Rare Bird Finds

 

Acme P.A.D. Pen/Card Wallet

Kinies Waist Purse

Is there anything uglier than a fanny pack? Even the words f-a-n-n-y p-a-c-k give me the shivers! The only thing I am packing on there are remnants of calorie packed coffee drinks. Then I saw this "waist purse". I don't know if I have gone to the dark fanny pack side yet, but I kinda' like the bustle shape of these. My favorite is the gray one but this plaid one is quite festive. $35 at Kinies and 15% off through Nov 30.

Monster Pencil Pouch

Need a monster fix? These monster pouch/pencil cases are handy and ghoulishly fashionable. Big or small, they come in a variety of colors and because each Monster is one of a kind (including personality!), what's there not to love? $13 & $16 at Zomb

Leather map travel journal

Whether you have lived somewhere, traveled there, or just love it, I think these leather travel journals are a great way to record your observations about a place. Or just about life. Tooled and dyed by hand, each of these journals are a work of art. There are many locations available, from New York to Japan to Australia, and even lesser traveled places like the Czech Republic or Morocco, and you can also get them in a natural, undyed state. Photo albums are also offered. 14.90 to 29.90 at Leather Maps.

Phrenology Helmet

This phrenology helmet is so cool. A million times more interesting than run-of-the-mill helmets.  $250 at Belle Helmet

Plane Clean Air Filter

I have to admit that the air gushing out from the overhead plane vent kinda grosses me out.  I honestly just think about all the recycled air and the germs, but it's not something I ever admitted out loud because I thought it was just a quirk of mine.  Well, it looks like I'm not the only one (phew!).  The plane clean air filter removes 99.5% of all bacteria, viruses and other airborne pollutants from the air vent.  Brilliant!  $14.95 at Reader Values

Ready Set Joe Travel Mug and Cone

Well, here's the deal. I have to have my coffee in the morning. If I am running late and it's a choice between brushing my teeth or making coffee, I pick coffee. It's really a necessity. If I don't have it,  by 2 PM my students will run me over because I will be in a slump behind  my desk. This coffee mug is exactly what I need for those mornings when I am running late. I'm gonna have to pick up a couple of these! $8.99 at Dorm Buys

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! 

Cell phone cozy

Handmade custom fit cell phone cozy with a pocket inside and a matching strap to convert it into a wristlet.  Very affordable at $16.95 and a ton of designs to choose from at FancyFerris.   

Starfish Striped Zippity

Look, if he’s gonna carry a murse or a man bag or whatever he calls it, he’d better make it good looking. And this Starfish Striped Zippity is pretty sweet. Plenty of pockets and zippers make it practical, nice colors make it handsome and since all the profits from it’s sale go to Riverkids Project to help protect Cambodian children, I think we can forgive the fact that he’s got a handbag, right? On sale for $14 at The Riverkids Shop.

Germ Pak

I'm going on a loooong flight soon, and for some reason, on these type of flights, I always seem to get sick!  Not a very fun way to spend your vacation time.  I think I need one of the Germ Paks to make sure I do everything in my power to stay healthy throughout the flight.  It comes anti-bacterial hand soap sheets, toilet seat covers, a plane defense inhalation pouch, no-cooties spray, anti-bacterial towelettes, mini tissues, and E-Boost immunity booster - all packaged in a reusable zip pouch. It also has an info card with directions.  Best of all, it's carry on approved!  $26 at Flight 001.  

Bento Sauce Bottles

I bought these recently and I love them!  Before, I never knew these bento sauce bottles existed!  All these years I've been going to work with soy sauceless dumplings because I never knew how to bring my sauce to work.  $4.75 at From Japan With Love, but if you can find a Daiso store near you, you can find these for cheaper.  

Cabin Fever Lunch Bag

I am such a fan of Jane Jenni and I love her new lunch bags with her signature characters.  See the eager Beaver peeking out the window?  Also available in a birdhouse.  $20 at Unica Home

Dreaming Camera Case

Love the design on this unisex camera case. Nifty cool looking way to keep your camera safe and protected while you travel. $40 at MoMA

Travel Nail Polish Remover

Sometimes I'm at work and I have nothing to do.  Other times I look at my hands and my chipping nail polish is annoying me!  That's when these travel nail polish remover packets come in handy!  Great for stashing in your purse.  $7.95 for a set of 2 at The Spoon Sisters.   

Top Tube VeloPockets

For all you bike riders, here's a stylish way to keep your cell, wallet, and other goodies in a safe place while you ride.  Available in a variety of designs.  $45 and up at Hambone Designs

Tokidoki Mirror Mints

These boxes of mints are multifunctional.  Not only are they adorably cute, they can freshen your breath, and you can make sure you never get spinach caught in your teeth again with the mirror that comes inside the tin. $5 at Japan LA.

