Rare Bird Finds

Mr. Stemke Guys Tee

Gotta get a few posts in before the break! How about this awesome tee from Partybots? A polar bear in a neck tie may well be the greatest thing since sliced bread! $32 at B Bluebottle Art.

Cat Nailbrush

Clean nails and a cute cat, does grooming get any better than this?!$18 at Fly Bird.

Frog Fingernail Guards

Fingernail guards were worn by the Manchu ladies of the court in the 19th century. And that is very informative, however I think they just look really cool.Here's a set to look at from the San Diego Museum of Art.And, here's a set to buy from Dark Matter Creations.$5 each or ten for $40.

Blow Monkey

Blow, Monkey, Blow!This little fella is for use in home manicures, after you have painted your nails just place a finger on the banana pad and the monkey will blow your nail dry!Couldn't we all use a helper monkey to blow our nails dry?$9.95 at Hottest Deals Ever.Bonus: helper monkey video clip!

Baseball Stitches Cufflinks

Made from real baseballs used in major league games, these baseball cufflinks will surely put a smile on the face of that baseball fan of yours.  $130 at The Spoon Sisters

Kissing Salt & Pepper Shakers

Oh too cute!  A collection of adorable salt n' pepper kissing pooches to decorate your picnic table. I love the chihuahua one (because I have a chihuahua!) but there are other doggies to choose from - doxies, boston terriers, bulldogs, labs - and even a few non-dogs, like turtles, frogs and piggies.  $13.95 at Catching Fireflies

Will Ferrell Sunscreen

 

It is super hot right now in Los Angeles, and with the sun shining bright, it's good to remember to put on sunscreen.  The Will Ferrell sunscreen cracks me up - he's such a goofball, I love it!  SPF 30, and proceeds go towards scholarships for cancer survivors.  Awesome!  Limited edition.  $12 pre-order at Fred Flare

Rare Bird Finds News - Please Read

Hello Birdie Friends!

With a heavy heart, I must sadly announce that Sharla will no longer be a regular contributor for Rare Bird Finds.  Sharla and I made our first Rare Bird Finds post in March of 2006, and it's been a fun ride!  I always looked forward to seeing what finds she discovered and cursing her name for helping to empty out my wallet :)  All of us will greatly miss Sharla's eye for the beautiful and the unusual, but more so, her warm spirit and enthusiasm.  However, she is moving on her journey to take care of her two beautiful toddlers and tending to her jewelry shop (which you really must visit, if you haven't!)

But this isn't the end of Rare Bird Finds!

We will be taking a break in July to clear our heads and come up with some fresh ideas.  If you're signed up for our email digest, you will get an email letting you know when our posts have returned - so please sign up, if you haven't already (the subscription box is on the left column).  But if not, be sure to return Monday, August 3, ok?!

To all of you have been faithful readers these past few years, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Every day when we post, we post knowing that you're looking forward to our finds.  This blog wouldn't be possible without you.  You keep us motivated, and we love your emails and comments - so keep them coming!

Warmly,

Mei-Lynn

Call for Fresh Ideas!

As a reader of Rare Bird Finds, we welcome any ideas you may offer to help improve our blog.  We're open to suggestions!  Just leave us a comment below or if you prefer, you can email us at rarebirdfinds@yahoo.com.

Call for Writers!

We're looking to add more regular contributors.  If you feel you can spot shopping finds that are a good match for our blog, send us an email along with a sample of 3 - 5 finds with blurbs.  Show us what you got!  Also, send along a bio about yourself (please include if you're a shop owner or if you have your own blog), what category you'd like to post in, and why you think you'd be a good pick! 

Kimberly Silk Clutch

Doesn't this clutch remind you of a present you really want to open? Made with dupion silk and a magnetic closure.  $35 at PookThy.       

Monster by Mail

Do you have an evil boss? A bad ex? Or maybe you just want to express the monster inside of you...Send the name of your monster to Monster by Mail, and you will have your own personalized creation made just for you.How cool is that?!$25 per monster, $35 for a video on youtube of your monster being made.From Monster by Mail

Condom Pillow

And Little Red Riding Hood said "my what big condoms you have!""The better to have safe sex with you." replied the Big Bad Wolf.$50 per pillow from Little Elk.

Poop Freeze

  

Poop Freeze. I'm going to go ahead and just leave it at this: It's environmentally friendly, won't harm vegetation, and can be used indoors OR outdoors. $9.95 at Ginger Pup Lane

Custom Flask made to order

 

These 8oz stainless steel flasks can be custom made to your liking.  You can even get a picture of you and your honey on one.  $27 at rememberwynn.

