Renewal
Thursday, January 14, 2010, by Leigh Anne & Sherra
We're moving! Visit us at Find Your Sock Yarn and re-subscribe to get the latest updates. Your favorite features like Question of the Week, Words of Wisdom quotes and fun giveaways will be there. Archives will remain here for now. Thanks for visiting!
You may have noticed that postings have been a little light here at iLashGirls. We’ve had some technical difficulties that we’re working to fix and thank you for your patience.
Our word for January is Reinvention. The definition “to remake or make over, as in a different form” is taking place at iLashGirls this month. Our technical difficulties have led us to the decision to “reinvent” some of what we do here at iLashGirls to simplify things in this new year. We will be taking some of your favorite elements of iLashGirls and moving them over to FindYourSockYarn.com and will do a mini makeover on that site.
We invite you to click over to FindYourSockYarn.com and subscribe right now so you’ll continue to get free emails with more fun giveaways, inspiring quotes and thought-provoking questions. Idea Coaching is where our true passion lies and where we want to focus our best energy to provide you with tools and resources to help you…we’ll introduce you to women who have an idea and turn it into something real and fun just like this one…
“Leigh Anne and Sherra are a dynamic duo! Their years of expertise in the world of marketing/sales, graphic design and blogging are an invaluable combination. I would have talked about my idea for a long time and NEVER gone through with it if it hadn’t been for Leigh Anne and Sherra’s encouragement and guidance. I was amazed with what came out of an hour of Idea Coaching—3 brains (mostly 2) working together produced some incredible results in a short time. Another thing that came through loud and clear is that Leigh Anne and Sherra are real women with busy families and lives. They understood me on many different levels and could throw in a little humor along the way through this process which is always helpful. I highly recommend these two amazing women! –Karen, Vancouver, WA”
All the iLashGirls content within the archives will stay here indefinitely. Thank you all for your support!
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Categories: Inspiration, Renewal
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009, by Leigh Anne & Sherra
Leigh Anne says…
I met Amber Schmitt years ago when she lived in Oregon, prior to her move to Texas. She is the best friend of my next door neighbor Sheri. Amber and I share quite a few similarities including our love for reading and scrapbooking!
I have been married to my college sweetheart for 20 years and we have three smart, funny, wonderful (ok, I’m biased) kids who are 9 (boy), 13 (girl) and 17 (girl). I have a degree in Business Marketing and had a career in Public Relations and Sponsorship Marketing/Event Planning for a large bank before becoming a stay at home mom. Our family has a love for travel and have traveled together all over the world. I believe this travel has been a great education for the kids and a great bonding experience for our family.
First and foremost I love my husband and kids and being a HOME maker, although it feels like we are rarely home. I am also a voracious reader and scrapbook with a group every Wednesday while the kids are in school.
I love being the best wife and mother I can be, but I also believe strongly in not losing myself in it completely. I have an entrepreneurial and creative mind, lots of energy, and lots of ideas. One of these days I know these will all come together to create the next adventure/business venture of my life (in the meantime you might find me a little scattered).
Favorite color:
Bright Blue
Favorite food you associate with this holiday season:
Peanut butter and Hershey Kiss cookies
Pet Peeve?
Negative Nellies (complainers)
What is something that no one knows about you? (that you want to tell the whole internet world)
I’m an open book – what you see is what you get.
One word that describes you:
Energetic
What’s your motto or mantra:
“Things go best for those who do best with the way things go”
What are the top three things that are most important to you — the things you love to do and you are passionate about?
- Family travel
- Scrapbooking
- Reading
Thoughts on Underwear, Incessant Chatter and Chasing PEACE
“Peace on Earth” glowing in big red lights, surrounded by greenery and giant gold plastic ornaments greets me as I walk into the mall full of people scurrying like ants. There it is again on the front of the foil-lined envelope that sits on top of my mail as I pull it out of the mailbox. “Peace on Earth” embossed on the card, covered with glitter by a friend who loves to do stamping. I get home and stand next to the kitchen counter, flipping through the bills and holiday catalogs. Tucked in among this pile is a Victoria’s Secret flyer. The perfectly sculpted and spray-tanned model wears nothing but a red push-up bra and red underwear that have the letters P-E-A-C-E in glittery rhinestones all across the front.
