creative gift ideas | whimsical & uncommon gift ideas

from scratch

Since Steve and I usually travel to the west side of the state for Thanksgiving I get the easy food assignments like rolls. Instead of picking up a bag of them this year I decided to try my hand at making them from scratch after seeing this post.

I never made bread from scratch before and was surprised on how easy it was. The only thing is having the span of time to let the dough rise twice before baking but the fresh buttery taste was worth it. Here’s what you need to make 24 rolls…

3/4 cups of milk
1/3 cup + 1 teaspoon cup sugar
1/2 beaten egg
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoons yeast (one packet)
1 cup of warm water
about 5 cups of all purpose flour
at least 1/2 cup of butter

Melt 1/4 cup butter, milk and 1/3 cup sugar in microwave. Add 1 cup of flour, egg and salt and let cool for a few minutes.

In another bowl, add the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar to 1 cup of warm water. Stir and set until a bit bubbly then add to the previous cooled mixture.

Place the mixture in a large bowl and hand stir in 3.5 cups of flour. Cover with plastic wrap or a lily pad lid and let rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours. I turned my oven on warm & placed the bowl on the stove top for it to rise.

The dough should be doubled in size. Cut it in half and roll out in shape of a circle on a floured surface. Cut the dough into 12 slices. Do this for the second half of dough too.

Melt 1/4 cup butter and spread on the dough before rolling up into a croissant like shape. Place rolls on a buttered baking sheet and top with melted butter. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place baking sheets on stove top and let rise for about 45 minutes.

Bake 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden and enjoy! Your kitchen will smell divine and fresh baked rolls taste oh-so delicious!

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personalized gifts that will be remembered

Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift that will turn into a keepsake? What better way to celebrate those closest to you with a personalized gift that is made just for them?

Put your family unit in print with this pretty typography graphic $21.95 for 8×10  $38.95 for 11×17

Keep your kiddos close to your heart with this hand stamped sterling silver necklace  $88 as pictured

Take that cute instagram family shot off your phone and showcase it on this handcrafted frame  $30.95

Showcase a special date in an artful way with this stunning metallic print of vintage cash register keys $49.95

Skip carving your initials onto a tree and have them stamped in sterling for a lovely keepsake instead $68 as pictured

Celebrate an anniversary, engagement or special milestone with a custom wording on a handmade frame $30.95

Keep your favorite vacation spot in plain view with a cute custom clip frame $16.95

Does a piece of your heart live someplace you love spending time? Mark your city or state with a copper heart and a photograph of a meaningful memory $28.50

What do you love most about Michigan? State it with this special sign featuring the mitten state $28.95

Let your grandparents know how much you love them with this one of a kind photo frame $30.95

Let grandma count her blessings by the number of birthstones on this simple, yet stunning  sterling silver hand stamped necklace  $100 as pictured

Proud grandparents can show off their grandkids with this stylish and modern print $21.95 for 8×10  $38.95 for 11×17

Brand your burgers with your signature saying with this personalized branding iron $21.95

Create a custom photo frame with a picture of dad’s favorite kiddos for his office $30.95

Design an art piece that dad will actually like with this custom license place sign $52.95+

Remember a dearly loved pet or proclaim your puppy-love with a personalized name on this handmade photo frame $38.50 (also available in cat style)

Add a little personalized bling to your pet’s collar with a handsome hand stamped tag $24 as pictured

Take your favorite filtered pet pic off your phone and display it in real life on this cute handmade clip frame $16.95 (also available in dog style)

Still looking for more? SHOP ALL PERSONALIZED GIFTS HERE

Do you like finding goodies that will bring big grins? We’re happy to share some of our clever gift ideas. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be in the loop & get our latest scoop.

46 fun finds for guys

We do love our guys but aren’t they a hard bunch to buy for sometimes? That’s why we do our best to seek out silly, clever and functional finds that will get your guys grinning.

