Rare Bird Finds

Lomography Action Shot Camera

This action shot camera would be awesome to capture the best moments, like the times when you want to take a jumping picture somewhere!  $60 at RevolveClothing.

Fab 5 Friday, Issue 57 - Barbara Fine

Today's guest editor is Barbara Fine.  Barbara loves great design and all things that are planet-friendly.

Barbara owns a shop that we think is fabulous, called Little Footprints, a new on-line toy store specializing in Planet Friendly fun for kids of all ages.  She also runs BFine Design Consulting, a successful Interior Design consulting firm in Toronto, Ontario through which she has been asked to contribute to a number of articles regarding residential design.

"As an interior designer for nearly 20 years, I have recently directed my passion for superior design into Little Footprints where I offer a collection of the finest eco-friendly toys and games to Canadians," says Barbara. "We carry toys with small carbon footprints that are big on fun for everyone and beautifully made."

Barbara is a proud 30-something mum of Saskia and Zane, ages 2 and nearly 5, "who keep me young at heart and remind me every day of the wonder of life."

Visit Barabara's shop and blog today!

Animal Balance Eraser Game

A bunch of colourful animal erasers that's also a balancing game. A distraction with a function - that's my kind of desk toy. Japanese made.  $15 at MOMA exclusive

Handpicked by Fab 5 Friday Guest Editor Barbara Fine

Etta Bloom Paisley Hat

It's probably this cold Canadian winter but I love hats - especially ones like the funky Etta Bloom hat. Handmade from her own patterns by Jen of Piper and Paisley. Custom fitting available if you ask and provide measurements. Just $51.00 and a bit of shipping.

Handpicked by Fab 5 Friday Guest Editor Barbara Fine

Felted Fairy Purse

My daughter would squeal with delight if she knew I found this Felted Purse complete with Fairy. Handmade in Vermont, sweet & stunning. After February 10th and the new CPSIA regulations it likely can't be sold for kids – how silly. Get it while you still can. $16 from Vermont Fairies.

Handpicked by Fab 5 Friday Guest Editor Barbara Fine

Vintage Motorbike Cuff Links

Speaking of cuffs, maybe my husband would feel more cool in a suit if I got him these Vintage Motorbike cuff links. On sale for $33.15 at the Cufflinks House

Handpicked by Fab 5 Friday Guest Editor Barbara Fine

Whitelotus Wrist Cuff

I don't wear many necklaces much any more as my children love to play with them but I love wearing wrist cuffs. Canada's Whitelotus offers this one-of-a-kind baby on their Etsy shop – sterling silver, gemstones and pearls - what's not to love? $90 Cdn

Picked by Fab 5 Friday Guest Editor Barbara Fine

Bacon Watch

Whenever I see bacon, I think of my husband. Well...my husband and my brother...and my nephew, the guys I work with...FINE, I think a lot of guys like bacon, so bacon it is. How about a bacon watch? Because Archie McPhee (of course) has one and it's pretty darn cute. The vinyl strap looks like bacon and the face of the watch sports a happy slice of bacon. $24.95 at Archie McPhee.

Bacon Flavored Jelly Beans

Forget conversation hearts, these are the way to his (or her) heart this Valentine's Day! Mmm..a marriage of bacon and sweet sweet candy! $3.75 at Amazon

Anti Valentines Day Vegan Smoochalicious Lip Conditioners

Not in a particularly loving mood?  Then you'll love these Anti Valentine's Day lip conditioners. Available in 4 fabulous flavors and only $12.99 at Beautiful Twists by Ella Dean.

Nose Pencil Sharpener

The Nose Pencil Sharpener is perfect for a student's pencil box. Funny yet functional and $2.99 at Waste Some Cash.

Pink 'Bunny Love' Rabbit Mohair Mittens Gloves

These one of a kind cute pink bunny mittens are sure to keep anyone's hands warm!  $25 at LoveLambie.  I would really check out the rest of her site because she definitely has some other cute mittens as well!

Crazy Love Card

I don't know if this card is childish or childlike, but the missive should melt anyone's heart. $3.00 at Upup's Etsy shop.

Bittersweets - Dumped Edition Conversation Hearts

These candies look like regular conversation hearts, but their messages are a little bit different. Message examples include: U LEFT SEATUP", "I GOT SOBER", and "CELIB8 THX2U. Tee-hee. Other editions are available too; Dysfunctional and Dejected. $9.95 at Despair, Inc.