What a lovely thought, this elusive peace. It goes without saying that I would love to have Peace on Earth. Heck, I’d even be happy to have peace in our school PTA! Peace on earth, peace at the holidays, it’s all a wonderful wish. But right now, I’m not looking for peace at the mall and I am certainly not looking for peace on my underwear! I don’t see what is so peaceful about looking over my “had three babies and am over 40″ stomach to view some glittery letters upside down on my underwear. That is not peaceful to me!
The truth is that peace is not something you look for and it is not always something you create. Sure, we can all seek to improve peace among our children and within our households. We can always strive to be a part of creating a more peaceful world. But what people forget is that there are moments of peace in every single day. So often we rarely even see them because we are not paying attention.
The question I would like to ask many women is this:
“Are you events planning your life or are you living it?”
Again and again I see women who are fantastic mothers, wives, homemakers, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and employees — wonderful women who wear a lot of different hats and are very good at it. But too often our lives become like movies that we are directors of and sadly we forget to be in the film. Sure, we jump in once in a while, even savor it a bit. But even as we enjoy putting the ornaments on the tree or making hot cocoa with the kids, we have this on-going chatter going on inside our heads. What do we need at the store? When are we going to wrap the teacher gift? What color thread should I use when I sew those apron gifts? This incessant chatter in our heads goes on and on and on.
I think that is why we all love photographs so much. Have you ever put on an event, like a children’s birthday party and the entire event you are busy buzzing around, doing what needs to be done? Only afterwards as you look at the photos do you admire how perfectly pink your little girl’s lips are as she prepares to blow out the candles? Only looking at the photos do you take the time to notice how handsome your teenage boy looks in that shade of blue, what a fine young man he is becoming?
As you decorate your house for the holidays do you take even just 60 seconds when you finish your mantle to just soak in the magic of the lights glittering and the stockings hanging there with the names of the people you hold most dear in this world? Do you take even 60 full, uncluttered seconds to simply enjoy just watching your kids open their gifts, or are you busy making thank-you note lists and gathering up the wrapping paper in a giant black trash bag?
Our lives are like novels. They are full of absolute sorrow and extreme joy that makes you want to burst. Our lives have chapters and storylines and always plenty of drama. Just remember that novels have pacing and punctuation – lots of it. They have spaces between the words. There are pauses after each chapter.
My challenge to you this holiday season is to mentally slow down and notice all the spaces between the words in your life. Peace cannot be found at the mall and it certainly isn’t on a pair of Victoria’s Secret underwear. It is inside you.
Whatever you do this holiday season, even if you do it quickly, do it with intention. Live it. Enjoy it. Quiet your mind a pay attention to the spaces and you will find little slices of heaven, little bits of real PEACE.
Visit Amber at her blog at As The World Churns.
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Moments & Memories is a column is centered around our word of the month. We love to feature women from all walks of lives – it may be in the form of an interview or as a guest writer. We’d love to feature you as a guest writer. Qualifications: No experience necessary…just be willing to share a great moment or memory with other women. Send us an email and we’ll schedule a date. Our guest writers do not necessarily have to have a website or a blog as we want iLashGirls to be a place where every woman has a voice!
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Categories: Inspiration, Moments & Memories, Renewal
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009, by Leigh Anne & Sherra
Leigh Anne and Sherra say…
We both know Karen Herrema through our homebased business. She is a Certified Personal Stylist and it is (pardon the pun) the perfect fit for her! Be sure to visit Karen at her blog, Style by Karen for more great fashion tips. We are delighted to introduce you to Karen…
I have been a Washingtonian all but 10 years of my life. I was raised in Lynden, WA in a small farming community in the NW corner, just a few miles from the Canadian border. After attending college in Michigan, I landed my first job in Denver, Co where I lived for 6 years and met my husband, Mike. His job in the lumber industry brought us back to the NW and in 1989 we settled in Vancouver WA, which is in the very SW corner of the state. Nestled in between Seattle and Portland OR, we love the small city feel which has been perfect for raising our two boys Ethan and Collin who are now 17 and 14. My previous career as a school teacher and home business owner has paved the way for beginning a new business in 2008. As a personal stylist I enjoy using my creativity in a whole new way. I love teaching women how to look, feel and dress their best.
Favorite color:
Certain shades of green, teal blue. I also love red.
