My Everyday featuring ... Jenny Haas

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
I was born in the country, in Midwest Ohio, and part of a family of 8 [4 sisters and one brother]. Our days were full of playing Lincoln logs and little people, and watching little house. I was homeschooled until fourth grade when I attended a private school with my older brother. We attended a small home church most of my life, until I started venturing out on my own in high school to a larger church, where I sang on the worship team for several years, served in the youth group, and where I eventually met my husband [going on six years now]. I have always loved art and was always fond of watercolor and drawing, which taught me a lot about composition and light, that I now integrate into my photographs. I became a photographer almost four years ago, mostly due to my husband’s encouragement. I fell in love quickly.

I have three beautiful children under the age of four, who keep me on my toes. I also love to travel, shop and eat Mexican food on a regular basis. 

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?
I’d have to say I love our mornings together, especially when my husband is home and we all lay in bed together. There are always a lot of laughs! 

[#3] Name Instagram MOMS who inspire you.

@Alliroses / @lucadele / @natalienorton 

[#4] The chores are done, there's nothing expected of you & you've got 45 minutes of personal free time ... how would you spend it?
Watch Downton Abbey, or look through the Country Living Magazine. 

[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?
black leggings, my grey H&M sweater and grey Hunter rain boots 

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why? 
I love our big windows. So much light comes through them, which is much needed [especially]in the winter. :) 

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings. 
My son, Cash, is running around naked [as always]. My youngest, Emmaline, is pulling the clothes out of the basket that I JUST folded. My oldest, Annie, is glaring at me, as in, “ are you really taking another picture of us mom” 

Be sure and follow @jennyhaas on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday featuring ... Jennifer Lula

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
My husband and I will be married 7 years this year! Crazy! We met in college in a bookmaking class. We dated for 2 years before we decided to get married and move to Hawaii. We got engaged, married and moved the 6,000 miles all with in 4 weeks. Now back in the Northeast, we have settled in upstate NY. We have 2 beautiful daughters. Rowan is 2 and a half and Finley is 7 weeks today! My blog Jenloveskev has evolved over the years from a personal style blog to a more lifestyle blog about our daily adventures as a family of 4.

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?
I love the morning time. Everyone is rested (well most of us!), eager to play and super cuddly. I love having lazy mornings! We make pancakes, play games, dance to music and lounge around in our pjs.

[#3] Name Three Instagram MOMS who inspire you.
@heartandhabit / @danihampton / @taza

[#4] The chores are done, there's nothing expected of you and you've got 45 minutes of personal free time...how would you spend it? 
I would love to head downstairs to my studio area and get creative. Maybe sew or paint. Sometimes though, I am just spent and would love nothing more than to cuddle in front of the fire with my husband and just catch up. 


[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?
I can't seem to live without my ankle boots and faux leather jacket. They go with everything and make me feel chic and put together even when I have baby spit up on me most of the time. 

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?
It would be our bedroom. I love the bright and natural feel in there. We have huge windows and have kept a pretty neutral palette. It is calm, relaxing and full of love. It is also a place we spend lots of time all together. We love the weekends when we all can sleep in and watch cartoons together in bed. 

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.
This is a picture that I have looked at like a hundred times. I don't know why I love it so much. It just shows a regular Saturday around the house. I think I love it so much because it reminds me of how wonderful my husband is. He always tries to include my daughter in whatever he is doing, even if that means it is going to take about a million times longer. He loves to make her feel special and that she is his special little helper.

Be sure and follow @jenloveskev on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday featuring... Jennie Lusko

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.

My husband and I risked the ocean together, along with one guy and then a handful of some of the best people I know, and we started Fresh Life Church above a super old bar in downtown Kalispell, Montana. I know, where the heck is that, right? Exactly. God brought us from South Orange County to a far off place where cows supposedly die in the winter, and yet He had totally gone before us (as He’s known for doing). We started with 14 people on January 14th, 2007, and it was 14 degrees. 

Six years later, we are continuing the ride of our lives as God is moving and shaking the state of Montana. We have an amazingly stellar team, five campuses in four cities, thousands of lives surrendered to Christ, more lives changed by the Word of God, and plans to continue to risk the ocean for the rest of our short lives on this earth.

