Rare Bird Finds

Japanese Wave Bowl

I grew up with a mother with an interest in Asian art.  I really loved the Japanese pieces my mom would get. This beautiful Japanese Wave Pattern Bowl is such a great piece, I'm just drawn to it.  This one is $30 at L.L. Townley Ceramics.

Food Fighters Appetizer Picks

I was almost tempted to get a pack of these Food Fighters Appetizer Picks when I saw them at a local store. Definitely will get your guests talking at the buffet table! $9.99 at Vat19

Smoker Bags

Smoker bags are an easy, mess-proof way to smoke meats, fish and veggies on a grill or in an oven. Wood chip flavoring is already inside this tri-level bag.  When you're done cooking, just toss the bag. Comes in Alder (for fish) or Hickory flavoring.  $4.95 at Spoon Sisters

 

Let's Eat Serving Tray

We all know that there's something disturbing about going to a barbeque place and seeing all the happy pig decor scattered around. I mean, it's one thing when it's a steak house and there are pictures of big, menacing steer, but it always seems like the pigs at the b.b.q. shacks are just happy to um...be served to you. Take it one step further with this very discomforting serving tray. Not only is the pig happy...well, you can see what's going on. Probably not a good gift for the vegetarians in your life though. $11 at Archie McPhee.

Beer Lovers Towel Set

It's Friday! Tonite is my weekly pizza and beer night. So, in honor of my pizza and beer night, I thought I'd post these great Beer Lovers Towel Set. You've got IPA, Pilsner, Stout and Porter. Plus, these are on sale for $18.50 at Nesta Home.

Of Cumin Bondage

Tea towels can be amazingly feminine. They are often adorned with daisies or kittens, or even worse, generic southwestern patterns (mine have cow skulls on them...weird). But I get kick out these literary/vegetable themed towels, it must me the English major in me. They'd be a good housewarming gift for a writer, a teacher, a gardener or even a vegetarian. And they are funny. Can't go wrong with funny. $10 at Wearable Vegetables.

Retro Rocket Ship Cast Iron Bottle Opener

This cute bottle opener would look great on a bar, in a kitchen or heck, put it in the middle of the coffee table, because it's as charming as it is handy. It will open your bottles, hold down your cocktail napkins and generally cheer up the place. And all for just $14.95 at Design Toscano.

Mr. Tea Mug

I'm on an 80's kick, and am lovin' this Mr. Tea mug, sucka. The handle even looks like his signature gold rings. $11 at Firebox

Corkcicle

Tired of always having to chill your white wine in the fridge for hours???  Don't have a wine bucket in the house?  Well then, try the Corkcicle!  Just keep it in your freezer and when you want some white wine, you just pop it in there and it keeps your wine nice and chilled.  It's made from BPA free plastic and won't dilute your wine either.   Only $22.95 at Uncommon Goods.

Split Decision Pie Pan

For those of us who are tad indecisive, this nifty pie pan lets you make two types of pies at once. $18.95 at Spoon Sisters

DC Comics Vintage Pint Glass Set

I think pint glasses were a popular holiday gift this year. I saw them all over the place and spent a lot of time trying to track down a particular set for a friend. To be fair, pint glasses are handy. Good for a beer, good for juice and easy to gift as there are so many styles available. And hey, glasses break, most of us need to replace them occasionally...most of us who aren't graceful. Of all the designs I saw this year, this DC comics set, might be my favorite. I think muted colors are great and with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern in one set, you are sure to please most comic book fans. $24.99 at Perpetual Kid.

Avocado Salt & Pepper Set

Alrighty folks, it's November and the holiday shopping season has officially begun.  And, speaking of "season", if you have an avocado lover in your house, this Avocado Salt & Pepper Shaker Set may be the perfect holiday gift.  $48 at Uncommon Goods.

Shot Carver

Oh, think of things you could do shots from once you get this shot carver! There's...apples....and...um...ok, well, I am sure you will think of other things. Like maybe peaches, or....apples. Hmmm, we should work on this one. Until I figure more out let's go with shots of cinnamon schnapps from apples. Or maybe some sort of almond liquor. Or, if you are more of a teetotaler, you can just use it to make pretty votive holders. $12.95 at Heliotrope.

"Bob" Ice Cube Tray

Got a Bob in your life?  I do.   I'm married to one.   So if you have a Bob in your life, why not celebrate your Bob with every sip of every drink you take with this Bob ice cube tray!  Only $7.95 at What On Earth.

