Last night’s launch party was a huge success.  By 3pm in the afternoon, my formal dinning room was transformed into a Party with Heart shop.  By 5pm, the cheese plate was prepped, the white sangria mixed, the hydrangeas were arranged and the candles were ready to be lit.  My party dress was a hit.  A bit more long and fitted than I usually sport, but heck, it was a new event for me, so I wore a new kind of dress.  

People filled in at 7pm sharp.  It was like a procession line of gorgeous women!  Christine Daniel was superb on acoustic guitar and vocals - she set up by the “shop” and love and joy filled the air as ladies sipped on sangria while shopping and listening to christine’s sweet voice.  You’re probably thinking it doesn’t get any better than that and you’re right!  It was superb.  

I asked friends to comment on the products and the ways in which I can effectively spread the word about the business.  They came up with some very good ideas.  The first was to market at the schools.  Schools are always hosting art, craft and fair trade shows.  My products would fit right in.  Another idea was to have home parties.  I think this would be wonderful.  We’ll see where these good thoughts take Party with Heart.  Thank you, dear friends!

The ladies really enjoyed learning how the products they were buying helped someone else.  My friend, Lieu, bought earrings from Dragon Fly Designs and remarked that she was thrilled that this company donates a portion of proceeds to grassroots organizations that support women and children.  My side kick for the evening, Casey, was smitten with the products, too.  She said teenagers are requesting that friends donate some money to a favorite non-profit in lieu of gifts - this is music to my ears!  She also said that they would love the products I carry (excellent!).  I love the energy and enthusiasm of young people like Casey.

MaryBeth, my partner in crime, was wonderful to have here.  She’s such a grounding source for me.  Always positive, always loving, sharp as a tack and fun, fun, fun!  She has some great ideas for PWH, too.  I should design tee shirts that read, “I love MaryBeth to pieces.”  

Here is a photo of me in my “shop” just before the event began.  There aren’t too many after this though.  I was literally at a desk writing orders for two hours! There was a LINE in the shop!  MB did take images while I was busy writing - she’ll send them soon.  I’ll upload them for you all to see. 

Best wishes for a joyous weekend and thanks so much for reading.

Be well,

B

We are busy preparing for the Party with Heart launch party which will take place this Friday evening.  For the first time since this project launched, people will come together to celebrate the beginning of something positive, and good for our community and our children.  No party would be complete without live music.  Christine Daniel will be playing - she’s fantastic.  Who doesn’t appreciate a woman who plays acoustic guitar and a sings with a smokey voice?   There will be a products on display for people to offer feedback on and make any purchases they would like.  Two dear friends of mine, Casey and Catherine, have agreed to photograph the event.  Stay tuned for the images, I’ll upload them as soon as I am able!

Party with Heart will be showing products at local schools as a way to introduce the idea of gift giving with conscious to young people.  My daughters gifted a sweet, hand-knitted elephant from our collection to their friend Hannah.  Little Hannah named the elephant Peanut and her mom took the time to talk with Hannah about how that elephant is helping others.  Hannah was so smitten, she brought Peanut in for show and tell.  Stories like these make my day. Hooray for Hannah!

The Academy of The Holy Names has graciously invited Party with Heart to show at the Boutique Noelle event this November.  That will  be fun.  The young ladies there are delightful!  I am certain they will get on board with us.  

Back to party planning for me.  Best wishes to you all for happy days, happy hearts and big smiles. 

Beth

A photo of Peanut and her boyfriend (he hasn't been named, yet!)