Monday, July 20, 2009

Hall of Fame {City Farmhouse}

Hello there! Welcome to this week's Hall of Fame Interview and Giveaway. Kick back, relax, and enjoy...

Meet Jen, the sweet lady behind the shop City Farmhouse. Jen is a stay-at-home-mom to her three year old boy. One of four kids, she was always encouraged to be creative and was taught to sew by her mom at age eight.

Read on to delve a little into her passion. Learn where she lives that is so inspiring to her, her love of ice cream, and a chance to win some of her lovely work!

What inspires you?
Life, history, design, nature, music but most of all it is people that inspire me the most. I am inspired by their stories; hardships, triumphs, dreams fulfilled, dreams lost, love for family and friends and their resilience.

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?
I call Bellport, NY home. I was born and raised in this quaint little seaside town.
Name something unique to where you live.
Bellport is a historic town situated on the Great South Bay. If you walk the village streets you will see beautiful historic homes lined with white picket fences, you can watch the sailboats come in and out of the harbor, take a ferry ride to Fire Island, park yourself at the band shell for a concert, let the kids run around at the “slide beach”, walk through town and browse the local shops, cool off with a little ice-cream and/or finish the night off with a great meal at one of our 4 incredible restaurants.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and taught the first 3 years out of college.

What are three of your favorite foods?
That’s easy, ice cream, enchiladas and bread, not all together of course.
What made you decide to open up shop?
It just seemed like the next step, I have been designing and selling my products for a very long time and through that experience I thought selling on etsy would to be a win, win. I had a brick and mortar shop along with a web site and I actually think etsy is the best fit for me.

Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I definitely wear many hats through the day. I am a stay at home mom who sells on etsy as much as possible and who just in the last year made my way back into teaching.

How did you select the name City Farmhouse? Any special significance?
I wanted a name that brought together old with new, urban with country and I like the play on words, people are always curious.
Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I love knowing that someone out there appreciates my designs and the time that it took to create it. I enjoy the chit chat with my customers whether in person or via email, I get a thrill knowing they’re happy.

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
I have so many favorites!

Here are a few of Jen's favorites, which I think reflect her lovely personal style...
List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
I walk almost every day, it is my time to reflect, I am better when I have this time. I enjoy taking photographs just for fun. I love garage sales, tag sales, antique shows, any place where I can find a diamond in the rough and turn it into something spectacular and spending time with my family.

Below, are a few of Jen's photographs...
Read any good books lately?
The last book I read was about a month ago, it was Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux. Amazing book I highly recommend it, a great summer read.

What is your most prized possession?
I would have to say old family photos and my wedding rings.

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?
Nice. I have been on the receiving end of kindness and I value it tremendously. I think lending a hand so to speak is one of the most important things we can do for each other.
Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.
I think I would have to say France and Ireland. My father’s father was from Nice, so I would love a chance to visit, to connect to that part of my heritage plus the fact that it’s a magnificently beautiful area, which is all the more reason. My mother was 100% Irish and she was very proud of her Irish roots, they were from Belfast. Since all I have left from her and her side of the family are notes and letters from the past I would love any opportunity to rekindle my connection to my Irish legacy.

A huge thank you to Jen for participating in my little interview and sharing her lovely work with us! Please stop by her shop and give her a heart and her blog to read more about her.

Time for a Giveaway!!
Oh how I wish I could get in on this one! Jen has so generously offered the winner their choice of one of the two lovely items shown below. The Tattered Flower Necklace or The French Beach House Pillow which reads - Maison de Plage. Both are valued at $30! Wow, thanks Jen!

To enter, please leave a comment on this post with your name, and email address or Etsy username. That's it!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow my blog and/or Jen's Blog: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from City Farmhouse : 10 additional entries

(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries. You do not need to leave separate comments for additional entries. Important: Don't forget to include your name and contact info!)

Contest ends Sunday, July 26th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, July 27th.

104 comments:

Cindy said...

Lucky numero uno! Her shop is gorgeous... I hope I win. :)

My Etsy: hellcatvintage.etsy.com

Cindy said...

I'm folowing you!

My Etsy: hellcatvintage.etsy.com

Cindy said...

I'm following Jen's blog.

My Etsy: hellcatvintage.etsy.com

Tamerie Shriver Halliday said...

Nice interview.

denise said...

Beautiful items!
qwaszx024 at gmail dot com

denise said...

I follow your blog.
qwaszx024 at gmail dot com

Trish said...

Gorgeous shop! I love the journals. I follow your blog and Jen's blog!

ketelcopia@charter.net

Heather said...

Wow...I love her style. So beautiful!

heatherdemke(at)gmail(dot)com

LuLu said...

I adore jen's blog. and have felt so blessed to have found her blog when I did. We have the same favorite foods.. i must go back to her blog and tell her! Thank you for the wonderful interview and letting us get to know more about Jen.
have a wonderful day,
LuLu

Winchester Manor said...