Apple Pie Pocket Mold

This apple-shaped pie mold helps you make adorable portable pies.  Love the design - so cute.  I watched the tutorial and it looks as simple as...pie!  You can make fruit pies or savory pies, and the pies can be deep fried or baked.  Definitely check out the video on the site for detailed instruction.  $9.95 at Williams-Sonoma

Colour Changing Ceramic Cup

Do you remember those pens that you could turn upside down and a little figure of a woman would do a kind of striptease, courtesy of some ingeniously placed liquids? This mug is nothing like that. First of all, although the pretty girl loses SOME clothes when you add a hot bevvie., she retains her undies, making her a little more family friendly. Secondly, she's a super cute artsy rendition of a pretty girl. And third, she comes with a funny little cover to keep your drink warm and her hair looking tidy. $21 at Infmetry.

Frankenplate

 

Seems like I'm following a theme here with my last couple of posts.  Check out this cool Frankenplate I found.   It's all glass in really cool colors stiched together like part of Frankenstein.   This is just one of a 3 piece set you can buy together or separately.   The plate is $25 at Butter Glass Works

Marvel ™ Flexible Spatulas

I am a bit of a comic book nerd. I also like to cook. I know I am not alone in either of these things. That's how I know that you know someone who wants these awesome spatulas. Official licensed Marvel characters, made in silicone and stainless steel and they are dishwasher safe. These heroes will get your cookies off that pan safely and keep your fingers safe. And really, who doesn't want to hit thing with the Hulk spatula and yell "HULK SMASH!"? $14 each at Williams Sonoma.

American Sign Language Clock

I just had a hankering for clocks today, don't know why but I just did.  Then I found this great American Sign Language clock.   Instead of numbers, there's hands doing the clock numbers in sign language.  Neato!  And, you can get this custom ordered with whatever colors you want the hand to be.  There's lots more sign language sculptures too on this site.  The clock is $100 at Moonlight Aura

State Cutting Boards

 

 
I found this great store on Etsy that makes cutting boards in the shape of our states.  I'm showing you my state, North Carolina, because it's my state and it's my post :-)  $40 at A Heirloom.

Gingerbread Fairy Tale Apron

This is the cutest apron ever.  I so want it, but I thought I'd share it with my birdies instead.  Love the details!  $60 at Dot's Diner

Ice Pop Molds

These ice pop molds make me want an ice pop right now.  They come in 3 different designs - sailboat, rocket and robot.  What I particularly love about these molds is the attention to detail.  The stick holding the rocket has a little rocketman and the stick holding the robot has gears.  So fun!  $10 for a set of 6 at Uncommon Goods

BBQ Rockin' Fork

This bbq rockin' fork is for those grillers who still love to rock out - even if it's over burgers and roasted corn.  $20 at Gama-Go

Hiphopsicles Ice Cube Tray

These hiphopsicles ice cube tray makes me laugh.  It features everything you need to bring some old school hip hop into your beverages.  You got the microphone, the dollar signs, the turntable and the boombox.  Now that'll make one chillin' drink. $8 at  Busted Tees

Collectable Nosferatu Mixer Glass

Of all the vampire movies I've seen and books I've read, Nosferatu probably freaks me out more than any other. Count Orlck is terrifying and the old style filmmaking doesn't help his case at all. But the *ahem* shadow of the vampire on this collectible glass is a little less intimidating...especially when the glass is filled with fruit punch. That IS fruit punch...isn't it? £7.00 at Brighton Crock

80's Arcade Cake Mold

This brightly-colored silicone cake mold will have you remembering those long-ago Atari games.  $24 at Fred Flare

Wine Hourglasses

I love hourglasses, and it's not from my former addiction to Days of Our Lives.  There's something soothing about watching sand drip down as it counts off the seconds.  These wine hourglasses are super cool because they have hourglasses built into the stems.  For ten minutes, you can watch the colorful sand pour down as you sip your wine and chat with friends.  $75 for a set of 4 at Uncommon Goods

OCD Chef Cutting Board

I have OCD but for stuff like not being able to leave the house without checking and re-checking and re-checking the stove to make sure everything is turned off.  This OCD chef cutting board would be good for those who need to make sure everything is cut even.  $24.99 at Perpetual Kid

What I Got At Renegade

On Saturday I went to the Renegade, an outdoor craft show near downtown Los Angeles.  I was prepared for the heat - last year it was a scorcher!  But there was a nice breeze and it was a beautiful day.  Here's what I got:

