always trust your cape
Here's one of my favorite little gems by Mr. Eric Bibb.
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2010 graduation gift guide
Tis the season to kick up your heels and throw square hats in the air. If open house invites are arriving in your mailbox, consider giving something a bit more memorable than just a check. Whether your graduate is Europe bound, leaving close friends behind or is ready to change the world… we got ya covered.
giant smarties $1.50 do what you love key chain $13.95 lucky clover charm $2.00 bring your own sunshine pewter cuff $15.95 dream big star neckalce $13.95 she packed up her potential magnet $5.00 flying wish paper $10.95
someone on my left mug $14.95 friends always necklace in a box $18.95 peace-love-happiness id wallet $12.95 don't forget ring $9.95 best friends photo key chain $6.95 2010 handmade frame $33.50 dream big memory magnet $10.00
dream bubble necklace $21.95 dream big frame $44.95 follow your dreams shadow box $55.50 believe in dreams candle $4.95 dreams come true treasure box $13.95 the 1 book $16.50 Dr. Suess custom quote sign $44.95
all those who wander compass $17.95 funny luggage tag set $12.50 explore dream create… pewter cuff $15.95 little whistle charm $3.00 born to be wild passport cover $14.95 pack this note pad $6.95 1000 places to see before you die $19.95
always be ready function frame $43.50 poo-pourri $9.95 magnetic photo cable $9.95 101 things to do with ramen noodles $9.99 cape & tiara water bottle $21.95 good luck garden in a bag $8.95 takeout menu organizer $15.95
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!
the nest feature
Could she throw parties for a living if she wanted to? Is the consummate hostess who never lets a platter or glass go empty? If so, here are three gifts that say, "Let's celebrate!"
Finally, a solution to the epic "too many appetizers, too few hands" party conundrum. Genius!
Wine glass top appetizer plates $16.95 (set of 4)
Thank you nesters for showcasing one of our most popular products!
gratefulness is good for the soul
What a refreshing perspective on life. Leah Dieterich's mother always told her to write thank you notes. So
she does. To everything. And her blog, thxthxthx is her daily exercise in gratitude.
Here are a few of my favorite thank you notes…
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our firefly team’s favorite picks for mom
Curious what our team is wrapping up for their mom's this Sunday?
My mom & dad winter in Fort Myers with a few other siblings and
they have some of the best times. By the looks of their photos, you'd
think they were in high school, not a retirement community. Personalized Together Frame $44.95
I purchased a pair of these gloves last year and totally enjoy wearing
them when I do my yard work. They are so comfortable to wear, you'll
forget you have them on. Second Skin Garden Gloves $7.95
Some of the best things in life are simple…like this single pearl
necklace. Simplistic in design and symbolic in meaning. This beauty is
a great gift for that special woman in your life and that includes
YOU!! Pearls of Wisdom Necklace $32.95
This is such a thoughtful gift! Not only is this a gift for your
grandmother, but it's a gift for you too in that you get to know your
grandmother better. Grandma Journal $15.95
Since I use my dry erase board every day it only makes sense to have a
super cute one. This one is nice enough to hang anywhere in your home
or office. Handmade Dry Erase Board $39
(Spoiler alert: If your name is Judy McCrumb and you have not received
a Mother's Day gift yet, please stop reading.) Since my parents live on
a lake this will make a perfect gift for my mom. It's a nice way to
show you care by having it personalized into a one-of-a-kind gift. Custom Cottage Sign $44.95
I am getting these for my mom for Mother's Day. She has some physical
limitations and loves to garden. These seedballz are easy and I love
the fact that they are handmade from people with disabilities. Sunflower Seedballz $7.95
This really helps keep you organized! A girl can never have too many handbags or shoes, right???
Handy Hold All $32.95
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! Gloveables $14.95
My daughter will be getting this for her Godmother for mothers day.
Something Emma can personalize that her Godmother can enjoy all summer
long! Sunflower Garden in a Bag Color Kit $14.95
Do you like seeking out amazing 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!
East Coast Wedding Feature
Mother's Day
I came across this nifty idea..over at Catching Fireflies…
My Mother loves a good glass of wine and entertains often at her
home… When I came across these wine glass top appetizer plates..I
added it to the "possible gift" list.
Thanks Nicole for spreading the word about our very popular appetizer plates!
Detroit Free Press Feature 5.1.10
Simple ways to melt Mom's heart
Think photos, handwritten notes and gifts with a personal touch
BY CHRISTY STRAWSER
FREE PRESS SPECIAL WRITER
(excerpt)
Instead of emptying the piggy bank to dazzle your favorite maternal
figure on May 9, simply try making Mom feel special. Fun, sentimental
gifts go a long way when it comes to Mother's Day.
Think photos, special messages or a night out on the town. Avoid that
last-minute trip to the mall and look around at some smaller shops in
your area. Your gift might even be right in your house — some of the
most precious Mother's Day presents are homemade. Here are some
nontraditional ideas for Mother's Day:
Think small. Catching Fireflies, a gift store in downtown
Berkley and Rochester, has a magnet with a message that says, "Even if
she weren't my mom, I would go out of my way to be friends with her." The tiny piece from artist Leigh Standley will melt mom's heart for $5.