I've been a fan of Jen's for awhile now, love her work! Great interview!!

Cabootique said...

I love her shop.

carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com

Jessica said...

Thanks for the great giveaway!
My etsy: jessicaleighjohnson

Becky Pool said...

Very cool! Crossing my fingers!

-Becky
thepinksamurai.etsy.com

rebekahjpool@gmail.com

amanda said...

Count me in! I'd love to win.
oheeyore at hotmail dot com

amanda said...

blog follower 1
oheeyore at hotmail dot com

amanda said...

blog follower 2
oheeyore at hotmail dot com

amanda said...

blog follower 3
oheeyore at hotmail dot com

amanda said...

blog follower 4
oheeyore at hotmail dot com

amanda said...

blog follower 5
oheeyore at hotmail dot com

Pony Girl said...

Jen sounds like such a sweetie! I love to garage sale, too. Her designs are delightful and I would be thrilled to win something in the giveaway! I'm going ot sign up to follow you both!!

Danielle said...

I adore her pieces!

Danielle

danielle78@comcast.net

Danielle said...

Extra Entries:

I follow yours and her blog!

danielle78@comcast.net

rubymoon said...

What a gorgeous shop! And a very insightful interview, as well. I always enjoy dropping in on this blog and now I have Jen's as well to drop in on!

espressogurl at hotmail dot com

Nina said...

Great giveaway, I love the necklace!

Extra entries:
I follow your blog.
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/nina0205/statuses/2754011701

irina.sagarbarria at gmail dot com

rubymoon said...

Following on Blogger for both you & Jen's blogs. (Rubymoon/Ally)

#1

espressogurl at hotmail dot com

rubymoon said...

Following on Blogger for both you & Jen's blogs. (Rubymoon/Ally)

#2

espressogurl at hotmail dot com

rubymoon said...

Following on Blogger for both you & Jen's blogs. (Rubymoon/Ally)

#3

espressogurl at hotmail dot com

rubymoon said...

Following on Blogger for both you & Jen's blogs. (Rubymoon/Ally)

#4

espressogurl at hotmail dot com

rubymoon said...

Following on Blogger for both you & Jen's blogs. (Rubymoon/Ally)

#5

espressogurl at hotmail dot com

♥ meninheira ♥ said...

What a cute things!! I love all!!
Meni

meninheira at gmail dot com

Aik said...

The French Beach House Pillow looks great!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I'm a follower. =)

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Anshika said...

She has made a touching collection. Nice, sober and appealing.

Dream Decorative Pillow in White and Pink Damask is lovely.

loneacorn@gmail.com

Anshika said...

Following your blog.

Tickleworm said...

Rachel Herzog
rachelherzog@bellsouth.net
www.tickleworm.com
I LOVE her shop! So serene.

I also follow you!

Kat said...

I love both prizes, but the necklace is so fab!

Kat C.
katch05 at gmail dot com

Cherry Blossoms said...

Everything is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!

Kiley Smith
CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Etsy User name: CherryBlossomsDesign

Cherry Blossoms said...

tweet:
http://twitter.com/CherryBlossBaby/status/2757943637

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 1

Cherry Blossoms said...

tweet:
http://twitter.com/CherryBlossBaby/status/2757943637

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 2

Cherry Blossoms said...

I follow your blog!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 1

Cherry Blossoms said...

I follow your blog!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 2

Cherry Blossoms said...

I follow your blog!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 3

Cherry Blossoms said...

I follow your blog!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 4

Cherry Blossoms said...

I follow your blog!

CherryBlossomsDesign at hotmail

Entry 5

Amber said...

I would just love to win the Tattered Flower Necklace!
Thank you so much for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I am following your blog #1

Amber said...

I am follwing your blog #2

Amber said...

I am following your blog #3
Thank you so much for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I am following your blog #4
Thank you so much for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I am following your blog #5!
Thank you so much for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Dawn-Hydrangea Home said...

I would love to enter and became a new follower of both blogs!
Thank you!
Dawn
www.MyHydrangeaHome.blogspot.com
www.MyHydrangeaHome.com
myhydrangeahome@yahoo.com

Lily said...

i love the necklace!
Lmhoot@flash.net

Lindsay said...

lindsay
linmjenk@yahoo.com
thanks for the entry

Unknown said...

Love the True Romance-Caramel Lace Rouched Necklace!

aliciamnieto at yahoo dot com

Daer0n said...

Nurinia

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com

Daer0n said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/daer0n/statuses/2760273683

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#1

Daer0n said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/daer0n/statuses/2760273683

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#2

Daer0n said...

I follow your blog and Jen's blog, i love both your blogs, they're both FABULOUS!

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#1

Daer0n said...

I follow your blog and Jen's blog, i love both your blogs, they're both FABULOUS!

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#2

Daer0n said...

I follow your blog and Jen's blog, i love both your blogs, they're both FABULOUS!

