After I wrote about my search for ethically made clothing recently, I was contacted by Antoine Didienne, the president of a new online, fair trade store called VavaVida. Now, my blog is small and I’m not often sought out by companies, so I was excited to learn more about their mission, which Antoine assured me would be a great fit! It turns out that VavaVida is a store after my own heart, and their purpose is to help others around the world through the sale of fair trade and organic accessories, including jewelry, yoga gear, and specialty foods.
VavaVida donates 10% of each item to the country of its origin, and works with PCI, a non-profit organization with a three-fold purpose to “prevent disease, improve community health, and promote sustainable development worldwide.” Together VavaVida and PCI focus on the WE (Women Empowered) Program in an effort to promote social and economic independence for women across the world. This effort clearly aligns with VavaVida’s belief that small, everyday choices can help change the world for the better. When we choose to buy fair trade products, we help provide a reliable income for our neighbors in other countries, and little decisions like that can add up to big changes.
To commemorate The Day of the African Child, held each year on June 16th, VavaVida is donating 25% of the sale of each Healing Hearts Fair Trade Bracelet all month long to provide medical care to children in Kenya, where the bracelet is made. Antoine graciously sent me a bracelet to review, and I am honored to wear it. The Healing Hearts Bracelet features four separate strands of handmade beads, joined together by a lovely heart clasp.
(The gorgeous clasp of the Healing Hearts Bracelet by VavaVida.)
I’m a big fan of layering bracelets, but sometimes the heaviness and clinking drives me crazy. The beads on this bracelet are made from wrapped paper, so they are extremely lightweight, and since the bracelet is strung with stretchy thread, it’s easy to accessorize in a second. The beautiful clasp adds another element of interest and makes the jewelry so lovely. I’ve already worn this bracelet out and about, and it is definitely an eye-catching piece that can spark conversations about fair trade.
I am thrilled to support VavaVida’s mission in partnership with PCI, and I encourage you to visit their online store to learn more about their other products. too. Simple buying decisions can have a bigger impact on this world, and what a wonderful way to help make a difference.
I can’t believe it’s the middle of June already! We celebrated Father’s Day this past weekend and enjoyed being outside before it gets really, really hot. Shayla and I decided to combine two weeks worth of questions into one post this week.
Today’s question is: What Are Your Short and Long-Term Blogging Goals?
First, I should tell you that I’m really bad when it comes to goal setting. I’m a planner and an organizer, but goals? Not so much. This past winter, I signed up for an online class on making life lists, and well, I dropped out. So there’s that. I have nothing against goals and I think they are great motivators for lots of people. I’m also not what I’d consider very spontaneous, but I’ve just never been excited when it comes to setting goals.
As far as this blog goes, I really just enjoy writing and sharing things I love with you. Blogging definitely provides a creative outlet for me, and has led to new interests like photography and, most recently, ethical fashion. Plus, I’ve met a lot of amazing people I might not meet otherwise, like Shayla. I’m not in this for money or fame, and in some ways, I’m kind of along for the ride.
This year, I knew I wanted to re-design my blog, and I did that with the help of a graphic designer. I planned and hosted a small blogger event, and I hope to hold more of those as my family’s schedule allows, too. I might go to Alt Summit again next year, but I might not. We’ll have to see.
So that’s kind of how my mind works when it comes to goal setting, I guess. I’m really happy where I am, and I just hope things can continue in the same manner. I get excited to write and post every week, and I hope to stay inspired as a blogger. Maybe when my boys are in school full-time, I can spread my wings a bit and find some freelance writing work. I think that would be fun.
My first anniversary here is coming up soon, and I can’t believe how far I’ve come since last summer. None of it was really planned out, and it’s been an amazing adventure so far. I’m excited to see where the next year will take me, and I hope you’ll continue to follow along, too. And don’t forget to check out Shayla’s response today! She’s all about goal setting and list making, which I really admire, so I’m excited to see what she says at Northern Exposure.
(Plants on my back porch at dusk.)
This week we settled into our normal routine and tried to stay cool in the heat. It’s only going to get hotter from here, so I’m always on the hunt for inside activities for the boys. And the BIG news at our house this week is that Rhys is officially out of diapers! He’s moved on to pull-ups, which means he’s inching closer to becoming fully potty-trained. One day soon, I’ll be able to cross that off my description over there on the sidebar. Here are a few things that caught my attention this week.
An interesting article on Macklemore and Ryan Lewis‘ unusual rise to fame. “I’ma take your grandpa’s style…”
If you missed Monday’s Google Doodle in honor of Maurice Sendak’s birthday, you can catch it here. Be sure to watch the entire clip, because it’s so adorable.
A gorgeous wedding photo shoot featuring real-life brides.
Designer India Hicks profiled on Cote de Texas and interviewed on The Skirted Roundtable.
How astronauts’ wives became the first reality stars.
Using art and television to discuss scary subjects with children.
This weekend, we’ve got a birthday party and several Father’s Day celebrations, too. Have a wonderful weekend!