My husband preaches life and death every weekend, and life became more urgent as our five-year-old daughter, Lenya Avery, died of respiratory failure four days before Christmas 2012. My husband finished writing his Christmas Eve message the day she went to heaven, as we were looking forward to a rocking “Friday Family Day” the following day full of ice skating and frozen yogurt. We had had the busiest week of our lives, and Lenya went to heaven that Thursday night. My husband got up three nights later and preached boldly and passionately about the hope we have in Jesus Christ, and it’s by God’s grace and strength! 

Although we have never experienced such aching and pain, we’ve also never experienced God’s peace in such a deep, real way. We’ve never yearned for heaven with such intensity and fervor. We are going to run this race hard because just as our Lenya’s life was such a vapor, our lives are also, and when we die and are in heaven with Jesus and our Lenya Lion and all the saints who have died in Christ, we will look back and this will have been such a short window of time to do all God has put within us. In the words of a song written by a dear friend Izzi Ray, “Nothing can stop us from spreading the Truth! Our time is now!”

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?

My favorite time with these sweeties is the morning. I love morning snuggles and I love their sleepy, scrunchy faces and their amazing bed head. Our little Lenya bird who is in heaven now was our early riser, so I have many sweet memories of snuggles with her in the morning, and with her right by me while I read my Bible, such a special time.

[#3] Name Instagram MOMS who inspire you.

@hollyfurtick / @mallorywickham / @sarabairb 

[#4] What challenges have you faced in balancing motherhood and your passion for creativity?
2012 was a pivotal year in my life. To begin with, I feel like I learned more in that year than in my whole life prior to that, combined (perhaps slightly exaggerated, but it’s how I feel). All the series and messages from God’s Word in our church literally changed me and my perspective, specifically and most importantly in my home with my husband and children. I learned to cherish and value my time at home with my most important people in my life. I learned about embracing my calling and being passionately creative at home first. It made all the difference in the world for me. When our Lenya Avery died four days before Christmas, all that I learned that year came into focus all at once. I was (and am) so thankful for how God taught me especially in the last months of her life, to cherish the moments - even the difficult ones - with my children and to teach them everything I possibly can about being passionate in all of life. 

[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?

It’s spring in Montana, which means anything can happen at anytime. It’s currently amazing and 70 degree weather, but there’s usually a sucker punch of cold and snow anytime until July. So my favorite things at the moment in my closet are my 2013 skull church hoodie (you can get one at skullchurch.com!) and an amazing Hurley blazer made out of hoodie material - seriously THE BEST comfy, cute thing!! And I always wear some sort of jewelry with a lion or an anchor, as the anchor has become a symbol of hope in our grief - Hebrews 6:19 “this hope we have as an anchor for our souls, both sure and steadfast.”

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?
My living room, because it’s such a HUB of activity - reading, movies, dance parties, picnics, night-time tea, morning/day-time/evening snuggles, etc...

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.

➳ Jennie just launched her blog over Mothers Day weekend! Be sure and check it out, bookmark it and leave her some love! Welcome to the blogging community, Mrs. Lusko!
blog:: www.mrslusko.com

Be sure and follow @jennielusko on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday / Creator Series ... Alana Little of Make Pie Not War

[#1.] When did you launch "Make Pie Not War" and what prompted you to start your own business?
I started Make Pie Not War in 2007 after I quit my job as a corporate accountant. (boring…) My husband was on tour with his clothing line, and I was going to die of boredom. Hence, MPNW was born! I had been making jewelry on and off since I was a kid, so it was a natural hobby turned serious! We’ve been here for almost six years now!

[#2.] What tool/marketing strategy has helped you the most in regards to getting your business noticed?
The best marketing tool has been Etsy for me actually. They have a strong and vast reach. Just find what works for you and do that! It’s hard to find your niche, but when you do, it’s the best! Ours is just keeping it personal, down to earth yet current with a great price point! Don’t be afraid to connect with your customer.

[#3.] Share with us a few of your tips for balancing motherhood and business.

