Continuing with the Celebrating Motherhood series, today I am so happy to share an interview with René of Cottage & Vine.
René is an interior decorator who constantly inspires me with the client projects, beautiful spaces, and DIY projects that she blogs about. I really admire how René balances a business, blogging and family life, and am so glad to have gotten to know her over the past couple of years! Welcome, René!
How many children do you have and how old are they?
What have you found hardest about being a mom?
Letting go. In this world of information overload it is easy to get caught up in the dangers that are out there. Obviously we as parents have to set boundaries for our children, but often the biggest lessons we learn are the ones where we are allowed to make mistakes.
What is your greatest wish for your children?
I wish that my boys will always be surrounded by people who love them and that they always feel that love.
Tell us about a mom you admire.
My mother is arguably the best mother in the world. She has always set a good example for me. She knows when something is wrong and always knows what to say to make it better. She is positive, funny, and a joy to be with. Mom is the most giving person I know – besides my husband. Our boys have even made note of this.
What is one of your favorite childhood memories of your mom?
Many years ago, Mom drove a convertible Triumph Spitfire. Sometimes on the weekend we would drive up to the mountains with the top down. I remember listening to music and singing at the top of our lungs. As we made our way up the mountain we would eventually have to pull over to put the top up. I remember how beautiful Mom was and how I wanted to be just like her.
What morsel of advice would you share with a mom-to-be?
This sounds so cliché, but enjoy them. They grow up quickly.
On top of being a devoted mom and wife, running a business and writing a blog, René also has an Etsy shop. Jeesh!! Does this woman ever sleep??? Check out Cottage & Vine’s shop for vintage and handmade items, like these burlap placemats that I absolutely covet! Aren’t they adorable?
Thank you, René, for sharing your thoughts on motherhood with us today! Wishing you a happy Mother’s Day with your handsome boys!
How about a quick tutorial in honor of René?!
You may have noticed that I am totally showing off a new skill I picked up just for this interview: how to add an accent mark under a letter (i.e. René) versus an apostrophe next to a letter (i.e. Rene’ – which is wrong, but what I have done for lack of know-how.) My son Sean’s name is actually correctly spelled with an accent mark also – Seán – so I am doubly happy to have figured this out.
Do you want to know how, too?
Using our lady of honor’s name as an example:
If you’re on a Mac: spell Ren, then hold down the “option” key while you press the letter E (which is the Mac command for an accent mark over a letter) then type E (without holding down option).
OPTION + E, then (lower case) E = é
If you’re in Windows on a PC, spell Ren, then hold down the “control” key while you press the apostrophe key ‘, then type E, which will appear under the accent mark.
CONTROL + ‘, then (lower case) E = é
See how René inspires me without even trying?? She is THAT amazing!
Join me throughout the week as this series continues with some more wonderful women sharing their perspectives on motherhood!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
i love rene! she is so talented, sweet, smart, and a good mom! and i think her own mom sounds amazing, too! i am going to meet rene next month when i head to greensboro for a wedding- can't wait!!!!
Andrea says
Great post. I love Rene too. She seems so down to earth and of course, she has great style. Love the tip at the end too. I need to make a note of that!
Andrea says
Great post. I love Rene too. She seems so down to earth and of course, she has great style. Love the tip at the end too. I need to make a note of that!
Courtney {a thoughtful place} says
Thanks for the accent tutorial. I can never type her name correctly. What a wonderful post, Rene. Such beautiful words about your own mom. Love the story of being in the convertible. Your boys are lucky to have you.
René says
Lisa, thank you so much for having me over today! This is such a wonderful series! Also, thank you to my friends who have left sweet comments. You all are the best!
XO,
René
pam {simple details} says
Rene is one of my favorites! In reading her blog over the past couple of years her devotion to her family is always inspiring!
Allison says
What a sweet post. Rene is a lovely woman…so talented, creative, genuine and sincere. She's an inspiration to me on a daily basis. A beautiful family, too. Loved the childhood memory of Rene and her mom in the convertible. Moms are special people. Nice to meet you Lisa and be introduced to your blog.
SHERRY HART says
Rene is the bombdigity!!! I am sure she is a wonderful Mom!!
Carrie @ Hazardous Design says
René. René. René. I'm practicing 🙂
My mother-in-law's name is René, so I'm happy to have learned how to correctly type her name today! Anyway, great interview. I love René's blog and enjoyed learning more about her.
Privet and Holly says
Hey sweet friend!
I had only a small
chunk of time before
running out the door
to baseball, so popped
over to catch up on
all these wonderful
mom posts!!! I already
knew two of the moms,
so it was great getting
inside their dear hearts.
Rene´{ha! it worked!},
like the other moms,
is a delight.
Now, off to the ballpark!
xo Suzanne
PS: Hope you rec'd my
pics??