompts for her to draw whatever her imagination can dream up.  $9.95

    For The Boys

1. Play this addictive word game with almost anyone, anywhere, anytime.  A great addition to any game closet.  $14.95    

2.  This wild book makes a great gift for boys who like to experiment with science.  All the activities require typical household items, a little curiosity & lots of fun.  $12.95

3.  There’s just something about an old school rubber band shooter that never goes out of style.  $12.50

4.  Are you a mustache maniac?  Well then, this mustache topper belongs on your pencil pronto! $3.95

5.  Turn this blob of putty into any crazy creature you can sculpt.  The kit comes with two eyes… you just need to add your imagination.  $12.95 (also comes in green)

6.  Mad libs… that classic word game that always garners a giggle or two.  Make your English teacher proud & hear some ridiculous stories when you play this timeless game.  $6.99

   For The Toddlers

1.  Get ready to dance-dance-dance with the boogie monster.  He’ll teach you how to groove, build self confidence & get moving.  $17.95 for book & $15.95 for boogie feet

2.  Tote all your essentials to grandmas in this super duper sweet puppy dog bag.  $33.95  (also comes in tippy toad ballerina style)

3.  Every little girl has to have a first purse and we think this cupcake one is pretty sweet. $18.95 (and there even is a matching wallet!)

4.  Make eating cereal a real adventure with this up periscope bowl. $8.95.

5.  This shadow book will bring bedtime stories to life.  Simply shine a flashlight through the pages & scenes will magically project on the bedroom wall.  Makes a unique gift for toddlers that like to be read to before bed. $15.99

6.  Make meal time a little more fun by serving up lunch on this hilarious food face plate. $13.95 (also available in girl style)

   For The Babies

1. Shake rattle & work-out with this fantasticly funny baby dumbbell rattle $9.95

2.  Babies will love the crinkle pages of soft, textured tails that fill this fun book. $15.95

3.  Your toddler will enjoy exploring all kinds of different textures as you page through this durable book looking for your puppy.  $7.99

4.  Make this little jungle come to life by moving this monkey finger puppet as you flip through the pages  of this adorable board book.  $8.99

5.  This little lamb snuggle blanket is the perfect size for babies on the go.  Since it has a satin & soft side, it often becomes a treasured security blanket.  $7.95  (also comes in bunny & dog)

6.  Pacifiers aren’t the prettiest things, so why not have a little fun with them?  It would be hard NOT to smile at a baby if they were sporting one of these hilarious mustache pacifiers. $11.95

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.

…and then there were three

We’re happy to announce that we’ll be growing our catching fireflies family in 2013.  Our business model has always been to reinvest back into our company when we accumulate additional funds and because of your loyal support over the years we’re thrilled to be opening a location where our story originally began.

Since attending Eastern Michigan in the mid nineties, I fell in love with Ypsi’s sister city, Ann Arbor.  I worked and played there regularly during my college years and Steve & I still visit often.  So when we saw the space sandwiched between Kerrytown and Zingerman’s Delicatessen for lease we had to inquire.

There was no question the building definitely fit our quirky personality and we can’t wait to paint it our favorite colors and add our punchy purple awnings.  The natural light from all the windows is simply amazing.  Bright benches and sparkly garden stakes will fill our adorable courtyard come spring too!

I’d also like to introduce Katie, the smiling face of our new shop!  We feel truly blessed she came our way and believe she is the perfect personality to lead this latest location.  I’ve said it before and I will again… our firefly team members are the ones behind our shine.  Without their spark we would be just another gift shop on the block.

This store will be the largest of our three locations and is currently divided into two shopping areas.  With the help of  Willis Construction we’ll be transforming the space to open it up and make it our own in the upcoming months.

We’re looking forward to having a more spacious layout to display goods, but can’t promise we won’t fill it to the brim like our other locations ;-)  Our plans are to have a bigger representation of Michigan made goods since we have a great relationship with so many talented artists in our area.

Thanks for sharing in our excitement and we’ll keep you posted on the progress through the blog and facebook.

over 50 fabulous gift ideas for gals

Whether you’re shopping for your mom, sister, girlfriend or grandma, we’ve got the goods that will bring bright smiles.

