the cutest party girl!

Well, you’ve seen it with your own eyes…the cutest baby ever!   This handmade onsie is created by Hot Tots, a sweet designer who donates 20% from the sale of her shirts on partywithheart.com to a non-profit organization that supports the well- being of vulnerable children living in Rwanda and Burundi.  Very sweet, thank you ladies.

Greetings Do-gooders,

I sat and thought about a topic to share with all of you - at first, my inclination was to post something sort of silly.  But, the reason why I am here and you are reading is to be actively involved in helping the less fortunate among us.  That leads me to the topic for the day - Haiti.

This past November, my colleagues and I (chabha.org) had the good fortune of visiting one of the three Rwandan hospitals run by Partners in Health, a U.S.non-profit organization that works to deliver quality healthcare to the poor regardless of their ability to pay.  PIH works in Rwanda, but they began working in Haiti 20 years ago.  When the earthquake shook Haiti, I contacted a friend from PIH to offer a hand.

Given that I have no medical experience or technological expertise, my service to Haiti has come in the form of  raising awareness in my community.  I make phone calls to friends, send email updates and include Haiti in my conversations.  Have you donated to Haiti yet?  I’m not ashamed to ask.

I urge you to continue watching news reports, and continue staying informed - YOU can help.

Party with Heart has made a donation to PIH.org, and I have worked diligently to spread the word about relief efforts in Haiti.  Will you do something to help?  When you do, will let us know what you’ve done?  We’d love to share it.

Peace to Haiti and to you,

Beth

Best wishes for a prosperous New Year that provides you with joyous occasions and opportunities to lend a hand.

Peace,

Beth

Party with Heart teams up with CHABHA Rwanda

Muraho!

As you all know, the focus of Party with Heart is on social justice.  This past month, friends of Party with Heart have gone to gift shows to spread the word about the work we do and our mission.  It was a wonderful and exhausting experience!  Luckily, people are pleased to learn that they can join an effort that supports disadvantaged people around the world.  They are equally pleased with the beauty of the products. This is all such good news.  What’s more, the women and men making the beautiful products you see on our web site are earning a fair wage.  This affords them the opportunity to buy food regularly and provide some basic level of support to their families.  I have also loved knowing that the gifts I buy are made by someone in the world and that my purchase makes a difference in their lives. The new products are not on-line yet, but I will be certain to add them soon. 

I have been in Rwanda for the past two weeks and will be arriving home this weekend.  I am able to see first hand how women (in particular) struggle to make a wage to support their families.  Very often, the poorest people in the world make no more than one dollar a day.  It’s a very difficult existence for mothers, fathers and the children.  I write this not to make anyone feel badly, but rather to shed some light on the plight of many families around the world.  We can make a difference in their lives by purchasing products that support their craft.  I assure you, the products are lovely and well made.  They work very hard and strive for the best. 

Best wishes to you all,

Beth

If you haven’t seen these Kantha bags made in India, you must. They are made using recycled quilts and saris. Each is unique, making the bag you buy, yours and only yours. We have two in our home. My daughters use the bag when they are packing up for a sleepover. I love using the bag when I have a busy day ahead (which translates to everyday!). I stuff in returns, the fruit I buy at the market, some water, an ipod, and a  pair of sneakers in case there’s time for a run…

This past weekend I was visiting Oonae (one of our tee shirt designers) on Nantucket and I used my Kantha bag to store my clothing - it’s the perfect size for a two night stay.

My eyes have  opened to the plight of the Indian women creating these bags.  This craft and opportunity to work translates into an opportunity for an education and a life.  I hope that you will look at these bags for their beauty and utility, but also for the goodness and possibilities they represent for the women who lovingly and gratefully create them. 

Wear it well, Beth

Good Morning!

I know I have been neglecting my blogging duties lately, but I must confess that I lost my inspiration.  I need to hear your comments - they motivate me.  I always prefer to talk with people instead of to people.  So, when you are able, please leave a comment.

As I have said in the past, I love a good party.  There is just something nice about blocking off some time to do nothing more than celebrate with friends and eat really good cake.  As a mother, I like to use parties as a way of making my girls aware of other people around the world that could use a little goodwill.

