Rare Bird Finds

Gangsta Card Set

Don't get me wrong -- I'm a fan of technology. Texting instead of making a phone call, keeping tabs on people via Facebook statuses; I love it.  But as technology progresses at lightning speed, I start to pine for The Way Things Used To Be. I mean, people don't even read emails anymore! What's that about? I start to feel like a cranky old lady and I'm only 31!

What I've realized is that despite (or maybe because of) technology's rapid growth, people start to appreciate "old fashioned" things more.  Take, for example, a handwritten card. How great is it to get one of those in the mail? And even better -- what if that card makes you laugh, too?

These Gangsta Cards by Farewell Paperie (at Etsy) are the perfect way to let your friend know you're thinking about them; to give them a fun, cheeky surprise at the end of a long day. Made of sturdy, high-gloss cardstock, these notecards measure 3.5"x5", are blank on the inside and perfect for almost any occasion. They can be purchased seperately, but the 4-pack ("Sup Shawty," "Fo Shizzle," "Hey Holmes," and "Werrrd") comes in a cute linen pouch and is only $12.00.

The cards come with bright white envelopes and are begging to be sent to your dawg, shotty, boo, boy, or anyone else you can think of!

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! 

Gorgeous Felt Floral Accessories

I can't begin to tell you how much I LOVE these beautiful hand-cut felt floral brooches.  I received Orange Love and immediately pinned it to a gray, crew-neck short-sleeve sweater.  Because the brooch is slightly rounded, it curved around the neckline of the sweater perfectly making it look as if the sweater was made with the pretty florals.  When I wore it to work, I got half-a-dozen compliments (even from guys!) about how beautiful my sweater was.  One person asked if my sweater was from Anthropologie, which, considering how expensive Anthropologie is, says a lot about how much oomph! the floral brooch gave my $8 sweater.  You can see from the photos I posted below what my sweater looked like before (pretty plain, huh!) and what a difference it made afterwards (whee!).

    left: plain jane                                      right: woohoo!

What I especially love is that these soft floral brooches can be pinned to dresses, the collar of a jacket or even a handbag.  They come in a variety of eye-catching color combos and sizes (medium and large typically, but if you prefer smaller or larger, just convo the designer).  You can even convo the designer to create a customized piece to match a particular outfit - or imagine how gorgeous one would be on a wedding dress! 

If you rather dress up your hair than your outfit, the designer also creates the same floral designs as hair pins.  Such a pretty, feminine way to add color and flair. Would look totally stunning in short or long hair styles.

The designer cuts each petal meticulously by hand, so no two pieces are exactly alike.  Kind of like real flowers!  "My designs explore a contemporary take on ‘floral’ that is luxurious and glamorous,without being heavy or overblown," says Anna, the designer behind these wearable art pieces.  I'm thinking this Winter Love hair pin would look particularly stunning on long, dark, glossy hair!

Get yourself these gorgeous floral brooches (I totally want another one!) and you will be happy you did!  £30.00 - £40.00 for floral brooches and £16.00 for hair pins at Folksy.  Postage to UK is free, and is £3 to Europe or the US. All accessories come gift boxed.  For prices for customized brooches and hair pins just email the designer with specifics.  RARE BIRD FINDS 20% DISCOUNT: Email Anna at a.alicia.accessories@googlemail.com with the name of the item (and mention 'rare bird discount') and the designer will send you a PayPal invoice for the discounted price.

Soapwish

 

I have to be honest, when I first received these in the mail, I was giddy with excitement opening the cutest soap I'd ever seen in my life.  Who knew someone could get so excited about soap!  What I love about Soapwish's soap?  The beautiful and intricate detail and packaging that comes with these.  When I first received them, the one that really caught my eye was the box of chocolates.  The way it is packaged makes it look exactly like a fancy box of chocolates, not to mention it smells so much like chocolate when I use it that I'm tempted to eat it!  The best part of these soaps are that they aren't the typical soaps you buy at the store.  They don't leave your skin dry and tight at the end, they smell delicious (different scents on different soaps), and they're unique!  With wholesome ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, goat's milk, oatmeal milk, and honey, no wonder these smell and feel great.  These make for excellent gifts to people!  I have a friend who is very musically inclined and would love the sheet music soap, and the box of chocolates, well, who doesn't love chocolate!  You should check out the different designs because there's something for everyone!  I even made my boyfriend try one and I loved the way he smelled after: light and subtle, but fresh.  Everything is hand made and one of a kind.  Not only that, but you can request custom soaps if you have something special in mind.  I myself cannot wait to buy some of these for my friend's birthdays coming up!

