Thoughtful Giving

Here we are again, already gearing up for the Holidays! This season we invite you to join us in consciously shopping with a purpose. In other words, we invite you to make your purchases count towards more than just the act of buying and giving. We encourage you, as patrons of the artisans, to help the local and global community through commerce.

Thoughtful giving is always on our minds at aesthetyX, and this Holiday season we strive to offer you a wide variety of unique products hand-crafted by local and global artisans along with fair trade and socially responsible gifts. We want the meaning behind each one to touch your soul and that of the recipient.

'Tis the season to shop, and so we hope you will think of us and the work we strive to do for change. We are thankful for all the patrons of the artisans out there in the world that support our mission.

Our Day of the Dead

Every year when the air starts getting crisp and days become shorter Dia de los Muertos seems to arrive sooner than I am prepared for and I always want to do some special in honor of this reverent Holiday which I have grown to cherish.

This year we decided to collaborate with our friends Farra & Juan Miron who have started a wonderful foodie project called 'La Mesita sin Nombre' (the little table without a name) where they host wonderful dinner parties once a month that are food and beer pairings that feature farm to table local food and local unique beer selections, usually in their lovely home in North Park, San Diego.

We supplied all of the 'ofrenda' (altar) decor complete with the vibrant orange marigolds and fuchsia coxcomb as well as the papel picados. The ofrenda turned out amazing, Farra & Lucera make an incredible arch complete with handmade paper flowers combined with the fresh marigolds. The arch perfectly framed a piece of artwork by Farra & Juan's friend Emilia of a charming Dia de los Muertos wedding couple, it was the perfect centerpiece. The ofrenda was adorned with momentos from loved ones passed including photos, dolls, notes, candles, and special items in memory of all of the loved ones gone before us. We made sure everyone learned about this wonderful holiday so that they could appreciate the celebration even more.

As always, Farra & Juan outdid themselves both with the gorgeous spread and the delicioso comida! The margaritas welcomed us in gorgeous glass dispensers and beautiful flowers adorned the tables amongst the wide variety of home-made salsas y postres (desserts).

The 'piece de resistance' and star of the show was the 'Mole Magnifico' - a true labor of love that took hours of collaborative work. Everyone participated in stirring the very large cazuela of mole on the hot stove all night long (including Charles and I). The mole did not disappoint and I have to admit that I helped myself to seconds and thirds and gave myself a self-induced stomach ache by the end of the evening.

We look forward to continuing to honor this wonderful holiday and invite you to learn more about it and participate in our celebration next year... stay tuned.

-Judy Compton