meet our new 4-legged family member, GUS!

Since our dear Samson’s passing, our cat Tuesday has diligently been greeting Steve and me at the door when we return home… but it’s just not the same (sorry Tuesday, we still love you).  We both agreed it was time to bring a new pooch into our home.

Sticking with our love of dogs that have big hearts, personalities and short legs… we decided that a Basset Hound would be a perfect match.  And with the help of Petfinder.com and the Ohio Basset Rescue we are now the proud parents of 3 year old Gus!

(now Tuesday can return to her normal nap schedule)

He is incredibly affectionate and clearly thinks he is a lap dog.

Clowning around is one of his other talents, along with sniffing everything in sight…

… and leaving pee-mail on every plant he can.

Oh, he also really enjoys watching us eat.

I just love his funny feet.  Here is his fourth position (for all you ballet novices out there)

He has so many other funny paw poses, however when I try to take a picture at his level, he immediately hops in my lap.

It’s safe to say he’ll be bringing lots of love and laughter in our lives (and hopefully yours too!)

Observer & Eccentric 6.19.08

Thank you Wensdy for choosing our Poo-Pourri for your pink pick.

As their saying goes… "Spritz the bowl before you go, and no one else will ever know!"

Unlike most air fresheners that try to mask odor, Patent Pending Poo~Pourri is designed to be sprayed directly onto the toilet bowl water before you go. The all natural essential oil secret formula creates a barrier to embarrassing bathroom odors.

It makes an entertaining hostess gift (especially when you’re staying a few days), a funny wedding shower present and it’s a great idea to send in a college care package… or just keep one on hand for your own embarrassing moments in the loo.

Oakland Business Review 6.18.08

Retailers find ‘green’ emphasis draws customers, makes sense

by John Turk

For gift shop Catching Fireflies and its owner, April McCrumb, the "green" mindset is becoming a great business tool.

Although eco-friendly marketing has grown into a worldwide trend, McCrumb says she has been going green for years.

McCrumb, who in addition to owning store locations in Berkley and Rochester also owns eight-year-old A.I. Paper Design in Berkley, features "going green saves you green" at Catching Fireflies, a campaign to save customers money for bringing back bags and boxes from her store.

"My business initially started with a green mentality … even before it became trendy," McCrumb said. "I physically hand-made my own paper in the beginning at A.I."

Other eco-leaning companies are acting locally as well as thinking globally.

Amici’s Pizza and The Living Room in Berkley, which is certified by the Green Restaurant Association, has been using biodegradable dinnerware for a year.

Amici owner Jennifer Stark said she sees a ripple effect: Michigan is trying to become a leader in eco-friendly business practices and standards. But it also costs a little more to recycle – up to four times more, she said.

However, "it is already a great business strategy for the restaurant," Stark said. "Eventually government standards will be mandated, because there’s nowhere to put garbage."

Stark buys the biodegradable tableware and to-go containers from Detroit-based Michigan Green Safe Products, which is the first company to bring the concept to the area, said Steve Harworth, the company’s president.

Harworth, who founded MGSP in April 2007, said his company grows every month.

Bill Stough, CEO of consulting firm Sustainable Research Group, predicts there will eventually be some type of recycling mandate, so businesses should get started.

"Now is a great time for the state government to start rewarding green initiatives," said Stough from SRG’s Grand Rapids headquarters. "There is already a low-cost pollution-prevention loan offered by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality."

McCrumb is working with the trend. "Business leaders are usually leaders in the community," she said. "My goal is to be an inspiration for my customers, and hopefully they will start making steps in their homes towards changing their habits."

McCrumb is focusing on reusable shopping bags. At $9 a bag, 500 of them have sold so far, she said.

"I have 30 to 40 customers that regularly participate in bringing bags back, but this is a new trend in the retail market," McCrumb said. "It will become a regular business practice for Catching Fireflies."

At Om Cafe in Ferndale, owner Colleen Smiley began to utilize biodegradable hot food containers for catered events and in her cafe about eight months ago.

"Green-safe products are not much more expensive than Styrofoam," she said.

Reflections Cafe in the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills also is planning a switch to recyclable coffee containers and biodegradable cafe items, said Paul Gonino, Cranbrook’s food services director.

"I have purchased some items from Michigan Safe Products for a few catered functions, and the response was positive," Gonino said.