Love Hate Relationship Necklace

What a darling sentiment! And well, if you are feeling a little more loveable (ho hum) it is reversible and has the phrase "I love you" on the other side. $18 at the Gorgeous Redhead.

Valentine's Day Exploding Frog Soap

This peppermint-scented frog soap explodes with guts that are cherry-scented.  So gross, but you know your kids would find it so cool!  $1.50 each at Howards Home (multiples available at a discount Editor's Note: Oops, I can't do basic math - oy! Frogs are $1.50 each, a great price!)  Many thanks to Songyi for the tip!

CM-1 "Feynman" T-shirt

Known as the "Feynman Shirt" after Nobel physicist Richard Feynman who wore the shirt in an Apple ad in the 90's, this CM-1 t-shirt design was the inspiration for the creation of a supercomputer.  So, grab one and get your geek on!  Available in men and women sizes. $14.40 and up at Mission Base

Wild Alaskan Salmon Treats

These Salmon treats are the perfect size for training your dog, or your cat. Each treat is made of 100% Wild Alaskan Salmon and does not contain any preservatives or byproducts. $4.99 at Barker and Meowsky.

Bee Pollen & Peppermint Soap

Sometimes, it's the name that makes all the difference and I can't help but look at this line and smile.''Don't Be A DirtBag!!@!!'' is the tagline for Dirtbag Soaps, a line of natural handcrafted body products. According to the site, this bee pollen soap suppresses acne. $3.75 at Dirtbag Soaps.

Travel Nail Polish Remover

Sometimes I'm at work and I have nothing to do.  Other times I look at my hands and my chipping nail polish is annoying me!  That's when these travel nail polish remover packets come in handy!  Great for stashing in your purse.  $7.95 for a set of 2 at The Spoon Sisters.   

Sponsor Post: Girlz Lyfe

Robots In Love Scarf $20


Lego Ring w / Swarovski Crystal $10


Pink iPaw Toy $11.99

"It's just safer to assume I know karate" Tee

This shirt made me giggle.  Perfect for the guy or girl with a sense of humor.  $15 at Threadless

Umbrella Girl Shower Curtain

If I was single I would totally get this umbrella girl shower curtain.  I just don't think my  husband would feel the same way as I do about it.  $36 at Urban Outfitters

Handpainted Cocktail Tumbler

Love these colorful tumblers!  Hand painted with a gold lip.  Lots of designs to choose from $10 at Happy Clay

DVD Library Binder

My husband is a big dvd collector. So are many of his friends. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only partner that can't stand the piles of dvd cases all over the living room. These handsome binders might be the solution we can all agree on. Leatherbound and customizable, they just look like nicely bound books on the shelf, not like a dvd rental store. $17.95 each at X-treme Geek.

Top Tube VeloPockets

For all you bike riders, here's a stylish way to keep your cell, wallet, and other goodies in a safe place while you ride.  Available in a variety of designs.  $45 and up at Hambone Designs

Mini Dessert Assortment Soaps

Afternoon tea anyone? This variety platter of goat milk soaps are made into the cutest assortment of sweet treats. 30oz (approx 1 oz per piece) for $40 at Soapopotamus.

Bird Pouch

These bird pouches are just too cute!  Comes in a variety of styles - check them out!  $20 at The Wren

Couture Necklace

This Couture necklace is a delightful way to dress up any outfit with a bit of humor.  $22 at Untamed Menagerie  Another favorite is the Pocketful of Posies necklace.

In Mourning Bambi Earrings

Oh, as a kid I cried when Bambi's mama died.  Perhaps that's why I love these Bambi earrings (and they're pretty, too!).  $25 at La Boite a Bijoux

Morgan Card Bleachers

Perfect for writers, meeting planners, list makers...pretty much anyone. These "card bleachers" help organize and prioritize 3x5, 4x6 or index, note or business cards and help you see the big picture. $138 at Levenger.

Broken Heart Puzzle Handmade Soap

A broken heart puzzle that can easily be solved? If only life were that simple! Available in 10 colours and a multitude of scents. $7.50 from SoapStore.

Little Red Riding Hood Teapot

I don't think I own a teapot.  I never drink tea.  But this Red Riding Hood teapot has me reconsidering.  Alice in Wonderland available too.  $32.50 at From Japan with Love

Recycled Star Chandelier

I have fallen in love with this pretty star chandelier.  It's made from metal and recycled glass pieces.  I bet the stars make a beautiful light pattern!  $115 at Lealand Eve

Sweetest Pink Lace Leaf Necklace

This is supposed to be a necklace, but to me, looks more like a scarf!  Well whatever you wear it as, it's still cute!  $22 at kanokwalee. 