 Last year, my little ladies decided they wanted gifts of their own, but they also wanted to raise some money for CHICAS - an organization that supports the education of young women in Guatelmala.  I had photos of the young women in the group on the table to see.  the girls made the “chicas” cards and signed their names.  I think we raised close to $100.00 for the group!  

Good Day!

Last night I attended a graduate class in global gender politics.   I learned some things that I’d like to share with you.  

1. 1/3,  2/3 worlds.  1/3 represents the developed world. 2/3 is developing world. 

2. Women are exploited more often than men in terms of cheap labor and women don’t earn as much as men.

3. Educated women in developing countries work in informal sectors (like selling goods in markets & not using their education) because the work they would do as professional with an education don’t pay as well.  Where is the incentive then for their daughters to get an education?  This breaks my heart.

4. Transnational corporations continue to move around the world looking for the cheapest labor.  What happens?  Workers are exploited, natural resources are often exploited and us?  We get products cheaper and cheaper and cheaper.  At some point very soon, we’ll be paying a high price.  We should make changes now.

I urge you, readers, to please consider where and by whom the products you buy are made.   You’re doing a good thing for yourself and the world by seeking out and buying products that are made fairly.  Please do your best.

Beth

Now that the kids are back to school, birthday invitations are going to start streaming in.  Party with Heart has a new collection of products on the way!  We expect to launch it by mid-October.  There are so many new things that all ages will enjoy.  And the best part is, they are gifts that are meaningful.  

I love meeting designers and talking with them about their talents and the ways they want to make connections with people through their craft.  I should also mention that there are many good looking gifts out there that aren’t so nice or good to people. 

I recently saw a stunning line of jewelry.  When I began talking with the importer, she couldn’t honestly answer my questions.  I asked who made them.  She replied, “women in Pakistan.”  I asked if the products were fair trade, she said “no”.  I asked if the women are a part of a cooperative that earns honest wages for their work.  She replied, “they’re paid just fine.”  With that comment, I thanked her and moved on.  My daughter asked me why I didn’t buy the jewelry and I said, “because mommy only works with people that care for other people.”  She smiled. 

The next time you buy, buy with some thought & compassion.  It’s the best gift you can give and receive.

Thanks for reading,

Beth

Party with Heart began as a social movement, really, to get people inspired to help others while they celebrate.  As I was walking my dog this morning, I realized that there are many ways we celebrate and come together as friends or community that do not necessarily fall under the “party” umbrella.  

Do any of you readers belong to a book club?  I do…sort of.  I always want to read books that no one else does so I usually read alone, in my bed or on my porch.  Anyway, when I do attend, there is always a group of gracious, smart people just waiting to talk and share information.   Everyone meets at one spot, whether it be a coffee house, restaurant or a private home.  Ladies and gentlemen alike bring bottles of wine, and  sweet treats. Sound familiar? I’m sure it does. 

One way to make the book club a bit more special, would be to make a donation to the non-profit of your choice in lieu of wine or sweets.  Your group could even vote on the non-profit you will support .  It might be extra sweet to help support reading programs for women in the U.S. or another part of the world that don’t have access to books.  Or, ask around in your group.  I bet there is someone who sits on a Board of a non-profit organization, or who holds a certain organization dear.  I cannot tell you how much joy and interests this will add to your meetings, not to mention the gratitude you will receive from the organizations you choose to help. 

You could certainly begin by reading some books to get you all thinking in a charitable way.   I usually go to my local book store and pace the aisles for an hour.  It’s such fun!  I find the most wonderful books.  If there is no time to walk the aisles, you could start with anything by Tracy Kidder, or The Road of Lost Innocence, by Somaly Mam.  There are so many choices, and each one tells a story that must be read. 

Keep me posted on your book club meetings and let me know how you do!  

Best to you all,

Beth

Karen from Stock’s Tea turned me on to Somaly.org when she said she wanted to donate 20% of her profit to them.  I looked at  the site immediately and was saddened by what I read.  Human Trafficking was not on my radar, I must admit.  Now it seems I can’t get it off my mind.  

When you have a moment, please log onto somaly.org to learn more about this issue and how you can help - even if it is by educating yourself and others.  If we talk about it, I believe we can begin to change it.  

Additionally, for you tea lovers out there, you can purchase Stock’s Tea from www.partywithheart.com and 20% of the money will go to Somaly.org. That’s a good thing.  

All the best to you all,

Beth