Rare Bird Finds: Shopping Blog for Unique Gifts

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! 

Fab 5 Friday, Issue 59 - Songyi Kim

Songyi Kim is a a 21 year old, 4th-year Pharmacy major who lives in New York City. "I work part-time as the program director at my mother's non-profit organization for special needs children," says Songyi, who has two special needs brothers whom she loves.  "Special needs children aren't as different from us as some might think. We all need support and love to make it through the day; some people just need a hand more than others."

In her spare time, she loves reading Agatha Christie mysteries, listening to punk/metal music, or just recording songs in her studio at home.

Violet Real Preserved Orchid Hairpin

I've been searching high and low for a beautiful flower hairpin for ages- and I finally found one! This gorgeous
Violet Purple orchid hairpin is actually made with a real preserved orchid! I love wearing this out on special occasions or just on a daily basis. $49.00 at Bela Brazilian Designs (and there's currently a BOGO sale)

Handpicked by Fab 5 Friday Guest Editor Songyi Kim

Cupcake Bath Bombs

After a hard day at work, I love to come home and take a relaxing hot bath. I found these Pomegranate and Chocolate cupcake bath bombs on Etsy and I could not resist the temptation! You get a an eight pack of bath bombs (4 pomegranate and 4 chocolate cupcakes). $30 at Sweet Tushies

Handpicked by Fab 5 Friday Guest Editor Songyi Kim

"Mono" Kissing Disease Microbe

 

I'm a Pharmacy major- so you can see why this particular item appeals to me. What better gift to give
on Valentine's Day to your special someone than Epstein-Barr, aka Mono? This cute virus comes in 3 different styles- Original 5-7" plush doll ($7.95), Gigantic microbes 15-20" plush doll ($24.95),
and my favorite- the petri dish of 3 mini microbes ($12.95) at GIANTmicrobes.

Handpicked by Fab 5 Friday Guest Editor Songyi Kim

Apple USB Speakers

My boyfriend gave this to me awhile ago as a just-because gift and I was in love with these speakers
(the boyfriend as well, of course :D). At $9.50, these speakers are a must have for the funky audiophile!

Handpicked by Fab 5 Friday Guest Editor Songyi Kim

Java Pop - Organic Coffee Soda

My coffee-addicted friend sent me a case of the caramel flavored Java Pop as a small pick-me-up during my final exam week,and I've been drinking these ever since! It comes in 5 fabulous flavors: Espresso, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Mocha, and Caramel.  It's $4.99 for a 4-pack and the case of 24 Java Pops are currently on sale for $29.99.

Handpicked by Fab 5 Friday Guest Editor Songyi Kim

Fab 5 Friday, Issue 58 - Kelly Delp

Today's guest editor is Kelly Delp who's been a happy, lifetime resident of Indiana. Kelly is a full time student about to graduate with her degree in Secondary English Education.

"When I'm not neck deep in school I'm trying to find cool new places to eat and awesome things to do," says Kelly. "I consider myself a minimalist but am into so many things that my life is always cluttered."

Kelly is really into art, especially discovering art in all its creations in unexpected places. "I think everything is art, including food, make-up, and things that randomly sit on my dresser," says Kelly.  "I'm all about living my dreams now, so right after graduation I am moving to Paris. Waiting to become a European is torture, but I'm slowly learning to appreciate the journey!"

Hanging Photo Frame Jewelry Box

I got one of these for Christmas, and I positively LOVE it! At first glance it is a photo collage, but you can open the front of it and store your jewelry. AND it's super affordable! $38 at Walmart

Handpicked by Fab 5 Guest Editor Kelly Delp

Sushi Robe

Who doesn't love sushi? (Don't raise your hand, we'll make fun of you!) This robe looks so comfy, and the print is so pretty! I would so wear this around the house...to Starbucks...to class... $92 at The Cat's Pajamas

Handpicked by Fab 5 Guest Editor Kelly Delp

Stroopwafels

I have visited Amsterdam twice, and absolutely loved it. And the one thing I crave SO BAD from there are the Stroopwafels! They are cookie sort of things, with two thin wafers with a buttery caramel syrup in between. They might not look like anything special but trust me...you will want to send me flowers after you taste these. $5.19 at Holland's Best

Handpicked by Fab 5 Guest Editor Kelly Delp

Wizard of Oz Glasses

I have always been slightly obsessed with the Wizard of Oz. When I was about ten, I found my dad's old Wizard of Oz book which was full of sketched illustrations. These glasses make me so happy! They are so true to the original book illustrations.  $8 at Urban Outfitters (They have Alice in Wonderland too!)

Handpicked by Fab 5 Guest Editor Kelly Delp

Strawberry Print Bowl

My mother's aunt died when I was about two, but for some reason I can remember that her kitchen was decked out in strawberries. (Not actual strawberries, but eerie photographed strawberries.) This bowl looks like something she would have loved, and I am digging on the 70's looking print inside the bowl. There are other prints available. $8 at Perpetual Kid

Handpicked by Fab 5 Guest Editor Kelly Delp

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Fab 5 (Etsy!) Friday, Issue 56 - Gretchen Alice

It's an Etsy Fab 5 Friday!

Gretchen, from Salt Lake City, Utah, is a pop culture junkie and also a style addict. She believes in the High Fidelity principle that what really matters is what you like, not what you are like. Currently, Gretchen loves Pushing Daisies, Joshua Radin, typography, and twitter. She would love it if you stopped by her blog, Gretch-a-sketch, to learn more about her. She's also got this awesome giveaway going right now for some vintage Christmas cards.

Another one of Gretchen's obsessions is music, so she wanted to bring you a Fab Five devoted to gifts for the music lovers in your life.