Hey Little Birdie | Shopping Blog

I love cardigans. Too much. Especially for someone living in Phoenix. And it being the middle of summer makes me even more crazed about them. Is anyone else being tortured by the fall fashion previews all over place? Just yesterday I was driving in my car, imagining a chilly fall breeze, the scent of pumpkin bread and cute trench coats walking down the street. Ugh. I wish! Anyway, back to cardigans. Love them. This one from J.Crew is extra lovable. Not only is it short sleeved which drastically improves my odds of wearing it more that 3 months out of the year, it also has bows. And bows and I are best friends. But wait- it gets even better! Through this Thursday, every sale item is an extra 30% off with the code EXTRA30. This means I can score this super adorable, CASHMERE (and J.Crew cashmere is lovely) cardigan for about $63!! (two exclamation points = can you tell I am very excited?!) So take a peek dear readers, there are many, many beautiful things in the sale section right now.

Do you like books? Do you like t-shirts? Do you wish that the two would join forces to create something completely incredible? Well, voila. Close your eyes… picture Vanna White arms waving back and forth in a displaying fashion… while a soft-spoken person whispers “ta-da” in your ear… wait, that last part sounds creepy. Sorry.

Out of Print features unique and often out of print book covers for some of our culture’s greatest literary works of art. Not to mention every time you purchase a shirt, a book is sent to a community in need in Africa. Nice.

Check them out.

So, I was at the local card shop today buying… wait for it, yes, cards. (You guys are so perceptive.) And I was discouraged not only by the selection of Father’s Day cards, but also about the message portrayed in so many of them. Now, I admit that I lucked out in the Dad department (Hi Dad!), but the stereotypes depicted in the assortment allotted to me included themes of cussing, bodily noises, beer, remote control obsession and a little bit of golf. I don’t find anything wrong with many of these things (I like to hold… and control the remote as much as the next guy), but I walked away slightly dismayed that I couldn’t find anything more clever, more modern to speak to a better breed of fathers out there.

Like this…

If you have never heard of Lisa Leonard Designs, then let me start by saying, “You’re Welcome”! She is amazing. And I want almost everything she makes. But today, I have to thank her for her contribution to the Father’s Day dilemma. I know the guy in my life is a superhero. He leaves for work at 5:15am, cleans the kitchen regularly, bathes and feeds little Lyla, embraces life by loving things like photography, and often he even forces me out of the house so that I can have much-needed-me-time. Yep, he’s our superhero. Happy Father’s Day, Mikey.

ps… this post is your Father’s Day card… and gift. Hope you like it.

Father’s Day is fast approaching and that means spoiling the dads in your life. But why DIY? Well because if you are like most of us, spare money is a little tight currently (and now we have to save up for the new iphone. Again.) Plus, we all know that homemade presents mean so much more! Here’s a few ideas to get you started on your Father’s Day project:

1. Custom labeled snack box- treat dad to “hero supplies” by marking his favorite foods and drinks with these fun labels. Buy his favorite beer, make his treasured cookies, throw in his beloved beef jerky and display it all in a wooden box available at any craft store. Here’s the detailed instructions and free label templates.

concept and photo by Jordan Ferney

2. Beginner’s gardening kit- maybe your guy wants to cultivate his green thumb or perhaps he loves to cook? A starter herb garden would make a perfect gift! Purchase a container (this one is a metal caddy from Target. I spotted it at the store in four colors), add small planters holding an array of his favorite herbs, and customize it with a handmade gift tag (here are the instructions on how to make this version but get creative and make up your own!) I would also toss in some gardening gloves, an herb snip, as well as label the planters with a permanent felt tip marker and include care instructions.

concept and photo by Abbie Hendrickson

3. Memory flip book- honor a special time for Dad by ordering a custom flip book of any digital video clip under 30 seconds. From your little one’s first laughs and steps to the father/daughter dance at your wedding- the possibilities are endless! Flip books are available in many sizes and covers at FlipClips. And they are affordable too!

photos by Martha Stewart

I hope these ideas help inspire you or your children to make something unique and full of love for dear old dad! If you still need further inspiration, Martha has a fabulous DIY resource with many more options here like monogrammed ties and crafted cuff links. Enjoy!

This product comes to us from my really cute husband, Mike, who is totally right when he says we’ve been neglecting the men-folk around here lately. My husband of almost 12 years scours the web on a regular basis (if you, reader, are his boss, then I modify that to more accurately say he scours the web on a regular basis during non-work hours only).

