Happy Birthday Leo!

Kind and big hearted Leos are born July 22 thru August 22 and are symbolized by the Lion. Proud and egoistic Leos like to protect whatever they think is their own, mirroring the territorial behavior of lions.

King Lionheart the Valiant by MichellesZoo Leos are warm and generous people who touch the hearts of friends and admirers. They always search for a loyal partner who will love and care for them faithfully. And are very protective towards their partners, family, and friends (the pack). Modern Family Tree by CustomSepia

Aglow Painting Modern Abstract by devikasart When it comes to work and life Leos are very dedicated people. Their idea of being appreciated is not money, but the treatment and admiration from others. They are extremely hard-working, loyal and driven for success.

Forest Flurry Hand Painted Silk Georgette by MuseSilkPaintings Man Your Still Waters Run Deep Bowl by Anuart Leos do have a playful side and can be "kids at heart". They truly enjoying the small, beautiful moments of life.

Happy Birthday handstamped Lion Card by QuirkynBerkeley Famous Leos include: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Bill Clinton, Halle Berry, Lucille Ball, Ray Bradbury, Emily Bronte, Beatrix Potter and Charlize Theron.

This is the 7th post in our series of Astrological signs by Sophie n Me

California Wildfire

Wildfire. It is the edge upon which many Californians, especially Southern Californians, live during the late summer and early fall. The unnatural accumulation of years worth of dry brush, high temperatures, low humidity, and warm Santa Ana Winds can quickly create a situation that is out of control. Wildfires suggest something unstoppable and dangerous, which is why it is also a very seductive word. For some, wildfires denote a primal sense of danger, adventure, or a passionate explosion of emotions. Some may liken themselves to a wildfire, with a quick mind, agile body, and hot temper. Still others will dream of romance and swoon at the feelings that consumes the heart, body, and soul like a wildfire. Walking along life's edge is what makes living interesting, keeping the mind sharp, and making the simple pleasures of life pronounced and unforgettable. Most people think of California as the ultimate sunshine oasis, but it, like everywhere else, has its edge. Listed here today are some items that flash with the distinctive colors and feel of a California wildfire.

Vintage Czech Rhinestone Button by Olde Tyme Notions

Fire Fairy Wings by tiara's tutus

"Escape From Noir" by studio musings

Chapinite Cabochon by Stone Femme

"Mirage - Volcano" Earrings by Rindow Designs

"Samba" Paper Rose Bouquet by perfectly paper

Autumn Boho Toto by nani originals

"Sunburst" Hand Painted Silk Scarf by Silk Musings

Hand Dyed Cotswold Sheep Curls by La Tea Da Designs

Quartz Crystal Point and Tiger Eye Necklace by Crystal Mist Cottages

"Fire" Leather Mask by columbina

"Flame of the Dryads" by Nthegroove

I hope you have enjoyed this monthly blog post by Gwendolyn Garcia, also known as shop seller GwendolynForever on etsy. To find these sellers I used the tags "cccoe", "fire", "wild fire", "orange" and other tags. Until next month, Peace, Love, and Light!!

Christmas in July!

It's that time of year again! Here are some festive finds to help you get in the holiday spirit.

AnnieKChristmas is the perfect shop to visit for Christmas related items since it is Christmas year round! Who can resist this fun and whimsical tree skirt?

Hubba Hubba All I Want For Christmas Tree Skirt

This also the perfect time to stock up on Christmas cards. ShannaMicheleDesigns always has some of the cutest.

Owls Holiday Cards Neutral Red Cute And what would Christmas be without a stocking? This one by PrairiePrimitives is big enough and long enough to hold all your little goodies.

Shabby Pink and White Antique Quilt Primitive Christmas Stocking

Need a new theme for your tree this year? These seashell ornaments from SeaShellCollection are the perfect way to decorate your California themed tree!

Seashell Christmas Ornaments Set of 6

Hope you enjoyed this small sampling of Christmas items. There are plenty more to be found and lots for giving. Just remember to search "CCCOE Team Christmas".

Brought to you by Sophie n Me

Alooooo-HA!

Aloha Banner by Studio1621

I'm originally from Hawaii and though I've been dying for the past several years to show the kids my old stomping grounds, it hasn't worked out (two words: economic downturn). Finally, thanks to my Etsy shop, I've socked away enough to splurge on a trip to Oahu this summer. So with my vacation in mind, this post highlights some CCCOE-created items that have the Aloha spirit, starting with the first thing I'll be eating when I arrive, Spam musubi.