Favorite food you associate with this holiday season:
I cannot resist a homemade frosted sugar cookie.
Pet Peeve?
Grammatical/punctuation/spelling errors in print or on signs.
What is something that no one knows about you? (that you want to tell the whole internet world)
I love to dance, even if these days that means in my kitchen with my iPod.
One word that describes you:
Enthusiastic
What’s your motto or mantra:
Laughter is the Best Medicine. I am thankful for a husband and kids who help me laugh every day even when things are not all rosy.
What are the top three things that are most important to you — the things you love to do and you are passionate about?
- Spending time with my family/friends especially in fun places.
- Being involved! Kids’ activities (school, sports). Church and Community.
- Although I’m very social, I also enjoy time alone-reading, devotions, taking a walk, listening to music, scrapbooking or shopping!
Holiday Wardrobe Tips
I am not sure I could say my life is very peaceful in December. The calendar is full of events, and we often travel at Christmas. There’s decorating, baking, gifts, and families who need our help. It’s easy to feel pulled in a dozen different directions. As women, we try to do it all. We pull out all the stops to put together the perfect holiday. Add dressing for the holidays to the equation and it’s just one more thing to try and get right. For many women, it causes stress because there isn’t time to shop or it’s hard to make the right choice for the right occasion. Perhaps you’re trying to get by with something you wore last year (and now it doesn’t fit!)
In the dictionary definition of PEACE I found these words: Inner Contentment. It struck a chord with me. I meet women who have been catering to their families for years and suddenly realize: It’s time for ME. I’m amazed when together we do a few tweaks on the outside, sometimes the biggest change occurs on the inside.
Dressing for the holidays does not have to be an added stress. With a few tips, you can look and feel great. I’ve chosen some holiday looks that will cover a variety of events and flatter many body types. I’ve taken comfort and price into consideration (all pieces under $100).
For more details on most of the fashion and accessories shown below, visit Snapshot Emagazine where Karen has an article in the December issue.
Formal Office Party: We went to a big party for ten consecutive years. I miss those days as I loved finding my dresses at January sales. If you didn’t hit the jackpot then, you’re in luck now.
Nordstrom.com Purple dress Maggie London $98
Party with Family/Friends: We often gather for a formal dinner on Christmas Eve with a few other families. Everyone wears sweats/PJs. NOT me! Here are a few ideas that are perfect with jeans–comfortable and still dressy.
White House | Black Market Charmeuse Tiered Shell $88
Nordstrom.com Cardigan $58 Purple Tiered Top $48
White House | Black Market: Ruffled cardigan $98
New Year’s Party: If I had one to go to this year, this is what I’d wear.
Nordstrom.com Sequin cardigan $88 Ruffle tank $48
Last year it was just the 4 of us on Christmas Eve. I asked everyone to dress a little nicer for photos. Message to teenage boys: Wear something besides “ratty” T-shirt. My son came downstairs wearing MY old Christmas sweater I was planning to consign. He found it in the unused side of his closet (my overflow area). We laughed the rest of the night.
Just for the record, I’m not going to touch the topic of Christmas sweaters. Not a fashion faux pas–unless you are a guy–but I believe you can do better.
Karen’s Top Holiday Choice: The Cardigan. It works on any woman petite to plus size. Choose an embellished one to make it more formal, or add accessories to a holiday color of choice.
Kohl’s 29.99
FIT TIP: Wear with two buttons closed under the bust as shown in photo. This shows curves, yet still hides flaws.
Also, if you choose a solid color cardigan, add the bling. Embellished cardigan: 1-2 pieces of jewelry will be enough.
Kohl’s Accessories, $35 for all 3 pieces
There you have it – enough suggestions for every holiday occasion that I hope will help you dress your best while enjoying a peaceful holiday.
I wish for you a Holiday Season that is wonderful in every way and that you will look back and say–I did things for my family, others AND for me. It feels good. That is Inner Contentment.
***************
We have designated Tuesday as a day where we will have different women share “Moments & Memories” in their lives.
We plan to feature women from all walks of lives – it may be in the form of an interview or as a guest writer. The column on Tuesday will be centered around our word of the month. We’d love to feature you as a guest writer. Qualifications: No experience necessary…just be willing to share a great moment or memory with other women. Send us an email and we’ll schedule a date. Our guest writers do not necessarily have to have a website or a blog as we want iLashGirls to be a place where every woman has a voice!