Balancing kids and business is a tight rope walk, but it’s the best. Learn to set boundaries for both sides. I hired someone to come in and help me with things around the house, mail packages, etc. She has been the best money spent so I’m not the cranky mom trying to be superwoman! You can only keep that up for a little while, we’re human ladies!!! My last piece of advice is for the moments when you’re down the wire and you feel like giving up or just wanting to pull out your eyelashes: remember why you’re doing this. For me, it’s to provide for my family. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do this and be successful enough to take care of my family financially. Find your motivation and remember it.

[#4.] Divulge one of your dreams for your business.

My dream for my business is to keep going forward and upward. I find myself doing that and I’m able to be at home with my feisty tot, Lucy. I’m livin’ the dream! Honestly, I have been given so much that my real dream is to hire people, help people get real jobs, grow larger and buy my mom a house (ok, pay ours off first and then my mom next…lol).

[#5.]What advice do you have for moms who have a creative dream in their heart and desire to start their own business from home?
My advice is go for it! Once the dollars start coming in, you’ll get addicted to being successful! Find what you’re good at and thrive in that! Remember to make/create/serve something that people want not necessarily something you want. What I like and my customers like many times are two different things. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but know we’re here to service our customers and not ourselves! Get ready for a long crazy rollercoaster ride called being self-employed. Most importantly: have faith.

[#6.]Share with us a peek of your working space.

My work space is separated into three: my office, my workbenches where I metalsmith, and my table where I get the assembly line going! I like that I am in different rooms otherwise I don’t know if I could get so much done… I get bored easily!

[#7] Name three mompreneurs who inspire you.  
Looking at all these super crazy rad chicks, I’m feeling not so cool… (lol). I love Lara Casey [@laraacasey]. Holy crap balls, her house is crazy rad! I need to get on the Lara Casey interior design band wagon. I love Nicole Gonzalez [@bluumbabygirl]. I think Bluum is such an amazing idea. I have seen her around the internet pop up here and there and I hope she blows up! And Sarah Richmond [@averystory], wow. How sweet is the story of her family. I have a heart for adoption and it just really makes my heart happy to hear of children finding parents that really love them.

/// DISCOUNT CODE:: kellivanessa gives you 15% off your entire order from today through May, 30th! www.makepie.net

Be sure and follow @makepie on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms 

My Everyday Featuring ... Jill Hickman

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
I'm a Buffalo, NY native, but my heart has always belonged in the south. I'm married to my best friend in the whole world. We have an incredible 3 year old named Addison, and a second baby boy due at the end of September!! We also are mom and dad to two sweet pups (a boxer and chihuahua). I love our little life here in East Nashville. I watch kids part time, which has been such a blessing, since I get to bring A with me, and I have a small business making stuffed animals, bibs, and other fun things for little ones on Etsy called Oh Just Dandy.

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?
Definitely "nunnle" time. When your little boy asks you to "nunnle", you nunnle.

[#3] Name Instagram MOMS who inspire you.
@theulmers / @lisbettmctague / @somesmiths

[#4] The chores are done, there's nothing expected of you & you've got 45 minutes of personal free time ... how would you spend it?
I craft. :) Sometimes I just want to try various pinteretst pins out, :) but I'm usually found in our back room making stuffed animals. I absolutley love turning seeming scraps of fabric, into a little plushie for someone to love. It makes giving/selling them pretty difficult to do, but when a little one picks up one of my animals, and cannot put them down...it makes my heart smile.


[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?
My oversized comfy sweater, and camel suede booties.

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?
Technically this isn't inside my home, but our front porch/yard is my absolutely favorite place to be. We eat, play, sit, laugh...we do everything out there.

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.
Addison has figured out how to use the camera on my iphone, and loves to take pictures of his toys. :)

Be sure and follow @jilllouise on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday / Creator Series featuring ... Richelle Cote from Lil Indian Papoose

[#1] When did you launch Lil Indian Papoose and what prompted you the business?

Being a fan of everything fashion, it was only natural, that as soon as I found out I was having a girl I began shopping. You see, I have this curse of loving items with high price tags... This is what led to “Lil Indian Papoose".  I wanted my lil one to wear items that would make me happy, cause lets me honest, she could care less at 15 months! Seemingly right after I started creating leggings, onesies and headbands that I loved, I got flooded with friends and strangers wanting the unique designs for their own lil ones. This is where Etsy and I collide!! [LilIndianPapoose] I am beyond blessed that mommies all over the world have entrusted my items on their babies.

