Why Pinterest?
When I heard about Pinterest about 6 months ago and joined it, I didn't have a clue about it and simply thought, "Yikes, another social media thing to learn and use for business".  Guess what???   I am addicted to Pinterest for my own personal use and only occasionally will share something from Beads and Dangles on a board related to my Pandora style beads business. 

What is Pinterest?

I think of Pinterest as the best bookmark ever for anything found on the internet. How many times have you surfed and found something you just loved on a website? Did you email yourself a link to that page and then have to find it in your mailbox weeks later?  Or worse yet, not find that link again at all? Pinterest is the ultimate organizer of all the things you find on the internet that you want to easily find again!!!

Pinterest can be your own personal pin board or you can choose to have others post to your boards.  Simply create several boards according to your special interests and you will know exactly where to go when you want to revisit those pictures that caught your attention in the first place.  

Pinterest is pure eye candy!  Make it your own by creating boards that reflect your interests.  They can be ANYTHING!!!!  I love inspirational quotes, that was one of my first boards.  I also love healthy eating so that was another.  Everyone loves to read about being more organized, so that's another suggestion.  More about category choices in a minute.

Pinterest is by "invitation" to join, but simply visit our home page on the website, www.beadsanddangles.com or click this link, Beads and Dangles, and find the Pinterest "follow me" banner.  Just fill out the request form and you will be invited by submitting your email request through the link. 

There are some great "Getting Started" tips in the HELP section which you can read at your leisure, but here are some things that I wanted to share with you.

Pin It Button is a must 
It's easy to install on your browser bar and the Pin It link is what you will use to "bookmark" your favorite things on to your boards.  Here's a link to the video tutorial on installing the Pin It button to your browser bar.   Pin It images from websites often referred to as a "bookmarklet links" because the source of the image when pinned with this button will always be retained, no matter how many times it is re-pinned.

So, now picture yourself on Beads and Dangles website where you love the beads just posted in New Arrivals.  Click on the Pin It button you just installed and you will get an array of all the images that the internet has just found on the page you are on.  Scroll over all the images and when you find the one you want to post to your board, click the Pin It logo on the center of that picture.  A dialog box will open from our Pinterest home page and you get to select the board you want to pin it to.


As you run your cursor over the images, the Pin It button appears and when you find your favorite, just click the button.

http://pinterest.com/marjisbeads

What happens next

Almost there.  You now have a chance to write a description (up to 500 characters, so be specific about what you are seeing, put in links to websites if you like, and before you hit Pin It, please note that Pinterest always opens to the last used Board, so be sure to check the drop down menu and select the board you really want to use!  

http://pinterest.com/marjisbeads/pandora-animal-beads/

Select Twitter if you also want to Tweet it, or just hit Pin It and your board now has a new item.

http://pinterest.com/marjisbeads/

Here's my home page.  Pinterest will add the boards you have most recently created to the top left position.  I have not re-arranged mine yet, but I believe it is quite easily done.  Also easily changed are the pictures which are featured as the main image.  Just click on edit and not only can you add lots of text describing the board but this is where you will switch leading pictures.

You can also decide whether to allow others to pin to your board or keep it just to yourself.

It's all in the HELP section, but here's a quick reference:  To add contributors to a board, go to that board and click the Edit button in the top-right corner.  Change the setting from "Just Me" to "Me + Contributors".

Naming Categories

I started out with just a few very broadly-named categories and then as I found more fun things to pin, I transitioned them from "Healthy Eating" to more specific categories that really interested me like "Smoothies", "Quinoa", "Chocolate", etc.  You can't do anything wrong on Pinterest when it comes to category choices and you can add, edit or delete anything.  Michaels.com has a Pinterest page with what feels like a gazillion boards, so just have fun

Settings 

You can find these choices under your Settings tab under your login name.  I chose to be connected to my Facebook and Twiiter accounts, but you don't have to do so.  Same with "hide your Pinterest profile from search engines.......by leaving mine in the OFF position, the search engines can find any posts that I might do relevant to Beads and Dangles, but you can choose to be hidden by leaving it ON.

Pins, Repins, Likes, Comments

A "pin" is any image you post to a board and it can come from a website using the Pin It button in which case it always is linked back to the source.  

A "repin" is any image you find already pinned on someone else's board that you want to put on one of your own boards.  When you re-pin, you should also add a description about the image, and be specific rather than just saying something generic like "Love this".  Even consider adding a link to a website as a courtesy to the original pinner.

Likes will only be added to your boards "Likes" section.  It does not get added to any of your boards.

Comments can be added and with the use of "@username", you can relate this pin to someone on Pinterest you are following.

Summary

Hopefully, this little summary of Pinterest will pique your interest and help to get you started.  I have already connected with so many new friends and found a host of great recipes, inspirational quotes, fabulous ideas for the home, new books to read, etc. etc. etc.   Pinterest is much more than Facebook and Twitter because it is so visual.  

