WHAT WILL YOUR SIX THINGS BE TODAY?™
WHAT WILL YOUR SIX THINGS BE TODAY?™
“Writing in a journal has always seemed like homework to me. But The Adding Bliss Journal is not like a normal journal. It seems like a simple idea but it’s definitely different. Its actually fun. I think it can inspire a lot of women like me to take a little time out of our over-scheduled days... to step away from our computers and iPhones and sit down with pen and paper to express ourselves creatively. How many of us do that?”
-Skye Gurney, Art & Photo Coordinator, TIME Magazine.
Why I Designed This Journal...
Adding Bliss is launching a Kickstarter project to fund and pre-sell The Adding Bliss Journal. The Adding Bliss Journal or ABJ is a goal oriented journal aimed at a more creative mind. Most people have the desire to keep a journal but staring at a blank page with pen in hand can be a little daunting. The ABJ is the perfect solution. It's structured so you have a place to start, but it's unstructured so you can be creative.
The ABJ is designed to be both inspiring and user friendly. It encourages expression through written word and visual art. It will be beautifully designed featuring original artwork and the printing and layouts will be local to the creator, in Brooklyn NY.
So What are the 6 things?
On the first few pages you list your long-term goals in
6 different areas of life:
- SPIRITUAL BLISS - connecting your self to something bigger than yourself. It could be your church, your community or simply the world around you.
- CHRONOLOGICAL BLISS- getting your self organized and using your time wisely
- PHYSICAL BLISS- making your self healthy, strong and (more) beautiful
- INTELLECTUAL BLISS - expanding your knowledge and exercising that big beautiful brain
- FINANCIAL BLISS- balancing your budget, having enough money for all of the things you need and some of the things your want.
- RELATIONSHIP BLISS- Interacting with other in positive and healthy way including family, friends & lovers.
It could be 1 year, 5 years or your entire life. Then daily, you make a list of at least one thing you will do on that particular day to accomplish that goal in all six categories; and when you do that thing, cross it out. There is also space for free writing & opposite each page is graph paper for more writing, making lists, sketching or whatever you feel like using it for. There’s also an appendix with useful & inspiring quotes and affirmations.
The ABJ will be wire bound or perfect bound to allow full creative freedom and be both light & flexible so it will travel well. After the Kickstarter project concludes the journal will retail for $ 16 + S&H, but through the project the journal can be pre-purchased for as low as $ 10, including shipping. They are expected to be completed in time for holiday gift season.
*this is a rough draft of some pages of the journal. The artwork & the layout will be different*
Down load a sample page here:
Download ABJ sample page.pdf (147.4K)
What I Already Have...
My idea for the journal first began over 3 years ago. Since then I've been tweaking and reworking the design and think I've finally captured the spirit of the journal. I've also source great vendors to produce my book locally in Brooklyn, USA:
BENCHMARK SIGNAATS:
Full service commercial printer in business for 29 years. On time delivery & high quality printing for all small to large jobs. For almost 30 years Benchmark has been helping businesses save money and produce beautiful printed pieces.
LOOP DESIGN:
Creative Design Solutions That Tell Stories, Sell Products, and Propel Businesses, Brands and Ideas.
Established in 2000, Loop Design is an independent design studio located in DUMBO Brooklyn. In the past ten years, we’ve partnered with clients (big and small) in producing work for the following industries: Advertising, Publishing, Entertainment, Marketing, Technology, Professional Services, Health and Beauty, Retail, Restaurant, and a variety of art and cultural institutions; including book and author websites.
Where The Money Goes...
I know I'm asking for what seems like a lot of money for this project...
Well, I've discovered that self producing a (good) book is very expensive. It's really important to me to make a finished product of the highest quality, which is why I'm collaborating with seasoned professionals like Maria, Ed & Jason to create something I would actually want to buy at a price I would actually want to pay.
I need to make an inspiring, beautifully designed journal that is well constructed with a budget of $15K that will stand on bookstore shelves beside journals that were produced with a budget of a lot more..
So, I urge everyone not to focus on the amount I need to raise. Just focus on which reward tier appeals to you the most & have fun!
Here's a breakdown of where all the money's going...
- Pay my printers
- Random fees involved in making a book legit
- Pay my book designer
- Shipping & handling
- Purchase materials & fees for the awesome rewards
- Paying a small short term staff to help manage production, communication & distribution to get the rewards out on time.
- Buy myself brand new pillow because I'm gonna need a lot sleep after this project is finished.
- Don't forget about the Kickstarter & Amazon fees...
Why I Chose Kickstarter...
Kickstarter is like a dream come true. I love the idea of helping others realize their goals by giving them the freedom (read: money) to do it the way they've envisioned. Funding & rooting for other projects has inspired me take the leap! The reason it's taken me so long to attempt to get my journal published is that I had a distinct vision for it that I didn't want changed by a traditional publisher. Not to mention all the time it takes to convince a publisher to take a new project on in the first place. It's exciting & a little terrifying to get my book produced by the people who actually want it & believe in it: you.
Kickstarter only works if I reach 100% of my funding goal.
What Happens Once I Reach My Goal...
