Introducing... Lori @ Nourishment for Ladies

One of the neat things about the internet is that it seems to have shrunk the world. I've enjoyed getting to know women from around the country through their blogs, and I'll like to introduce a few of them to you over the next few weeks. I've only met one of these ladies in person, but these are all women who have inspired me in one way or another. I hope you'll enjoy getting to know them. Be sure to stop by their blogs, too!

Lori Rhodes is a woman of many seasons… she’s the mother of five girls (the oldest is soon to be married) with another on the way. She’s been married to her favorite pastor, Ray, for 24 years. On her blog, Nourishmentfor Ladies, Lori shares special family moments, funny stories, and encouraging words. I'm thankful that I have met Lori personally and have experienced her gracious hospitality. (Note: Ray also has a blog, Nourished in the Word, and online bookstore, Books that Nourish.)

Please share your job description in 25 words or less.   

My job description includes, but is not limited to being Ray's wife; mother to Rachel, Hannah, Sarah, Mary, Lydia and baby to be born in November; pastor's wife to Grace Community Church; daughter to Ray's and my parents; sister to all of our siblings; ... My life is not my own, but I'm glad about that.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

One of the most challenging parts of my job is having to choose between my children. There are often times when one will have an event at the same time as another, or one will want to talk when another needs me. It's hard to choose between one child's music class and another's basketball game.

Being pregnant at forty-four, controlling hormones is also a huge challenge for me.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?  

Having all of my family around the same table or in the same room, talking, laughing, reading or having Bible time together are incredibly rewarding times. I also love to see the girls reading on their own, playing dolls, or playing together. A wonderful sound to me is to hear giggles and whispers from another room knowing that my family members are loving each other.

What is your favorite room in your home? (and please tell us why) 

When I began to think of my favorite room in my home, my bedroom was what came to mind first. When it's clean, it is calm and peaceful and where I can usually be alone with Ray. But I also love our living room. It's big, holds a lot of people and is usually where there is the most laughter.

One of the goals in my home of girls was to have books and baby dolls readily available in every room. As the girls get older, that doesn't always work out, I think it helps to foster a love for reading and babies.

Please share a favorite recipe you’ve cooked or DIY project you’ve done (you can briefly describe, then link back to your blog/website – and I’d love a picture if you have one).

One of my favorite projects was our Scripture canvases! Our whole family painted canvases and put our weekly Scripture memory verses on them then hung them on the wall. I am still trying to figure out how to make them stay on the wall and hang straight, but I love the idea. Here is a link to the post. Because it's on my stairs I couldn't get a great picture of it. 

When you are unmotivated, what keeps you going?

Accountability is often what keeps me motivated to do what's right. If my girls are around, I really don't want to set a bad example for them.

Also, knowing Scripture is profitable for my life, I try to stay close to that. Some days I have to quote it over and over to make myself think correctly. And to be honest, in my own sinful heart, there have been times when I have known I needed to be doing something more productive, I've pushed aside thoughts of Scripture to satisfy my sin.

What sage advice would you give a young woman today who would like to marry?

My own "sage" advice for young women about to get married would be to love God more than you love your husband! He will not let you down. He is faithful, trustworthy, and your best comforter.

What were you doing thirty minutes before you answered these interview questions?

While I'm answering these questions, I'm also cooking a special meal for Ray's 50th birthday. I started making this meal when first got married and it has remained one of our special occasion meals. The only problem is I lost the recipe at Father's Day and I am going on memory tonight.

What’s your favorite Starbucks drink?

I don't think I could ever get too much coffee, I love it! At Starbucks I would generally choose a plain latte or add a shot vanilla to it. In the Fall, hands down- Pumpkin spice latte. But I also enjoy the peppermint mocha latte in the winter. Being pregnant, I haven't drank a lot of coffee in the past few months so I'm looking forward to that soon.

 {Note: I shared one of Lori's favorite fall recipes here.}

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
{I'd love for you to share this post with friends, but please share the full link. Common courtesy dictates that you do not copy the post into your own blog without proper attribution. Thanks!}

Introducing... Becky @ Organizing Made Fun

One of the neat things about the internet is that it seems to have shrunk the world. I've enjoyed getting to know women from around the country through their blogs, and I'll like to introduce a few of them to you over the next few weeks. I've only met one of these ladies in person, but these are all women who have inspired me in one way or another. I hope you'll enjoy getting to know them. Be sure to stop by their blogs, too!

Becky lives in Southern California and loves to organize and decorate (and often combines the two), as well as gardening and playing the piano. She describes herself as “a wife, Mommy, and child of God.” On her blog, Organizing Made Fun, Becky shares some of her favorite organizing secrets, ways to save money, and projects she does around the house (in a modern twist on the Proverbs 31 woman).

Please share your job description in 25 words or less.   

I am a stay at home mom, piano teacher, and part-time blogger!

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Keeping my focus, I get distracted easily! I am a big advocate of schedules and in order to have time to do everything, I MUST have a detailed schedule. As a blogger, I can spend 3-4 hours on one post, sometimes more time –  taking photos, editing photos, writing out content, editing content, etc. so I have little bits of time here and there carved out to work on blog stuff. As a piano teacher, I have to have had to make “business” hours and stick to only those – if someone can’t work with the days/hours I teach, I’m not the piano teacher for them! As a mom, it’s important to me to make sure when my kids are home from school, that I’m completely focused on them. So, I make sure that blogging and piano teaching don’t divert from that.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?  

