CHUCK THE CAT'S PURRINGS
http://blog.chuckthecat.com
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Off Topic...or is it?
This is an excerpt from an article in the Washington Post:
"A final point on outrage: We need to save some of it for ourselves. While it was Wall Street that got rich by peddling new ways for Americans to live beyond their means, the decision to do so was ours. It was we who ran up the credit card bills, we who drew down the equity in our homes and we who refused to tax ourselves for the government services we demanded. Wall Street bankers may have been the pushers, but it was we Americans who became addicted to the easy credit.
From the article: Let's Put Down the Pitchforks by Steven Pearlstein
The full article can be found here: tiny.cc/wwpQx
I thought this was important enough to post. Thanks!!
"A final point on outrage: We need to save some of it for ourselves. While it was Wall Street that got rich by peddling new ways for Americans to live beyond their means, the decision to do so was ours. It was we who ran up the credit card bills, we who drew down the equity in our homes and we who refused to tax ourselves for the government services we demanded. Wall Street bankers may have been the pushers, but it was we Americans who became addicted to the easy credit.
From the article: Let's Put Down the Pitchforks by Steven Pearlstein
The full article can be found here: tiny.cc/wwpQx
I thought this was important enough to post. Thanks!!
Oscar bling!
I love watching the Oscars! All the fashions, hairstyles, and jewelry are just fabulous! Everyone probably noticed that the bling factor was way down this year. I suppose this is the movie industry's nod to the recession. Like we all suddenlly think they can't afford the bling? Not! Most of it is usually on loan anyway.
The big thing was the big necklace. The most common big necklace was bib style. I like the look, but not everyone can carry it, nor can every fashion or industry. It would work well if you are in the fashion industry, but your typical banker - not so much. If you intend to try this style, make sure your proportions are correct and the style is right. If you have a busy blouse, a simple metallic - gold or silver - would be best. If you are daring, you could try one solid color that contrasts, but compliments, the main color of the blouse. Black is an easy choice, of course.
If your outfit is on the femine side, try something that is made up of more delicate/small pieces, rather than something chunky. If it's a business suit, geometric shapes that are more on the chunky side would make a nice statement. Just remember your best friend - the mirror. Don't look right after you have everything one. Take care of some other things first, then come back for a fresh look. Many experts will tell you - take one thing off. Less is more. This is especially true if you are wearing a bold piece, like the big necklace.
My favorite trick is a picture. Digital cameras are almost better friends than mirrors! Set a camer on the counter, set the timer, step back and flash! You can immediately see your entire look! This is how people will see you. If you like it, chances are most others will also!
The big thing was the big necklace. The most common big necklace was bib style. I like the look, but not everyone can carry it, nor can every fashion or industry. It would work well if you are in the fashion industry, but your typical banker - not so much. If you intend to try this style, make sure your proportions are correct and the style is right. If you have a busy blouse, a simple metallic - gold or silver - would be best. If you are daring, you could try one solid color that contrasts, but compliments, the main color of the blouse. Black is an easy choice, of course.
If your outfit is on the femine side, try something that is made up of more delicate/small pieces, rather than something chunky. If it's a business suit, geometric shapes that are more on the chunky side would make a nice statement. Just remember your best friend - the mirror. Don't look right after you have everything one. Take care of some other things first, then come back for a fresh look. Many experts will tell you - take one thing off. Less is more. This is especially true if you are wearing a bold piece, like the big necklace.
My favorite trick is a picture. Digital cameras are almost better friends than mirrors! Set a camer on the counter, set the timer, step back and flash! You can immediately see your entire look! This is how people will see you. If you like it, chances are most others will also!
Moderation
Here in the US, it is Thanksgiving - a day to give thanks for all that we have. Moderation is certainly not a word you think of when celebrating Thanksgiving! Many times there are more types of food than can fit on a plate - turkey, ham, chicken, goose, duck, beans, squash, salads, sweet potatoes, mashed potato, potato salad, cranberries, cranberry sauce....the list can go on! And that's not including dessert 
I would guess we have all experienced having a little too much of something and the typically, not-to-pleasant consequences of that. We should practice moderation in our eating because, well, who wants to feel uncomfortably full? It isn't healthy and the leftovers will be there later. This is why the word "moderation" comes up at this time of year. Especially this year.
