Rare Bird Finds

Whiskey Old-Fashioned Wet Shave Jelly

Ah, for that strong man in your life who enjoys a good whiskey, this whiskey-scented wet shave jelly is a fine addition to his morning ritual.  It'll also help give him a smooth shave with the help of healing aloe vera and moisturizing meadowfoam seed oil.  The site carries aftershaves and eau de toilettes in the same scent and also in cognac.  $12 at Portland General Store

Drunken Masters Ninja Swizzle Sticks

  Aren't we all really ninja-like when we've been drinking? These swizzle sticks just serve as a reminder to our mad skillz. Or...maybe they just help you stir your drink. $17 at Plastic Land.

Rose Stem Cleaner

 

 Believe it or not, I had no idea that there was such a thing. But here is a simple device, colorful and something I certainly can use! You see, my husband trims the rose bushes and with his garden gloves, hands me a bunch of roses to which I promptly drop them on the ground because they are covered in thorns. Every. Single. Time. I have the thorniest roses. If he would use this Rose Stem Cleaner, I wouldn't bleed. $13.50 at The Spoon Sisters.

Emotionally Unstable Kitchen Towel

 

The kitchen towel and me in the kitchen crying like little babies! I love this towel. "It's the onion I'm cutting! Really!" 9.99 at Blue Q. 

Anatomical Hearts on Glass

  Personally, I have a thing for anatomical hearts. I think they make the perfect gift to show the unsentimental type that you do love them, even if it ain't pretty. But these glasses kind of do make it pretty, don't you think? (Hey, they'd also be a good gift for the science type or the horror fan, didn't even think of that, did you?). $15 at 22 pages.

Alderaan

  Ah, Star Wars,  you never really stop giving, do you? The Alderaan travel poster just makes it clear how much we all really want to be Luke (or Leia, or Han...or Chewie). Nice simple design and natural colors makes it seem grown up enough that your friends who just don't understand might let this one slide. Even better? You have your choice of planets! Although I hear Hoth is chilly this time of year...prints start at $17.08 and go up according to size. From Justin Van Genderen on Imagekind.

Felt Flowers Headband

 

Lovely felt flower-adorned headbands for your little lovely? Yes, please! Perfect for an upcoming summer portrait session (or as an accessory for the many weddings the season brings), these delicate blooms will make any mini look like a fairy princess. $17 at BubbaLou Bands

Mini Cactus Planter

 

Highlight the beauty of a cactus by giving it some whimsy in one of these tri-colored wooden mini cactus planters. What a great housewarming gift! Or it would even make a cute collection with 3 different cactus types in 3 different planters on a window sill. $22 at Paper Doll Wood Shop.

Ringworm Ring Holder

 

You never want to risk ruining or even losing your rings down the drain when you're doing the dishes. Here is a fun solution. The Ringworm Ring Holder designed by Fancy Pants keeps your rings safe while at the same time giving you a big smile.  $36 at Buy Olympia.

5x7 Custom Mixed Media Photo Art Portrait of Your Pet

Our very own birdie writer, Shari, recently showed me her newest creations - customized mixed media photo art portraits, and I think they look fabulous!  What a great way to decorate your home with a one-of-a-kind work of art featuring your pet.  I know I totally want one!

This is a digitally enhanced photo of your pet’s portrait in a color scheme of your choice. It is put on a painted wrapped canvas matching this color scheme and painted embellishments are added, including your pet’s name. It is painted over with layers of sealer so it looks like a painting itself and is ultimately sealed with an acrylic sealer so that it will not change color and will last for years to come. Ready to hang with no need for framing. This is an original, signed piece of art made just for you.

To get started, email Shari at bonnindesigns@yahoo.com with a 200-300 dpi or 7mb photo of your pet. Preferably a close shot of its adorable face. Some touch up and cropping can be done by the artist. $40 plus shipping.  Shari will also work with you closely to ensure the colors and fonts used matches the personality of your pet.  Yay!

