Party with Heart went to NYC to support our friends at Build a Nest and Proud Mary.  It is a rare occasion to have us all in the same city at the same time.   As soon as Marybeth and I walked through the doors, the empanadas, vino and conversation began to flow. Rebecca (Build a Nest) had as line of people waiting to chat with her.  

For those of you who have not heard of Build a Nest, please go and check it out (buildanest.com).  Rebecca and her team at Nest have done a remarkable job of supporting female entrepreneurs in developing countries by way of micro finance loans.  Nest has also changed their model to incorporate education loans.  Music to my ears! I love how Build a Nest listens to the needs of woman and works to make it happen - well done, Nest!

In addition to meeting the famous Rebecca, Marybeth and I had the pleasure of meeting her elementary school friend, Larry.  We had a wonderful time talking and laughing.  I’ll post some photos here so that you can all get a sense of the evening and the good time that was had.  I think Larry called it “good karma”. 

I also met the founders of Proud Mary - Harper and Molly.  They have a very cool design sensibility and spirit.  I also love that they participate with Nest - goes to show they are two smart ladies with warm and caring hearts.  Way to go, ladies!

Party with Heart is looking forward to offering products from both Nest and Proud Mary.  Stay Tuned for more information on ways that we can support this good work.

So, without further ado.  Here are some images of Rebecca (Build a Nest) & Larry (friend), Me and Marybeth (Party with Heart gals).  I wish I had thought to take some images of Harper and Molly.  Check out ProudMary.org to learn more about their good work in Guatemala.

I seem to be on a kick lately, interested in sharing the stories behind the products in the Party with Heart collection.  After receiving a couple interesting responses from folks, I thought I ought to continue on with the story telling!  Today, I’ll tell you a bit about my friend Pily at Lua Chea.

I wore a necklace from the Lua Chea collection to my launch party.  It’s entirely fabulous.  Everyone wants it and is still emailing to ask if they can purchase that exact one!  Oh, dear!

I met Pily last summer in NYC.  She was wearing a simple black dress with this knock out jewelry.  I had to introduce myself and learn about it.  We chatted for a while.  I shared the story of Party with Heart and my dreams to introduce to the world a way that everyone can participate in positive social change by purchasing wisely.  She was so enthusiastic, she wanted to know how she could get on board.  Since that day last August, Pily and I touch base periodically to “check in” on the progress of her business and mine.  I have also been pleasantly transformed into a fabulous jewelry wearing woman - lucky me. 

The pieces in this collection are handmade in Argentina using recycled materials.  Additionally, for all of the Lua Chea products sold on www.partywithheart.com, Pily donates 20% to the Parkinson’s Foundation.  She’s a gem  - beautiful and sweet. 

So, if you are looking for some jewelry for yourself or as a gift to someone else, try this.  It’s stunning and has a wonderful story to tell.

I look forward to hearing from you.  So touch base when you can.  Until then, be well and spread the word about Party with Heart.

Beth

My Mielie clutch...I love it.

I had a thought today about the products in the Party with Heart collection.  As I went through each item in my mind, I was able to recount its  story.  Each and every gift we sell has a story of its own that begins with the artist who created it.  This is something I love about handmade products  - I love that they have been touched, and nurtured and cared about by one human being and then passed on to another.  It’s a lovely way to be, don’t you think?  I often think of the Mielie weavers as I am walking down a street with my clutch.  Without a doubt, I know that someone will make a comment about it - never fails.  I suspect that people are drawn to it because it is beautiful, but also because one can plainly see that it is something that has been created out of love and good will.  

You may think I am being a bit too sentimental about gifts, but I tell you it’s true.  I wish I could snap my fingers and all of you could join me on a journey to Cape Town, South Africa, or to the women’s cooperatives in Guatemala.  There, the smiles and stories of the women come to life and one can  feel the connection between them and their craft .  

If you are feeling inclined to break out of a mold, I encourage you to make a shift in the way you purchase your next gift or product.  You can begin by shopping at the farmer’s market or buy purchasing coffee or tea that is Fair Trade.  For the women and children in your life, buy something for them from Party with Heart.  I always include a beautiful note that tells the story of the gift.  It warms hearts and encourages kindness. I guarantee you they will love it. 

Until next time, enjoy the beautiful weekend and when you smile, think of me. 

Hello Fellow Partiers!

Exciting news to report -  Party with Heart is on twitter and facebook! Check us out, and  follow us.  We love making new friends and sharing the scoop on what we’re up to.   We welcome your comments, insights and good will.  Looking forward to connecting.

Additionally, I did promise some photos to you all.  Well, I spent some time today with Mary Beth, aka computer genius, and she whipped my photoshop and other computer skills into shape - bless her.  So, thanks to MB, we have the images ready to share.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy sharing them. 

Hi! It's me, Beth.

some goodies

My girl, Mary Beth.

This may sound like an odd title for a blog, but bear with me a moment while I explain.  Since the launch party two weeks ago, I have had numerous phone calls and emails from friends who are helping me spread the word about Party with Heart and our mission to put some heart back into gift giving. Certainly the fact that we are working to raise funds for non-profit organizations could be a motivating factor.  Anyway, I just had to take a moment to praise these friends of mine  and dedicate to them an excerpt from one of my favorite essays.  It’s called the Mountain Disappears by Leonard Bernstein (1950).   It is one of my all time favorites.  I keep it hanging in my office.  The beginning goes like this:

” I believe in people, I feel, love, need, and respect people above all else, including the arts, natural scenery, organized piety, or nationalistic superstructures.  One human figure on the slope of a mountain can make the whole mountain disappear for me.”

Until I write again, be well, be happy and take a moment to appreciate the fine people in your life. 

Beth