Latest Obsession: Art from Minted

I get approached every week by various websites and businesses looking for me to do reviews or help them bring attention to their brands.  If I'm being honest, 9 times out of 10 I decline because, well, who has the time? Also, there are few things I like less than saying something phoney on this website in an attempt to help someone I don't know create buzz for a business I don't care about. I tried it a couple of times and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

But, oh, you guys. This week, I got an email from Minted. Once in a while a brand comes along that makes you stop what you were doing for half an hour while you pore over every inch of their website. Stop the digital presses, you yell to yourself, I have got to tell everyone about this place!

First and foremost, Minted is purveyor of fine stationary, invitations and the like. There are beautiful selections on the front page that would make any event planner or bride giddy.  But, you know, I ain't no event planner and nobody was invited to our wedding so I wasn't sure there was anything there for me.

Until I stumbled on their home decor and art.

Stop. The. Presses.

Minted brings you the best in indie design from a global community of artists and designers.   Yes, there are other ways to connect with artists in online marketplaces (I have lots of original art from Etsy on my walls) but from where I sit, nobody makes it easier than Minted. You like that piece? You can buy it! You want it framed? They'll do that! And then, they send it to your house! I know, I know, but I'm old enough to remember a time before online shopping and frankly, the miracle of it still surprises me sometimes.

Passive, a limited edition print by artist Kelly Ventura was the first piece to catch my eye.  It's available in a variety of sizes and price points with different options for frames, should you choose to have it framed.

I think we all know that this Foil Map of Louisiana by GeekInkDesign belongs in my house.

This photograph, Pining for Pineapples by Joni Tyrrell is so whimsical and fun. Besides, pineapples are so hot right now. (Related: check out my Pinterest board on Pineapples)

Minted boasts a fantastic selection of Typographic Art, pieces for nurseries (can you say shower gift?), custom art including these fabulous family trees and, perhaps my favourite, all these lovely mixed media works.

If you're looking for design inspiration, tips and even some free printables be sure to check out the Minted blog, julep.

Happy Shopping!

Latest Obsession: Dusting off the Vinyl

I'm not proud of myself when I stream music.  Being married to a musician I understand the financial downside the artists face all too well.  That said, it doesn't stop me.  The convenience and the selection are too good to just say no.  Especially when I'm working on my laptop.  I've been really busy these days and Rdio and Songza have been my constant companions.

Can I just take a moment and acknowledge how clever the curators at Songza are?  I'd like to high five whoever came up with the "Tea and Drake" playlist.

Anyway, I'm not fighting the tide on streaming, is what I'm trying to say.  But I'm also trying to bring a little balance to my listening universe by dusting off our vinyl and bringing it into the dining room.  Jim's had a turntable in his studio for years and we've listened on that sound system on occasion over the years, but it just wasn't the same as having your records out in the open, a part of the culture of your home.  I really want Lenny to understand and appreciate the act of picking out a record, putting it on and listening to it.  I want to have dinner parties where we listen to records.  I want to see them to remind myself that they exist and that it's important to take the time to sit and really listen to music.  I want to restore a little of my karma from all of this streaming I've been doing.

I'm really happy with the way this little corner in our dining room has turned out.  It feels right.

And yeah, I know it's just a portable little Crosley so all y'all gear heads can go ahead and calm down now.  It sounds just grand.

I've picked up one of these cute storage crates from Urban Outfitters to avoid the temptation to grab some milk crates at the grocery store and call it a day.  Although it may come to that some day.  I think they'd look pretty sweet spray painted gold.

You can check out my vinyl board on Pinterest for more inspiration!