The Angel Forever

Handmade Artisan Goods from Heart of Haiti

Posted on October 17, 2013 12:45 pm by TheAngelForever

Almost four years ago, an earthquake forever changed the lives of the people of Haiti. The pictures that we saw on the news never could give us the entire story of the families suddenly homeless and trying to make a living. While at TypeACon in Atlanta, I had the opportunity to chat with Danica from The Everywhere Society. She mentioned a project where they were connecting bloggers to learn and share information about the Heart of Haiti line of products. While I had heard the name before, I did not know a lot about it. Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative started by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, and Macy’s. I agreed to learn more and was sent a piece from the collection sold at Macy’s to be able to see it for myself.

A little more information about the program for those that may not be familiar:

The Heart of Haiti initiative provides artists with an opportunity to make a living feed their families and pay their children’s school fees. Already, The Heart of Haiti collection has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti providing financial benefits for an estimated 5,000 people in the country.

The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings. The craftsmanship and technique behind these works of art, ranging from papier-mâché vases to hand cut metal frames & wall hangings, is truly remarkable. The collection is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums & local gommier wood. Sharing a “gift that gives back” is a great way to raise awareness and celebrate artistry and regrowth.

The initiative allows opportunities for artists to work with US designers, helping strengthen international artisan relationships and making their products viable in the US market. The Heart of Haiti campaign pays in excess of fair wage to the talented artisans who create the product, giving them the dignity of work and economic self-determination.

When I received my package and opened it up, it took my breath away. The level of detail, artistry, and skill is beyond anything I had ever seen in metal. I received the Flower Bud 4×6 picture frame. The frame included a little information about the Heart of Haiti program and the artist. Myrta Balan made my frame and she was the first woman metal artisan in Croix des Bouquets. The information states that her inspiration was The Tree of Life, which symbolizes the goodness and bounty of the universe. Balan, along with the other artisans in her village, use oil drums to bring metal art capturing nature to life.

I love that half of the wholesale price of the pieces sold at Macy’s goes back to allow the artisans to care for their families through their beautiful work. My picture frame is just one of the many items available for purchase and I have to admit, I am pretty intrigued by their jewelry items. I know that our frame will be getting an autumn family photo in it soon and I plan on hanging it over our pass through from the dining room to the kitchen. Knowing the history of this piece and the artist will make me smile each day when I see it.

Disclosure: As mentioned above, I received the picture frame from Heart of Haiti to be able to see one of their handmade pieces to share on my website. There was no other compensation and all opinions are my own.

Categories:
gift ideas real world news

Sparkle Minnie Ears in the Name of Autism Advocacy

Posted on October 16, 2013 1:18 pm by TheAngelForever

Being a parent advocate for any child is an important part of the world of parenting. Then, add into the mix, being an autism advocate each and every day while living in the moment. This is my world, and while I would never change a thing, it can be challenging and overwhelming at times. Over the last year, I have learned how to use my voice to more effectively communicate with the individuals that work with my son. The team that works with him listens to me and knows that I will back them up and be as patient as possible.

Of course, when a meeting crops up and you are the parent, nerves can get the better of you. For some reason, these meetings were so much different on the other side of the table as the teacher. No matter how many meetings you prepare for, the serious nature can get to you. This morning, I was done feeling that way and sent out the following Tweet:

Before I knew it, I was pulling out my ears, sharing a photo, and debating this.

For ten minutes, I debated what to do. Then I felt the tension in the house as we left toward school and put my ears on. First, I wanted to see if the boys would notice. They did, mostly because my depth perception getting into the car with said sparkle ears was a bit off. Ooops!

As we walked into school, I was smiling and less nervous. The kids and I had fun seeing the reactions of a parent in New York walking into a school with Minnie Mouse ears.

The best part was keeping a straight face and acting like I was doing nothing out of the ordinary. Seriously, it was therapeutic. Yes, my Minnie ears gave me laughs and brought me smiles as I was heading into a meeting.

When asked why I was wearing them, I admitted it was to make me laugh so I wouldn’t cry. The reality was this little bit of Disney sparkle and magic helped me through this autism moment. You see, Disney reminds me of a place where I know my son can be who he is without the stresses of every day life. He can be happy, we can all be kids at heart with less worries, and most people do not judge. That is magic and sometimes you just have to bring that little bit of Disney home with you and use it when you need it.

Oh and a special little thank you to Emily, your post yesterday made me think of wearing my ears today.

Categories:
Disney parenting Special Needs

Tuesday Tales – Robotics with Kathy Ceceri

Posted on October 15, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Some of the proudest moments as a parent have been watching my children learn to love and explore the world of science. NHL (10) and JSL (6) both adore doing science experiments, going to science museums, and reading about the wonders of the scientific world. Seeing the expression on their faces as they learn the how’s and why’s of items takes my breath away. If you do not get this, I’m sorry it may just be the geeky science teacher in me coming out

When we went to the Mini Maker Faire at Emma Willard over the weekend, I knew that we had to stop to see Kathy Ceceri. I have known Kathy online for quite a while and we often chat about the world of education, science, and other items like that. Kathy’s website, Crafts for Learning, highlights ways to make learning more fun. In addition to this, Kathy helped to create the Geek Mom blog and co-authored the book Geek Mom: Projects, Tips, and Adventures for Moms and Their 21st-Century Families. After we visited the TARDIS at the Maker Faire, we walked across the room to the Amazing Robotics area where Kathy book Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future was featured

