Moved to Our .com!

Quinn — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:01:46 +0000

We finally were able to move the site over fully to our .com address, CreatedByChicks.com! We’ve loved having you follow our creative chick updates here & hope you’ll follow us on over to CreatedByChicks.com! If you scroll down to the bottom of the “Recently Loved” images in the sidebar on the .com site, you’ll see the option to subscribe to our updates. That option hasn’t been available here and we’ve received requests to make that available! Thank you for your patience during our move. We look forward to highlighting many more creative chicks at CreatedByChicks.com! xoxo

Handmade Floral Headbands + Brooches

Quinn — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:41:15 +0000

I think it’s pretty obvious that I’m in a hair crisis right now and am looking feverishly for fabulous hair-finds to take my do from frumpy to fabulous. Today I’m highlighting some FABULOUS floral headbands and brooches. For fall and winter my goal is to find simple ways to update my look without spending a lot. These headbands and brooches fit the bill! The simplest way to dress up a t-shirt and jeans is to add a touch of fancy via accessories. Imagine the possibilities with these fab accessories created by creative chick behind Bean and the Sprout (as always, click on the pic to be redirected to that item on the original site).

Purple & Army Green Cluster Headband – $30.00

Royal Cluster Brooch – $30.00

Blue Garland Headband – $25.00

Oversized Royal Purple Brooch – $30.00

Aren’t these gorgeous? I think these would pair perfectly with a simple t-shirt and jeans. You could even wear it with something dressy. Loving the creativity from Bean and the Sprout! Keep it up, creative chick! You’re making the world a lot less frumpy and a whole lot more fabulous (starting with me)!!!

Creative Journals

Quinn — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:43:11 +0000

Today we’re featuring the work of the fabulous creative chick behind Awaken Journaling. I am a big advocate of journaling and feel that the fabulous quotient (how cool and inspiring the journal looks) is a big factor in enhancing your desire to journal and let your emotions out. When I found Awaken Journaling’s handmade journals, I immediately craved writing in them. I could buy one for every day of the week, they are so beautiful.

I was really inspired by what this creative chick wrote about herself and her creations:

“I strive to fill my shop with inspired, unique creations that you will cherish. I love the process of turning an idea into tangible form. The name Awaken Journaling was chosen, because “Awaken” is to realize, to begin, the process of journaling; something I hope to inspire people to do! I’m a college student, an avid reader, a lover of all things handmade, and an entrepeneur. I believe in supporting small business and wish more people would realize the opportunities the world has to offer. In my spare time I love to ride horses, hike, take photos, doodle, and of course craft. I love science, chocolate, and good conversations.”

I think this creative chick and I would have a lot of fun getting together, especially enjoying chocolate and a good conversation. She sounds fabulous!

Here are a few of my favorite designs from the Awaken Journaling shop (click on pic to be redirected to that item on the shop’s site):

Simple Fuschia Leather Journal - with black wrap tie; 3.5″ x 5″ – $32.00

S Sketchbook - dark leather journal with strathmore paper; 5″ x 6″ – $35.00

Crimson Blossom - leather journal in yellow and red, with vintage olive button; 5″ x 6″ – $38.00

Teal Wrap Journal - leather journal with marbled oatmeal cardstock; 3.5″ x 5″ – $40.00

Red Mini Leather Journal - leather journal with marbled oatmeal cardstock; 2.5″ x 2.5″ – $40.00

Now I’m sure you’re itching to snag one of these beauties too! I’m dreaming of all the many ways I could use these gorgeous journals: sketching, doodling, writing quotes, a quick place to jot down ideas as they come and – of course – journaling. Thanks for the creative inspiration, Awaken Journaling!

The Most Amazing Cupcakes You’ll Ever Eat

Quinn — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:49:23 +0000

Life threw me a curve ball lately… y’know that baby I was expecting? Well… I’ve been horridly sick with the pregnancy & finally went in to my OB/GYN last week for my first appointment (I was 11 weeks along). My doc did an ultrasound (like she always does in her office for the first visit) & found the baby, but no heartbeat. The baby had died at 9 weeks along. I had surgery last week to fully terminate the pregnancy. It’s been an exhausting emotional rollercoaster, but life (& my hormones, thank goodness!) is getting back to normal. I’m really hoping this will mean that I can get back to posting regularly here now, so expect more posts soon!