Gifts Under $20: Built NY Baby Thirsty Tote

Built NY Baby Thirsty Tote $12.95

Greenaid Shopping Tote

This great little reusable shopping tote looks like a little grenade that you can attach to your keys or your bag.  When you need it, just zip it up and unfold the huge bag that can carry a lot of stuff.  $16 at Charles & Marie.

Lippi Selk Bag

As someone who goes mano y mano with her pillow and covers nightly, only to wake up in the fetal position shivering, I've often contemplated moving to the Mediterranean where they have tropical days and warm nights. But due to my lack of funds,  I've opted for a slightly more feasible solution. With the super versatile Lippi Selk sleeping bag I get to have my cake and eat it, too. The Lippi Selk bag can also double as a sofa, floor rug, space exploration suit, or impromptu dance-off costume. £89.00 or roughly $137.98 at Lippi Selk.

Perfectly sized Travel Jewelry Box

Do you ever have instances where you have to take off your jewelry and end up just throwing it into your purse, only to lose it by the time you remember about it? I do that A LOT!!! Usually it's one earring out of the pair that I lose! I hate that!  So this small jewelry box would be perfect to keep in your purse at all times.  Plus, you never know when you might need some jewelry to spice up your outfit.  $34.50 at Delight.

Tattooed Train Case

Lauren B is an etsy artist who finds vintage items and "tattoos" them with her original artwork. I'm loving this cheeky vintage train case that makes once-prim luggage look like it just came back from a wild weekend. $68 at Made By Lauren B

Map Passport Cover & Document Wallet

This map passport cover and document wallet are great for traveling.  Not only is there room for boarding passes, itineraries, luggage tags, cash and more, it's stylishly decorated with a map of travels.  The inside features passport stamps from around the world and the maps feature The South China Sea on the passport cover and the Mediterranean Sea on the document wallet.  $9.49 for the passport cover, $11.49 for the document case, or $17.99 for both at Boys to Men Gifts. 

Bacon Luggage Tags

 

Well, you'll probably be the only person on your flight with bacon luggage tags.  Will definitely make it easy to spot your bag in baggage pick-up. $4.95 at Fridge Door

Shemergency Survival Kit

Great survival kit for any modern day woman.  Comes with a plethora of items for emergencies and isn't the kit itself just so cute?!   Includes things like earring backings, hairspray, hair elastics, nail clipper, clear nail polish, breath freshner, static remover, stain remover, tampon, deodorant wipes, double sided tape, and other very handy items.  $20 at Wishing Fish.

Yeti Luggage Tag

Haha - the facial expression on this yeti luggage tag is awesome.  It's like he's growling, "Touch this bag and I'm gonna eat you!" $11.95 at Gama-Go

Momergency Kit

This is for all the Moms out there.  This Momergency Kit comes complete with things to help out in those emergencies all Moms go through all the time.  There's also things to keep your child entertained, and things to help store those important numbers and dates.  $25 at Wire and Twine.

DJ Diaper Bag

This might be the best-ever diaper bag for dudes (or moms allergic to "cute"). Here's why: 1) it has all the usual elements of a good diaper bag (changing pad, plenty of space); 2) it has built-in places for non-baby essentials - like ipods, sunglasses, and business cards; 3) it doesn't scream "my life and sense of style ended with the birth of my child;" and 4) it's made from recycled plastic water bottles. Yep...it's that good. Available in additonal colors (and camo, of course) for $118 at Fleurville

"That's Mine!" Luggage Tags

These bright luggage tags made from recycled tyvek are sure to get a chuckle at the baggage claim.  Easy to spot too!  $12 for 10 at Flight 001

Win Daily and Weekly Prizes!

Rare Bird Finds has partnered with T-Mobile to offer SIXTEEN amazing prizes exclusively for Rare Bird Finds readers, including $100 gift cards to Crate & Barrel and T-mobile!  WOOHOO! All you have to do to enter is respond to the question posed below and enter your contact info.  Then you're automatically entered for a chance to be randomly picked for daily prizes and weekly prizes.  Contest runs for two weeks starting TODAY! 

Don't be greedy - tell your friends!

T-Mobile is hosting this giveaway to draw awareness to the T-Mobile Ultimate Home giveaway - where you get a chance to win a home!  Learn more about the T-Mobile Ultimate Home giveaway.

