Rare Bird Finds

Flowered Mug Tower

Mugs take up half of my cupboard space!  I love these pretty flowered mugs because they stack and therefore would take up WAY less room!  $22 at Patina

Tahiti Necklace

Here's a cute necklace for summer.  It's appropriately called the Tahiti Necklace.  It looks very tropical!  $47 at Oliver Bonas

Wanna Good Sugar Scrub?

The other day I posted one of my personal favorite sugar scrubs by Mad City Soaps. 

Well one of my favorite blogs, Products of the Day, just had a "Best of Sugar Scrubs" contest.  Jennifer tested around 20 different sugar scrubs and posted the results on her blog.

Tied for first was our very own Rare Robin, Bidwell Botanicals and also Somethin Special.

Second place was Sugar Lips

Third place was also a tie between Relaxation Works and Klean Bath and Body

To read more about her judging criteria and the contest click here

Tippy Canoe Boxed Cards

How could I resist posting a card set called "Sharla by the Sea"?  These cute girlfriend cards are perfect to send to your best friends.  These girls actually look like my closest friends.  Funny!  12 cards for $14 at Tippy Canoe

Wrench Ware

Grr, manly silverware for men.  These Wrench Wares look like tools!  Perfect for Father's Day if dad is handy. $29.95 at Wireless.

Fauna Goldfish Necklace

Wowsers, this Fauna Goldfish Necklace is certainly an eye-catcher.  Not for the shy!  This particular designer is fascinated by the unusual and features a collection of animals and body parts.  Loved their offer for custom orders: "Perhaps Madam would prefer to wear her favourite body part? Contact Paraphernalia for custom orders!"  $15 at Paraphernalia.

Bride and Groom Octopus Card

It's that time of year where everyone is getting hitched.  Want to give a wedding card that's different from the usual bells and trumpets and white dresses you find on typical wedding cards?  Try this cute Bride and Groom Octopus card!  $2.50 for 1 card, $6 for 3 at Sugar Lily.

USB Mini Fridge

Now this is a good idea.  A usb mini fridge to keep your Diet Coke cold while you work!  Er...or whatever your drink may be!  $33 at USB.BRANDO.COM.HK

Baby Giraffe Hat

I don't know about you but ALL of my friends seem to be pregnant right now!  It's hard finding something unique and cute for everyone.  That's why I love this giraffe hat.  Perfect for the babies that are due in the fall and winter months.  $12 at Glitz Concepts.

Triple Treat Creamy Sugar Scrub

Summer is coming!  Time to get your body soft and glowing.  I highly recommend that you buy one of these creamy sugar scrubs from Mad City Sue to do the job.  These scrubs are HUGE 15 oz and can be customized with your own three scents.  They scrub without being to harsh and leave your skin super soft and moisturized.  My skin has never felt better!  Need help with scent choices?  I love the Italian Cream Cake, Lemon meringue, Almond Coconut, Buttermint Bomb.  You can also convo Sue and ask for recommendations.  She is super helpful.  You won't be disappointed!  $11.99 at Mad City Sue

City Walks with Kids -New York

What a great idea!  This is a deck of 50 cards which each have a walking adventure in New York that you can take your kids on.  A great travel accessory!  $14.95 at Satinbox

Happy Memorial Day!

Today is a national holiday here in the States to remember our soldiers who have died for our country.  It's also a day for bbqs and spending time with our families.  So, no shopping posts from us today, but we'll be back tomorrow with some super duper items.

But we won't leave you empty-handed.  Check out these funny 30-second parodies of famous movies re-enacted by bunnies:

www.angryalien.com

Devil Paper Clip Holder

Maybe not a total necessity but I think the devil paper clip holder is way more fun than an ordinary paper clip box.  $5.95 at Vat 19

Filthy Farmgirl Soaps

I love the packaging of this soap!  Filthy Farmgirl soaps are also 100% natural and vegan friendly and don't contain detergents surfactants, sulfates, artificial scents, colorizers, or petroleum products of any kind.  The packaging is made from recycled paper too!  So cute and good for you!  $5 at Filthy Farmgirl

The Dressy Casual Hoodie

Funny - a guy's hoodie with a tie printed on.  Ha ha!  Also, available in women's sizes.  On sale for $29.99 at Nerdy Shirts.

Sampler Favorites!

This month I received my first Sampler.  What a treat!  For those of you who aren't familiar with the Sampler, it is a package of samplers from lots of different indie companies. It is a great way to get introduced to new websites.

I decided that today instead of doing 4 individual posts I would highlight 4 of my favorite websites from this month's Sampler contributers.

