Featuring Jewelry Designer, Creator, and Repairer: Jaime Fountain

(*At the bottom of this interview you will find the rules for a drawing to win the pink and black bracelet and earrings pictured to the left!)

Today I would like to share a little bit about my dear friend, Jaime, who is just amazing! Together we have had some great laughs, shared a few tears, drank a lot of coffee, and stayed up WAY too late! I would say that a vein of sarcasm runs through our relationship, which allows us to get away with a lot and, surprisingly, share a lot. Although she might seem quiet at first, if you spend any amount of time with her, you will find that conversation comes easily, especially if you get her talking about her kids! They provide her with ample stories to share and many that you mommies can relate to! So on with the interview:

(Wherever you see "FHB" it is just an abbreviation for Fruitful Hands Boutique.)
(Also, most comments in the parenthesis are written by me - Kathy!)

What do you create for FHB?
Smiles, happy customers. Seriously, I make jewelry all custom, mostly made to order and I also do paychecks (accounting). (Jaime has been doing my books for over a year now. If you want a recommendation, let me know!)

How long have you been making this awesome creation of yours?
I started taking classes about 6-7 years ago but just started really making items a little over a year ago. (Jaime has made numerous custom designed pieces for me - I LOVE them!)

Why do you create what you create?
I love making jewelry that is unique, that people will look at and see beauty but not have to break the bank to get it.

How did you find out about FHB?
I'm friends with the owner. (That's me!!)

Why did you choose to sell through FHB?
The owner is an amazing woman and entrepreneur, I love that she gives so much of herself physically, mentally and monetarily (with donation). Plus it gives me the chance to create and gives Kathy the opportunity to be the amazing salesperson she is. (Um, blushing!!)
(Oh, and did you know that 10% of every sale from FHB goes directly to Bethany Christian Services - an adoption and foster care agency? Well, it does. Now you know.)

What other creations/crafts would you like to try your hand at?
I will be trying candles and soaps soon. I would love to try lots of things but staying focused on a few items makes my creations and my bank account better.

What is your favorite item for sale right now on FHB?
How can I pick just one? I must say as a fellow jewelry creator I love ALL of the earrings and bracelets and some of the necklaces by international sanctuary. Funny, since I never accessorize, not even with what I make!

What would you like to see more of on FHB?
I think FHB has a good mix, but maybe more items for boys/men.

Favorite Food?
Sushi (Yep! Me too!)

Favorite Scripture?
1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Tell us a little more about yourself and your family.
I am a full time stay at home mother, student, wife and everything that goes along with those titles. I am the mother of four amazing children, I have been married to a wonderful man for close to 7 years and I am a student working toward a bachelors in accounting. I love reading, animals, spending time with my family, anything outdoors and crafting.

What is one cause you are passionate about?
I am a bleeding heart when it comes to animals the evidence proves it. Three dogs and a cat with a new cat family being fostered: a mother and two kittens.

Any other business ventures you are a part of?
In my spare time, wink wink nudge nudge, I sell children's clothing and items, and I am looking for more accounting clients. I do payroll, receivables, payables, checks and registers.
(Jaime runs a business from her home: Fountain of Youth Consignment. You can find her on facebook. She does this in her spare time, of which she has none. I can vouch for that!)

Anything else you would like the FHB community to know about you?
I guarantee all of my jewelry by offering free repairs and I repair other's jewelry for a nominal fee, plus I prefer custom order jewelry. If you can think it I can make it!


So now it's your turn! We would love to hear your comments, questions, or encouraging words. Either leave a comment on this blog or (if that isn't working for you as you) under the Fruitful Hands Boutique facebook status that referred you here. Even if you just go back and "like" the status about this blog, we'll enter you!
On Monday, October 24th, at 7:00 pm, there will be a random drawing of all who have "liked" or commented regarding this blog and I will announce the winner shortly after! The winner will receive the pink and black bracelet and earrings set pictured below!

Refreshing FHB

We are quickly approaching the 2 year anniversary of the Fruitful Hands Boutique. I officially started handing out business cards on Thanksgiving day, 2009. Since that day, so many wonderful things have happened. I have made many new friendships and have seen some amazing talent come through this lovely little boutique! This summer and even into the new school year, I saw a major slow down. Hmm...could be that life got a little busy for our family! Running a small business by yourself can be the greatest thing (flexibility) and the worst thing (no one works if you don't)!

Life hasn't slowed down here. As a matter of fact, I'd say it's probably gotten busier! We are in the process of packing up our home of 9 + years and moving to another home just a few neighborhoods away! So exciting! And yet during this very busy time, I am feeling the need to refresh the Fruitful Hands Boutique. It has been neglected far too long. So keep an eye out for giveaways, promotions, interviews, and new items. It's going to be an exciting time! Comments, questions, and encouragement are greatly appreciated either here, on facebook (just search for Fruitful Hands Boutique), or send me an email (klynncragin@yahoo.com). You can also call or text me at (209) 614-3746.

