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

Good Morning Friends!

Here’s a story that illustrates one of the ways Party with Heart has been able to reach out to others and offer a hand.   

A dear friend of mine, Elana had a conversation with a friend of hers who works on sustainability projects in the Dominican Republic.   He and I met to talk a bit about a group of artisans there called Arte Miches (www.artemichesinc.org).  They make beautiful wood products and jewelry.  As we spoke about Arte Miches, their story came alive.  James talked about the joyful nature of the artisans and the way they smile and enjoy life as they create each piece.  The story was sweet in many ways and more serious in others.  The fact is, these artisans need exposure.  They need people who will take interest in their work.  I was able to put Arte Miches in touch with a colleague who owns a store in the DR.  I hope that’s a start. 

I have been in touch with a Peace Corps volunteer named Christina who works directly with the artists.  She thought it would be a wonderful idea to blog about Arte Mitches.   If there is a reader who would be interested in buying pieces, spreading the word about Arte Mitches or speaking with Christina about how you could help, please contact me and I will gladly get you in touch with her.  Here are two pictures which illustrate some of the work and spirit of Arte Miches. Enjoy.

My favorite

hand carved birds and smiling faces

Hello Everyone!

I am delighted to be on this short, sweet and consistent blogging campaign!  Oh, the joys of structure!

I love Brazilets.  If you don’t know about them, please pay attention.  They are essentially inexpensive bracelets that one ties three times and finishes by making a wish.  The Brazilian tradition says that once  the brazilet falls off, your wish will come true.  Everyone is wearing them - from teens to adults.  They are inexpensive…$5.00 a piece.  What’s even better, a portion of the profit goes to planting trees in the Brazilian Rainforest!  Yippee!

I love these as a party favor.  They are so much fun and as I said before, kids, teens and adults love them.  So please contact me with any of your Brazilet needs.  I will gladly send you some, answer any questions and suggest some fun ways to give these as your next gift or party favor.  How can one argue with something that’s fun, hip and good for the rainforest?

Have fun, celebrate and join me while we help some others along the way.

Beth

Happy August All,

There is so much to say.  I just read an article that warns writers of “over writing” for emails and blogs.  The purpose is to stress a point, be concise and communication a firm, well constructed idea.  Yes, that’s right.  I keep reminding myself that simplicity is a beautiful thing.  So, in lieu of a wordy blog, I have pledged to keep things simple. 

So, here’s the game plan.  Each day I will write about a special gift,  non-profit organization, or  story.  I hope to become inspired by the work of others and share it all with you.

DAY 1:   WWW. CHABHA.ORG - CHILDREN AFFECTED BY HIV/AID  

I have been a Board member for 2 years and I adore working with this group of smart, warm hearted people.  This grassroots organization helps  support the needs of 2,500 children living in Rwanda and Burundi.  To learn more, please  visit the website (www.chabha.org), our facebook page, or contact me.  I would be delighted to share what I know. 

There is a beautiful collection of  CHABHA notecards available for sale at www.partywithheart.com which show images of the children.  I often give these as hostess gifts along with a little note that thanks them for a lovely evening.  Without a doubt, I receive an email or call the next day asking me about the sweet faces on the cards.  Everyone loves them and it’s a good thing to share.   I keep 5 packs on hand so that I am always prepared with a sweet and thoughtful gift.