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Angie, a reader, suggested we make searching our site easier - and we agreed! We have added a Google search box like the one above in the left column above the categories list. Now you can find what you want to find that much easier!
Got more great suggestions on how we can improve our blog? Email us!
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I've had the pleasure of looking at a Kids Crooked House in person - so delightful! It's a playhouse for kids that looks like it came straight out of a cartoon. Made with no straight angles and can be designed in a variety of themes. Plus, they're so colorful! What kid wouldn't love one? And, they're super cute so they are aren't an eyesore in the backyard. Around $1449.00. Ships nationwide in U.S.
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These vinyl wall art decals are a brilliant way to spice up a drab wall. Simply peel and stick! Comes in the most awesome designs you'll ever lay eyes on - and only $3 for worldwide shipping! $5 - $46 at Vinyl Wall Art.
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I love these sweet greeting cards by Neg Art that are made in London and are so utterly cute. They are handmade and the paper and design are exquisite - you won't be disappointed! Also, the company also does custom wedding stationery. Located in London and ships internationally. Cards are £3.50 - 4 each.
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I love anything retro. This Happy Pills pillow cover is no exception. Made from original vintage fabric. $25 at Absoluut
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I want! The perfect casual bracelet! Made from shrink plastic, leather and sterling. Pretty! $30 at Full of Craft.
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I think that I would have definitely thought that these pregnant paper dolls were a little bit funnier a few trimesters ago. They come with 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th trimester dolls. $12 at Wishing Fish.
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Ooh, so pretty - I totally want one of these owl mouse pads for my office space! Many thanks to reader Alana for submitting this tip. $12.99 at One Good Bumblebee.
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I love that these bed sheets are black and have pretty bold tattoo-type graphics. Pretty cool! $69 - $145 at Sin in Linen.
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You guys ready for another contest?
The Succulent Wife is offering a $50 gift certificate to their fabulous online boutique. Featuring over 40 wonderful women artists, the Succulent Wife has an amazing assortment of goodies to choose from. We are confident that you will find something you love!
To enter:
Winner will be chosen on July 29th.
Congrats to Eileen O for winning the Home Port contest!
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Another cool gadget for guys or girls with hobbies that involve small metal objects. The magic finger is a magnetic finger that makes sure you don't lose small parts. On sale for $9.95 at Herrington
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We all know how much water we are supposed to drink but keeping track of it is sort of a hassle. The HydraCoach keeps track of how much water you have had for you. Genius! $29.95 at Solutions
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Isn't this Japanese flower blossom necklace gorgeous? $26 at Howlindoggie
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Those of you who have experienced the pain of swimmer's ear will want to check out this handy little swimmer's ear eliminator. It dries the ear after swimming or showers with gentle warm air. $99.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer
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As you might know, Sharla will be having her baby in approximately four short weeks. Understandably, she will be unable to blog for at least a month. That means that the days Sharla normally blogs (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays) will be open, and we thought it might be fun to shake things up and try something new on those days - that's where you come in.
We're inviting readers to submit questions to us about anything shop related. Trying to figure out what to get your boss for his/her birthday? Looking for a wedding gift that looks expensive but isn't? Need help finding the perfect red heels? Ask away! We'll post the questions and our answers on the days Sharla is unable to blog. Also, we'll keep the comments line open so if any reader would like to chip in with his/her own suggestions, s/he may do so.
Also, if you have suggestions or ideas of what else you would like to see on those "open" days, please share! We're completely open to suggestions.
Email us at rarebirdfinds @ yahoo . com (remove spaces when you do email us).
Can't wait to hear from you!
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Welcome to the eighth installment of Fab 5 Friday. Where every Friday, we have a guest share with you his or her five favorite shopping discoveries that are sure to be fab! This is part of Rare Bird Finds' effort to bring you even more unique and interesting finds - we hope you like this new series. To view past Fridays, click the Fab 5 Friday link.
