Raise your hand if you like jewelry! I expect most of you have your hands stretched as far as you can get them over your heads. If that’s the case, you’re going to like what I have for you today: I was recently introduced to the Zulugras jewelry. This lovely jewelry has an earthy, organic look and feel. It can be worn in single or multiple strands as a necklace or bracelet and so allowing you to get the color, depth and weight of the jewelry that you like.

Made from Zulugrass —sustainable grass that is hand cut and dyed, and then combined with Czech glass beads, this jewelry is a surprisingly versatile fashion accessory. It comes in a wide variety of color combinations. I used my set of five single strands mostly as bracelets but you can also wear them as a hair tie or “tie” them together for a belt or a much longer necklace. Really there are so many options. The rich colors make it perfect for a casual outfit.

I specially loved the story behind this brand and its commitment to helping women on the other side of the world. This unique jewelry is designed by Philip and Kathy Leaky and handcrafted by the Maasai women of Kenya. So, each purchase provides economic opportunities for the women and their families. The line also offers many different designs and is available at select show rooms around the United States and online at http://www.leakeycollection.com

One lucky winner will win a set of two identical 7″ ZuluSport Bracelets.
Contest ends Sunday, July 17 at 11:59pm PST.

HOW TO ENTER:

Mandatory:
• Head to the Zulugrass jewelry website www.leakeycollection.com and take a look around. Leave a comment telling me what you liked about the site or about a piece of jewelry you would like to own.

• Leave a comment saying how you follow CreatedbyChicks.com.

Earn additional entries (please leave a separate comment for each additional entry):
• Blog about this giveaway, with a link back to here, for two additional entries. When you leave your comment make sure to include the URL to your post. Please write original content and not just copy this blog to yours. You could write about why you’d like to win this giveaway.

• Follow CreatedbyChicks.com in Twitter @createdbychicks for an additional entry.

• Like CreatedbyChicks.com (http://ht.ly/5wk4U) on Facebook for an additional entry.

• Grab the CreatedbyChicks.com button and display it on your blog or website for 5 additional entries. Then come back and leave a comment with the name of your site and URL address. (If the button is not displayed on your homepage but it is posted elsewhere, you will not be eligible to win with your additional entries).

• Tweet about this review and giveaway. Please tweet the following: “I want to win the ZuluSport Bracelets from #CreatedByChicks.com”. After your tweet, please leave the URL of your tweet so I can check. You can re-tweet once a day for 1 entry each time.

• Comment on any one of  CreatedbyChicks.com non giveaway posts for an additional entry. Leave a comment here to let me know which post it is.

Read fine print:
Lucky winner or winners will be selected through True Random Number Generator. If your profile page does not show your email address, please include your email address in your comment, so that I may get in touch with you if you are selected as the giveaway winner. Each giveaway winner has 48 hours to respond to the winner’s email. If the winner does not reply within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen using the True Random Number Generator. If you would like to know who was the lucky winner of a giveaway, please go back to the original post of that giveaway. Once a winner is selected through random.org, I will post a screen shot of the the number random.org picked. You will be able to see which number has been selected and if you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you can cross check who the giveaway winner is. A complimentary product (or products) was sent to me for review purposes. I did not receive any form of compensation from the company. All opinions are my own and not influenced in anyway. Reviews are not always positive, but they are my personal and honest opinions and do not reflect the sentiment of the CreatedbyChicks.com community. Other people’s views and experiences with the product or products might be different from mine.

I have been searching for an explanation of proportion and the golden mean, that is easier than using fractions. Since most of us don’t carry tape measures into dressing rooms, and doing fractions along with it is far too complex. So I found a simple explanation of ideal head to toe proportions.

1. Head- top of head top tip of chin (one head length will be our standard of measure)
2. Chin to bust point
3. Bust Point to Waist (navel or thinnest part of your torso)
4. Waist to Leg Break (the crease when you sit)
5. Leg break to Middle of Thigh
6. Middle Thigh to Middle of your Knee
7. Middle Knee to Middle Calf
8. Middle Calf to Bottom of foot

This image is not exact, but gives a basic break down of what we are looking for.  I hope this helps clarify and simplify the last few posts!