My Kickstarter project will hopefully evolve as the funding grows, every time I reach a new funding goal I'll reveal my plans for dough and add new rewards & the cool thing about kickstarter is you can constantly change your reward level, so as we progress if something new & cool comes up you can change your reward.
What's In It For You...
(image from dreamstime)
Besides the knowledge that you helped me achieve the dream of being a published author I have some great rewards drawn from many past lives as a candle designer, singer, artist, jewelry designer, cake designer, fashion stylist & professional organizer. I'm also giving away fun & useful Adding Bliss merchandise & autographed copies of the books, naturally. Look for other fun surprises!
RANDOM PRIZE OF THE DAY:
Every day I will randomly choose one of the backers who donated $25 or more to receive a small token of my undying gratitude to be included with their reward, if the project is fully funded. I will update and announce the winner the following day; hopefully by video, but definitely by text update. There is no limit on how many times you can enter or win. If you donate on 5 different days, you're eligible for 5 different prizes. The prize will be announced with the winner every day. The random prize of the day will be unique and not be offered as a regular reward.
REFER 5 FRIENDS & GET A FREE JOURNAL!
Back the ABJ at any level (even a $1) and convince at least 5 of your friend to back the project at the $10 or above & I'll include an extra signed journal and a small surprise in your reward package (no additional shipping charges). You will also receive a place of honor on the Adding Bliss website's thank you page!
SUGAR MAMA NYC
I will bake you a four inch round cake from my Guilty Pleasures recipes from Sugar Mama NYC. They come in an assortment of unique flavors made from the finest & freshest ingredients including organic free range eggs, hormone free milks & creams, plugra butter & madagascar bourbon vanilla, among other delicious things. Made from scratch in my kitchen small batches. A good size for one or two, but you won't want to share. (Delivery only for Continental United States. Add $ 10. if you choose a cake for your reward)
Flavors: Lavender Silk with Lavender Butter Cream, Pink Champagne with Strawberry Butter Cream, Spicy Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Butter Cream, Very Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Raspberry Ganache Filling
Ms. DuQuesnay LLC
Where Classic Aesthetic Meets Cutting Edge Style
I will recreate signature pieces from my jewelry line, Ms. DuQuesnay LLC. My jewelry has been featured in The New York Times and on celebrities like Ciara. To reward you for backing my project, I'll come out of retirement and handcraft some of my most popular pieces from my collection. (Add $15 for International Shipping)
(left to right) Bliss Bangle, Josephine Earrings, Medusa Earrings, Artemis Earrings
Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS) is the only organization in New York State specifically designed to serve girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. GEMS was founded in 1998 by Rachel Lloyd, a young woman who had been sexually exploited as a teenager. GEMS has helped hundreds of young women and girls, ages 12–24, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and to develop to their full potential. GEMS provides young women with empathetic, consistent support and viable opportunities for positive change.
* GEMS will not receive any financial compensation in relation to this kickstarter project and backing this or any other reward tier does not imply your support for this organization nor will you be contacted or solicited by this organization. Choosing to back the ADDING KARMA reward tier doesn't constitute a charitable donation and is not eligible for any tax credits. You'll just get a warm & fuzzy feeling because you gave a total stranger a really cool gift. *
More prizes to be announced...
Questions?
If you’re not sure how this whole Kickstarter thing works, check out their FAQ page. If you have any questions at all about the project, about where your money will go, or if you have ideas or suggestions of ways to collaborate please get in touch. You can email me at michelle@addingbliss.com or click here.
I pledge to give 5% of the profits back to the Kickstarter community. More information on http://kickingitforward.org/
FAQ
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Once the project is funded everyone who backed the project will get a survey. If you were referred by someone make sure you mention it in your survey. If you're doing the referring make sure your referred mention you in their survey. They can also send me a note through kickstarter during purchase.
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No, but I do have a really expensive dress that I only wore for 2 hours that I will use any opportunity to wear again.
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Getting this journal published means a lot to me and based on the feedback others like it too. By lowering the price I can get it into the hands of as many people and hopefully reach my funding goal more quickly.
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Well, you have 2 options. Modify your pledge amount or keep it the same and I'll automatically double your reward to thank you for being an earlybird!
26
Backers
$3,261
pledged of $15,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on July 16, 2012.
Funding period
Jun 1, 2012 -
Jul 16, 2012
(45 days)
- First created · 18 backed
- Michelle DuQuesnay Grant 296 friends
- Website: addingbliss.com
Pledge $10 or more
1 backer Limited (249 of 250 left)
ADDING EARLY BIRDS RELOADED! Every thing from the ADDING EARLY BIRDS rewards tier for less!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $13 or more
1 backer Limited (999 of 1000 left)
ADDING SIMPLICITY RELOADED: Everything in the ADDING SIMPLICITY REWARDS TIER for less!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $15 or more
1 backer All gone!
ADDING EARLY BIRDS: It's difficult being the first to support something, so to reward you: the first 250 to pledge this amount will get a copy of the adding bliss journal with a personal inscription from me. I'll also send you a frame worthy 4"x6" Adding Bliss logo print & put your name on the addingbliss.com thank you page. ( add $ 5.00 for international backers)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $18 or more
1 backer Limited (99 of 100 left)
ADDING GENEROSITY: 2 journals! One to keep and one to share with someone!
