amazing att hand art ads

In my travels to the gift shows this season, I couldn't help to notice att's latest ad campaign in the airports and around NYC. I've never seen such creative cell phone ads.

Each ad features real hands painted to look like unusual animals, landscapes and people.

The talented Italian artist behind these is Guido Danielle.

Click HERE to see more of his amazing artwork that transforms hands into works of art.

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Design — letter by letter

Judith Harris Solomon

Have you noticed? The letters of the alphabet seem to be frequenting more than just the printed page. Now — either individually or in groups — letters are being used to make strong design statements throughout the home.

These 8-by-10 inch eeBoo All Around the Land Alphabet cards would look delightful framed and hanging on your nursery or playroom wall. Buy the set of 26 cards for $25.95 at Catching Fireflies in Berkley and Rochester.

remember ramen noodles?

I must admit, the last time I had Ramen Noodles was in my college days, but this budget friendly recipe book perked my interest so I tried my hand at this Mexican Casserole.

2 packages chicken mushroom Ramen Noodles with seasoning packets (I only could find chicken flavor and used that in my concoction)

1 cup cubed Monterey jack cheese

1/2 cup diced green chiles

1/4 cup black olives

1 cup sour cream

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup crushed corn chips

(It doesn't call for chicken, however I also added 1 lb cooked chicken cut up in small pieces)

Preheat oven 400 degrees

Cook noodles in water according to package directions; rinse with cold water. Combine noodles, seasoning packets, Monterey jack cheese, chiles, chicken and olives. Stir in sour cream. Spoon noodle mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses and chips.

Bake 20 minutes, or until brown & bubbly. Makes 4-6 servings

Like to try new dishes in the kitchen? We have lots of tasty recipe books for you to peruse at catching fireflies. And for more delicious recipe blog posts, simply sign up hereand we'll email them to your inbox!

cheryl’s definition of a good time

Turns out Cheryl, our Berkley gal thinks Mr. Jackson is pretty fine and loves the song, Good Time. She admits that the rest of the album has a more classic country sound which she isn't as fond of, however that doesn't matter to her because Alan is her main man.

So with that being said, don't be surprised if you see her side steppin' across catching fireflies one afternoon. And for all the country gals out there – now you too can join her in the Good Time line dance after watching this fun video.

A review reads, "Within his 2008 release, Good Time, a generous selection of 17 tracks, Alan Jackson sings of all sorts of times. Not only the "Good Time" of the title track–a dance floor, barroom anthem with a hint of Chuck Berry–but tender times, mournful times, lovelorn times and kick-back times. With his return to more traditional country, he channels his inner George Jones on "When the Love Factor's High". Since Jackson is the sole songwriter here, the listener gets a sense of every side of his multifaceted musical personality." –Don McLeese

the fun fincannons

One perk about attending the Atlanta gift show twice a year is that we get to see our artist friends, Paul & Karen Fincannon. They always take us to a hip restaurant and catch us up on what's shakin' around the south… like Paul's latest fascination – The Big Green Egg.

Steve & I originally met Paul & Karen when they lived in Michigan and we were both doing the local art fair circuit. I love her clay creations and have lots of them throughout my home. You can find her goods at many delightful galleries across the US.

Thanks Paul & Karen for showing us a good time in your town again:)

Make Valentine Memories Without Spending a Lot of Money

There's no need to fore-go celebrating love this February fourteenth just because finances have been a little tight. There's lots of creative ways you can show your love beyond the typical expensive options.

Instead of splurging on an expensive dinner at a restaurant, consider staying in for a lazy Saturday morning breakfast complete with heart shaped pancakes, toast that reads, "I love you" and a roaring fireplace on your television.

Maybe you can't afford a real diamond ring, however your mate may enjoy sipping their morning coffee from a cleverly packaged 2 carat mug.

Skip the standard dozen roses and surprise your lady with thoughtful 'Make-Your-Own-Bouquet' note cards throughout the entire year.

Save on a spa appointment and give your feet first class treatment with a jelly bath followed by a sensuous massage using soy massage oil candles.

