Rare Bird Finds

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.

The Year of the Rat Book

Whee - according to Chinese Astrology, this year is for the rats!  The illustrated children's book The Year of the Rat by Oliver Chin is super cute about a little rat who gets into trouble with the family of humans he lives with because he gnaws a little too much and hoardes items he shouldn't be hoarding.  Bright, colorful illustrations, a cute cast of characters and a lesson that sometimes we need to be true to ourselves made this a delightful read.  $15.95 at immedium.

Super Bad Body Scrub

I tried one of Casa de Super Bad's sugar scrub over the weekend and I'm addicted! It has a creamy, scrubby, easy to scoop texture and leaves you soft without feeling greasy!  My skin was softly scented too. 

Not only did the scrub do a great job they have fabulous names.  I tested "Girls with Glasses" which is described as "Mother can be a bit myopic, especially if she thinks we still wait for boys to ask us out. Vanilla buttercream frosting laced with blackberry."  Some of my other favorites are: "Girls Guide to Compromise", "Cold Shoulder" and "LaBelle Rebelle".  At $9.95 for 7 oz and $3 for 2 oz you really can't go wrong!  Try out a few!  (If you aren't a scrub girl they have fabulous powders too!)

Valentines Day Gift Idea: Massage Oil Candle

Utterly delightful and oh so unique - a fragrant, luscious candle and massage oil in one!  I tried the "blood orange" scent and it is so wonderful.  It made my room smell strong and citrusy, and when I was done, the melted wax is a moisturizing oil that can be used as either a massage oil or lotion.  It was warm and fragrant, and left my skin feeling soft, lightly fragrant and not oily.  Available scents include: "Blood Orange" "Fruit Fetish" "Spanish Cabernet " or "Floral Serenity"$9.95 at The Succulent Wife.

Valentines Day Gift Idea: Passion Gemstone and Lampwork Necklace

I recently had the opportunity to try this beautiful, colorful necklace.  The design centers around a reddish glass bead, handcrafted by a glass artisan, that's swirled with a variety of colors, and is surrounded by a romantic array of eye-catching, sparkling gemstones all dangling from a sterling silver chain.  This delicate necklace got me a compliment the very first time I wore it (yay!) and is so pretty and unique looking.  Perfect for Valentine's Day - just look at the colors and gem stones!  $104 at Jennifer Casady.

Between Me And You™ Journals

I am not a super sappy or sentimental person but I just love these Between You and Me journals.  They are hard bound spiral journals with a series of questions in them that the recipient fills out and gives back to you.  When I leanred about the journals I had just gotten back from a trip where I saw my Grandma who has had Alzheimer's for years.  I wish I had a journal like this full of her memories that I could read.

I received a journal to give to my mom.  I thumbed through it and I love it.  There is a question every page or so and they are divided into 5 categories: When you were a Kid, Your Youth, My Dad, What About Me, You, Now.  There is also a big blank section entitled "Other Stuff" for content not addressed in the questions.  The questions are just the kinds of questions that you want to ask but never seem to find the time for.  Not sappy at all.  I can't wait to see what my mom writes.  We are very close but as I thumbed through the journal I saw lots of questions I don't know the answer to.  Plus, it's a wonderful keepsake that my girls can read when they are older.

I think the one for your honey (already filled out) would make a unique and meaningful Valentines gift.  Maybe one filled out and one for them to fill out for you.

The journals are for a wide variety of recipients.  You can see the whole range here.  You can also see sample questions from each journal.  I plan to get one for each of my family members. $14.95 at Sand Dune Books

Organic Fusion

Lately I've been on a kick on using body products that are organic and made with safe ingredients that promote good health without any icky possible side effects.  So I was super excited to try a line of products from Organic Fusion and oh wow wow WOW!  Imagine lotions, body butters and soaps made meticulously by hand using fresh, organic ingredients that are sourced from small farms and socially responsible companies.  There's a lot of junk we put on our bodies, and it's refreshing to be able to find effective products that soothe and comfort the skin without harsh chemicals.  The scent of the products are from essential oils so they smell clean and never perfume-y.  Scents include the popular lavender grace, geranium tranquility and karmic goodness.  The shop also carries organic essential oils, too!

I love how the liquid hand soap leave my hands smelling great every time I use it. In fact, I was so sad when I used the very last drop of it. In fact, the other day I washed my hands with it before being picked up by a friend.  She said, "Something smells good" - and it was my hands!

My ultimate favorite though - the thing you must try if you were to buy any one thing is the organic body butter ($14.49 or $40.50 for 3-pack).   My skin literally DRINKS this stuff up.  It's soft and  luscious, and leaves me feeling moisturized but never greasy.  I loooooooooove it.

You can also try one of each product in the deluxe body kit (which also makes a great gift) in lavender grace, their most popular scent ($45).  I got to try the kit, and it comes nicely packaged and ready for gift giving.

Products range from $6.99 and up at Organic-Fusion.

Vintage Un-Christmas Cards

How funny are these "Un-Christmas" cards? I can't wait to send them out to my friends. Hmm..maybe I should get on that. 

People get so stressed out at the Holidays.  Give them something to laugh about.  $11.99 for a set of 4 at Modcloth

Simple Food's Soynut Butters

Yummy!  Boy did I find the best thing ever for you guys who may have nut allergies. These soynut butters have the look, texture and scent of peanut butter, and in a sandwich (like, in my fave with jelly on wheat) it even tastes like peanut butter with its "nutty" taste.  Completely organic (no yucky pesticides) and made in a factory that is peanut-free and tree nut-free.  They're also gluten-free, vegan and kosher. Plus, soynut butter is just better for you (a.k.a. healthier) over peanut butter!  Comes in 5 delicious flavors: No sugar/no salt, sea salt, slightly sweet, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate.  And isn't the labeling adorable? $4.99 - $7.99 at Simple Food.

Winner of our contest to be announced.