The Guy Who Has Everything

1. Strap this handy magnet around your man’s wrist & he won’t have to worry about bending over to find a dropped screw or nail when working on a project around the house $18.95

2. Your guy can always be the Macgyver in sticky situations when he keeps this very handy pocketmonkey in his wallet $12.95

3. Whether your guy is on the search for the best beer, best view, best fishing, or best bungee jumping, this interesting and educational book covers it all $19.99

4. This great guide belongs on every guy‘s book shelf. It’s a good go-to for making a perfect martini, giving a great massage, basic car maintenance and even horse betting. $9.95

5. Finally, art guys can appreciate! Create a custom sign for your guy’s man cave, garage or office starting at $52.95

Super Stocking Stuffers

1. Every guy deserves at least one manly ornament on the tree and this most marvelous mustache is it! $7.95

2. Ever wish you could zap the people you don’t like with a space gun? Well, look no further ~ now you can with this silly sounding keychain $4.95

3.  Keep your cash in this cool paper thin but mighty tough tyvek wallet $14.95

4.  Crunch, snap, shape and fiddle with this addictive twiddle stress releiving desk toy $10.95

5.  This telescoping back scratcher will take care of any afternoon itch… perfectly sized to keep in an office desk or night stand $7.95

6. This addictive putty is fun for play, relieving stress and giving your hand a work out. It’s infused with a fine metal substance that magically attracts to the included magnet $15.95

7. Have your man smelling super fine with this handsome hand crafted soap $5.95

The Guy That Likes a Good Laugh

1. This hilarious book is for anyone who had the privilege of driving a lovely lemon or a ‘finely’ designed car of the past $14.95

2. Give your guy a good laugh & make your bathroom smell better with this hilarious Heavy Doody toilet spray. Simply spray it into the toilet before you do your business & it’ll keep unpleasant odors at bay $9.95

3. Arrrr Matey! I’d like a side of bacon with that sunny side up skull please! $9.95

4. Every charming & funny guy always needs a few jokes in his back pocket. Add to his library with this chock full book of clever jokes. $9.95

5. Just in case your man thinks changing the toilet paper may do any damage to his brain… this silly sign will help him remember that he will be alright $12.95

6. A most funny read for anyone with an endearing dark sense of humor $9.95

The Guy That Likes a Good Beer

1. This guitar bottle opener is for your favorite rock-n-roll guy that likes a fine brew $9.95

2. Let your friends really know your views on this tasty beverage with these funny coasters $18.95

3. Keep your bottled beer icy cold to the very last drop when you use a chillsner $29.95 set of two

4. If it has anything to do with beer, it is in this book. A great addition to any beer lover’s library. $15.95

5. Slice up limes for your Corona on this cool flattened beer bottle platter $14.50

The Guy That Likes Interesting Books

1. Have a little fun poking fun of both parties with this funny read $9.99

2. Ever wonder what a bathroom looks like in China, India, Iceland or Japan? You don’t need to wonder anymore with this must have bathroom literature $9.95

3. Coolness graphed is a most clever take on what is cool and not cool about suits, zombies, ponytails and more $12.95

4. Any Walking Dead fan must add this important guide to their library asap $14.95

5. Life flies by pretty fast. Take control before you turn into a boring old man $11.99

6. Calling all fans of trivia… this chock full book of interesting facts was made for you $12.95

The Guy That Can’t Get Enough Bacon

1. Deck the halls with boughs of… bacon? Yes-sir-ee, we have bacon for your tree. A must-have addition to any bacon lover’s ornament collection. $7.95

2. Work bacon into your menu from appetizers to desserts with this bible for bacon lovers everywhere $14.95

3. Bacon lovers may never use regular mayonnaise on their sandwiches ever again after they try this tasty option. $6.95

4. Just sprinkle a bit of this magical salt and add that amazing bacony taste to just about anything. $4.95

5. Who said flossing isn’t fun? Have you tried using bacon flavored floss? $4.95

6. If your guy is riding the bacon bandwagon, these toothpicks would be a great addition to his collection of meat flavored oddities. $2.95