Lilybug makes adorable accessories.  My favorite things from her site include the sock monkey waterproof bicycle seat ($18 CAD) and the black teardrops guitar strap ($35 CAD).  Visit the store 

Kittycrossbones18 Designs also makes accessories.  I love these vintage coca cola coasters ($10)  She also makes custom promotional items such as pocket mirrors, coasters, magnets, etc.  Visit the Site.

Need some new summer jewelry?  Head over to Manic Trout.  I love the Love Fool Brass Necklace ($50) and the Phoenix Glamour Girl earrings ($100).  Visit the Site.

   

Art School Dropout offers funky vintage jewelry and accessories.  I love the deer necklace ($15 and available in many colors) and the peacock hair pins ($5)  Visit the Site.

Enjoy!

Matchstick Garden

The Matchstick Garden looks like a book of matches, but it's so much more!  Instead of lighting these matches up, you plant them.  Each matchstick tip holds seeds that will grow when planted into soil.  Choose between wildflowers or mixed herbs.  Great stocking stuffer! $12.50 at Brooklyn 5 & 10.

Magic Talk Bubble T-shirt

How fun - this Magic Talk Bubble T-shirt lets guys scribble whatever is on their minds and wear it on their chest.  Comes with a free magical marker.  Just wash the shirt and the talk bubble is clean for another day's scribble.  $20 at Nerdy Shirts.

Get A Disposable E-Mail Address

You know how sometimes you need an email address really quickly to read a forum or access some online content?  You don't want spam going to your personal account, and creating an email addy with free services such as Yahoo, Hotmail, etc. can be a pain.  Try 10 Minute Mail.  It's free and it gives you a temporary email address that is good for only 10 min.

Rody

My daughter is 2 1/2 and LOVES to jump.  She jumps off of steps (little ones), to her room, and of course through the mall.  Something tells me she would love Rody.  Kids can bounce away while they gain coordination and balance.  Available in 9 different colors.  $39.50 at All-Pop

SelfCharge Auto Jumper

Okay if this really works I want one.  When your battery is dead you plug this auto jumper into your cigarette lighter adapter.  No need for jumper cables!  (Also eliminates the need for asking the embarrassing question "Can I get a Jump?" to the random stranger in the parking lot.)  $39.95 at Vat 19

Collaged Recipe Cards

I am so unorganized when it comes to my recipes!  I need these adorable collaged recipe cards.  These come in a set of 20.  $6.50 at Art by Naomi

Twig Tray

I'm not exactly sure how practical this would be but I love the look of the scattered twig tray.  And it's your lucky day because it's on sale for $28 (from $39) at Chiasso 

Chicken Stapler

Aww, how can you resist this cute chicken stapler?  Would be so pretty sitting on your desk.  $7.95 at Patina Stores.

Recycled Beer Goblets

Ah, this is taking "green" to the next level.  Recycled beer goblets to enjoy your brew while feeling pretty good about recycling.  I think they also look pretty darn impressive.  Corona, Golsch and Sol available.  $24.95 for a set of 2 at Firebox.

Gourmet Getaway Lunch Totes

Ah, these lunch totes look like stylish handbags.  They insulate hot and cold food and they're easy to clean. Great for trips or even toting your lunch to work.  $19.99 - 24.99 at Built.

Ninja Boots

Now you can creep like a ninja with these ninja boots!  They look like socks but have the sturdiness and grip of shoes.  The toe separation is said to provide extra balance.  Even if he may not admit it, I know my husband would secretly love these!  $18 at JBox

Light-Up Moon

I'm such a little astronomy geek.  I love this light up moon.  It senses when the lights go out and turns on.  The phases can be change dwith remote control.  I think this is a great gift for kids!  $29.98 at Things you Never Knew Existed

UV Measuring Keyring

As a mom, the thought of my daughter's sweet little chubby arms getting burnt makes me ill.  Of course, if we go to the beach I slather on sunscreen but what about just a trip to the park?  How much sun protection do we need?  This handy little UV measuring keyring lets you know when you are at risk.  About $3 at Au-My 

Bird Bling Ring

I would imagine this bird ring would make me feel like Snow White singing to a birdie perched on her finger.  $30 for chrome or $40 for gold at Blanc-Reed.

Elijah Wyman Kidney Fund

You may not recognize their real names, but Elijah Wyman and his wife Rhonda make up Figs & Ginger, an online shop that has been advertised on our blog and also been featured by us for their lovely jewelry creations.  Last year, Elijah - who's only 22 years old - discovered he had a disease that required a kidney transplant.  He found a match (yay!) and will have his transplant on June 6, 2007.  However, in just 2 months of treatment, his insurance coverage maxed out.  He lost his job due to the illness and despite help from the government, the couple is still strapped financially.  They set up the Elijah Wyman Kidney Fund to help pay for their expenses.  If you can afford a donation, please do.  If not, spend a minute to send them positive vibes, good wishes and prayers.  P.S. I made a donation.