McCrumb’s store features recycled items such as window displays of old household doors and windows. Her store also offers local goods – she supplies many of her own art wares from A.I. Design just a mile away – and sells other products made from recycled materials, such as wine glasses made from reclaimed wine bottles.

do the switcheroo on your studs

I meant to feature this funny blog for Father’s day, but in the whirlwind of the Berkley Art Bash, I forgot… but it’s still pretty funny none the less.

All you have to do is send your photos to www.manbabies.com and they’ll work their photoshop magic on them and create a very funny switcheroo on your little and big man.

They post a new silly photos everyday so start-a-sendin’ your big and little stud’s pics in!

We love discovering funny gems that make us smile… what – you too?  Then don’t delay and sign up to receive these hip blog posts in your email inbox today!

and the winner is…

Thanks to all of you who took the time to say why you love catching fireflies… we’re truly flattered.  Just click play to see who gets two tickets to the Best of Detroit Party.

Even if you weren’t the lucky winner, I highly recommend you consider treating yourself to a fun night on the town.  Click HERE to see what’s in store for the fabulous evening.

a love song to louis

Love this little laid-back diddy by Teitur.  It’s a ‘love song’ (in a sense) to the talented Louis Armstrong.

A review reads, " Following much in the shadow of other popular scandinavian artists, Teitur writes beautiful sweeping lyrics that are sung with a free spirited, quiet nature.  They’re the kind of songs you would find on in your car as you drive down a country lane in the middle of spring. This feeling continues through much of the album."

thank you for your fantastic feedback

Since we were voted best gift shop for the second year in a row by Hour Detroit readers, we asked why you think catching fireflies is the best gift shop.

We were so overwhelmed by your gracious comments, inspiring stories and happy experiences, we decided to make a store window backdrop out of them…  because catching fireflies wouldn’t be what it is without wonderful people like you.

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

inspiring everyday affirmations

Meet Emily Rosenfeld of Massachusetts. If you need a little affirmation throughout the day, she is the jeweler for you.

Her brushed pewter words and symbols are beautifully balanced with colorful leather cords… making them a fun casual bracelet.

For a daintier look, these uniquely strung pewter word beads are a fantastic choice.

Emily graduated college with an English degree, but after taking a job with a production jewelry company, she realized she wanted to earn a living using her hands.

After taking a few jewelry classes she started her own business in 1991.

Now Emily works in a converted factory building filled with other artists.  Her studio view includes a line of birch trees and a river – in which she occasionally swims in during the summer.

You can also keep your loved ones close with this modern day locket.

In addition to jewelry, she creates  meaningful key chains.  This orb holds inside a compass.  You can use it to keep yourself on course… as a reminder that you know exactly which way to go… or to remember that knowing yourself and your heart gives you the courage to traverse the unknowable future.

This one is called the prayer wheel. The three inspirational words revolve in a manner of a Tibetan prayer wheel.  She hopes the words on this every object will become affirmations that not only enrich you but spread their blessings to those around you.  Carry it and keep your hands occupied and your mind clear.

This pewter charm with heart detail unscrews and holds a metal heart inside. It is meant to remind you of what is precious in your life.

This locket holds inside a message to follow your heart, and feel the joy that results.  Listen to the divine pulse that connects you to your deepest truths and to simply love, live, think, dream, without regard to convention, without fear.  You can use it as a reminder to trust yourself and love your life.

Some of Emily’s work is available online (click on the linked words in the descriptions), while others are only available at our Berkley & Rochester locations.

Do you like to reading about women who follow their bliss?  Then don’t miss out on upcoming inspiring features.  Sign up to receive these blog posts in your email inbox today!

michigan humane society memorial

Steve and I were so touched by the recent letter we received from the Michigan Humane Society.  Thank you Paula, Nicole, Michelle, Heather, Stephanie & Trisha for the donation you made in Samson’s memory.

catching fireflies is proud to sponsor just a thoughtful and giving charity.

Many many thanks!

viva voce feature

The delightful Amber of the Viva Voce blog thinks our flower fan is the perfect desk accessory. 

"Our office gets pretty toasty in the summer despite the running air. I love this personal fan, so fun!! It would look good when not in use too."

Thanks Amber for spreading the news about how to stay cool and fashionable.