Hi, everyone! Kris from Junk Chic Cottage and I wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been done before. So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.
There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.
Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs. You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Kris's and my blog.
Today I'm pleased to have Kathleen from Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home} as my guest! Kathleen shares my love of bargain hunting for great finds! On her blog you may see pics of her gorgeous garden, a newly styled vignette in her lovely home, or a crafty DIY project. And she's quite a talented jewelry artist!
Please sit back and enjoy getting to know Kathleen better.
Hello! I'm Kathleen from Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}.
Let me start off by saying I was honored that Susan of Must Love Junk asked me to participate in the Saturday Spotlight: Life Behind the Blogger series. Her blog is certainly one of my favorites! Thanks for inviting me, Susan!
My blog, Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home}, started out in the fall of 2009 as a jewelry blog. I had just started making jewelry and it seemed like a natural extension of my Etsy shop, Love You More Designs. However, the blog has morphed into something I never could have predicted - what I like to call a thrifty DIY home décor blog. I really do pride myself on accomplishing my decorating goals on a budget, and love to share my secrets and step by step tutorials with my readers.
I am a happily married stay-at-home mom of three kids who really keep me on my toes. I even homeschool one of them! A little known fact in blogland is that I am an attorney. And yes, I've heard all the jokes! We live in a small, historic "village" outside of Chicago that sits nestled between two bustling cities - the best of both worlds I like to say. We are surrounded by bucolic charm and horses! Just take a look.
The original Village Hall
Little Home Church
This is a photo of an actual foxhunt that was taken near our home. Foxhunts are a fall staple around here. Fall is by far my most favorite time of year!
We even have a castle!
You can read all about my village here as well as the castle and it's history here.
Lake Michigan has become a respite of sorts for my family over the past few years.
St. Joseph, Michigan
Here we are in the dunes.
I've been blessed with a wonderful husband.
We're east coasters by birth and we met in college.
We've been together for 24 years, married for 19.
We've lived in Philly, Kansas City and now Chicago.
He truly is my best friend.
I thank God every day for these three. {Even though two of them are teenagers now!}
I've loved everything vintage for as long as I can remember ~ the chippier and shabbier it is, the better! And I've always lived for the thrill of the hunt. I love to visit flea markets, thrift stores, barn sales, estate sales, you name it. Right now I guess you could say that my style is a combination of vintage, French, farmhouse, shabby chic, retro and industrial. On any given day you can find me designing vintage jewelry, rearranging my furniture, or repurposing something I found at a flea market or Goodwill into a Pottery Barn-esque piece of decor! I've also been known to collect a few things now and again. Can you say ironstone soup tureen?
My jewelry designs are usually based upon vintage religious medals I pick up along my travels. French relics are always my favorites! You can read about what goes on throughout my thought and design process here.
I also make Irish Dance charm bracelets, something I started in honor of my oldest daughter who is an Irish dancer.
My home décor projects run the gamut from burlap wall art to painted furniture transformations to hand-lettered vintage signs.
Oh, and did I mention that I love hydrangeas?
Burlap Monogram Wall Art
DIY French Burlap Storage Ottoman
Affordable Olive Buckets
Barn Sale Galvanized Bucket
DIY Retro Kitchen EAT Sign
DIY Pottery Barn Bath Storage Ladder
How to Frog Tape and Etch a Round Mirror
I feel incredibly lucky to have stumbled upon blogging and to have made so many awesome blogging friends. It's really great to know that no matter what else is happening in your life, there are people who "get" you.... and your crazy penchant for picking things up by the side of the road and your insatiable desire to stop at every Goodwill you pass by, even on vacation. Ok, so I'm strictly talking about me here, but you get the idea. Having a blog has been an eye-opening experience for me, and I'm so grateful for all the inspiration I receive on a daily basis from so many talented bloggers out there!
I'd love for you to stop by Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home} and say hello. My light is always on and I'm always ready to make new friends.
Can't wait to meet you!
Thank you so much, Susan, for inviting me to share a bit about myself and my blog. And thanks to all who stopped by today to visit!
Kathleen Ashton Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home} Love You More Designs
Kathleen, thanks so much for sharing with us! I have to say that I didn't know you were an attorney!
Please visit Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home} then head to Kris's blog to read about Deborah from Green Willow Pond.
Have a great day :)