[#2] What tool/marketing strategy has helped you the most in regards to getting your business noticed?

For me IG has been my biggest and best form of interaction to get my company and name out there. I have been overwhelmed by the feedback, kind words and positive comments from all the beautiful IG mommies and woman. I truly feel like IG has led me to meet some amazing people and opened the doors to great opportunities!

[#3] Share a few of your tips on balancing motherhood and business.

Every day I learn something new about balancing all of my jobs (wife, mother, daughter, friend and business owner) but first and foremost my family always comes first. I have learned that work has to happen during nap and bedtime otherwise I find myself overwhelmed juggling baby and painted hands. It's also important to take time for myself (target trip, a mani- pedi, or Starbucks run) to be rejuvenated, because we all know a "happy wife makes a happy life"!   Thank God most of my customers are mommies themselves and have similar stories...they completely understand when I need to ask for more time.

[#4] Divulge one of your dreams for your business.  

Dreaming is something I do often but rarely vocalize due to the fear of embarrassment or failure. But what the hell...I would love one day to be walking down the street and spot one of my designs on someone passing by...there I said it!

[#5] What advice do you have for moms who have a creative dream in their heart and desire to start their own business from home? 

You only have one life, so live it well! If you have a dream or passion you owe it to yourself to try it out. If not for yourself then for your children! As woman we need to be role models, how can we teach our kids to work hard and live out their dreams if we ourselves are afraid, we must practice what we preach!

[#6] Share with us a peek of your work space.  
Well here it is! It's where we eat dinner, drink our morning coffee and your’s truly designs and paints (there is even paint stains to prove it). Maybe someday I will have my own work space but for now it’s just like my life...love blended with family life and business life...I wouldn't have it any other way!

[#7] Name three mompreneurs (found on IG) who inspire you.

@freshlypicked / @jessvonb / @stacielucas

Be sure and follow @rcote_lilindianpapoose_ on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms

My Everyday Featuring ... Jeanine Hardgrave

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.
I have been married to the man of my dreams, Nathanael, for 12 years. We have two wonderful children, Chloe and Hudson. Chloe is our sweet one, Hudson our strong willed one ( there's one in every family, right ?). Besides helping my husband run our little family and even littler house... I am a homeschooling mom, and a cake decorator. I have been decorating cakes for 9 years, and run my business, Cakes by Jeanine, out of my home. I love expressing my artistic side through all my sweets and my love of history and reading through my kids. I have a passion for cooking, especially clean, organic meals from scratch. Weddings, party planning, traveling, museums and antique shopping are my favorite things. I love Jesus most of all, and love to serve at my church. I believe my number one ministry is my family, and I am so thankful to God for blessing me with them.

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?
My favorite part of the day is right before dinner. All school work is complete, everyone is cleaned up. Usually my daughter will sit and practice piano, while my son helps me cook in the kitchen. There is just something so relaxing about it. It's the calm before bedtime, which has never been easy in our house!

[#3] Name Instagram MOMS who inspire you.
@lissinger / @mommajett2 / @cydlovesmike

[#4] The chores are done, there's nothing expected of you & you've got 45 minutes of personal free time ... how would you spend it?
When I get free time, which is rare for me, I love to read or watch an old movie. I also enjoy being inspired by blogs when I get a chance to read them. 

[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?
My go to items in my closet recently have been two tunics that I got for a great price from Free People, a wool jacket I got from Anthropologie last winter, and a small purse I picked up at Anthropologie after Christmas. I love tunics! They are so easy to throw on with jeans or leggings, loose sweater and some boots. I love color, but in the winter I tend to go towards grays and browns. My favorite stores are Anthropologie and Free People and I have an obsession with vintage cowboy boots!

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?
My favorite room of the house is my kitchen. It is the room where I work, create and school. I love how bright and cheerful it is. It is the one room of the house where I feel like everyone loves to hang out, including guests that I have over. I believe my kitchen will be the one room where the most memories are made.

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings. 
This is my real life. My husband loves to play with the kids. I love to watch and laugh at them. And my son loves to be a gross, silly little boy!

Be sure and follow @cakesandcuties on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms