Fair Trade Gifts

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:

(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?

(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

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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

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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:

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!

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

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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:

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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I’ve always been a big fan of TOMS shoes, as I’m sure many of you are. That’s why I was so excited when I heard they just launched a brand-new bag collection! From bright purses to striped travel bags to free-spirited backpacks, there’s something for everyone in the bunch.

The travel bug always hits me hard in the Spring, so it’s not easy to resist shopping online for new fun ways to cart my stuff around airports (and hopefully on to sandy beaches!)

(via)

The best part about the collection is, of course, the lives it changes. This is why I love TOMS and it’s great to see them getting even more creative with their giving! When you purchase a bag from the new collection, you’re helping to support a safe birth and delivery for mothers and babies across the world. From the TOMS Website:

Safe Births

Infection is a leading cause of death for mothers and newborns worldwide. By providing clean birth conditions and skilled attendants, nearly half a million of lives can be saved. TOMS Bags purchases support our Giving Partners in delivering the vital materials and training needed to help provide a safer birth, regardless of the facility.

(Source: UNFPA & Every Newborn Action Plan, 2014)

What your purchase supports:

1. Delivery of safe birth kits
2. Training for skilled birth attendants
3. Healthy delivery for new born baby and mom

With the training and proper materials to provide a safe delivery, mothers are up to 80% less likely to develop an infection and almost half of newborn deaths can be prevented. (Source: UNFPA, 2015)

It’s wonderful to see a huge company like TOMS highlighting the simple fixes that can be made to make birthing conditions safer around the world. So often, I know I personally take healthcare for granted and wish everyone could say the same.

Let’s get a glimpse of the gorgeous designs!

Saffron Ikat Travel Duffel

Chili Chevron Canvas Reef Drawstring

Natural Chevron Straw Islander Tote

Are you excited about the new TOMS collection? You can check out the rest of the bags here!

XO,

Casey

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This gorgeous new line is hand crafted in Malaysia and features items ranging from passport holders to nursing covers to diaper bags! The vibrant prints and bold colors make each item perfect for sunny days ahead.

Here’s a little bit about our Malaysian partners:

About the Project:

This social enterprise 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, we have helped facilitate a financial literacy program in the government-subsidized housing, have 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.

Check out some of my faves from the line below:

1. Batik Nursing Covers
2. Batik Diaper Bag
3. Batik Passport Holders
4. Batik iPhone 5 Cases
5. Batik By the Sea Infinity Scarf

Check out the whole line here.

And don’t forget! Our Pin It to Win It contest is still going on, featuring a way to win a clothing item of your choice from our new line of Passion Lilie tops, scarves, and bottoms! Check out the details here. You can enter through the end of February, which is approaching quickly!  (We’re ready for you, Spring!)

XO!

Casey

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Even though the fair trade movement has gained so much steam over the past few years, it’s still been a little difficult to find fun, fashionable fair trade clothing items. They haven’t seemed to be as plentiful as fair trade jewelry and accessories. But happily, that is no longer the case—introducing our brand new collaboration with ethical clothing company Passion Lilie!

We will begin carrying items from this fair trade, high-quality clothing line this month. From the ladies at Passion Lilie themselves:

Passion Lilie began with a desire to change the fashion industry, so that ethical fashion is affordable and accessible for everyone. We are a New Orleans based women’s fair trade clothing line that gives individuals, mainly women, in remote villages a unique opportunity to live a dignified life.

Mission: 

Our mission is to empower artisans across the world by creating dignified employment opportunities that give fair wages and safe and healthy working conditions. We believe that these positive job opportunities lead to sustainable societies and a better world. 

By purchasing fair trade garments, you are helping to reverse the cycle of poverty and to improve the world you live in. And the best part is that neither Passion Lilie nor our artisans are asking for a penny of your charity. We just want you to make a conscious purchase when you go to buy your next outfit.

Our product is for those who want to make a global impact while looking fashionable!

