small business

Charity Spotlight: Creative Chaos CMP

/ realmofvibes / 4 Comments

I am obsessed with blankets. I love cuddling up on the couch with a good book and hot cup of coffee. I met Connie from a local garage sale site on Facebook. I think I was collecting donations for Caring Canine Connections, and we engaged in friendly conversation. She and I shared a common interest, helping those in need. Connie sent me a beautiful fleece gray and pink elephant blanket for my almost-here daughter, Emilia. She knows some of the struggles that I have faced during this pregnancy like I know about the hardships she has encountered dealing with her mom going through chemotherapy for cancer treatment. In a cold world, it’s nice to have someone to talk to, confide in, and help you get through another day.

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Connie started Creative Chaos CMP, a project of passion where she helps create blankets for people and/or animals in need, one stitch at a time.

Read our interview below: 

Q) Your mom having cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatments inspired you to start making blankets, and ultimately starting Creative Chaos CMP… so where and how did you learn to sew?

A) When I was 12 or 13 years old my Aunt Gee took me under her wing and gave me a couple lessons. Since I didn’t have a sewing machine I lost touch with the skill.

About 3 years ago my husband bought me a sewing machine and I re-taught myself. Before I knew it I was off and sewing! I started by making stuffed bears then progressed to making my own clothing and blankets.

Q) You have helped patients undergoing cancer treatments, dog rescues, and Imprint Hope, a charity for disabled children, what makes these organizations meaningful and purposeful to you?

A) Sometimes something as simple as a blanket can help. At the end of the day, I wanted to give someone or animal something to call their own. Something to snuggle into and forget about how hard life can get.

Q) What is your favorite blanket print? 

A) I really don’t have a favorite print but my favorite fabric to work with is fleece.

Q) How long does one blanket take to make?

A) One blanket (1 yard) double-sided takes me about 15-30 minutes. What I like about my blankets is I can customize them to people’s preferences. If a child likes Paw Patrol and unicorns, I can make a two-sided blanket with those prints.

Q) What could others do to help you give more blankets?

A) I would love for them to share my webpage to increase brand awareness. If they know anyone they think would benefit from a custom blanket, please email me at creativechaoscmp@gmail.com.

Q) What are the next steps for Creative Chaos CMP?

A) My ultimate goal is to inspire others to spread hope through positivity.

Q) What do you tell people who want to start doing charity work?

A) Follow your heart and give what you can, when you can. It’s not about your income, it’s about what is in your heart.

Give Realm of Vibes readers some final words…

The past year has reminded me that life sometimes sucks… But, when someone thinks of you and does an act of kindness it resonates with you, and life can seem a bit better. I thought, maybe, if I can make someone smile and brighten their day, that person will pay it forward and we can start spreading kindness through the world.  I know I can’t change everyone, however, if I can make a least one person smile, then it’s worth it.

Connie of Creative Chaos CMP

Connie of Creative Chaos CMP

Support Connie by visiting her webpage and liking her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you know someone who is in need of a blanket, please e-mail her at creativechaoscmp@gmail.com

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Jessie’s Hola Granola – Say Hi to Deliciousness

/ realmofvibes / 8 Comments

Who doesn’t love a good bag of granola? My husband adds it to his yogurt every morning while I enjoy a big bowl of granola and almond milk for breakfast on weekends. When we go hiking, I pack it for a snack. I am honored to feature Jessie’s Hola Granola as she is a small business owner from the Jersey Shore. Let’s take a look into her brand…

Jessie’s Hola Granola Etsy store features four kinds of granola:

  • Original – Coconut Cinnamon Flavor
  • Shorely Spicy
  • Peanut Butter Supreme
  • Chocolate Coconut Dried Cranberry

What I love about Jessie’s Hola Granola:

  • Homemade by Jessie
  • Vegan
  • Gluten Free
  • Price: $12 for 12 ounces
  • Compostable packaging (brown bag style, super cool!)
  • Ingredients and nutritional information directly on packaging
    Original – Coconut Cinnamon
    Shorely Spicy

Jessie sent me (and Jason, by default) two different varieties to review:

  • The Original – Coconut Cinnamon Flavor
    • This was absolutely delicious. Jason tried a handful and said, “Give me that bag and a jug of milk…that is some good granola.” We loved the pumpkin seeds, and that we both really tasted the coconut, cinnamon and brown sugar. We would integrate this into baking, cereals, yogurt, and as a snack.
  • Shorely Spicy
    • Pecans are one of my favorite nuts, and I am glad these are incorporated in this bag of granola. When you taste this variety, it is sweet, initially, and then ends on a spicy note. Shorely Spicy has the right amount of cayenne – it is present but not too overwhelming. This is awesome as a snack!

Jessie’s Hola Granola is perfect. It doesn’t have any artificial junk, and is super versatile. From a big bowl of granola and milk, to healthy snack on the trail, or topping pancakes off with a crunch, say hi to Jessie’s Hola Granola and you will taste the deliciousness. I strongly recommend purchasing Jessie’s Hola Granola!

