Detroit News Feature 8.20.10
-Judith Harris Solomon
"Pink used to be thought of as too sweet, but now it has taken on a
modern flair," says Krissa Rossbund, senior lifestyle editor of
Traditional Home magazine.
"We're seeing hot pink a lot. It
seems to be the theme of the day." So, to keep you in the pink, may we
suggest the following gems … some of which are hot (pink) and some
not.
believe in peace giveaway
Looking for a little peace, love & understanding? Why not start out with some peace? Throw your books in this canvas peace bag, dress up your ears with some sterling peace earrings, add your keys to this peace key chain, say a little prayer & light this peace candle & always remember to try to create peace wherever you go. ($59.35 value)
Ever wonder how the peace sign came to be?
The use of what has commonly become known as the "peace sign" began in 1958 in Britain by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. It
was designed by a commercial artist, Gerald Holtom who had been specially commissioned
by the CND to create something for a demonstration. The "fork" in the
middle of the circle is how the letters "N" and "D" are spelled out
using the visual signals created by extending one's arms while holding
flags. The "N" and "D" stand for "Nuclear Disarmament."
So how can you get these groovy peace goods for free?
There are 4 ways to enter – you can do 1,2,3 or all 4 to better your chances.
1.
Comment at
the bottom of this post and let us know another thing you like from the 60's.
2. Spread the word about our giveaway on your Facebook page by clicking the Share on Facebook link below then write on our Facebook wall or comment on this blog post saying that you did.*
3. Tweet this link: http://tinyurl.com/BelieveInPeaceGiveAway
4. Post our Believe in Peace giveaway on your blog (Feel free to copy our photo & info) Then
leave a comment on this blog post so we know 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 Wednesday, August 25, 2010 and post it on the blog.
Have fun, good luck and thanks for playing!
equipping kids for school
We’re all about the fun extras at catching fireflies, however we’re also aware that there are many families who don’t have the luxury of filling up a shopping cart of needed school supplies.
So we’re collecting new school goods during the month of August, then turning them over to the Judson Center for distribution.
What is needed: backpacks, pencils, pens, markers, highlighters, kid scissors, notebooks, folders, binders, rulers, thumb drives, index cards, tissues, hand sanitizer, planners, pencil boxes/pouches, Texas Instrument calculators (TI-108, TI-83, TI-30X)
We’ll be collecting these goods at our Berkley & Rochester locations & as a thank you for your generosity, we’re giving out a gourmet scented pencil for every 5 supplies donated (maximum 4 pencils per family)
Thank you for helping us equip kids for back-to-school!
Like to see how you can help us make days brighter for those in need? Stay in the loop by signing up to receive these inspiring updates in your email inbox!
stylin’ back-to-school guide
daisy reflector safety tag $4.95 lunchbox recipe book $9.95 heart crust cutter $3.95 frog friend backpack $19.50 flower penny pal $4.95 school years keepsake book $16.95 butterfly lunch sack $16.95
spider reflector safety tag $4.95 monkey lunch sac $16.95 monkey friend backpack $19.50 monkey penny pal $4.95 dinosaur crust cutter $3.95 zoo shoes book $10.95 class treats recipe book $11.95
10 pack of scented pencils $15.95 puppy pencil sharpener $5.95 scented erasers $3.95 cookie changer purse $5.95 hello kitty lunch box $13.95 groovy crazy bands $5.95 latest masterpiece brag mag $10.00
retro animal lunch box $13.95 smart scented pencils $1.75 dino crazy bands $5.95 soccer deodorizing shoe balls $4.95 spork $3.95 star student brag mag $10.00 nose pencil sharpener $1.95
chocolate calculator $6.95 6 color pen $4.95 girly crazy bands $5.95 ladybug magnet set $9.95 tiara water bottle $21.95 fuzzy pencils $11.95 big misteaks eraser $3.95
id wallet $12.95 photo magnet cable $9.95 poo-pourri $9.95 wood wall art $29.95 flower push pins $5.95 stress buster shower burst $3.95 dream big memory magnet $10.00
Do you like seeking out clever goods that bring bright smiles? We’re happy to share some of our sweet ideas. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be the best gift giver around!
are you an event trender?
Well… one of our firefly fans is and boy-oh-boy does she have a cute & clever blog: Event Trender
I highly recommend touring through past posts. I’m inspired to host a party just because… so-so many fantastic ideas.
We love discovering delightful blogs that are full of creativity… what – you too? Then don’t delay and sign up to receive our blog posts in your email inbox today!
there’s still 4 weeks of summer left
The loud sounds of Cicadas always mean that fall is growing near. But we’re still trying to hold on to summer as long as we can. Here are some of our team’s favorite summer finds…
One of my favorite summer dinners are kabobs and these snazzy skewers
have made it easier to prepare & grill them than ever before. I
love how much you can load on them & now marinating before hand is
a cinch! Fire Wire $9.95
I’m not sure if I am the only person who hangs their clothing outside
on a clothesline, but I enjoy having my bird clips keep a close watch
over my laundry. set of bird clips $9.95
Fun and functional, the butter boy is a cute way to keep your fingers
clean while buttering your corn on the cob! We love it at my house! The
kids always know delicious corn is on the way when the butter boy makes
an appearance! Butter Boy $8.95
I bought this and put it on my dogs collar. It works great for when we go on walks late at night. reflective safety tag $4.95
I love anything tropical! so these cute little drink charms fit the bill perfectly. great for your next summer bbq. glass wine charms $10.95
This has been a summer of fireflies and what fun we are having ctaching
them! This necklace has been the perfect thing for us to put then in.