Caramel Jubilee

Caramels are one of my favorite things so when I saw that Caramel Jubilee has black licorice caramels (my other favorite thing) I just had to try them out.  They are soft and so tasty!  I just got the bag yesterday and have almost finished them!  They have a bunch of flavors in case licorice is not your thing.  $12 for a half pound at Caramel Jubilee

Cabaret Brewed Chocolate

I received a jar of Cabaret Brewed Chocolate to review just as the weather got kind of uncomfortably warm and the last thing I wanted was a soothing hot drink. Even if it was a hot, chocolate drink. But now a few weeks on, I have tried Cabaret Brewed Chocolate in several ways and I was foolish, because this stuff is quite flexible and can also be enjoyed cold.

But let’s back up, what is “this stuff”? Cabaret Brewed Chocolate is a thin syrup brewed from whole raw cacao beans in a process similar to brewing coffee, but that’s where the similarities to coffee end. The resulting syrup is mixed into hot water (or other beverages) and it creates a drink that is similar to chocolate tea. And that’s key here, this is not a packaged cocoa mix. The syrup is made of only roasted cacao beans and evaporated cane juice and straight from the jar it is reminiscent to the chocolate sauce you might put on ice cream (and by the way, you can totally do that with Cabaret too). Mixed into hot water, the result is delicate and pleasant. The flavor has the depth, smokiness and sophistication of a high quality cocoa. I drank a cup before bed on several occasions and found it to be a lovely nightcap. Some people claim that brewed chocolate gives them a “lift” and makes them alert without the jittery feelings created by caffeinated beverages. I don’t know that I felt any different but I also didn’t have any problems falling asleep on the nights I indulged.

I have also tried Cabaret Brewed Chocolate mixed with my morning coffee and mixed with soymilk. It added a slight chocolate flavor and sweetness to the coffee but it did wonders for the soymilk. I have not yet tried it mixed with any alcoholic beverages but the website suggests mixing it with water and whisky, rum or vodka and I think that sounds like a fine idea.

With 24 calories per teaspoon and less than half a gram of fat, it’s a bit of a nutritional bargain when mixed with water or low fat milk or soymilk. Chocolate famously contains many antioxidants and the limited amount of processing that Cabaret does helps retain all the good stuff. And while the lack of fat may make some say that it tastes like weak cocoa (well, that’s what my husband thought anyway) it certainly makes it more diet friendly. In fact, I might suggest this to those with huge chocolate cravings who need a little support with fewer calories than a candy bar. Value wise, this isn’t bad, a $14.95 makes 24 for half cup servings, which is not a lot, but you don’t need more than a half cup because it really is that satisfying. It’s also very nicely packaged and would make a lovely hostess gift. Personally, I’d like to serve it as an after-dinner drink in demitasse cups.

You can read more about Cabaret Brewed Chocolate and even order it right from their website. And for the record, when they were told that I look for "cool guy things" they replied that a significant percent of people who buy the chocolate are "cool guys" so it might just be that unique gift you need for the man in your life!

Celebrate Green!

By now, we all know we're supposed to be taking steps to clean up our act when it comes to helping the environment, but let's face it: sometimes all the work of going green can get a little overwhelming. I recently had the chance to preview Celebrate Green: Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations, and Traditions for the Whole Family by mom and daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell, and was relieved to find a "green guide" that provides simple, clever ways to make your parties and celebrations more earth-friendly - without making them less fun.

The book is about so much more than just eco-friendly entertaining, though. It's a practical, accessible, and encouraging reference guide for anyone looking to make some simple lifestyle changes in hopes of cleaning up our environment. There's a great section on the basic "how to's" of reducing, reusing, and recycling, along with tips on decoding labels and shopping for products that are truly beneficial for both people and the planet.  The book isn't preachy, either, so whether you're an environmentalist from way back or you're just getting started, you'll be able to find helpful tips you can put into action right away.

The guide also has tasty recipes, craft ideas, and lists of resources for further reading, shopping, and charitable giving. It's a refreshing approach to caring for the planet by weaving thoughtful, environmentally responsible practices into our celebrations and everyday lives. $17.95 at Celebrate Green

Note to Self: On Keeping a Journal and Other Dangerous Pursuits

When I read Note to Self: On Keeping a Journal and Other Dangerous Pursuits by Samara O'shea, the book did something wonderful - it made me want to journal again after years of thinking of myself as a "journaling failure."  Being a private person, I was often afraid of someone discovering my journal.  Now, because of this book, I've come to realize the beauty of opening yourself up onto the page, and how utterly therapeutic it can be.

