***Update***
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Yikes – experiencing technical difficulties – you will be unable to leave a comment – so in order to enter the giveaway please use the contact button above to send me an email telling me one thing your mother has taught you and you will be entered in the giveaway - hopefully these technical issues will be resolved soon! Thanks!
Yesterday I shared with you Five Things My Mother Taught Me and promised that if you came back today and shared with me one thing your mother taught you, you would have a chance to win something beautiful!
I am excited to introduce you to my friend April of Lotus Girl Jewlery. April makes beautiful jewelry and I am the proud owner of two of her pieces. I wear my Sophia necklace almost every day! I also love my Alex necklace. In addition to being a jewelry designer April is also my yoga instructor and she is just darn cute!
When you leave a comment below, sharing something your mother has taught you, you will be entered into a drawing to win two of April’s fabulous pieces!
April is giving away two beautiful necklaces. One to keep for yourself and one to give to your mother, daughter or a special woman in your life. Both necklaces are valued at $38.00.
#1 Lava Necklace – Natural Red Jasper stone accented by a Freshwater Pearl and strung on a Sterling Silver chain
#2 Sand & Sea Necklace -Natural Amazonite stone strung on a Sterling Silver ball chain
The giveaway is open until Friday, May 9th at midnight PST.
Tell your friends too!
I love supporting women with a homebased business! Here’s a little more info on April – I am excited for you to get to know her.
Born in sunny Arizona, and raised in the Great Northwest since 8 years old … I have always had a deep appreciation for nature, and the environmental beauty that surrounds us. While growing up, I was constantly sketching, painting, and trying to express my “inner-artist” through any medium that I could get my hands on! I gravitated towards photography, appreciation of architecture, and abstract artwork … finding the world around me unique and dramatic, determined by different perspectives. I matured next into a fashion obsessed teenager, and currently as a wife, mother, yoga instructor, volunteer, and business-woman, expressive in my own natural & urban style.
Shortly after ending a 12 year career in banking, I was shopping, (a favorite past-time) and found it hard to find a style of jewelry that spoke to me, which didn’t look “too girly” but had a creative, hip, and yet feminine edge. So, I thought … why not take my bottled up artistic passion and express it in a way that brought me joy and fulfillment? I found that as I designed new pieces, my clients would try a piece on, look in the mirror at themselves, and say “I look hot!” They walked away noticeably feeling more beautiful, and confident. I love to see that look in their eye, and they are my inspiration!
I desire us all to … embrace our originality, find our flow, not sweat the small stuff … and love & live life to the fullest.
My Mantra: Be Original … Be You … Be Beautiful!
So be sure and share one thing you have learned from you mother in the comment box below for a chance to win both of these beautiful necklaces!
Mary Anne Best wrote:
She also taught me that grammar is important. Mom
Tanya wrote:
My Mom always told me to be nice to everyone even if they aren’t nice to you. You may need them sometime if your life.
I just wanted to tell you I love your blog. You are an amazing person and mother. If only some of us could be part of what you are. Thanks for all the wonderful recipes. I can spend hours on your site.
Beth in NC wrote:
My mother MADE me write thank you notes on all occassions starting as a young girl…whether it was for a graduation gift or just for being a good friend. People notice.
Brenda Wrote:
My mother taught me the importance of a smile! When you are talking to people smile and treat them like they are the most importnat person in your life at that moment. Now, as a business owner, that advice has helped me tremendously!
Rachelle wrote:
My mother taught me to appreciate the elderly. She taught me to love them, find interest in their lives, care for them, and value their opinion. This started as a little girl with an elderly neighbor and has led to years of my life being enriched by those elderly around me. Because of your post I quickly got together all my siblings to give me their “lessons from Mom” and put together a great book for her. She is going to LOVE it. Thanks!
Nicoile wrote:
My Mother taught me the importance of working hard and not complaining no matter how hard life may be and no matter how challenging the trials you have to go through may be. My Mother divorced my father after 22 years of marriage. I was 17 at the time. I have watched her struggle to support herself, I have watched her work 2 jobs , and she usually works 6-7 days a week. she never complained about all her work. she said it took too much energy to complain, and it just made life harder. she is turning 70 this month, and she is still working hard and caring on. Her stocks have sunk since the economic down turn and she still has not been able to retire, even at 70. My heart aches for her, she deserves sooo much more than what she has!! I would love the opportunity to reward her with a piece of beautiful jewelry. Jewelry is something she has always loved. My mother is amazing!
