Give Thanks: European Bakery & Cafe

The Give Thanks Bakery & Cafe in downtown Rochester, MI is a recent find for me though it's actually been a part of the community for 15 years. In fairness to me, it's a bit hard to find. This adorable shop front above with the big, clear sign is actually in back of the traditional downtown Rochester storefronts. Specifically, this little Rochester bakery is located right off of West Main Street Alley, between West 3rd Street and West 2nd Street.

It may take some careful driving and looking around to spot, but the Give Thanks Bakery is so worth it!

My eye immediately caught on the display of an elaborate "Frozen" cake, but my stomach went for the most delicious chocolate mousse I've ever tasted. But pictures will say more than words in this instance:

In the end what really gives Rochester's Give Thanks Bakery & Cafe heart is the inspiration behind their name (as stated on the official website): "Give thanks always for all things unto God."

Catching Fireflies: “A Whimsical Gift Gallery”

Whimsical is truly a great word to describe Michigan's Catching Fireflies. So is creative. Unique. Colorful. Fun. And, in my opinion the most appropriate, cute.

Just driving by the Catching Fireflies located in downtown Rochester, Michigan tells you something special is inside. Look at all that bright color!

Catching Fireflies has been 'lighting up' southeastern Michigan since 2000. Back then it was just one lonely store in Berkley! Now three locations exist: Berkley, Rochester, and Ann Arbor. All pictures in this post come from a trip to the Rochester Catching Fireflies.

You can read the full story of how Catching Fireflies got started, why they chose their name, and how they expanded on their official website. 

When you walk in the entrance to Catching Fireflies in Rochester you have the option of going right or left. Believe me, the choice is harder than it sounds. So many things to look at! I chose right and immediately caught sight of a wall of artwork, handmade picture frames, purses, and jewelry.

Looping back around takes me past handmade scarves and hats. Funny magnets. A table full of candy. Inspirational and invitings signs. 

And books! They have books! Journals and creativity inspiration and humor. Everything is positive in Catching Fireflies.

Up a couple steps takes me to my favorite part of this quaint little store: bath products. Bath fizzes and bombs and bathtub tea and bars of rich, milky soap. Close by are candles, if you're one for the aromatic experience when you're soaking. 

Though at first glance Catching Fireflies may seem to have product scattered about the store in a randomly whimsical fashion, there's actually quite a sense of order about the merchandise. Jewelry together. Books on shelves placed next to each other. A line of bath products as mentioned above. New parents will delight in the little 'room' created by shelves and walls to showcase art and handmade items for any baby's room. Sports fans will find a little something to enjoy. Toward the back of the shop are handmade cookbooks and cooking supplies. Cats and dogs get special attention too with a pet section of the store. Finally, in a small spot that overlooks the rest of the store are little toys and bags and books for children. 

And art? Art is everywhere you look in the beautiful and handcrafted items carried by this little Michigan store, Catching Fireflies.

Trolling Michigan: Fun Finds in Oakland County

My name is Amanda and I am a troll. No, not someone who posts purposely irritating comments on the internet. I'm a Michigan troll: I live in the lower peninsula, in southeastern Michigan specifically.

The thing is, I'm not much of a traveler. I head up to Mackinac Island/Mackinaw City maybe once every five years. Otherwise I stay comfy in my little piece of the Michigan Mitten, thank you very much.

It's a bit of a shame. This state is so beautiful. There are festivals and landmarks and parks and museums and endless possibilities.

So why don't I get out more? Well, aside from money and time, I'm still content to explore my own neck of the woods!

Every day I eat and shop and have fun in Oakland County, Michigan. Occasionally I venture up to Oscoda or out toward Detroit. But I love my home. We may not be the big city, but small town America isn't so small.

This blog is dedicated to the many restaurants, unique shops, awesome people, charities, festivals, and more in Oakland County, Michigan.