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#3

Daer0n said...

I follow your blog and Jen's blog, i love both your blogs, they're both FABULOUS!

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#4

Daer0n said...

I follow your blog and Jen's blog, i love both your blogs, they're both FABULOUS!

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#5

Daer0n said...

I blogged:
http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/07/city-farmhouse-interview-giveaway.html

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#1

Daer0n said...

I blogged:
http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/07/city-farmhouse-interview-giveaway.html

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#2

Daer0n said...

I blogged:
http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/07/city-farmhouse-interview-giveaway.html

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#3

Daer0n said...

I blogged:
http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/07/city-farmhouse-interview-giveaway.html

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#4

Daer0n said...

I blogged:
http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/07/city-farmhouse-interview-giveaway.html

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#5

Daer0n said...

I blogged:
http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/07/city-farmhouse-interview-giveaway.html

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#6

Daer0n said...

I blogged:
http://ohmygiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/07/city-farmhouse-interview-giveaway.html

daer0n_ at hotmail dot com
#7

Unknown said...

what a lovely interview, i've had the good fortune of meeting jen through our blogs and she is wonderful! her work & shop are gorgeous! i'm flattered that she included my cuff in her favorites.

CathyH said...

Jen is so creative and talented.

Stephanie said...

I love that pillow!!

lesjoujou AT gmail DOT com

Lisa B. said...

I love the East, and Bellport sounds so beautiful, much like Jen's store - and everything in it!! I'm an excited new follower to both blogs :) Both are equally inspiring and just beautiful.

Thanks!!
Lisa

lisabradford101@gmail.com

Christy Lee said...

I love the pillow!
Christy Youtzy
sheridesthatbigredhonda@yahoo.com
Thanks for the great giveaway!

baggypants said...

Lovely shop!!

thanks
baggypants

baggypants said...

I am a brand new Sunshine Studio follower!!

thanks
baggypants

The Attic Girls said...

I just discovered her etsy shop this evening and am considering her pillows for the our store in Calif. I would love to win this pillow for myself!
Thanks for posting the give away.
Nancy
theatticgirls (AT) gmail (DOT) com
heatherdemke(at)gmail(dot)com

Darcy said...

I love her store!

Here's my etsy shop: http://www.andthen.etsy.com

Darcy said...

I follow your blog 1


Here's my etsy shop: http://www.andthen.etsy.com

Darcy said...

I follow your blog 2


Here's my etsy shop: http://www.andthen.etsy.com

Darcy said...

I follow your blog 3


Here's my etsy shop: http://www.andthen.etsy.com

Darcy said...

I follow your blog 4


Here's my etsy shop: http://www.andthen.etsy.com

Darcy said...

I follow your blog 5


Here's my etsy shop: http://www.andthen.etsy.com

babalisme said...

Tattered Flower Necklace just send me breathless!! I love it so much my fingers crossed so hard!

babalisme said...

blog follower #1

babalisme said...

blog follower #2

babalisme said...

blog follower #3

babalisme said...

blog follower #4

babalisme said...

blog follower #5

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

beautiful shop. Thank you for the chance to win.

=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com

Ladytink_534 said...

I like the necklace! My name is Jen and I'm a follower!

Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful pieces! Thank you for this v. exciting and generous chance to win. Fingers are crossed.

My name is Jennie S.
toxicwings@yahoo.com
etsy name is "whisperedtrees"

mineola said...

Fabulous sensibility & sense of style! :D vintage- yet refreshing

Anonymous said...

The Tattered Flower Necklace is gorgeous!

Priscilla Rose
Priscilla@myswaddlebabies.com
Etsy: SwaddleBabies

Anonymous said...

Following your blog :) 1

Priscilla Rose
Priscilla@myswaddlebabies.com
Etsy: SwaddleBabies

Anonymous said...

Following your blog :) 2

Priscilla Rose
Priscilla@myswaddlebabies.com
Etsy: SwaddleBabies

Anonymous said...

Following your blog :) 3

Priscilla Rose
Priscilla@myswaddlebabies.com
Etsy: SwaddleBabies

Anonymous said...

Following your blog :) 4

Priscilla Rose
Priscilla@myswaddlebabies.com
Etsy: SwaddleBabies

Anonymous said...

Following your blog :) 5

Priscilla Rose
Priscilla@myswaddlebabies.com
Etsy: SwaddleBabies

Unknown said...

Great shop!
Heather H.
jswandrn @ gmail.com

Unknown said...

I love vintage inspired items!

marybeth i
etsy misaacmom
blogger - email in profile

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/misaacmom/status/2853699334

Amber said...

I never win but oh well, it's worth a try. lol

I absolutely love the necklace.

tinka_bella15(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

fluerdelyis said...

I, too would love to visit France and Ireland.
I like the french themed pillow.
Thank You for the giveaway.
Chris

treehouse.queen18(at)yahoo(dotcom)