About 24 years ago, my husband and I purchased our first house. We were young and so in love, just like we are now.
Read moreRuthie Staalsen; Behind Her Brand
My co-authors and I have been working on a fabulous new book that launched on February 6. It’s designed for the emerging entrepreneur who is ready to step out, step up, and step into what they feel called to do in business. I am super excited and I just wanted to share it with you guys.
The name of the book is Behind Her Brand: Entrepreneur Edition, Vol. 6.
Each chapter takes you on journeys of real life lessons, obstacles, think tank processes, disappointments, and the victories of 12 successful female entrepreneurs who turned their brand into catalysts for their business successes. I can’t wait for you to read it and GROW!
We answer some of the following questions:
How have you defined your voice in your market?
What three things do you wish you had known when you started?
What makes you a woman of impact?
What advice would you give someone who is wanting to take their business to the next level?
What 3 characteristics describe what made you successful and why?
I have found that the best way to learn is from those that have gone before you. I share the challenges I face as an entrepeneur as well as the joys and rewards of being in business for yourself. I share the story of my childhood living overseas and how that shaped and formed me to become an Entrepeneur.
If you are just getting started out there as an Entrepeneur, or are considering starting a business, this book will be very helpful.
I hope that the the things I share about my experiences as a business owner will inspire you.
I wrote a poem for my book launch, as part of my speech. My husband said I should share it, so here goes......
CONNECTING LIFE AND HOME
by Ruthie Staalsen
_________________________________________________________________________
HOME is where we get carried across the threshold for the first time,
or bring our babies home from the hospital.
It’s where we gather around our table laughing so hard it hurts
and where dad flashes the porch light indicating it’s time to bring in his daughter……pronto.
It’s where your friend calls and tells you she has cancer
and where we evaluate life’s tough questions and instill values and traditions.
HOME is where we get encouragement over a cup of earl gray tea
or cry tears nobody else can see.
It’s where we stand together in our kitchen, united as a family, praying for a hurting loved one.
It's where we watch our kids drive away for the first time
and where your dog snores louder than your husband.
HOME is where good friends cook breakfast for dinner just because they love the experience of being together.
HOME is where you hope to hear the words, “Mom, I got accepted into nursing school!”
and HOME is a haven where we can let our guards down.
It is our refuge, our strength, and our safe place.
As an interior designer, I have the honor of creating beautiful environments so that these memories and traditions can take place.
It’s a joy, a gift, and a privilege.
You can order my book by clicking this link: http://store.decrenew.com
A big shout out to Kimmberly Pitts, Founder of Ulmpact Publishing Group for compiling this wonderful book. http://www.uimpactpublishing.com
Connecting Life and Home in our "Home away from Home"
It has been a busy few weeks here at the Staalsen home and I've had a wonderful vacation. I'm back to work, but thought I'd give you a little glimpse of what life has looked like over the past month.
We had a special Christmas together with our family! We hosted 18 for dinner on Christmas Day, which was a ton of work but so much fun. Getting all the food on the table hot was a chaotic challenge, but we did it.
Because there were so many of us, I opted to use paper plates which made all the teen dishwashers happy. I found these gorgeous paper gold chargers. I used clear plastic plates for the food and it looked amazing.
My favorite part of hosting is setting up the main table and the buffet tables. This year I used one of my sari's from India on the dessert table.
For bringing in the New Year, we took 20 college kids camping. We were the cooks! I was glad to be in our "home away from home " with my heater, Keurig and shower.
The kids were brave and slept in their hammocks. Brrrrrrrr
Thanks to Kennedy with Perspectives Photography for the pictures below.https://www.facebook.com/perspectivepics/
We brought the New Year in around the fire with sparklers and lots of loud fun.
We made memories and continued our tradition from last year.
Life is about these moments! Community with those we love, even the crazy ones.
There is something about being around a roaring fire that makes us bring life back to the basics. It is the imple things in life that makes it so rich.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EACH AND EVERY OF YOU.
My 2 words for this year are BE PRESENT.
Life is too short to not be in the moment with those we love. I challenge you to think on these words as you continue with your goals for the year.
Be present and be connected!
I have lots of fun things to announce in the next few weeks so stay tuned!
Traditional Home Rising Stars of Design
Traditional Home Magazine is looking for the next Designer Rising Stars. I have always LOVED reading each of the winners bio's and so admired their work.
This year I have been nominated, alongside many of my Designer friends, for this amazing honor. I would so appreciate your support.
I would so appreciate your vote!
Click the link below to place your vote!
http://newtrads.traditionalhome.com/entry/1785/o2xdbbd0quwuu8cvl8vf