By dot@mintsPublished: November 21st, 2007Posted in: Mintish Living, eco chic, gift ideas 
I got to admit I love notebooks. Not that I have too many things I need to write down, but I am just obsessed with the feel of different types of paper, patterns and illustrations. In my collection, Jill Bliss design is one of my favorite. I got her native flowers notebook 2 years ago and till now I am still very much in love with it. The notebook features 5 different flower design and is printed on 30% post-consumer waste recycled paper (yea!! greener is better). Her illustrations are packed with fun details and vibrant colors. So for this Christmas, maybe pick up a card or notebooks from Blissen.
You may also check out Relish at Home in Berkeley, where you will find a series of Jill Bliss’s gallery exhibitions, plus handmade items from local artists. Some of the items I love are Wood Bowls and Kelly’s handmade hairpins ( they are featured on Martha Stewart Wedding 2006).
By dot@mintsPublished: November 13th, 2007Posted in: Mintish Living, gift ideas
So have you started making your list? I am always a last minute shopper, but this year I’ve decided to plan early, so not only I can get some good deals, but more importantly, I can get some cool and unique handmade gifts for people I truly love and care about. And just when I was scratching my head, I received an email from Anne-Marie, who’s the Chief Wife of the Succulent Wife, and she shared this excellent site : http://www.buyhandmade.org with me, where you can make a pledge to buy handmade this holidays and check out some indie shops.
I am also going to share some of my finds with you here too. =)
By dot@mintsPublished: December 9th, 2006Posted in: Mintish Living, gift ideas 
Here is another great gift idea. We only have a few left and so be hurry!! They are all natural goose eggs and can be used as jewel boxes, collectible items, or elegant decorative displays. Or maybe instead of hiding the engagement ring in the chocolate cake, you may hide it inside this lovely egg and give her a double-surprises.All of them are handpainted and decorated with gem stones and crystals. They are so delicate that make you wonder (amaze) how these artists created them. The penguin one is definitely my favorite. It is not only a jewel box but also a music box, which plays the music “Somewhere in time.” Another cute one is the Frog prince, which has a little gold crown and many shiny crystals on its body.
By dot@mintsPublished: November 30th, 2006Posted in: Mintish Living, gift ideas 
So you have added a plant and a new calendar, but your desk or shelf is still a bit empty and blank. How about adding a little wooden cat from Bali? They are tiny, cute, and they don’t mess around. Plus, they are truly one of a kind – all hand made and carved by local artists, so each cat looks artisically unique and is a perfect decorative accent to your room.
We went to Asia in November and we adopted so many of them, all in different styles. very adorable.
