This Mom's Confessions

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Pandora Dreams ~ My First True Love Revisited

Filed Under: affiliates, BLOG, Charms

Pandora dreams!

It all started back in June 2012, when I began to write for Hubpages. My first articles were about Pandora and then also Trollbeads. I happen to love jewelry and when I saw an ad for a local sale for a free Pandora bracelet with $100 purchase.

I conveniently mentioned to Kevin right around anniversary in 2011 that I would love to be gifted a bracelet and a few charms to start my collection. I thought each holiday that he and the girls could give me another chart to begin to fill my bracelet.

My First Pandora Bracelt – Back in 2011

Well, little did I know how addicting the want and desire to fill my bracelet would be.  I explained this a bit more here on a Hubpages article, but still let’s just say I went a bit crazy buying, selling and trading on Facebook groups.

When I wrote those original articles, I was knee deep in this mild obsession. 

In 2013, I slowed down on this, because I truly did feel like it was getting a bit out of control, but will admit I still would glance at the new charms here and there.  I also never deleted my Facebook groups, but could not go in there for fear that I would start the cycle of buying, selling and trading all over again.

I was proud of myself for not having bought more then one charm for the whole year, when the 12 Days of Christmas Charms for Pandora were released.

Pandora's 12 Days of Christmas 2013
Pandora’s 12 Days of Christmas 2013

I mentioned here how I went shopping on Black Friday with my mom.  I decided to go take a quick look at those charms and really just was nosey to see what the limited edition and coveted Black Friday charm looked like.

When I saw it was a glitzy, shiny snowflake, I fell in love.  And when the girl asked me if I wanted it, I stood there for all of 3 second before, I happily said, “Yes”!

Pandora Black Friday 2013
Pandora Black Friday 2013

She wrapped it up and I came home to for the first time in months rearrange my Pandora bracelet.

I realized I have two out of the three Black Friday charms and was still missing number one from the very first year back in 2011.  I got on my computer and looked on Ebay, but still very leery about buying my Pandora there knowing that a lot of times they are fake or counterfeit.

Pandora Black Friday 2011
Pandora Black Friday 2011

So, off to my Pandora Facebook groups, I went in search of one.  I found it in less then a half hour.  My guilt for saving money and now buying another charm consumed me.  But then I broke down when I got a great deal from a familiar face from back in the day.  

When it arrived, I did a bit more rearranging of my bracelet.  And after that I swore, I would be good.

But then, my dad asked if he could get me a gift card for of my choice for Christmas and I knew it had to be to our local store who sold Pandora.

And then, of course, came the text from my brother the week before Christmas, “Have you decided what you want for Christmas yet?  I want to look to get you something.”

You guessed, I sent him this link that I had written up about my favorite Pandora charms from the 12 Days of Christmas and New Winter Collection here.  He actually showed my article to the Pandora store clerk, seriously felt a bit proud that my article was seen there, but I digress.

And on Christmas morning, I received 2 new charms from my brother and my gift card from my father.  More rearranging of my bracelet occurred that day.

Pandora Bracelet with the 2 New Charms added from the 12 Days of Christmas Collection thanks to my brother!
Pandora Bracelet with the 2 New Charms added from the 12 Days of Christmas Collection thanks to my brother!

The weekend after Christmas found me going to the mall to our Pandora Store to purchase the dangle snowflake charm, called Winter Kiss I was now dreaming of.

Pandora Winter Kiss
Pandora Winter Kiss

I got up to the counter and asked for it, only to find out that the sparkly snowflake was sold out out, had been ordered, but the store was not sure when they would get it back in.

I left with my gift card and called another store to find out similar.  They put my name on a wait list to call me when they hopefully do get more in.

I even checked my Facebook groups to no avail.  Definitely disappointed and do realize it is only jewelry, but I will say these charms are a hobby for me and definitely a fun way to express myself.

Now, I know the way I was back in 2012 was a bit excessive, but still I think not looking at all is not the route for me either, because again everyone needs a hobby, I suppose.  

Kevin has video games and Playstation 3 and now also Playstation 4.

So, the moral of this long drawn out story (that I could hear Kevin telling me to get to the point) is I have decided to go back to my roots a bit with my love of Pandora and will be hopefully sharing the new collections and my thoughts on them (my favorites) as they come out, because I just can’t resist.

