Thank you to Macy’s Heart of Haiti for providing product to inspire this post about the stars in my life.

Who are the stars in your life?

It’s easy to tell you who my shining stars are – both of my wonderful sons!

They have the power to make me happy when I am sad and lift me up when I am down. With one hug from Zachary or a smile from Baby Will, all of my worries melt away into happiness. Even when I’m not with them, I only need to look at a photo or think about them, and I instantly feel calm, relaxed, and can feel a smile cross my face. My two little boys make me feel so lucky each and every day!

This month I received a beautiful hand made star from Macy’s from their wonderful Heart of Haiti collection. I’ve posted about the Macy’s Heart of Haiti program in the past, on the first anniversary of the earthquake that struck the small Caribbean island a few years ago. Haiti continues to be the brunt of disasters, including Hurricane Sandy this fall. Haiti is the poorest county in the Western Hemisphere, but the people are still filled with hope and the desire to work and take care of their families.

I strongly support Macy’s Heart of Haiti program and their belief that “trade not aid” is the best way to create sustainable work and financial opportunities for the Haitian community. The program has employed over 780 artisans and improved the lives of over 6,200 people, allowing them to make a living, feed their families, and pay for their children to go to school.

You can purchase items made by Heart of Haiti artisans at your local Macy’s department store or on their web site. The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, jewelry and paintings all made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. #CleverHaiti