This week's guest is Kimberly Ellen Hall: "I am a designer who can't stop asking why. Because I can't resist technology and finding new things I have a blog of my notes just to keep
track of it all. I just finished my
MA
at Central St Martins last year and am slowly trying to make my way in
this so-called "real world". I live in Brooklyn with a cat and a man,
and
all three of us miss London a little bit."
Colour-grown Cotton Cardi - £165
Amy Twigger knits up gorgeous and unusual garments from belts and shoes to more traditional sweaters and cardigans. Amy started the
collection
seeking to "build strong emotional connections - between ourselves and
our
customers, and between our customers and their KEEP & SHARE pieces."
The
cardigan that I want is made of cotton that is grown in the finished
color—no dyeing or bleaching involved....amazing! (Look under "Collection" -> "Eco Edition")
Enamel Soap Dish
- $30.00
Kiosk is an amazing store that stocks itself each season from products
of
a certain country. From March to August you can find products that have
been sourced from all over Germany. The people of Kiosk are interested
in
products that are beautiful for their straightforward simplicity, and I think this soap dish is a perfect example of that aesthetic. You can
also
find products on the site left over from the Japan, Sweden, and Mexico
collections.
Artist Series Plateware Box Set
- $32
Hmmm....I thought my selections would be quite fabric focussed but I
guess
texture is my key theme. Poketo is an eclectic network of artists that
produces an array of accessories and home products. These plates were
created by the Japanese artist PCP for Poketo to be mixed and matched
with
another set by another Japanese artist Ogi.
SANS Flag Shirt
100% Organic Cotton -
$127
SANS has gotten press for sourcing organic fabrics, but I think it's
their
innovative cutting that makes their work worth buying. I know I'm not
exactly listing affordable clothes in my Fab 5 Finds, but I'd rather
have
one amazing $127 t-shirt than five $25 ones from the Gap any day!
THINGS MAGAZINE #11
winter 1999-2000
- €10.00 EUR
To go with all of these lovely products, my last pick is decidedly more
cerebral. Things Magazine is a bit like the web, it covers everything
(and
nothing, in the best sense), and it is published on an unpredictable
cycle.
Most of all their back issues are available to order and you can scroll
through the contents to see which issue might strike your fancy. I
chose
#11 (the most recent issue) for its title ("Being & Nothingness") and
articles about technology and the future, Vivienne Westwood, Joseph
Bueys,
and Xena the Warrior Princess.
House and Tree Ring -
This was so hard to choose! I started looking back for things I remembered or bought or bookmarked, but there is just too much. So my Rare Bird fave is a recent find. I never buy jewelry because I am always working in the studio and jewelry just seems too serious for that, but I could wear this whimsical and pretty ring everyday!
We're looking for readers to be guest posters on Fab 5 Fridays! Interested? To be considered, send us an email with:
*If you're a designer, we ask that none of the 5 items you pick is your own product
If you're picked, we'll contact you the week your picks will appear on our blog.
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What a pretty umbrella - it looks as if it's trimmed with lace! $80 at Greer Chicago.
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I love this super affordable shirt that can be worn in 3 different styles. $19 at Avon.
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I love this etched copper ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals) with its carnivalesque feel. At 2.5" x 3.5", it's a tiny work of art that you can hang on your wall. One of a kind, so once it's gone, it's gone. $32 at Graphix Outpost.
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A smart tee for girls that are more than "princesses" or "drama queens". Comes in girls and women's sizes. Also tees for Book Lovers, Math Divas, Scientista Fashionistas, Web/Tech Wonders and Smart Cookies. $27.50 at Mind Candy
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These decorative tiles are so much fun! I am in love with the vespa! Cool to hang or use as a trivet. $25 at Circa Ceramics
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How beautiful are these customized laptop cases?! You get to choose your favorite from over 30 fabrics. $69 at Janine King Designs
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Great concept - get your baby's name in braille on a tee with either Swarovski crystals (for girls) or metal studs (for boys). Underneath the baby's name is hand-embroidered. 10% of all sales go towards the American Foundation for the blind. A great gift! $24 at Bitty Braille.
