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.

This week’s featured creative chick is one of my dear friends, Heather Carson.  Not only is she a talented graphic artist and designer, she’s a wonderful mother of SIX.  And, Heather has the most amazing, gorgeous red hair I’ve ever seen… it’s absolutely stunning!

Recently I asked Heather to design a logo for my food photography business, Limelight Food Photography, and she did an AMAZING job!!!  She designed my logo to be like a produce sticker and then created the back of my business card to look like the logo “sticker” was on some limes.  I love it!  I couldn’t be happier with this design!  Heather is brilliant and so creative!

Now you get the opportunity to get to know Heather better and be creatively inspired today:

A little about Heather:

I love to create. My memories of childhood are filled with making things. I was always working on some sort of project – and then sometimes trying to sell them to my poor neighbors. When I finally found the career of Design during college, I couldn’t get enough. Many of my peers specialized in a certain area but I couldn’t pick and went with the degree that let me do as many things as I could. I got a BA in Design and got to play around with industrial design, photography, illustration, interior design and graphic design. Since leaving school I have worked most of the time in graphic design- for other design companies and now on my own. I have done projects in the other disciplines as well. I am a serial entrepreneur and love to create logos, branding, and business identity materials. But I can’t stay away from anything creative for too long. Since having a family I added sewing, crocheting, and general mess making to my list of creative adventures. I could spend hours in the art store deciding which supply or technique to try out next.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

Creativity is like breathing. It’s essential to everyday life. It helps me look beyond routine and dig deeper into what I want to accomplish in all areas of my life.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan has a quote that says, “Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous.” I love that!

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

As a graphic designer, I am on the computer a lot. I love creating digital art for my clients. But if I didn’t balance that out with some hands on creativity, I think it would get stale. I love being creative in my home. Making things from scratch, fixing stuff up, creating things for my kids & not worrying about if anyone will like it. That’s when it’s freeing. Just creating to create. Love that!

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?

Yes! When I am working with clients, there is always that moment when you turn over your work and kind of hold your breath till you hear back. Kind of like sending your kids off to school on the first day. You just want them to do well, be liked, and behave themselves

My family and friends are supportive of what I create. But a lot of times, I find that they don’t really understand what I do. “Designer” is kind of a broad term. It applies to work in a lot of different industries. I saw a funny graphic designer t-shirt that said “I draw pictures all day.” Hah! So. True. Kind of.

4. How do you find time to create?

When my kids are in school, I have studio hours to work on design projects for my clients. I fit my other stuff in where I can. I have a production schedule that I made for myself. The hard part is sticking to it. Having a separate creative blog kind of forces that I get out from behind my desk and do some other projects.

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Keep a sketch book or inspiration journal. Fill it with every crazy thought, sketch, or random idea that comes into your head. I heard a quote once that said “don’t invite editors to brainstorming sessions”. If you have a self editor in your head, un-invite them to your sketchbook brainstorming. They will get their chance to work later when you zero in on a project. For now- just get the ideas out of your head and onto the page. You never know when something you put down will spark an idea for a future project.

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Isn’t Heather awesome?!  I loved her advice and have been doing that to have a place to jot down all my wild, random thoughts of inspiration.  Thanks soooo much for inspiring us today, Heather!

See more of Heather and keep the creative inspiration flowing from her fab sites:

• MemoGraphicDesign.com
• TheModernHive.com
• GoodLookCookbook.com (remember how we mentioned them last week here?)

Today I’m featuring a creative chick who is a girl after my own heart.  Meet fellow-fashionista, Nicole Feliciano, the author of MomTrends.  I loved this description about her: Some fashionistas refuse to give up the high heels even after the kids come along. That’s the case with Nicole Feliciano, Editor and Founder of Momtrends.

I can totally relate to not giving up the heels.  My mom even warned me against buying more heels when I was pregnant with #1, saying “you’ll never use those after baby comes,” but – alas – I still do.  And it’s nice to know I’m in good company with Nicole also rockin’ her heels and promoting cool styles/fashions for moms via MomTrends.

Now you get the opportunity to get to know Nicole better and be creatively inspired today:

A little about Nicole:
Nicole Feliciano is a style maven based in Brooklyn, NY. She spent seven years in working in the fashion business for Polo Ralph Lauren prior to launching her writing career. Momtrends launched in 2007 and continues to provide the latest news on things trendy and cool for families. In addition to writing, Nicole consults with brands on social media and is an in-demand speaker on blogging and fashions. Nicole has two young daughters and extremely patient husband.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

I think my head would explode if I didn’t get to share all the amazing design finds I stumble upon. I’m a conduit for great style–be it a kid-sized sofa, heels that mom can walk in, or an amazing stroller. Writing is just an extension of my propensity to impart information and connect people.

