We're moving!

PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW BLOG, HERE! 

Nuptial Inspiration

                                         

 OMBRE board by Marabou. 

 Tribal Nuptials board by Marabou. 

Retro Vibe board by Marabou. 

The Perfect Party Playlist

View, download & pin our mingle ready party compilation featured on Julep!

Happy Holidays! xo 

Designers Care

After Hurricane Sandy hit the North East coast, Jackie Mangiolino, the Long Island creative behind Believe Notes, rallied together a group of independent designers to contribute original art work to sell with all proceeds (aside from shipping and transaction fees) benefiting the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Designers Care is non-profit project reaching out to raise funds to help those in need through inspiration and good design!

Unity by Marabou

Our design for peace after the storm was inspired by the "Unity" and support shown in hopes of uplifting the communities devastated. Please visit Designers Care shop to mix & match a variety of beautifully crafted one of a kind items for a worthy cause. Hand stamped and available on white, black or kraft paper, in black, gold or silver metallic inks. (Click here to view)

A big shout out and thank you to Jackie & her mother, Anna for organizing & managing this initiative, and to the amazing network of designers who shared their talent! xo

Modern Winter Mood

Modern Winter board by Marabou.

I have been having so much fun collaging inspirational mood boards! Here is my latest creation, titled Modern Winter. Highlighting fellow Mintie, Root Beer Float &/co. uber-cool holiday card, "Happiness For All".

Creative Craft : Headdress

Once a month I volunteer at my daughter's Montessori school teaching art & craft projects. When working with young children please use safe materials & remember to keep the instructions simple! This month, I crafted a playfully festive headdress for the children to model, personalize & decorate.

Materials needed: 

scissors

glue

feathers

cotton balls

construction paper

imagination

Completed craft:  

Time: 25mins

  

Fête - Party Decor

We've done it again! Our whimsical Fête party decor suite is the perfect addition to your next event. This DIY party in a box design was designed with a child's birthday party in mind, but would work beautifully with a baby shower or holiday event. Our playful modern design promises good times to be had by all! The only thing left to do is order it!

Available in 3 suites!
Unique Party $65 |  Perfect Party $98 | Dream Party $178

Order the matching invitation to complete the party experience!

Fête invitations / 25 for $64

Dynamic Seattleite

We have exciting news to share! Just when we thought we couldn't love our city more, we were selected by Seattle's premiere lifestyle resource, The Seattleite, as a dynamic trendsetter & trailblazer.
It was a pleasure working with Jane Yuan, Chief Seattleite & contributing columnists, Kelly Darrah.

This August, they featured a series of profiles on influential movers and shakers & innovative entrepreneurs in their fields. It is truly an honor to be listed among the best that the Puget Sound region and the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Recently launched in January 2011, the Seattleite has quickly become the lifestyle news site for Seattle’s young professionals who are in-the-know and on-the-go. We refer to the Seattleite to deliver the latest news and happenings around The Emerald City. Check out our feature HERE!   

Minted In The Northwest

Last weekend, I had the privilege of hosting Minted's first home Mintie meet-up! We gathered at my Eastside abode on a beautiful Summer morning. A wonderful group of passionate Northwest creatives attended to network & preview Minted's signature luxe paper and limited edition Art Prints.

Highway Wildflowers : Kelli Hall

Artisan : Marabou  

Mariam shared insightful information about Minted's phenomenal platform, as well as upcoming events & challenges.

We enjoyed a variety of local organic aliment & refreshing beverages.

Another topic of discussion was the amazing Minted cake created by the talented Lara Ticeson of Custom Cakes. 

Minted truly has the freshest designs on paper!

Displayed throughout our home were samples of Minted's Community Designed products.

Journals, Calling Cards, Invitations, Suites, Announcements, Art Prints & more!

No room was off limits, including my office & our daughter's playroom!

FYI Minties: You're designs are even more spectacular in person!

Our guests traveled from all over the Pacific Northwest, some as far as Portland!

Melissa of Pistols, Harmony, and Kimberly of Billede Design.