Take a break from the traditional box of chocolates and stroll down memory lane with some fun retro sweets like sugar babies, atomic fire balls and heart charm candy bracelets.

These are just a few ideas to make your Valentine's Day extra special without breaking the bank. For more budget friendly gift giving inspiration check out the rest of our heart day goodies.

Do you like seeking out clever goodies that'll make your mate smile? 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!

our beloved bully

Theresa, one of our a.i. paper design studio gals surprised me today with an absolutely lovely hand drawn picture of our bulldog, Samson who passed away last spring.

She based her drawing from one of our pampered pet frame stock photos of Samson as a puppy.

This scan isn't the best quality so a lot of the amazing detail is lost… but still – isn't it fantastic? Oh how I still miss my little wild boy. It would have been fun to see him and our current Basset Hound, Gus play together.

Thank you Teresa for the thoughtful print of our dear puppy!

You can find more of Teresa's work at her etsy page and artfire (another cool handmade goods selling site).

city & colour

Our web gal Sara is really digging the song Sleeping Sickness by City & Colour lately. (and especially likes when he breaks into the chorus)

A review reads, "Bring Me Your Love is whisper-soft yet lush, with minimal production and warm acoustic instruments. The most catchy and compelling song on the disc may well be the most lyrically Morrissey-esque, a slightly uptempo, passionate number entitled, "Sleeping Sickness" where Green sings, "with all the worries that occupy the back of my mind, could it be, this misery will suffice?" That track gets even more powerful when Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie adds co-vocals to the mix." –Denise Sheppard

negative news therhappy

I don't know about you, but between the bad news reports, chilly winter weather and January sniffles … it's easy to catch the blues. But before you indulge the urge to sport some sunglasses and start singin' a sad song on the street corner, we suggest you try a little catching fireflies therhappy.

Our intense endorphin-releasing session covers all five senses, guaranteeing you at least a good grin after your first visit.

First, we start with some tunes to set the mood. (diggin' Coldplay's latest release)

Then take in the refreshing smells of our candles and bath goods.

Super soft stuffed animals aren't just for kids anymore. How can this hedgehog not bring a smile to your face?

Whether you're looking for a little inspiration or just need a laugh, there are loads of goodies that'll lift your spirit.

And take a walk down memory lane by snacking on some retro sweets.

Depending on the level of your blues, sessions can last up to an hour or as little as 15 minutes. And for small uplifting mini-sessions throughout the week, we suggest visiting our bright blog or whimsical website.

Still unsure if our therhappy is right for you? Hear what these firefly fans have to say…

Catching fireflies is a place that makes me happy!! On a dreary winter day looking at pretty windchimes and "hanging things" as I call them that help me to remember spring and summer are coming soon. Its a place where I can always find the BEST gift for special teachers, friends and family as well as a little something for ME to brighten my day. Its a place where you can listen to upcoming musicians and view cool functional art. Its a place where I can take my 10 year old daughter when she gets a great report card and get her a special treat. Catching fireflies is one of my favorite places! – Annette Manwaring

Whenever the daily stresses of life start to get to me, my place to go is Catching Fireflies. I enjoy my time there so much that if my husband starts to sense I need a break from him and the kids, he'll suggest I take a break and go shopping at Catching Fireflies. It's always an enjoyable, relaxing, fun experience. I love just to wander around and see what great finds are there! – Laura Shrake

Catching Fireflies equals FUN, FUN, FUN! Being new to the area, I just discovered Catching Fireflies this past holiday season. I love the total package! From a FUN place to shop to find FUN cards, FUN gifts for every occassion, FUN treats for myself to a FUN Blog I read daily with FUN craft ideas, FUN recipes, FUN websites, FUN places to visit, FUN musicians and artists. Thanks for adding more FUN to my life. – Cathy

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another great magazine gone

First Mary Engelbreit Home Companion, now Cottage Living too? Apparently I'm in the minority when it comes to magazine subscriptions since my two favorite are no longer available. So sad.

Since I'm in the market for some new monthly reads…what magazines do you read for a little inspiration?