        
The Gal Who Has Everything
      

1.  Light up your room with the romantic glow of fireflies with this magical dream lights jar.  $36.95

2.  Celebrate your family unit by putting them in print.  $21.95 for 8×10 & $38.95 for 11×14

3.  Start conversations that you will remember with great prompts from table topics. $25.00

4.  Create an airtight seal that can go from the freezer to the stove to the table.  These magical silicone lids are a must have accessory for any kitchen.  Starting at $8.95 (comes in a variety of sizes & styles)

5.  This gurgle pot will bring big grins to all who hear it’s merry sound.  Kids and adults alike are amused by thispretty pitcher’s silly sound. $39.95 (available in many colors)

6.  Keep your fingers toasty in these cute ruffled gloves while you text, surf and take photos with your touch screen phone or tablet.  $13.95

The Gal Who Likes To Laugh

1.  We think this funny bar towel speaks for itself, “The super girl cape is in the laundry.  You’ll just have to take my word for it.”  $9.95

2.  Remember the newlywed game?  This is all that fun in a quiz book.  A great way to get a laugh and get a little closer with your mate.  $5.95

3. This magic potion is funny, practical and makes your bathroom smell sweet.  All this for only $9.95

4.  I don’t think they could make a better ‘bathroom book‘… plus you may even learn a thing or two! $9.95

5.  Everybody has ‘those days’.  Now you can take your frustrations out on this highly therapeutic dammit doll.  $13.95

6.   Who hasn’t had one of these moments?  Find even more funny magnets here.  $5.00

7.  Are you guilty of one of these photographs?  No worries, you are not alone.  $15.00

The Gal Who Likes Wine

1.  Repurpose your favorite wine corks by turning them into a trivet with this handy kit.  $13.95

2.  I think we all can agree this whimsical clock confirms that any time is wine time $59.95

3.  This extra large wine glass holds an entire bottle of your favorite wine!  Makes a funny wine lovers gift & is great for a girls night in, remedy for a crazy stressful day or even a place to collect change. $13.95

4. There comes a time in the day that no matter what the question… the answer is wine.”  This  cheeky bar towel says it all doesn’t it? $9.95

5.  Chill your wine to the perfect temperature with this pretty and practical corkcicle.  $24.95

6.  This is a toast to celebrate and remember!  That’s why we’re happy it’s available in this cute magnet $5.00

The Gal Who Likes to be Organized

1. Your earrings, bracelets and necklaces will be easy find & look lovely on this handcrafted jewelry holder $49.50

2.  And if you’re on the go, you can throw your gems in this portable pocket jewelry holder.  $15.95

3.  Life flies by pretty fast.  Treasure each day by just writing down one sentence.  You may be surprised how many memories it may trigger a few years from now.  $16.95

4.  Keep all your purse essentials in their place with this handy pouchee.  It also makes changes purses a breeze. $27.95

5.  Never be left scratching your head trying to remember all your user names & password with this helpful book. $7.95

6.  Store memories of good times in this clever ticket stub diary. $15.99

The Queen of the Kitchen

1. Most gals have measuring spoons, but do they have ones for recipes that call for a pinch, smidgen or dash?  These charming spoons will do just that.  $14.95

2.  If you treasure your time in the kitchen, this whimsical mixer clock was made just for you.  $59.95

3. Give your old pot holders a rest & slip one of these fancy gloves on instead.  Who couldn’t use a little glamor in the kitchen?  $15.95

4.  No need to worry about soggy sponges collecting bacteria when mom has this handy fella helping her out.  Each utensil sculpture is hand crafted in the USA and is guaranteed to get grins from family & friends alike.  $27.95 (other styles also available)

5.  If your grandma is always printing or clipping out the latest & greatest recipe, she’ll really appreciate this gorgeous recipe keeper. The beautiful floral folders make organizing a large variety of recipes a cinch. $24.95

6.  We believe this motto belongs in every kitchen and even better yet… on a pretty spatula.  $9.95

The Gal Who Likes to be Pampered

1. Plan a little getaway in your bathtub with one of our fantasy chill pills.  These pretties smell fantastic & are large enough to be used for two baths.  $6.95 (other scents also available)

2.  This head massager may look silly, but it will give you chills up & down his back like he never felt before $7.95

3.  Turn your bathroom into an aromatherapy spa with the help from one of these shower bursts. $4.25

4.  The light citrus smell of this all natural lotion awakes the senses as well as softens the skin.  $10.95 (also comes in travel size for $5.95)

5.  First things first, right?  A very funny cosmetic bag for any gal who believes mascara is a must!  $14.95

6.  Spoil her with a soap that she can’t buy at a grocery store.  These triple milled shea butter soaps smell amazing, last a long time & are handmade in California. $7.95

The Gal Who Likes to Garden

1.  This handcrafted bud vase is perfect for those single posies picked by your kiddos for you.  $23.50

2. Oh how time flies when you’re working in your garden.  This artisan designed delightful pendulum clock brings a bit of that nature inside. $59.95