Having said this let’s move in to some elements of design to help give optical illusions to compensate in areas where we need a little proportion adjustment. We have discussed how to move our waists up or down with lines and detailing, now lets talk another main point of interest: The Bust. I won’t tell you what is too big or too small, I think we all know what category we fall in. If you are unsure you are probably just right!

For the Bust that is too Low or Small:

• The push up bra – one obvious solution
• Brighter colored or patterned tops with neutral to dark solid pants/skirts

Feathery Tank by Anthropologie – $68.00

• Multiple strands of Jewelry (not too big or it will emphasize what is not there)

Bohemian Blue and Red Necklace by Botanical Bird – (sold out)

• Don’t show too much skin. (for sleeveless wear a wide strap instead of strapless or spaghetti straps)

Wide Strap Dress by Treehouse 28 – (sold out)

• Detailing, ruffles, texture, and/or color around the neckline (help fill in the empty visual space)

Skinny Taffy Teal Scarflette Scarf by Flutter – $30.00

For High/Full Bust:

• Lower cut v- necks
• Bulky necklaces that hit between your collar bone and bust point

Handcrafted Artistic Stone Kambala Jasper, Obsidian and Sterling Silver Necklace (Item No. 707) by Minden Marie Jewelry – $49.00

• Button up shirts (don’t button too high!)
• Darker colored blouse with a patterned skirt

Snuggle Up Top/Wrap Around Shirt by Shihar – $85.00

Picnic Favor Outfit by Anthropologie

• Skin toned or light pink blouse with jacket or vest that comes to a low V

Tattoo Inspired Kiku Flower Womens V Neck T Shirt by Namu – $35.00

• Make sure your blouse is long enough to compensate for the fullness. (don’t tuck in your shirt)

For additional reading on Body Proportions, check out this article by Inside Out Style: Body Proportions Explained

p.s. For more fashion forecasting and help navigating the world of flattering natural beautiful you, be sure to subscribe to CreatedByChicks.com and become our Google Friend (sidebar)!

I’m so excited to feature Sarah Ward’s jewelry company, Blue Bijou jewelry, today!  I realize that I’ve been featuring a lot of jewelry recently, but I think you’ve GOT to see some of the Blue Bijou pieces.  Don’t you just love jewelry, though?  I mean, honestly, it’s like shoes – no matter what your weight, it always fits.

Also, in so many cases it seems that the jewelry makes the outfit.  I spoke with Sarah recently about this and am sure she agrees.  Sarah is a professional image consultant and specializes in helping people look their absolute best.  Also, Sarah is always up-to-date on what trends are happening and incorporates this into her jewelry pieces, so you can be sure that anything at Blue Bijou is going to fit the 2010 fashion, style and color trends.

So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite Blue Bijou jewelry pieces (click on the pictures to be redirected to the item in her store):

Joy – $25.00 – Gold leaf with 2 Swarovski bicone crystals on gold 16″ necklace with lobster claw clasp.

Sarah – $15.00 – Dazzling circular filigree earrings with gold shepherd hooks.

Brindee – $20.00 – A new twist on the classic Y shape necklace, this leaf lariat with green and pink faceted beads will compliment your V-neck beautifully!

Ruth – $36.00 – Glorious Amazonite and Sterling Silver Bead Bracelet with a Sterling Silver Toggle Clasp.

This last piece is from her Turquoise Color of 2010 collection.  There are many more lovely turquoise pieces that would be such a fast, easy update to any wardrobe.

It was SOOOOOO difficult to only select a few of Blue Bijou’s pieces to feature as I love so many of them!  Be sure to take a peek at Blue Bijou and I’m certain you’ll fall in love with them, too.  Thanks, Sarah, for your lovely creativity!!!

I’m hoping for a miracle for my family… many of you know I’ve been hoping for this miracle for over a year now.  Now, however, we’re at the point where the miracle, well maybe a series of 3 miracles to be exact, has got to happen (or at very least start to happen) within the next week or things will get disasterous.  Yesterday I was pretty discouraged and upset by the lack of miracles, but today I’ve had a change of heart.  I’m changing my perspective to focus on the things I can control and being truly grateful for the abundance of beauties in my life.  If the worst happens (as I’ve been almost paralyzed with fear for the past few days, wondering if it will), so what.  It will happen whether I spend my time worrying about it or not.  In the meantime, though, I’d rather have a lot of happy days with my children and my sweetheart.  I once heard that our reality is defined only by our perspective of what our reality is.  So, I’m changing my perspective: my life is full of abundance.. come what may.