Duck and Cover Passport Case

Have a little fun with your plane paranoia. $16 at tinymeat

Eye Masks

This ultra feminine anime eye mask is the perfect way to look bright eyed even when you're asleep! $12 at MoMa.

Baggage Check Travel Journal

Darn-it!  I discovered this Baggage Check Travel Journal too late.  I recently returned from London, and I could've really used this journal to organize my memories.  $27 at Fred Flare

Parking Meter Alarm

Oh love this parking meter alarm!  It helps you keep track when you need to feed the meter and it holds quarters or euros.  Attaches to your key chain.  $9 at Art Effect

Tetran Headphone Winder

This cute little spiky pink thing gets rid of your tangled headphone wires!  Just wind the wires around his body and stick the earbuds into his mouth.  It also doubles as a stress reliever and massager.  Comes with a handy chain.  $14 at Fred Flare.  Comes in green or pink.

Naturally Scented Peppermint Owl Satchet

Ack, there's only 1 left and it looks like it might be awhile before any more are made.  So good luck to the lucky person who gets this adorable owl satchet filled with organic hulled buckwheat, dried peppermint leaves and soft polyfill.  Such a cute way to add a bit of fragrance to your living space or travel bag.  $5 at craftpaca.

LightWedge LED Book Light

My sister in law sent me a link to one of these Lightwedge Book Lights.  She was raving that it really makes reading without disturbing anyone very easy.  I had just seen a guy using one on the plane and wondered what the heck it was.  Mystery solved.  Now you can get one too!  Perfect for those of us who like to read at night in bed.  It goes under the page of your book to light up the page making it readable without a bunch of light spilling out.  $29.95 to $39.95 at Vat19 

Ironing Blanket

I HATE dragging out the ironing board for just one shirt.  This ironing blanket promises to do as good of a job as your ironing board with less hassle.  $7.46 at Dorm Buys

Cereal-on-the-Go

No need to give up your favorite cereal when you don't have time to sit down on the way out the door.  Take your cereal and milk with you in this handy cereal travel cup.  $7.98 at Harriet Carter

Thrush Passport Holder

Love this lively lemon-y birdie passport holder.  Would brighten up any trip through customs.  $16 at Buy Olympia.

Take Charge Charger Case

The Take Charge Charger Case looks a bit like a make-up bag, but instead it's roomy enough to organize the chargers of your various gadgets while you're on the road. $12.50 at Spoon Sisters.

Business Owners: Win Free Advertising!

If you run a business, here's your chance to win two months of free banner advertising (a $245 value!) on Rare Bird Finds! It's simple to enter! Click here to find out the details.

Spiral Luggage Tags

Oh how fun! These spiral luggage tags are made from colorful silicone. You unroll it to write your info, and when you let go, it coils back into its shape. The color and unique shape will help you identify your bags easily.  $9 at Pylones.

The What's-the-Lamest-Gift-You-Ever- Got Contest

Okay, what was the lamest gift anyone has ever given you? Yeah, yeah, we know it's the thought that counts, but sometimes you get a gift from someone and you wonder, "What were they thinking?!" Yeah, us birdies want to know the lamest gift you ever got and if we deem you as having the lamest gift ever, you win a killer prize; you get to pick the item of your choice from the Rare Bird Finds Holiday Gift Guide! That's our way of replacing your lame-o gift with a brand new shiny one. How cool is that?

For contest rules and how to enter, click here.

"Leave No Trace" Shopping Bag

Now we are talking. Shopping bags that are pretty, reusable, environmentally friendly and easy to store. The "Leave No Trace" shopping bags roll up and snap close to store and are waterproof. Comes with 5 bags. $38 at Violet

Quik Pod Pro+ with All Accessories Including Tripod Legs

Now THIS is a handy gadget! My husband and I have no pictures of us on our honeymoon because we had no one to take pictures for us. If we had this cool tripod we could have taken a few. $27.99 at Amazon. (Hurry! Only 5 left)

Coffin Luggage

Here's something for all our goth readers - a leather carry-on bag shaped like a coffin!  $79.95 at PushinDaisies.

Shaving Paper

Here's a great accessory for the guy on the go.  This shaving paper is perfect for a carry-on, an overnight bag, or a gym bag.  Just add water!  $6 at Wishing Fish

Passport Case

I love these naughty pin-up passport cases. So much more risque than the ones you typical see.  Give customs something to blush over.  $17.50 at Stiksel.

Dissolving Paper Shampoo

Leaky shampoo bottles are no fun.  If you need to travel light why not try these dissolving paper shampoo strips?  I just sent some to my sister who will be traveling a lot this summer.  I'll let you know what her experience is with them!  $4.99 at X-treme Geek