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

Momtrends! My blog/ezine that is the home for everything I find fabulous. It’s been three years in the making and I am so proud of the community I have built.

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?

Typos. I am a horrid speller. And to make matters worse, my blogging platform doesn’t have spell check. My family is incredibly supportive. My husband (aka Mr. Momtrends) is always suggesting ideas for growing the business. And my two daughters love modeling the fashions I find and attending the amazing events that have come my way (Who wouldn’t love fifth row center tickets to see Mary Poppins on Broadway).

4. How do you find time to create?

I give up sleep. I used to be an 8-hour-a-night kind of girl before the kids. No longer. I am also getting very good at saying “No” when it comes to requests of my time.

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

What are you waiting for? There is never perfect timing when it comes to babies or starting a business. If you are waiting for the planets to align forget about it! Get writing and figure out the rest as you go.

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It’s been such a joy to read Nicole’s MomTrends posts.  And – though I’m not Friends expert – doesn’t Nicole’s life sound somewhat similar to the character, Rachel in Friends (at least the working for Ralph Lauren bit)?  So fun!  I’ve been really impressed by Nicole and how she’s been so kind to comment on this blog from time to time (thanks, Nicole!).

And SUCH great advice: What are you waiting for? There is never perfect timing when it comes to babies or starting a business.

Thanks for inspiring us today, Nicole!

At the last Startup Princess SLC Chapter Meeting*, Ann Webb spoke on creating your ideal life by using a “life vision.”  Ann’s presentation left me breathless.  She spoke about how she changed her stars through creating a life vision.  Through this, she brought her family out of struggling desperately financially into doubling her family’s income yearly income and then creating a million-dollar company.  She also spoke about how the even greater blessings that have come from her life vision have been improved family relationships and overcoming her paralyzing shyness.  I was in awe.

What is a life vision, you may ask?  Check out this link on Ann’s site that tells all about it in much better description than I could give: http://ideallifevision.com/what-is-life-vision/

I spoke with her afterward and she invited me to attend her next Life Vision workshop (8 hours spent creating your life vision statement).  My life will never be the same.  Since creating my life vision, I listen to it every day and it keeps me very focused on all the aspects of my life (spiritual, physical, relationships, professional and personal).  I no longer fret about things not happening in my life; I’m comfortable and peaceful to embrace the process of living every day to create my ideal life.

It’s my great pleasure to feature Ann today and let you all get to know and be inspired by her:

A little about Ann:
Ann Webb, a LifeVision expert & mentor, works with entrepreneurs & other highly motivated individuals in creating a powerful recorded Lifevision that defines their soul purpose, provides clarity and focus for not only their business but all areas of their life! In 1989, she was introduced to the concept of the LifeVision by her coach and mentor Leo Weidner, former student of Napoleon Hill (Think & Grow Rich). Ann received her training from Coach Training Alliance, various mentors, and 20 years of experience. She also previously worked as a coach for LifeBalance Institute. Ann and her husband Scott are the parents of 5 children and currently live in Utah. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Ann can be found in the mountains hiking, trail-running, mountain biking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing. Being in the outdoors and taking on the challenge of competing in triathlons & bike racing are a few of her current passions.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

I’m all about looking at things a little differently. The two MAIN ways that I use creativity in my life (and that I’m most-known for) is 1) creating my own adventurous & ideal life regardless of circumstance (even on a shoe string budget in the past) and 2) creating “possibility”even when there didn’t seem to be any. I have learned that Creativity is merely utilizing possibilities in unique and original ways.

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

Oh wow…that’s a hard one so there is no way I’ll be able to narrow it down to one thing. I enjoy creating memories with my family (skiing, traveling, good food, & fun parties). In addition, I love creating unique outfits & interesting photos! But what I probably love most is creating my future via my Ideal LifeVision!

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?

At times I have had plenty of fears! But recently I read the book Failing Forward by John Maxwell and it was a great reminder that there is not much forward progression without the history of multiple failures. I’ve failed plenty in my life from business failures, to speaking flops to burned dinners. What I know is that despite the fears, you take the risk. For in the risk will blossom your greatest successes. My family & friends are highly supportive of the things I choose to create in my life (unless I make them my CONSTANT guinea pigs!)