Below: Guest mingle, nosh & network.

I was so thankful for the cool Summer breeze, clear skies and great company.

We succeed in hosting a lively Mintie Meet-Up & provided a comfortable forum for guest to connect.

Mariam & Brady of Minted, Brandy of Marabou & Melissa of Pistols, chat fanfare, opportunity & design while enjoying the view.  

 

 A huge thank you to Mariam Naficy & the entire Minted team! Their work and partnership is what made this landmark occasion possible. Much appreciation & gratitude to everyone who respectfully attended & contributed to our events success. 

I had the best time hosting Minted's first ever at home Mintie Meet-Up and look forward to planning my next Minted event! 

Merci Beaucoup!

Introducing our latest personalized appreciation cards for Minted.com! Our Thank You cards are the perfect way to acknowledge those who have made your life a little easier and or deserve a shout out for being amazing!

Boost by Marabou 

25 for $76

Token by Marabou

25 for $76

P.S. You're welcome! xo

Independence Day

Every American should do these four things on the 4th of July. First, enjoy some quality time with family & friends.  Second, nosh on some amazing Americana cuisine. Third, sing the Star Spangled Banner. Correctly. Fourth, but not least, find a cozy location to watch a fireworks display. My family & I will be enjoying the festivities of Independence Day just blocks away from where the poem, our National Anthem was written by Francis Scott Key.   

As we celebrate our great nation, let's not forget where our freedom comes from. Don't believe all of the stereotypes you may have heard about Americans. Even the ones that are true in general may not be true about specific individuals or a large segment of the population. Free your mind and the rest will follow.......


On that note, God Bless America!  Have a safe & happy 4th of July!

Featured: American girl, magic juice, urban picnic box , stereotypes of America

15 Must-Haves for Traveling With Toddlers

When traveling with your most precious cargo, you can never be too prepared. Taking your tot into the friendly skies can be a stressful experience depending on your child's temperament and destination of your flight. Getting ‘there’ can be half the fun or half the battle. It all comes down to how prepared you are. Either way, I've compiled a list of my top 15 don't-leave-home-without travel items. These 15 products are guaranteed to help you and your toddler travel more comfortably. Most importantly you'll be keeping your child safe & entertained!

Set your child up for success! Allow them to sit in the window seat & as your flight progresses, explain what is happening and where you are in your flight. Don't expect perfection, talk to your child about what they can look forward to. Explain the importance of following instructions and discuss airline rules & etiquette, before, during & after your flight. Manners are a life lesson & should be apart of your toddlers daily routine. Throw in a couple of fun toys & books for redirecting behavior and interact with your child to ensure close parental attention. Remember to stay calm! If you are relaxed there is a better chance your tot will follow suit.

Happy traveling!

1. keep those puckers moisturized! 2. our daughter's favorite stowaway. 3. bring extra comfort from home. 4. backpack or duffle? you decide. 5. potty covers are a must! 6. the wipe down. 7. go-to garment. 8. ouchies & boo boo's 9. travel card or passport? 10. cabin pressure 11. durable reading material 12. proof 13. made to frame 14. proper crayons 15. pack snacks!

Marabou Design + 425 Magazine

Just when I thought my week couldn't get any better, my home studio lands the cover of the May/June issue of 425 Magazine!! Available now at your local newsstand. Featured inside is a personal look into my life, my business philosophy & the passion behind it all, my family.

I enjoyed meeting and sharing my story with the talented & gracious, Katy Khakpour. The magic behind the lens belongs to the lovely Erin Vey, her photos are like a breath of fresh air. A special shout out to Mariam Naficy & the entire Minted team, you guys are amazing!

To purchase the personalized stationery "Tied" featured, log on to Minted.com!

Marabou + The Early Show!!

Our first line of men's stationery was featured on The Early Show's, Best Holiday Gifts Under $50! Click here to purchase the design showcased!

Marabou + Today show!

Our design was featured on The Today Show!! Click here to purchase the design showcased!