Be sure to visit Hola Granola on Etsy, Facebook, and Instagram.

For our readers, enter promo code VIBES during checkout on the Jessie’s Hola Granola Etsy store and you will receive 10% off your purchase!

Disclaimer: I reviewed items from Hola Granola in return for a review and posts on social media platforms. All views within are authentic and my own. Have you considered featuring your business or service on Realm of Vibes? Please visit my Collaborate page or e- mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started.

Adobe Spark (60)

Vision Words GIVEAWAY!

/ realmofvibes / 25 Comments

I am a self-proclaimed sticky-a-holic. I leave honey-do lists for my husband and use them at work to remind myself to complete progress notes or write doctor’s orders. If my coworkers are having a bad day, I leave love notes on their computer. I came across Vision Words, which are sticky notes with affirmations, mantras, motivational quotes, and scriptures.

Vision Words sticky note packs include:

  • Be Happy
  • Believe In Yourself
  • Fitness
  • Gratitude
  • Love
  • Scriptures of Faith
  • Scriptures of Encouragement
  • Success

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Martha Banks Hall, the creator of Vision Words, sent me Success and Gratitude sticky-note packs. They couldn’t have come at a better time. As I expressed to Martha, life has given my husband and me many successes and reasons to be grateful. My husband, who is a law enforcement officer, is leaving a department he served for 10+ years to advance his career with a county office. I am so proud of his successes and accomplishments.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with amazing companies, interact with incredible people, and have my blog as a creative outlet to showcase my passion, writing. I wake up blessed and have gratitude for all of my wonderful opportunities.

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I used a Vision Words sticky on the coffee maker, where my husband always ventures first thing in the morning. I put another one on his after-shave. He texted me and reported, “Thanks for the sticky notes, babe!” My small acts of kindness show my husband that I love and care about him. I am happy when he is happy.

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Martha and I live the same truth. We both feel that the power of positive words can transform and reshape your life. Sometimes, the littlest thing, like a Vision Words sticky note can make you stop, think, reflect, and have a new outlook on life.

The sticky notes are great to put in places where people would least expect them – a parking meter, in a library book, on a subway wall, windshield of a car, your neighbor’s mailbox, or a locker at the gym. You could also put them where people would expect them, like a steering wheel, microwave, on a coffee mug, or cell phone.

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Some examples in the Success and Gratitude packs include:

  • Take Action
  • Take Advantage of Each and Every Opportunity
  • Get Out There and Be a Success
  • Grateful Before the Blessings Arrive
  • Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart

Each pack has fifty, 3 x 3 inch sheets and retails for $6.95 USD. (If you purchase the collection, the price is discounted.)

Get excited, readers! Realm of Vibes is hosting its first giveaway! Enter below to win a Vision Words sticky note pack. Contest begins on February 13, 2017 at 6:00 AM and ends February 27, 2017 at 12:00 AM.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

Visit Vision Words on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

Disclosure: I received a sample pack from Vision Words in return for a featured post on Realm of Vibes and social media platforms. All opinions and views within are authentic. Have you considered featuring your business or service on Realm of Vibes? Please visit my Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started.

Calm, Patient, and Seeking OM

/ realmofvibes / 59 Comments

I had a Buddha of Abundance break into a million pieces on my desk. It was the topic of the day. I was the laughing stock. Buddha couldn’t handle my stress. He wasn’t feeling my vibe. You could imagine how I felt when I received the Howlite and Ganesh gemstone bracelet from Seeking OM. I wasn’t sure if it was going to shatter as soon as I donned it on my wrist. I chuckled as I read the description:

  • Color: white with grey veining
  • Aides: a calming stone, antidote to insomnia due to an overactive mind, formulates ambitions, both spiritual and material, and aids in achieving them. Teaches patience, eliminates rage and uncontrolled anger.
  • Chakra: Crown, located at the top of the head, is the state of pure consciousness
  • Ganesh: Hindu God, Lord of Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles, both material and spiritual

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When I was a child, I was an insomniac. I used to wake up in the middle of the night and play Sega Genesis into the wee hours of the morning. When I was done playing video games, I would read and write for hours. Mornings were terrible. As I got older, different stresses made sleeping even more impossible. It wasn’t until I got married, had a stable job, and moved into the middle of nowhere that I was finally able to sleep through the night. On occasion, I will toss and turn, become restless and antsy, causing my husband to turn over and say, “Turn it off, Danielle!” He means my mind. He knows I am thinking about my to-do list, or the foster dog, or my blog, or work. What I discovered from receiving this gemstone bracelet is that Howlite is a calming stone, that can be placed under the pillow to help insomnia. Next time I can’t sleep, this gemstone bracelet will be my new best friend.

Scott and Kae, owners of Seeking OM, read my mind. I often wear the Howlite and Ganesh gemstone bracelet to work, where my patience can be tested by the non-compliant patient, the disgruntled nurse, or the unhappy doctor. Any profession where you interact with people can be trying. I joke with my coworkers, “I have no patience for my patients.” The Howlite and Ganesh bracelet serves as a reminder to be cool, calm and collected.