Melinda wrote:
WOw, some of these are the very things my Mom also taught her three daughters.
But I think one of the most important things my Mom taught me was “Stand true to yourself, never give up your intergrity”.
One of the funniest saying that she taught me and is so very true “Ya can get more done with honey than you can with Vinegar”. Ya know as a kid I didn’t fully understand or appreciate those words. However, as an adult I fully understand it, guess that is why I have such a sunny disposition.
One of the more deeply profound was “Sweetie, I know the road your on is hard and bumpy, oh but wait till you get around the bend and see what is there, as is always the case there will be new scenery.” This I tell myself on many occassions, maybe not this exact way, but the same message when time are hard.
Jeanne wrote:
What most comes to mind that I have learned and am still appreciating from my sweet mother is the importance of family and leaning on each other. Family comes first for her and it has made all the difference!
My mom taught me that you shouldn’t worry about EVERYTHING, especially things you can’t change or do anything about.
I lost my Mom to cancer when I was 21 years old. I was so fortunate to have the “important” conversations with her before she passed. Here are some of my favorites:
1. Never pass up a free meal. You may meet someone interesting!(This was at a time when I was being asked out by guys that I didn’t think were my type. My Mom was saying- “give him a chance” – in a funny way!)
2. To thyne ownself be true.
3. Slow down- take time to appreciate everyday all the little details around you that make you smile!
My mother taught me how to keep a clean house. I denied I ever would then, but the Martha [Stewart] side of my has definitely arrived. Please enter me in the drawing, the necklases are beautiful!
My mom was wonderful, & being a mom to my now-grown sons has been the most wonderful experience of my life. The best thing that I have ever been told was when my older son & his wife told me that they want my advice to help them raise their own children as my son cannot imagine having been raised any better & his wife agrees!
Whoa!
My mom taught me that family is the most important thing in the world. I know her love and concern for me was above anything !! I hope I can be a great mom like she is.
My mother taught me how to throw great birthday parties. We never went to chuckie cheese- but had super duper fun parties at home. She was so talented. I hope I can give that to my kids.
At 75 years of age, I still hear my mother’s voice telling me…”if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well.” When I am tempted to think that my project, assignment or chore is “ggod enough”…Mother whispers in my ear…and I still heed her good advice…and as much a bother as it is…I undo and redo.
Yay, you’re almost to 200! Those necklaces are beautiful! Even if I don’t win, I might have to come up with the money for one (or two…).
My mom is my hero! She has kept her positive outlook on life through more than her fair share of trials. She has taught me that love is the most important thing of all, and that you give your whole heart to whomever you love. She is the best mother to my siblings and me. She is supportive and understanding, and always has words of encouragement for us. Whenever I’m having a rough day, I call my mom, and she helps me feel better about things…and I usually hang up the phone laughing
My mom taught me to never buy the first thing on the shelf. Always dig a little further back to get one that has a later expiration date, one that hasn’t been handled by a lot of customers, or one that hasn’t been returned and restocked! People laugh at me (especially my husband) but I have learned it is important to listen to my mom because the few times I have grabbed the first one off the shelf, they have been damaged or expired!
My Mom taught me to laugh. No matter what was going on, it was always better if we could laugh. Sometimes it was just a chuckle but other times it was a full belly laugh and it always made things better.
My mom taught mothers and daughters are the best friendships one can have. Now I am raising two of my own. I think back on all the important things I learned from my mom that I want my daughters to learn.
How to make the best dinner rolls,
how to enjoy a diet coke,
and how to create a home of calm, warmth, and love!
I love your blog!
My mother taught me to not be afraid of hard work, and if you’re going to do something, do it right!
My mother taught me many wonderful things and she is still teaching! One thing I will always remember is , one day when I was about 12 years old an older girl from school was being REAL mean to me and my mother said, “You need to kill her with kindness.” I really didn’t understand and she explained, If you will treat someone who is being mean or rude to you with a smile or kind word they will in turn change their attitude and you will be the winner. IT WORKS!! People who are rude or unkind do not really know how to handle it when someone is kind and compassionate to them in response to their rudeness, and it will stop their actions dead in their tracks. It sounds kind of odd, but it does work. It has for me every time.
I lost my mom nearly two years ago and miss her every day. She taught me a lot about being an independent and responsible woman, and about unconditional love.
Mom always encouraged reading, life-long learning, and insisted on good grammar.