Animal Wedding Cake Toppers

I stumbled upon this shop while reading a blog I enjoy for the laughs [Tacky Weddings].  If you're looking for a wedding cake topper that is unique, consider these handmade ceramic cake toppers that feature grooms and/or brides as animals.  Shop carries a wide variety of styles.  $40 at Me.la.bo

Eames Plywood Chairs Messenger Bag

  For the design geek in your life, or the mid century modern fan or maybe just the guy who likes to sit...on chairs...here's a bag. I know that seems out of context but these Eames chairs make for a very nice design on a messenger bag. Who would have guessed that good design tranlates across mediums? Oh...you probably did. You're so smart! $34 at Medium Control Goods.

Hammerhead Shark Queen

I love this print of an original painting of a hammerhead shark queen.  I can totally hear her giving out her commands.  The shop carries a lot of animal prints based on the artist's original paintings.  $20 at Poor Dog Farm

Hot Plate

 

 The electric stove burner image on these melamine plates makes you take a second glance. Perfect for the "semi-homemade" cook. $8 for the small plate and $10 for the large at Black Ink Boston.

Missing Sock Bucket

 

Now your missing socks that come out of the dryer all alone have a home in this clever printed canvas bucket. Just keep them there until the other of the pair shows up, as it eventually does and then you'll have two! $30 at Inklore. 

Crocheted Daffodil Bookmark

Aren't you tired of boring old cardboard bookmarks?  I know I am.  I actually entered a contest and won one of Joyous Treasures' bookmarks.  Isn't this Daffodil bookmark cool?  I like how your book gets adorned by a little flower while your page is being marked.  The Daffodil one is $10 and there are other "flowers" that range in price from $4 to $14, very reasonable.   

Diaper & Wipes Wristlet

 

This wristlet is half diapee holder, half wipee holder- rolled into one. It holds up to three diapees and a case of wipees and looks nothing like a bulky diaper bag. You could even switch it's contents and use it as a bag for yourself, and it comes in a variety of prints to choose from. What a fabulous idea! $16.50 at Little Boats

Numchuck Pillow

 

 A ninja needs a pillow and this is what they would sleep on. Numchuck pillows are always the winner in any pillow fight but then make the perfect throw pillow on a ninja's couch. Trust me, I have ninja friends. $42 at Sushibooties.

Vintage Inspired Aprons

I love a good apron, and these vintage inspired aprons will surely add some vintage charm the next time you entertain guests.  My favorite is the Maggie style (pictured) because of the birdies, but the shop carries a wide variety of designs.  Each one lovingly handmade.  $18.75 and up at Boojiboo

There's an Elephant in the Room Postcard

 

Sometimes you just need to clear the air and what better way than with this perfect There's an Elephant in the Room postcard?  Thank you, Kate, for the tip! $5 at Sweet Tart

Venomous Snake Head Cufflinks

Try on these Venomous Snake Head Cufflinks for size! A unique style statement or quirky gift for a friend. $19.99 at W.M. Dean

Twine Tin

 

This tin has to be one of the cutest I've seen. Although it's stated use is for twine, I think it would be perfect place to stash your mini's crayons, colored pencils, small toys- or pretty much anything that is easily lost or gets easily scattered and misplaced in a playroom or for an art desk. Love the retro feel and it would be so easy to label. $17 at Twine

Star Wars Laser Cut Ring Set

I am a Star Wars geek.  There's just no way around it. I think this lasercut Star Wars ring set was just amazing.   Even though it's lasercut, that takes alot of talent to do that kind of detail.  For all you non Star Wars fans, there are other styles such as a Bonsai tree, a spouting whale and a bowl of Ramen noodles.  Just $15 at Lickety Cut.

