Sigh!  Relief!  Football season for my 10-year-old   officially ended last Sunday.  The season finished with my son playing on the offensive line representing the All-Star team for the West Division of our league. His team won against the East 25-6. The next day at the Banquet he won Defensive Lineman of the Year!  We’re all smiles!

I took one week off to do nothing. Well, not quite nothing, but my actions felt like nothing compared to rushing off to practice 6-8 p.m. several nights a week.

Today I was supposed to begin my holiday shopping.  Well I did.  Sorta kinda!  I could not resist and bought for myself.  Does that count? I attended a  International Fair Trade Gift Fair  at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. The event was hosted by the South Fair Trade Alliance and  “builds social economic, social and environmental justice through Fair Trade.”  The vendors are socially conscious, warm, friendly persons, who share a common passion of helping others.

“Fair trade supports farmers and craftspeople in developing countries who are socially and economically marginalized.  These producers lack economic opportunity and often face steep hurdles in finding markets and customers for their goods.

Fair trade is much more than just trade.  At the core of the fair trade model is a direct, cooperative, and in-depth relationship between buyers and sellers that keeps all of the principles of fair trade at the forefront.” –Fair Trade Federation

The best part about the shopping experience at the Fair Trade Fair is that you learn while you shop! An abundance of literature is available at most tables, so if you take your kids with you, the shopping experience will be educational and enlightening.

The vendors are socially and environmentally conscious, warm, friendly, knowledgable, and are dedicated to Fair Trade.    Of course, I love the endless supply of unique, handmade, and cool merchandise for sale.

I love dark chocolate and could not resist buying this treat.

Original pieces like this zipper necklace is the reward for patronizing the Fair.  I cannot wait to wear this one!

Many of the jewelry pieces are made with natural and recycled materials.  I was so excited at this vendor that I forgot to ask about these earrings.  They are extremely light and rich in color.  Ooh la la!

Nag Champa oils and an assorted package of some of my favorite incense (Sandlewood, Patchouli, Nag Champa) and two new ones to try (Frankincense and white Rose).

For nearly two years, I’ve been hooked on merchandise with the peace symbol, so I had to add this bracelet to my collection.

 Click here to learn more about the South Jersey Fair Trade. If you are not from the South Jersey area, check out the Fair Trade Federation here.