For today’s feature I thought I’d do an Etsy search with the word “miracle” and see what fun things popped up.  There were a lot of great choices, but I was completely enraptured with a particular creative chick’s designs I found in the search.  Meet Cameron, the artist behind, “Create Beauty Daily: Custom Jewelry from my Heart to Yours.”  I loved her description of herself, found on her fabulous blog, “Create Beauty Daily:”

“I am an artist because I make art (and only recently embraced that definition). I create beauty daily, although I am very loosey-goosey about it; my daily beauty could be a new handmade necklace or a yummy meal from scratch or a photograph or a handmade book or a sweet moment of interaction with someone or a scrapbook page or a pair of earrings or…”

And now, with no further ado, take a peek at a few of Cameron’s fabulous creations… and I couldn’t resist including parts of the product descriptions also since they made the handmade jewelry pieces all the more magical (click on pics to be redirected to her store):

Reject Fear Necklace – $45.00

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?  If, like for so many of us, what holds you back is fear, then this pendant urges you to Reject that Fear; look it in the eyes and deny it and PROCEED ANYWAY. Scary, yes; but oh-so-necessary for most of us in this life! I’ve chosen a light blue crystal to hang in the center of the disc, because blue represents commitment, calm, and aided intuition.

Three Little Birds Necklace – $48.00 (my favorite!!)

Rise up this mornin’
Smile with the risin’ sun
Three little birds
Perch by my doorstep
Singin’ sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true
Singin’, This is my message to you-ou-ou
Sayin’, Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing
Is gonna be all right
–Bob Marley, Three Little Birds

The moment I was introduced to this song I grasped “three little birds” as a symbol for letting my worries go… even for just a moment! I’m still a worrier by nature, which is why I need these three little birds to remind me! This necklace would be a perfect gift for someone going through a struggle right now, or for someone like me who just needs to remember to take a deep breath and have faith that things will all work out.

Be the Miracle Necklace – $38.00

We’ve all heard Ghandi’s wise words, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” But what if we want more than change? What if we’re hoping for a change so great it would be more like a miracle? Be the miracle you wish to see in the world. Be somebody’s miracle. Be an everyday miracle. Strive.

And I could just keep posting more and more of her lovely, inspiring jewelry creations… but then it would take everyone ten-billion years to load this post, lol.  Aren’t they beautiful little treasures, though?!  Ahhh.. it’s always so inspiring to come across female artists who truly are creating as an outward expression of an inward passion.  I just adore Cameron’s handmade jewelry… thank you for your creativity, Cameron!

Yesterday as I was blog-hopping I caught a really inspiring post written by Tsh on SimpleMom.net, talking about a new (fabulous-sounding) book called, “Steady Days,” written by Jamie Martin.  Tsh interviewed Jamie regarding motherhood and her new book.  Man, just off the interview I gained SOOOO much insight into how to improve what kind of mother I am.  I’m dying to buy the book and will be doing so VERY soon.

Here’s a few snippets I really enjoyed:

• Jamie talking about being “professional mom” (I love that term, now!): “Professionalism isn’t about perfection or adding anything extra to our already very full plates. It isn’t about trying to “do it all” or do what some other mother is doing with her kids. In my mind, being a professional mother means not allowing life to just happen and pass you by. It means choosing the type of life you want for yourself and your family, and purposefully going after that goal. It means playing to your strengths–thereby becoming the best mother you can be for your children.”

• Jamie’s answer on how she “does it all:” “I only put six things on my to-do list each day. Often the first three repeat: read to the kids, make dinner plans, do laundry. The other three spaces allow me to sort out life as it happens and time for blogging/writing projects. And that’s a wrap! It’s a very full life but one centered around my priorities, not someone else’s. I love it.”