We should also be moderate in our spending. It's a frightening time. Some say to spend as usual to keep the economy running. Others say to save because tougher times are ahead. Let's face it - if we thow our names in front of Congress, I don't think they are going to bail us out of our individual debt because of a few bad decisions. We are on our own.
This is why I like the idea of moderation. Extremes are risky. Can they pay off? Sometimes, but not as often as simply being prudent and I think moderation is prudent. Enjoy this season of thankfulness and giving! Don't bury your head in the sand, but don't try to buy the entire seaside! Find a moderately-sized bucket and take just as much sand as you need
Chuck the Cat supports moderation in many ways. Our designs are not taken to the extreme. They are very classic in nature. We use quality components, but keep the costs down compared to other companies and brand names. We have items that go well in sets, but all of our items will stand alone as well, so you can pick up just one thing and have a great gift!
Enjoy the holidays! Remember, it's the people in our lives that are the true gift...and you are someone's gift!
I would guess we have all experienced having a little too much of something and the typically, not-to-pleasant consequences of that. We should practice moderation in our eating because, well, who wants to feel uncomfortably full? It isn't healthy and the leftovers will be there later. This is why the word "moderation" comes up at this time of year. Especially this year.
We should also be moderate in our spending. It's a frightening time. Some say to spend as usual to keep the economy running. Others say to save because tougher times are ahead. Let's face it - if we thow our names in front of Congress, I don't think they are going to bail us out of our individual debt because of a few bad decisions. We are on our own.
This is why I like the idea of moderation. Extremes are risky. Can they pay off? Sometimes, but not as often as simply being prudent and I think moderation is prudent. Enjoy this season of thankfulness and giving! Don't bury your head in the sand, but don't try to buy the entire seaside! Find a moderately-sized bucket and take just as much sand as you need
Chuck the Cat supports moderation in many ways. Our designs are not taken to the extreme. They are very classic in nature. We use quality components, but keep the costs down compared to other companies and brand names. We have items that go well in sets, but all of our items will stand alone as well, so you can pick up just one thing and have a great gift!
Enjoy the holidays! Remember, it's the people in our lives that are the true gift...and you are someone's gift!
Gold is Up!
As the dollar is dropping, the price of gold is going up. All the more reason to buy gold-fill jewelry. As if we need a reason
Many times, the rise in the price of gold doesn't automatically mean the price of jewelry goes up. Most jewelers I'm familiar with keep track of their costs at specific points in time. For example, if they buy an emerald for $500 today, it won't matter that a week from now the price to buy that same emerald is $800. When they price the ring they make with that $500 emerald, the ring's price is based on the actual cost of the piece parts, not the going price at the time they make the ring. What if that $500 emerald could now be purchased for $250? Do they make the ring and take a loss by pricing at the current rate? That woudn't be very good business.
Gold-fill jewelry components are also impacted by the price of gold. Sterling silver jewelry components are impacted by the price of silver. Fortunately, Chuck the Cat has a good stock of both metals, so you won't be seeing our prices going up anytime soon. That's good for everyone!
Many times, the rise in the price of gold doesn't automatically mean the price of jewelry goes up. Most jewelers I'm familiar with keep track of their costs at specific points in time. For example, if they buy an emerald for $500 today, it won't matter that a week from now the price to buy that same emerald is $800. When they price the ring they make with that $500 emerald, the ring's price is based on the actual cost of the piece parts, not the going price at the time they make the ring. What if that $500 emerald could now be purchased for $250? Do they make the ring and take a loss by pricing at the current rate? That woudn't be very good business.
Gold-fill jewelry components are also impacted by the price of gold. Sterling silver jewelry components are impacted by the price of silver. Fortunately, Chuck the Cat has a good stock of both metals, so you won't be seeing our prices going up anytime soon. That's good for everyone!
2008 Emmys
I love award shows. I like to see the clothes and jewelry and hairstyles. The 2008 Emmys were on tonight. The main thing I noticed and loved was the natural nails. Yes, there were a few with the blood red nail polish, but the really classy look was natural! It didn't distract from the jewelry or the dresses or the flashy bags. It just looked so fresh!
If you watch awards shows, you'll notice that a lot of the ladies don't do necklaces. I assume this is because of all the bare shoulders. How can you outshine great skin and great shoulders!
They do love earrings, however, and so do I. Dangles were very popular at the Emmys in all sizes, shapes and lengths. Very few ladies wore button-type earrings.