 

I love these Flowering Mimosa Lace Earrings.  They are painstakingly handpainted lace that frame the face in the prettiest of ways!  I got mine in "seafoam" - a cool bluish color that does remind me of the sea - but you can pick from 18 different colors, from gold to black to eggplant.  I immediately put these on at the show and kept getting compliments throughout the day.  Made me feel like this is what Kate Middleton must feel like on a daily basis - lots of people smiling at you and telling you they love your style earrings.  $16 at Topiary Designs

 

 

 

When I sampled this black mission fig jam, I said, "Ohmygoodness, this phenomenal!" My tastebuds danced with joy and the heavens opened up.  Well, at least that's what I felt like.  It was made fresh for the show and isn't up in their Etsy shop yet, but you can just convo the creator of these fine jams and he'll help you out.  And, while you're at it, you must try the strawberry-rhubarb jam.  It won best in show at the California state fair last year and is scrumptious!  $10 (for the fig jam) at Coldwater Canyon Provisions 

UPDATE:  The shop just added the Black Mission fig jam to buy.  I was just saying to a friend, when I sampled the fig jam I got weak in the knees and knew I had to have it. Seriously.

 

 

 

I totally love this dish towel flour sack.  It's huge!  A whopping 34" x 38".  You can dry your dishes or your car! :)  It also features screenprinted artwork from the artist.  Be sure to check out the shop for their art prints.  The artist has funky, cute drawings that also evoke a wide variety of emotions.  Good stuff!  $15 at Pretty Little Thieves 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got these small cabbage rose earrings in the funkiest almost-neon pink color.  I don't see the exact pair I got currently in the shop, but she has other cute colors, like the pictured turquoise/green pair.  $8 at BobbySoxie

UPDATE: It looks like the turquoise/green earrings shown are no longer available, but there is this neat pale blue pair.

 

 

 

 

I got a really cool pet bow tie collar.  It's all fabric and it closes around your pet's neck with Velcro.  I got this cute blue tie for my dog, Ozzy.  He's ten pounds of Chihuahua tough, and he was like, "Mommy, I will not go out in public with a bow tie!"  So, my cat, Juno, stepped up and was totally cool about wearing the tie.  She wore it demurely and happily.  Now, that's my girl (and that's her pictured).  The shop that makes them makes all things bow-related.  I don't currently see the pet bow ties in the shop, but feel free to convo them.  They came in a variety of polka-dotted styles and colors, and in various sizes to fit your pet.  Juno is wearing a small.  $12 at Bows and Anchors

 

 

I am a sucker for well-made handcrafted soap.  I picked up a bar of anise-peppermint soap from this vendor.  It smells devine!  The combination of anise and peppermint is so refreshing and comforting.  I don't see it in the shop currently, but it's the blue-white soap you see pictured.  They carry a variety of soaps and body products made from organic and fair trade ingredients.  You can also get a sample pack of their soaps to see which ones you like before you buy.  $9 for a soap bar at Etta Billie

 

 

If you couldn't make it to Renegade, you can still visit the vendors!  Here's a complete list of all the vendors with links to their shop.  Since they all just came back from a 2-day show over the weekend, their shop may not be carrying all the products they normall do.  Wait a week or so for them to replenish.  You can have your own virtual Renegade party from the comfort of your home!

 

Quick Flick Dirty/Clean Dishwasher Sign

Everyone who owns a dishwasher needs to own one of these. I've seen these before but not this style with it's "quick flick" tab. The back is magnetized and this one is blue with yellow letters. These cool Quick Flick Dirty/Clean Dishwasher signs come in all different colors and cost $8 at Wonbien.

Gummi Bear Jelly Mold

I have a friend who loves those giant gummi bears (though she did have a mild heart attack when she looked at the calorie count).  This gummi bear jelly mold post is dedicated to her - she can now have the cuteness factor of the gummi bear but can make it, say, with Jell-O for a low calorie, late night snack.  $14 at Fred Flare

Sip At Your Own Risk Cup

Take a sip on the wild side with this Sip At Your Own Risk cup.  The more you drink, the more you expose the danger that lurks beneath the juice (or water or whatever your poison is).   The swimmer looks so happy, but the bottom of the glass with the words "The End" exposes her true fate.  Muhaha!  $15.99 at Mod Cloth

Set of 4 Skull n Bones Pint Glasses

When you get to a certain age, you should be able to offer your guest a beer that is NOT in a bottle. I mean, you should have a few appropriate glasses on hand, right? How about these nifty, goth-y pint glasses? A little different from the usual, a little rock and roll but not too uptight. $28 at Infrared Studio.

