enjoy the moment handmade bracelet $ 17.95  handmade frame $37.50  mom, because of you book $14.50  pouchee purse organizer $25.95  gurgle pot $39.95  mom magnet $5.00  pearls of wisdom necklace $32.95

handmade magnetic toaster tong $14.95 helpful bird toothpick holder $8.50  solar powered rainbow maker $25.95  italian money pot $36.50  fondue for two $22.95  head tingler $7.95  wine glass top appetizer plates $16.95

michigan-made photo frame $19.50 purse holder $14.95 bad girls book club magnet $5  flying wish paper $10.95 handmade 'colors of friendship' bracelet $36.95  curly girl water canteens $21.95 recycled tote bag $13.95

poo-pourri toliet bowl spritzer $9.95   glass snowman bottle stopper $13.95  spreader set $17.95  fancy oven glove $13.95 cocktail napkin holder set $22.95  glass cocktail picks $11.95 high heel cake server $18.95

fudge brownie flavored lip balm $2.95  french toast stamper $3.95  funny recycled coin purse $4.95  shower steamer $3.95    bizarro glasses $3.95  thumb thing book holder $3.75  cupcake flavored dental floss $4.95

thank you quote book $14.50  flying wish paper $10.95  flip notes $7.95  hot cocoa peppermint stirrers $7.95  ballmania vanilla cream lip balm $6.75  european soap $7.50 michigan-made hand poured soy candles $11.00

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!

wishful thinking

I'm already having lots of fun with the Shazam app on my new magical Iphone.  I heard this fun tune while shopping at Fishs Eddy in New York and in a matter of seconds it identified it as Wishful Thinking by the Ditty Bops.  Click HERE to see the video.

A review reads, "As charming as the McGarrigle Sisters and pulsating as a scaled-down Lucious Jackson,
Los Angeles duo The Ditty Bops call upon a 20th century grab bag of
musical trends for the dozen songs that make up their eccentric debut
album. Abby DeWald (vocals, acoustic guitar) and Amanda Barrett
(vocals, mandolin, dulcimer) employ their effortless harmonies as
instruments as they sashay through an influential spectrum that spans Bix Beiderbecke’s swinging twenties, through the Hot Club Quintet of France by way of Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys,
and into the contemporary experimentation of producer Mitchell Froom
(Elvis Costello, Suzanne Vega). The lyrics may never garner a Walt
Whitman prize ("Why does blood turn brown when it dries?" and "Why
can’t white people play the blues?" the Bops wonder in "Wishful
Thinking"), but they do offer the perfect, sing-a-long complement for
the twosome’s intoxicating, foot-tapping melodies. Give the record
three spins. You’ll know every song." –Scott Holter

Like discovering fun tunes to groove to?  Simply subscribe to this blog and we'll email you our latest and greatest music finds.

and the kitchen goods go to…

Thank you for participating in our in-the-kitchen giveaway.  All your tasty recipes have us hungry for the holidays. 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, Kara
is November's giveaway winner

And her favorite holiday treat… Milk chocolate truffles with Mint Bailey's liquor. Yum Yum!

Congratulations Kara.  We hope you enjoy your kitchen goodies and we won't  be opposed to sampling some of your truffles:)

Stay tuned for another fantastic giveaway in December.  You never know when it'll be you lucky day!

Don't want to miss out on future fantastic firefly giveaways?  Then be sure to get them delivered to your email inbox by signing up here!

A Very Witty Holiday

Another window tour stop included Barneys. We strolled by after hours and noticed there was a private party going on and a few minutes later, Tina Fey & art director Simon Doonan were outside admiring the windows! Just another reason I love New York… You never know what the day may bring. All the Barneys windows paid tribute to 35 years of SNL.

Anthropologie Winter Wonderland

Steve & I are enjoying the sights & sounds of the city with my early Christmas present – the iPhone. So I present to you my very first post via this magical device.

in-the-kitchen giveaway

Tis the season to spend time in the heart of the house – the kitchen.  So we put together an assortment of fun and practical goodies that will bring a smile to your face as you stir away at the stove… a Christmas pastries flour sack towel, 'all out of' magnetic note pad, chop-to-pot cutting board, fancy fur oven glove, batter finger spatula and loofah kitchen scrubber. ($62.95 value)

So how can you get these kitchen 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 share your favorite holiday dish or treat.  (no registration or sign-up required)

We'll draw the lucky firefly fan's name on Friday, November 20, 2009 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!

top trips feature

Stocking Stuffers for Travelers

-Susan Fogwell

While you're schlepping your luggage to the airport
and heaving it into the overhead bin, why not add a little humor to the
traveling experience.

Embellish
your little black bag with an accessory. A whimsical luggage tag with a
witty saying will catch the eyes of fellow passengers. They'll more
than likely lighten up and laugh a little (especially when you're
delayed for hours at an airport gate).

"I'm pretty sure this isn't your bag" is just one of
six cheeky and colorful luggage tags, which are perfect stocking
stuffers for friends or family members. If they have a sense of humor,
they'll love receiving these fun and diverting accessories. Purchase a
set of six at Catchingfireflies.com. Multi-colored zip ties are
included. $12.50 (size 4"x 3")

For a female friend or family member venturing off on an international trip, a passport cover is an absolute-have item. Catchingfireflies.com has a retro image of a woman reflecting 1950's conformity on a 4×6 passport cover. The one liner reads, "Born to be wild."
The recipient will be sure to laugh, and during her travels, maybe
she'll crack a smile out of passport control. It will also keep travel
documents organized. $14.95 (size 4"x 6")

Know a Francophile or foodie and you just don't know what to get them?
Sometimes it's the smallest and most inexpensive gift that makes the
most impact. A French toast stamper
imprints the Eiffel Tower and "Bonjour" on ordinary slices of bread.
This is also a great hostess gift for a holiday party. $3.95 (3.25" x
4").

Susan Fogwell is a flight attendant for a major international
airline, freelance writer and seasoned world traveler. She flies over
300,000 miles per year staying in hotels ranging from ultra luxury
resorts to cozy inns, and everything in between.

Thanks Susan for showcasing our products.  We wish you many more miles of fantastic travels!