A treasure trove of joyful hearts.
2020 took an emotional toll on us all, so my goal this past December was to start 2021with an open, grateful, and hopeful heart. Launching my new collection of Joyful Hearts in time for Valentine’s Day was the obvious choice after hugs became “off limits” last year, and I knew I wanted to instill personal connection and joy into my creations. To be able to share the feeling of a warm embrace when friends and loved ones are at a distance became a priority for this hugger!
((Have you read about the science behind the six second hug?
Studies show that hugging for 6+ seconds causes the brain to release increased levels of oxytocin and serotonin, boosting your mood and promoting bonding.
Look it up!! I’m a firm believer in the benefits of a damn good hug.))
It was also the year to learn how to immerse yourself in self-care. 2020 shined a light on how to give yourself (guilt-free!) what you had only offered to others in the past, including time, energy, and yes, self-bought mementos. I’m a big advocate for boundaries and me-time, so I knew I wanted to send an extra thank you and self-care reminder with these love tokens.
I immediately reached out to my personal favorite for all of your self-care needs, Fiddlefish. Jess is a treasured friend who hand-crafts all of her products, so I was delighted when she agreed to creating heavenly scented soy candles with gardenia + rose to be shipped with each heart.
A year of love tokens, gifts from the heart, and handwritten cards (all purchased from small businesses, right?) filled with words of encouragement and hope have formed bonds stronger than we had before. I believe that re-building our communities with compassion and empathy is the key to a happy and successful life, and that starts within. While I can’t give you a physical hug during a pandemic, I’m here to offer gifts of the heart to wear with love. May these pieces bring you endless joy!
A portion of each Joyful Heart sale will also be donated to No Kid Hungry. Millions of kids are living with hunger right now because of the pandemic. This organization works tirelessly to end childhood hunger in America by providing access to not only food but nutrition programs for lasting health.
Don’t think I forgot about Valentine’s Day! I know it sounds like a great day to share love, but really every day is perfect for soulful connection and sweet surprises. You don’t need a reason, but any of these would be a great incentive to shower someone or yourself with love.
New mama alert! Treat them, or yourself, to a sparkling memento.
Gifting a heart (or hug, or sunshine, or rainbow) to a friend who lost a significant other/person in their life.
Life has proven to be a rollercoaster this past year. Surprising a loved one will reach farther in lifting their spirits than we realize.
Honor your heart.
xoCarlie