Click the banner below or use the one on the home page of Beads and Dangles to join the fun.   Please follow me on Pinterest by searching People and using Marji Bitterman as your search term.   

 http://pinterest.com/search/people/?q=marji+bitterman

Dangers of the CFL Light Bulb

I am not politically motivated and I am not an activist, but I am extremely health conscious.  When I watched this video yesterday I was once again educated as to the dangers of the CFL bulbs that the government is telling us we must all convert to by 2014.   

If you are willing to install them in your home, at least watch this to learn exactly how to dispose of these bulbs AND what you MUST do to protect yourself should one break in your home.

By the way if you have a home where children and pets reside, be sure to watch the video.  

Here's the link.  It's really worth your time to view it.

CFL light bulb info as presented to Congress

Sweepstakes Contest Rules to Win a Pandora Style Bracelet (value $54.00)

Contest Starts:   Every Monday at 12:00 AM.

Contest Ends:    Every Sunday at 11:59 PM.

Winner will be notified by email every Monday before noon.

Contest Rules:

Only persons residing in the United States who are at least 18 years of age can enter.

Only one entry per person or email address per week will be considered in the drawing.

If you are not the lucky winner one week, your entry will automatically be eligible to participate in the next week's contest.

Prize details:

One winner each week will win a Beads and Dangles’ Pandora style silver plate bracelet in a size of their choice ranging from 15 cm to 23 cm, depending on availability.  The bracelet will include: four silver plate beads, one glass bead with a 925 sterling silver single core, and two silver plate clips.  Value of bracelet is $54.00.

Free shipping via USPS First Class mail is included.   Bracelet will be shipped within two business days of the end of each contest.   Bracelet must be shipped to the winner and cannot be drop-shipped to any other party.

How to Enter on Facebook:

Click on the Sweepstakes tab on the sidebar and follow the instructions.

How to Enter from www.beadsanddangles.com:

Send an email to:  beadsanddangles@me.com

Include the word SWEEPSTAKES in the subject line or anywhere in the body of the email.  Include the following:

FULL NAME

EMAIL ADDRESS

ZIP CODE (to verify U.S. location only)

BRACELET SIZE (choose from 15 cm - 23 cm).  Refer to sizing chart on the website.

Information:

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Beads and Dangles and not to Facebook.  The information you provide will not be shared.

Reflections of Self

I have not blogged for months, but I have lots of good excuses. But I do not live my life with excuses because I don't think anyone is really interested in them. What interests me is reading about and then embracing things that nurture my body, mind and spirit. To this end, I am sharing with you today a brief article I just read that I hope resonates with you in some special way. It is from Daily OM (email address for DailyOM is ).

"People you feel drawn to reflect your inner self back at you, and you act as a mirror for them as well."

"When we look at other people, we see many of their qualities in innumerable and seemingly random combinations. However, the qualities that we see in the people around us are directly related to the traits that exist in us.  Like attracts like is one of the spiritual laws of the universe. We attract individuals into our lives that mirror who we are. Those you feel drawn to reflect your inner self back at you, and you act as a mirror for them. Simply put, when you look at others, you will likely see what exists in you. When you see beauty, divinity, sweetness, or light in the soul of another, you are seeing the goodness that resides in your soul. When you see traits in others that evoke feelings of anger, annoyance, or hatred, you may be seeing reflected back at you those parts of yourself that you have disowned or do not like.


Because we are all mirrors for each other, looking at the people in your life can tell you a lot about yourself. Who you are can be laid bare to you through what you see in others. It is easy to see the traits you do not like in others. It is much more difficult to realize that you possess those same traits. Often, the habits, attitudes, and behaviors of others are closely linked to our unconscious and unresolved issues.


When you come into contact with someone you admire, search your soul for similarly admirable traits. Likewise, when you meet someone exhibiting traits that you dislike, accept that you are looking at your reflection. Looking at yourself through your perception of others can be a humbling and eye-opening experience. You can also cultivate in you the traits and behaviors that you do like. Be loving and respectful to all people, and you will attract individuals that will love and respect you back. Nurture compassion and empathy and let the goodness you see in others be your mirror."

Care Tips for Sterling Silver European Charm Beads, Bracelets, Necklaces:

All sterling silver will eventually oxidize and tarnish unless it has been finished with a protective layer. The good news is if it does tarnish, you can still restore its luster with proper polishing. The easiest way to clean silver is with a clean soft cloth. You can also prevent silver from tarnishing by just storing it away after each usage. Even a simple zip-lock bag will be adequate. The goal is to keep all the air and light from tarnishing the silver.

Just like gold, sterling silver is a very soft metal. You can scratch it just by rubbing it too vigorously. Also, never use a tissue. Paper or tissues have wood fibers which can cause tiny scratches on the surface of your sterling silver jewelry. If you don’t regularly clean your silver pieces, the dirt residue can also scratch the surface as well.

When cleaning sterling silver jewelry, we recommend you use soft 100% cotton clothing or even a flannel cloth. For hard to reach areas, you can use a soft bristle brush.

Chlorine and even vinegar can damage your silver jewelry, so don’t forget to take off your fine sterling silver jewlery when swimming, bathing, showering and even routine household chores involving water.