The exercises and advice in the book gently nudge and guide you through various exercises that will help you delve deeper into your emotions and ultimately help you to understand yourself better.  The book also features excerpts from the author's own journals and well-knowns such Anne Frank, Sylvia Plath, Joyce Carol Oates and others.

The book is funny, tender and honest - Samara O'shea opened herself up (and her journal) to help us become better writers who are able to put on paper the heart of who we are.  Terrific book for anyone who wants to journal, and even those who have been journaling. Hardcover.  $13.57 at Amazon

Practically Posh

I absolutely love the book Practically Posh by Robyn Moreno.  It's such a wonderful book but it's hard to describe.  The book offers great tips & tricks on how to live well and enjoy life on a budget.  The book is broken into chapters ranging from topics such as Nesting, Hip Hosting, Budget Beauty, and more. 

The book is eclectic and touches upon all aspects of a woman's life - from the kitchen to work to dating to entertaining to traveling.  The book contains a great DIY project (how to turn an unfinished Ikea dresser into an Asian-inspired armoire), recipes (like, chicken saltimbocca over linguine - a dish she recommends if you want to  "wow a dude"), instructions on how to pull off affordable parties or score clothing deals when you shop, advice on how to behave when meeting your boyfriend's parents for the first time, and tips that range from how to save while traveling to when to buy organic while grocery shopping.  There's even advice for the working girl (like, how to fire someone - ack!).  The book is just so chock full of good advice and tips (with lots of photos and colorful, patterned pages) that you'll find this book to be a little treasure to add to your arsenal.

A highly recommended book!  $12.89 at Amazon

Eco-Friendly Glass Photo Pendant Necklaces

I was so happy when I got a pair of glass photo pendant necklaces from the super cool shop FaniSong.  The glass pendants are lovingly made and sturdy, and have a good weight to them.  I was so impressed by the craftsmanship and beauty of each piece.  The images - and boy are there plenty to choose from! - are also clear and gorgeous.  And, if the variety of colors and images aren't enough for you, you can even get a custom pendant made of your favorite photo.  The best part?  The glass used to create each pendant is eco-friendly because they're made from recycled glass.  You can also visit  FaniSong's other website at www.fanisong.com for more choices that may not be featured in their Etsy store.  Utterly affordable at $23 for regular pendants, $29 for custom at FaniSong.  Highly recommended - they make perfect gifts, too!

Review: Glass Wine Bottle Stoppers

I enjoy a glass of wine as much as the next person, but I'm not much of a wine gadget aficionado (I typically just pop the cork and pour). And I'm usually too preoccupied with getting at what's inside the bottle itself to care much about its presentation. But after getting a package of sample products from Gala Glass recently, I might consider taking some baby steps toward a more sophisticated cocktail table. I received one of their spiral wine stoppers, and was really impressed with its design and quality. The handcrafted glass looks great atop an otherwise boring bottle of wine, and was a lot easier than wrestling a cork back into a half-empty bottle of cabernet.

I'm not converting to decanters and aerators just yet, but I'd definitely order a few more of these to have on hand. Together with a good bottle of wine they'd make a nice host/hostess gift for evenings when you didn't have time to go shopping but don't want to arrive at the party empty-handed. Check out the site for a wide selection of other stoppers in different shapes and colors. $24.97 at Gala Glass (Special Rare Bird Discount: Get an extra 10% off wine bottle stoppers before July 16 by entering "Celebrate" in the coupon section of your order.) 

Review: Lassie Girl

Want some gorgeous, well made summer clothes for your little one or your friend's little one?  Head over to Lassie Girl immediately.  I received the most beautiful package from Lassie Girl.  It was a pinafore with bloomers and matching barrettes.  Everything was so well made.  You can tell this lady takes pride in her work. 

Every fabric in the shop is gorgeous.  She has some unique fabrics that I have never seen before too.  No baby ducks and princesses.  Just fun fabrics that look adorable on your little one without being babyish.

My daughter looks like a cute little cupcake in her outfit.  Trust me, you won't be sorry if you order from this store.  Everything is very reasonably priced.  I already see many more things that I need!

Oopsy Daisy High Chair Hair Care Rinse Free Shampoo

When I was contacted to review this no rinse kid's shampoo I was very hopeful and yet obviously skeptical. Dry shampoos for adults never seem to work like they swear so I figured this would be the same.