Don’t you just love her perspective?!  I had also recently read a lovely post on Design*Sponge written by Ashley English on “The Art of Loafing.” Referring to the book, “The Art of Doing Nothing: Simple Ways to Make Time for Yourself,” Ashley wrote about how the author discusses the importance of finding merit in “being” and not simply “doing.” All day yesterday I really focused on “being” rather than doing.  I was amazed at how enjoyable the day was.  I think I’ve had it backwards, thinking I need to “do” so many things to then “be” the mother, wife, homemaker, entrepreneur, friend, etc. that I want to be.  Yesterday  my focus on just on “being” in the present and “being” the mom my children needed me to be.  We read a lot of books together, I snuggled and held my sick baby every time she wanted me to and I found a lot of joy in making a yummy dinner for my family.  It was heavenly!  Also, when it was time to get work done during the afternoon, I got a lot done and it came really easily to me.  When my son interrupted me working, I was able to genuinely be interested and excited in what he was telling me.  My goal is to have a day every day like yesterday.

So for today’s creative chick find, I thought it was only appropriate to highlight some of my favorite handmade earrings from Wild Woman Jewelry’s “simplify” collection (click on the pics to be redirected to that item in her store):

Simplify earrings marbled turquoise vintage lucite and sterling silver – $18.00

Simplify Earrings Oxidized Sterling Silver and Charteuse Glass – $18.00

Simplify earrings ocean blue vintage lucite – $18.00

Simplify earrings purple moonglow vintage lucite and sterling silver – $18.00

Simplify earrings cobalt blue ribbed vintage lucite and oxidized sterling silver – $18.00

I love these sweet, simple designs.  They’d all be such a perfect addition to any outfit, even for a t-shirt day at home.  I find that if I’m wearing some little splash of loveliness in my accessories, I feel so much lighter and happier during the day.  Thank you for your sublime creativity, Karon (Wild Woman Jewelry)!

And to finish up, I loved this quote from Karon’s profile that fits perfectly with today’s theme of simplifying and just “being” the mom, woman, human you were meant to be: “Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: I am with you kid. Let’s go.” ~Maya Angelou

Today I’m featuring the creative work of Mermaid Charms.  This is a perfect example of how leaving comments on my posts, telling me how much you love my blog on Twitter and having a fabulous product can get you featured here.  I really love to pull creative chick features from our readership.  I met this darling creative chick via Twitter (@mermaidcharms) – she was saying something totally sweet about loving CreatedByChicks.com.  She also left a comment cheerleading something I featured.  I decided to check out her site and WOW!  I just LOVED everything I saw.  I knew I’d have to share her sea glass handmade jewelry creations with the creative little world who follows this blog.

Here’s some of my very favorite designs (click on the pic to be redirected to her store):

Bubbles Under the Sea Earrings – $36.00

The Weston Sea Glass Necklace – $79.00

Winter Wonderland Dangle Earrings – $49.00

The Aqua Lariat – $124.00

Joy Love and Happiness PMC (precious metal clay) Bracelet – $79.00

I’ve never really attached myself to the sea before.  I’ve lived most of my life very far inland and have only visited the ocean on a few rare occasions.  However, I’m falling in love with the simple sweetness these sea-inspired handmade jewelry designs have.  My good friend, Vanessa, loves the ocean and it really fits her.  I bet she’d love these designs.  My other sweet friend, Emily, is from California and I bet she’d love these, too.  Honestly, maybe what I’m falling in love with is how these oceanic pieces remind me of things I love about these two friends.  Also, my family is still under major financial turmoil (DH is still on the job hunt) so maybe I’m craving the peaceful serenity of warm beaches with the sounds of the waves and birds in the background.

Whatever the reason, I love these designs!  Isn’t the Aqua Lariat Necklace sooooo gorgeous worn with that blue tank underneath?!  Ooh, la, la.  I love it.  I dig that look; it’s simple, classy and sweet.  Thanks, Mermaid Charms!!!

And speaking of seeking peaceful serenity, I’m certain we’re all praying for the people of Haiti right now.  If there’s anything they could use, it’s that.  Some good posts that outline ways to help: You Too Can Support the Relief Efforts in Haiti, Haiti Earthquake and Got Donations? Here’s how to help Haiti.  We can all take a moment today to thank God for the abundance in our lives and to pray for all those in Haiti who are in need – hearts strung together in love and unity.

Color palate for 2010 women’s fashion:

If used correctly, color can be one of the first elements of design to catch our eyes. What colors will be the sellouts this season?