Perhaps it’s because of all this stress or maybe it’s purely hormonal, but all I want to eat right now is sweet, sugary baked goods!!! Thus, I thought it perfectly appropriate to highlight Cupcake Chic cupcakes today. Boy, are these cupcakes AMAZING. I’m not even exaggerating a little bit. I’ve never had a cupcake more moist and full of flavor than these gorgeous babies!!! If I had to pick a favorite, I don’t think I could. I’m generally very particular and always get the same flavors or the same meals, but I’ve not yet been disappointed by Cupcake Chic so I like to be surprised and snag something new each time.

One of my favorites is Cupcake Chic’s vanilla cupcake with strawberry icing. Oh-my-yumminess!!! The vanilla cake is so moist that it melts in your mouth while the strawberry icing tastes like you’re biting into real strawberries.

And while I’m naming favorites, I ought to mention the Cupcake Chic coconut cupcake. It’s sassy & super-sweet. I’m not much of a coconut fan, either, so this was a surprise favorite.

I just found Cupcake Chic’s blog – I’ve been a long-time fan of their website and – of course – their cupcakes. The blog is awesome, giving fabulous updates on their happenings and whereabouts so that I can properly stalk their sweet treats.

As with other lovely creative chicks I’ve highlighted, Cupcake Chic is owned & operated by the most adorable chick, Trista. She’s a mommy & is just about the nicest person you’ll ever meet. I think it’s her sweet personality that rubs off to make her cupcakes EXTRA sweet. Love you, Trista!!!

If you’re in Utah, you must track down a Cupcake Chic cupcake. It’s as important as visiting the mountains or downtown Salt Lake City.. truly. Trista may be shipping these incredible cupcakes nationwide once the weather cools down a bit…. let’s hope so!

Maternity Shirt Creativity

Quinn — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:34:48 +0000

Well, today’s post is inspired by the fact that I found out over a week or so ago that I am pregnant. And – boy-oh-boy – this one has been a doozy! I’ve been very sick, which is not typical for my pregnancies (this is #4 – woot!). This is why there haven’t been any posts for a few days. I am hoping to get back in to the swing of things & get back to daily posts asap – mainly for my sanity. I really love highlighting creative chicks!

Today I thought it appropriate to feature Georgie Tees. These maternity & infant tees are full of quality & a hilarious sense of humor. We all should be able to laugh at ourselves, right? Right… especially when we’re feeling pukey.

First, I wanted to highlight my favorite Georgie Tee, the “Mama Lisa” shirt.

Maybe it’s the artist in me or maybe it’s just that this tee is so stinkin’ clever… whatever it is, I completely love it!!! I happen to have this tee in the Grape color scheme (shown in detail above). I was shocked by how soft & luxurious Georgie Tees shirts are! Completely heavenly!!!

Here’s some of their other maternity t-shirt designs that crack me up:

Made it Past Third Base – $32.00

No Longer Childproof – $32.00

Babylicious – $32.00

And this last one is also completely hilarious (says: “Bigger is Better)!!! I believe that it’s my beautiful friend, Emily, one of the co-founders of Georgie Tees, wearing it. Even though she’s gorgeous & looks good in everything, these shirts still look fabulous even if you’re not a super-model (phew!). If not, I’d be sunk. And who looks/feels like a super-model during pregnancy? Yup, only super-models, probably.

So cheers to the creative chicks at Georgie Tees for their tees that help us laugh at life & enjoy the good times! If you’re preggo, too, you won’t want to miss another day in pregnancy without one of these sexy babies (no pun intended, lol).

And, btw, you’ll want to subscribe to Emily’s Georgie Tees blog, “Freshly Baked,” for more humor, yummy recipes & her delightful take on life, love & the pursuit of happiness (http://georgietees.blogspot.com/).

The Extraordinarily Creative RawMelissa

Quinn — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:07:14 +0000

Today I’m featuring my dear friend & business associate, Melissa Chappell – a.k.a. RawMelissa. Not only is she a beautiful person (inside & out) but she has overcome & come out on top of TREMENDOUS trials in life. Melissa started her business, RawMelissa, in response to needing to get out of an awful, abusive marriage and being able to support herself & her children on her own. She received so much enthusiasm for her delicious raw meals & treats that she made it a large part of her business model. People are often shocked when they taste Melissa’s food because it’s soooooo healthy and also tastes completely delicious.

Now Melissa is moving towards creating a new, fully-interactive website, along with a raw cookbook, personal nutrition coaching & even a DVD of her cooking class. Melissa proves to me daily that we can accomplish anything we set our hearts to, especially when our motives are pure (i.e. to help the ones we love).

Here’s some pics of some of her scrumptious raw food creations, courtesy of Limelight Food Photography.