Scallop Bowl

 

I literally just got back from my beach vacation on the Outer Banks of NC.  Love these little Scallop bowls and they come in all kinds of colors.  There's even Baby scallop bowls and many other ocean themed pottery.  This size Scallop bowl is $40 at Element Clay Studio.

Great Gays Mug

A fun mug that looks like fourteen closed doors, and when you add a hot beverage, they disappear and famous gays from the past appear: Walt Whitman, Oscar Wilde, Andy Warhol Michelangelo, Michel Foucault, Freddy Mercury, Willa Cather, Tchaikovsky, Sappho, Alan Turning, Audre Lord, Michel Foucault, Yukio Mishima, and Gertrude Stein.

Knuckle Pounder Meat Tenderizer

I don't advocate violence against your dinner, but sometimes you just gotta rough things up to make them tender. And when you do, isn't it more fun if you're wearing knuckledusters? That way you can look bad, even when it's your that's the tough one. $9.99 at Think Geek.

Mustache Baking Mold

Are ya really into 'staches?  This mustache baking mold will help you whip up cakes, gelatins, ice sculptures, candies and more all in the shape of that shaped and super cool fuzz above a man's upper lip.  $12 at Archie McPhee

Mr. Food Face Plate

Play with your food with this fun Mr. Food Face Plate! $12 at Uncommon Goods.

Pileated Woodpecker Bowl

I've been getting these birds in my backyard these past few days. So, when I saw this Pileated Woodpecker bowl I had to post. I just love the detail work on this piece of stoneware! $55 at Jim and Gina

Salt Globe

Love Paris?  Love kitchen items that look like art pieces?  This salt globe is a clever take on the snow globe.  Features the Eiffel Tower, and is refillable. 

Graffiti Cocktail Shaker

For the artist and graffiti lover in your life, this cocktail shaker looks like a spray paint can.  Holds 14 oz of liquid.  $20 at Unica

Moustache Egg Fryer

Put some fun into your morning eggs with this moustache egg fryer!  $6.98 at Prank Place

Shark Bite Oven Mitt

LOVE these shark bite oven mitts.  $14.99 at Perpetual Kid

Camera Lens Mug

 

I am lousy with a camera but I think these camera lens mugs are amazingly cool.  Even comes with a lens-cap lid.  Woo!  You can choose between a Canon or a Nikon mug.  Looks pretty darn real, huh?  $24 - $30 at Photojojo

 

 

Since Easter isn't too far off, I deemed it appropriate to find some unique Easter items.  So, I present to you, these Pom Pom Hat Egg Cozies.  It's hard when you've got your colored Easter Eggs and they get soo cold.  Sorry, these are just too cute.  $28 for a set of 4 (you choose the colors) at Natalya 1905.

 

 

Cooking for Geeks Cookbook

Do you ever wonder about the science that makes a dish work or flop?  If you're into making food but you also want to understand the how and the why,then you should check out Cooking for Geeks: Real Science, Great Hacks, and Good Food. It will tickle your mind and your tastebuds. $18.74 at Amazon

Baseball Prep Bowls

Here's a cute gift for the culinary and baseball inclined. Prep bowls come in super handy and if you aren't a cook, cereal fits in there just fine too. And they'd be great for all those baseball watching parties you keep saying you'll have. $19.95 at Patina.

Zombie Love, Wedding Portrait - Altered Vintage Plate

For you zombie lovers, here's a beautiful zombies wedding portrait that's both an art piece and functional.  Can be used for dining or hung on the wall.  The shop carries a variety of plate designs that are really worth checking out.  $29 (on sale) at Beat Up Creations

Chew Chew Train Dinner Set

 

What a cute gift for a child - these trains are actually a complete dinner set, which includes plate, bowl, small tray, cup and fork and knife.  Brilliant design.  Available in blue or pink.  $19.95 at Vat 19

Pixel Oven Mitts

I don't know why, but when I saw these Pixel Oven Mitts, I actually did LOL. Maybe it's because I spend my life on computers. Maybe it's the otherworldliness of them. Maybe it's because I could really use a new set of ovenmitts...These are sure to be handy (get it) for gamers and geeks, but I promise that normal people would appreciate these too. $16.99 at Perpetual Kid.