catching fireflies fun and unique gifts

only 2 weeks of summer left!

It's sad but true.  How are you & your kiddos going to make the most of it?

Find these terrific treasures & more online & at our Berkley & Rochester locations.  Hope the rest of your summer is a BLAST!!!

back-to-school-cool gift guide

Looking to make this September a little more special?  Add a few of these clever goods to your back-to-school list and you'll get extra large grins from your kids, young & old.  Shop our full selection of school finds HERE.

scented eraser set $3.95 squirt gun pen $8.95 mini sticky notes $5.95 star student brag mag $10 puppy pencil sharpener $5.95 glitter pencil set $11.95

funny joke napkins $5.50 cupcake to-go container $4.95 heart shaped crust cutter $3.95 reusable sandwich & snack bags  $10.95 floral insulated lunch bag $15.95 top 100 healthy lunch box recipes $9.95

muppets lunch box $13.95 chocolator $6.95 totally irresponsible science $12.95 nose pencil sharpener $1.95  monster coin purse $12.95 frog back pack $21.95

flower key chain $7.50  monster coin purse $12.95 owl back pack $21.95 friendship bracelet maker $24.95 hello kitty lip balm  $3.95  cat's cradle string games $9.95

doodlebook frame $18.95 buddha bowl $21.95 wall pops dry erase stickers $15.95  curly girl travel mug $21.95 cute id wallet $12.95  handpainted light bulb 18.95

shower burst $3.95 magnet photo cable $9.95 poo-pourri $9.95 ladybug push pins $5.95 tiny whistle charm $3.00  State or Michigan mug $15.95 dream big memory magnet $10.00

chalkboard wall sticker $12.95 busy contest notepad $7.95 school years keepsake album $16.95 headache shower burst $3.95 super student brag board $23.50 class treats recipe book $11.95

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The Frisky Feature 7.20.11

TheFrisky.com Crave Feature

-Amelia McDonell-Parry

When I was growing up, one of life’s greatest pleasures was going over to my grandmother’s house and making Coke slushies and microwaved s’mores. These days, I can still make s’mores when I’ve got the hankering, but my homemade slushie cravings have long gone unquenched because I lacked the proper device—but not anymore! The Slush Mug is back, baby! This retro mug miraculously turns your favorite tasty beverage into frozen slush thanks to the highly scientific “Glaciercore.” Plus, now that I’m of age, I can use it to make alcoholic versions of my old favorites. Jack and Coke Slushies, anyone?

[$9.95, Catching Fireflies]

Thank you Amelia for the fantastic feature.  Slush mugs are flying out our doors thanks to you.  Cheers to a sweet summer filled with tasty slushies!

thinking outside the heart shaped box

I'm a big fan of chocolate - don't get me wrong, but how fun would it be to get a treasure trove filled with clever candies like.... cinnamon sticks, fireballs, candy bracelets, fruit striped gum, pink hot cocoa, tasty flavored lip balm & more?

Find these sweet treats at our Berkley & Rochester locations and some varieties are also offered online.

Like to see the world through our whimsical glasses?  Then sign up to receive these colorful blog posts in your email inbox.... window shopping has never been so easy!

rare bird finds feature

A stylish yet pratical way to keep metal water bottles from being too cold to hold.  These bottle freakers come in a variety of designs and can fit practically any bottle.  $8.95 at Catching Fireflies

Thank you birdies for featuring our cozy bottle sweaters!

2010 holiday gift guide

We have loads of clever ideas that will have your friends & family thinking you're the best gift giver there is! 

All items are available at catchingfireflies.com plus we offer free delivery to our Berkley & Rochester location

And if you see something special for you,simply make a wish list and spread the word to your friends & family.