Let’s begin as we always do – with a little psychology. First, we are beginning to value eco-friendly products, and we consider ourselves more informed about, and caring for, our environment. Also, the economy is going to play into our mindset. When we have less money to spend on doctors, we consider preventative health care. When we want an overall healthy, happy, life (despite the economy), we turn to exercise and a more healthy way of eating/living. If these mental pressures and attitudes continue (which they will barring any extreme unforeseen event) we can predict the colors for the year. They all add up to a high regard for natural, clean, renewable products. So, the colors we will find appealing will be clean, natural, and renewing: soothing blues and greens.

2010 Spring color trends will be muted and pastel, greens and muted lilac or sky blue, accented with a red raspberry/fuchsia.

Bo Ho Chic Sea Glass Necklace by New Sprout – $32.00

Fuchsia Agate Nugget Earrings by djames designs – $59.00

As we move through spring and into summer 2010 color trends, aqua and a variety of deep blues, which give the relaxing feeling of scuba diving on a tropical island, create an escape from the humdrum of a slow economy. Add in the yellow of tropical fish, or orange of a mango, and we move into the full color palate for summer.

Rare Ocean Petals. Rare Yellow, Cobalt and Lime Seaglass on Sterling Silver Necklace Chain by Ocean Blue Seaglass – $34.00

Violet Sparkle On Tangerine Dichro Cubes Earrings by Helix Elemental Jewelry – $9.00

Further into summer of 2010 we will see color trends with more radiant and vibrant tones of purple, fuchsia, tangerine, and a hint of lime green.

BEBE- rosette brasage for the art of imagination by Miss Ruby Sue – $35.00

Boutique Child Girl Spring Flower Power Emerald and Violet Bonnet Newsboy Brim Cap Knit Hat by Deusprovidebit – $36.50

Fall/Winter 2010 colors to come next week!  Be sure to subscribe to CreatedByChicks.com so you don’t miss the next installment in this 2010 color trends series! Also, we’d love you to Google Friend Follow CreatedByChicks.com (sidebar box)!

Happy Thanksgiving, creative chicks!!!  I hope you’re looking forward to a day of gratitude and feasting like I am!  We have so much to be grateful for this year and always.  I am grateful for creative chicks that light the way for the rest of us to be courageous and get creative!  I’m especially grateful to rub shoulders with all of my fantastic creative chick readers.  Thank you for your support and for your comment-love.  You have turned this crazy creative-endeavor into something that I truly am excited to be a part of each day.  I hope this blog inspires you to stay on your creative paths as you have inspired me to stay on mine.

In preparation for today’s post I went on a little hunt to find Thanksgiving-inspired handmade creativity via Etsy.  I don’t know about you, but while I do enjoy some occasional cheesy humor, cheesy holiday-inspired fashion and accessories are NOT my thing.  You will never in a billion years catch me wearing little turkey earrings, nor will you find we wearing a sweater with giant pilgrims, Native Americans and the first Thanksgiving stitched into it.  It’s just not my style.  I’m not knocking it; it’s just not how I roll.

However, I do think some classic, holiday-inspired pieces can be an exciting addition to a holiday outfit, home decor and celebration.  Today I wanted to feature some creative, non-cheesy Thanksgiving-inspired finds (click on the pic to be redirected to original site):

Organic Catnip Pumpkin Pie Slice by CatzillaCrafts – $9.00

Candy Corn mock lariat necklace by SASessories – $39.50

Pumpkin Pie Pearl Earrings by Jaros Designs – $15.99

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart Wall Decal by Pop Vinyl Studio – $24.00

Autumn Wedding Flower Hair Comb in Fall Harvest Colors by KimArt – $25.99

Aren’t those finds freaking fabulous?!  I’m completely inspired (and wishing I would have found them a LOT sooner – oy veh).  Now go have a feast to celebrate all that you’re grateful for!  Thanks for sharing a slice of your holiday with me at CreatedByChicks.com!!

Today we’re featuring one of my favorite Flickr friends, sparklethots.  She makes gorgeous handmade jewelry that I am dying over each time she posts the pics to her flickr stream.  She’s located in Singapore, but does ship to the US & other countries.  Here are a few of my favorites from her online store, Sparkle Thots:

Disco Blue Earrings – S$14.50

Sweet Romance Earrings – S$68.50

Silver Ropes – Pearl – S$72.00

Ruby Ring – S$16.50

Gorgeous & sweet, aren’t they?!  She has such a lovely style.  Love your work, sparklethots!!!