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This nifty 3-D picture frame kit comes with a PC software that allows you to take your .jpgs and turn them into 3-D works of art. With the software you mark what areas you want to be in 3-D. You then print the photo with your colored ink jet. Slip the picture into the special frame and watch your 2-D photo "pop." $24.99 at Think Geek. The above photo is an artist's rendition of 3-D since to photograph a 3-D photo on a 2-D webpage.
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I can't begin to tell you enough how utterly luxurious these baby blankets, known as Luxury Loveys by Queenie, are! Made with super soft high-pile velvet and trimmed with satin, these are baby blankets Mom will want to steal for herself! Comes in 3 colors - platinum, gold and godiva (my favorite - a deep chocolate-y brown). Even arrives on a very impressive walnut wooden hanger. If you're looking for a gift to impress at an affordable price, this is it! $40 for petite size (the perfect size for "on the go") and $80 for large (perfect for night-time slumber) at Lina Designs.
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This Space Invaders tie is such a must have for the geeky guys in your life! Looks just like a "grown up" tie with its subtle colors. $35 at Uncommon Goods
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Isn't this little owl so cute? He's a postcard and a work of art! $5.50 at Patina
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Yay! They have girl baby camo socks now! I posted about the boy ones before and now my baby girl can have some too! $19.95 at the Spoon Sisters
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We have this High Reach Ceiling Kit at home and love it. It allows you to easily change ceiling light bulbs without having to stand on a chair. Actually, our ceilings are so high that even standing on a chair isn't high enough, and seriously, who wants to be bothered with a ladder? Also includes parts so you can wash and squeegee windows, and dust ceilings, fans, and high shelves. Very handy! $29.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
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You know how much we love birdies. This 30-piece vintage birds magnet set will add color and birdie whimsy to any office space or to your fridge door. $17 at Miss Mary.
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I love this pirate baby onesie - great for a good laugh! $16.95 at Bluefrog Goods.
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My two year old is currently obsessed with PB&J. She would LOVE these pb and j soap bars! They even have the crust cut off and smell like PB&Js. Too cute! $5 at Soapylove
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What could be more appropriate for your kitty than a Hello Kitty cat collar? If you have a socially aware pet make sure you check out the awareness line too. $11 at Feline Fido
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We were just talking about rocket pops (or firecracker pops or bombpops or whatever you call them) the other day and here are a cute pair of rocket pop earrings! Aren't these adorable? $7 at Magic Bean Buyer
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Leaving the kids with a babysitter can be an exciting (cause you're leaving!) / nerve wracking (what if something happens while you are gone?) experience for parents. The babysitter memo tile can help put your mind at ease a little because all the important information is right there and it can not be easily lost or waterdamaged (like a piece of paper). $29.95 at PlaceTile Designs
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Welcome to the seventh installment of Fab 5 Friday. Where every Friday, we have a guest share with you his or her five favorite shopping discoveries that are sure to be fab! This is part of Rare Bird Finds' effort to bring you even more unique and interesting finds - we hope you like this new series. To view past Fridays, click the Fab 5 Friday link.
This week's guest is Stormy Jache, born and raised in New Hampshire, but who recently moved to Ohio with her boyfriend.
"My job? Customer service for a major medical products manufacturer – but I usually just say I’m “stuck in a cubicle.” When we’re not spoiling our dogs rotten, we are crafting – chainmaille, crochet, soap-making, sewing, stained glass. We’re not that good but try new crafts just for the fun of it! I can’t often afford to shop too much for myself, so instead I “window shop” online."