 

 peas in pod sterling necklace $ 81.95  personalized family frame $44.95  blue bird pendulum clock $57.95  gurgle pot $39.95  mom memory magnet $10.00  heart of gold paper weight $12.95

 
I love dad mug $14.95  MSU green hot cocoa $7.95  fill'er up coin bank $16.95 crap cars book $14.95  dad memory magnet $10.00  photo key chain $6.95

flour sack towel $8.95   what grandmas do best book $14.95  pewter ring holder $17.95  handmade frame $33.50  crystal hanging angel $12.95  memory magnet $10 purse holder $14.95

I love grandpa mug $14.95 go ask your grandparent cards $8.95   personalized frame $44.95  grandpa story journal $15.95 book of card games $19.95  cruisin license plate sign $39.95 NY times baby boomers $13.95

princess magnet dress up dolls $16.95 puppet book $18.95  spend save share bank $14.95 water magic board $15.99  crayon apron $28.95

doodlebook frame $18.95  peace key chain $7.50  laptop sleeve $18.95  bottle freaker $8.95  stamped clay necklace $28.95  magnet photo cable $9.95
 

ticket stub diary $12.95 slush mug $9.95  half full glass $13.95 bucky balls $29.95 personalized sign $44.95  extraordinary uses for ordinary things book $15.95

snow cats flour sack towel $8.95  personalized frame $44.95  cat yoga postcards $8.95 magnetic salt & pepper shakers $13.95  personalized ornament $10.95  cat memory magnet $10.00

dog lover bracelet $22.95 pewter ornament $9.95 santa dogs flour sack towel $8.95  personalized frame $44.95  magnetic salt & pepper shakers $13.95  breed specific art work $21.95

wine charm xmas tree $29.95 wine cork trivet $13.95 personalized wine sign $44.95 pewter cork dog $36.95  wine journal $13.50  wine saver  $3.95

gloveables $14.95 xmas chat pack $10.95  pick your nose glasses $9.95  wine glass appetizer plates $16.95  high heel cake server $18.95 poo-pourri toliet bowl spritzer $9.95

art plaque quote $14.95 pewter peace ornament $9.95  relax shower burst $3.95  believe book $14.50 flip notes $7.95  memory magnet $10.00 soy & beeswax milkhouse candles $12.95

raspberry rudolph lip balm $2.95  instant snow $4.95 cupcake flavored dental floss $4.95 thumb thing book holder $3.75  cinnamon toothpicks $2.95 shower burst $3.95  flower paper clips $4.95

bar compass $12.95  recycled corona glass $8.95  beer bottleneck key chain $8.95  beer hammer $11.95 jigger cube $25.95  the perfect drink book $14.95 on the rocks drink chillers $29.95

scented pens $14.95 turtle bottle cap desk pet $21.95  ladybug push pins $5.95 double business card holder $7.95  drama notepad $7.95 insulated lunch bag $14.95

headache shower burst $3.95 personalized wire word $30.00  insulated lunch bag $14.95 filtered water bottle $7.95  memory magnet $10.00 pewter magnet set $17.95  custom message vase $29.95

Do you like seeking out clever gifts that bring guaranteed grins? We're happy to share some of our hip ideas.  Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you'll be the best gift giver around!

Time Out Kids Chicago Feature -Winter 2010

The Chicgao Parents' Guide to Culture & Entertainment

Freaky Feet - Those things going bump in the night are just your toddlers toes slipped into hairy & scary Lil' Monster Slippers $19

Sweet Delete - The phrase I stink at math takes on a whole new meaning when you clean up mistakes with scented erasers.  Packaged in mini milk cartons, they'll leave your paper smelling like grape, fruit juice, milk, strawberry & chocolate. $4

talk about some sassy curls!

Meet Laura Torchia of St Clair Shores, Michigan.  She is the sassy gal behind these cute clips for little girls curls.  We carry an assortment of her pretties at our Berkley & Rochester locations, plus she also sells her goods through etsy. 

 

 I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her crafty business...

What inspired you to start creating cute hair clips & how did you turn it into a business?

My Daughter Olivia was my inspiration for creating my first clippies. I was buying tons of expensive bows and clippies that were poorly make and after wearing them a couple times would just fall apart. So i tried making some myself and i had so much fun doing it that i haven't really stopped. I had gone to a Mom 2 Mom sale and saw a woman selling baby slings that she had handmade herself and thought why cant i do that..... So in August 2007 Sassy Girls N Curls was born it was a long process of trial and error to get to where i am today first starting out selling at Mom 2 Mom sales and craft shows and then on Etsy in March 2008.

