our future’s so bright…
(Our firefly models need a little background music to work their modeling mojo ;-)
You too? Well, come on in and get and find your favorite frames for $12.50! Styles are available at our Berkley & Rochester locations.
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mini margarita cupcakes for the misses
Since Girl’s Night Out fell on Cinco De Mayo this year, we whipped up some themed cupcakes for our sweet snacks.
I found this tasty recipe via RecipeGirl.com
Yields 24 regular cupcakes or 48 mini cupcakes
CAKE:
9 ounces Margarita Mixer, bottled liquid
3 ounces tequila
1 (18.25 ounce) box white cake mix
3 large egg whites
2 Tablespoons canola oil
1 Tablespoon lime zest
LIME BUTTERCREAM ICING:
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
5 to 6 cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lime zest
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cupcake tins with paper liners.
2. Prepare cupcakes: Whisk together margarita mix & tequila in a small bowl.
3. In a large bowl, blend cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, lime zest and 1 1/4 cups of the margarita mix from step 1. Blend on low for about 30 seconds and then increase speed to medium and blend for two additional minutes. Batter will be slightly lumpy.
4. Spoon the batter into cupcake liners (about 3/4 full). Bake for 20-25 min, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool for about 10 minutes in the pans, then remove them to a rack to cool completely. *For mini cupcakes – bake for 16-18 minutes
5. Prepare icing: Once cucpakes are completely cooled, prepare the icing. Place butter in a large bowl and beat with electric mixer until butter is fluffy. Add 5 cups of powdered sugar, salt, lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until thick and creamy. Add more powdered sugar until the frosting is of a good spreading (or piping) consistency. Ice cupcakes in whatever manner you prefer… spreading or piping the frosting.
I added some green sprinkles, straws & umbrellas to give them a little personality.
Gus & Tuesday intently watched me make these so I coudn’t resist treating them to a little bit of the left over frosting :-)
And the all the ladies liked them too!
A perfect treat for Cinco De Mayo, a summer soiree or just because.
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Metrotimes Best of Detroit – April 27, 2011
Every year we ask: What more could there be to say? What could be new in the 25th anniversary edition of Best of Detroit, that hasn't been said before. But then we print up the readers' ballot and put a version online, and watch as the returns begin. Then we start free associating, opening our eyes to what's around us, letting our ears perk up when someone tells us about a new shop, a new club, a new insight. By the end, this year, we were checking with the production department to see where we might pry loose a little more space. By the end the ideas were flowing. We have to get in the Detroit Party Marching Band, right? And Autotune Karaoke. Got to get that. Tom's Tavern hasn't fallen down yet? Gotta get that. Meanwhile, we're harvesting what 1,000-plus readers have said in our ballots, reminding us of great places, interesting people, important ideas. When we asked for a new slogan for the city, one response was: "A great place to visit, even when you live here." If that makes sense to you, hold on to this as your visitor's guide until we bring you a newer one a year from now.
Best Gift Shop in Oakland County
Catching Fireflies
3117 W. 12 Mile Rd., Berkley; 248-336-2030
203 E. University Dr., Rochester; 248-650-3318; catchingfireflies.com
The name makes you think of those carefree days as a kid, when hoping to catch a firefly was a dream you could obtain. Shopping at this whimsical, colorful store can seem pretty close to those fun-filled childhood days. With bright, colorful, clever items, there's something for a gift, favor or "just because." Merchandise changes by the season. Look for citrus-colored purses, pastel flowerpots and whimsical garden art this time of year. And who doesn't need a sugar cookie-scented air freshener all year long?
wanna get what you love for mother’s day?
Did you know that we have special firefly agents who will whisper in your husband or children's ear about your favorite finds at catching fireflies? Just follow the steps below and you're guaranteed to get great gifts you'll LOVE.
Sound like plan? Start creating your wish list today! Just send your wish list link to service@catchingfireflies.com along with the emails you'd like our firefly agents to send it to.
The emails will only be used to send your wish list & will not be added to our email subscription list.
our mother’s day picks
Wanna know what we’re loving for Mother’s Day?
