bon iver
Danielle, our Berkley manager is enjoying the tune, Skinny Love by Bon Iver lately.
A bit about this folk singer… Justin Vernon began recording as Bon Iver following the breakup of DeYarmond Edison, an indie folk group similar in tone and manner to Iron & Wine, Little Wings and, to a certain extent, Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Pronounced 'bohn eevair', it is French for "good winter" which is spelled wrong deliberately. This debut CD is centered around Justin Vernon, who is the primary force behind Bon Iver, as he moved to a remote cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin at the onset of winter, alone for three months. From this solitary time emerged a bold, uninhibited new musical focus of all his personal trouble, lack of perspective, heartache, longing, love, loss, and guilt that had been stockpiled over the past six years into songs.
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our staff’s pampered picks
If you're in need of a mid-winter pick-me-up, take a break from this busy world with a little pampering. Here are some sweet selections our catching fireflies crew…
I love relaxing with bubble baths but sometimes I need something for my achy muscles and this lavender bubble bath has Epsom salt and bubbles – the best of both worlds. $14.95
I'll try anything to avoid the horrible symptoms of sinus problems. So instead of just taking decongestants, now I also make time to relax with one of these and it really makes a difference. $11.95
I've had this handy holder for over 4 years and it always stays suctioned, plus it keeps my razor in a safe, easy-to-reach place… and it's cute of course. $6.50
If you love soaking your feet in warm water, but hate it when you have to keep adding more hot water, you'll love this stuff. It stays warmer much longer than water and makes for a nice at home pedicure. $10.95
Pretty soon I'll be sharing a home with my husband-to-be and I definitely plan on stocking this magical potion in every bathroom. It works like a charm! $9.95
I suppose when you see a product that is labeled the head tingler, you may decide to try it out or just walk away. I was the one who tried it and, much to my surprise, liked it. I'm not saying it's a cure all but, boy, you sure feel better after massaging your head and getting some blood flowing to a part of the body that needs some exercising. I actually think it's made my hair thicken up. Can't explain the science behind it, but I know it works. In fact, I experimented on my son's dog(while I was dog sitting) and he was wagging his tail all the while I was massaging his head. He kept looking at me as if to say, don't stop. $7.50
Do you enjoy using the edge of the counter to push the toothpaste towards the top of the tube? How about arguing with others in your house if they should squeeze from the bottom or the top? This handy device keeps the tube loaded and ready to go at all times. $2.95
If you want that spa feeling on a cold winter day these shower steamers are your ticket. I tried the "Relax" lavender and bergamot and loved it! $3.75
Nothing says spring is coming like cute painted tootsies! Of course it's not sandal weather yet so these are perfect for keeping your feet warm after they get pampered. $8.95
I am a huge fan of bar soaps and I've tried every kind. I also have a love affair with both verbena and lavender. These bars are large so they last a long time and they suds up fantastically. They also rinse clean but don't dry your skin — I can't say enough, really! $7.50
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Oprah likes our light-up dog leash
Do you think she walks Luke & Layla with our handy leash?
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lucky slumdog millionaire director
So it turns out, Meredith from the Today show gave good luck charms to the Oscar nominees of Slumdog Millionaire before the big night. And the director, Danny Boyle got a sterling silver wishbone… and we carry the exact same one in pewter at catching fireflies! Click HERE to see the video.
Word has it he carried it with him on the red carpet and throughout the evening.
Congratulations Danny -we love the movie!
soup’s on
Did you know the tasty dip creators of Hungry Wolf Gourmet also make delicious soup mixes?
I whipped up their Chicken Enchilada Mix for a quick dinner recently. I just added a can of diced tomatoes, some shredded chicken and cream cheese… then viola – dinner was served!
Dena, our Rochester manager raves about the Chicken & White Bean Chili Mix too. So if you're looking to mix up your boring winter dinner schedule throw one of these in the mid-week menu. Available at our Berkley & Rochester locations.
