you don’t have to believe me – listen for yourself

Diggin' listening to Mr. Hutchinson's song lately…

A review reads, "At first the album seems to merely mold itself into a genre that so
many other modern artists have already shaped, from Jack Johnson and
Jason Mraz to John Mayer and Ben Folds. This breed of music goes by any
number of classifications, but whether we call it singer-songwriter,
sandal rock, or blues-driven pop, the results are generally much of the
same. Snappy choruses and bluesy piano or guitar chords are
complemented by pseudo-profound lyrics. The artists often relate their
sound to pioneers like the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Billy Joel, but
generally the music never lives up to the standard of its influences.
Unlike his contemporaries, Eric Hutchinson has broken through the
limits of a stale genre and created a piece of pop that is refreshingly
inventive and uniquely soulful." – Elizabeth Newton of Pop Matters

Like discovering upbeat songs that you can jam with?  Simply subscribe to this blog and we'll email you our latest and greatest music finds.

turtles for teachers

I think these would make delightful little treats of appreciation for teachers, para-pros and office administrators alike. 

 

Rolos
Mini pretzels (regular or square)
Toasted pecans, peanuts or peanut M&Ms

Preheat oven to 220 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil.  Place
the pretzels on the cookie sheet and top with one Rolo each. Bake for
three minutes. Remove from the oven and press on topping of choice. 
Then slide the foil onto the counter and let the chocolate set up. For
faster set up, you can move the pan with the candy to the freezer, and
chill for about 20 minutes or until firm.

Notes: To toast pecans, spread them out on
a plate and microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Stir the pecans around
with your hand in between cooking times until toasted.

(Thanks Ellen for reminding me about these easy-to-make candies;)

Like to whip up sweet treats that are a cinch to make?  We love finding &
sharing scrumptious recipes. Don't miss out on our future finds…
simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email in box.

simply pretty posies

Meet Melissa of Simply Pretty.  She started making these pretty posies in 2008 by combining both modern and vintage designs and fabrics
allowing the wearer to be as bold or as subtle as she sees fit, and
always “simply pretty.”

With surprising and vibrant color combinations, interesting details,
and multiple ways of wearing each piece, this product gives the wearer
the versatility and freedom to create her own look. Each of the designs
is unique and hand made to ensure quality. Every girl wants to feel
pretty. And what girl doesn’t love flowers?

 

Flowers bring an air of
sunshine and light to an otherwise dreary room. They bring a glow to
whoever receives them. They add color and spark to our world. So, why
NOT wear them in your hair, on your bag, or on your coat? Simply Pretty
posies are edgy enough to stand out but not overwhelm your look.

Find your perfect posy at our Berkley & Rochester locations.

Love to see what we're getting in every week?  Then sign up to receive these colorful blog posts in your email inbox…. window shopping has never been so easy!

3 boxes of treats off to our troops

Thank you * Thank you * Thank you for bringing in our first round of goods for our troops!  We had enough to supply three different units.  And here are their stories…

This is to let everyone know that we are still here and doing good.
There have been no problems at all. We really do appreciate all the
support the citizens show for what we do. Just being able to hear and
see things coming from those of you back home is a daily reflection of
the kind of support we as soldiers receive from back home. Please
continue to send the items that are normally sent such as personal hygiene items, puzzle books, DVD's documentary videos, books, snacks and anything else that you may desire. We want to again thank everyone
for the support, packages, and letters that are being sent.

Thank you and God Bless you all

SGT David Weeks

 

We are a group that have been here in Afghanistan for about 2 months now. We do not have a great selection of
things available to us, like back at home. We have recently moved from
one side of camp to another. There has been numerous hours spent on
building and cleaning up the place and we are always constantly
supporting other in various areas around Afghanistan.

The guys and
girls work extremely hard and long hours and would greatly appreciate
any packages that they receive. Below is a list of somethings that we
are requesting baby wipes we go through these all the time since there is always a shortage of toilet paper -cocoa butter the place is very dry and we found that this is the only thing that works for us -snacks and candy, we all would love to have a taste of home so any all American snacks are appreciated -individual laundry detergent packages -body washes -canned or instant foods -crystal light  -magazines for the guys and girls since we all like
to read -and any personal hygiene items items that someone would use daily.

We appreciate all the support and prayers from everyone, and we are all looking forward to our safe return. 

 

We're still collecting goods throughout the month of May and would love to surprise a few more troops.  Also feel free to download this color sheet for your kids to join in the fun. For more details click HERE.

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!

33 ways to thank your teacher

Yippee! Your kids made it through another year of school. Need to thank a few sweet souls that made their year spectacular?  Whether you need to celebrate a team of people or just a few, we got lots of lovely options in all price ranges to suit your gift giving needs.

sugar cookie lip balm $2.95 animate stickers $4.95  flower shaped paper clips $4.95  life-like butterfly magnet $3.95  shower steamer $3.95  BIG misteaks eraser $3.95  pewter heart pin $2.95

flower push pins $5.95  flip notes $7.95  hand painted everlasting glass nail file $9.95  vanilla bean European soap $7.50 flour sack herb towel $8.95  head massager $7.95  best teacher ever memory magnet $10.00

tangerine soy candle $11.00  lavender eye pillow $11.95  make-a-bouquet note cards $12.00  flower sticky note set $10.95  snifty scented pen set $10.95  sunflower-in-a-bag color kit $14.95  jellybath foot soak $10.95

alligator stapler $16.95  dream cute clip frame $19.50  shower steamer gift set $15.95  snail tape dispenser $16.50  exlpore, dream, create, imagine pewter cuff $15.95  bamboo salad servers $16.95  pewter magnet set $17.95

custom wire word $30.00  believe story bracelet $36.95  custom teacher frame $44.95  custom quote sign $44.95  custom message bud vase $29.95

Do you like seeking out thoughtful gifts that bring bright smiles? 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!

peanut butter cup bars

I recently had to bring a sweet snack to a party and since I didn't have the time to whip something up, I asked Steve if he could swing a 5 ingredient recipe.  After he lovingly agreed… I added, "And could you document the recipe so I can blog about it?"