Check out some of these wonderful items currently in stock:



Jewelry by Jaime












Jewelry from isanctuary

Scrabble Tile Necklaces by Melanie









Headbands by Kaitlin










Hair Clips by Alyssa










Bibs by Jennifer










Nursing Covers by Rosel









Scrubbies by Alice








Towels by Dot








Custom hand-drawn cards by Kathy

Intimidated by Lasagna

I often thought about making lasagna, but was intimidated by the amount of time it could take to make! I've made frozen lasagna.... but that doesn't really count. Recently, I discovered a recipe that would make the creation of a good lasagna so much easier and it turns out, it's delicious!
(Here's the ironic part - the recipe is my MOM'S!! I found it in my old school's cookbook - should've known it would be the best.)

What makes this lasagna less intimidating? You don't cook the noodles first. I don't know why taking that simple step out of it makes it so much easier, but it does for me!

Here's the recipe!

Ingredients:
1.5 lbs ground beef (we use ground turkey)
8-10 wide lasagna noodles
1 (16 oz.) carton of small curd cottage cheese (we use ricotta)
1 large (16-18 oz) jar of marinara sauce
1 large (16-18 oz) jar of your favorite pasta sauce
1 lb grated cheddar cheese

Directions:
Brown and drain hamburger. Add sauces and cottage (or ricotta) cheese. Mix well by hand. Grease 9x13 dish. Layer with uncooked noodles. Add a layer of sauce mixture; top with cheese. Repeat these layers. Cook for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Cover with foil towards end if cheese is getting dark.


While you're at it, you might as well make an extra to put in the freezer!

Laundry: DONE!

Okay, so this might seem like a silly thing to be excited about, but I actually started and finished all my loads of laundry in one day! Why overwhelm myself by trying to get it all done on Monday (my unofficial laundry day), you might ask? Because now I won't worry about laundry for an entire week! Some folks like to work on doing a load or two a day. But tell me, then: when does laundry ever end?! For me, it is less overwhelming when I start my day and I know that there is no laundry hanging over my head... so to speak. (I will admit, it usually takes me 2 or 3 days to finish and we only have 4 of us in our family. So kudos to those of you with big families for even staying on top of the laundry throughout the week!)

I've learned many lessons doing laundry. Some good, some not:

Good: get the kids involved, let them think it's a game to sort laundry! (By the way, my kids don't like putting their laundry away, but they love putting my husband's and my laundry away!)
Bad: don't put the red rags in with white dishtowels, especially when they haven't had their first wash yet. And probably not even after that. Red - never a safe color in laundry.
Good: It is truly a blessing when I can't find enough hangers for all my clothing. God has been so good to our family when it comes to keeping us clothed. (Please keep in mind when you see my daughter, she picks out her own outfits - not a true reflection of what is in her closet.)
Bad: Be careful when sniffing children's clothing to see if it is truly dirty or only been worn for 20 minutes. Sometimes it TRULY is dirty...and stinky... and just gross.
Good: There is money to be made in doing laundry! Do you know how many pennies I've found in the bottom of the washing machine?
Bad: Static electricity makes my socks stick to my husband's underwear making for interesting surprises when he gets dressed! (Sorry, honey!)

For more good, check out this guest post from my sister-in-law. I loved it! You'll view socks in a whole new light!

Bringing Out the Creativity

My niece and I decided to work collaboratively on a couple of projects. We started out at Michael's to get some ideas and came up with headbands, duct tape, sunglasses, and gems. Along with a few items from my supply, we brought out my niece's creativity, of which she says she has none. The following is just a sampling of the wonderful creations that she made:

I think she was pleasantly surprised with how they turned out! Just wait till you see the bejeweled sunglasses!

(All of Kaitlin's creations are currently $7)

Lessons Learned from a Widow

²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

James 1:27 (NKJV)

When my Pa (father) passed away 4 years ago, my Mom suddenly had numerous trials to face as a widow, some that she had to experience on her own, some that we, her kids have had to go through with her. We have learned from all of them. So today I'd like to share some of these with you so that you might be able to apply them to a widow(er) in your neighborhood, church, or family.

• Shortly after my Dad passed away, nearly everyone stopped visiting her. She was so lonely. Although it might be difficult to be around someone so sad, the visit is for the person who is lonely, not for yourself. If you don't know what to say, just stop by explaining that you are coming by just for a few minutes to see if there is anything you can do. Then leave when you have to. Those few minutes you are there will be the brightest spot in their day.

• My Mom loves little shows of thoughtfulness, because the man who did thoughtful things for her for 40+ years is not there to do them for her. Little hand-drawn cards by the kids, a flower picked from the garden, a note in the mail, or even a little gifty dropped on the doorstep, just something to let her know that someone else was thinking of her.

• Evenings and Sundays were and still are the worst days for my Mom. These were times spent with Dad. Inviting her over for dinner or letting the kids go to play at her house in the afternoon while we visited helps those difficult times pass much easier.