Dogwood Necklace - $129 - $195
I was born and raised in New Hampshire, and Judie Gumm’s jewelry reminds me of my home, nestled among the branches of dogwood, birch, maple and oak trees. I have not bought it yet, but I am absolutely going to purchase her Dogwood Necklace the next time I treat myself.
USB Sushi - $65 and up
Why would anyone want to use plain, run-of-the-mill USB sticks anymore? With all of the new funky designs out there, there are so many choices to suit any personality. Of all the ones I’ve seen (most compliments of RareBird), my favorite by far is this USB Sushi. But being so lifelike, I think if I used one at the office it would give me sushi cravings all day long! $65 and up.
Faux Suede Dog Coat - $5.99 - $9.99
My dog Doyle is a 4-pound chihuahua, and in the winter months he shivers and shakes from the cold. So to keep him warm I bundle him in his favorite faux suede dog coat from Petedge. They are a wholesale grooming supply company that sells to the public as well! This coat is way more affordable than the ones you’ll find at the doggie boutique at the mall. Now if only I could find myself a matching one at the same price…
Construction Zone Zen Garden - $26.99
My boyfriend is the typical man that is impossible to shop for. Last Christmas I scored major girlfriend cool points when I gave him this Construction Zone Zen Garden! It comes with a little dump truck, bulldozer, and even tiny traffic cones!
Blown Glass Sink - $1,400 - 1,500
When I build my dream house someday, I will absolutely have one of these blown glass sinks in my bathroom. They are so stunningly beautiful!
My favorite Rare Birds find? The Birds Nest bed. Some day I’ll buy this the same day I buy my blown glass sink!
We're looking for readers to be guest posters on Fab 5 Fridays! Interested? To be considered, send us an email with:
*If you're a designer, we ask that none of the 5 items you pick is your own product
If you're picked, we'll contact you the week your picks will appear on our blog.
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Oh I so badly want this paisley trimmed tweed jacket. I love the Peter Pan collar, chocolate brown velvet trim and the blue paisley on the pockets - AND it's available in plus sizes. Yay! $109 at Signals.
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These floral square salad plates are a fabulous way to add a shot of color to your dining table. $26 for a set of 4 at West Elm.
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So pretty - these sterling silver earrings were hand-knitted to create the leaf shape. Very cool! $38 at ES Designs.
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The other day Mei-Lynn and I were im-ing about these cute popsicle soaps on her site and I was trying to remember the name of my favorite Popsicle (turns out it was the Big Stick). As I was searching the Popsicle site I found these cool looking Firecracker Popsicles. The site description said they had popping candies in them. I thought they must be Pop Rocks. Turns out they are. They are so fun to eat. There is something strangly satisfying about Pop Rocks crackling on your tongue. My husband and I each tried a bunch of them (only 40 calories each!). My only complaint is that the Pop Rocks aren't throughout the whole popsicle. About $4 at your local supermarket.
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Once again, lots of fun goodies in this month's Sampler. Here are the companies that caught my eye:
Inside this card by Fancy says "I'll be brief". He he I love corny humor. $5 at Fancy. Lots more cute cards here
While I am no knitting pro I do dabble from time to time and I am easily tempted by yummy looking yarn. How gorgeous is this Blue Curacao handspun yarn? $19 at Third Floor Fibers
Anyone else recognize these guys from their childhood stories? They are Richard Scarry foxes in cute little 1 inch buttons. $6 at Re-conceived
I am not a stamper. Mostly because I am not a fan of cutesy stamps. I LOVE the tattoo rubber stamps at Asta Arts. They even have a cool free "how to" page! $8.99 (for stamp shown) at Asta Arts
Go check out these great sites!
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I love these tramp lamps. They look like gorgeous illuminated lingerie. Each one is one of a kind. Currently, all lamps are only $100 plus free shipping in the U.S. - amazing deal - if you pay via paypal (otherwise shipping is $15 - $20). International orders welcome! Comes in a variety of styles: bedroom beauties, night owls and water wear. Thanks, Donna, for the tip!
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