Rare Bird Finds

The Tour Diary

Got a guy on the road? Maybe he’s touring with his band, maybe he’s making like Kerouac, maybe he’s just on a business trip. No matter the reason this tour diary will come in handy. More than just a journal, it helps get things organized before he hits the road and helps him stay organized throughout his travels with room for translations (how do you say, “bathroom” in German?), lists, contact info and more. It’s highlighted by charming art from Allison Cole. I have some products from Little Otsu and I can tell you they create high quality stuff. This is the kind of gift to give a guy you really like and hope that it will someday become a treasured heirloom. $14 at Little Otsu.

Secret Garden Babydoll Dress

Oh this secret garden babydoll dress would be so cute and comfy for summer.  Sizes 2 - 12.  $46 at Idea

Mega Robots

These are the niftiest handmade robots.  They come with hidden compartments so that you can hide your little secrets inside.  $30 - $40 at spaceboyjordo

Miracle Fruit

 

Okay, I first read about these miracle fruit berries in a New York Times article, and although the berries are ridiculously expensive, I still want to try them!  Supposedly you eat one and then it makes whatever you eat - from Tabasco sauce to beer to cheese - taste super sweet and yummy like a dessert!  I'm thinking of having a little party where each person chips in money and we all dig in.  $90 (includes overnight shipping) for 30 berries

Wide Peackcock Headband

I wish I could pull off this wide peacock headband - it's so pretty!  Be sure to check out all the fabulous headbands in this shop.  $46 at Charm School Design

The Little Zoo Series

I had bookmarked this site awhile back but forgot about it until my friend sent me the link yesterday.  So this post goes out to her for reminding me about these awesome animal prints.  $25 and up at e.soule

Tomorrow is $10 or Less Friday!

Hey Birdies,

Instead of Fab 5 Friday, we're shaking things up tomorrow.  Every post will feature items that are only $10 or less!  If you have any cool $10 and under tips, send them our way today - you never know, it might just end up being featured!

Green Bamboo & Pink Plum Blossom Handpainted Artificial Nails

The problem I have with nail polish is that I can only paint one of my hands skillfully and the other always looks like I did it while intoxicated. These black plastic nails feature a design of bright green bamboo and pink plum blossoms and are perfect for that special occasion (or if you are like me and are not ambidextrous). $30 for a set of 20 nails at Dragonflynailz.

Moesha The Tranny Midget Squid

Who is this enchanting creature that has swam into my life? It is Moesha the Tranny Midget Squid! She lives at BicycleOcean's Esty shop. She is available as a pin or a magnet for $8.

Danny's Boys Drag Queen Paper Dolls

Girl! You look fierce! Especially when you are all dolled up like Marilyn Monroe! Have all the glam dresses you want to play with for only $11.99 at Leopard Lady Lounge. Hurry, only 8 left!

Rocky Horror Dr. Frank-N-Furter Finger Puppet

He's just a sweet finger puppet from Abbeychristine's Esty shop. Damn It, Janet - just buy it already! $14.00.

Rockabye Baby!

Dads tend to get the short end of the stick at baby showers. Sometimes they aren’t even invited, but when they are it’s all oohs and aaahs over cutesy onesies and pastel teddy bears. A Rockabye Baby CD could be the end to all the fluffy bunny overload next time you need a cool baby gift that dad might like too. I have given the Metallica CD as a gift and I have to say, lullabye renditions of heavy metal are…surprisingly listenable. And if you aren’t into that kind of music, they’ve got you covered with Bob Marley, Radiohead, Rolling Stones and Nirvana, not to mention the goth-y lullaby sounds of The Cure. Really, there’s something for every dad-type…and every baby. $16.98 at Rockabye Baby!

Peace on Earth Wrap Skirt

This wrap skirt caught my eye a while ago. Made from 100% cotton, it has the world map printed on it in various earthy shades. Fits up to size 12. $59 at Katinkapinka's shop

 

Terrence the Tiger Beetle soft sculpture

Major cuteness alert: This find is from Weird Bug Lady. I came across it while entering a Bloggy Carnival giveaway. Honestly I wasn't sure which bug to feature as they are all QUITE darling!  I really encourage you to check out the other items in this shop! $35 at weirdbuglady.

2 Carat Cup

This 2 carat cup is a fun way to make your day go by faster!  Whenever you pick up the cup, it looks like you have a diamond ring on it.  What's even better is they pack the cup into an oversize jewelry box so when you present it, you only see the ring.  Rings come in either gold or platinum color and is adorned with Swarovski crystal.  This is a great gift --just don't use it to joke about getting married to someone you actually want to marry!  $14.99 at Pop Deluxe. 

