*Sponsored post (but one you will want to read, trust me!)
It’s not often you come across an online shopping site with a conscience – something that leaves you with a satisfied glow once you’ve gone forth and splurged, instead of that sometimes sinking feeling of regret that can often combine when convenience meets impulse in the online shopping world.
I’m referring to NOVICA (www.novica.com) and I promise you, if you love pretty things and also want to “spread happiness” and support sustainable business in countries across the globe who need the most help, then this is the perfect site for you to shop til you drop.
Credited as one of the leading fair trade artisan websites, NOVICA works in conjunction with National Geographic, giving the artists a worldwide platform to express their talents and shop their fabulous wares. And it is obviously working: to date, artisans linked to this global marketplace have accumulated $46 million in sales!
One simple click on to the NOVICA website and it was easy to understand why. Oh yes, I was in awe! So many truly talented artists, and so very many truly stunning (over 30,000!) pieces to drool over.
Greeted with a treasure trove of thousands of elaborate, one of a kind handmade wares from some seriously talented artists I hardly knew where to start! From distinctive corporate gifts, to lovingly hand crafted home decor items and amazing, intricate accessories,(think jewellery, handbags, silky batik shawls and so much more) it was a paradise of principled shopping!
In the end, after trawling through the masses of delicately crafted jewellery, I settled on purchasing myself this lovely piece, Rajasthani Night which originated from India. I knew something would leap forth from the webpages and resonate with me and this was it. Representing tranquility, peace and happiness, it embodied the traits that I yearn most in life; “the oneness of all”.
And should you be like me and loathe how commercial Valentine’s Day has come, then perhaps this is the guilt free compromise for you. Not only are you purchasing something with substance, but you will be contributing towards a worthwhile venture. To make life easy for you, you can click here for some suggestion for the man in your life, or guys, click here some hints for the woman in your world
To share the love with NappyDaze readers, NOVICA are offering one lucky reader a gift voucher with $A37.50 to put towards their own socially conscious shopping experience. You just need to head to their website (www.novica.com) and leave a comment telling me what piece resonated with you most. The winning entry will be judged on Saturday January 25, 2014. (Competition open to Australian residents only).
* Please note that while I was gifted a voucher to use to try this fabulous site, I was also more than happy to also contribute my own hard earned cash to supplement his worthy worldwide marketplace. All opinions remain my own and I was not unduly influenced by all the pretty little lovelies on offer. Happy shopping people!
Wow, there are so many beautiful things on this website. I came across the Eternal Spring Cotton Cushion Covers, they remind me of magnolias, roses, frangipanis and myrtles in my garden during Spring & Summer. We moved to our cottage in mid 2013 and the garden was one of the things that won me over, it’s truly a relaxing and inspiring space…anything that reminds me of it is great.
What a wonderful site, Donna. I could spend hours just looking at all the beautiful handicrafts.
The one that caught my eye is Wilderness – Handmade Mexican Talavera Ceramic Platter Serveware. It is simply gorgeous and there’s a certain joy I derive from serving food on beautiful platters.
I think it reminds me of the weekends I used to spend out at my folks’ place in Canada. Their home was nestled in the mountainside overlooking the valley. My mom and I would spend the whole afternoon preparing a feast and then we would share it with our family and friends. People don’t get together like that as much anymore. Now it seems that we only get to do that sort of thing at Christmas time. Anyway this platter reminds me of happy times.
What a beautoful site! My favourite pieces are the soapstone chess sets. They are exquisitely made! So beautiful. I like the idea of ‘art’ that you can interact with. That is meant to be touched and felt.
I have beautiful memories of playing chess with my dad too, which is perhaps why it stands out to me.