What do you most love about the creative process?

I love experimenting with new fabrics, ribbons....really anything i can get my hands on. Being a Stay at home mom its a great outlet for me. After everyone's asleep I'll start making something and the next thing you know i look at the clock and it 1 am. I Love what i do and am happy that i can contribute to our family while still being able to stay at home with our daughter.

Is there anything that makes your hair clips unique?

I love working with different textures and colors mixing dots and stripes and just making cute Clippies. If it turns out to be something cute great if not i still had fun trying.

I take pride in the fact that my items are handmade by me so i am able to pay extra attention to every tiny detail. All of my Bows, Flowers and Posies are hand sewn not just hot glues together. I make sure all my ends are heat sealed so none of your ribbon edges will fray over time. I know my customers are going to walk away with a high quality product that will last. That and superior customer service keep them coming back.

Thanks Laura for making little girl's hair-dos even cuter!

Love to see what creative people are making everyday?  Then sign up to receive these colorful blog posts in your email inbox.... and you'll discover many talented souls!

stylin' back-to-school guide

daisy reflector safety tag $4.95  lunchbox recipe book $9.95  heart crust cutter $3.95  frog friend backpack $19.50 flower penny pal $4.95  school years keepsake book $16.95  butterfly lunch sack $16.95

spider reflector safety tag $4.95  monkey lunch sac $16.95  monkey friend backpack $19.50  monkey penny pal $4.95  dinosaur crust cutter $3.95  zoo shoes book $10.95  class treats recipe book $11.95

10 pack of scented pencils $15.95  puppy pencil sharpener $5.95  scented erasers $3.95  cookie changer purse $5.95  hello kitty lunch box $13.95  groovy crazy bands $5.95  latest masterpiece brag mag $10.00 

    retro animal lunch box $13.95  smart scented pencils $1.75  dino crazy bands $5.95  soccer deodorizing shoe balls $4.95  spork $3.95  star student brag mag $10.00  nose pencil sharpener $1.95 

chocolate calculator $6.95  6 color pen $4.95  girly crazy bands $5.95  ladybug magnet set $9.95  tiara water bottle $21.95  fuzzy pencils $11.95  big misteaks eraser $3.95 

 

     id wallet $12.95  photo magnet cable $9.95  poo-pourri $9.95  wood wall art $29.95  flower push pins $5.95 stress buster shower burst $3.95  dream big memory magnet $10.00

Do you like seeking out clever goods that bring bright smiles? We're happy to share some of our sweet ideas.  Simply sign up to receive these blog posts in your email and you'll be the best gift giver around!

15 ways to beat the summer boredom blues

So it's mid July... have you begun hearing that wonderful phrase, "I'm bored" from your kiddos yet?  If so, maybe it's time for a whimsical field trip to catching fireflies!  Here's a peak of a few of our summer-fun finds.

 

Got a camping trip planned?  Fill up a recycled Capri Sun bag with goodies like our Whirly Wheel & Reel Roaster.

Zartz are a fantastical fun game to play inside & outside - in the sand or on the grass!

Going to Grandmas for the weekend?  Fill a fun retro lunchbox with goodies like these terribly addicting ZeeBeez!

Mom & Dad can kick back in their lawn chair & enjoy a cold one while the kids challenge each other with Flip-n-Stack Monkeys.

And after a busy afternoon of play, you'll need a cool treat like a bling pop, icy slush, rocket pop, motorized ice cream cone or zoo pops to refresh you for an exciting night.

And for more fun, trade some treat themed crazy bands, and ice cream cone earrings... then cool off with an ice cream cone fan;)

 

End the day with a game of glow-in-the-dark frisbee, followed by catching fireflies.  Watch them in your lantern or wear them around your neck!

Tomorrows agenda?  Another day of summer fun!

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