I think these types of articles were fun for me back in 2013, when I first started and would love to be able to do more on this topic again.  I no longer really write on Hubpages with having my blog.

So, hopefully you my readers will enjoy when I do share more on this here when I can.  I mean after all this is my blog, it is meant to be a place where I can share my loves and passions.  So what better place then to do that then here. And promise to share the latest Valentine’s collection very soon. Stay tuned for this space for that in the near future!

And many do know I am a affiliate for Pandora Towson, so I hope to be able when I do share these posts to link you right up to their site for the new collections, as well.  And yes if you buy from them being referred from me, I do make a small commission, too.

Pandora Towson

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. The Dose of Reality says

    I LOVE IT!!! I have always, ALWAYS wanted a Pandora bracelet, but I've never had one!
    That winter kiss charm is SO pretty!! (but I love them all!!) I think I might have to put the bracelet on my wish list for my birthday this year.
    I just love them!! –Lisa

  3. dianeroark says

    You know I love Pandora and I have two completely full bracelets. I do not have any Christmas charms. I was afraid I would not wear them enough during the year to justify an entire Christmas bracelet BUT I do love the Christmas charms. Maybe, I will ask for some and just mix them in a new bracelet with other charms.
    Blessings and have a great day!
    Diane Roark http://www.recipesforourdailybread.com
    My recent post Top Posts in 2013

    • Janine Huldie says

      Diane, I think I do remember you saying you had some Pandora bracelets. Last year, I felt the same way as you, but then I saw this new collection up close and personal and knew I had to get a few. I have totally left the mitten on my bracelet for the winter, but just this past weekend, I took the candy cane off and replaced it with a mother heart dangle (to head into Valentine's Day. So, some of the charms were definitely ok int he is collection to keep on wearing through the winter, but a few were just Christmas or holiday oriented, but figure I will put them back on next year now 🙂

  4. Nancy says

    I have a charm bracelet from a different company, given to me by my husband and kids. I was only wearing it on "special occasions" but I realized that I like wearing it so I've been wearing it everyday! I'm following the advice of Gretchen Rubin in Happier at Home to actually enjoy my things!
    My recent post Happier.

    • Janine Huldie says

      I love that you are following that advice. I honestly never heard of that before, but must say I am trying to do more for me this year, too. Because being a mom of two small girls and a wife over the last few years doing much for me has been non-existent at times worrying about my family. Thanks for commenting and stopping by today!! 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks Brittnei and I loved writing over on Hubpages, but now that I have my blog, I truly don't have time to keep up over there like I would like. I pop in from time to time to still read my fellow friends and writers works and share them, too. But just can't write over there myself now. But thought I could do some of what I did there still here and combine the best of both worlds for me now 🙂

  7. Billybuc says

    We have Trollbeads to thank for your friendship. I remember those early articles quite well, and through them I got to know you better….and now here we are good friends! So thank you Trollbeads!

    • Janine Huldie says

      I thank Trollbeads for that everyday and seriously so glad we are friends! So, I raise my glass to Trollbeads to that for sure! Happy Monday Bill and thanks for indeed being a wonderful and blessed friend to me!! 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Know, I unfortunately didn't, Stephanie. I got the limited edition Black Friday charm, candy cane and mitten, but not the snowflake dangle. I hinted strongly on my site, but no one got it for me. But I had a gift certificate and was going to try to use it for that and now it is sold out and on back order at most places that sell it. 🙁

  14. day-with-kt.com says

    I'm so excited that you are going to share about more of your charms. I have a Pandora bracelet that I haven't worn much lately and haven't added to since the year I got it. I should start wearing it again and then maybe I will add more!!
    My recent post I Have a Secret to Share

    • Janine Huldie says

      You made my day Kim and seriously cannot wait to share more of these charms here now (was so hoping that others could share in my love for these charms). Promise, I will totally be in the weeks and months to come now 🙂

  15. katbiggie says

    It's funny, when they first came out, I didn't really care for them. I am not sure why. But looking through your pictures of the charms, I have just fallen in love as well! As a child, I always wanted to collect charms for a bracelet, and never got it going. I started a silver traditional charm bracelet last year, but I love these Pandora charms too. I am going to have to go check out their collection. Because you are right, it does make for a really neat and continuing gift idea for someone. I could also start this year with one for each of my girls, and by the time they are teens, they'll have a good collection! Thanks for the inspiration! xoxo
    My recent post Welcome 2014… goodbye 2013

