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Saturday, August 31, 2013

August in Review

So, August is over. Weird, right? This summer has been flying by, the whole year has. I mean, I know that's a really typical thing to say, but I feel like without school to attend I feel the quickness of it all the more. 

So, as far as the goals I set go...

Add more cardio to my workouts. 
Err, not so much to be honest. I stuck to my normal level. Oh well.

Continue to do some deeply personal writing. It's really helping with my mental well-being.
I did some journal writing which I think was helpful.

Set up a new system for blog sponsorship as Passionfruit is switching to a paid service in September.
I am in the process of doing this and there will be announcement about it sometime soon.

Finish up posts that have been sitting in my drafts forever.
I didn't finish up all the drafts that have been sitting around, but I did do some so I'm calling this goal accomplished.

List some new items in the shop.
Done!

My goals for next month will be up soon, so check back if you're interested. I know summer does end until late September, but it will still feel like autumn to me. I'm sure we'll have some more hot days but I can already feel the air cooling. I want to hang on to summer, but part of me can't wait for the leaves to start changing and to be able to wear boots again. I just love a good pair of boots.

Manda Rave


Thursday, August 29, 2013

I Am Grateful 8/29

Gratitude
via pinterest
Another week home alone, spending the afternoons at my grandfathers shredding old tax files, and the rest of the time trying to keep busy in my apartment. I did go for a walk a few days back but the humidity has come back with a vengeance, making outdoor activities unbearable. Plus it looks like it's going to rain again. Definitely no fun. But I did dye my hair (blond, of course, I just wanted to lighten it) and done a lot of reading, which always serves to cheer me up.

This week I am grateful for...

Vegetarian sushi -avocado rolls are just sooo delicious.
Waking up with Eli curled up against my legs.
Having an audiobook on my Nook to listen to while paper shredding.
The love and support of so many beautiful, caring souls, online and off.
The generosity of my grandfather for letting me work for him.
Books that I can get utterly lost inside.

What are you grateful for this week? I'd love for you to share.

Manda Rave

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

So Let's Talk About Fiction Writing...


Some of the lovely ladies I follow have mentioned things about writing novels, wanting to write novels, or undertaking various creative writing endeavours in general. Hearing that people want to get into creative writing is music to my ears. Writing is probably my nearest and dearest passion (well, maybe tied with reading) and I have been doing it since I was about 6 when I wrote my first short story for school. We were really only supposed to write a paragraph but I brought in a page and a half. I think it was about two girls uncovering who knocked down their snowman. It was some pretty advanced storytelling for a 6 year old I think. Anyways...

I have decided to try Nanowrimo for the first time this year -which is, during the month of November, writing a novel in a month. The site defines a novel as 50k words, which is a decent chunk of writing, but probably not a whole novel for me. Regardless, I want to give it a try. My boyfriend is also thinking of doing this so our apartment will probably become a writing cave for 30 days.

To prepare for this challenge I thought I would share a few posts about writing fiction throughout the time leading up to November. By no means am I a writing expert (I don't really think such a thing exists) -my work has only ever been published in my school's literary journal- but it's something that I am passionate about and would like to share with anyone who is interested.

For post topics I am thinking of concentrating on these areas: plot development, character development, various tips, music while writing, and editing. Not only will this hopefully be helpful for some of you, it will help me think about my story for November and flesh out all the details. What I want to write has been floating in my head for awhile and recently it has started to become more and more clear. The goal is to get it mostly planned out before November 1.

Tell me your thoughts! Are you interested in fiction writing? Anything you'd like to see me talk about? I would really love to know.

Manda Rave

P.S. You guys should totally check out Angie's latest post -an interview with yours truly!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Tuesday Teatime

Hello lovelies, how are you this Tuesday? I'm doing pretty well. The boyfriend is gone again for the week so I'm a bit lonely but I'm holding up. I'm keeping as busy as I can -cleaning, reading, writing, jewelry making, working out, and working for my grandfather.

Tea of the Week: Coffee. I'm going to go with coffee (again) instead of tea. I just love it, okay?

Tumblr Finds
I don't know why but this is hysterical.

Have you read the Series of Unfortunate Events? You should! x

Robert Sheehan at a City of Bones premiere. How great is that suit!

Window Shopping
Moth Brooch Neutrals Brown and Beige Butterfly Pin Gift for Collector or Naturalist - Under 10
How beautiful is this moth brooch?

Full Moon Journal, blank sketch book, recycled paper, small pocket size, luna constellation design with starts and animals
And this little moon journal is so pretty!

Heathers Chainsaw Movie Quote Print - Language
This made me laugh so hard when I saw it and now I want it, haha.

Reading List
1. I really enjoyed Veronica Varlow's post about How to Get Everything You Ever Wanted.
3. I also liked 30 Things to Tell a Book Snob. I study English Lit and I hate book/lit snobs. Never make someone feel bad about liking certain books. You can have an opinion, but take the stick out of your ass.

Quote
You don’t need another human being to make your life complete, but let’s be honest. Having your wounds kissed by someone who doesn’t see them as disasters in your soul but cracks to put their love into is the most calming thing in this world. -Emery Allen

Manda Rave

P.S. Laura is having a Blowfish Shoes Giveaway on her blog that you should totally check out!

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Interior Inspirations

Another post filled with beautiful interior spaces to drool over.

bohemian bedroom

Bohemian Valhalla

Rustic bath

Сказочный дом художницы во Фландрии << home in Flanders

How dreamy is the door in that last one? I am so in love with it. I'm not sure my boyfriend would fit through it (he's 6'5") but it's just too awesome.

Manda Rave

Saturday, August 24, 2013

2013 Reading List Update

So back in January I made myself a reading list for the year. Since then I have added ad removed books from that list as well as, you know, read some of them. So I thought it would be fun to share a little update about what's on my list and what I've gotten through so far. 

The List:
[to read / read / reading]
1. The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling
2. My Name is Will by Jess Winfield
3. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett
4. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
6. Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
7. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
8. Night World, No 1 by LJ Smith
9. Night World, No 2 by LJ Smith
10. Soul Between the Lines by Dorothy Randall Gray
11. The Vampire Armand by Anne Rice
12. For A Few Demons More by Kim Harrison
13. The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison
14. Looking for Alaska by John Green
15. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
16. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
17. The Spiral Dance by Starhawk
18. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
19. Hidden by PC & Kristin Cast
20. I Was a Teenage Fairy by Francesca Lia Block
21. Changeless by Gail Carriger
22. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
23. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
24. The Calling by Cate Tiernan
25. Changeling by Cate Tiernan
26. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
27. Hit List by Laurell K Hamilton
28. Kiss the Dead by Laurell K Hamilton
29. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
30. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
31. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
32. A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin
33. Poltergeist by Kat Richardson

A lot of the books on this list are parts of series. I'm really big into urban fantasy series -I love vampires, don't judge me- as well as some similar type young adult ones. Because young adult is for everyone and anyone who thinks that ya lit is childish and not worth their time is stupid. Sorry not sorry if that sounded rude if you are one of those people. Books snobs are just annoying, you know?

via my instagram
Anyways, currently I am engrossed in Inkheart. I've seen the movie a bunch and found the book on my mom's bookcase and snatched it from her (don't worry I'll return it... eventually) for my next read. I am about 3/4 done with it and absolutely love it. I'm hoping to find the other two sometime soon as well.

And if you're looking for something to read, I definitely recommend American Gods or Good Omens. Both were phenomenal (I do love Neil Gaiman) and relatively quick reads. And if you're into urban fantasy you should check out the Kim Harrison books I listed (those are middle of the series books, but the link will bring you to a goodreads page where you can locate the full list) or the Night World books for urban fantasy young adult books.

What have you been reading lately? Any suggestions for me?

Manda Rave

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Blogger A-Z

Note: This post was edited/updated on Jan 31 as a lot happened between the original post date and January, and because I have it linked in on my about age I want the info to be accurate.
-----------------------------------
Hey guys, I found this prompt(?) on Angie's blog and thought it would be a lot of fun to fill out for myself and share with everyone. It give you a good look into my life and also gives me something to do, haha. So let's do this, yeah?

A. Age: 23
B. Bed Size: Twin that I share with my cat, Eli. Hoping to get a full size sometime in the future.


C. Chore You Hate: Dishes, I hate washing dishes
D. Dog: No, but I spend a lot of time with my gram and her dogs which is nice.
E. Essential Start to Your Day: Hot black coffee and a warm shower.
F. Favorite Color: Purple, but I love orange and charcoal grey a lot as well.
G. Gold or Silver: I used to say silver hands down but now it's a tie. I love them both.
H. Height: 5'3"
I. Instruments You Play: None. Sad, I know.
J. Job Title: Blogger, Jewelry Designer & Creator, Creative Writer