My mother collects cookbooks and she is going to love this one for mother’s day. No better way to say yes to Michigan then making Some of the recipes. Michigan Cookbook $16.95
This magnet is super cute! It can be the inspiration for rotating exhibits at the Refrigerator Gallery! Brag Mat $10.00
A great gift for any mom! Something to pamper herself and get her feet flip flop ready! Foot Scrub $12.95
Who said women can’t be handy? Toolboxes can get messy so it’s great to have so many tools in one that also has a stylish flare. Floral Hammer $10.95
My mom refuses to get contacts, she can’t stand the thought of sticking something in her eye. So before she ruins another pair of prescription or sun glasses by shoving them in her purse, I’m going to get her this lovely carrying case. Mom always taught us to be practical, and a dose of pretty never hurts. Double Eyeglass Case $14.95
I’ve given these key finders to my daughters and friends. Anyone I see struggling to find their keys. Nice to have your keys exactly where you hooked them. Key Finder 7.95
Help your own mom or grandma or any special mom you know feel glamorous while doing housework. These gloves are very durable and fit almost any hand size! I gave my own mom and sister-in-law a pair. I love these! Leopard Gloveables $14.95
Home might be where memories begin, but those memories often don’t include where you left your keys. If you’re tired of hearing, “I don’t know, I wasn’t the last one to drive it” from your sympathetic significant other, try this happy hook. You’ll never loose your keys again…at least not at home. Handmade Happy Hook $29.50
We asked our extended family to send us a few of their favorite recipes & then compiled them in this book. The final product turned out fantastic and became an instant treasure for our mom. Handmade Recipe Book $27.00
I love any product that gives an in-home spa experience, and this one doesn’t disappoint… leaves your hands very smooth and moisturized and has a nice refreshing scent. Even my teenage daughter loves it! Great prep for a manicure. One Minute Manicure $29.95
Do you like seeking out clever gifts that will make your mom smile? We’re happy to share some of our hip ideas. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be the best gift giver around!
golden retriever lover wins giveaway
Thank you for participating in our Earth Friendly Art Giveaway. After reading all your sign suggestions, I got some great ideas for new sign sayings we may stock in-store. Also, thanks for spreading the news to your friends through facebook, twitter and email forwards. Word of mouth has always been our best form of advertising and we couldn’t do it without YOU!
Out of all our entries, Jennifer is our winner and she wants her sign to read: Goldens 4 Fun!
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a reason sing in the rain
According to the weatherman, it looks like this last week of April is going to make it easy to shop & save.
Just mention APRIL SHOWERS DEAL & save 13% when you shop with us any rainy day in the month of April. **Must be raining outside while you’re shopping for the discount**
Don’t want to get wet? Save 10% on all web orders during the month of April using coupon code: SHOWERS(Free in-store pick-up for web orders available at our Berkley & Rochester locations)
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earth friendly art giveaway
Since Earth Day is Friday, we’re celebrating it by giving away a custom recycled license plate sign made by this clever & creative couple. ($44.95 value)
So how can you get a cool custom sign for free?
There are 3 ways to enter – you can do 1,2 or all 3 to better your chances.
1. Comment at the bottom of this post and tell us: What would you have your sign say? (15 character limit including spaces)
2. Spread the word about our giveaway on your Facebook page by clicking the Share on Facebook link below then comment on this blog post saying that you did.*
3. Tweet this link: http://bit.ly/Earth-Friendly-Art-Giveaway -then comment on this blog post saying that you did.*
* just let your friends & followers know if they happen to win, you get some of the goodies too :-)
We’ll draw the lucky firefly fan name on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 and post it on the blog.
Have fun, good luck and thanks for playing!
Don’t want to miss out on future fantastic firefly giveaways? Be sure to stay in the loop by signing up here and we’ll email our fun-filled blog posts to your inbox!
nice to michou
I discovered this happy band from Windsor when I recently taped a green gifting segment for our sister store, Yellow Door Art Market. They were on a few segments before me so I got to see them live which prompted me to find out more about this cute quartet.
A review reads, “With obvious influences from bands such as Death Cab For Cutie, Michou’s newest album is a mix of indie pop and folk rock. Cardona is more mature, both musically and lyrically, than Myshkin but remains just as energetic and enjoyable as Michou’s music has always been. If you like Death Cab For Cute, Attack in Black and Said The Whale, you will more than likely like Michou.” – Katie Campanella
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hoppy easter from your firefly team
Cheers to sunny skies, fun-filled egg hunts and dancing bunnies ;-)