I Heart Polaroids Necklace

Another Polaroid find for all the Polaroid fans out there.  Too cute!  $15 at Shana Logic

Paper Voodoo

My coworkers and I used to have a universal voodoo doll that was whoever was being a pest on any given day.  This paper voodoo pad is hilarious though because you can dedicate a page to each person.  Is it necessary?  Probably not but it's definitely a fun gift for a co-worker or a friend with a crazy family.  $6.99 at Perpetual Kid

Life Line Coat/Hat Rack

A fun coat rack for an office.  It looks like it would hold a lot of things too!  $19 at Pop Deluxe

Woof Wind Chime

These whimsical ceramic Woof Wind Chimes make me absolutely giddy.  They make me dream of sitting on my porch on a cool night, with a soft breeze. $15.00 at Bailey Bowls.

New Contest: Plasticland

Woohoo!  Another contest!

Plasticland is sponsoring this week's contest.  Here is what they are giving away:

1 Anchor & Sparrow Tote Bag

and

1 "Hey Sailor" Anchor Necklace in your choice of color

To enter: comment on this post telling us what you would fill your tote with if you won it.  One entry per person. 

Winner will be chosen on Sunday, August 3rd by random number generator.

Good Luck!

Custom Pet Portrait Pendant

I'm a sucker for pretty much anything that will allow me to put my own pet's portrait onto something useful.  This Custom Pet Portrait Pendant is perfect, and could be taken everywhere with me. $40.00 at Binding Twine.

Traveling Martini Bar

Now, I don’t want to suggest that you take a martini on the road with you, but you might like one when you arrive at your destination and this martini travel case can help you do that with style. The case contains everything you need for the perfect cocktail, except the booze, but you know where to get that. Currently on sale for $48 at Bisou Boutique.

Mosaic Decorative Gift Soap

Sometimes I find myself hoarding pretty things because I don't want to use them and spoil the design. No such problem here: this unscented soap is embedded with a stunning floral mosaic of resin tesserae, which means the beautiful design won't melt away. $18 from soapandstuff.

Scratch Note Set

This recycled paper stationery set lets you scratch a design or message into the black surface of each notecard to reveal a rainbow of color underneath. Who says coloring is just for kids? $16 for six (plus a wood stylus) at Zanisa

Eco Necklace Number 2 (fused plastic)

I love that this eco-friendly sterling silver necklace has these funky, fluttery flowers made from plastic bags that have been fused, creating flowers that are both delicate yet sturdy. $50 at Cynthia Del Giudice

Sponsor Post: PLC Designs

Crochet Envelope Clutch $65  Sosua Crochet Bikini $95  Crochet Ribbon Hat  $30

Lego-esque iPod Docks

These cool tiny Lego-esque iPod Docks lets you play your music out loud.  Best of all they fit in your pocket easily and require no batteries.  Available in 6 colors. $24 at Paper Source

Yeti Luggage Tag

Haha - the facial expression on this yeti luggage tag is awesome.  It's like he's growling, "Touch this bag and I'm gonna eat you!" $11.95 at Gama-Go

Whiner and Diner Dog Feeder

These reclaimed wooden wine crate dog feeders are quite chic while also being eco-friendly.  $169.00 from Muttropolis.

Leatherwood honey & olive oil ultra-rich moisture cream

As an Eczema sufferer, I am always on the lookout for rich, soothing creams. This handmade, organic cream uses aromatic leatherwood honey which is unique to Tasmania, Australia. It is also free from colours and synthetic fragrance. Available in Marigold and Lavender varieties. AU$24.95 for 60mL from Beauty and the Bees.

Last Day to Enter!

Today is the last day to enter our T-Mobile giveaway!  So enter now!

Button-Front Johnny Collar Top

   

This casual short-sleeved top has a lot of great details. Along with the Johnny collar, it has 6 buttons along the v-neck and pintucks along the bodice and sleeves. Available in sizes 14-24. $38 at Torrid.com.

Deluxe Washcloth Sushi

I have never been a huge fan of the diaper cake but I LOVE this washcloth sushi set.  It includes very useable washcloths and finger puppets.  Make sure to check out all the sushi sets.  I love the fish too.  On sale now for $31.50 at Jkalea

Squeezee Tissue Roll Cover

These are fun.  They are covers for toilet paper.  The thought behind it being that you can just use regular toilet paper for blowing your nose instead of tissues.  Interesting idea.$14.95 (AU) at She Wants

Happy Bins

These bins are appropriately called Happy Bins.  I know I would smile every time I saw that smiley little apple face.  $9 at Romp

Coffee bean earrings

These reclaimed silver earrings are made from the mold of a real coffee bean. Perfect for us caffeine junkies enthusiasts. $24 at Silver of the Valley

Giveaway! TEN Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer Razors!

