Rare Bird Finds

Knitted Frog Disection

 

I know I hated the smell of that formaldehyde in AP Bio when we had to dissect a frog.  If only these were available when I was in High School..would've made it sooo much more pleasant.  Get your own knitted dissected frog for $95 at Crafty Hedge Hog.  If you're a knitter yourself, you can also purchase the pattern for $4. 

 

 

Blue Moon Bummer

  Ok, I may be walking on the edge with this one. It might be a little cute for some guys but I think younger men might get a kick out of the art of Kim Haller since there seem to be an awful lot of comic book references there. They are also sweet, friendly and ever so slightly romantic (sometimes) and I think they would make a great valentine or wedding gift for the boy who has that geeky, fun-loving sensibility. Blue Moon Bummer, above, is one of my personal favorites, and not just because I am a geek who loves Batman...and Robin. $20 at kil.sook.

Moustache Salt & Pepper Shaker

I love mustaches of all kinds!  Just not ones on men... but I digress, this mustache is broken in half, with one side as the salt, and one side as the pepper.  Put them together, and you've got a complete mustache!  $35 at Paperdollwoodshop.

LA Cupcake Challenge

Did someone say Cupcake?

If you’re in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 20, you’ll want to get tickets to the LA Cupcake Challenge at the Renaissance Hotel from 12pm -3 pm. I’m posting this now because tickets are going to go FAST! For $40 you will get to sample about 40 mini-cupcakes and be able to join a panel of celebrity judges to help pick your favorite cupcakes from 25 of the best bakers in the LA/OC area in particular categories. There will be free milk, coffee and a cash bar, a DJ, a photo booth, and raffles going on for fantastic prizes throughout the event. Be there! I will!

Baroque Noire Candlestick Lighter

Perfect for opposite day! This lighter won’t need to hide in the drawer when not in use.  Just put it on display and use when needed. $14 in black or pink at Plasticland.

Best of Both Worlds Mug

 

Sometimes you want to show your tough side but have your dainty side as well or is it your blue collar side and your high dollar side. No matter. This 2 sided mug will allow you to have the best of both worlds. In lime ceramic for $18 at Plasticland.

Secret Suppers - Rough Chefs and Underground Restaurants

Rare are the dinners you can only get an invite to by an underground chef for a special dinner prepared for very few guests an an undisclosed location. Learn about these chefs, these dinners, these locations. This book is rare treat for a foodie. Written by Jenn Garbee. $18 at Buy Olympia.

ShutUpsicle

  If you aren't sold on the title alone...well, then I have no interest in you. Ok, that's not entirely true, but this ShutUpsicle print made me LOL when I first saw it. And I don't just throw around LOLZ. I think it's the "Jerk-tastic Flavors" that does it for me. Limited edition of 25 (but there is a second colorway...) AND best part? The proceeds go to charity. $25 at The Ink Initiative.

Cupcake laptop sleeve

An adorable laptop sleeve feature the love between two cupcakes... aww!!  $35 at Barry's Farm.

Pig Speaker

Sure pigs can fly, but pigs can also talk and sing because this pig is a speaker. The sound comes out of its belly and it connects to your music player to a cable from the bottom. Perfect for a desk or displaying anywhere and it comes in black, gold, and white. $49 at Generate.

Personalized Magnets

Impress your friend or family memeber and show them just how much you know about them, how much you listen, how much you care. Get personalized magnets with your loved one's hobby or interest on them.  There are so many different ones to choose from and you get an assortment with each set. How cool! These magnets come in a set of 5 in a beautiful tin for $25 at Felix Doolittle.

Leaf Silhouette Freehand Custom Portrait

How cool is this?  Get a hand-cut silhouette of yourself or a loved one on a real leaf.  Perfect for framing.  $65 at Jenny Lee Fowler

Deck of Cards Flask

  Oooh, get all your sins in one handy package! Ok, well, a couple of sins. Or you know, just enjoy a nice drink and a game of poker with this nifty twofer. This flask has a secret compartment to hold playing cards. Not recommended for the weakwilled but I can think of three guys off the top of my head who would squee with glee over this. Yep. Squee. $45 at MoMA.

