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Seeking Original Artwork? Here’s Where to Shop It Online!

August 1, 2014 by

Furnishing your home with original artwork is a very fulfilling hobby, but unfortunately it can also be very expensive. There are quite a few websites that offer artwork created by independent artists for much less than gallery prices, which makes them beneficial to both you and the artist. Here are a few of the best.

Etsy
Etsy has become the internet’s go-to spot for handmade art and home goods, and for very good reason. This online marketplace enables independent artists to create an online shop and sell their goods, whether those goods are paintings, sculptures, or even wall hangings made out of old license plates. Best of all, you can search Etsy by keywords to find exactly what you have in mind for any room in your home.

Fine Art America
If you’re looking for more traditional paintings or photography for your home, Fine Art America is a great resource. This site features artwork from artists and photographers from around the world, at all price points.

Zatista
While many online art stores sell reproductions of famous works, Zatista offers only unique, original works that none of your neighbors will have. If you live in a small town or city that isn’t teeming with art galleries, this is the ideal way to browse thousands of pieces from artists who could be the next big thing.

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2 Shopping Apps for Bargain Hunters

May 23, 2014 by

Ever met someone who didn't like getting a great deal on a new purchase? We didn't think so. Bargain hunting has its rewards, but not everyone has the time for comparison shopping. These free apps do the grunt work for you, ensuring that you're getting the best possible deal on whatever it is you're currently in the market for.

RetailMeNot
Available for Android devices, this app scours its database to find you coupons and promo codes for countless stores and restaurants across the country. You have the option for either printing the coupons out or presenting them to the cashier right from your phone. Email alerts about promos at stores near you keep you in the loop about the best sales.

Barcode Scanner
This handy app lets you comparison shop at the press of a button. Or in this case, the read of a barcode! While in a store, simply use your phone to scan a product's barcode or QR code and see if another retailer is offering the product at a lower price. This app is available for Android devices.

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Get New Books Every Month With These Subscription Sites

December 27, 2013 by

Give the book lover in your life a gift that will last all year long with a book subscription. These fun and surprising websites give members the chance to read books from authors they may have never encountered otherwise, and receiving a new book every month makes members feel like they’re a part of one big, digital book club.

Oyster
Oyster is an affordable membership site that allows members to download unlimited books from over 100,000 titles. The service works with iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, and it features an easy-to-navigate library and simple layout that makes mobile reading easy and convenient. Oyster costs less than 10 dollars each month, but the site offers a one-month free trial for new members to try out the service without spending a penny.

Open Letter
This nonprofit literary translation press affiliated with the University of Rochester publishes ten translated titles every year from all over the world, giving English speakers access to books from a number of different countries. Open Letter's subscription service delivers one of their new releases to members’ homes every month, as well as a thoughtful letter from the publisher about the book and how it was published. Open Letter offers either a 6-month or 12-month subscription.

Public Domain/Public Domain
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Hill Country Galleria: Charming Retail

November 26, 2013 by

Bee Cave locals are lucky to have the Hill County Galleria as their local mall. The perfectly manicured facilities are filled with local shops, food and entertainment. Anchored by Barnes & Noble, Dillard’s, Whole Foods and Dick’s Sporting Goods, there’s something for everyone here. Regular cinemagoers suggest that the mall hosts one the best movie theaters in the area. The space also hosts free summer concerts in the pavilion with plenty of parking behind the shops. For those wanting to walk off their lunch, you can stroll through the entire shopping area outside with the light winds coming up over the hill to keep it from getting too hot.  For a day of retail therapy or a family outing for some shopping and food, Hill Country Galleria has it all.

Hill Country Galleria
12700 Hill Country Boulevard
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-0001
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hill-country-galleria-bee-cave

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Central Market: “An Amusement Park for Food Lovers”

April 23, 2013 by

Grocery shoppers in the Austin area know that there’s a superb spot to visit when you’re looking for the best bread, produce and other edible goods, and that’s Central Market. The popular chain actually started in Austin with a mandate to bring as much fresh food from all over Texas to local shoppers as possible, describing it as “an amusement park for food lovers,” and it’s grown significantly since the early days. Now customers rave about the excellent selection and fair prices. The produce section here is absolutely enormous, featuring both the staples and some more unusual products, all kept fresh. If you’re feeling peckish, stop in at the store’s café for some excellent pre-cooked food. The tamales in particular are quite popular, but everything here is great. Some complain that the aisles are too narrow, but with the sheer volume of stuff they pack into this store, it’s kind of a necessity.

Central Market
4477 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 899-4300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/central-market-austin

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Crafts and Art Finds at Gibson Street Artisans

January 8, 2013 by

Next time you need a gift for a friend, parent or special someone, consider a one-of-a-kind item from Gibson Street Artisans. On weekends, the LAZ parking lot turns into an artisan market featuring handmade crafts. This art fair features eco-friendly fashions, accessories, repurposed decor and gift items. You can find anything from unique and elegant jewelry to handmade chairs.  Some of Austin’s favorite food trucks stop by too, so you can snack while you shop.  Check their Facebook page for featured artisans and upcoming events. 

Gibson Street Artisans
1400 S Congress
(Gibson and Congress In LAZ Parking Lot)
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 623-9696
www.yelp.com/biz/gibson-street-food-court-and-artist-market-austin

 

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