We are committed to:

Not only does the company have a wonderful mission and focus, but the designs and patterns of their items are whimsical and beautiful. Check out a few of my favorite pieces below:

That’s the Bahia Dress, Fleur de Lis Scarf in White, and Breton Shirt in Blue. Aren’t they perfect for Spring?

You can purchase the full line of products from our Website here, but before you go on a buying spree, why not try to win your fave item? Over the course of this month, Seven Hopes is doing a Pin It to Win It contest with our Passion Lilie products, and you’re invited!

During the entire month of February, pin on Pinterest as many Passion Lilie products from 7 Hopes as you would like with the hashtags #7hopesunited, #pinittowinit, and #ethicalfashion. We will choose one winner on March 1st, 2015, to receive the Passion Lilie product of their choice!

Are you excited about our new collaboration? Good luck pinning!

XO,

Casey

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This campaign is super inspiring! From the Buy a Lady a Drink Website:

“Today, 750 million people around the world live without access to clean water. This crisis disproportionately affects women, who walk a combined 200 million hours a day to collect clean water for their families. Stella Artois has partnered with Water.org and donated $1.2 million USD to help stop these journeys, so women can start new ones of their own. Show your support with these specially designed chalices inspired by the cultural heritage of India, Ethiopia, and Honduras. Every chalice purchased will provide 5 years of clean water for one person in the developing world.”

Think about that for a minute—purchasing one fun beer mug to add to your collection provides FIVE YEARS of clean drinking water for a person who walks miles each day currently just to collect the same water that flows freely from our faucets! You might be thinking, “I bet this chalice is like $100, which is pretty steep for a mug.” (The thought entered my mind.) But nope—it’s only $12! And they are lovely:

I know that I, for one, take clean water for granted every single day, multiple times a day. As I’m brushing my teeth, flushing the toilet, heating up water for my coffee, filling my ice cube trays … the list goes on. Anything I can do to help other women have this easy access to clean water so they can spend more time with their families and developing their careers, I’m all for it!

(Images via)

Have you heard about this campaign yet? Way to go, Water.org and Stella Artois!

XO,
Casey

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Hello and Happy weekend! How about a little catch-up session “coffee date” today? (Decaf for me and my 8 months pregnant belly!)

Isn’t that a beautiful quote above? I’ve heard it before, but something about it struck me in a new way recently. As many of us are struggling through a long, cold Winter, just waiting for Spring, I try to remind myself that seasons don’t have to be looked on as something to endure. Seasons—in weather or in life—-are inevitable, and resenting the inevitable is as pointless and frustrating as tapping on a brick wall and expecting it to give way. Maybe the way to view seasons is that they hold a treasure of their own, lessons to be learned, if we’re just willing to be students for a little while.

I’ve been (semi!) patiently waiting for my little girl to arrive in March, and already I find myself worrying about how fast she’ll grow, how her birth will be, how our family will cope with a brand new little person in our world. But every time I allow myself to dwell on these thoughts, I know I’m missing out on the excitement of rubbing my belly here and now, and appreciating who she already is right at this moment. I don’t want to miss the fun of reading stories to her as she’s snug in my belly while I’m busy worrying about how safe she’ll be in her crib later.

I often find myself getting restless to move to a bigger house—new baby! We need more room!, to a different city—surely somewhere Winter doesn’t exist!, to somehow vaguely try to control all of my surroundings and circumstances so they will match my version of what the American Dream should look like. But then I remember that every moment we’re given is a gift, and none of us are “owed” anything—especially not the perfect house, the perfect city, or the perfect possessions. And that “perfect” is a man-made concept that doesn’t exist.

When I find myself in these type of “wanting” moods, the best way I know how to fix it is to remind myself of how blessed I really am, then go out and bless someone else! Just picking out a gift to brighten a friend’s home instead of my own just feels right sometimes.

What about you? Are you going through a “season” of your own and just waiting for Spring? The good thing is, even though it’s often not as soon as we’d like, it always comes!

XO,

Casey

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