The boys were a little hesitant at first. They were not sure if they were allowed to touch things. Then Kathy warmed them up. She showed them the different items and explained what they were. The kids were actively engaged, learning, and having fun. While they listened, TechyDad and I took at look at the book and knew that we had to purchase it. The items on the table were in the book and we knew that we would all want to try these again at home. I know the boys can not wait to try to build out own Tiny Robot Walker (Passive Dynamic Mini-Walker in the book). Kathy had one of these on display for the kids to check out and you can see a video she made of it here:

No doubt we will have more to share as we explore more of Kathy’s book and begin to make some of our own items from the Robotics book. Would your children like to explore robotics and make something at home? I would love to hear your thoughts. As always, Tuesday Tales is all about sharing our love of books. Please let me know what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.

Disclosure: As noted above, we purchased the book from Kathy and admit to having her autograph it for the boys while we were there.

Categories:
books Educational local event Tuesday Tales

Smartphone Screen Glare

Posted on October 14, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Part of the reason I finally decided to ditch my dumb phone and get a smartphone, was to be connected. If I was out and about at a park, I could check in for an important email. When traveling, I would not have to worry about bringing my laptop and signing onto Wi-Fi. What I quickly realized with many of my phones was that just because you have your phone with you, it does not mean you will be able to use it. My troubles have had nothing to do with my 4G-LTE connection on Verizon Wireless, it was the screen glare associated with phones that I otherwise adored. There is nothing more annoying than missing a call or message and not being able to see if it was your child’s school calling because the lighting made it impossible. That is the reality that I have had with many different smartphones, including two previous Motorola Droids (Bionic and RAZR HD).

As part of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I recently received a new Motorola Droid Mini.

No stranger to the Droids, I quickly had the basics set up and was ready to head out with my family to the Emma Willard Marker Faire this weekend. It was an absolutely gorgeous autumn day. The sun was out and making it hard to see walking from location to location. Without thinking about it, I was able to use my Droid Mini to make a Vine, create a few collages to share on Instagram, and Tweet. When I missed a call, I was able to read the screen perfectly in the middle of a soccer field.

Even with the sun shining that you can clearly see in the photos above (taken on the Droid Mini), I was able to see everything. I did not have to shield my screen, twist my head, or hide under a tree for some shade. I was able to see everything. So while the boys were watching a Flying Pizza Box, I was able to use photos taken earlier in low lighting to share our TARDIS experience.

Yes, our Whovian family wore our Doctor Who shirts just for this occasion and the kids adored seeing the TARDIS created by Tech Valley Center of Gravity. It was a fun filled family day at Emma Willard where I got to know my new Droid Mini, Minnie, a little more. Thanks to this phone, I now know the importance of looking for a phone that can be used outside without the dreaded glare stare issues that so many phone suffer from. Now, while I wait outside of school, I can have confidence that I can check my email in any lighting situation.

Do you have glare issues with your smartphone? I would love to know how you battle this when you are out and about and need to use your phone.

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I received the Motorola Droid Mini to test out and share ways that I use it in my life. There was no other compensation. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.

Categories:
local event Technology

Unique Gifts from Sweet Lil’ You Boutique

Posted on October 11, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

While I love making gifts for family and friends, I also adore finding unique items and helping out artists on Etsy. I met Sarah Bouvier of sweet lil’ you years ago at a hockey rink. She and her friend had season tickets for the Albany River Rats near by my season tickets. We would often chat before and after games. Years went by and suddenly I “bumped” back into Sarah online thanks to Twitter. I saw the amazing wedding that she planned via Facebook and was blown away with her creativity. Then, I watched as she started blogging about becoming a first time mother and being adopted. Her way with words in posts about her daughter, heading to Disney, and crafting always impress me. Still, there is more to Sarah.

While staying at home with her beautiful daughter Avery, Sarah has started an Etsy store called sweet lil’ you boutique featuring several different items that she makes. The first time I saw her personalized wood block pieces I feel in love. If you are not sure what I mean by these, check out some of her beautiful creations below.

Wedding gifts, gifts for a new home, or something special for a teacher. Sarah’s boutique has something for everyone, or she will work with you on whatever you are looking for. Here are some items that she has for the upcoming holiday season:

I have seen Sarah’s work in person. While she was brainstorming on possible items for a store, she sent us one of her examples that has already been gifted. I loved how the blocks were just the right size, able to be stacked differently, and were made to fit the personality of the people needed. Seriously, just look at this photo of one Sarah made for her own family. I think you may be able to figure out one of her favorite sporting teams.

So my question to you this week:

What would you love to have Sarah of sweet lil’ you boutique create for you and why? Yes, we are calling this pre-holiday brainstorming.

Disclosure: None – Sarah is a friend and I asked to feature her beautiful work on my blog. Friends support and toot the horn for other friends.

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this Friday fun. These days, Pamela at A Renaissance Woman is reviving the fun Friday Meme. Head over there to link up and join in the fun.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An Island Life