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.  

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

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!)

Hello All,

The warm temperatures are putting people in the mood to celebrate.  There is an awful lot going on, most notably, the Party with Heart launch party (hooray!). That will take place on May 29 - the event is called “do-gooders shop & celebrate” and is posted on our facebook page.  If you haven’t checked that out, please do so.  Search party with heart and we will come up.  Marybeth, my amazing techie friend created the page - it looks great.  If you go on, be sure to friend me…I’m feeling lonely with very few friends!

May 1st - Voorheesville Public School Foundation Gala.  Party with Heart donated a basket full of gifts for the auction - people will love them!  And what a way to support our wonderful public school.  The most recent project at the school was a garden opening.  We will have a garden on the school grounds.  The children will grow flowers and vegetables.  The best part is all of the food will be harvested, washed and donated to our located food pantry - what a community!

May 8th is the CHABHA.org sock hop event.  Oh, yay…we’re dancing to raise some much needed funds for our projects in Rwanda and Burundi.  This organization is run by some of the warmest people I have ever met.  They do amazing work.  Check out the website to learn more about them.  www.chabha.org. 

Build a Nest also has some events going on in NYC this May. Check out their website buildanest.com to learn more.  It’s a wonderful organization that is helping women and children in developing countries.  Rebecca, the founder, is a delight!

Stock’s Tea has added some products - I am addicted to this tea.  It is remarkable.  I have always been a coffee girl, but I have to say, this tea may just be winning me over.  Check it out under goodies - you’ll be glad you did.  Oh and the best part, Karen donates 20% to www.somaly.org - a non-profit organization that raises awareness about human trafficking (sad, but true). 

Have you ever heard of Crossfit?  Well, if you want to get in incredible shape & work hard, you must check it out.  I trained with Jason Ackerman in preparation for the NYC marathon and I was in the best shape of my life.  He’s a sweet guy who loves giving to non-profits.  In fact, when I told him that Party with Heart launched, he said, “I want to get involved!.”  You can find a 3 month membership to Albany Cross-fit in our website under health.  20% is being donated to Homeward Bound - a non-profit that helps place dogs into loving homes.  www.albanycrossfit.com.

Until I write again, be well and wear your heart on your sleeve.

Beth

xoxo