Ponderings

I originally created this blog to keep up with my business announcements and the like. Then I found that I really wanted to be able to just...write what was on my head.

I stopped using this because I didn't know what direction I wanted to go in.

I've considered making a personal blog to keep things separate but I'm not sure that I would update both. I feel like they go hand in hand, but I worry that people would become disinterested if it became more my personal thoughts.

I'm not sure if anyone reads this, but if you do, what are your thoughts? New Blog? Just use this blog for whatever I want? Something else?

A new project!

So I fell off the face of blogging for a bit(EEP!) but I'm back now and will try to keep up with this xD Thank you to all my watchers who haven't vanished! I promise I'll do better from now on.

So anyways, I'm writing today to spread the word about the new fund raiser I have going on!

Recently we have been hashing out the details for making high quality, acrylic jewelry featuring our Octobloops.



After a lot of research(and help from my mum, thanks Mom!) we stumbled across a charity called "Kick Starter" that helps Indie artists start up fund raising projects to get their artistic endeavors off the ground.

Project home:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/manifesteddreams/spreading-happinessone-bloop-at-a-time-3

The goal is $1,500 by June 1st, 2010. If we are successful we will be able to produce a minimum of 10 designs to be made into; Rings, Cell phone straps, hair pins, necklaces, earrings and more! I am EXTREMELY excited about this prospect and am really hopeful that it will be a success.

There are gifts for each donation tier which you will receive for donating. The items are matched up with donation amounts in such a way that it is essentially a pre-order without the cost of shipping!

Please have a look and if you are interested, your donations are greatly appreciated! Be the first to have some awesomely amazing Octobloop swag <3 Even if you can't donate or would prefer not, that's totally cool too! I'm thankful to any re-posting/word of mouth advertisement I can get for it. This is the first really huge art endeavor I'm taking and admittedly, it's scares me. I have a huge fear of failure but at the same time, I've met so many amazingly awesome artists that took steps even though they were afraid. It gives me a lot of hope.

I'm hoping that by the end of this, I'll have a wonderful story to tell and intend to frequent the site in search of other projects to donate to.

Thanks for looking everyone!

Haiti Earthquake relief, how you can help

Hey everyone! I'm popping in today to relay some information about how you can help the relief efforts for the Haiti Earthquake that happened on Jan 12th.

As some of you may know, my boyfriend works for a non-profit charity in Pittsburgh called "Brother's Brother Foundation". This charity focuses on overseas aide and has appeared in Forbes as one of the top efficiency charities in the country.

I know that a lot of people are wanting to offer aide to Haiti right now, but might not know where to go. While most of you are not in the Pittsburgh area, BBF is collecting "Hygiene Buckets" as I am calling them, for local drop off. They are also taking monetary donations, more information on both can be found here: http://www.brothersbrother.org/haitidonorguide.htm

This is one of the few charities out there that has such a low overhead while doing so much good. I've included links to the Forbes articles that explain a little of what they do as well as show the numbers. So if you feel compelled and want to help, this is a good place to go.

Thanks for taking the time to read this everyone!

2007 Forbes article: http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2007/1210/180.html

200 largest charities: http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/14/charity-09_The-200-Largest-U.S.-Charities_FundRaiseEff.html

BBF's Number run down: http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/14/charity-09_Brothers-Brother-Foundation_CH0025.html

BBF's Haiti Assistance Page: http://www.brothersbrother.org/haitidonorguide.htm

BBF's Donation Page, where monetary donations can be made: http://www.brothersbrother.org/donate.htm

Mrs B Give-away

I fell way behind with this thing, I'll try to come back strong though! Expect to see a post with substance soon. Thank you for bearing with me!

Admittedly though, this is just for another entry in a giveaway xD

Mrs B at "Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom" is hosting a giveaway for a beautiful Tungsten ring. I want this thing so badly. I'm not sure why, but I am in love with the thicker rings and want one for my thumb @_@ Here is hoping!

http://silvermoonwitch.blogspot.com/2010/01/tungsten-wedding-rings-review-and.html

Eco Friendly products for your body and home

Mrs. B is having a give-away over at her blog that is being sponsored by Ecostore USA. The products look AMAZING and it's perfect timing for me. We've been trying to find Shampoo and Conditioner that is chemical free, cruelty free and effective. Mrs. B did a review of the products and I'm excited to give it a shot. Whether I win or not, I will still probably order some products. My favorites are "Lemongrass soap", "Rosemary Orange Shampoo+Conditioner" and "Manuka Sandalwood Shampoo+Conditioner". We suffer from dandruff, occasionally oily hair and a serious case of "Scottish Frizz".

So on that note, head over to Mrs. B's and get yourself a chance to with a $25 gift certificate. Not just that but from now until the end of the year EcoStore USA has everything on sale for 40% off! Can not be beat, great for holiday gifts!

Enter for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate and read the awesome review!

Sailor Moon Re-Design Contest on DeviantArt, Please help vote!

Hey guys, today I'm here to ask for a little help!

My boyfriend entered a redesign contest that Vbabe on DeviantArt is holding. He is an amazing artist and I'm really proud of him so I'm trying to rally as much support as I can and spread his art around!

For those that don't know, "Sailor Moon" is an Anime(Japanese Cartoon) from the 90s that was the gateway for so many of us. We grew up with it and it holds a special place for us. When he saw the contest, he knew he had to enter.

He is entry #1, Sailor Mercury Redone as a Knight. If you have a moment, please head over and have a look at it. Any and all votes are highly appreciated!

Contest here!:

Knight Mercury - Guardian of Love

Thank You!

Rainbow Scarves now available!

My rainbow scarves are now available for purchase on my site! They measure 7ft long and are incredibly soft and bright. Perfect for the winter time and oh so warm.

Remember, my Black Friday sale is going on this weekend so it is the perfect time to pick up some unique holiday presents! This scarf qualifies for both free shipping and a free item, you win all around!


Rainbow Scarf Listing

Design is copyrighted to Manifested Dreams, All Rights Reserved 2009