Anyway, these retro dopp kits come to us from Flight 001 and were showcased on the amazing Uncrate not long ago. They perfectly show that function and style can go hand in hand when traveling, even for guys. Before I get sidetracked, Flight 001 has women’s toiletry kits/travel bags as well… anything and everything your little traveling heart could imagine. Super fun products!

But going back to Uncrate, if you are not familiar with this site, you must check it out. They have amazing finds for the man in your life. Getting closer to Father’s Day, it might be a place to bookmark or add to your reader or whatever you do to stay in touch. Oh, and you should totally do the same for us here at Hey Little Birdie. I mean, we love you more than any other site ever could.

So, in honor of the father of my child and my blogging inspiration… Mikey, this one’s for you. Enjoy!

Since moving to Austin, Texas a few years ago for my husband’s job I’ve learned two things about the city.

1.  Austinites love their music (Live Music Capital of the World) and

2. Texans love their star. (it can be seen on everything from paper towel holders to street signs)

This shirt from Chop Shop sums up Austin nicely. (Side Note:  Funny how the creators of this tee are from New York. i was not expecting that.)  This “…“collection” tee featuring 28 classic rockers whose stars burnt brightest from 1964-1976″ is perfect for a father in any city.  Consider it for Father’s Day!

My “Austin” Flickr page, if you’re interested.

Now say that title three times fast! It may be a silly name but let me tell you, this lovely body wash is my favorite beauty find of the year.

Backstory- I am a Trader Joe’s addict. If you do not have one located in your general vicinity, then I personally weep for you. Let me extol the virtues of TJ’s: 1) They are smaller than your big box grocery store, which means I can do my shopping in my cute high heels and not pay for it in blisters. Thank you. 2) They have a huge selection of organic produce, meat, dairy and pantry items and it is all much cheaper than other stores. 3) They also carry amazing, unique products you can’t find anywhere else. For example? This body wash.

I have to admit, I was cautious at first because my brandname brainwashing has left me to believe that I have to pay for real quality. Consider me enlightened. One large bottle of Tea Tree Tingle is $3.99. I usually spend 4 times as much on my “designer” body wash. And after my first shower with Mr. Tingle, I was hooked. Yes, you do feel tingly. You also get a fresh botanical scent of tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils. It contains a blend of Certified Organic Ingredients, no Laurel/Laureth Sulfates and is a Cruelty Free Product. I also find it lathers nicely, rinses clean and does not leave my skin feeling dry. A money saving, widely available, exceptional quality bath product? Yes, please!

CHEERS – 4-bottle wine bag – $15.00

From Paco & Lupe

You can take this bag along the next time you go to your local wine/liquor store. This also makes a good gift for the host/hostess.
ALL profit from the sale of this bag goes to a global conservation organization. This is to help those who can help us. So say “no” to plastic and bring your own reusable, washable bag instead.

Now, about the bag:
Bag holds 4 bottles maximum…or 4 beers….or magazines, shoes, umbrellas, groceries, pocket books, knitting or crocheting projects, cut flowers, etc…

DIMENSION (HxWxD inches): 12×7.5×5
MATERIAL: unbleached 100% cotton canvas (10oz)
GRAPHIC DESIGN: We translated ways to say “Cheers” in other languages. Design is the same for front and back. We wish we can include every languages but we will need a very big tote bag for that.
PRINTING: silk-screen printing was kindly donated and done bywww.UrbanImpressionz.com.

English Retreads Keychains – $12.00

From econscious market

You will never have to search through your bag for your keys again! The snap hook allows you to attach your keys to the o-ring on any of our bags.

Made from recycled inner tubes.

Our bags and accessories are made from reclaimed rubber innertubes from truck stops, landfills and local bike shops.

Many of our products are lined with PET fabric, a 100% recycled fabric from plastic soda bottles.

Outback Lager Beer Soap- Made with Fosters Lager – $5.00

From 1000 Markets

*For Men*

Outback Lager is clean, crisp sporty, and marine with notes of lavender, fir, bergamot, and a dry down of woody sandalwood and musk.

Fosters is a decent beer, an equivalent of Miller light if you are into that brand. I particularly like it because it makes such a white bar of soap, so the soap can be swirled!

A soap that has multitasking abilities! You can:

1. Wash your body.

2. Wash your hair.

3. Get a nice shave.

All for the price of 1 bar!

Receive 1 4.5 oz bar with your order.

Made with Foster’s Lager, Olive Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Sunflower Oil, Castor Oil, Unrefined Shea Butter, Unrefined Cocoa Butter, Fragrance Oil, Blue Oxide.