Happy Birthday Libra!

Born September 23 thru October 22 Libra, represented by the scales of justice, is the only inanimate sign of the zodiac. Just like a set of scales they tend to try and balance everything nicely and are always promoting good will and friendship. Sterling Silver Balance Charm & Aquamarine Necklace by SandySimone Friendship Card Set Butterfly by QuirkynBerkeley More often than not, Libras tend to be highly imaginative, pleasant, courteous, creative and elegant individual. Fashionable and trendy, Librans like to spend lavishly on new clothes, shoes, jewelery and perfumes. Snake Leather White Wedding Shoes from KMalinka

Dog Harness Leopard by SophiesThreads

Librans hate conflicts and unpleasantness and can go to any extent to avoid it. A Libran loves peace, a calm atmosphere at home and workplace and the disturbance can affect his emotions making him cranky and irritable.

Lilly Pond Watercolor Giclee Print by OlliffStudio Pair of 18in Hand Painted Throw Pillows by derilyn Map of Paris Pink Silver Teapot Lamp by KaleidoscopeOfColors Being indecisive is a common trait of a Libra. They like to think about the pros and cons of every situation. However, although indecisive, they have a good sense of fairness and justice which is one of their most positive traits. Famous Libras include: Ray Charles, Marion Cotillard, Simon Cowell, Matt Damon, Hugh Jackman, John Mayer, Julie Andrews and Kate Winslet.

This is the 9th part in our series of Astrological signs by Sophie n Me.

Style Trend: Feathers

Feathers are are popping up on celebrities of all sorts these days! And I love how this trend can be tailored to fit your own unique style. Feathers can go hippie bohemian, indie-alt rocker, fun rainbowy pop, or even elegant movie star chic. Just take a look:

*Photos via Google Images*

Infusing nature into personal style seems especially fitting for fall, when the changing colors and textures of the landscape around us take center stage. Because trends can be, um, trendy, I usually like to sprinkle them into my existing wardrobe of basics via accessories; in this case, items like gold and silver feather charm pendants, whispery dangle earrings, and romantic, whimsical fairytale headbands. Take a peek of some of my very favorite feathery Etsy finds, all from CCCOE Team members (clicking on the pictures will take you directly to the shops):

'Fine Feathered Friends ' by PuppyLovePrincess

Gold Feather Earrin... TAKCreations $11.00	The Beginning in th... arcoirishandcr... $70.00	Chinchilla Saddle H... snowwhitedance... $8.00	Plume de Luxe hair ... ciaraobscura $43.00
Spiky Feather Hoops... arcoirishandcr... $32.00	Feather Pendant Fin... danpv $85.00	At the Mariinsky Th... soradesigns $52.50	Pajaro Mini's arcoirishandcr... $35.00
Kazuli Dragonfly Ne... soradesigns $42.50	feather earrings ch... EvalynBlackDes... $15.00	Assemblage Necklace... PearlieGirl $39.00	Turquoise and Silve... EarthlyBaubles $16.00
SABRINA THIN- feath... LovMely $25.00	Enchanted Feather -... soradesigns $29.50	3 FEATHER BARRETTES LovMely $25.00	feather extension c... EvalynBlackDes... $22.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

For more girly-girl goodness, visit me at: PuppyLovePreschool "Land of Little, Lovely Delightfullish Things"

Happy International Literacy Day!

Copper Book Pendant by NinaGibsonDesigns

In my ongoing monthly series of little-known holidays, September 8 marks International Literacy Day, celebrating and promoting literacy all over the world.

Created by the United Nations, International Literacy Day is promoted by the UN's UNESCO. According to their website: "The aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies."

I'm a pretty serious bookworm, so it is my great pleasure to highlight a few literacy-inspired items by our talented CCCOE team members.

Felted Wool Messenger Book Bag by OhMay

Kitten on Keyboard bookmark by SoBayBaubles

Woman on Couch original painting by LindaKellyArt

Key to my Heart Journal by boundbyhand

Bookworm card by KitKatCards

Copper Bookmarks set of 4 by visionquest

Bulldog Vintage Page Silhouette by scratchandsniff

Happy Reading! from Janet of CustomSepia

New Finds

New shops join the CCCOE team all the time. Curious, I decided to check out some of those shops that have joined us since my last post. I found all sorts of interesting things.

First, I found these magical items...

I so want that wand from Refined Pallet, and the Fortune Teller Ring from Jewelry You Love is just so fun.  

Then, in the decor department...

...there's the "Peace" lantern by Earthworks and the Candle with a Handle by Blacksmith Creations.

The newest hot trend in jewelry are the feather earrings. I prefer taking trends with a twist...  

Get some Real Butterfly Wing Earrings by Natural Flipside or earrings that have the feathery feel from Caposhi Handmade. (I wondered about using real butterfly wings for earrings, but the description assures that the wings were made from already deceased butterflies.)

Finally, I couldn't skip my first love, knit (and crochet)...

...with cowls from Sarah Wales Designs and JPavey Designs. The first one is knit; the second one is crochet, but both are airy and gorgeous.  

This post is by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs. You can click on the pictures to get to the items on Etsy. (Although, I call dibs on the wand.)