The Good Beginning

By Beth Helmstetter Events

Archives for February 2018

GIFTS FOR NEWLYWEDS WHO WANT TO GIVE BACK

We were so thrilled to share our top picks for gifts for Newlyweds who want to give back with Martha Stewart Weddings. We shared 10 gifts for those guests who want to give a tangible gift but still want to support the couple’s wish to do a little good. Here’s just three of our favorites, but we’d love for you to head over to Martha Stewart to see the full spread of gifts that are changing the lives of artisans and communities around the world.

Wooden Spoons created by artisans in third world countries to assist in their rise out of poverty as curated and sold by Badala.

Handblown decanter crafted by Anna Karlin, an independent artisan in New York and sold by Food52.

The Prosperity Candle, which is hand-poured by a woman refugee living in America, has the mission to help people escape poverty. Sold at Prosperity Candle.

Marble serving board handcrafted by master artisans in Puebla, Mexico, each piece is made from start to finish in a fair-trade environment and sold by The Citizenry.

 

FAIR TRADE WELCOME BAGS FROM THE LITTLE MARKET

If you haven’t checked out The Little Market, it’s a must. Filled with so many products that empower women artisans through the world, this lil company makes it super easy to give something beautiful while making an impact. We are especially loving these Fair Trade Burlap bags which happen to be available for all of the top wedding destinations from Aspen to Hawaii to Jackson Hole and more.

Each purchase supports Corre Jute. Corr Jute empowers destitute, rural women in Bangladesh through handicraft production. The women artisans, who are mostly illiterate, make beautiful handicrafts with local materials during free time between household activities. Corr Jute not only creates market access, but also provides job training and develops leadership skills. The women are able to supplement their marginal family income, contributing towards better living conditions.

CELEBRATE THE DAY OF LOVE WITHOUT GOING OUT TO DINNER

The pressure. The lines. The wait. The hype. Reasons that going out to dinner the night of Valentine’s can sometimes feel well, not worth it.

Celebrating your love on the day of love is sweet and a nice opportunity to appreciate each other.  Sometimes though the crowds or life can just get in the way so if you can’t celebrate the day or night of, then making a point to do something together is what it’s really about.

Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate love that doesn’t require having had made those reservations 2 weeks ago.

FOR THE FOODIE

A pizza-making contest, of course. Stock up on some fun toppings and your favorite recipe (if you want to be a bit animal friendly while you’re at it, check out this deliciousness courtesy of Minimalist Baker). Make it a night of staying in and see who can make the best heart shaped pizza. The winner gets as many Valentine’s kisses as their little heart desires!

For the basics, check out Brandless– which has everything from olive oil to pizza sauce and more at about $3 each with a mission to do good. Every time you order from them they will then donate a meal to those who face hunger through their nonprofit partner, Feeding America. What could be better?!

FOR THE ACTIVE ONES

Your gym membership has a ton of classes you’ve probably haven’t taken. Choose one for both of you to attend whether it’s yoga, spin or zumba it will be a fun experience.  And afterwards you can enjoy the gym sauna together. If you can indulge, a couple’s massage would be even better afterwards for all those muscles you worked out. To incorporate a little love for the world into the mix, consider getting your someone a little gift from prAna, whose activewear is not only amazing, but sustainably made and making an impact on the world. With a percentage of each sale going to support several local and national charities (read more here…), you can certainly share the love while pampering your someone.

FOR THE BUSY COUPLE

Deadlines, work, chores? We get it life is busy, but you can use Valentine’s as an excuse to get away from the busyness of life and just be – with each other that is.

Purposeful fresh air and intentionally taking a break is maybe what the doctor ordered for you busy-bodies. Just taking a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood is a nice way to circle back with your other half. If where you live allows it, a walk on the beach, or park or anywhere outdoorsy is a definite plus. Nature has a way of being a quick natural pick-me-up as well as reminds you what we are all fighting so hard to protect.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovers out there! We won’t be seeing you at the restaurants 😉