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Categories: Encouragement, Finding the Best, Inspiration, Moments & Memories, Renewal
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Thursday, September 24, 2009, by Leigh Anne & Sherra
Three things related to our word of the month…or three random things we thought of while we were shopping, driving, sleeping…well, you get the idea. The only thing we can guarantee is that Sherra thinks in threes and she insisted we do this on Thursday. She’s bossy like that.
Three things we both discovered a long time ago about the importance of girlfriends:
Leigh Anne and Sherra say…
- They bring out the best in us
- Laughter and chocolate are good medicine
- They are cheaper than therapy
What do you love about the girlfriends in your life?
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Categories: Encouragement, Inspiration, Renewal, TTT~Three Things Thursday
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Thursday, September 10, 2009, by Leigh Anne & Sherra
Three things related to our word of the month…or three random things we thought of while we were shopping, driving, sleeping…well, you get the idea. The only thing we can guarantee is that Sherra thinks in threes and she insisted we do this on Thursday. She’s bossy like that.
Three fun, online self-discovery tools we like:
Leigh Anne and Sherra says…
- Happiness Project Toolbox by Gretchen Rubin
- Personal DNA ~ take this and tell us what you think. We love this one!
- Discover Your Love Language ~ find out yours if you still don’t know!
What’s your favorite online quiz or tool that gives you personal insight or helps you in some way?
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Categories: Encouragement, Inspiration, Renewal, TTT~Three Things Thursday
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Tuesday, September 8, 2009, by Leigh Anne & Sherra
Question of the Week
Any self-discovery happening now that the kids are back in school?
Leigh Anne & Sherra says…
Now that we both have kids in college and we each have just one at home, we are both discovering new and fun ways to create some additional income and continue to work from home. Stay tuned!
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Thursday, August 27, 2009, by Leigh Anne & Sherra
Three things related to our word of the month…or three random things we thought of while we were shopping, driving, sleeping…well, you get the idea. The only thing we can guarantee is that Sherra thinks in threes and she insisted we do this on Thursday. She’s bossy like that.
Three great reads on simple ways to keep your house clean and manage clutter:
Leigh Anne and Sherra say…
- Melissa Michaels at The Inspired Room writes about keeping her house “Clean Enough”
-
The Clean Team has great tips on cleaning and offers excellent products too.
- FlyLady’s 11 commandments
What is your favorite tip to keep your house clean and clutter-free?
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Categories: Encouragement, Inspiration, Renewal, TTT~Three Things Thursday
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Tuesday, August 4, 2009, by Leigh Anne & Sherra
We have designated Tuesday as a day where we will have different women share “Moments & Memories” in their lives.
We plan to feature women from all walks of lives – it may be in the form of an interview or as a guest writer. The column on Tuesday will be centered around our word of the month. We’d love to feature you as a guest writer. Qualifications: No experience necessary…just be willing to share a great moment or memory with other women. Send us an email and we’ll schedule a date. Our guest writers do not necessarily have to have a website or a blog as we want iLashGirls to be a place where every woman has a voice!
Leigh Anne and Sherra say…
We *met* Shelli Christiansen through iLashGirls when she shared a special memory with us via email. Shelli is one creative gal and if you are looking for a little creative inspiration be sure and visit her blog. She’s got Leigh Anne ready to break out her old embroidery needles! We’re so glad she is willing to share that special moment with you here on the blog and we are delighted to introduce her to you…
****************
I’m a wife of 18 years, and stay-at-home mom of four busy kiddos! I’m a former 5th grade school teacher, and currently the owner of my own design business called “Needle in a Haystack.” I design and sell hand-embroidery and machine embroidery designs, quilts, table runners, and other home decor items. It has been a great creative outlet for me. I spend much of my time with the regular household duties, traveling to football and basketball games, as well as violin and piano lessons. I’m sure that you all relate!
When I’m not being Mom or designing, I love to hang out with my hubby, to read, be outdoors, travel, bake goodies, and eat out!
Favorite color:
That’s a tough one, but on most days, I can’t help but love red! I am drawn to it everywhere.
Favorite food you associate with summer:
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread! I actually look forward to those jumbo zucchini growing in the garden.