• Remembering special days (Dad's birthday, their anniversary, the day Dad passed away) with a phone call, a card, or a little thoughtful gift reminds Mom that she's not the only mourning the passing of a great man. He hasn't been forgotten.

• My Mom has a beautiful yard, but it's big and a lot of work. My oldest brother spends a lot of time working on the sprinklers and other yard projects that my Mom doesn't have the know-how to do. She does mow, edge, and blow her yard herself, though. (She has an independent streak). However, I'm quite sure if someone else wanted to do it for her, she would gladly relinquish the job! As my kiddos get a little older, you'd better believe they'll be out there weeding and doing yard work because a 65+ year old woman shouldn't be doing all that hard work! I guess the point of this point is that if you've got a child old enough to volunteer to do some yard work (or house work, for that matter) for a widow(er), it would probably be greatly appreciated and a great lesson for your child as well!

• My Mom has had 3 surgeries this year. Yes, three. Who helps at home when you have surgery or are sick? Your spouse, unless you don't have one. Between my brothers and I, we all try to make sure that we are there when she needs it the most, and checking in with a visit or by phone as often as we can throughout the recovery process. Perhaps you think someone who is post-op doesn't want visitors. Well, the fact of the matter is that you might be a distraction from whatever is bothering them most from the surgery. Or maybe you show up at just the right time to help find extra bandages from the cupboard. Or maybe you call just when they've realized that they could really use more Gatorade or chicken soup from the store. It's all about showing you care when they need it most.

• There have been a few issues with Mom's house that we kids don't have the expertise to handle. Amazingly, there are people who have been gracious enough to offer discounted rates on their services to her simply because she is a widow - what a blessing!

• Holidays are especially difficult. The first few Christmases my Mom had no desire to set up her decorations, inside or out. Yet we felt that it was necessary, so we went over to help set up. I think she was glad that they were up. But keep in mind, what goes up has to come down eventually. Volunteering to help with that task as well helped her get through a very difficult holiday season.

• Our family is big on camping. We were planning on going camping the summer after my Pa passed away to our favorite place: Sunset Beach. A few weeks before he passed in April (before we could get to Sunset) we had a "camping trip" in my Pa's front yard. Our camping friends and our family all came and we pulled out lawn chairs, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over the campfire in the middle of the driveway, and sang campfire songs, all while Dad sat in his wheelchair with his oxygen tank behind him. The smiles that came from that man are what memories are made of. The next month (May) we had planned a family camping trip with all our trailers. Pa was gone. Mom had never gone camping without him. Since we have never wanted to squash her independence, my brothers have always pulled her trailer wherever she is going camping and help set up and take down. Doing this has allowed her to maintain some of her independence and her ability to do something that she truly loves and that also reminds her of wonderful times with her husband.

• One thing that I think people are afraid to do is talk about the "deceased." Fact of the matter is that those mourning want to hear about the person they love. They want to hear your memories of that person because it helps them to "not forget." For Mom, it also shows that Dad had an impact on someone else's life and that he was important enough that people want to remember him. Plus, just because he's gone, doesn't mean that everything about him has to be erased. Talking about him makes him real, not just a memory.

• Perhaps the most difficult trial has been allowing Mom to mourn in the way that works for her. She has been criticized left and right about how she shouldn't be crying anymore or that perhaps she should be trying to match herself up with a local widower. She should stop listening to the music that reminds her of Dad. She should, she should, she should... I have always scolded her for listening to the criticism. No one can walk in her shoes. No one has been married to my Dad but her. No one knows what it is like to love and be loved by my Dad. No one has lost a husband like my Dad was to my Mom. I don't think anyone should tell her how to mourn my Dad. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. :)

• Looks like maybe I should write a book about this! Didn't realize I had learned so much!

• My Mom is often concerned about being a burden to others. I can't get it through her head that it is a blessing to be able to take care of someone who has done so much for me. She deserves all the respect in the world! All who have walked in this world before us should be honored in this way. (Well, maybe not all, but many!)
  

• My Mom loves hugs. My Pa was one of the best huggers ever and he gave them out frequently. Now he's not here to give Mom her daily dose of hugs. My kids and I try to fill in the best we can. Any gentle little touch is a blessing: a side hug, a touch on the shoulder or back, a gigantic bear hug. All those little signs of affection show her that she is important and valuable to us.

I guess the lesson today is just to show a lonely person that they matter,
even if it is in a little way.

Come One, Come All!

SPRING FLING OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, April 30^th,

From 9-noon

Located at:

Ripon Library’s Community Room

Accessible from Main Street

Featuring:

Trading Hope Jewelry and Such

Fruitful Hands Boutique

Fountain of Youth Consignment

Homemade Baked Goods

Thirty-One

Scentsy

Silpada

Mary Kay

Recollect Photography

Pre-K Connection

For more information:

Contact Kathy at (209)-614-3746

klynncragin@yahoo.com

*Raffle to be held for gift baskets – no need to be present to win!