As a SAHM, my children! They are amazing! As a piano teacher, I love my students and they really are learning something and enjoying it! I hope to encourage them, be patient and kind, but also firm if there is something better that they can do. As a blogger, it is my goal to motivate and inspire other Moms/Ladies to get their homes and families organized and scheduled to free up their time and tie them down!

What is your favorite room in your home? (and please tell us why) 

Our family room. It’s blue and calm and delightful. We all hang out in there. It’s beach-y feeling and just a warm place with all our family photos. We have the kids' computer, the game table, and our TV in there. So we all are in there most of the time.

Please share a favorite recipe you’ve cooked or DIY project you’ve done (you can briefly describe, then link back to your blog/website – and I’d love a picture if you have one).

My recent project for my daughter’s room was fun! It was a set of nightstands for beside her bed.

When you are unmotivated, what keeps you going?

Honestly, I have to stop and do something that I enjoy for a few moments. There are days I schedule in “projects” and I would rather not do anything all day! So, I have to get myself motivated by starting small.

What sage advice would you give a young woman today who would like to marry?

Oh, my! Be teachable. I see so many young Moms and young ladies who feel they know it all. I was that way. Be willing to let old women share their lives with you – disciple you and encourage you to holiness and godliness. Learn to serve. You will be doing a lot of that once you married, but you need to do so for the glory of God. Not for what you get!

What were you doing thirty minutes before you answered these interview questions?

Working on my blog updating stuff!

What’s your favorite Starbucks drink?

I hate to disappoint, but I don’t drink coffee or ever go to Starbucks!

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
{I'd love for you to share this post with friends, but please share the full link. Common courtesy dictates that you do not copy the post into your own blog without proper attribution. Thanks!}

Great meals in less time -- how's that sound?

 I enjoy cooking dinner for my family (and I sure enjoy eating), but I find myself cooking the same meals month after month. And even as a stay-at-home mom, our family schedule sometimes leaves me with little time to spend in the kitchen.

A couple of years ago I found great resource: Eat at Home: Everyday Food for Busy People. On her blog, Tiffany shares great tips and recipes that allow her to save money by quickly cooking at home rather than ordering takeout when life gets busy. And now, Tiffany has a new e-book: Feast in 15: Speed Cooking for Weeknight Dinners. Packed with loads of recipes, as well as tips, tricks, menus and grocery lists, it's an great value at just $4.99.



Disclosure: I am a Feast in 15 affiliate and will receive a commission for those who purchase through the link on my site.




© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
{I'd love for you to share this post with friends, but please share the full link. Common courtesy dictates that you do not copy the post into your own blog without proper attribution. Thanks!}

Secret weapon: cheesecloth!

Our friends over at Plate & Pattern have done it again. Who knew cheesecloth could be so spooky? (Hop over and check out their post and the rest of this will make more sense.)

What I love most about this post is the way it really got me thinking... tinted cheesecloth could be used so many ways. Think about what it would add to the table at a wedding reception, bridal shower, birthday party, baby shower, just about any event! Of course, your theme might not be spooky, but the cheesecloth could easily be tinted to so many different shades -- and probably with something you already have on hand. I'm thinking coffee, tea (so many shades there), fruit juice, even food coloring (we all know these things are pretty doggone colorfast because we've had to treat clothing stains, right?).

I'm thinking about my winter decor, as well. I love the idea of snow, but I'm not crazy about the mess of the stuff (real or faux). But a fluffy swash of white cheescloth across that mantle or console could give the illusion of snow without all the fuss. What about cheesecloth inside of a hurricane with twinkle lights? My, possibilities are endless!

You're creative -- what ideas can you add?

The Lyric Candelabra is available in my Willow House online store.

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
{I'd love for you to share this post with friends, but please share the full link. Common courtesy dictates that you do not copy the post into your own blog without proper attribution. Thanks!}

Gothic Halloween -- when Halloween is too cute for you!

 Plate and Pattern provides a great step-by-step, showing you how to get this look. This is a great example of using your Willow House decor throughout every season!


© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
{I'd love for you to share this post with friends, but please share the full link. Common courtesy dictates that you do not copy the post into your own blog without proper attribution. Thanks!}

Announcing the Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine Catalog -- online!

If you're as excited as I am about the introduction of Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine, you've probably been dying to see the new catalog! I've been seeing (and giving) sneak peaks along the way, but that never seems to be enough. Now, you can see the whole glorious line, and it's as easy as visiting my Willow House website! 
You can browse the catalog with "page view"...

or change to "shop this page" to see the products in more detail...

or even create a wishlist to email to that special someone (or yourself)! 

If you'd like to make a purchase, simply email your wishlist to me and I can process your order for you. 

Better yet, host a party to get your own jewelry shopping spree! (See page 2 of the catalog for details on our very generous host rewards.)

Also, the Style for Home catalog is now interactive as well! You can browse, create a wishlist, and even convert that wishlist to a shopping cart to complete your purchase (the jewelry catalog will offer this feature at a later date, don't worry!).

Enjoy your browsing -- and I'd love to hear what your favorite new Jewelry by Sara Blaine pieces are, so please leave a comment or send me your wishlist! 

(Oh, I can't stop without mentioning our first ever Multi-Division Kit offer this month, October 2011, for only $289! Come join my team during our hottest selling season -- contact me for details!)
 

© Suzanne Jackson 2011.
{I'd love for you to share this post with friends, but please share the full link. Common courtesy dictates that you do not copy the post into your own blog without proper attribution. Thanks!}