Bertram, the Mechanical Bird

There was a Mocking bird outside of our tent this morning. It carried on in for several minutes, trying out tons of bird calls. It reminded me of the windup bird in the fairy tale The Nightingale. Or maybe this mechanical looking bird. It doesn't speak but would look nice as a unique decoration.$50 at Monster Kookies

Strange Birds at Night Side Table

I am camping right now and the (very loud) birds wake me up at dawn every morning! These birds are night birds apparently. I love their little beady alien eyes. $125 at Patti Backer

Spongmonkey Toy

Okay, do you remember that crazy-ass Quizno's commercial that had the crazy, floating, singing creatures? Well, I really enjoyed that commercial - maybe you did too. So, joys of all joys I have found a toy version of the singing Spongmonkeys. If you don't remember the song, you can listen to it on the site and enjoy other songs too!£12.95 at the Rathergood.com shop.

Toastabags

Oh for us lazy cooks - the Toastabag is basically a plastic bag that you can slip in stuff like cold pizza, leftovers or even a sandwich to then heat up or cook in your toaster!  Super easy way to make grilled cheese sandwiches.  Perfect for those in dorms or any place with no real kitchen. You get 4 Toastabags, and each bag can be used up to 50 times. $9.95 at Firebox

High Top Socks

Aren't these high top socks awesome?  Comes in turquoise and purple.  $7.99 at Mod Cloth

Sparkly Metallic Green Undies

I think these sparkly metallic green undies are fabulous.  A bit super-hero meets glam rocker.  Available from s through xl.  $22 at Knicker Rocker.

Avenue de New York Print

I love this print of a street sign in Paris because it's a little bit French, a little bit USA.  Maybe it's just the New Yorker in me that really digs it.  $35 at Roadside Photographs  The site carries a bunch of really awesome roadside prints - check them out!

Techno Mini Recycled Magnetic Locket Set

I have one of these Polarity lockets and it’s really cool. You know what else is cool? They are making a smaller, style with more masculine patterns (but you could get him flowers too, if that’s what he likes) geared towards guys. The locket houses a strong magnet, which allows for switching the covers so he’s really getting three looks in one. This one is called “geek chic” and it’s only $15 at Polarity on etsy.

Something's Fishy Raised Cat Dish

This whimsical raised cat dish can be personalized with your cats name and is quite adorable. $20.00 at Artzfolk on Etsy.

Peony silk-lined clutch bag

This handmade clutch with bright and contrasting colors on it is lined with pure dupion silk.  $75 and many designs to choose from at redrubyrose.

Mahogany Roman Ring Collar

1.5 inches in width, this beautiful adjustable collar is made of natural hide leather and dyed with eco-friendly vegetable dyes. $24.99 at Rolloverleatherworks on Etsy.

Painted Viking

I’m betting that Vikings are the next cupcake. Or zombie, owl, pirate, ninja, mushroom or moustache. What I mean is that I think Vikings are the next big thing. Get in on the trend before it begins with this funky tee. $22 at Dowdy Studio on etsy.

 

Dachshund Key Chain

Handcarved wooden keychain of a Doxie that includes soft leather ears and tail.  Super cute!  Jack Russell and Scottie designs also available. 

Anthropomorphic Photographs

I love how prim and proper the anthropomorphic creatures look in these photographs. Various styles. $8 and up at Grand Ole Bestiary

Flying Pig Automata

Are you a procrastinator? Do people use the expression “when pigs fly” in conjunction with your name? Does it frustrate your partner? Well this lovely Automata Pig will benefit you both. Pigs will finally fly, enabling you to get things done, and he gets the pleasure of building it and taunting you. See, it’s interactive. $19.95 at Brooklyn 5 and 10.

Garlic Zoom

Place a peeled clove of garlic in this handy garlic zoom and it chops your garlic for you.  $11.95 at Patina

I'll Be Back Soon Sticky Note Set

These "I'll Be Back" sticky notes are a cute way to let your coworkers know when you will be returning.  $5.50 at See Jane Work

Men At Work Shower Curtain

Who needs the Village People? Scrub up with this campy shower curtain featuring construction workers in various poses. $51 at Wake Up Frankie

Milk Is White Blood Tshirt

Share this creepy sentiment with others in a shocking red t-shirt from The Cotton Factory. $15.99-$18.99 depending on sz.

Strange Attractor Putty

What a fun gift for a kid! This Strange Attractor putty is magnetic and can lift or wrap around objects when magnetized. Be sure to check out the vidos on this page. $10.95 at Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld

Ninja Checker Set

Play checkers with ninjas!! Red vs black!  Comes with the box to hold the pieces when not in use, and comes with large ninjas for "king me."  Completely hand painted and non toxic.  $100 at goosegrease.