"You want something really personal that shows you appreciate her,"
said Danielle Delong, of Troy, manager of Catching Fireflies in
Berkley.
Frame it. If digital doesn't appeal, keep it simple by picking
up a message frame at a place like Catching Fireflies, where beautiful
and simple statement frames that say things like "We love grandma,"
"Best Mom Ever," and others are $33.50.
Grow it. Sunflower Garden in a Bag Coloring Kit, $14.95, at Catching Fireflies.
taking care of our troops
Since our goal is making days brighter and May is Military Appreciation Month, we thought it would be fantastic to surprise our hardworking troops with a few luxuries. So we're using www.anysoldier.com to find units in Afghanistan & Iraq that are requesting specific items to make their time serving a little more bearable.
So here's how you can help…
Bring in 3 or more of the following items – magazines (sports, hunting, health), used dvds (comedy, action/adventure), candy that won't melt, gum, beef jerky, trail mix, baby wipes, powdered drink mix, protein bars, hygiene items (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, tooth brushes, tooth paste)
And as a thank you for joining our cause, we'll give you this garden in a bag with any purchase…then as you grow these pretty pansies, you can remember the troops.
A fun way to get the kids involved as well is for them to color this sheet. You can download it HERE or request a copy at our Berkley or Rochester location. We also welcome handmade cards from kids & adults alike to include in the packages.
As the donations, cards & coloring sheets come in, we'll send the goods via priority mail to the troops in need. We also plan on sharing our shipments & any thank you notes from the troops on this blog.
Here's a note from our first selected troop:
Hello everyone…
I'm
the First Sergeant for the 401st Military Police Company, Gunfighters,
out of Fort Hood, Texas. Our motto— "ALWAYS FIRST!" My Soldiers have
recently deployed to Afghanistan and will be here for quite some time.
Most of my soldiers are scattered throughout the theater and are unable
to receive mail. As the 1SG, their morale and welfare are my full
responsibility. During my last deployment, I found this wonderful
website and was amazed at all the support I received. Since I'm back
again with more Soldiers, I thought it would be beneficial to join
again. If you include your email and/or mailing address, I will ensure
that myself, or my platoons will thank each and everyone for their kind
donations. Majority of my Soldiers live in tents with cots or makeshift bunkbeds. Most have access to at least a little
microwave. Some of the items I believe they would want or would enjoy
might be any microwaveable food, snacks, pillows, twin sheets, music CDs, movie DVDs, games, white calf-high socks, white above the ankle socks, hygiene items such as body wash, Q-tips, shampoo,
etc. As my Soldiers get adjusted to their living conditions they will
update me as to whatever specific needs they may need. I will also try
to upload a photo as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and
support.
Yours truly,
John N. Davis
Gunfighter 7
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2 Ann Arbor shops not to miss
I got away to one of my favorite cities last weekend and need to let you know about 2 fabulous shops that are a bit off the beaten path of Main Street.
First off, Heavenly Metal…
The sassy owner, Vicki & her queen pooch, Lucy have a great eye for artful goodies. And the way they're displayed… so inviting.
And did I mention Vicki also cuts hair in this charming space? A portion of her bio reads, "Clients and friends often comment on my collections and ask where I’ve
found them. Though my haircutting shop is small, I felt I had room to
do something I’ve always dreamed of: open a gallery/store of unique hand-crafted items and artworks.
Working from the premise that my clients and future customers trust my
taste, I fill my gallery with the kinds of items I would purchase for
myself."
Vicki named the store after her love of recycled metal art, however over time her sources widened and she found items made from other materials and fabrics that compliment the metal pieces as well as her taste.
She also keeps an entertaining blog, fun facebook page & in her spare time hosts an radio show! She's quite the inspiring gal – you must stop by soon and say Hi!
Meet the wonderfully creative Catherine of Red Shoes. Her whimsical inspiration leads her to create paintings, dolls, pillows, soaps, fun furniture and more. Click HERE to see her fun portfolio of goodies.
The second I walked into this house/shop, I wanted to start painting my home these luscious colors!
She keeps one room in the shop as her studio. Looks like a super cute chair is getting ready to make it's debut. And I love how she suspended a white branch above the bed with birdies & leaves dangling off it. I would totally use this idea for a child's room… or maybe a magical guest bedroom;)
Each room has it's own personality. A portion of her bio reads, "I am not big business, or a giant
conglomerate, it's just little ole me, trying to make or seek out fun
and unique things for the home!
Of
course it is in between playdates, 500 lbs of laundry, or the
millionith trip to the grocery store mind you, but hopefully you get
the picture! I'm just a regular, average person trying to put my kooky
stamp on the world."
So next time your near Ann Arbor, be sure to map out 332 S. Ashley for Red Shoes & 207 E. Ann st. for Heavenly Metal… just tell-em a little firefly sent ya;)
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what’s for dinner?
Don't these recipes look tasty-tasty? I found them in the most recent edition of Rochester's In Town magazine. They were submitted by local downtown restaurants.
From – LimeLight Sports Bar & Grill
Don't live in Rochester? You can pick up an edition of In Town at most downtown merchants – including catching fireflies.
Like to mix up your dinner menu with some fresh foods? We love finding &
sharing tasty & easy-to-make recipes. Don't miss out on our future finds…
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