My daughter can use it as a lantern or wear it around her neck. She can
easily watch the ones she has caught and safely release them back to
their home. Lots of summer back yard fun! Firefly Necklace $5.50
These are great at mixing up your salads instead of just shoving
everything around. They ensure that you and your guests can enjoy ALL
of the ingredients in that yummy salad! extra hands $9.50
I bought this book for my Dad’s birthday because he is the BBQ guru! He will love it. America’s Best BBQ $19.95
I dust off the clubs once a year. Needless to say, my game leaves a bad
“taste” in my mouth. Not to worry, these mints help me make the turn
and tackle the next nine. golf mints $3.95
These license plate signs are quite the conversation piece. Colorful
and unique and a great gift for that special person that has
everything. And, they can be personalized. I gave my husband one that
says; “free beer yesterday” – it hangs next to his “beer garden” sign
in the garage! license plate sign $39.95
Do you like seeking out interesting goods that are stylish & savvy? We’re happy to share some of our clever ideas. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be the best gift giver around!
snapshots around asheville
Okay, the last post about our few days in North Carolina…
We enjoyed delicious meals & treats at Double Decker Coffee Company, Salsa’s, Early Girl Eatery, & Mellow Mushroom
We met a few other members that are part of Piper’s club. Ahhh, the life of living at a store;)
The store, L.O.F.T (lost objects-found treasures) set up an outside shop for the Bel Chere Festival. I was uber impressed with their efforts… quite the shopping experience.
This wild cargo van painted by the talented Gypsy Folk Artist brought a smile to my face.
I love how this restaurant painted this not-so-pretty cigarette disposal container:)
A few treasures we don’t have in the mitten… cool art/craft spaces filled with a large variety of local artists: Woolworth Walk, Kress Emporium & Atelier
Since it was a steamy weekend, the Bel Chere set up this misting stations to help cool off. I think the Ann Arbor Art Fair should look into these;)
And the views from the Blue Ridge Parkway… breath taking.
A great mid-summer stop from my normal routine!
Like seeing some of our vacation adventures? Then sign up to receive these on-the-road blog posts in your email inbox HERE!
bel chere art fair
As I mentioned in my previous post, Steve & I took a detour after the Atlanta Gift Show & perused the wonderful art that Asheville offered up at the Bel Chere Festival. Since I visit many Michigan art shows throughout the summer, it was fun exploring a fresh set of talented guys & gals. Here are a few of my favorites…
Moni Hill (my friend Karen Fincannon has a cute collection of her work too)
zass design (hip up-cycled jewelry)
Chris Beck Art (this is made from metal!)
Deona Fish (one of her paintings went home with us:)
Love to see where I bum around on the weekends? Then sign up to receive these colorful blog posts in your email inbox…. and you’ll discover many talented souls!
the whimsical world of karen fincannon
Instead of flying to participate in the Atlanta gift show this summer, we thought it would be fun to make a road trip out of it & visit some friends in the area… one of the them being the lovely Karen Fincannon (and her humorous husband, Paul;)
We got to tour through her studio which is behind her house…
In my opinion, her talent is limitless. She clearly get’s bored easily and is always doing something new & fantastic. Most of these images are in the middle of the artistic process.
We were able to see the before & after of these wild birds when we visited her art fair booth at the Bel Chere Festival in Asheville, NC later that week.
Aren’t these portly dogs a hoot?
And I must admit… if she had a Basset Hound available to sit on one of her ceramic chairs – it totally would have had to come home with me;)
Thanks Karen & Paul for inviting us into your whimsical world!
Love to see how creative people see the world? Then sign up to receive these colorful blog posts in your email inbox…. and you’ll discover many talented souls!
sweeps 4 bloggers feature
"Catching Fireflies has cute products for all occasions. When it comes
to back to school shopping, it’s a great idea to put a little fun into
your supplies and accessories.
The “Super Student” Brag Board
is a great way to show off your child’s schoolwork. The wood board is
4″ x 11″ and has 2 clips attached. It can help reduce refrigerator
clutter by having a special location to highlight your student’s
accomplishments.
The Brag Board is handmade and looks professional. If the “Super
Student” board isn’t right for you, there are other cute styles to
choose from.
I had heard about Smencils, but hadn’t tried them until now. They are even better than I expected.
The pencils are made from recycled newspaper instead of wood and
they are packaged in a corn-based biodegradable plastic tube. I like
the eco-friendliness but what I really like is the amazing aroma. The
pencils have been soaked in stimulating peppermint oil – just perks you
right up when you smell it! And a little extra perkiness is great for
when kids are needing to focus on homework or a test."
Thanks Valerie for such a great review & for hosting a giveaway of our great goods!