I am happy to report that I was wrong.  This is a fabulous product!  I figured it would be fine for baby girl as she has thicker short hair but my three year old has fine hair that looks greasy very easily.  To use it you just pump out a few pumps of the shampoo.  It turns into foam in your hand.  Then you work it into a lather just like a regular shampoo and towel dry.  Lastly, brush the hair and your done!  Shiny hair that smells like a dreamsicle!

This is perfect for those nights when they just had a bath and somehow manage to get dirty again.  If your house is anything like mine then shampooing is a tortuous event for everyone involved!  With all natural ingredients and fabulous results I don't see why you wouldn't use it!  I highly recommend it!

$18 at Oopsy Daisy  (I have used mine a few times and it has hardly made a dent.  A little goes a long way)

Look, Ma, New Hands Hand Cream

Words cannot describe how much I love this hand cream.  I have pretty dry hands, the kind that you can scratch your name on, no matter how much I moisturize them.  Women of color will understand when I say my hands sometimes look "ashy," which isn't very pretty, ladies.  Look, Ma, New Hands made my hands feel so, so soft and moisturized.  I swear even my skin looked like it "plumped" up from the moisture.  A little dab will do ya, and although highly rich from the olive, avocado and apricot oils, paraffin wax and vitamin E, your hands won't feel greasy.  My hands kept feeling soft even after I washed them.  The scent is light and citrusy - very pleasant!  I LOVE this hand cream!  I even bought two of them.  Also available in a smaller size.  $18.50 for the large size, $12 for the smaller size at Bath and Bodyworks.

WIN IT! Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life

I was super excited when I got a copy of Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life by Sophie Uliano to review. Being a bit of a beauty fiend who is also trying to be more "green", I couldn't wait to read this book.  I'm so glad that I did!  The author provides an 8-step program to begin living more earth friendly.  The best thing is that you don't have to do all 8 steps.  You can just take one step at a time.  Every little bit helps!

In Step 1, you learn what it means to be green and gorgeous.  As Uliano writes, "I used to think it was all about wearing hemp and eating organic tofu.  I thought I would have to turn into one of those zealous do-gooders with unshaven armpits.  Trust me, this is not what the Gorgeously Green program is about.  Far from it." Step 1 also asks you questions about the knowledge you may or may not have ("Do you know the ingredients in your cosmetics?") and then the book moves to empower you.

Step 2 is about being green in your beauty regimen and cosmetics.  You learn tips on how to weed the "bad stuff" out of your beauty routine, and what products to look for that don't have harmful chemicals.  Step 3 is completely devoted to your body, teaching you fitness tips like yoga. 

Step 4 teaches you how to be eco-stylish and how to shop fair trade and organic.  Step 5 teaches you how to have a more eco-friendly home (throw out that chlorine bleach!).  Step 6 is about eating healthier and includes recipes.  It even includes eco-kitchen tips like "Pour water you have used to cook pasta or veggies into a bucket.  When it's cool, use it to water your yard."   Brilliant!

Step 7 is about getting green with doing fun activities like throwing a dinner party, going to the movies, traveling, etc.  Step 8, the last step, is how to be an activist for a better, greener planet. 

Great easy-to-read paperback for those of us who want to be "green" but were afraid it meant we'd have to become "crunchy."  Highly recommended!  $11.53 at Amazon.

Yep, one lucky Rare Bird Finds reader will score a copy of Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life .   All you have to do to enter is leave a comment to this post telling us one thing you do to make your life eco-friendly. One winner will be selected at random and notified.  Make sure you put your email address on the line for email address.  Although we publish comments your email address will not be shown. You have until 11:00 p.m. PST tonight (5/22/08) to enter.  Must be a resident of U.S. or Canda.

Congrats to Becky S. from Atlanta, GA!

WIN IT! Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair

I had the pleasure to recently receive a comp copy of the hardcover Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from the Beauty Authority published by HarperCollins.  I'm a total Sephora fiend - I can spend hours in that store playing with make-up, but sometimes a store full of beauty products can be so overwhelming in determining what products work best for me. 

The book is a great mix of make-up advice from beauty experts on techniques like shaping your eyebrows, blow drying your hair to get a salon-style blowout, applying fake lashes, fixing mascara mishaps, perfecting smoky eyes, and so much more!  Best of all, after each advice and tips & tricks, the book names products that will help and why. 

Here are some of my favorite tips from the book:

• "If you have a bad breakout, don't wear red lipstick, because you'll be repeating and bringing out the color of the blemishes.  Wear a soft brown or neutral color instead."
• "A great way to find your perfect lip shade is by looking at the inside of your cheek and find a color that's two shades darker.  That color is the most natural match for your lips."
• "Dab a luminizer on the cupid's bow of the mouth and lips will look instantly plumper."
• If you have a break out, "put some Visine on a spoon, pop it in the freezer for a bit, and then place it on the pimple.  It eliminates redness and reduces swelling like magic!"