K. Kids: Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
L. Live: Southern Massachusetts
M. Married: Hahaha no. And probably never to be honest. It's not really my thing.
N. Nicknames: Manda, Rave, Lady Unlaced (online), Khaleesi
O. Overnight Hospital Stays: Never.
P. Pet Peeve: When people make assumptions about my feelings. Also when people get really judgmental about people they don't know.
Q. Quote: "Inside us there is a word that we cannot pronounce and that is who we are." -Anthony Marra


R. Righty or Lefty? Right
S. Siblings: 2 younger half-siblings (16 and 19)
T. Time You Wake Up: Anywhere from 8-10am
U. University Attended: Fitchburg State College/University (it switched when I was a sophomore I think?)
V. Vegetables You Dislike: Mushrooms. Bleck.
W. What Makes You Late? Usually forgetting to eat and then trying to shove a meal in my mouth 2 minutes before I have to leave. Or not being able to find something.
X. X-Rays You've Had: One on my knee when I was 14 because I was having a lot of joint pain. Ended up being nothing.


Y. Yummy Food: Avocados, Banana smoothies, honey on wheat toast, salsa and tortilla chips, ice cream
Z. Zoo Animal Favorite: Tigers I suppose as they are my favourite animal.

If you decide to fill this out definitely link me! I'm interested what everyone else puts down.

Manda Rave

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Tuesday Teatime

I almost forgot about this post today! Whoops! I have been busy working for my grandfather and doing house stuff, as well as losing myself in a books for hours at a time.

Tea of the Week: Spicy Peppermint. We got a box of this on a whim awhile back and it's really good. A nice twist on just plain peppermint tea.

Tumblr Finds
How great is this?

ohmisterfinch:

Textile moths by Mister Finch
These textile moths are so beautiful.


This video is beautiful and heartbreaking.

Window Shopping
Crescent moon mug, black and unglazed
I love this moon mug.
80s Pop Portrait Art PRINT: Breakfast Club Criminal
I also really want this print of John Bender from The Breakfast Club.

Hammered Bronze Zig Zag Earrings
How pretty are these earrings?

Reading List
1. This post by Rain was fiercely inspiring and touching to read. Her words always have a way of speaking to my inner most soul.
2. Gala Darling wrote about the importance of the colour of your underwear. I think she's spot on!
3. This thought catalog piece on things college doesn't teach you is pretty accurate. I'm so lucky my mom let's me do laundry at her house, haha.

Quote
At one magical instant in your early childhood, the page of a book—that string of confused, alien ciphers—shivered into meaning. Words spoke to you, gave up their secrets; at that moment, whole universes opened. You became, irrevocably, a reader.
 -Alberto Manguel

Manda Rave



Sunday, August 18, 2013

Pages of Change

.
via Pinterest
I like change. I know that most people don't, and although I have definitely done my share of holding onto things, when it comes down to it, I like when my life changes in some way. Despite wanting to hold on to good things forever (like any human really) I hate feeling stagnant. I don't like feeling as if I am standing still, even if I'm in a good place. I want to be moving about in some way. Forwards, sideways, upwards -as long as it's not backwards or downwards. 

Sometimes the things I hold on to I do out of fear. My anxiety makes letting go of any feelings of security very difficult. It is something that I am working on. I don't want to get stuck. And I don't want to let my anxiety hold me back while the rest of the world moves forward around me. I want anxiety to be a chapter in my life that I have already read and moved away from. I want to heal and put some other stories between my present self and the story of my anxiety.

Just some random thoughts for the day. Happy Sunday loves!

Manda Rave

Thursday, August 15, 2013

New In The Shop

Just a post to share some of the new stuff that has been added to the shop lately.

khopre. jewel beetle wing & brass pentacle earrings.

khopre. jewel beetle wing & brass pentacle earrings.


emilia. a heart & key charm necklace.



I have a few more things that will be going up soon, including a really pretty pair of asymmetrical earrings and a long bohemian beaded necklace/wrap bracelet.

Manda Rave

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Currently

Happy Wednesday lovelies! How is the week treating everyone so far? Mine has been okay. My boyfriend is away again (he's not coming back until Friday) which is super sucky but other than that I have nothing to complain about. I am spending time over at my grandfather's this week and probably next shredding paper. He's an accountant and needs to destroy all his old records before recycling them. It gives me something to do and a little extra money, which I could definitely use.

This is my mom’s dog, Duchess. She’s such a sweetie #dog #dogsofinstagram #pitmix
This is my mom's new dog, Duchess <3 td="">
Watching: Me and the boy finished watching Scrubs the other day. I'm kind of sad we have no more to watch. I'm also still watching Roswell. I'm in season 2 right now. If you need a show about alien teenagers that will drag you along an emotional roller-coaster, I recommend it. We also watched Atlantis: The Lost Empire the other night which is always awesome.