The Guy That Likes Fun and Games

1. Your guy will be crowned the king of scrabble or bananagrams with the help from this helpful book $18.95

2. How does your husband rate? This fun quiz book is full of curious questions you could ask all the married guys at your holiday gathering. $5.95

3. How manly is your dad? Have fun finding out by having him take this test full of questions like: (multiple choice) A bear is about to attack you. You should… and (True/False) Your chances of surviving a plane crash improve 40% by sitting towards the front. $12.99

4. Is your pop a movie buff? Test his knowledge with this artful & fun movie puzzle book $14.95

5. Impress your waitress or turn cash gifts into clever creatures with this creative dollar bill origami book $5.95

Grandpa Already Has Everything

1. Be entertained while feeding your backyard wildlife with this super silly squirrel bungee feeder $15.95

2. These whiskey rocks will keep your drink cool without watering down the taste. Makes a wonderful gift for guys who like to treat themselves to some fine scotch or whiskey. $25.95

3. Let grandpa brand his signature into his super tasting steaks before serving them up to friends & family. He can spell anything he wishes with the personalized branding iron. $21.95

4. Grandpa has lots of stories.. Encourage him to share some of them in this journal that is sure to turn into a family keepsake once filled $11.95

5. Give grandpa a jump start on his new season of life with this inspiring book $15.95

6. While grandpa might not have a chance to golf year round, he still can have a bit of fun with this fun golf mug set $12.95

Still looking for more? SHOP ALL GUYS GIFTS HERE

unwrap the fun!

I recruited our Finnish daughter, Iitu to help me with the Berkley windows this holiday season and I found out she is quite the talented dressmaker!

With just a couple plastic tablecloths, a string of beaded garland and some tinsel… she transformed it into a festive frock!

I wrapped of the lady on the right with some snowflake paper and added a box exploding with festivity for the main window.

Iitu is all about the little details. I never consider doing anything to our mannequin’s feet, but she even made shoes out of wrapping paper!

I spy another designer dress by the creative Iitu. She’s made my window dressing job a breeze. I think I better reserve her talents for our Valentine windows soon!

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join the holiday hoopla this saturday

We have officially decked our halls with all things Christmas and invite you to tour through our winter wonderland this Saturday, November 16th for our Holiday Open House at our Ann Arbor, Berkley and Rochester locations from 10-6. It’s a perfect day to give back and get free goodies for this wonderful season. Here’s what is in store…

We invite you to select a free ornament of your choice when you bring in 5 or more canned goods and make a purchase (1 per family)

We’ll also be doling out catching fireflies five dollar bills that can be redeemed in December with every $25 spent

Anybody like crunchy salted pretzel, caramel, chocolate and peanut treats? We made loads of them for you to snack on, but can’t promise they’ll be around later in the afternoon ;-)

And yes… all of our holiday goodies of course! Want a virtual sneak peek? Click HERE

Looking forward to celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with you all!

our favorite tree trimmings

The halls have officially been decked at catching fireflies so we asked our firefly team what ornament they want to take home this season. These ornaments are only available at our Ann Arbor, Berkley & Rochester locations.

This adorable bookish fox is the perfect addition to any book worms tree!

I’m a big dog lover and absolutely love these cute little felt dog ornaments!

What’s not to love about this adorable owl whooo is peeking through the Christmas tree branches with those big colorful eyes?!

I choose these ornaments because I absolutely love how they are uniquely made from paper. The detailing is amazing and I can’t wait to add this to my Christmas tree this year.

Look at this little guy! He has so much personality that I just want to be his friend not put him on my tree!

One of my co-workers noticed that one of our snowman family ornaments looks like me and my daughters! I even found one that can represent me and my 5 siblings to give to my parents for Christmas this year, and the best part is that they can be personalized to have our names and the year on it.