    • Janine Huldie says

      I know Alexa, I too when Pandora first came out had no interest. Then the summer of 2011, when the concept of being able to be gifted a charm or two for holidays (starting with my anniversary) dawned on me, I totally got on board and like I said took off running from there. I truly wish I would have at least continued to look over the last year, but thought if I couldn’t buy what would be the point. But like I said I know now I can get one or two as I can afford or for holidays again and at least window shop and have fun sharing here to help others like you, too! So, seriously happy I can do this and can’t wait to share more now!! 🙂 🙂

  16. lovingmarshall says

    You said it–everyone needs a hobby! Glad you have one you enjoy! I bet the excitement of the search is part of it, you know? That always appeals to me. I do not have a Pandora bracelet myself, but I do enjoy the "hunt" of a good bargain on Craigslist, yard sales, consignment stores, etc. It's fun to find a treasure!
    My recent post Peace & Joy: Holiday Fun Part 2

    • Janine Huldie says

      I actually own 3 Pandora bracelets and one Trollbeads. Granted I only have one Pandora filled at a time and the one Trollbeads, but definitely do love these beads. And thankful I have you all to share with 🙂

    • Janine Huldie says

      Michelle, if you ever have any questions or thinking about a certain charm, definitely ask and will totally help you. And I know these charms are just too much fun and I love how each has its own special meaning for those who buy and wear them 🙂

  21. spiritedlife says

    I never thought that charm bracelets would take off the way they did. My MIL has one and it makes gifts easy. I thought she was almost done with the bracelet, but it looks like she could easily get 20 more with no problem! If I buy more for her, I'll be happy to buy through you!
    My recent post I’m Co-Hosting Turn It Up Tuesdays with EpicMommyAdventures

    • Janine Huldie says

      I know I am the same way as your mother-n-law and what started out as putting enough on one bracelet turned into something else completely! And thank you as always for your friendship and support, too April!! 🙂

      • spiritedlife says

        Thanks for sharing and linking up with Countdown in Style! Don't forget to come back on Friday to see if you were featured!

        ~~April~~
        100lbCountdown.com
        My recent post Countdown in Style {6}

  22. Sandy_Ramsey says

    I had a charm bracelet from a different company and didn't really like it. I have to admit though that looking at the pics of the Pandora line, I'm interested. I'll have to take a closer look….and it makes gift giving easy!
    My recent post Better Late Than Never: The First TToT of 2014

    • Janine Huldie says

      Sandy, I know there are a few different charm companies out there, but Pandora and the Trollbeads are my favorite. Pandora, because of the meaning behind so many charms and Trollbeads, because of the amazing blown glass colors that offer.

  23. Michelle Liew says

    I remember these on HP!! And how you used to share so many of these charming bracelets and their meanings! Tweeting for you for the CBH now!
    My recent post Unmistakeable Tunes

  25. cyndi says

    I can definitely see why you like these charms! They are so charming! hehe.
    Sorry I've been absent: took a break for the holidays and I'm enjoying Hubpages again. My blog? It's there…not sure when I will write again and have created a new website for my Spanish tutoring – it's about high-time I put to use all the Spanish knowledge that lives in my head, hehe.
    HUGS! Even if I don't always comment, I'm still around, I promise. xo
    My recent post Wonderful Wednesday: Winter Images of Nature

    • Janine Huldie says

      Seriously, Cyndi I just can’t thank you enough for always being so supportive. I know you are terribly busy, but still you come here when you. Thank you seriously from the bottom of my heart and also want to wish you a very, Happy New Year!! 😉

  30. susanzutautas says

    My sons got me a Pandora bracelet for my birthday this past October and I never am without it. Love it! There are so many charms I'd like to have and I suppose I'll just have to be patient.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Thanks so much again Brittnei for hosting and totally shared the Valentine's Day collection today now on my blog. I loved giving a sneak peek over at Instagram yesterday though. Seriously, Instagram is becoming my new favorite place to hangout! 🙂

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