LAST DAY TO ENTER! Winners are being picked - check your email this week to find out if you won!

Rare Bird Finds readers, today is your lucky day!  Our friends at Schick are giving away their new Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer razor ($14 value) to TEN lucky Rare Bird Finds readers.  The Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer razor is the first and only razor that shaves, edges and trims. It's got a great 3-in-1 compact design that's perfect for folks on the go.

To enter, just leave a comment to this post telling us what you love most about Rare Bird Finds.  Contest ends Friday, July 25 TODAY.  10 winners will be chosen at random - we hope you're one of them!  Open to U.S. residents only.

Love Rare Bird Finds contests?  Don't forget to enter the T-Mobile giveaway.

Fab 5 Friday, Issue 41- Maureen Alsop

Maureen Alsop, sometimes camera phobic, thus the blurry landscape, is the author of a collection of poetry,
Apparition Wren.  She is an associate editor for the online journal  Poemeleon.  Please visit her sites!

Maureen is inspired by Rare Bird Finds, especially the raw, fragmented, ephemeral, antique, salvaged and handmade.  "If one surrounds oneself with creations made from an artistic vision, and created by organic idealism, the joy and determination is bound to rub off," says Maureen.   "It is important to maintain consciousness of the origin of a product, where it is made, who designed the item and for what purpose."

Ralli Quilts

I admit an obsession for these most endearing textiles! Ralli Quilts are made by artisans in the southern regions of the Indus River and also in the Tharparker desert in Pakistan. Gorgeous and delicately hand-embroidered on thick colorful cotton. As these quilts increase in rarity, their prices seem to go up, but they are worth the investment, $300-$400 for a spiritual labor that takes over 180 hours to create.

Picked by Maureen Alsop, Guest Editor for Fab 5 Friday

Bejeweled Necklace

Sumptuous & simultaneously funky.  dejarnett creates unique jewelry from vintage and recycled materials!  On sale for $68 at dejarnette

Picked by Maureen Alsop, Guest Editor for Fab 5 Friday

 

Juniors Photograph Print

I love the pay-phones in the background of this photograph.  As someone who doesn’t own a cell phone this image is a beacon of hope and soon to be a relic! I'm struck by this photograph's timelessness.  The image could easily be lifted out of the 40’s or 50’s.  $25.47 at imagekind

Picked by Maureen Alsop, Guest Editor for Fab 5 Friday

 

Retro Red II Yoga Bag

I love yoga & my funky pink & crimson poppy yoga bag from SLim NYC Yoga Bags! $60 at Metrodiva

Picked by Maureen Alsop, Guest Editor for Fab 5 Friday

Reversible Tablecloths

I love the color combo of this reversible mandarin rose dot tablecloth!  Cheery & Chic!  What is extraordinary about Kennedy and Barrett linens is that many of their fabrics "are woven in Cambodia, Laos and  Vietnam at the village level and imported through a small, mother-and-daughter-owned  Northern California company.  All items are sewn in California."  52" tablecloths $36.00 on sale (50% off) + additional sizes & colors available.

Picked by Maureen Alsop, Guest Editor for Fab 5 Friday

Lettuce Journal

Lettuce write down our thoughts. $7.50 at edesse designs.

Boutonniere Topped Mini Vessel - no. 14

 

It is a vessel, it is a pin, it cooks and cleans. Ok not that last part. $52 at MoUO.

Spearmint Lettuce Lotion

An odd combination, but quite intriguing. This lotion has a shea butter base. A plus for me because I am allergic to cocoa (and yes that means chocolate too! wah!) $9.75 at Spa Therapy.

Thaw Ice Candle

Oh nifty - you freeze an ice "shade" around the Thaw candle and as the candle burns, the shade slowly melts right back into the mold.  Definitely unique!  $39 at Generate

Celebrate the Art of Mail Envelope Sets

I'm a stationery junkie, the more colorful the better.  I most recently bought the above pictured 5 x 7 envelope set - full color designs on the envelope with matching full color, ruffle die-cut note cards.  I can't wait to use them!  There are a bunch of designs to choose from and surely will make the recipient of your letters smile.  $12 for a set of 6 envelopes and 6 matching notecards at Papayalicious

Wood Resin Circles Necklace

I love the look of this wood resin circle necklace.  What's even cooler is you can pick your colors and the order in which they are arranged.  $55 at modica

Very Large Seahorse Plaque

We all know that seahorses are hot. (Thanks, Rare Bird Finds!) But did you know that bathroom plaques are hot too? Imagine the hotness when you combine the two! When you order this seahorse for $55 from Sandy Shores, you choose the colors to match your own oasis.