4. How do you find time to create?

I find time to create by utilizing a combination of 2 things: Getting up before 5:30 am and scheduling my priorities (which always involves a form of creating….like writing a blog post)

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Take your creativity beyond just “thinking” up new ideas & projects. Put your creativity to action….frequently called innovation!

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In essence, creating my life vision statement meant taking all my goals and aspirations and putting them into a written action plan.  My perspective on dreams and wishes has changed completely.  If I want something great to come into my life, I put it into my life vision statement and know it will come.  Ann has literally changed my life and I’ll be forever grateful to her.  Thank you for inspiring all of us, today, Ann!

For more information on Ann and her workshops see her website: IdealLifeVision.com

*p.s. The next SLC Startup Princess Chapter Meeting is next Thursday, March 25th at 7pm at BetaLoft.  For inspiration, business guidance and outstanding networking opportunities, you won’t want to miss it!

Today it is such a pleasure to feature a friend of mine whom I admire and am inspired by, Jyl Pattee.  Jyl is a passionate person who truly creates miracles in her path.  If you were to tell Jyl, “nothing great ever happens for me,” I’m sure her reply would be “make great things happen for you.”  That’s truly Jyl’s attitude in life.  She doesn’t expect the world to bow down and give her anything.  She works crazy-hard to change her stars and make her dreams come true.  I admire this most about Jyl.

Now you get the opportunity to get to know Jyl and be creatively inspired today:

A little about Jyl:
Jyl Johnson Pattee is a cheese-obsessed mom to two elementary-aged boys. She loves dancing, traveling, and bold MAC eye shadow colors. She is a social media enthusiast, mompreneur, cause marketer, and founder of Mom It Forward and the weekly #gno Twitter parties.  She’s also co-organizing the fabulous Evo Conference this summer in Park City, UT, which focuses on social media and blogging.  Named one of Parents Magazine 2010 Power Moms, Jyl is known as a “connector” who brings good ideas and people together to make a positive impact for brands and/or causes through education and sharing of experiences.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

Giving my mind the unstructured freedom to soar and coming up with wacky, fun ideas helps me do the day in/day out tasks required to make my business move forward. I find that when I don’t build in time for creative exploration, I have a more difficult time performing basic and sometimes mind-numbing, but necessary tasks

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

I love the entire process of bringing people together—from conception of an event (whether online or offline), to the invitation, to the actual rolling out process, and most especially the debriefing—talking about and reliving the experience and discussing ROI and lessons learned. Creativity plays a vital role in coming up with ways where meaningful connections can happen almost effortlessly. I love it!!!

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?

For me, my fears usually surface at the outset when a project is less defined. I love the chaotic state of a project’s beginning, but if the chaos lingers and doesn’t start taking shape at a certain point, I get frustrated. My family understands this about me and is absolutely supportive in helping me push past it and stay focused on the goal.

4. How do you find time to create?

While I have uninterrupted time during the day when both my boys are in school, I try to make creating—both having a creative mindset and capturing creative moments—a part of every activity I’m engaged in. I go to movies and analyze fonts as the credits roll. I go out to eat and check out the restaurant’s branding. I rip out magazine pages I think are pretty. I take screen shots of awesome website designs. I write about events that I felt were successful, analyzing what about them moved me. So much about creativity for me is remembering or discovering the why—why a particular thing or event made a positive impression on me or others and how I can recreate that feeling.

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Give back by building up those around you. Share your talents. Be happy with others’ success and tell the world about it. Be truly inspired by the brilliance of those in your same space/industry. That’s where some of your greatest connections, friendships, and creativity will come from!

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I really appreciate Jyl’s words of inspiration to creative chicks today; it’s definitely an angle we’ve not yet heard of from our creative chick weekly features.  Isn’t it the truth, though, that when you give back, share your talents and cheer other’s on around you that it only builds you up in return?  So often as women we get competitive and frustrated to watch someone else succeed, especially in something we feel we deserve also.  What does this comparison and envy do, though?  It KILLS creativity.  It KILLS what is uniquely yours to bring to life and the world.  It also kills the opportunities to strengthen relationships and grow friendships in unlikely places.

So… today what are we going to do?  Today we’re not going to compare ourselves to others and we’re going to celebrate the successes of those around us.  Right, creative chicks?  Right.