Toilet Monkey Paper Clip Holder

 

I'm sorry. I am not the biggest fan of toilet humor myself, but I do not know a guy who doesn't love it. And I also do not know a guy who doesn't love monkeys. Yes, yes, sweeping generalizations, I know. But I can almost certainly promise that you know at least one guy who would love the Toilet Monkey Paper Clip Holder. For heaven's sake, the paper clips stick to his little bum! But it's the pained expression on his face that really makes it. $9.90 at Gadget 4 All.

Candeloo Lamps

 

These are the funnest night lights ever! The Candeloo lights come in sets of two Fuscia/Orange or Blue/Green and they stay lit for 5 hours off of the charger pad. They charge for 16 hours. You can place them anywhere. And they are not just for kids! Nothing I post ever is! $48 for a set of 2 and charger at Nova68.

Antique Worn Brass Anatomically Correct Human Heart

  Aww, I love when steampunks get all romantic! This charming clay heart would be a nice love token for the more...industrial type. Or perhaps you want to tell someone that their love has been a little robotic lately? Well, that's actually kind of personal...and mean, but this heart might make breaking the news a little easier. Or not. $27 at Monster Kookies.

Earth Day Water Bottle

Make someone laugh or look at you aghast with this Earth Day Wattle bottle, which you can get for free with $40 store purchase and coupon code EARTH (all caps).  Or you can just buy it outright for $17.50 at The Onion Store (but personally I always like a bargain).  Coupon expires April 30.

Fingerprinting Art Set

 

This tin art set allows your mini to creatively turn fingerprints into flowers, people, creatures or anything else their vivid imaginations can come up with, using their own little fingerprints as inspiration. Contains 12 rubber stamps, 6 colored pencils, and 4 colored ink pads. $11.50 at Paper Source

Hot Mom Pillow

    

 Forget the sappy sayings and prissy gifts, this Mother's Day you need to make your mom, or the wife of your children feel special the right kind of way! I love this "Hot Mom" pillow. It says it all! $34 at Honey Pie Design.

Denim Digger

  This may be more of a "cool LITTLE guy thing" but it's cool, so I am posting it. And I do think there are certain big guys who will like this denim digger as well, maybe for a nice conversation piece over the mantel, or as a gift to a new daddy. No matter who gets this (and believe me, girls like construction too), I think they will be pleased with this nifty soft toy/decoration (it is specified for "gentle play" and is not safe for babies due to buttons, but it's lovely nonetheless!). $55 at elsie marley.

Martha Stewart Recipe Divider

My math is ok, but I hate fractions.  So, when I bake and want to cut the recipe it takes me time to figure it out.  But, with this recipe divider from good old Martha..it  makes it a snap.  No math, no worries.  $9.99 at Macy's. 

Ink Cartridge Lamps

These handmade lamps are made from Epson ink cartridges and look so cool.  Available colors include matte black, cyan, light-cyan, magenta, light-magenta, yellow, light-black, and light-light-black.  $30 at Lowell and Louise

Elephant Dish Brush

This elephant dish brush would definitely bring me some joy in doing dishes!  Plus, I think I had heard somewhere that an upturned elephant trunk means prosperity. $8.95 at Patina

Blank Board Books

 

Made of durable paperboard, these blank board books are a perfect creative outlet for your mini to draw onto, author a story in or build a picture collage inside of its six pages. Inexpensive and paired with stickers and markers, a really unique and great gift. The small books are five-inch squares, large books are eight inches. $3.50 and $5 respectively at Romp

Atomic Bonsai

 

 This wonderful bonzai tree puzzle is a great gift for someone special that is 1. busy 2. irresponsible, and 3. appreciative because it is made of recycled cardboard and they don't have to worry at all about carrying for it but they can appreciate its beauty. $24.99 at Nova68 

Tim Burton Playing Cards

 

 This post is inspired by 2 things. One is obvious, Tim Burton. He has an amazing exhibit (I am told) at the Museum of Modern Art right now. And the other is my son. He is into magic lately using cards and so he is always looking for really cool cards. I thought these playing cards were the coolest I've ever seen! $5 at MoMA.