I like dangles because they balance the face if you wear the right length. I think the best lengths for all face types is 1" to 1 1/2" measured from the bottom of the ear wire. These provide just enough movement to be eye-catching without being distracting. They will show well with both long and short hair. They aren't overpowering on any face shape. If you want to be more conservative, but still have that lovely movement, go for 1/2", those earrings that have the dangle immediately below the ear wire or ear stud. These look great in the office, yet can carry over into the evening.
Of course, we can't all wear the jewelry that we see on award shows...and neither can most celebrities! Those fancy jewels are usually on loan
If you watch awards shows, you'll notice that a lot of the ladies don't do necklaces. I assume this is because of all the bare shoulders. How can you outshine great skin and great shoulders!
They do love earrings, however, and so do I. Dangles were very popular at the Emmys in all sizes, shapes and lengths. Very few ladies wore button-type earrings.
I like dangles because they balance the face if you wear the right length. I think the best lengths for all face types is 1" to 1 1/2" measured from the bottom of the ear wire. These provide just enough movement to be eye-catching without being distracting. They will show well with both long and short hair. They aren't overpowering on any face shape. If you want to be more conservative, but still have that lovely movement, go for 1/2", those earrings that have the dangle immediately below the ear wire or ear stud. These look great in the office, yet can carry over into the evening.
Of course, we can't all wear the jewelry that we see on award shows...and neither can most celebrities! Those fancy jewels are usually on loan
Which should I buy?
Have you looked at some of the fall magazines this year? Of course, I keep my eyes open for the jewelry items to see what components are used and what the pricing is. I'm always surprised to find gold-plated items selling for such high prices! It made me wonder if everyone knows the difference between gold-plate versus gold-fill.
The simplest explanation is this, found on the Rings and Things website:
"Gold fill is 50 to 100,000 times thicker than regular gold plating, and about 17 to 25,000 times thicker than heavy gold electroplate."
I don't have anything against gold-plate! I simply prefer gold-fill because I think it's color is nearly identical to 14kt gold. Gold-plate, to my eye, has a more orangey tint. And, as the explanation above would suggest, it may not hold up as well as gold-fill.
I use quality components, such as Swarovski crystals and pearls and semi-precious gemstones. I want to use the best metals that are also affordable, long lasting, and mindful of conservation. For Chuck the Cat, that's gold-fill when I want a yellow metal.
As you might imagine, gold-fill is more expensive than gold-plate. That's why it surprises me to find items similar to the #10 handmade earringssold by Chuck the Cat. These earrings use Swarovski crystals and gold-fill components. They sell for $85.00. In a popular fashion magazine, I found similar earrings using gold-plate that had a price of over $300! What?? They weren't even a well-known name, like Chanel or Givenchy. And do we really want to pay for a name? I don't.
Chuck the Cat is just one of many online sites selling handmade jewelry and our community of artisans and crafters make these items. They aren't mass-produced somewhere overseas. If you want quality components made into unique items, dig deep into the search engines, not just the first page or two. You'll be amazed at what you will find! What you will find is that most use gold-fill
The simplest explanation is this, found on the Rings and Things website:
"Gold fill is 50 to 100,000 times thicker than regular gold plating, and about 17 to 25,000 times thicker than heavy gold electroplate."
I don't have anything against gold-plate! I simply prefer gold-fill because I think it's color is nearly identical to 14kt gold. Gold-plate, to my eye, has a more orangey tint. And, as the explanation above would suggest, it may not hold up as well as gold-fill.
I use quality components, such as Swarovski crystals and pearls and semi-precious gemstones. I want to use the best metals that are also affordable, long lasting, and mindful of conservation. For Chuck the Cat, that's gold-fill when I want a yellow metal.
As you might imagine, gold-fill is more expensive than gold-plate. That's why it surprises me to find items similar to the #10 handmade earringssold by Chuck the Cat. These earrings use Swarovski crystals and gold-fill components. They sell for $85.00. In a popular fashion magazine, I found similar earrings using gold-plate that had a price of over $300! What?? They weren't even a well-known name, like Chanel or Givenchy. And do we really want to pay for a name? I don't.
Chuck the Cat is just one of many online sites selling handmade jewelry and our community of artisans and crafters make these items. They aren't mass-produced somewhere overseas. If you want quality components made into unique items, dig deep into the search engines, not just the first page or two. You'll be amazed at what you will find! What you will find is that most use gold-fill
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