Rare Bird Finds

Vintage Fork Easels

These easels are made with vintage forks.  How lovely!  $9.95 and up at WHIMSYlove

Reusable Sandwich Bag - Skulls of Fire

I’ve been thinking about getting myself some reusable sandwich and snack bags. I mean, there’s an awful lot of waste in a regular lunchbox, either tinfoil or baggies, and these seem like a perfect solution. Even better, they are offered in a variety of patterns so if you are packing lunch for a guy, he can have his very own skulls of fire sandwich bag (or baseballs, or soccer balls or…whatever…oh wait, there are dragons too!) and not get teased about the flowery ones you were going to get him. $7.00 at Naturally Felt on etsy.

Holy Water Water Bottle

Well, it’s not really Holy water….but you can say it is! And you can tell yourself that the more you drink, the better you will become. Stainless steel water bottle (the good kind) BPA free. 20 oz. $17.99 by Blue Q

Goldfish Garbage Bags

I would die laughing if I saw these goldfish trash bags sitting on a sidewalk curb.  Imagine how funny NYC would be if they used fun bags like these instead of the boring, depressing black ones.  Bio-degradable, yay! 13 gallons. $15.99 at Perpetual Kid

Go Green Sweeper Covers

All the new sweepers out there are great for cleaning, but can be costly with the disposable refills.  That's why this 100% cotton, hand loom knit sweeper cover is a great alternative.  It's machine washable and dryable, can be used wet or dry, and comes in just about any color you want. $5 at Etsy.

Rock On Heavy Metal Fork Hook

These fork hooks show the best of recycling. It’s simple, it’s functional, and it’s really hip! There are also other finger positions available like “peace” and “fork you” if you know what I mean. $10 at JJ Evensen Art.

 

Half Globe Clock

Let me start by saying I love this whole shop. It is full of nothing but strange clocks made out of all kind of items, from the everyday to the less so. In addition to this incredible half globe clock, they also have clocks made of tupperware, ammunition cases, pith helmets, and much more. I also love the Polish beer sign clock. No matter what your tastes, there is a clock for you here. Prices range from 18.00 to 45.00, the globe clock is 32.00 at IMOTIME.

Circuit board pick

This nifty little pick is made out of an old circuit board. For those of you who are into both gadgets and guitars. They have a few different colors at the shop, if red isn't your thing. 8.00 at The Blue Kraken.

Recycled Picks

For your eco-friendly musician, these picks are made out of recycled credit and gift cards. Fun and colorful, they come in packs of three, so you always have a few on hand. The price is definitely right at 3.00 from The Jumping Flea Market.

Bicycle built for belt

It's tough to find a cool but manly belt. That's why I love these eco-friendly belts made out of old bike tires. They appear to come in a number of different colors, they are totally long lasting, and the brass buttons add just a little bit of flair. Ecologically sound and totally unique. Leave the seat belts behind, it's time for bike tires. 25.00 from dbigby.

California 400 bag

I'm still way into looking at school bags, I admit. If you want a bag that's tough enough for the off-road, yet still has a unique flair, I highly recommend the California 400 backpack. It's made out of tough recycled materials, like automotive carpet and leather, to last you a long while. I love the not too fancy or overworked design, and think almost any dude could shlep it around with a certain attitude.They have a couple other rockin' backpacks over there as well. 55.00 at thingsbuilt.

Ivy League Sass

Okay, absolutely, a splurge. But if you are lucky enough to have some stylish, classic individual in your life, can you imagine them carrying any other bag? Works its Ivy League magic for either men or women, and rest assured that this is the last bag you'll ever need. It'll take you from college to the business world and beyond. Looks this good never go out of style. Comes in several colors, and made out of reclaimed materials - so you can feel good about it in more ways than one. $200.00 at FRockmen

Anatomical Heart Recycled Glass Soap Dispenser

I love love LOVE etched glass. Especially when the etching is something unexpected.  Bread and Badger makes recycled etched glass soap dispensers with all kinds of cool designs on them, but this one with the anatomical heart is my favorite.  Perfect wedding or housewarming gift for a friend with a quirky sense of humor... or a medical license. $25.00 at Etsy.

Personalized Reusable Snack Bags

There are lots of reusable snack bags out there, but I like these because not only are they machine washable (and thus can be used for sticky or "wet" snacks as well as dry) but you can choose the phrase you want embroidered on the front of it!  Each bag is 8"x8" -- large enough to fit two sandwiches. They don't have to be used for food, either -- they'd be great for baby things, pet things, any things! $7 each at Bleuroo

Sandwich Love Lunch Bag

Peanut Butter Loves Jelly!  Who could ask for a more perfect lunch bag (unless you're allergic to peanuts yikes)?  Available in Grape Jelly, Strawberry Jelly and Fluffernutter.  $30 at dirtsa.

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! 

Natural Flea and Tick Spray

I've been looking for an eco-friendly flea and tick remedy so that I could stop using the chemical infested treatments that are so prominent in pet stores these days.  A friend of mine uses this on her dogs, and has recommended that I give it a try for my lab. I think I'm going to do just that. $6.99 at DogToys.com

Cozy/Cuff

This cup cozy is fantastic.  It looks really classy and upscale, and when you're done being environmentally conscious, you can slip it on your wrist as a fashion statement.  Comes in a variety of colors.  $38 at Megan Auman

Happy Vegetable Reusable Vegetable Bags

Totally cute reusable veggies bags in various sizes to carry all your goodies back from farmer's market. Also available in red.  $20 at Wonder Thunder

Bird on a Wire Dog Duvet

My sister recently got a puppy from the shelter and purchased one of these Dog Duvet's, and now I can't stop staring at them, trying to figure out which one I want. You can either use the duvet to cover your old dog bed, or stuff the duvet with old blankets and clothes from around the house! Perfect for all of the things you can't really give to The Salvation Army, and don't want to throw away! $30.00 for a Medium/Large at MollyMutt.com