3.  No need to water this fantastic hand crafted flower frame.  Simply slip in a great photo of your family or  or friends you’re good to go for seasons to come. $37.50

 4.  Feed your backyard squirrels & get be truly amused with this quite funny bungee squirrel feeder.  $14.95

5.  These felted bird houses are both fabulous and functional!  Any little bird would be lucky to live in such a stylish home.  Plus they’re handmade in Nepal in a fair trade workshop and completely green.  $27.95

6.  Grandma will love to see flour sack dish towels making a return to the kitchen.  There’s not a better towel to dry dishes out there… plus they’re also pretty cute. $9.95 (also available in additional styles)

The Gal Who Hearts Handmade

1.  Gotta guitar playing girlfriend?  We think this guitar string bangle is pretty clever.  $25.95 (other styles also available)

2.  How does your family grow?  Celebrate the everyday moments with this picture posy.  $45.50

3. Give mom’s rings a happy home with this handcrafted pewter heart ring holder.   A great gift idea for moms who remove their rings before they wash dishes or retire for the evening. $17.95

4.  Who couldn’t use a little seed of happiness now and then? $2.00

5.  Leave a quick note or list your buffet offerings on this adorable standing dry erase board.  $32.50

6.  Have a wish you want to come true?  Fill up these Italian made money pots and make one!  $38.95

The Gal Who Has a Grateful Heart

1.  If kindness is contagious, this book will make it go viral  $14.95

2.  We think this sign speaks for itself.  $17.95

3.  Let mom know how much you love her & help out artisans in Haiti by giving her this hand carved river stone heart. $6.95  (And if you really want to melt mom’s heart, wrap this heart in a note that expresses all reasons you love her)

4.  We can’t think of any better seeds to wear.  $14.95

5.  Mudlove bracelets make a statement and provide clean water.  What other jewerly can do that?  $6.95

6.  The book of awesome is a high five for humanity!  $15.00

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.

 

let’s hear it for the guys

We do love the men in our life, but when it comes to buying fun & clever gifts for them… aren’t they a hard bunch to buy for? That’s why we do our best to carry a great selection of goodies that will get your guys grinning this holiday season.

    
   The Guy Who Has Everything
      


1.  Strap this handy magnet around grandpa’s wrist & he won’t have to worry about bending over to find a dropped screw or nail when working on a project around the house.  $18.95 

2.  This great guide belongs on every guy‘s book shelf.  It’s a great go-to for making a perfect martini, giving a great massage, basic car maintenance and even horse betting.  $9.95

3.  Dad can pour all his loose change into this fuel gauge bank that measures how much coinage has built up over time.  Also a great gift for a guy that likes cars.  $16.95

4.  This addictive putty is fun for play, relieving stress and giving your hand a work-out.  It’s infused with a fine metal substance that magically attracts to the included magnet.  $15.95

5.  Finally, art guys can appreciate!  Create a custom sign for your guy’s man cave, garage or office starting at $52.95

   The Guy Who Rocks the BBQ

1.  If your guy can shred on a guitar & grill a good burger or steak, this stainless steel guitar shaped spatula has his name written all over it. $21.95

2.  Take the guess work out of grilling with these great mini thermometers that let you know when your main course is ready to eat!  $17.95

3.  For all fans of heavy metal music and hot & juicy steaks.  Dad can listen to his favorite tunes while turning over his manly cut of meat with this rockin’ bbq fork. $21.95

4.  Let dad brand his signature into his super tasting steaks before serving them up to friends & family.  Dad can spell anything he wishes with the personalized branding iron.  $21.95

5.  Never worry about running out of propane when you use this magnetic gauge measuring tool  $3.95

6.   While the pasta sauce is simmering, your dad can bounce out a few beats with these dual purpose mix stix.  A great gift for a dad that can rock a drum set & roll out a delicious dinner. $12.95

   The Guy Who Likes His Beverages

1.  Keep track of your favorite reds, whites, dries and sweet with this handy wine journal.  $13.50

2.  Make friends with this humorous beer monster & he’ll be happy to assist you in getting to your brew feverishly fast.  $11.95

3.  If it has anything to do with beer, it is in this book.  A great addition to any beer lover’s library. $15.95

4.  These whiskey rocks will keep your drink cool without watering down the taste.  Makes a wonderful gift for guys wholike to treat themselves to some fine scotch or whiskey. $25.95