Thank you so much for inspiring us with your creativity today, Jyl!  We’re cheering you on and wish you nothing but continued success!!

p.s. check out Jyl’s site Mom It Forward for excellent parenting info, giveaways and lots of fun!

Today it is such an honor and privilege to feature Liz Tamanaha, the fabulously talented designer behind the digital scrapbook design label, Paislee Press.  I found Liz through searching for new, fun digital scrapbook products at OScraps over a year or so ago.  Liz’s style completely took my breath away.  I had felt so often that my digi scrapbook art was too simple and that I needed to learn how to embellish better.  Liz sees the world a little differently though.  Her motto is “embrace your inner minimalist.” Ever since seeing Liz’s work and “embracing” her motto, I’ve been so much happier in my artistic creations.  Simple can be absolutely stunning and completely breathtaking.

Now you get to find inspiration from Liz, who – by the way – is one of the most genuinely kind women I’ve ever had the opportunity to interview.  Check out Liz and get inspired today (I’ve put some of her lovely layouts throughout the post so you can see her gorgeous creative work – click on them to see them larger):

A little about Liz:
I currently reside in Los Angeles with my husband Eric and daughters, Audrey and Madeline. Things that make me happy: freshly laundered sheets. jack johnson songs. dymo labelers. handwritten notes. road trips. the smell of freshly ground coffee. jeans + flip flops. maui. red velvet cupcakes. jazz. my daughters’ laughter. organizational gadgets. the thin pancakes from pie ‘n burger. all things anthropologie.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

When I am creating, I am in own little world – I feel purposeful, I feel safe. It’s about the only time I consistently feel comfortable in my own skin. For me, creativity is also a frame of mind – it helps me find joy in everyday tasks that I don’t necessarily look forward to – like cooking (and yes, even laundry).

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

I get the most joy from documenting the everyday, ordinary moments – via scrapbook layouts, photographs, and maintaining my online journal (a log of everyday conversations and things that my daughters say and do).

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are you friends and family supportive of the things you create?

During the creative process, I don’t think about it. The fear and apprehension usually comes later, when I think about how people will respond to it. Creating is a soul-baring process, so it’s to hard not feel vulnerable when you reveal your work to others.

My family and friends are definitely supportive – they are my biggest fans and I wouldn’t be where I am now without them!

4. How do you find time to create?

I schedule it into my day like I do any other task (doctor’s appointments, etc.).

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Trust your creative instincts and embrace + nurture what it is that makes you unique.

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As I was typing out Liz’s interview, I noticed how Liz’s answers were short and to the point – just as one would expect a “minimalist” to be.  Her sweet, succinct answers are definitely packed with power!  I loved her advice to creative chicks to “trust your creative instincts and embrace + nurture what it is that makes you unique.”  As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I am guilty of killing my creativity by comparing my creative work to others’.  Today, after being inspired by Liz, I’m resolving to do better at ‘”trusting my creative instincts” and “embracing what makes me unique.”  Thank you so much for inspiring us today, Liz!

In honor of Liz’s feature, I put together an entire digital scrapbook page using Liz’s Paislee Press products.  It was such a good creative activity for me and I was tempted to make many more pages using her designs that day (I always LOVE scrapping with her designs!!), but was unable to, due to time constraints.  This made me realize that I haven’t been allowing myself enough time to scrapbook.  It’s something I absolutely love to do and it always helps me celebrate the little beautiful moments and people in my life.  Credits: “Park Avenue” by Paislee Press (paper, stamp frame), “PressPlate No. 13″ by Paislee Press (template); Font: dearJoe four and Typenoksidi

Find daily inspiration on Liz’s blog: PaisleePress.blogspot.com

Follow Liz on Twitter: @liztamanaha

And friend her on Facebook: facebook.com/liz.tamanaha

Also, if you remember the “develop on Fridays” photography class Jefra is teaching, the whole project started on Liz’s blog – it’s Jefra and Liz’s project (and it’s FABULOUS!).  So much fun for creative chicks!!!  Be sure to check it out!

What’s inspiring your creativity right now? Do you “embrace your inner minimalist?” What are you going to resolve to do better this week to allow your creativity to shine?

Maybe it’s spring in the air, maybe it’s my ever-growing belly or maybe it’s just me being a girl who loves updating my wardrobe.  Whatever it is, I’m really psyched about fashion right now (more than normal, perhaps).  I went online and did a maternity search on Etsy and… to put it nicely, there wasn’t much that I found attractive or appealing (to put it more bluntly: for a laugh, check out Etsy’s maternity selection.. wow.).