I really love this owl ornament, he’s super cut and bird ornaments symbolize peace and happiness, maybe since he’s an owl he adds some wisdom too?

This bird is just too sweet with his little hat and scarf! Now I know how cardinals make it through the winter. Since this ornament clix rather than hangs, you can place it just where you want it.

I love this ornament it is purple and sparkly and my daughter would love to see it hanging on our tree.

I love this ornament because not only is it really cute, but It’s also made from recycled newspapers all while helping Thai artisans and their families.

Piper actually reached up in the tree and picked this one for me. Not only is she smart, but she picks out super cute ornaments.

This holiday season, my absolute favorite ornaments are the adorably wooly woodland gnomes. I have a small obsession with all things gnome and this guy’s fuzzy white beard and little wooden feet are just too cute to resist. I can’t wait to add him to my own Christmas tree with a wooly mushroom to keep him company. A happy woodland holiday to all!

Foxes are definitely the star of woodland creatures this year… and how can you not be smitten by his sweet face and stylish winter wear? He’ll be making friends with the rest of my crazy Christmas characters on my tree this year.

Do you like seeing what team catching fireflies is loving? We’re happy to share some of our favorite finds. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be in the loop & get our latest scoop.

compliment your soul

Thanks to a little spotify radio, I recently discovered this lovely tune by British singer-songwriter Dan Croll.

A review reads, “Weaving elements of folk with electro, he created upbeat but all laid-back melodies. Influenced by the mixture of sounds, the multi-instrumentalist (he plays everything from guitar to drums to trumpet and piano) is all about the contradictory. A trained musician, Croll studied at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts founded by Sir Paul McCartney.

Indeed, Croll’s sound is highly layered—it’s James Blake and Grizzly Bear meet Beirut and Bon Iver. He effortlessly weaves eclectic, opposing sounds to create something new. This Liverpool native has one foot in the folk genre and the other in the world of electro-pop, and the ever-present psychedelic undercurrent mixed with his charming persona provide endless energy for live performances.” -Sarah Rowland

Like discovering catchy grooves that you can sing to? Simply subscribe to this blog and we’ll email you our latest and greatest music finds.

clever gadgets and gizmos for the kitchen

Who doesn’t love little tools and tricks to make things easier or more interesting? We think these fantastic products will make kitchen chores less of a bore.

1. This cool silicone steamer also doubles as a colander that can go from stove to sink to microwave to refrigerator. The handles make it easy to move and the flexible silicone makes it a cinch for storage. $21.95

2. Make perfectly round pancakes or get creative with this pancake pen. You can mix your batter right in the container and it’s also useful for filling up cupcake liners. $11.95

3. No need for tin foil or plastic wrap when you own one of these magical silicone lids that create an airtight seal for simple reheating and storing. $18.95 Other shapes and size available HERE

4. Your soggy sponge will dry in no time with the help of this handsome handmade fork fellow $27.95

5. This silly silicone snail funnel is easy to handle and flattens completely for simple storing $12.95

6. Want your pasta fasta? No need for a stove top or waiting for water to boil with this new invention created by a Michigan company! $13.95

7. And once your pasta is done, serve it up in a snap with this easy-to-use single handed server. Also great for salad, popcorn, corn on the cob and basically anything else you need to pick up $8.95

8. Grocery shopping lists have never been easier than with the help of this convenient check list note pad $6.95

1. Ever opened up a bag of rock hard brown sugar? You might need this helpful terra cotta friend $3.95

2. No more sloppy spoon rests when you place your spoon in this pig pot clip $3.95

3. Read printed recipes with easy using this magnetic recipe rock $10.95

4. Who knew hedgehogs could keep your pot from boiling over? $6.95

5. This lightweight super absorbent Swedish dish cloth cleans things up in a snap and
dries quickly too…not to mention it is also pretty cute $6.95

6. Don’t let an empty propane tank wreck your dinner plans $3.95

7. Keep food fresh by creating an air tight and liquid tight seal with these brilliant grip sticks $5.95

8. Bake your potatoes a little faster by standing them on these helpful feet $3.50

Like what you see? See ALL OUR CLEVER KITCHEN GOODS here!