Reading: My recent reads include Bitten by Kelley Armstrong (which is the first of an urban fantasy series, if you're interested) and I am now reading For A Few Demons More by Kim Harrison, which is #5 in her Hollows series.

Wearing: Gym shorts and a tank top when home, long skirts and dresses when I go out. It's been cool enough lately that I even got away with wearing leggings one day.

Eating & Drinking: Ugh, I'm on my moon time right now so me eating is kind of all over the place. I'm trying to keep it healthy though. We got pine nut hummus over the weekend and I have been enjoying that. I've also been drinking a lot of water and various kinds of tea.

Thinking About: Fiction writing, soul healing, jewelry making, and clothes shopping. All have been on my mind. I want to write a few posts for the blog about fiction writing as it's something I have been doing for a long time but rarely share here. 

Inspired By: Laura's newest lookbook has got me itching to create right now. Pinterest has also got me in a permanent state of inspired lately when it comes to outfit ideas and projects for around the house.

Doing: Paper shredding, house cleaning, jewelry making, reading, forest exploring, wine drinking, and kitty chasing. The usual I suppose.

Manda Rave


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Tuesday Teatime


Tea of the Week: Pomegranate Black. One of my more new favourite teas. The black tea balances the pomegranate very well.

Tumblr Finds
Something about this is just absolutely beautiful.

This has me entranced.

This is spot on.

Window Shopping
I love the colours in these earrings from Roots and Feathers.

This headdress is crazy expensive but I am in complete awe. Just WOW.

The Original Wild Cat-a-lope - funny cat in pockets antlers Almost Black Cardigan- by Bark Decor
Also really into this Catalope cardigan.

Reading List
1. Lottie wrote a really interesting post about Angels that I definitely think is worth a read.
3. I also think this 23-Step Guide to Being More Happy Every Day is spot on.

Quote
Give up defining yourself - to yourself or to others. You won’t die. You will come to life. And don’t be concerned with how others define you. When they define you, they are limiting themselves, so it’s their problem. Whenever you interact with people, don’t be there primarily as a function or a role, but as the field of conscious presence. You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are. -Eckhart Tolle

Manda Rave

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Studio Inspiration

I feel like I have been seeing a lot of bloggers share their studio spaces lately and it has really got me itching to organize my jewelry desk and surrounding area. I shared my own space back in June after I finally finished organizing all my books. I'm happy with most of the room but my beading supplies are a mess. I really need to organize it better so that I don't end up with such a disaster zone.

So today I am sharing studio spaces that inspire me to get my butt in gear.

This is a part of Laura's studio. I am in love with her entire space. It is so homey and well organized, and filled to the brim with inspiring materials and other objects. Laura has always been an inspiration to me -from her blog to her shops, I have always admired her and her aesthetic. (Make sure to click that link to see the rest of her studio.)


The rest of these images are from Pinterest and are linked.
reverie jewelry studio


in my Woodland Jewelries studio, jewelry trinkets arranged in to antique box.

Manda Rave

Friday, August 9, 2013

Review & Giveaway: Diamond Candles!

Not too long ago I was contacted by the lovey people over at Diamond Candles to do a review on the candle of my choice. That would have been enough to convince me right there, but they also said they would be willing to let my readers get the chance to win a candle of their own! Needless to say, I immediately agreed and a week later received my candle. And I am in love!

Diamond Candles makes Earth friendly soy candles. They use high quality ingredients ( no paraffin wax to be found in these candles, not even on the wick!), and the soy beans they use to make the wax are grown in the United States so as to help support American farmers. ow awesome is that?

Aaand, the company is called "Diamond Candles" because inside every candle (safely packaged of course) is a unique ring that can be worth anywhere from $10 to $5,000. A candle with a present inside? Yes please!.

I can attest to the quality. I chose their Lavender Lemon candle and am blown away by how fragrant and slow burning it is. I had it lit for nearly 3 hours and it barely made a dent in it. And being a candle addict (I wholeheartedly confess, I have probably 20 jar candles in my house) that is what I love to see. 

So, here is my candle...


And here is the lovely ring I found inside...


It's not an expensive ring, but it's really pretty and fits wonderfully. I'm not picky about how expensive my jewelry is, as long as it's aesthetically pleasing so this was a very nice treat.



a Rafflecopter giveaway
Best of luck to everyone!

Manda Rave
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