HEMA Online Store - Fun to Watch

Do you have a few minutes to waste?  Click through this Netherland's site called HEMA and don't click anything.  Just sit back and enjoy the show. 

Agate Necklaces

 

Oh yummy.  These necklaces feature a slice of colorful agate with gold or silver.  Beautiful!  A full selection to choose from, as well as different size agate slices.  $79 and up at Stone and Honey

What Should I Read Next? Site

Are you a book fiend like me?  If you're constantly looking for that "next best read," then check out What Should I Read Next?  You enter the name of a book you like, and the site searches the database of real readers' favorite titles to suggest what you should read next.  So cool.  Thank you, Kat, for the tip!

Anatomical Heart Necklace

Go ahead and show that person you love how much you love them this Valentine's Day,  with this perfect Anatomical Heart Necklace.  Made of fine silver with inlaid, colored concrete..pretty cool I think.  $68 at Lulu Bug Jewelry.

dineLA - January 24 - 29 and Jan 31 - Feb 5, 2010

 
Live in the Los Angeles area?  Always wanted to dine at some of LA's pricier restaurants but just didn't have the moolah to do so?  Well during the weeks of January 24 - 29 and January 31 - February 5, 2010, a wide selection of restaurants are offering a fixed price menu which makes dining at their restaurant a bit more affordable.  This is called dineLA. All you have to do is find the restaurant of your choice and just call and make a reservation!  Yum!

Art Book Clips

These art book clips are pretty and would make a great inexpensive but pretty cool gift.  $12.50 at Heartworks by Lori

Cat Lady Sculpture

This is sooo me in about 40 years cause I just love da kittehs!  Get your very own Cat Lady sculpture in any color you want, made to order.  4 cats are attached and one is free to pose however you want.  $28 at The Midnight Orange. 

Hat For the Man in a Galaxy Far Far Away

  I'm going to admit something very controversial here...I don't really care about Star Wars all that much. DOn't get me wrong. I like it. I have seen...well...most of the movies and I enjoy them. But...beyond that...no biggie. However, everyday I live and work with people who absolutely live and breathe Star Wars. ANnd they would love this hat. Even I can't deny the charms of R2D2 and I love the color combo (and it's even available in other combos!). It's even knit of cotton, so you know it's not scratchy. It just goes to show you, no one can escape the pull of the Force. $20 at Babbage Patch.

Napkin Hugs

Give your napkin a hug with these boy and girl napkin hug sets. They are available in: 100% recycled black rubber, green felt, or blue/pink wool felt. And each set comes with 2 boys and 2 girls.  Perfect for a little party.  $15 for the set of 4 at Fuz

Japanese Air Fresheners

The cuteness of these air fresheners will never give away their true purpose except perhaps that they smell as sweet as they are. There are three different types. This particular one above smells like treats. But there are also fruity ones and outdoorsy ones at Urban Outfitters for only $8.

Animal Framed Prints

These framed animal prints are so delightful and colorful.   There are a variety of prints and frame colors to choose from.  $20 at marybethsart.com

Special FX Vampire Fangs

Vampre fans, rejoice!  These special FX vampire fangs let you make your fangs appear or disappear.  How cool is that?  No need to look "fangy" unless you want to.  On sale for $10.95 at epartyunlimited.com

Slide To Unlock

 
  Cute but not cutesy. This Slide to Unlock t-shirt might be perfect for for the geeky type in your life. And it's a good choice for a Valentine! But it's running low, so HURRY! $20 at Milk & Eggs Co.

Craft Hope for Haiti

Some of the amazing crafters on Etsy have banded together to donate their handmade items to help the relief efforts in Haiti. All proceeds of the Craft Hope Etsy shop will benefit Doctors Without Borders in Haiti. All items have been generously donated by the crafting community. 

Here are some of the cool items you'll find at the Craft Hope Etsy shop:

 

If you're crafty and would like to donate an item please visit the Craft Hope website.