Terrific book - really!  If you love beauty magazines, this is like all the great tips and products squeezed into one handy, beautifully photographed book.  If you're learning about make-up, then this is definitely a must-have.  $18.45 at Amazon.

Yep, one lucky Rare Bird Finds reader will score a copy of Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from the Beauty Authority.  All you have to do to enter is leave a comment to this post telling us your own personal favorite beauty tip. One winner will be selected at random and notified.  Make sure you put your email address on the line for email address.  Although we publish comments your email address will not be shown. You have until 11:59 p.m. PST tonight (5/20/08) to enter.  Must be a resident of U.S. or Canda. 

Congrats to Devon T. from Comox, B.C.!

Moon and Back Studios

When you get to a certain stage in life you need to have a go to stationary store.  You need save the date cards,  moving announcements, baby announcements, party invites, holiday cards...and the list goes on and on.  You also need a good supply of cards if you married into a huge Italian family like I did.  It seems like I am always sending a birthday or thank you card.

That's why I was excited to review the products at Moon and Back Studios.  I picked the Yo Dawg cards above because I love to send a card the old fashioned way from time to time just to say hi.  I also have a thing for Dachshunds.  The cards are gorgeous.  Great quality and super reasonable price.  25 cards are $42.

If you are looking for announcements I would recommend that you consider the UV coating.  It really makes the card.  The colors just pop with the coating.  They also enhance your photo free of charge (see the photo enhancement options here) and will match their ready made announcements to a color scheme that goes with your photo. Really, could you ask for more?  Looks like we found our go to guy!

Review: Least Likely 2 Breed

I've been to a lot of baby showers.  Even though I am a mom and love all things baby, they are not my favorite thing.  They tend to get a little sappy and emotional and plain over the top.  (Or maybe that's just the ones I've been too)  I recommend that you bring a little humor to the next baby shower you attend with this Bundle O Joy from Least Likely 2 Breed.

The attendees that don't have kids will laugh because the names are funny. (Bad Ass Booty Balm!)  The seasoned moms will laugh because the names are funny AND because they know that the new mom will need them and they are SO glad they are through that stage.

Even if you know nothing about babies you will look like you are in the know when you show up with this.  Your friend will thank you!

The best part?  The stuff works!  Not only is it funny but it works.  You gotta love it.  Now go buy some Bundle of Joys for your preggo friends.  $17.95 at Least Likely 2 Breed

Review: Vol25

I was so excited to get a chance to review the art from Vol25 on etsy.  I just love all the whimsical prints.  I could buy them all!

I received the two prints above.  Both are gorgeous.  The colors are beautiful and the paper is luxurious. Each print is signed by the artist.  Believe me, when you get these prints in your hand you will feel like you got a great deal.  I would definitely recommend this shop to everyone I know. 

If you had your eye on a certain print during the contest last week get over there and snap it up.  You won't be sorry!

PRODUCT Anti-Frizz & Shine Hair Care

PRODUCT is a hair care product that promises to defrizz, soften, texturize, condition and add shine.  It's a tall order to fill!  So I was very anxious to give it a try, especially since I have long, wavy hair that loves to get frizzy with it. 

The instructions say it can be used on damp or dry hair.  First, PRODUCT smells really good - light and slightly citrus-y.  After showering and washing my hair, I took a pea-size amount and using the heat of my hands, I melted the oils.  I then ran it through my damp hair, making sure I got ends.  That day I was running late to work so I air dried my hair, which makes the curls and waves really come out.  I was deeply impressed when after arriving to work my hair actually looked less frizzy and more moisturized (meaning, my ends didn't look so dry).  It also had a nice shine.  Mission accomplished!

I don't wash my hair every day, so the next day, I just added another pea-size amount to my dry hair to get the frizz that occurred from sleeping.  Looked pretty darn good without looking oily.

I've also tried PRODUCT with blow-drying my hair straight, and found that it worked in taming frizz and adding a nice sheen to my hair, making it look healthier.

If you're looking for an effective hair care product that isn't heavy with silicone oils or parabens or other chemicals, then definitely give PRODUCT a try!  It's natural, and it nourishes your hair.  The ingredients are remarkably simple and effective, containing shea butter, aloe vera, vitamin E and beeswax.  Great product!  1.5 oz. for $14 at PRODUCT.  For more information, visit their site, The Name is PRODUCT.