Want to learn more about the Hungry Wolf kitchen queen, Stephanie Laubach? Here's how she started her Michigan based business…
"Cooking has always been a love of mine. I have been forever trying new recipes and new ways of doing things in the kitchen. Originally I chose to follow a different career path, but as life would have it, changes came along. After facing a job layoff and the arrival of a brand new baby, I focused my extra energy towards my pursuit of “the perfect recipe…”.
Hungry Wolf Gourmet began in my kitchen as a way to occupy those quiet moments many new parents find at 4:00 am, (when your child finally drifts to sleep, but you remain awake!). My husband often jokes about me making jam in the middle of the night or never having the same chocolate chip cookie twice. (I think I’ve perfected that one!)
My pursuit of gourmet perfection and the need to simplify meals for my busy family, led me to create the products you see before you. Always conscious of you, the consumer, we’ve concentrated on the quality of the product. Therefore, we’ve eliminated many of the high-end packaging costs, so we can pass the savings onto you. Each product is packaged according to Michigan Health Department Guidelines.
Only the highest quality air-dried & freeze-dried ingredients are used to deliver the best possible flavor. We mix most of the ingredients ourselves to ensure that freshness. Our products contain NO MSG or preservatives. Many items are salt-free or low in salt, but full of flavor. As you will see, our products are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. You only need to add one or two ingredients to feed your guests or your family in minutes. You too, can serve homemade gourmet foods in no time."
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etsy love
So many talented gals, so many lovely etsy sites… some I stumbled upon via other blogs, some are our very own firefly fans and one of them is even our Rochester store manager.
Sweet Margarita Studio has the most delightful portraits of lovely ladies.
Talk about a cute custom return address stamp from Letter Girl.
Island Girl makes the perfect accessory to pretty up your pony.
It doesn't matter if it's snowing in Big Me Little World's shop.
Speaking of snow… how lovely is this hat by Piper & Paisley?
More cute ways to stay cozy by Love Lambie.
This necklace bauble by Dancing Wiredis bubblicious!
Hot Digital Dog! I think our Basset Hound, Gus would look quite charming in one of these old fashioned portraits. (They do custom cat ones too:)
For the happening hostess – by Sweet Things.
Sieze the Clay wants to know what's your fortune?
A magical no calorie treat for your bathroom sink from Soapopotamus.
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spectacle
This show on the Sundance Channel is becoming one of my husband's favorite shows. (I think he secretly wants to be Elvis… Looks like I need to get him a hip hat for his birthday this April)
I enjoy the show as well… it's a great blend of interesting interviews & happening tunes such as…
Sting talking about Roxanne
James Taylor and his Sweet Baby James
Kris Kristofferson, Roseanne Cash, Norah Jones and John Mellencamp singing Johnny Cash's "Big River"
It's a great way to unwind for an hour on a Wednesday evening.
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peace, love & understanding
New jewels just in at the stores – all under $16!
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creative color fun
Want to know how to add a little color to a grey day? Just scratch away and find a bright rainbow display!
I remember making this fun art project in middle school – we colored a large sheet of paper with crayons to create the rainbow base, painted black tempera paint over it and after it dried, we drew our our pictures by etching away the paint.
Now with these snazzy kits, all you have to do is etch away and create your little masterpiece.
There are loads of fun options to choose from ranging from $2.25 – $11.99. Now the question is… what in the world to start scratching away first?
Do you like seeking out creative goodies for your kiddies? We're happy to assist you in your search with loads of clever ideas. Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you'll be the best gift giver around!
phoenix
An oldie (2000) but a goody, If I Ever Feel Better from these cute French boys– one of my favorite songs…
A review reads, "The band's been relentlessly eclectic since they formed in the late '90s; they make hybrid music, an electronic-flavored rock that's impossible to describe without using up half a dozen hyphens in the process." –Mike McGonigal
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