Care Tips for Silver Plated European Charm Beads, Bracelets, Necklaces:

Unlike sterling silver, silver plated jewelry will eventually wear in due time. Proper cleaning, maintenance, and storage are critical for extending its useful life. Some silver plated jewelry will last longer than others depending on the thickness of its layer.

We also do not recommend using ultrasonic cleaners. Although this will remove dirt from hard to reach areas, it may also cause the glue from the stones to come loose.

1. Store in a sealed plastic zip-lock bag to prevent air contact.

2. Daily cleaning : Select a plain white toothpaste without the special whitening options (DO NOT USE GEL).

Take a soft, dampened cloth (old t-shirt scraps work just fine) or a damp sponge and put some toothpaste on it. An old soft toothbrush can also be used to help you get into the intricate details of some of your charm beads. Gently rub over the silver in straight, back-and-forth motions. Alternatively, you can wet the silver piece and gently apply the toothpaste directly to the surface which you can then wet again and proceed to polish. In any case, be very gentle.

3. Do not wear silver jewelry while wearing other precious metals in order to avoid collision, deformation or abrasion.

4. Keep it dry and do not wear when swimming, bathing or showering. Keep away from chlorine and sea water. Our tap water is loaded with chlorine so even when doing the dishes or washing your hands, avoid as much contact with water as possible.

5. Daily wiping with a jewelry polishing cloth (available at Bed, Bath & Beyond or other similar stores) to maintain the luster is recommended.

If you want to take more vigorous action, try either of these:

Aluminum Foil Method
1. Take an aluminum plate or cover a deep dish or small pot with aluminum foil.
2. Place your silver-plated pieces on top of the aluminum foil as noted above in #1.
3. Boil enough water in a separate pot to eventually cover the jewelry on the aluminum foil/plate.
4. Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the charms, beads or chains in the aluminum pot being sure to cover the entire surface of the tarnished pieces.
5. Carefully pour the hot water into the first dish, making sure the silver is completely submerged. Even though this is a common household product, it is best to stand back from leaning directly over the pot as there is a slight chemical reaction. Even though there are no detectable fumes, it is best not to breathe it in.
6. The tarnish should immediately start to come off. If the silver is heavily tarnished, sprinkle more baking soda on the items, reheat the water and repeat the process as often as necessary until the tarnish has been removed.
7. Rinse with clear water and gently dry the items with a clean cotton cloth.

Baking Soda Method
1. Combine baking soda and a small amount of warm water into a paste. Do this in a cup.
2. Place the baking soda paste solution onto a damp hand towel.
3. Rub the silver-plated pieces until the tarnish is gone.
4. Rinse the excess baking soda off with warm water.

I have searched the internet and other sources available to me. I believe that the tips I have included have been reviewed as being safe as long as the directions are followed carefully. However, I do not guaranty any of these methods.

If I can tie a lariat, so can you!

I confess!  I have had these lariats in stock for at least six months and to date have only created one design with them.   Well, all that just changed when I ran out of excuses not to play with something that turned out to be so simple!  I know you will have fun with it too!

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here is a pictorial essay on creating fabulous looks with your Pandora-style beads for a price tag you will love!


Let's begin:

1.   Choose a lariat.  This one is black and 100 cm long.  It also comes in five other fabulous colors.   Fold it in half.

Black Lariat, 100 cm (shown folded in half)

Turquoise

Brown

Hot Pink

Purple

Mint Green

2.  Slide a bead on as shown above.

3.  Add a few more.  Include some spacers if you like.  Make it colorful.  Glass beads, even just a few,  add pizazz!

4.  Tie the knot.  It's a simple double knot.  Adjust it so that it fits the desired length on your neck.  Make sure it is tied tight enough not to slip open.  It might take a few tugs, but believe me, this is NOT rocket science.

5.  Here ya go!  Double-knotted and ready to wear!!  

LARIATS ARE $10.00 EACH
GLASS BEADS ARE $8.00 EACH
GOLD SPACER BEADS ARE $3.50 EACH

Beads and Dangles featured in ProStores blog

Beads and Dangles is delighted to have been featured in ProStores  e-Commerce Blog.   ProStores is an e-Bay company with a huge presence all over the internet.

Wouldn't you like to schedule a Girls Night Out beading party?

Economic Downturn? Have a Party!

Marji Bitterman of web store Beads and Dangles has a product that does well in a challenging economy.  She sells popular beads and charms created in the style of European brands Pandora, Biagi, and Chamilia, but at the fraction of the cost. 

She has no brick and mortar, so she reaches out to the local market at what she calls “girls night out parties.”  “We go over with all the beads and give everyone a beading tray.  After a couple bottles of wine, people go home with their own creations.”  The host gets 15 percent of gross sales either in bead credit or as a check to their favorite charity.

“It’s a wonderful way to connect locally," says Marji.  "We get a lot of online customers through those venues.” 

Find out in future posts how Beads and Dangles use their products to help them provide value during the downturn.