The Detroit News 11.8.08

Great Gifts for Hosts of Holiday Parties – Judith Harris Solomon

Chances are you’ve been invited to someone’s home to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s. And, if that’s the case (lucky you), it’s always thoughtful to bring a little gift to your host. Here are some terrific suggestions.

Made out of handmade paper, ribbon and wood, this good-looking recipe stand is designed to keep a recipe card safe and sound while you prepare a favorite dish. Six different colorways are available. Find it for $30 at Catching Fireflies

sad news about home companion magazine

If you love whimsical goods, inspiring artists, cozy homes, fantastic finds and snazzy crafts, I recommend you pick up the last issue of Home Companion this month.

This is one of my favorite magazines.  It has such a delicious mix of articles, photographs and inspiration.

Just look at these yummy images…

And what magazine has advertisements as interesting as their features? 

I discovered these ornaments from Swirly Designs because of their ad.  I LOVE them!  They also have a great blog.

Hopefully Mary Engelbreit will find a new publisher for this delightful publication.

Even though Home Companion is leaving the news stand we’ll do our best to bring you delightful gems on the web that brighten your day.  Simply subscribe to this blog and we’ll email you our latest and greatest finds.

a smencil story

My friend Amy Peters purchased these very popular scented pencils for her kiddos and raved about their magical inspiration qualities on her blog.

"My kids have been going crazy drawing with them!  If they look tired in these pictures it’s because they have been waking up early to finish their pictures…I’m not joking.  To truly understand the gravity of this accomplishment you have to realize that Kyra is usually PULLED out of bed each morning.  I’m not sure how long this creative burst is going to go on for, but it has sure been worth the cost of the Smencils."

Thank you Amy for sharing your sweet story with us.  Love the fun art work!

If you’ve got a special story about one of our firefly goodies, we’d love to hear it!  Just drop us a line so we can share your gift giving wisdom with the rest of our whimsical world.

look what’s on the O list!

Do you spend the best years of your life fishing for reading glasses at the bottom of your bag? This credit card–size reading lens is virtually scratchproof and fits right into your wallet.

Did you know the great company behind these is located in Rochester, Michigan?  We’ve carried these handy pocket peepers for a few years now are they’re a great solution for your misplaced reading glasses.

oh-so-hip handwriting

Is your handwriting not so hot? Why not adopt someone elses?  Simply visit Fonts For Peas and pick your new faux writing style.

Here are some sweet ones I downloaded.

Conversely if your writing is wonderful, this site will also make a font of your own script.

They also have some other free snazzy scrapbook fonts I couldn’t resist snatching for myself.

It’s super easy to download these and they give instructions if you don’t know how.

Have fun typing away!

Like discovering delightful gems on the web that brighten your day?  Simply subscribe to this blog and we’ll email you our latest and greatest finds.

family therapy courtesy of zach gill

This groovy little ditty is a perfect way to prep for your family get-togethers this upcoming holiday season.

A portion of Zach Gill’s bio reads, "From the moment you press play and hear the opener “Family” it’s apparent that Gill is an effortlessly strong performer: one who knows how to craft and deliver easygoing pop with a large dose of buoyant soul. Think Leon Russell or Levon Helm if they grew up near the beach, listening to a little Bob Marley (“Don’t Touch My Stuff”). With unique instrumentation and a playful spirit, Zach Gill carries on a tradition of true musicians who revel in playing and creating, whether on the beach, on the road, or with his kids. He’s on a true musical journey that shows no sign of ending, and his new record is simply an awesome glimpse inside the ride."

Like discovering laid back tunes that not everyone knows about?  Simply subscribe to this blog and we’ll email you our latest and greatest finds.

The Detroit News 11.1.08

Let the Dogs Out Around Your Home – Judith Harris Solomon

Our weak economy has unleashed a lot of talk about the world going to the dogs. So, keeping that in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to familiarize you with some of the notable dog-oriented items you can find around the town.

• Designed to showcase your favorite canine, this lovable picture frame is constructed from handmade paper, ribbon and wood. It’s 9½ inches high and 7½ inches wide, holds a 4-by-6 inch photo and costs $32 at Catching Fireflies.

life lessons from kathleen taylor

Meet Kathleen Taylor of Alpharetta Georgia.  She is the whimsical spirit behind these heart warming & humorous art works.

A portion of her bio reads, "I began drawing and coloring as soon as I could hold a crayon. My favorite subjects were family portraits and fashion illustrations. On Sundays I couldn’t wait for the NY Times to arrive so I could color the Hirschfeld drawing in the theater section of the paper. I still love to count the ‘Ninas’.

 

My adult career took me everywhere that I didn’t expect to go. I started as a schoolteacher and subsequently tried my hand as a knitting fashion coordinator, photo stylist, needlecraft designer, children’s fashion designer and finally as a toy designer for Eden Toys. I was always thrilled to be paid for coloring and drawing.

In 1992 I created my own studio, Painted Pieces. I began designing and painting one of a kind pieces of antique furniture.The furniture business evolved into the framed prints you see here.

My subject matter has always been inspired by my life as a mother and wife and artist. Juggling those roles and trying to do each one well is a universal experience.

I’m grateful every day to be able to work at something I love."

We have a lovely assortment of Kathleen’s art work and greeting cards available at our Rochester & Berkley locations.

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fun fall festivites

I forgot how fun it was to carve pumpkins until we invited a bunch of our friends over for a festive fall potluck.

Hotdog mummies won the prize for the most creative dish. How cute are these for quick dinner before taking the kiddies out trick-or-treating?

One of the dessert choices were smores… via our fireplace.  Our handy dandy extendable forks are quite useful for this activity. (in my opinion, this treat is simply too tasty just to be enjoyed during the camping season)

Let the pumpkin carving begin!

Here are a few of the masterpieces.  It’s funny… the two pumpkins on the left were carved by little Ezra’s parents.  If I didn’t know any better, I think the jack-O-lantern face was inspired by him.

…and the winner of the night – Popeye!

I was a little busy playing the role of hostess during the evening so I didn’t get to carve my pumpkins until tonight.  Meet our mascots, Luci & Flair – the pumpkin edition.

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween!

hot mulled cider – a savory fall treat

Steve & I hosted a little festive fall get-together this week and served up some sweet hot cider. It was a big hit. I can’t wait to make some for Thanksgiving next month.

1 gallon fresh apple cider

2 oranges

30 cloves

8 three inch cinnamon sticks

30 all spice berries

1 teaspoon of nutmeg

Pour cider into a large pan and turn heat on medium-high.  While cider is heating up, take a vegetable peeler and peel away a few thick strips of the orange peel.  Place peels in cider.

Press 15 of the cloves into the peeled part of the orange and place in cider. Then quarter the second orange and place in the cider.

You can choose to place the rest of the all spice berries & cloves straight into cider (to be strained out later) or place them in a muslin bag.  I just used Lemon Wraps I found at Westborn Market.  Add the rest of the ingredients to the cider.

Bring mixture to a simmer then reduce heat to low for 20 minutes.

I served it with ladle right out the pan and kept the heat on low to keep it warm.

For an extra treat, guests could place a spoonful of pomegranate seeds into their toasty drink.

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