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For those of you that don’t know, Seeking OM, is a Boston based artisan company. Their jewelry, for both men and women, can heal the 7 chakras and can empower you to be the best version of yourself. Seeking OM’s bracelets range from $25-33 USD, and can be customized by stone, style, and size. Seeking OM also sells malas and candles.

The detailing in the Howlite and Ganesh gemstone bracelet is exquisite. I loved the marbled look, the gorgeous Swarovski crystals, and the Ganesh pendant, which I enjoy dangling from my wrist, knowing that he helps remove obstacles from my path. I wear it on my left wrist, because it picks up the bling from my engagement ring and wedding band. (Don’t mind my pasty white hand and unmanicured nails!)

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In case you were wondering, Seeking OM’s Howlite and Ganesh bracelet didn’t shatter when I donned it on my wrist. In fact, it spoke to me. It gave me relief and a calming cue; “Take a deep breath, this too shall pass.”

Read my last Seeking OM post – Amethyst & Ganesh

Visit Seeking OM to explore more gemstone jewelry, malas, and candles. Like them on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram, and Pinterest. Shop small, live large.

Disclosure:  I received gemstone jewelry from Seeking OM in return for a featured post on Realm of Vibes and social media platforms. All opinions and views within are authentic. Have you considered featuring your business or service on Realm of Vibes? Please visit my Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started. Namaste.

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Meditation, Peace & Strength

/ realmofvibes / 23 Comments

I have practiced yoga since I was thirteen years old. I accompanied my mom to work at a nearby YMCA, where I would take a ninety-minute beginner yoga class with a short, brunette instructor named Mary. I was the youngest person in the class, surrounded by an encouraging, experienced group of yogis. I left before Shavasana every class. One Sunday, before class started, Mary asked to speak with me privately. She asked me to stay for Shavasana and explained the importance of meditation and fully surrendering both my mind and body after a yoga practice. I obliged, but I felt uncomfortable. “I’m just laying here!” I thought. “I could be on the treadmill!” I didn’t know how to meditate. Mary would gently press her index and middle fingers on my temples and quietly whispered, “Relax your mind. Think of nothing.”

I am so honored, and proud to announce, that Seeking OM, a Boston based artisan company, acquired yours truly as a brand ambassador to promote their exquisite crystal & gemstone jewelry. Their jewelry, for both men and women, can heal the 7 chakras and can empower you to be the best version of yourself. When you visit the Seeking OM website, you will be able to customize your own jewelry by stone (Howlite, Tiger’s Eye, Moonstone, Kyanite), style (plain, Buddha, Ganesh, sandalwood, lava stone) and size (small, medium, large). Seeking OM has a great motto: find your journey, find your true self. Their mission is to guide you to find a way of healing your chakra, physical and mental body.

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My Amethyst and Ganesh gemstone bracelet has many shades of purple. The crystals absorb, conserve, focus, and emit energy for the set intention. A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal, used for making jewelry. With consistent use, crystals may become saturated with negative energy. It is recommended you re-energize the crystals every four days. To re-energize, you can rest the jewelry under a full moon, under Sun rays, or in brown rice or Himalayan salt. (Dispose of the rice or salt after use.) To clean your jewelry (recommended every two weeks), use a damp cloth (water only), and dry completely. Never submerge your gemstone jewelry, or spray colognes/perfumes, as that will not only damage the crystal/stone, but congest it.

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What I love about Seeking OM’s gemstone jewelry is the complexity. Here are the components of the Amethyst and Ganesh gemstone bracelet:

·      Amethyst: protective and powerful stone, purple in color

·      Aides: protects from psychic attacks, turns energy into love, balances highs and lows, excellent for meditation, peace, and strength

·      Chakra: Crown, located at the top of the head, is the state of pure consciousness

·      Ganesh pendant: Hindu God, Lord of Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles, both material and spiritual

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The Amethyst and Ganesh gemstone bracelet brought me back to my early years as a teenage yogi. Before I donned the bracelet on my wrist, I allowed myself to reflect on my personal growth and development regarding meditation and finding inner peace. My thirteen-year-old self didn’t value Shavasana. Her mind ran wild and she didn’t know how to let her thoughts go. Almost 18 years later, the woman typing this blog values her guided meditation apps, and allocates a few minutes each day to meditate. Before I leave for yoga class, I slip on Seeking OM’s Amethyst and Ganesh gemstone bracelet to serve as a reminder to let it go. And for Shavasana, well, that’s become my favorite pose.

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Visit Seeking OM to explore more gemstone jewelry, malas, and candles. Like them on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram, and Pinterest. Shop small, live large.

Disclosure:  I received gemstone jewelry from Seeking OM in return for a featured post on Realm of Vibes and social media platforms. All opinions and views within are authentic. Have you considered featuring your business or service on Realm of Vibes? Please visit my Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started. Namaste.