5.  Chill your wine to the perfect temperature with this pretty and practical corkcicle.  $24.95

    The Guy Who Likes Fun & Games

1. Your guy will be crowned the king of scrabble or bananagrams with the help from this helpful book $18.95

2.  Mix up the old stand-by card games with some inspiration from chock full book.  $19.95

3.  How manly is your dad?  Have fun finding out by having him take this test full of questions like:  (multiple choice) A bear is about to attack you. You should…  and (True/False) Your chances of surviving a plane crash improve 40%by sitting towards the front. $12.99

4.  Is your pop a movie buff?  Test his knowledge with this artful & fun movie puzzle book $14.95

5.  Impress your waitress or turn cash gifts into clever creatures with this creative dollar bill origami book $5.95

    The Guy Who Can’t Get Enough Bacon

1.  Deck the halls with boughs of… bacon?  Yes-sir-ee, we have bacon for your tree.  A must-have addition to any bacon lover’s ornament collection.  $7.95

2.  Hopefully your husband’s love of this salty meat doesn’t surpass his loyalty to you… but if you want affirmation, this silly sign will do.  $9.95

3.  Bacon lovers may never use regular mayonnaise on their sandwiches ever again after they try this tasty option.  $6.95

4.  Just sprinkle a bit of this magical salt and add that amazing bacony taste to just about anything.  $4.95

5.  Who said flossing isn’t fun?  Have you tried using bacon flavored floss?  $4.95

6.  If your guy is riding the bacon bandwagon, these toothpicks would be a great addition to his collection ofmeat flavored oddities.  $2.95

   The Guy Who Likes a Good Laugh

1.  If your guy doesn’t operate well before his morning cup of brew, this wake-up coffee cup might be the perfect addition to his mug collection. $13.95

2.  Give your guy a good laugh & make your bathroom smell better with this hilarious Heavy Doody toliet spray.  Simplyspray it into the toilet before you do your business & it’ll keep unpleasant odors at bay.  $9.95

3.  Trade up that boring black case and turn heads with this hilarious all ears iphone 4 case.  It comes with 6 interchangeableears depending your mood for the day.  $13.95

4.  Every charming & funny guy always needs a few jokes in his back pocket.  Add to his library with this  chock full book of clever jokes. $9.95

5.  A guy’s gotta keep his traveling toiletries somewhere… so why not store them in this oh-so-handsome and hand  man bag?  $16.95

6.  How does your husband rate?  This fun quiz book is full of curious questions you could ask all the married guys at your holiday gathering.  $5.95

    The Guy Who Likes it HOT

1.  This is definitely a step up from tabasco sauce (if the outhouse box didn’t already warn you) $14.95

2.  This chili mix is for the guys who like a little extra kick in their chili.  You might want to pair it with an extra large beer glass to help wash down the heat.  $6.95 – chili   $13.95 – beer glass

3.  Sneak this bottle of habanero popcorn seasoning with you next time you head to the movies.  Just make sure there’s free drink refills first. $3.95

4.  If your grandpa likes an extra kick in his junk food, treat him to some hot habanero popcorn. $2.95

5.  Looking to see what guy in your family can take the most heat?  These four firery sauce bottles will test whose taste buds can tolerate the burn.  $6.95

 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.

spell out your breakfast

When our German daughter, Jule was looking for a creative way to ask her boyfriend to the Sadies Dance, I suggested trying out our pancake pen.  Apparently pancakes aren’t normal breakfast fare in Germany and the second Jule tried them she fell in love.  So both her and her boyfriend have eaten this popular breakfast meal for lunch and dinner numerous times the past couple months.

I tried out some general shapes first to get the feel of it & it was really quite easy use.  The only trick sometimes is the flip.  Next onto the invite…

And here is Jule’s edible invitation!  How could he resist this yummy invite?

 

I had some batter left so I continued to play and must admit it was really fun.  Who knew drawing with batter could be so addictive?  Looks like the next Pancake Sunday at our house might be a bit more artsy.

Want to join the pancake painting fun?  Grab your pen here!

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

C & G News Feature 11.14.12

Locals prepare for Small Business Saturday, holiday shopping

By Jessica Strachan Velazquez

(excerpt)

Wearing fingerless gloves, Cheryl Jones, manager of Catching Fireflies in downtown Rochester, holds a snowman serving plate, Santa nightlight and “snowman” soup.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Almost everyone has that special gift or two that they’ve received over the years that means the world to them.

For Beverly Hills resident and local business owner April McCrumb, it’s a custom-made painting by an independent artist that depicts her local shops, which sell trinkets and gifts. Her husband commissioned the piece for her as a Christmas gift one year.

McCrumb, who is the owner of Catching Fireflies in Rochester and Berkley, along with the Yellow Door Art Market in Berkley, said special gifts like that painting are the inspiration behind her shops.