Artote

 

You know the drill: you finally get a night out for dinner, you get to the restaurant, and you don't ever have the chance to converse with your spouse because you're busy entertaining your little. This supply tote can definitely help out- with a place for 8 markers, crayons or colored pencils and a pocket on the inside for stickers or scissors, it makes a great companion to mini's books and paper. Machine washable and comes in a variety of color and size options. $25 at Bells and Whistles

Industrial Felt - Little Boy Love-Coaster Set

How about a Valentine’s gift for your guy? This is perfect for the tough man with a soft heart. The H Bomb coasters with a little heart inside are just the thing. Set of 4 $22.50 by Joshua Stone.

Christopher Walken A-Z

There are no words.... Oh except it's great to have this book in your home! I love him. $16.95 at What on Earth Catalog.

Sponsor Spot: SHAbang Designs

 
I love these oxidized copper butterfly necklaces.  Each one is hand stamped, and one of my favorite is a quote from writer Rabindranath Tagore: "Count Moments, Not Months."  It's a wonderful reminder to cherish every moment.  Another lovely butterfly necklace simply says, "Happy."  These necklaces are perfect for every day and dressing up even a plain t-shirt, while imparting a positive attitude.  Very cool.

I love jewelry that use Alice in Wonderland for inspiration.  SHAbang Designs has a few Alice in Wonderland inspired jewelry that are so cute.  My favorite one is the Eat Me Mushroom necklace with a hand-stamped "Eat Me" and the cutest little toadstool mushroom.  So cute!   The "Drink Me" necklace would add the most delightful sparkle!

Lately I've really been digging big beaded necklaces, and SHAbang Designs delivers!  The shop carries bold, eye-catching beaded necklaces that are particularly perfect for Valentine's Day. My favorites look to conversation hearts for inspiration and the beads look like candy.  There is the gorgeously sweet "moonglow" lucite-beaded "Be Mine" and "Cute" necklaces.

Okay, I'm like a glittering queen sometimes.  I love glitter and anything that makes me sparkle makes me happy.  That's why I'm pretty psyched abou this glitter ball necklace.  Not only do I think the blue and black look super cool in a sci-fi kinda way, but because each bead is covered with real glitter, it's going to glitter you up as you party on until 6 am.  Totally fabulous! 

If you're a zodiac fan, be sure to also check out the shop's line of hand-stamped and beaded zodiac sign pendants.

FREE SHIPPING!  Type Rare Birds Reader in the Notes to Seller to get the shipping refunded back after purchase.  This offer is good now through 2/14/10.  Woohoo!

Edgar Allan Pillow

  I think they may have missed a good (ok...terrible...) joke here. I think I would have gone with "Edgar Allen Thow Pillow" but I'm kind of a dork. No matter, this is an excellent likeness and a good present choice for the...gothic minded, shall we say? $42.50 at regan's brain. (Be sure to check out the Hemmingway and Hitchcock pillows too!)

Owl Who..Necklace

A pretty funky necklace for those who like their owls a little less cute and a bit more dark.  The shop is full of curiosities, so be sure to check it out.  $25 at Tilly Bloom

Captioned Critter Notecards

 

I love that these mini note cards feature detailed pics of various critters.  There are a variety of critters to choose from, and each have a word bubble so you can customize it.  $3.25 for a set of five at Paper Victory

Bowling Pin Hat

This bowling pin hat crocheted by hand totally cracks me up.  Would be perfect for the bowler with a sense of humor.  $18.50 at The Head Said

Extending Fork

Do you or do you know people that like to reach over and take a little taste of someone elses food? Make it easy with the Extending Fork.  My friend was telling me the other day how cool it would be to find something like this. Well, here ya go! And it’s on sale for $7.95 at Gadget Bargains.

Pop Flowers – Multi Colored Daisies

Pop Flowers, the flowers with bold color that won’t die but will keep on giving!!! These fun flowers obviously aren’t real, but aren’t tacky either. Pop Flower Shop has an array of arrangements to send in all price ranges and colors. Also craft kits so you can make them yourself. Perfect for Valentine’s day for a friend or lover. These are the Multi Colored Daisies in a Green Glass Vase $20 at Pop Flower Shop.