The search – randomly – did lead me to a super-chic designer who makes all her own patterns and supports local New Zealand mills for her fabric.  Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to Cat and her fabulous women’s fashion dress designs.  Ooh, la, la!  They are magnifique and I think you’ll adore them, too!  (As usual, click on the pics to be redirected to Cat’s Etsy shop, Cast Couture).

Navy Flattering Frill Bust Dress with Pockets – $60.00

Salmon Pink Wrap Neck Empire Dress – $60.00 (can work well as maternity dress also & wouldn’t that be stunning?!)

Fab Camel Cozy Cowl Hoodie Tulip Dress – $62.00 (I LOVE this with the leggings!  Looks comfy, chic and stylish!)

Rust Stunning Pleated Lily Dress – $55.00 (even though this is too short for my wardrobe, I LOVE the style of it!  I would bet Cat could make a longer version upon request.  It would also look phenomenal with leggings.)

Navy A Line Twist Dress – $62.00 (you can specify what kind of sleeves you’d like this dress made in – cap, elbow length, sleeveless or full length)

Isn’t Cat one talented creative chick?  And even though she’s shipping from New Zealand, shipping only costs $6.00 to go to anywhere outside of New Zealand.  Isn’t that insane and amazing?!  I’m dying over her style.  I love how she creates all her own designs and patterns.  I’m also a huge fan of how she works to support local mills in her products.  Cat is an example of why, in general, I think women in business are so valuable to the communities in which they live: most women entrepreneurs love to give back and support those around them.

Thanks for your inspiring creativity, Cat!  We love your Cast Couture shop and all your fresh, chic styles!

I woke up early this morning to find something fabulous to feature on CBC today, when lo and behold, in my email was a sweet little note from a really lovely Etsy artisan!  I checked out her store and immediately wanted to feature her and her beautiful, vintage earrings and hairpins… soooo fun!  So, without further ado, check out these little beauties, created by Erica of {Little Lovelies}.  p.s. don’t forget to click on the pics to be redirected to the item in her store.

Purple Gardenia Flower Lovely earrings – $7.50

Orange Ornate Floral Hair Lovely – $2.25

Light Blue Gardenia Flower Lovely earrings – $7.50

Lily Pad Hair Lovely – $1.50

Coral Leaf Heart Lovelies – $7.00

Oooh, la, la!  I could snag up every single one of these!  I think I would quickly become addicted and my other earrings and hairpins would wonder what they ever did to never be worn again.

I snagged up a fun little jade green beaded bracelet from a fun online shop I stalk and wore it every day until the Sunday before last when my 1.5 y/o pulled on it and the bracelet broke, sending beads all over the chapel floor (very reverently, though, of course).  I’ve definitely felt a void in my wardrobe and have decided that I am a person who thrives on wearing green accessories.  Call me crazy, but I swear it helps me stay centered and happy during the day.  So… I think these little babies from {Little Lovelies} would be the PERFECT addition to my wardrobe (looking at them feels heavenly… ahhh….):

Celery Sprig Vintage Flower Cabochon Studs – $8.00

What’s your favorite from {Little Lovelies}?  Do you have a color that you love to wear and especially accessorize with?

Thank you for your fabulous creativity, Erica!  We LOVE your {Little Lovelies} shop!!!

p.s. Erica has a stinkin’ fun blog I’m going to start following now because I think she’s hilarious and possibly a long-lost sister – check it out: Erica’s Bloggity Blog.  She’s also a preggo photog, just like me!  Seriously, meant to friends or what?

{Before reading this post, click HERE to open up Mindy’s website in a new window so you can listen to her fabulous tunes while reading all about her}

I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but this week I am extremely honored to feature the fabulous, Mindy Gledhill.  Mindy is a singer/songwriter based near my hometown of Salt Lake City.  I am a HUGE, adoring fan who has been touched and blessed by Mindy’s music.  I thought this description was perfect of her unique sound: “Music that recalls the sweetness of Ingrid Michaelson and the quirk of Regina Spektor, Mindy Gledhill will leave you floating like a scoop of vanilla cream in a strawberry soda.” Today you get to be completely inspired by Mindy!  Check her out:

A little about Mindy:
Mindy Gledhill spent most of her youth in Northern California where she was shaped by a wide range of music. At the age of 13, her family moved to Spain where she discovered that music is as much about passion as it is about style. At 16, her family once again migrated, this time to Utah. There she endured the awkwardness of high school, wrote her first songs and was snubbed by the high school chamber choir and school musicals. Determined to make something of herself in music, she continued to audition for a variety of things in her early college years. Most attempts proved unsuccessful until she was finally discovered at a songwriting workshop by Jeff Simpson, CEO of Excel Entertainment, who later signed her to Lumen Records. After a successful run as an award winning artist in the faith based market, Mindy declared independence from her label and released her first mainstream album, “Feather in the Wind.” Mindy is now collaborating with several acclaimed producers in L.A. and Nashville to release her second independent album releasing in 2010.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

As a mother, I live in a world where I must put others first a lot of the time. While there is something inherently wonderful about that, creativity is the means by which I find my way back to myself when I get lost in a sea of others’ needs.

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

I love the process of writing a song, but I’m absolutely smitten with the art of recording music. Everything in the studio from tracking vocals and instruments to editing and mixing them fascinates me.

3. Do you have any fears when creating?

Who doesn’t have fears about creating? Creating is a most intimate offering of self-expression, often put on display for people to take or leave. Not all will take our offering and this is something perfectly normal, but somehow the notion can make us insecure. The famous dancer, Agnes De Mille said, “Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how . . . The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark.”

I used to care about what my family and friends thought of my music and I suppose to a certain extent I still do. However, I no longer feel the need to obtain their validation regarding the music I create. I write songs for me, send them out to the universe when they’re finished and hope they land in the laps of those who need them.

4. How do you find time to create?

I use to just wait for creative time to appear, but have learned to schedule in creative time during the week. I don’t expect that it will always be productive, but it exercises my brain and stimulates my subconscious to go to work on things that later surface when I’m least expecting it.

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Each of us has gifts to share with the world and each of us is a creator in our own rite. Throw your insecurities to the wind. Put the kibosh on second-guessing. Trust yourself and take that leap into the dark. “Just trust yourself, then you will know how to live.” -Goethe

(Mindy’s favorite books on creativity: “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, “Simple Abundance” by Sarah Ban Breathnach, and “Walking on Water,” by Madeleine L’Engle.)

Mindy’s music came to me at a difficult time in my life and has stayed with me as I’ve walked through more trials and hard times.  My favorite song of Mindy’s is “Feather in the Wind” because it verbalizes exactly how I’ve felt many times in my life (& I love the sound of it!).  I’ve included the music video in this posts so you can check it out.  I met Mindy at the Startup Princess Image & Media Academy Retreat last fall (seriously, guys.. GO to the Startup Princess events & meet amazing people like Mindy).  I’ve chatted with her here and there since then and I can honestly say that this music diva is just as sweet as she sounds (if not sweeter).  Thank you for inspiring us with your creativity today and always, Mindy (& Simple Abundance is one of my all-time favorite books, too)!

Check out Mindy’s BLOG (woot!!! so excited she has one!):

And her website here: MindyGledhill.com

 And the GREATEST NEWS OF ALL is that Mindy is doing an exclusive concert for the Casual Blogger Conference on Friday night, May 28th.  Have you got your tickets for CBC ’10 yet?  If not, this is reason enough to go (besides the fact that the whole dang conference looks freaking AWESOME).

Recently, my amazing friend, Emily, brought me a “get-well-soon” package of fun gifts…. sooooo incredibly nice of her.  It included a sugar-free Starbucks steamed milk (yummy!!!), two super-cute shirts that I can wear now and my preggo belly can comfortably grow into and the most FABULOUS bookmark from artist, Kelly Rae Roberts.  I know, who is seriously lucky enough to have a friend that wonderful?  I ask myself that everyday and am definitely sure I’m not a deserving recipient.

Now, I am a HUGE Kelly Rae Roberts fan.  And let me show you why (as usual, click on the pics to be redirected to the original site)…

Fly Necklace – $17.00

Versatile Art Plaques – $16.00 (don’t you just love the set of 3 in the frame like that?!)

Unleash Your Joy Magnetic Bookmark – $4.00

Believe in Possibility Magnet – $4.00

I love her fun, eclectic style.  I think I love everything she makes.  I love her use of color and combining different art mediums, like paint, pen sketch and print.  Thank you for introducing me to Kelly Rae Roberts, Em!  I’ll forever be grateful (and forever pining for her art).  Isn’t she FABULOUS?!!