barkability feature
Chris digs our handy paw cleaning mitt at Barkability.com. Thanks for spreading the word about how to keep your pup's paws squeaky clean.
steve’s surprise birthday afternoon
My husband, Steve has been casually looking for a fedora for a while (somewhat influenced by Mr. Costello) But the problem is that he has a very large head so the search has been unsuccessful. So for his birthday, I surprised him with a visit to Detroit's Exclusive Hatter – Henry the Hatter. And low and behold – turns out Steve's head is a size 2x… but luckily they carry that size and now Steve is a-stylin.
After our shopping trip, we headed over to Slows BBQ in Corktown. Wow… what an amazing lunch – all the rave reviews are true and the atmosphere is truly unique.
The day ended with an impromptu surprise party with some friends - complete with cake, a personalized song and funny photo slide show. A great way to start off year number 36!
earth day give-away
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd, we've got some great green goodies like… an organic pear loofah kitchen scrubber, sustainable bamboo flower salad servers, re-usable shopping bag, the green book, stainless steel water bottle and recycled beer bottle juice glass. ($66.80 value!)
So how can you get these green goodies for free?
There are 3 ways to enter – you can do 1,2 or all 3 to better your chances.
1. Comment at the bottom of this post and tell us: a simple change you've made to be more green? (no registration or sign-up required)
2. Spread the word about our giveaway on your Facebook page by clicking the Share on Facebook link below then send us a message via Facebook saying that you did. *
3. Post our green 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's name on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 and post it on the blog.
Have fun, good luck and thanks for playing!
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animal house
Aren't these the quirkiest, most charming, whimsical animal photographs you've ever seen? The composition is absolutely fantastic! These modern masterpieces are by Catherine Ledner.
A portion of her bio reads, "She was born into a creative New Orleans family where no two walls were parallel and no ceilings were flat. Growing up in a home full of dogs, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish and turtles lead to her lifelong love of animals"
You can purchase her prints online and she also has a book – Animal House… which I hope to carry at catching fireflies sometime soon!
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tip toe through the tulips
Being the Dutch girl that I am – I do enjoy when the tulips start bloomin' … that paired with my spring-inspired name (April) I have to believe that top skirt needs to be hanging in my closet.
Each skirt is designed and hand screened by Hannah. I love the kitschy-retro flavor of her designs. A portion of her bio reads, "i've loved screen printing ever since i saw how many cute boys there were in the graphics room in high school. and i still love it! i also love knick knacks and ric rac (but not just because they sound so good together) so here are three of my favorite things assembled together for your pleasure! oh yeah, i also love clothes, so make that four things."
She also has a hipster blog called knick knacks and ric rac.
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big jumps
This cheery little ditty by this pretty Icelandic girl is a perfect little tune for spring… can't get that catchy chorus out of my head. And the video is quite charming as well.
A review reads, "Emiliana Torrini mixes fingerplucked folk with elements of jazz, dancehall, electronica, and summery pop. Me and Arminiemerges as an album suitable for bookworms and beach bunnies, homebodies and world travelers, dancers and wallflowers. Highly recommended." -Andrew Leahey
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a simple way to spread joy
I love what this charity is doing. What a fantastic and artistic way to teach children about giving to those in need.
‘Damn I Like That’ Feature
Hali Felice of Damn I Like That Blog thinks our magnetic lovebirds salt & pepper shakers are super sweet. $13.95
"Spring is in the air. As is love! Love finds its way into many people’s hearts this time of year. Some may even notice the love birds soaring all around. Capture this passionate love with these Lovebirds Salt and Pepper Shakers. They are adorable enough to display in your home or even to use! Cuddle up to them as they dispense both your salt and your pepper with the greatest of care (and love, of course)."
Thanks Hali for spreading the love!
cruising the 101
Since we were already in California for the cruise, afterwards we rented a car for a couple days and explored some sweet beach towns on our way down to San Diego. Nothing like driving down the 101… one of my favorite highways.
As recommended by my friend Michelle, we made our first stop in Encinitas. I love the extra little touches in their city scape… who knew trash cans could be so artsy? and the sidewalk mosaics – just wonderful. And since tax time is right around the corner, I had to include this fantastic accountant sign – even the number guys are hip in So*Cal.
Favorite shop: Art N Soul on 101–> for a number of reasons – Great local art goods, great presentation and the best part… ALL thier profits go to charities. Their story is quite amazing and very inspiring.
Right next to Encinitas is Cardiff by the Sea where we enjoyed a gnormous breakfast at a local favorite, Pipes Cafe.
Next stop, Solana Beach – Cedros Design District… full of fabulous independent stores. I love all the diverse flora… it's so refreshing to see after our grey Michigan winter.
Favorite stops: Solo and Leaping Lotus.
Another colorful stop further down towards San Diego is Ocean Beach. Quite the hippie beach town complete with a top rated hippie burger joint, Hodads (which appropriately means – a person who does not surf, but spends time at surfing beaches pretending to be a surfer).
This is only a small snapshot of the treasures along the 101…. a great road trip for any time of the year!
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cheeky towel creations
I know these silly towel creatures are a signature of cruise ships and I have to admit, it was amusing to find a new one in our room each night.
Come to find out, you too can impress your guests or kids with these goofy characters…
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