Happy Fair Trade Easter!

- Posted by to General

fairtrade_easter_chocolate

 

Easter is just a week away and I am actually already prepared!  I tend to bring the details of a holiday together just before the big day but this year I was lucky enough to find everything I needed for Easter in advance. I was excited to buy the fair trade bunnies from my local food coop in San Diego.  And I picked up a cute plush toy and Easter book for my son at another locally owned San Diego store.  For me this year Easter is not only about celebrating with friends and family but it is about supporting my local community while also supporting growers working for a better life for themselves and their families in the developing world.

I hope that your Easter is filled with loved ones, special memories and tasty fair trade treats!

Have a very Happy Easter – Dawn

 

Easy Tiramisu & It’s Fair Trade!

- Posted by to Recipes Tasty Tuesday

Not that long ago my mom hosted a tea party in my honor. She went all out for myself and a small group of friends.  There were several different teas to choose from served in beautiful teacups, each having its own back story.  And she made little sandwiches and scones and a delicious yet easy tiramisu that she found the recipe for in the back of one of her favorite mystery novels (“Scones & Bones” by Laura Childs – the fact that it came from the back of one of her favorite books make the dessert all that more adorable).

The other day she kindly helped me with the easy tiramisu recipe again and it was indeed easy tiramisu to make and it was again very tasty.

Recipe from Laura Childs’ “Scones & Bones”
Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 fl. oz.) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 package (3.3 oz.) white chocolate instant pudding mix (we used melted white chocolate chips instead)
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 8 oz. whipped topping
  • 1 cup fair trade chai tea
  • 1/4 cup fair trade white peony tea
  • 1/4 cup Kahlua
  • 1 Sara Lee pound cake
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened fair trade cocoa powder

Directions:
Combine the condensed milk, pudding mix (or melted white chocolate) and water then let chill for 30 minutes. When the mixture is chilled, beat in the cream cheese, then fold in the whipped topping. Combine the teas and Kahlua and reserve. Slice the pound cake into 1/2-inch slices and place one layer in a large glass bowl.  Add a layer of the tea mixture, then layer in the pudding mixture and add another layer.  Then sprinkle on some unsweetened cocoa. Repeat the layers, then cover and chill for at least 6 hours. Enjoy!

Have a great day, Dawn

easytiramisu_collage

p.s. (Did you notice my mom’s adorable Strawberry Shortcake Apron?)

Coffee Date : ONE

- Posted by to coffee date

I’ve seen the idea of a virtual coffee date on some of my favorite blogs like Eat, Live, Run and The Weigands. They are beautiful posts from the heart, where we can catch up on life whether or not we have ever met or you are nearby.

If we were having coffee, I would probably take you to one of my favorite coffee shops in Pacific Beach – 976 Cafe. I would order a Macadamia Blanco with soy milk (just because I think it tastes better). I would tell you that I have been a little heavy-hearted lately, but am trying to remain positive.

I would tell you that I went out with the guys for St. Patricks Day this weekend and ended up having a great time.

I would tell you that I spent the morning picking out some super cute fair trade accessories for our spring line. And I want them all in my house immediately!

collage-accessories-new

I would tell you that I need to go grocery shopping. And that I’ve been wanting to make my own granola.

I would tell you that I can’t believe my husband and I have been married for almost 6 months already. He makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world and his unconditional support is the thing I love about him most.

I would ask you how you’re doing and what is happening in your world.

I would tell you that some days I feel like I am doing everything right, and others I feel like I am desperately failing…

I would tell you that having a shortbread cookie and coffee for breakfast was exactly what my soul needed this morning.

kuba-kreations

I would tell you that I am thankful, and we should do this again soon.

xoxo Ash

Fair Trade Party Planning – A Garden Party

- Posted by to General

Do you love Downton Abbey?  You quite possibly may since millions of us apparently watch the British series.  I will admit to you that I am one of the millions.  I adore Downton Abbey and that is saying quite a lot because I actually don’t like television much at all.  But back to the beloved television show, hearken back to season one during the final episode for a moment won’t you.  Mary and Matthew are caught in their ‘will they won’t they’ while the rest of the family is at a lovely garden party. And that lovely garden party brings me to the topic at hand: A Fair Trade Garden Party.

Spring is a wonderful time to be outside with friends and family so why not throw a lovely little garden party? Sure throwing any party can be nerve wracking because of the details that go into a party. We at Seven Hopes United can’t plan your party for you but we can help make the day even more beautiful with our lovely serving items and linens, of which you can find my favorites below.

Have a great day, Dawn

PicMonkey Collage_fair trade garden party

Fair Trade “Spring Break” Edition!

- Posted by to General

Greetings friends! It’s almost the end of March—how did that happen?

Are you gearing up for a fun Spring Break trip in the next couple of weeks? (We may be adults, but who decided that Spring Break is only for school kids? I would like to formally issue a complaint with them, if you happen to know their email address.)
Spring Break

I’m heading to Florida next week with my family and I couldn’t be more excited. So what’s a girl to pack in her lime-green suitcase, other than her fave sunnies, a few strappy dresses, and five (ok, maybe six) swimsuits? How about some new fun fair trade finds? See my accessory picks below for a breezy, fashion-filled week at the beach:

Jewelry collage 21. Classic Tagua Bracelet in Jade This fab piece would be perfect with a brightly colored maxi for an evening walk to the pier!
2. Natural Agate Rings These beauties would add a little flair to your fave LBD.
3. Kantha Hair Flower Clip Could anything say “Spring Break” more?
4. 31BITS Gypsy Cuff Beautiful, especially paired with other pieces from this line!

So now that we’re perfectly accessorized, how about some more practical fair trade items to throw in your suitcase? Don’t worry, they’re just as much fun as jewelry:

PicMonkey Collage 3

5. Cocoki Market Tote Bag Perfect for toting a bottle of sunscreen, plus Us Weekly Mag War and Peace along to the beach!
6. Shimmer Sseko Sandal Straps I’ve waxed poetic about these gorgeous sandals and straps before, but these ones are shimmery! Enough said.
7. Dead Sea Bath Salts Every good Spring Breaker knows the ocean dries out your skin. Dump these into your bath at night for a soothing fix!
8. Recycled Ginger Ale Bottle Soy Candle And while you’re in there—make sure to light this unique fresh-smelling candle for a full spa experience. After all, you’re on vacation!

Are you going on a Spring Break trip? Will you be adding any fair trade goodies to your suitcase?

Bon Voyage!

XO,
Casey