And this is just one of the many reasons why I love my husband.  Here's what I found on the camera:

 

It looks like Gus kept a close eye on the situation to make sure these peanut butter cup bars turned out superb!  We may need to promote him to manager level at our offices.

So here's this tasty recipe from our No Bake recipe book …

10 graham crackers

2/3 cup melted butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup crunchy peanut butter

2 cups chocolate chips

Line the bottom of a 10×15 jellyroll pan with graham crackers.  In a medium bowl, cream together melted butter, powdered sugar & peanut butter until smooth.  Spread mixture over crackers and chill until firm (about 15 minutes).  In microwave, melt chocolate chips and spread over peanut butter layer.  Refrigerate until firm, then cut into squares.  Makes 4 dozen.

Like to whip up sweet treats that are a cinch to make?  We love finding &
sharing scrumptious recipes. Don't miss out on our future finds…
simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email in box.

2010 dad’s day gift guide

Whether he's into golfing, a grill master or already buys everything he wants… we've got ya covered.  Here are just a few of our cheeky, useful and even a few sentimental picks.  Click HERE to shop our full Dad's Day offerings.

 

fix it in foil $11.95   toothpick bird $8.50  bbq sword $29.95 firewire $9.95  propane tank gauge $3.95  bbq branding iron $21.95 america's best bbq $19.95

how to throw a golf club $ 7.95  golf mints $3.95  shoe deodorizers $4.95  trick golf ball $3.95  recycled golfer dog $110.00  scorecard keeper $14.95 golf's best-kept secrets $22.95

 

weird u.s. $19.95  ticket stub diary $12.95  bucky balls $29.95  50 year calendar $12.95  dollar bill paper airplanes $5.95 ultimate book of card games $19.95  thumb thing $3.75

 



bar compass $12.95  xl beer glass $13.95  beer hammer $11.95 wine journal $13.50  the wine trials 2010 $14.95 personalized fine wines sign $14.95  6 sided jigger cube $25.95

 

made with love book $7.99  picture pen $7.95  best dad ever frame $33.50  what daddies do best $14.95  thumb wresting arena $7.95   dad you rock memory magnet $10.00  slush mug $9.95

 

weird michigan (for road trip ideas) $19.95  crap cars $14.95  daddy photo key chain $6.95  build your own porsche $15.95 roll with it paper weight $13.50  gangster grater $9.95  fill'er up guage bank $16.95

 

rubber band shooter $12.50  squirt gun pen $8.95  whoopee cushion $1.95  dadisms $9.99  funny bandages $5.95  bizarro glasses $3.95  dress for dinner napkins $5.95

 

custom my grandpa is frame $44.95  grandpa memory journal $15.95  head tingler $7.95  roadside america $29.95  ny times crossword newspaper $13.95  go ask grandparent cards $8.95  what grandpas do best $14.95

Do you like seeking out thoughtful gifts that bring bright smiles? 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!

cass community recycled mud mats

I recently had the opportunity through my church to help prepare & serve lunch at Cass Community Social Services in Detroit.  This is the first time I visited this organization and was incredibly impressed with what they're doing to shine a light in our city. 

Meet Ed, one of the guys making a big difference.  He oversees one of Cass' green industries.  They collect illegally dumped tires off of vacant lots in Detroit and convert them into mud mats.

The workers in the program are formerly homeless men. And as of January 2010, they have swept
up over 8,000 tires (at no cost to the City) and sold over 3,500 mats!

We hope to contribute to that growing number by offering these fantastic mats at catching fireflies.

 



Currently our Berkley & Rochester locations are offering 18×24 and 20×30 sized mats priced at $25 and $30 each with 100% of the profits going back to Cass Community.  If you don't live near by, you can also order them directly from Cass HERE.

These mats are perfectly placed at back doors for scraping extra muddy shoes before they make their way into your home.  Very durable, highly functional and helping make the city of Detroit better one mat at time…. Brilliant!

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!

Detroit News Feature 5.7.10

These birds will rule your roost

– Judith Harris Solomon

 

(excerpt)

Roosters play an important role in barnyards. During the day, they
often can be found sitting on high perches, serving as lookouts for
their flocks. And they also can add an extra dimension to your home
decor. Among other things, we found these fine-feathered friends
decorating plates, walls, shelves, tables and even fireplace mantels.
Here are some examples to crow about:

make a difference giveaway

May always brings moving commencement speeches and fresh groups of young adults ready to make their mark on the world. So since inspiration is one of our specialties, we put together a few goodies that may ignite a spark to make your own mark… custom quote sign, hope candle, change the world for $10 and cape & tiara save the world mug. ($74.80 value)

So how can you score these inspiring goodies 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 something you do to make a difference? 

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/MakeaDifferenceGiveAway

4. Post our Make a Difference 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, May 12, 2010 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!