‘Twas the The Week After Christmas

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‘Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the house,
the natives were sleepy, down to the last little mouse.
The stockings and boxes were packed away with care,
empty and folded, no more presents filling the air.

The children lay nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of New Year’s cheer danced in their heads.
And I in my flannel, and hubby in his cap,
Had just settled down for a cozy winter’s nap.

When from the living room there arose such a clatter,
I leapt from the couch to see what was the matter.
Away from the bed I flew like a flash,
Super speedy, just like Steve Nash.

From the computer screen there arose such a glow,
there had to be something exciting going on, this I did know.
What, to my astonished eyes should appear,
but a fair trade Website, shining brighter than 8 tiny reindeer.

With a beam and a shimmer, so lively and quick,
fair trade goodies danced from the computer screen, more real than St. Nick!
There were serving platters and tapestries and other home delights,
And Kimono robes and tie-dye scarves–oh, what a sight!

To the top of the ceiling, to the end of the wall,
merry fair trade angels flew, proclaiming sales for all!
And then in a twinkling, they faded away,
leaving only beautiful 31 BITS dust that made me wish they could stay.

I touched the glowing screen and thought about how I want my year to end,
By giving, and loving, and knowing each person across the world needs a friend.
So I gathered my Visa gift cards and thanked my shopping angels above,
for a beautiful vision of fair trade love!

Got any cash or gift cards this Christmas? We can think of a pretty good use for them! :)

XO,
Casey

Fair Trade Jewelry for Your New Year’s Eve!

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The Cascade Necklace is beautiful and elegant and can be worn with a dress or jeans and a blouse.

Is 2013 really almost over!?! I cannot believe that Christmas is over and that New Year’s Eve is just around the corner.  Last year for New Year’s Eve I went to a really large and festive party to ring in the New Year.  It was Great Gatsby themed, so we all dressed up in ’20s dresses and suits and I even wore a peacock feather headdress.  It was a really fun party but this year I will be having a much calmer and more low-key NYE with close friends at their house.  And I am looking forward to that get together as much as I looked forward to the party last year! But no matter what you do to usher in 2014, I think that it is always fun to get dressed up.  Here are a few of my picks for both the laid back and more festive New Year’s Eve!

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The 31 Bits Penelope Bracelet adds just enough color and flare to any outfit.

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A few strands of Camellia Necklaces are so fun and festive and all the colors go well together so you can go monochrome or wear a rainbow of colors with a little black dress or even a lovely yellow or grey sheath!

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The Sofia Tagua Earrings in berry are easy breezy! Just hanging out with a few friends or your family and want something simple and elegant then these are for you!

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These Sterling Sliver Drop Earrings with Turquoise are just classic. Their clean lines with a pop or color go with anything and are appropriate for almost every NYE occasion.

 

Happy New Year! – Dawn

 

 

How Tuesday: Surviving the Holidays

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The holidays are a great time and a stressful time too! Today, I would like to share with you some ways I get past the stress of the season.

Laughter!

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Laughter can lighten the tensest of times.  And the mustaches on these Recycled Cork Coasters can make an adorable accessory in a funny family photo!

A Conversation Starter!

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How about wearing a simple black dress with a bold piece of jewelry like this 31Bits Swift Necklace? Take attention away from any family or friend drama by talking about the value of beautiful fair trade jewelry!

Food!

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There may be nothing that brings people together like food! Want to lighten the mood…serve some tasty cheese or crackers on this lovely Brooklyn Slate Cheese Board to draw the attention back to the happy, fun and food filled times that is the holidays!

If all else fails…Run & Hide!

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This Unique iPad Case in Colorful Flowers holds your salvation. Tired of talking, debating, eating and all else that comes with this time of year well then escape with a good book or magazine or internet search on your iPad!

May you and yours have a very merry and very stress free holiday season.

Merry Christmas – Dawn

Last-Minute Fair Trade Gifts!

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It’s December 20! (5 days till Christmas, if you’re math-challenged :)). Are your fair trade gifts merrily wrapped under the tree? Or are they, ahem, still sitting in your online shopping cart or on the store shelves just waiting for you?

If that’s the case with your Seven Hopes gifts, you can still order TODAY for last-minute delivery by Christmas! Is your cart not as full as you’d like? Here are a few of our fave fair trade gifts!

1. Unique iPad Case: A pretty and unique iPad case handmade by a fair trade cooperative in Rajasthan, India. A stylish alternative that is nicely padded for protection of devices. Each iPad case is unique due to the variety of colorful floral fabrics!

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2. Shibori Cotton Scarf: These scarves are made from 100% cotton by artisans in India, and embellished with fine tie-dye. Each scarf has a soft crinkled look, and comes in three colors: pink, blue, and green. Your purchase provides fair wages to talented artisans in India, and helps their communities rise above poverty.

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3. Camellia Necklace: This gorgeous piece will make any lady in your life smile!  31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families.

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4. Pink Woven Storage Basket: Surely there’s a spot in their home for our Pink Woven Storage Basket! This sturdy woven basket will have no trouble holding anything from toys to blankets. It’s also available in aqua – mix and match colors!

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5. Dreambean Himalayan Bath Salts: Help them unwind with Fair Trade, Himalayan bath salts, packaged in a glass french square jar. Each naturally pink hued soaking salt is lightly scented with phthalate-free body care oils, and will soothe muscles, soften skin, and make a spa out of any tub.

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Give the gift of hope this year by giving ethically! Got any last-minute fair trade gift ideas? We’d love to hear them!

XO,

Casey

Holiday Wishes for You & Yours!

This holiday season I wish you much happiness and joy.  I wish you many happy memories that make you smile throughout the year and your life.  I wish that you have a New Year that is filled with meaningful experiences, and new friends, and the comfort of old friends and beloved family.

 

And wishing you evenings filled with hot coffee, tea, coco or mulled wine and much laughter.

And may the cold nights of winter be warmed with cozy blankets.

And may the soft glow of candlelight bring you rest and relaxation after hectic days.

Happy Holidays to You & Yours!

Dawn