Feel Good Entertaining (with GlobeIn!)

Last Friday, I shared with you guys the story of why I make a home every time we move. I chatted about how creating a real home no matter where we are or for how long helps us, as a family, feel safe, comfortable, and happy as we transition communities every few years. What I didn’t touch on in that post is one other aspect of why I create: because it’s empowering.

I learned early on in my marriage that making things myself was empowering and good for my self confidence. There was just something about the pure and simple act of making things with my own two hands that satisfied a sense of purpose, creativity, and drive deep within me. While it was purely a hobby at first, over the years crafting has become my sanity, my passion and my lifeline as a stay-at-home mom…and even lead me to start this little blog, which in turn has helped me contribute to our family income. On a daily basis, crafting gives me confidence, courage, pleasure, and satisfaction. It runs through me and is part of who I am and how I live my life.

When GlobeIn, a small San Francisco-based startup with a mission of supporting artisans and farmers from around the world reached out to me about sampling one of their Artisan Boxes, I wasn’t sure it was a good match for me or this blog. But as I read deeper into the mission of the company and the products within the boxes, I found myself wanting to support other women around the globe who were also enhancing and improving their lives through craft…and in such more potent ways! What arrived on my doorstep was a true treat indeed, and I can’t wait to share it with you today!

GlobeIn offers monthly subscriptions of Global Artisan Boxes, which are small, carefully curated, thematic collections of mostly organic and fair-trade items from all over the world. Past collections have included themes such as “Picnic,” “Refresh,” and “Bake,” and most include both hand-made items and fair-trade foods. I got to sample their latest box: “Entertain.”

The box is small but mighty. It was packed tightly and neatly was a plethora of treasures, and it was such a treat to pull out and unpack each one! Included in this Artisan Box was:

• Palm Leaf Basket from Mexico
• Tea-Time Bunting from India
• Coasters from Ghana
• Spice mix from Palestine
• Sun-dried Tomato Caper Spread from Palestine

My favorite element, however, was the little book that accompanies the set and details the story and cause behind each carefully selected item. I loved reading about how, why, and where each item was made and the personal stories of the women changing their lives by making these unique and wonderful items with their own hands!

Since the theme of the box was “Entertain,” I decided to pull together a charming little tablescape to show off the collection of items. With little effort, all the included items came together to create such a bright, fresh, and feel-good mid week soiree!

The basket, made of palm leaves by women in Mexico,  was the perfect little centerpiece. A simple succulent pulled from the mantel and placed inside became the focal point for our table.

I strung up the adorable bunting (in two of my favorite colors!) to add a punch of color and contrast a simple bird and flower table cloth.

For an appetizer, I toasted up little rounds of whole wheat bread and served them with the Sun-Dried Tomato Caper spread from Palestine…yuuuuuumm…

  

…and served them alongside a light wine. The coasters were my personal favorite. Made by women in Ghana from traditional batik fabrics (from up-cycled saris!) and the plastic from the bags they carry fresh water in. The colors are vibrant and fun, and the craftsmanship is just lovely!

The generous box of thyme, also from Palestine, had an incredible aroma that you could smell the moment you opened the box! I combined a handful with panko to bread and bake some simple and delicious chicken!

All together, we were able to enjoy a beautiful and wholesome meal thanks to this lovely little collection of goodies.

I love supporting small and worthy causes like these sought out and championed by Globe In, and I love having unique, special, wholesome, and ethical products in our homes and in our bodies. Because of where we live (any my lack of time!), getting these kinds of products often proves challenging. While I would love to go putz through stores to find such treasures, I LOVE that Globe In offers subscriptions that can bring these items right to my door, no matter where I am or how much time I have!

Artisan Baskets are such a fun monthly treat to yourself and would also make awesome housewarming, welcome-to-the-neighborhood, and bridal shower gifts! If you’re interested in trying out and supporting the Globe In artists and farmers, you’re in luck! GlobeIn is offering a coupon to The Homes I Have Made Readers! Just enter THIHM at checkout to save 25% off your first month’s box with the purchase of 3+month subscription!!!! 

While this isn’t my typical stye post, I honestly had so much fun exploring, styling, cooking with, and photographing these items. I do hope you’ll check out GlobeIn and see what other awesome items they have for sale!

I have been a busy, busy bee at my sewing machine lately. Coming up Friday and into next week, I’ve got a lot of textile projects to share with you! See you back here soon!

I did not receive compensation for this blog post; however GlobeIn did provide the “Entertain” Artisan Box for me to use and review. Please remember that I only work with brands and products I fully support and that make sense for my home, my family, and this blog. All opinions are 100% my own!