Sparkle Spray for Dogs

I love glitter and sparkles, and there was a time when I had sparkles in my hair all the time.  That said, I would love my doggies to be sparkly, too, but I was never sure how safe that was.  Imagine how happy I am to discover Sparkle Spray for Dogs.  The spray is not only safe, but it's also a conditioner and detangler.  Yippee!  $8 at Small Dog Mall.

Owl Letter Holders

Ooh look at these owl letter holders.  I'm so disorganized with my mail, and boy, these cute little fellas would be a great way to keep mail nice and neat. Also can hold small books, too!  $55 at Curiosity Shoppe.

Orders placed between now and May 28th won't be shipped until the week of the 28th.  As a thank you for your patience, the Curiosity Shoppe is offering 10% off all orders during that time.  Just enter coupon code gonefishin at check-out.

Popsicle Coin Purse

Summer is almost here, and what would be more perfect for summer outings than a Popsicle coin purse?  Too cute!  $10 at Fred Flare.

She Who Must Be Obeyed Mug

Oh look...it's the perfect mug for me!  Need one too?  $16 at Abernook

Lone Tree Pendant

I love this pretty lone tree pendant.  A little work of art for your neck!  $3!!  at Madison Craft Studio.  Need a leather cord?  Get one here for $4

Another Contest! Little Flower Designs

You guys ready for another contest?  I am very excited and jealous (that I can't win) about this one.

Little Flower Designs is giving away the Soaring Swallow Polka Dot Tea Cup, The New Saucer in Green and a Blue Dogwood Table Lovely (spoon rest).  Retail value is $50!

Handmade from start to finish, Little Flower Designs designer Linda Johnson creates her hand turned, hand carved and hand glazed stoneware ceramics from scratch. All pieces are lovingly crafted and durable enough for everyday use.

To enter: 

• Go to Little Flower Designs and find the contact number. 
• Then come back to Rare Bird Finds, and leave a blog comment for this post with Little Flower Designs' phone number and your email address (your comment will remain unpublished and therefore confidential). 
• How do you leave a comment for this post?  Below this post you'll see the word "Comments (0)" (yep, it's blue).  Click on that link.
• Do not send emails to Little Flower Designs to enter.

Winner will be chosen on May 20th.

Congratulations to Heather M for winning the Creativ*Bee contest! 

Disc and Dot Necklace

Isn't this the coolest necklace?  It would seriously go with everything!  Sterling Silver.  $22 at Curly Girl Glass

Hot Pink Asian Camera Strap

Take pictures while you look perfectly accessorized with your pretty pink camera strap.  A far cry from the 70's print I remember my dad had when I was a kid!  $32 at Em Falcon Bridge 

PIRATE CUPCAKE T SHIRT

A cute take on the cupcake shirt.  Now you can get a pirate cupcake tee complete with gothic pirate style lettering.  Comes in adults and kids sizes.  $15 at Dog Bone Art

Eclipse Solarveil Sun Protection Blanket

I think the Eclipse Solarveil is such a great idea!  The blanket is made of breathable fabric that not only keeps baby cool but also reflects 95% of the sun's harmful UVA & UVB rays.  It also comes with 2 clips that keep the blanket nice and secure so baby can't kick it off.  A wonderful baby shower gift idea.  $29 at Secure2Me 

"Waste Money" Wallet

I don't know if this is only with Asian mothers, but my mother would say I was wasting money buying gifts for her when I could be saving that money.  So, this "Waste Money" wallet really made me chuckle.  The little girl says, "I got you a gift."  The Asian mother says, "Why you waste money!"  A good reminder of Mom's voice every time you're about to splurge.  $13.99 at Angry Little Girls.

The Amazing Lyre Bird

Many thanks to Lili at Iglubu for pointing out this You Tube snippet on the Lyre Bird.  What an amazing bird! But the tale is also sad.

Bamboo Bowl

Oh wow, this bamboo bowl is so elegant and pretty.  It looks like an art piece.  Gorgeous!  $65 at Maxwell-Silver.

"Tom Is NOT My Friend" T-shirt

A friend recently joined MySpace under my urging, and she later said to me, "I don't know.  Some Tom guy made himself my friend and I don't even know who the hell he is.  How do I get rid of him?"  Ha ha.  This "Tom Is NOT My Friend" T-shirt is perfect for her.  $17.99 at Busted Tees.  Women's sizes available here.

Hey, why don't you make US your Myspace friend?  Visit our Myspace page.