She taught me how to sew and we would spend lots of time in the fabric stores.
Now that I have two daughters, I understand the importance of all the support she gave me, but also that she showed me that a mom isn’t only a mom, but that she also has her own interests and is her Own Person, which I think is terribly important for girls to know. I know my girls are proud that I knit and spin and read and cook and pursue my creative outlets.
And since I started writing this I see that I could go on all day! but now I’ll just stop and thank you for this opportunity and wish you a happy mother’s day too!
Oops.. meant to respond earlier!!
My mother taught me to be self sufficient, and to ALWAYS be able to take care of myself.
She taught me the importance of education, and how it can help you get a great job.
One of her many “momism’s” was “The bad workman blames his tools.”
My mother taught me to be concerned about others and to love people. Sometimes people seem unlovely but there is a reason.
Jewelry is beautiful!!
chris martone wrote:
My mom taught me to look for other possiblities, not go with the norm.
My mom taught me the virtues of optimism (and lipstick-wearing). Just writing this is making me smile. . .
My mom taught me to love others.
My mom taught me to be on time (early) and respect other’s time.
My mother taught me to be selfless and giving by her perfect example.
My mom taught me how to be a servant. That serving others can be one of the greatest joys in life, and that giving is better than receiving. She is always giving of her time, talents, and anything else. So, I would LOVE to give her one of these necklaces as she won’t go out and buy one for herself.
Ann Hunt wrote:
My Mother taught me endurance and the value of hard work.
My mom taught me everything I know. Especially how to serve others. This is something she has always constantly done – especially in our family.
My mom taught me lots of things! I remember friends coming to her for fashion advice- I know she would love one of these necklaces!
My mother taught me that happiness can be found by serving others, not by material things.
My mom taught me to love Jesus above all else.
My mom was an amazing, amazing person and I really miss her. She taught me so much and influenced me in so many ways. One of the things she taught me through her actions was how important family is. She was completely devoted to my dad and her children (and then grandchildren). When I married, I knew that my family would be my first priority too and I’m so happy I retired from my career and spent the last 18 years raising my children. Her love of family formed a rock solid foundation for my life and the positive effects of that devotion has continued full-force into the next generation. Thanks Mom!
My mother taught me the importance and value of education and being able to provide financial support for oneself and one’s family.
My mom taught me to be self-reliant and to be positive and to never give up.
My Mom taught me that life is not always fair.You don’t get everything that you want, you have to work for it. This advice has made me a very confident and independent person. I appreciate everything that I have accomplished in my life. Thanks Mom.
My mom told me over and over to be kind to others like you want them to be kind to you. Also if you can’t think of anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.
My mom taught me so many things, but I think the one thing she taught me that I value the most is that she loves me no matter what. I hope that I am passing that onto my children. No matter what happens in life and what things you may go through during the day, you can always come home and know you are loved!
Kimberly Vela wrote:
The necklaces are beautiful! My mom taught me lots of big stuff and also lots of
funny, but true stuff! We always tease her about her big advice that vertical
stripes make you look taller (which is always a big deal in my short family!).
I still try hard to never wear horizontal stripes.
My mom let me experiment in the kitchen, starting with making cookies and then branching out into other things.
One of the main things I remember my mom always telling me was “if you aren’t going to do something right the first time, don’t do it at all”. I always remember that advice even if I don’t always follow that advice!
My Mom always taught me to never give up hope.
I love your recipes!! I have tried many of them and I am always excited to see what you have up next. My own mother was a great example of dedication to her family. I always felt love and encouragement from her because she was always there for me, cheering me on when I tried new things and lifting me up when I was discouraged or failed. I want to do the same for my own children…encouraging them to try new things, and always be positive.
My mom has always been a working mom and so her time has been limited but she was and still does, put her husband and children on top of her list. This has now extended to the grandchildren. This is always been a great example to me. I work full time but I don’t have a family so it just amazes me what working mom’s do because sometimes it is all I can do to take care of myself. Thanks Mom!!!
LOVE the necklaces!!! One thing my mother taught me was to always be WILLING to serve others, not to just do it because someone asked us to, or because we fill obligated to, but because we want to.
My Mom always said to me, “Mary, marry a man who wears well.” And so far (30 years and counting) her words have rung true!!
Begging always works for me, and winning something fun is worth leaving a comment for sure, I love your blog and visit often..My mom taught me how to serve others but most importantly my family. We always felt like the center of her world and I hope my family feels the same.