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $18 or more
1 backer All gone!
ADDING SIMPLICITY: If you just want the journal. No frills. No extra stuff. Just the book. ( add $ 5.00 for international backers)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $25 or more
3 backers All gone!
ADDING GLEE: You rock! I'll send you a frame worthy 5"x7" Adding Bliss logo print with a handwritten thank you from me, an adding bliss fridge magnet, an autographed copy of the Adding Bliss Journal. You will also receive your name on the addingbliss.com thank you page. ( add $ 10.00 for international backers)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $25 or more
6 backers Limited (94 of 100 left)
ADDING GLEE RELOADED: You rock! I'll send you a frame worthy 5"x7" Adding Bliss logo print with a handwritten thank you from me, an adding bliss fridge magnet, TWO autographed copy of the Adding Bliss Journal. You will also receive your name on the addingbliss.com thank you page. ( add $ 10.00 for international backers)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $40 or more
1 backer Limited (39 of 40 left)
ADDING KARMA: One of my favorite organizations is GEMS, short for Girls Education & Mentoring Services. This direct service organization empowers girls and young women from 12-24 years old who have experienced domestic trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation and helps to provide a new foundation by providing counseling, education, housing and love. If you choose this rewards tier, you will receive two autographed journal & another one will be gifted to a GEMS girl who will hopefully use it to chronicle the next chapter her life journey. You will also receive an adding bliss fridge magnet, a frame worthy 5"x7" Adding Bliss logo print, your name on the addingbliss.com thank you page & a thank you card from the girl who received your generous gift. ( add $ 5.00 for international backers)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $50 or more
3 backers Limited (7 of 10 left)
ADDING TREATS: You are so amazing! CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: 2 gourmet cakes, a pair of Medusa earrings or a signed Adding Bliss tote bag. You will also receive a signed copy of the The Adding Bliss journal, an adding bliss fridge magnet, a frame worthy 5"x7" Adding Bliss logo print, your name on the addingbliss.com thank you page. ( add $ 10.00 for international backers, sorry I can't ship cakes internationally)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $69 or more
0 backers Limited (69 of 69 left)
ADDING THE KNOWLEDGE THAT EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE AN OFFICIAL CARD CARRYING GROWN UP, YOU CAN STILL LAUGH AT LOW BROW TOILET HUMOR: I will reward you by sending you and 4 of your equally immature friends a copy of The Adding Bliss Journal inscribed with a limerick & hilariously pg-13 (kickstarter guidelines approved) treats. Plus, a frame worthy 5"x7" Adding Bliss logo print, the Adding Bliss fridge magnet, your name on the addingbliss.com thank you page. ( add $ 10.00 for international backers)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $75 or more
0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)
ADDING JOY: You're the coolest! CHOOSE 2 of the following: 3 gourmet cakes, a pair of Artemis earrings, a signed Adding Bliss tote bag and Adding Bliss water bottle. You will also receive TWO signed copies of the The Adding Bliss journal. You will also receive an adding bliss fridge magnet, a frame worthy 5"x7" Adding Bliss logo print, your name on the addingbliss.com thank you page. ( add $ 10.00 for international backers, sorry I can't ship cakes internationally)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $150 or more
2 backers Limited (8 of 10 left)
ADDING EXCITEMENT: You're the best! CHOOSE 2 of the following: 4 gourmet cakes, Limited Edition Sterling Silver BLISS bracelet, Adding Bliss tote bag/ t-shirt or 2 hours or personal organizing/styling. You will also receive 2 signed copies of the The Adding Bliss journal. You will also receive an adding bliss fridge magnet, a frame worthy 5"x7" Adding Bliss logo print, your name in the book credits & on the addingbliss.com thank you page. ( add $ 10.00 for international backers, sorry I can't ship cakes internationally)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $200 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
ADDING WORDS OF WISDOM: You can submit an original quote to be included in the journal to inspire your fellow bliss seekers. They could be your words or the words of someone who personally inspired you. You will also receive TEN signed copies of the The Adding Bliss journal, an adding bliss fridge magnet, a frame worthy 8"x10" Adding Bliss logo print, Adding Bliss tote bag & your name on the addingbliss.com thank you page. (add $10 for international shipping)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013Pledge $250 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
ADDING JUBILATION: You're my hero! CHOOSE 2 of the following: Limited Edition Sterling Silver & Crystal Josephine Earrings, Limited Edition BLISS bangle, adding bliss t-shirt/ tote bag, 4 mini cakes in assorted flavors or 4 hours or personal organizing/styling. You will also receive 2 signed copies of the The Adding Bliss journal. You will also receive an adding bliss fridge magnet, 2 frame worthy 5"x7" Adding Bliss logo prints, your name in the book credits & on the addingbliss.com thank you page. ( add $ 10.00 for international backers, sorry I can't ship cakes internationally)
Estimated delivery: Jan 2013