Kid-Designed Flat Note Cards

 

Looking for a grandparent, uncle or other close family member gift from your favorite little? Lined or unlined flat card stationery that's inspired by your mini's artwork is sure to please. $1.24 a piece at Red Stamp

Crap Necklace

Are you tired of Crap?  Always dealing with Crap?  Knee deep in Crap?  Express your crappiness with this Sterling Silver Crap necklace!  If Crap is to soft for you, there are other words available.  $40 at Underoak Studios. 

"Whatever" Cork Clock

Tell people how you really feel with this clock!  Maybe when they're over, the time on this clock will confuse them so much that they'll be late too.  $99.99 at Target.

Schrute Shirt

What baby's wardrobe is complete without the world's most famous beet-farmer tee? Enough said. $14 at Babywood

Ironman Ironing Board

Not sure if this ironing board is practical, but it's definitely funny!  Would it be easier to iron pants on a man with actual legs?  Maybe!  £94.99 at Lazyboneuk.com

Spread Heads Condiment Dispensers

Before you even say it--I know--this is disgusting. Repulsive even. But at the same time, it's also hilarious. The fact that someone even had the brilliant idea of mixing condiments with bodily fluid expulsion is something to marvel at. Formally known as Marvin Mustard and Charlie Ketchup, the pair do have a certain cuteness beleaguered of course by their inherent grossness.  I'm sure though there are many kids who would love to have these two over for hot dog and burger night! $5.89 each at Lazybone.  

Wish Vessel

Got someone in your life who is full of whimsy and daydreams?  They would love this wish vessel.  Remove the top and you've got a place to put your wishes or whatever you like.  $25 at Glazed Earth. 

Urban Decay's Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows

Oh wow, my friend (thank you, Karen!) let me know about the very limited-edition Urban Decay's Alice in Wonderland's Book of Shadows that's coming out tomorrow. The eye shadow kit comes with a super cool looking pop-up of Alice and features sixteen of their most popular eye shadow colors but re-named with names from the upcoming movie.  Plus, you get two eye pencils and my all-time favorite eyeshadow primer potion which I swear keeps eye shadow in place all day long but without feeling heavy or looking like concealer. Sign up for Urban Decay's email blast or just check in on the Urban Decay site tomorrow (Jan. 15). 

Spice Tin Candles

If you’ve never had spices from Dean and Deluca, you are missing out. But this gets better. They are offering a Spice Candle assortment of 9 scents: Lavender Flowers, Thyme, Tarragon, Basil, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Clove, Coriander and Shiso Leaf in their 2 oz spice tins at an internet special of $41.25 at Dean and Deluca.

Chocolate Heart Spoon

What would you love to get for Valentine’s Day to go perfectly with your coffee and your huge box of REAL Chocolate? How about these adorable coffee spoons that have less than real pieces of chocolate hearts on them that look mighty real for that chocolate lover that you are! $7.50 each at Pylones.

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Do-It-Yourself Ukulele Kit

  Of all the Christmas presents I gave this (I mean, last...) year, this Do-It-Yourself Ukulele Kit was by far the most well received. My seventeen year old nephew, who is quite and accomplished musician, seemed pretty darn thrilled by it. He started building it the next day. I chose it because he is a sax player and the odds of him ever getting to build his own sax seem pretty slim. But it seemed like it might be a good experience for him to be able to build his own musical instrument. I don't think he cared much about the educational value of the kit, but he sure seems to be having fun with it. Better yet, his dad loved it and so did his younger cousins. So, I'm thinking, it's a great gift for a guy of any age, and since now I kinda want one too...well, it's a great gift for gals too. Everyone wins! $43 at the Spoon Sisters.

Legruffles

How cute are these ruffled legwarmers? Perfect for the little gal on the go, and easily matched with dance or dress-up clothing, they are the big-girl frilly version of babylegs. $17.95 at Huggalugs