Coffee Date

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Happy July!

This summer is flying by for me—more so than normal, I think, since I’ve had a kiddo! I’m sure the same is true for you. So before summer leaves us completely (sob), I thought it would be fun to have a quick catch-up session!

If we were having coffee today, I would tell you:

That my husband and I just got back from Hawaii. We left our four-month-old daughter with my parents, which was hard to do, but I think it was the right decision. We missed her like crazy, but she loved her time with her grandparents!

Hawaii was truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. We started in Maui and ended up in Oahu. The sunsets and scenery were unreal:

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Hawaii8(The fresh juices and ALL THE FOOD were pretty unreal, too!)

We absolutely loved our time in Hawaii and can’t wait to go back sometime. It’s such a relaxed, friendly place and I would recommend it to anyone.

If we were having coffee today, I would tell you:

About an awesome company you will love just as much as I do! This Bar Saves Lives has a fantastic mission: for each box of granola bars sold, they donate a live-saving packet of food to a child in need. Recently, they came out with a kids’ line of gluten-free, non-GMO bars that are sold exclusively in Target. Buy a box, snap a photo of you (and your kid if you have one!) with the bars and post it on social media with the hashtag #thiskidsaveslives, and they will send you a free box of bars! Pretty cool, right?

MeandGrace(Don’t worry, I’m not feeding her the granola bars, even though her little rolls may suggest I am. #thiskidhasthunderthighs)

If we were having coffee today, I would tell you:

Nepal is still in a state of devastation after the earthquake in April. A great way to support artisans in Nepal and show our support is to buy one of our best-selling felt birdhouses (back in stock)! These fair trade wool felted birdhouses are made with sustainably harvested materials near Kathmandu, Nepal.

Wherever you are today, hope you’re enjoying your own (potentially iced!) coffee and a lovely summer day!

XO,

Casey

Summer Vacation, Fair Trade Style!

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It seems like everyone I know is getting ready to jet off to a fun, beachy destination this week. If you have similar plans in the works, how about a little packing inspiration? I’m headed for Hawaii soon (so excited!) and plan to bring along some fair trade goodies in my suitcase. Here are some of my favorite picks from the Seven Hopes site to make your vacay extra stylish and fun:
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1. Marbella Dress: This breezy, summery dress is perfect for daytime exploring and transitions beautifully for a night out. Made in India, this slip-on style has adjustable ties at the neck, an elastic waistband with a detachable fabric tie and front pockets!

2. Soft Gray Tagua Chip Earrings: Handmade in Ecuador from tagua nuts found in South American rainforests, these neutral, sophisticated earrings will go with a variety of outfits for multiple occasions. Tagua nuts are popular for use in accessories as they resemble ivory in texture, but do not harm animals.

3. Cotton Travel Wallet: Hand-crafted in Cambodia, this wallet is lined with multiple credit card/ID pockets, and the middle pocket zips closed to store all that loose change. Designed to “carry a cause,” the wallet’s profits support the fight against human trafficking.

4. Coral Pink and Key Scarf: This cheery, lightweight scarf is the perfect addition to your carry-on bag as well as an eye-catching accessory. I love to cover up with scarves on planes and in airports that are just a little too chilly!

5. Batik Passport Holders: The social enterprise in Malaysia where these beautiful passport holders are made empowers women and impacts the community through hand-dyed textiles. In addition to providing training and fair wages for women, an additional 20% of the profits from these goods go to charities in Malaysia.

6. Spinnaker Mint Pants:  These super comfy, chic pants feature a flat front waistband in the front and a gathered elastic waistband in the back with a side slit. The side slit allows the pants to flow in the wind as you walk. Plus—added bonus, if you are at the beach, the slit makes it easy to tie up the pants on the bottom!

Are you going anywhere this summer for vacation? Will any fair trade items make their way into your suitcase? Would love to hear in the comments below!

XO,

Casey

Batik Diaper Bags {Product Spotlight}

Are you a mom of a new little one (or a few little ones)? If so, I think you’re going to enjoy this post!

When my daughter Grace was born back in March, I knew I needed a diaper bag to cart her and my various essentials around, but I didn’t want it to scream “diaper bag.” Maybe you can relate. Luckily, Seven Hopes has the perfect carry-all that was designed with moms in mind but is still super stylish and can double as a small overnight bag!

My little one and I own the Soho Green print:

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Isn’t it beautiful? The bag also comes in a vibrant Moon Cake purple shade and a bright Soho Coral. These bags are quilted, with two outside side pockets for bottles or sippy cups and three outside front pockets for keys or other small items. Everything you need is easily accessible. Inside the bag are two additional pockets perfect for diapers or wipes as well as a coordinating changing pad!

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The social enterprise in Malaysia where the bags are made empowers women and impacts the community through hand-dyed textiles. In addition to providing training and fair wages for women, an additional 20% of the profits from these goods go to charities in Malaysia. With your support, Seven Hopes has helped facilitate a financial literacy program in the government-subsidized housing, has provided healthcare for refugees, and supported an English learning center. Now, we are opening a sewing center to teach new women sewing and business skills!

If you know a mom who could use a new, fun diaper bag, Mother’s Day is right around the corner! And we have lots of other great fair trade Mother’s Day ideas that give back—take a peek at our favorites here!

XO,

Casey

Hope Fregerio Pottery {Product Spotlight}

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Hi all, and happy April!

I hope your week is off to a great start. Around here, we’re excited about all things Spring, and that includes our gorgeous new pottery collection! These beautiful soap and ring dishes are made to order in Charlotte, North Carolina. The artist, Hope Fregerio, draws inspiration from the colors and shapes of the natural world. She often relates the glaze colors on her pieces to the organic inspirations around her: the mountains and beaches of the Carolinas. Her background in ceramic art and passion for pottery allow her to add beauty and fulfillment to her life and the lives of others through her pieces. Here are a few of my favorites:

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Aren’t they lovely?

I think any of these pieces would make a wonderful and unique Mother’s Day or bridesmaid gift. From the custom color-block initial ring dish and personalized wedding ring bowl to the personalized initial soap dish, each would be a welcome addition to a loved one’s home. Check out the rest of the collection!

You can read more about Hope and the inspiration behind her pottery here. And feel free to browse our other Mother’s Day gift ideas!

XO!

Casey

Handcrafted Wall Clocks {Product Spotlight}

Hopefully the sun is shining where you are, but if not, I’ve got a fun new collection to share with you today that brings the bright!

Our whimsical new wall clocks are here just in time for Spring cleaning. Handcrafted from recycled metals in Bogota, Columbia, these little beauties are totally unique. It’s fun to be able to purchase an affordable home update that can’t be found at Target!

Check them out below:

Oxidos Sailboat Clock in Blue

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This sailboat clock pays homage to afternoons spent on the water. Beautifully hand painted, this ornamental timepiece is the perfect addition to any room.

Oxidos Sailboat Wall Clock in Teal

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Same fun piece in a bright teal! I think this would be great in a child’s playroom or a screened-in patio.

Oxidos Crab Wall Clock in Orange

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I think this one is my favorite of the bunch. It reminds me of being on the beach, which is always a good thing!

And finally:

Oxidos Lighthouse Clock in Blue

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This one is perfect for a home on the coast, or for that someone in your life who loves lighthouses!

I love finding little home updates that can change the look and feel of a room without breaking the bank. Which clock is your favorite?

XO,

Casey