Recent Blog Posts

It's that time of year again - the start of the school season! If your child is heading to college this year, it can be overwhelming for both parents and the child, but it doesn't have to be. With good planning and preparation, the start of college can be fun and exciting. Here are six ideas we...
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There’s no better place to experience summer than Michigan, with our miles of sandy beach, rivers, lakes and forests. There’s so much to do, you’ll never fit it all into one summer. You might not even be able to do it all in a whole lifetime of summers! But why not have fun trying? This list o...
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Jennifer Shorter and her mother, Mari Shorter at Sidewalk Sales 2019 I’m not going to lie: not having to haul stuff to the street last July was pretty blissful for me. Sidewalk Sales are a big job. A huge job. Monumental in a good year. Even harder in the middle of a pandemic and an employee s...
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Swimming in the Great Lakes is perhaps the ultimate perk for those who spend time Up North, but some precautions are wise to heed. Your mother might have told you to wait an hour after eating before swimming, and while this is no longer standard advice, there are other precautions to take: Enjoy t...
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According to the National Meteor Society, several meteors are visible every night. Of course, there are many other things to see in the night sky, like the Milky Way, constellations, planets, and even the Northern Lights. There are some important factors to consider that ensure you have the best...
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We love fruit, pizza, and the Fourth of July. To combine our love for these three things, we’re sharing an easy-to-make festive dessert for any patriotic holiday. This delicious red, white, and blue flag fruit pizza will be a hit with kids of all ages. (Don’t be surprised if dad goes back f...
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We are on the cusp of summer, can you believe it?! Long sunny days, warmer weather, and July 4th are right around the corner! We hope you have been taking advantage of the gorgeous weather lately and spending as much time outside as possible.  Did you know that June 14th is Flag Day? You’re p...
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This summer at Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts we are celebrating our 75th year in business! To mark this occasion, we are asking all artists ages 14 and under to participate in our Carlos Coloring Contest. Enter to win by adding your own flair to our new logo on a reusable tote bag. Feel free to ...
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Let’s hear a cheer for the rain. Not only will the spring rains wash away winter’s accumulation of dirt and debris, but also with some warmer temperatures followed by more sunshine, we will soon see the season’s first morel mushrooms. Whether you are a first-time hunter or a veteran, it’s t...
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Hippity hoppity, the Easter Bunny is coming to town! Little ones are always excited about this special day. Many families have the tradition of hiding Easter baskets usually full of special treats left behind from the bunny. Favorites are chocolate and jelly beans, of course. Where did this ...
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