Pet Peeve?
When people interrupt a conversation, or try to carry on a conversation with me when I’m on the phone with someone else. (The culprits in my life are mainly my children!)
What is something that no one knows about you? (That you want to tell the whole Internet world)
When I was 14, my dad taught me to how drive our new 10 wheeler diesel truck on our potato farm, and I drove it each harvest for the next 3 years. (Yes, age 14 was legal back then!)
One word that describes you:
Genuine
What’s your motto or mantra:
“Make it and the idea will come.” This is a quote from Auguste Rodin, the artist who created the sculpture of “The Thinker,” amongst others. I learned about this quote in a college art class, and it was so intriguing to me, that it has stuck with me. We often struggle to get an idea before we feel like we can create something, but as I’ve applied the thought in this quote, I’ve seen it work just the opposite. When we begin first “making” something, even if we’re not sure how it’s going to turn out, our thoughts become refined, they adjust, and expand to something greater. Quite often, what I begin creating is totally different from the finished product, but the act of just “making” something, is what gets me there. I’ve applied this to my stitchery designs, church assignments, college reports, talks, and even planning activities with my family.
What are the top three things that are most important to you — the things you love to do and you are passionate about?
- To be with, and teach my family to be responsible, productive citizens (wow–is that a painful process at times!) But I’m grateful that I can be a mom, and thankful I can stay home with them. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
- My Faith. I’m grateful for my belief in a higher source, as that belief and knowledge drives the rest of my life.
- Creating. I think that all of us desire to create at some level. It may be with fabric, paper, a needle and thread; through writing, cooking, or developing a safe haven for our families. The possibilities are endless. For me, creating gives me something to look forward to in my day amongst the other mundane tasks I have to do—you know, the endless mountains of laundry, cleaning, and dishes!
A Moment of Simplicity
It’s amazing to me how seemingly simple acts of kindness can end up being huge in someone else’s life. I had a marvelous and touching experience when my mother died…it was crazy and hectic making preparations for her funeral, and of course a sorrowful time. About 7 of my dear friends broke into to my house (literally!) while we were gone making preparations for the funeral, and cleaned my house from top to bottom. We’re talking bathrooms, the floor, bedrooms, everything–all the things we’d left undone in the wake of a life change. All of my laundry was folded neatly, my floors were mopped, and as I returned home late that night with my little family, I was greeted with a plate of muffins and a sweet note from those friends on my kitchen table, expressing their sorrow and love for me.
It was a simple act of love I will never forget, that ended up being a huge gift for me at a difficult time. It still brings tears to my eyes as I think of it again. Truly one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.
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Categories: Encouragement, Inspiration, Moments & Memories, Renewal
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Monday, June 1, 2009, by Leigh Anne & Sherra
Question of the Week
What’s your favorite fun summer activity?
Leigh Anne says…
Having neighbors over to roast marshmallows in our firepit
Sherra says…
Golf, golf, golf 
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Tuesday, May 5, 2009, by Leigh Anne & Sherra
Introducing a new column we’ll feature from time to time…because as we’ve told you before we love to find things.
If you thought her kitchen was pretty, just wait until you scroll down to see her garden. It is more than pretty…it is gorgeous and has even been featured in The Oregonian and an online gardening magazine. She probably wouldn’t tell you that so I had to brag for her. That’s what friends are for, right?!
Leigh Anne says…
I love my garden – almost as much as my kitchen. It is an extension of our home. Fifteen years ago when we bought our home we also bought 17,000 square feet of dirt. Yes, dirt, no grass, no trees, no plants!
My gardening experience to this point had been three pots of geraniums on my front porch!
So not only did my garden have a lot of growing to do but so did I. I needed to learn how to be a gardener.
So thanks to lots of books, magazines, nursery employees and a helpful garden designer my yard grew into this!
This transformation didn’t happen over night – it took years.
I am still growing and changing just like my garden. Each season something new and beautiful presents itself to me as well as some new weeds – just like life! With the beautiful we’ve also had the ugly – bugs, slugs, and disease. I’ve learned a lot of life lessons from my garden. I’ve learned that a lot of patience is required for growth as well as hard work. If we give something enough time and effort amazing things can grow!
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Categories: Encouragement, Finding the Pretty, Inspiration, Renewal
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