Spring Update: Minted Art

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It’s been almost a week since the last snowfall, so I’ve decided that spring is definitely almost maybe here. Probably. Anyway, I thought I’d do my part to urge it on by starting some spring updates around the house.

My first refresh is the art in my master bedroom, because it’s been several years since I hung a large-scale photograph by Kelly Lynn Jones above my bed and called it a day. This room is my sanctuary and I really wanted to add to that vibe, especially considering my office is directly across the hall.

 

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I went with four prints from Minted that gave me that daydream-filled, relaxing feel that’s so necessary to helping me unwind at the end of each day. The color palette helps reflect it as well, while the white frames I chose for all four pieces hold everything together cohesively.

 

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To keep things interesting I made sure to select varied sizes – 30 x 40″, 24 x 18″, and 16 x 16″. To be honest, this is the most art I’ve had in this bedroom. Ever. I was nervous that it might start to feel cluttered or just be too much but it really isn’t, and I couldn’t be happier with the end result.

Staredown by Amy Carroll // Salinity Now by Denny Holland // Aperture 4 by Susie Allen
// Grass with Seeds by Jorey Hurley

This post sponsored by Minted. As always all words, opinions, and experiences are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Design Crush going!

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Happy Weekend

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01/ Beautifully colorful bowerbird nests built to attract a hot mate.
02/ Stamp Yo Face!
03/ Reflect: Convicts’ Letter to Their Younger Selves.
04/ Stark, kinetic animal sculptures by Ben Foster.
05/ A sea of floating sailboats by Jacob Hashimoto.
06/ Stylish paper dresses made by a 4-year-old and her mom.
07/ One Day Young captures mothers and their day old babies.
08/ Frozen fashion by Riitta Päiväläinen.
09/ Iconic personalities all tatted up in Shopped Tattoos.
10/ The Message is Medium Rare – 52 weeks of burgers!

This week on Design Crush:
Have you entered our $1,000 Drake General Store Au Courant: Curated Classics Giveaway?
I’ll be teaching a class on growing your readership during Blogging 201: The Business of Blogging later this month – hope to see you there!
The Made-Up Words Project never fails to make me giggle.
Country Road‘s homegoods are anything but country.
I made a prettttty big announcement – I’m making the move!
Check out what’s on my spring fever wishlist.
A beautiful photo-documentary about shelter pets, Why We Rescue.
The most comforting of comforting foods – macaroni and cheese 10 ways!
Aliza Rizell‘s work explores the area where photography and watercolor can meet.

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Aliza Razell

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Aliza Razell explores the area where photography, watercolor, and Photoshop meet in her art. So far she has two series – Anesidora is based around the story of Pandora’s Jar (not a box, as misinterpreted in the 1400s), the second is ikävä or the feeling of missing someone or something. Definitely looking forward to seeing what’s to come!

 

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(via Colossal)

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Macaroni and Cheese 10 Ways

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, hands down. Filling pasta, gooey cheese, and enough carbs to put you into an after dinner coma. It’s just so good. But if your go-to is a box of neon orange Kraft you’re missing out in a big way. Here are ten homemade versions of the stuff that will take your comfort to a whole ‘nother level.

 

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Click on each image to go to the recipe.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.

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Why We Rescue

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Rescue pets are just the best, and I say so from personal experience. All five of my pets – three cats and two dogs – are rescues. One from a farm in Arkansas, one from a sealed crate in a parking lot, one from an acquaintance who was fostering a stray, one from the shelter, and one from the aftermath of last May’s tornadoes here in Oklahoma.

Theron Humphrey ( of Maddie the Coonhound fame) partnered up with Purina One on a year-long documentary series  entitled Why We Rescue to tell the stories of how shelter pets make our lives better. He hit all fifty states with the goal of sharing just how amazing, devoted, and happy shelter pets are and why you should consider adopting one the next time you’re looking for a furry companion. Three out of four people looking to adopt a pet don’t even consider it an option, and perceptions need drastically changed. Check out the site for an adoption story from each state, see Theron’s incredible photography, and listen to the beautiful relationships these pets have with their owners.

 

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Spring Fever Wishlist

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1. A pair of mid-length deconstructed denim shorts that can be worn with tights on cool days.

2. A set of simple circle studs that can be worn with anything.

3. A knit sweater with a sweet 60s neckline to layer or wear alone in lieu of a jacket.

4. A pair of black peep toe flats for those extra warm days that warrant a little skin shown.

5. The perfect sized boho bag to stash the essentials, along with whatever else.

6. A double-wrap cuff in a whispery pink as a hello to spring colors.

7. A pair of booties with extra character to pair with skirts and dresses.

8. A slouchy pair of tapered drawstring pants, because comfort is key.

This post contains affiliate links.

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Making the Move

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PHOTO: Urban Outfitters

If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time you might know that I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA. I’ve mentioned it here and there and I’m definitely not lacking when it comes to hometown pride. My entire family (other than my mom and stepdad) still live there, and I’ve missed it since the day I packed up my bags and headed off to college 16 years ago.

So last November I made the decision that I’m making the move back to Pittsburgh.

Everything is still very much in the early stages. Only last Friday did my realtor – the very same one who sold me my current home nearly six years ago – stop by to kick things into gear. I have yet to decide whether I’m going to buy or build (I’m crossing my fingers for the latter), and I still have to do preliminary things like see how much money I’ll be approved for. I bought this house, my first, when I was still working for a design firm and now that I’m self-employed things are bound to be a little different. The good thing is my realtor says that everything is in great shape – only a few paint touchups and packing up my personality before the house can go on the market. He doesn’t anticipate it will last long once listed, so it’s really a matter of figuring out my living situation in PA and then putting it up for sale. NO PRESSURE.

While I’m definitely looking forward to be closer to my family and back in my city, this entire move feels very bittersweet. Oklahoma City has been my home off and on for the past 16 years. In fact, I’m more entwined in it than I ever was in Pittsburgh because I became an adult here. I’m a part of the creative community. I get incredibly sad when I think about leaving, but the fact is the only things truly holding me here in OKC are my mom and stepdad. And they decided to move back to Pittsburgh, too! So the story wrote itself, really.

I have no plans to turn Design Crush into the trials and tribulations of moving halfway across the country, but I’m sure there will be a moving themed post occasionally since it’s about to become such a big part of my life. I hope you’ll hang around throughout the process, and if you live in Pittsburgh say hello. I’m looking to build my future community starting now!

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Country Road

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Country Road is anything but country in style. Sleek pieces with curves and an incredibly appealing color palette make this Australian company simply Scandinavian by design. Great quality, value, and attention to detail doesn’t hurt either. I’d love to outfit some open shelving with the entire collection.

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