Do you like finding goodies that will bring big grins? We’re happy to share some of our sweet gift ideas. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you’ll be in the loop & get our latest scoop.

darling diy baby shower

A good friend of mine will be welcoming her first little one into the world next month and we wanted to celebrate this happy time with a few of our friends. I haven’t had the opportunity to host a baby shower since Pinterest came into existence so I was a bit excited to explore and get inspired.

For the decorations, I came across loads of pom pom tissue cluster photos but I decided to keep it a bit more simple and made this colorful bunting from dyed coffee filters. It was fairly simple and inexpensive to put together. (That cute striped clothesline is from Dollar Tree!) I already had the colorful filters at our design studio since we use them in some of our a.i. paper designs. I draped it all around the house and it really gave the environment a festive feel.

I also strung a little clothesline of onesies with colorful letters taped to them that spelled out ‘baby d’. These will be used later for an artsy activity.

For food, I went with a sweet salad that included spinach, pears, dried cranberries, chicken, feta and candied walnuts topped with creamy poppyseed dressing. Since autumn is one of the mom-to-be’s favorite seasons, I also baked up some cranberry orange muffins, mini no bake pumpkin cheesecakes and caramel apple spiced cider. (Thank you Pinterest!) For favors each guest received a scrumptious fall scented bar of Cellar Door Soap.

Since it was a small gathering, in lieu of games or trivia, I thought it would be fun for Sarah to take home cute onesies made by each of us.

I headed to Joann’s and picked up a pre-bundled quilter’s pack and some EZ Steam fusible web. There were loads of cute fabric collections to choose from. Luckily I found this great gender neutral color selection since the baby’s sex is going to be a surprise.

Next I drew some simple animals that would be cute on a onesie. Most of these will work well for any gender, but there are even more options if you know the sex. I love the idea of neckties for a boy and strings of pearls or fun flowers for a girl. You can print the above traceable patterns HERE.

Next just select your pattern and trace it on the fusible web. Peel off the back side of the fusible web and adhere it to the back side of the fabric, then cut out your pattern. I washed the onesies prior to applying the fusible fabric so there would be no shrinking surprises.

Peel off the other side of the fusible web (this can be tricky sometimes so I recommend using an edge of a small sharp knife if your fingernail won’t do) and place it where you want it on your onesie. Place a damp cloth over the design and iron it with high heat for 10-15 seconds. I love how Suzanne added a second layer of patterned dots on her turtle shell and also a couple surprise starfish on the bum.

Having the patterns available makes it easy for everyone to participate even if they don’t consider themselves creative. We had some crafty chicas in our bunch though… I like how Anna added the water under her whale and Steffanie cut out a play ball for her pooch. She also sneaked in a surprise dog bone on the back side.

They all turned out so stinkin’ cute and now Sarah has seven adorable onesies for her brand new babe. It turned out to be a delightful fall crafternoon with great girlfriends. Now we can’t wait to see the little Desjardine in some of these designer onesies soon!

Like to get a little crafty now and then or plan festive parties that will be remembered? Stay in the loop by signing up to receive our gems we found on the web in your email inbox!

season of change

While looking over the last year of photos on my Instagram feed, you can tell my most favorite seasons are fall and spring. Of course I also love summer and some parts of winter too, however my photos don’t seem to show it as much.

It’s the gorgeous changes of the trees during these seasons that make my neighborhood walks so full of beauty.

That and the stunning sunlight warming up brisk mornings and cool evenings.

I’m not one to ponder deep thoughts often, but I do find it interesting that the most beautiful seasons in Michigan are the ones that go through the most change.

And ironically most people including me tend to resist change. It’s uncomfortable and unknown. It’s hard and scary. You have to take risks and are not always guaranteed rewards.