Spam musubi necklace by Roscata

Lovely Lola Embroidered Shoulder Bag by OhSewTru

Hawaiian Coffee Cozy by TheChicoCozy

Black Lava Beads Bracelet by LoveJaneJewelry Aloha Spirit Dichroic Glass Pendant by CleopatraGlass

Post by Janet of CustomSepia

Dear Friends & Family,

As you know, my birthday is coming (if you forgot, it's at the end of the month). In an effort to help your shopping, I've compiled a little list of some things I love.

(Sorry for hijacking the blog today. I had to do it. Certain members of my family--they know who they are--are kind of hopeless when it comes to selecting birthday gifts for me. They need all the help they can get!)

The birthstone for July is the ruby. While I don't wear a lot of jewelry, I do wear earrings, and these by aubepine and Earthly Baubles caught my eye:

Speaking of earrings, here are a couple more by NansGlam and Surf and Sand that I also love:  

I could shop for earrings all day. I'll stop now, for there are other things that I like just as much.

Okay, so maybe I don't want the whole collection of these dragons by Dragons & Beasties...

...but I do love the orange one. And the black one. No, the one with the red wings. And the purple one, and...

Not that I really need another wallet, but this one by A Stone's Throw might make me rethink the one I carry now. I love the colors.

And finally, here's a hat by Mademoiselle Mermaid and a vest/wrap by ohmay designs, both of which I think are so cute and perfect for summer.


Any of the above items will thrill me on my birthday. I hope I've given you some ideas.

~Liz (of Zizi Rho Designs)

Let's Have a Picnic !

We've had some warm weather, perfect to pass the time having a picnic. Here are a few things you might need ........

You will definitely need a cute tote bag to carry all those goodies. How about this adorable and durable oilcloth tote from Blue Tulip . Not only is it in a great blue color and sweet cherry print for summer but it can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth.

 

It would be fun to add a little whimsy to your outfit with a delightful picnic necklace from Stitchy Impressions !  "Ants march their way across this cute picnic themed necklace. A red checkered cloth is pressed between panes of glass. A decorative spoon finishes this fun piece."

 

Some beautifully decorated cupcakes would be a big hit. These butterfly bright colorful cupcake toppers come from gigglesapu. They come in a set of twelve and make great little souvenirs for everyone to take home after the picnic.

 

Looking for an old fashion picnic basket. La Feria has a mini vintage one with four compartments for carrying those little necessities like salt and pepper shakers, wine opener and anything else you could think of.  It's just so cute you'll want to bring it along.

And now something very special for dessert ! Sonja Caldwell has a print of the most delicious looking dessert. An individual size cake with fresh cassis, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries sitting on top. These would make for a perfect ending for our picnic.

if you would like to visit these shops and take a closer look at our picnic finds click on any of the colored links  : )

posted by Tania Cavenecia Torres

 

Personally, I like it!

Have you ever noticed that you can look at a whole page of words and your name will just pop out at you like it's highlighted? Our name is one of the first things we learn how to spell as a child. I love to have things personalized with my name, and from the way personalized items sell on Etsy I'm pretty sure other people feel the same. One of my favorite possessions is a pendant that has my husband's and my name hand sawn out of sterling - I rarely take it off. Another is a pair of silver bracelets that have been stamped with quotes that have a special meaning to me, even the inside of them are stamped with words even though no one will see them but me. I think that pieces that have words or names on them take on a special meaning, as though it is imbued with the spirit of that person. Almost to the point that losing it or breaking it is a sign of bad luck. I have a piece in my shop that features the names of the bride and the groom and in two different cases the vase has broken in a move, and on both occasions the couples have reordered the vase. Superstition has given us the idea that it is bad luck, like a broken mirror is 7 years bad luck. Such is the power of words. I used the search terms "CCCOE, personalized, names, letters" to find the following California artists that personalize their work. What could be more perfect for the graduate than this necklace from Visionquest ? This is just one of the many personalized sterling pieces that she offers in her shop.

These shell letters by SeashellCollection are very cool! You can buy one letter or your whole name.

A fine silver heart for the romantics among us. ChocolateandSteel offers this reminder of the day you married your honey bunny.

I have a confession to make. My husband and I each have one of these sweetheart tags on our keychains. Tresijas handstamps these on leather and paints the hearts with a special paint for durability. One of the many leather tags in her shop that can be personalized.

I love these cursive letter pendants from IHeartThis. She markets these as great gifts for a bridal party, and they are! Each letter looks to be handformed from sterling wire and lightly hammered.

Sandysimone creates these sterling silver intial rings and offers 3 stacker rings for one price and the choice of an initial, a heart, circle or a flower. I think a great idea would be to get your 3 initials and you have an instant monogram!

This blog post is by Felicia of Maid of Clay Ceramics.