And occasions like Small Business Saturday Nov. 24 remind her why their work is so special, she said.

“People come to us because we have things you can’t find anywhere else. When you gift a gift, you don’t want to give something you can find at a local big-box store,” McCrumb said. She has a team of 10 who make Catching Fireflies a personal experience for shoppers.

They offer cookies, hot cocoa and free gift wrapping to their shoppers, who stroll aisles filled with unique and handmade gifts,  surrounded by the sound of holiday music. On Small Business Saturday, each shopper will receive a small token of appreciation, too — “seeds of happiness” to express Catching Fireflies’ gratitude for patrons’ support.

“It’s all part of the experience; we try hard to create a nice environment. … Shopping for gifts should be fun; it shouldn’t be a chore,” McCrumb said.

Small Business Saturday is the day sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, dedicated to supporting small businesses in the community, and it comes just in time for the holiday gift-giving season.

holiday tunes you don’t hear too often

This is the first season I’ve used spotify to create our holiday music playlists for the store and it easily sucked up 75% of my day going through all the Winter Wonderlands, Blue Christmas’ and Jingle Bells… but some of my favorites are the ones that don’t get much radio play.

(Sometimes it’s hard to find ‘good’ videos of Christmas songs on youtube, so please excuse the ‘homemade’ photo slide shows & just enjoy the songs :-)

Christmas Pics by the Barenaked Ladies

 

Donna & Blitzen by Badly Drawn Boy

 

Gotta Be Good by Chris Isaak

 

No Christmas for Me by Zee Avi

 

Happy Holidays (Beef Wellington Mix)

 

Christmas is Going to The Dogs by the Eels

Like discovering festive music that doesn’t sound like the rest?  Simply subscribe to this blog and we’ll email you our latest and greatest music finds.

a few of our favorite ornaments

Our halls have been decked and the trees are full of snowmen, santas and more.  With so many cute ornaments to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one, but here are a few team firefly wants to take home.  (available at our Rochester & Berkley locations)

Snowmen always make me smile. I love their cute little carrot nose and top hat and like snowflakes, no two are ever alike! I’ve lost count on how many jolly snowmen are on my Christmas tree so here’s to adding another one! $4.95

I love all the gingerbread ornaments, they look so real!  My favorite is the snowflake, it looks good enough to eat! $4.95

This puppy popping out of a holiday package is absolutely adorable. How fun to announce a real puppy under the tree or just to show how special your furry friend is to you!  $8.95

These round little Mr. and Mrs. Claus ornaments are adorable!  They will add some extra Christmas cheer to any tree.  A great gift for fun-loving family or friends! $6.95

I love all of the quirky little trinkets we get in the store around the holidays, especially the variety of ornaments. This one is super cute and I love the saying on the sign. This would be a great gift for a kid hoping for a winter full of snow days! $7.95

My motto is the scruffier the better, so what better ornament for my tree this year. $6.95

It just isn’t Christmas without snow and if this year is like the last this ornament is needed to help get you in the spirit. $6.95

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a Spartan fan? This ornament is so unique and colorful that will stand out on any tree! Spartan fans everywhere will appreciate this ornament and it will remind them of their favorite team or school during the special holiday! $11.95

This adorable ornament is a perfect gift for a baby’s first Christmas.  I am so excited to give this as a gift to my friend to help her celebrate her daughter’s first Christmas. $7.95

The hair-do, dangly feet & tilted top hat on this little lady penguin gives her a BIG punch of personality.  I like ornaments that make me smile so this one is coming home with me. $6.95

I like the mustache ornament because I figure that’s what Santa wears during the summer months to keep cool.

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.

super simple pumpkin cupcakes

I recently went to a little party & a friend brought a pumpkin cake that only had 2 ingredients and it tasted simply delicious! Since it was too good to be true, I felt I needed to share this recipe with all of you.

For the cake:

a yellow cake mix

1 – 15 oz can of pumpkin

And for the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoon of cider

1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

Beat cake mix & pumpkin puree for 2 minutes & place mixture in 12 cupcake tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-24 minutes.

Mix the powdered sugar, cider & pumpkin spice to create glaze & drizzle on top of cupcakes. (It may seem too thick to drizzle, but it will spread out once placed on the cupcake & run over the side a bit)

These are a great alternative for those who don’t like pumpkin pie for dessert and they’re less than 4 grams of fat each too!  A subtly sweet treat that’s perfect for an autumn afternoon.

For more simple recipes that are a cinch to make, check out our book 101 Things To Do With A Cake Mix.