Octopus Mini Wallet

 

This Octopus Mini Wallet  is perfect for the light traveler, the minimal guy or the dude who has a wallet as big as a toddler and really needs to scale back. It's even a nice choice for carrying just that stupid keycard that lets you into the parking lot or the bus pass, OR, here's a nice idea, gift it pre-filled with gift cards. Besides, it's a lovely color and it has an octopus on it. Do I really need to sell it any harder than that? $20 at Buy Olympia.

Owl & Bear Print

Looking for that perfect personalized print to frame for your nursery or mini's room? What I loved about this print in particular (and pretty much all of the others for sale) is its simplicity and use of color that makes it versatile no matter what color your little's bedroom wall happens to be. $12 at Owly Molly Prints

Original Clean Shopper

 

When it comes to my mini, there aren't too many things that I can honestly say I can't live without. The clean shopper, however, is definitely on that list. Washable and fits all sizes of shopping carts, you can pop your mini into it and not have to scrounge about for hand-sanitizer or wipes. It even doubles as a high-chair cover. It's lasted five years (and still going strong) and worth every penny, and it's my go-to gift (shhh don't tell anyone!) at baby showers. $29.95 at Clean Shopper

Apple iPad Sleeve Cases

 

 Now that you have your treasured iPad that you dreamed about for months and stood out in the dark until the Apple store opened, you must protect it. I found these really fun, brightly patterned and well padded iPad sleeve cases just for you! $39.99 at Janine King Designs.

Graffilthy Ring

  Love, love, love this ring! Graffiti style lettering in silver. It's all hand carved and has a great organic look about it. I really like how thick the band is and how you have to look twice to see the letters. $125 at DMD Metalsmith.

Still Life Skull Votive

  Surprisingly elegant, this glass skull votive would look at home on the table of any goth, skater or...um...me. Hey, skulls aren't just for Halloween, people! I think it would also look nice as part of a grouping or centerpiece! A little reminder of the strength inside, perhaps? Or just really cool? $35 at Scandinavian Grace.

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

 

I stumbled across the book Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter last night at the bookstore and it just cracked me up. I haven't read it (yet!) but I love the idea of a novel based around the secret life of Abraham Lincoln - vampire hunter! What's also neat is that inside the book are "historical photos" to support this comic tale. Okay, I'm off to order it.  $13.19 at Amazon

Moldy Wall Art

My friend sent me a link to this site that creates wall art and accessories with a "moldy" design.  They're organic looking and quite beautiful.  My fave is this little wall art, but check out the entire site.  $45 and up at ELIN

Full Bloom Pillow

 

The colors and the pattern make me happy on this fun throw pillow. That is what it's all about. $20 at Olive. 

Index Chopping Boards

 

It's important not to cut your veggies on the same cutting board you just trimmed your raw chicken to be cooked. Oh darn. Which cutting board should you use then? Here's the simple answer. The index cutting boards have 4 boards tabbed and color coded visually in a stainless storage case: veggies, fish, raw meats,  and cooked food all so you can rest easily and know you won't get sick. $65 at A+R.

Bow Hairclip Trio

This trio of hairclips would be a darling addition to any little's wardrobe, don't you think? Three 2-inch alligator clips for $11.99 at Tarabelle's Shop 

Handcut Papercut Art

 

Omg, I can barely cut in a straight line much less attempt trying to do these elaborate papercuts.  All of the papercuts in this shop were done by hand - by hand! - and are beautiful and intricate.  Buy one and frame it - they are definitely works of art.  $8 and up at Papercutdiecut

The Guide to "Designing Women"

In honor of the late great Dixie Carter, whom I admired greatly....here is the ultimate Guide to Designing Women.  I used to watch this show religously new and in syndication.  She was quite a lady!  $11.65 at Barnes & Noble. 

Freebird Clutch

This birdie clutch is a super cute way to carry your lipstick, money and compact while on the gol.  Comes in a variety of colors.  $38 at Lori Marie Pretty Little Things