Happy Valentine's Day

Just wanted to take a moment and wish all of you a very Happy Valentine's Day and share one of my absolute favorite prayers:

Nothing is more practical than

 finding God, than

 falling in Love

 in a quite absolute, final way. 

What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination,

 will affect everything. 

It will decide 

what will get you out of bed in the morning, 

what you do with your evenings,

 how you spend your weekends,

 what you read, whom you know,

 what breaks your heart, 

and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

 Fall in Love, stay in love,

 and it will decide everything.

- Pedro Arrupe, SJ

I hope your days are filled with joy, laughter and, of course, Love!

Peace,
Sarah

ps - there's a beautiful image/design of the entire poem that cant be found here.

**Participating in this month's Circle Link Up

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Gifts That Give: Valentine's Day Edition

With Valentine's Day just around the corner I thought it would be nice to share another meaningful gift guide filled with beautiful items that strive to respect the dignity of those who create them.

And not only are these items gifts that give, but they are also great alternatives to the not-so-original gifts you typically find for Valentines. I mean, just how many stuffed animals holding hearts need to be made each year? And I know I'm not the only one who usually donates them within a year - two max!

Searching for thoughtful gifts with meaning helps me to enter more fully into the celebration of love each year. That doesn't mean that I don't gravitate to gifts with hearts or those that are red, pink or purple, but I do try to find unique items and items that are Fair Trade certified to make sure that my holiday celebration doesn't come at the expense of others.

Below are just a few of the many options you could give to a loved one this Valentine's that aim to provide a fair wage to the hands that went into making them. Each link contains some information about the particular item and how the sellers are working to make the world a better place through their business practices.

1. The Root Collective - Gabby in Cranberry Spiral 

2. Mata Traders - Have To Tri These Earrings

3. OpenSky - Pollock Pink Scarf

4. OpenSky - Mukisa Necklace

5. Uncommon Goods - Precious Dipped Lace Heart Necklace

6. Allafia - Everyday Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion (Lavender)

7. RGB Nail Polish - in violet, bare, and coral

Beyond these, there's always Fair Trade chocolate, wine, and coffee - the true way to my heart ;)
Or you could always plan a day together or make a gift to cut on costs and consumption!

What are your plans this Valentine's?

Peace,
Sarah

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