Hand Grenade Soap

This soap cracks me up! Cast from an actual hand grenade, it retains all the detail of the original device but is now blasting away dirt. It's called a "Stinkybomb." Available in various scents and colors and made with aloe and olive oil, now your little stink bomb can have some fun scrubbing up. $10 from Stinkybomb on etsy.

Hair Clip Organizer

The owl and bird cage hair clip organizers are an adorable way to keep your barrettes and head bands organized.  Love!  $30 at Mahar Drygoods

Adopt Me!

Hiya!  I know this isn't the typical post you'd find on our blog, but I wanted to let you know about a puppy I'm fostering.  Leo was going to be put down at the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society when the shelter became full, and through a program with United Hope for Animals, a non-profit, I'm currently fostering him until he gets a permanent home.  He is roughly 8 months to one year old, and weighs about 10 lbs.  He is a chihuahua/rat terrier mix.

Leo is house trained and gets along really well with other dogs - I should know, I have three dogs currently and they all love him.  I wish I could keep him because he's super sweet, but my three dogs already keep me occupied!

Leo is fixed and very loving.  He is a calm and mellow little guy with a playful streak.  He loves his toys!  If you or someone you know are looking for a wonderful dog and you're in the Los Angeles area, consider adopting Leo.  This is one little guy who is getting a second chance and totally deserves a forever home.

For more information about Leo and how you can adopt him, please visit:

http://www.adoptapet.com/cgi-bin/public/petsearch.cgi/pet_details?pet_id=1937414&do_count=1

If you have questions, you can also just email me at rarebirdfinds@yahoo.com with Leo as the subject.  Thanks so much for reading and all of your support!

xo,

Mei-Lynn

Self-Inking Address Stamps

This shop carries cute self-inking address stamps that are full of personality and charm.  Perfect for adding a little bit of character to your outgoing mail.  Comes in a variety of designs and fonts.  $34 and up at Letter Girl

Vintage Bowling Mugs

These bowling mugs are full of super kitschy fun.  They're vintage and seem to be the only pair available.  I'm tempted to get these for myself!  $12 at Peppermint Bark

2009 Iconic Women Cat Calendar

With such great classics as Yoshi the Riveter (seen above), Yoshi Tyler Moore, and Yoshi Donna, this 2009 Iconic Women Cat Calendar is sure to make you giggle each and every month. $9.95 at Urban Beast.

Small Pearl Pod Pendant and Chain - Sterling Silver

Another example of beauty in the oddness of nature.
"The pod began it's life as a gall that grows on the underside of an oak tree leaf. The pod is opened in the front. A cup is placed inside to seat the freshwater pearl. A mold is made of the entire pod, then the item is transformed into sterling silver using lost wax casting technology."
$35 at Marcus Berkner Jewelry

Adopt An Alien-Mannix

Isn't Mannix a cute little guy? He is suitable for ages 6+ and comes with a birth certificate. $15 at Adopt An Alien

MESSAGES OF LOVE - Leather braided wristbands

I really like the idea of this wristband of hand tooled leather. You can choose what words you want to make it extra special. Your name entwined with his and a special date would make for a lovely keepsake. $15 at Leather Made Nice on etsy.

Gnome Bookmark

I love to read.  I love gnomes.  This is the perfect bookmark for me!  $9 at Hmodine. This shop has a ton of bookmark styles to choose from - check it out!

Crocheted Dog Scarf in Mint Green

I don't know about where you all are, but here on the East Coast, it's been quite chilly.  This great dog scarf is not only a fabulous color, but will keep your dog extra toasty warm this winter. $18.00 at Bean Town Handmade on Etsy.

Scarflettes

These lovely scarflettes will stay in place, look stylish and keep your neck warm.  Made of acrylic yarn so as to not irritate the delicate necks of those of you who are sensitive to wool.  Comes in a variety of colors.  $24 at Knme

Willow and Turquoise Belt Buckle

Handsome and unique, this wood and turquoise belt buckle is unlike any I have ever seen. It would look equally great with casual and business wear and it’s different enough to stand out but it’s not outrageous. It's shown on a woman here but I think this is a great unisex piece. $95 at Solido on etsy.

Cozy Soap Chocolates

Felted soaps are like soap and a washcloth in one! Not only are they practical - how absolutely adorable are these? 2 scents available (from the original 8). $7.95 for 20g at kyaaa.biz

Butter My Butt and Call Me a Biscuit

This charming little sign made me snort with laughter! $8.99 at CountryWorkshop