Somewhere Over the Rainbow::interview & giveaway

i feel so honored to introduce my new sponsor to you, Katy from Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
Katy is an incredible woman with an incredible story. she is by far one of the most amazing women i have ever had the privilege of working with. although she has been through so much [losing her daughter], she has used her experience to reach out to other mothers and help them through their own grief and struggles.

i cannot say enough great things about Katy. i have truly loved getting to know her and the reasons behind her shop and blog. she is letting me interview her today and is also giving away something from her shop. i hope you can all get to know Katy more through her interview and grow to love her as much as i do!

now here’s a little more about Katy!

  

1. How would your friends describe you?
That's a hard one for me because I don't always see myself in the light that others do. I think I'd say they would say I'm thoughtful because I try to be. I think they'd say I'm caring because I genuinely do care for others. I wish they'd say I'm super cool, but hey, you can't have everything!

2. How long have you been married and what {honest} advice would you give to someone about to be married?
I've been married for 5 (long!) years. We have been through SO much as a couple. My husband is, without a doubt, my very best friend. And that would be my advice---make your spouse your best friend.

3. How did you start your blog & shop and why?
Somewhere Over the Rainbow is a tangible extension of my first daughter's life. Hannah was stillborn in September of 2009 and is the influence behind everything I do. Without her it wouldn't exist. While not all of my items are related to pregnancy and infant loss, the shops main goal is to support those who have suffered from it.

4. What inspires you?
Hannah. God winks. Love. Compassion. The feeling you get deep in your soul when you know you (or in my case, my tiny baby girl) has made a difference in the life of someone else.

5. What are some of your favorite items in your shop or blog posts and why?
My favorite item would have to be the Age Blocks which is why I chose them for this giveaway!

The blog is really new so I don't have too many posts yet but I really LOVE to party plan and things of that nature so here's a glimpse at my little man's birthday party!

6. How do you define success?
I don't believe success is something you can see. It's not about appearances to me. It's all about feelings. How have I made someone feel by my actions? Being caring and compassionate, sharing the life and gifts God has given you---that is what makes a person successful in my mind.

7. What advice would you give to new shop owners/bloggers? What did you wish you knew when you first started?
I don't think there's anything I wish I knew! Just follow your heart! I pour pieces of my soul into everything I create---I hope you feel that love!

 

8. What is a talent you have that you wish you used more?
I strive to use all of the talents God has given me---I really do. The one thing I would say is I haven't written in SO long. All through high school and shortly after, I loved poetry. To write poetry. I think being in turmoil is what often inspired me and well, thankfully, I haven't felt that in a while! The kind of pain that came when I lost Hannah often left me blank. Hmmm, you've just inspired me to walk down that road a little again!

9. Do you squeeze the top of the toothpaste tube or the bottom? Which one does your husband do? {This is a silly question from Stronger Marriage that we would ask couples just for fun}
Ha! The middle! He squeezes from the middle too!

10. What are your goals for the future {long and short}? Do you have anything you want to change?
My goals are simple. I want to live my life according to God's plan. I want to be the very best mother I can possibly be. I want my children to always know how much I love them and that they mean the world to me. I want to honor that sweet baby girl that I can't take care of here on earth.

blog // shop // facebook // pinterest

seriously, Katy is amazing!
i can’t say it enough {and i know i already said it about a million times}. i loved her answers and learning about how she started her shop and stays inspired. she is definitely beautiful, inside and out!

and because Katy is especially awesome and kind, she is giving away some of her custom age blocks from her shop. they are perfect for photos to keep track of your child’s age!

here’s how to enter: 

To enter is simple and you can enter in any and/or ALL of the following ways, just be sure to leave a comment for each—

1. Leave a comment here and tell me which item you like best in the shop
2. Share this giveaway on Facebook
3. Like Somehere Over the Rainbow Facebook page
4. Pin your favorite shop item to Pinterest
5. Follow the SOTR blog (Katy says to please excuse it’s condition! she just set it up. [but i think it looks great!])

5 ways to enter!
{and remember to leave a comment for each one}

GOOD LUCK!!

and be sure to go over to Katy’s blog and give her some love as well!