I’ve learned so much from associating with Melissa about how to live life with joy and purpose. She teaches that we should infuse all the food we prepare with love, and truly, she does that. She shows how beautiful life is when we embrace things that make our bodies feel good & healthy. I love Melissa dearly & wish her nothing but joy & success in her journey.

Check out Melissa’s website at RawMelissa.com.

Bridal Hair Accessories & Headbands

Quinn — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:31:23 +0000

Today I’m getting so excited for my sister-in-law who is getting married tomorrow. However, I’m also heartbroken that I won’t be able to attend the wedding since it is too far to take all 3 or our toddlers. Luckily, my husband & brother-in-law will be in attendance, however. Maybe some miracle will happen within the next 24 hours & I’ll be able to be there, but regardless, I thought it would be fun to highlight a creative chick that specializes in creating bridal hair accessories. If I were to do my wedding all over again, I would be choosing something fabulous from these favorites, created by Jill of BE Something New. (click on the pic to be redirected to the images original site)

Pink Silk Rose Headband – $50.00

Messy Bow & Rhinestone Headband – $36.00

Romantic Feather Headband – $32.00 (can you tell I have a thing for feathers in fashion right now?)

Rolled Rose & Vintage Lace Fanticy Headband – $45.00

Honestly, if you had the right occasion & outfit, these hair accessories wouldn’t necessarily be exclusive to bridal. I bet they’d look gorgeous even with a chunky cream-colored sweater & some skinny jeans (of course with some ballet flats, also). Or you could wear them for a night on the town with a foxy dress & heels. I’m completely in love with these hair accessories/headbands.

What would you wear them with (if not for your wedding day)?

Fab, Funky Belt Buckles

Quinn — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:56:31 +0000

Today we’re featuring some really fun belt buckles from Princess & Butch. I’m in love with this creative chick’s designs. Check these out & I’m sure you’ll fall in love with them, too. (click on pics to be redirected to image’s original site)

Diamond in the Rough Buckle – $40.00

Penny Buckle – $40.00

Lola in Red Buckle – $40.00

Blythe Buckle – $40.00

Each buckle is made with a industrial strength resin that makes it super-durable & hard. The buckles are intended to be used with these fabulous leather belts that you can switch out the buckles on, according to your outfit (belts are only $25.00). This is such a great, economical idea on how to get many uses out of just buying one belt. And isn’t this creative chick’s business name a riot? Their full name & catch phrase is: Princess & Butch: Taking Your Outfit from Ho Hum to Fabulous! Completely clever & adorable!

Romantic, Luxurious Knit Wraps

Quinn — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:25:34 +0000

I’m pining for fall… can you tell? Today I couldn’t help but feature more cool weather products from a fabulous creative chick, Elena, of Tickled Pink Knits. Her knit wraps are completely breath-taking. They would look lovely with your little black dress or even a t-shirt and jeans. These wraps are HEAVENLY! (note: click on pics to be redirected to original site)

Rococo Shawl – Luxurious & Elegant Knit Wool & Llama Wrap – $215.00

Luxurious Wool & Alpaca Knit Wrap/Shawl – $146.00

Rococo Shawl – Luxurious & Elegant Knit Cotton & Merino Wrap – $220.00

Man, the cold weather can’t come fast enough! I can’t wait for these warm weather fashions!! I thought the detail in Elena’s knitting was especially beautiful. Thanks for your beautiful creativity, Elena!

Lovely Head Cover Scarves

Quinn — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:06:59 +0000

Today’s feature is inspired by my grandma. She’s recently gotten a beautiful wig that hides her thinning hair, while looking super-chic. However, she doesn’t like to wear the wig all the time & often ties a bandanna around her head when the wig is off. I must say that I’m not a fan of her bandannas as they’re bright neon colors are not very flattering. When I stumbled on these gorgeous head cover scarves from kikapics’ Mercato, I immediately wanted to snatch some for my grandma. As I looked closer, however, I decided I LOVED them, too, & want some for myself. I have short hair & some days I just don’t feel like doing or am too busy to do it. These scarves would be the perfect, fashionable solution. Don’t get my wrong, I do love hats, but most of the time a scarf would be more comfortable I think.

Black Italian Flowers – $14.99

Italian Simpsons Brown – $14.99

Brown Floral – $14.99

Italian Simpsons Black – $14.99

Aren’t they fabulous?!! And there are many more gorgeous designs to choose from at kikapics’ Mercato shop. I am also a huge fan of her $1 shipping for any order within the continental U.S. Rock on. Time to get your Cinderella diva on with these beautiful head scarves!