Paca Pets Cat Toy

Hand felted and made of 100% organic Alpaca wool, these cute little mouse toys look like they'd be quite durable. $10.00 at puuttypower.com

Index Card Pouch - notes to myself

Note to myself: find cute coin purse to keep change in.To do list: buy a coin purse - done!$14 at Christinas.

Made for Each Other Pillow Set

It's peanut butter jelly time!Hooray for peanut butter you won't be afraid to get on the couch!Snuggle down with your favorite comfortable comfort food snack today!(think this might be the perfect gift for a wedding? for an extra $10, two names can be embroidered on the pillows - one for each slice of bread)$60 at Diffraction Fiber.

Hoot The Owl Sling Purse

What a little hootie-cutie!And, my favorite thing about this purse - is the owl looks a little pissed.$38.75 at littleoddforest.

Frida Kahlo Art Prints

I love the colors of this artist's art prints of her original artwork. My favorites are the ones of Frida Kahlo.  Currently, she's having a sale where you buy two prints, you get a third one free until June 21.  Great deal!  $15 at My Pink Turtle Studio

Owl Light Switch Plate Covers

Hello!  These wooden, owl-shaped light switch plate covers are the most awesome switch plate covers I've seen. Bright and colorful, they'll brighten any room - even before you turn the lights on!  $28 and up at Bright Color Art

Birdcage Wall Decal

You're probably tired of seeing vinyl wall decals on our site, but I can't resist this one.  It's a birdcage that looks like it's hanging from your ceiling.  You choose the color of the cage and the bird. Totally adorable!  I want one for my apartment!  Be sure to check out their full selection of vinyl wall decals.  $19.50 at Chuck E Byrd Vinyl Wall Art

Wonder Hanger

As you guys know, I've moved into an apartment and while shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond, I stumbled upon these white plastic gadgets called Wonder Hanger.  It promised to expand your closet space by hanging your clothes vertically.  I was a bit skeptical until a woman shopping there picked up four boxes and told me how much she loved it.  Each box comes with 8 Wonder Hangers, each able to hold five garments for a total of 40.  The hangers cascade your clothes downwards so it takes less horizontal space.  It worked magic in my teeny closet!  Honestly, it's love.  The official Wonder Hanger website shows you with a video how the product works, and they offer a bunch of deals if you buy directly from their site (but although, after their shipping/handling, two boxes plus the perks came out to be about $18 - less than what I paid for two boxes at Bed Bath and Beyond - it takes 4 - 6 weeks for it to get to you unless you pay an additional $6.95 for "rush" shipping - what they don't tell you until after you enter your credit card # - annoying!).  I'll be honest, I'm a little skeptical that they can hang 20 lbs of clothes so they may not be the best solution for hanging heavy winter coats, but are perfect for everything else like shirts and purses. $9.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond  You can buy them at the actual store and also at Walgreens.

Automatic Letter Opener

I hate opening letters because I like to deal with paper the least I can, so if I could use this automatic letter opener at work, that would save me a lot of trouble.  Needs 2 AA batteries. $15 at Kikkerland.

Danger Boy Money Clip

I have long been a fan of Janet Jewelry. I personally own…lots, and I do mean LOTS of her designs. Rings, earrings, necklaces…but I have never purchased any of her stuff for a guy. This awesome money clip could change that. It’s fun, funky and not too hard core. It's also solid sterling, handcrafted and there are matching rings, cufflinks and necklaces available. It’s really kind of cute, isn’t it? $110 at Janet Jewelry.

CUSTOM Cowl Neck Shirt

I bought one of these custom cowl neck shirts a few months ago in black and as soon as it arrived I ordered two more colors.  The shirt is well made and super comfortable while being casually stylish.  $18 at Implexus

Jonathan Adler Whale Salt & Pepper

So cute!  I love these new salt and pepper shakers by Jonathan Adler.  $45 at Heliotrope

Mackerel Squeaky Toy

This realistic looking, non-toxic chew toy is just the kind of thing my dog would love, it squeaks and doesn't smell like fish. $12.00 at PetProjekt.

Yes, it’s mine.

…As if there were any doubt. Father’s day is upon us. Don’t forget the new dads and the daddies to be. This cute shirt is sure to get them talking, hopefully there won’t be any arguments. Hmmm…better really know the guy you get this one for! $38 at 2 Chix.

Wine Bottle Plant Nannies

A genius way of making an old wine bottle into a gentle watering system for your beloved plant.  Perfect for that wine drinker who (perhaps from too much vino?) forgets to water her plants regularly.  $20 for a set of 4 at Napa Style

Decoupage Cabinet / Dresser Knobs

 

Pretty nifty looking decoupage glass knobs that will surely dress up a cabinet or dresser.  There are a variety of design sets to choose from, including birdies.  $39 for a set of 6