Today on the back porch, Jennifer Rizzo is joining me. If you haven’t heard of her, you are really going to enjoy getting to know her. She has done amazing things with her blog, and has an interesting past. Let’s find out what she has to say.
HI! I’m Jennifer Rizzo and I write the blog JenniferRizzo.com. Thank you so much for having me here today! I am so excited to meet everyone!
I am a lifestyle blogger and I like to feature things like decorating projects,decor ideas, room redo’s and furniture make-overs,creative crafty ideas,design for smaller spaces, and a bit of gardening and organic living all on a budget! We are soon going to be embarking on our biggest adventure yet this June, rehabbing a 1950’s rental house to put up for sale! Wish us luck!
Why did you start a blog?
I always loved writing and making things. When my kids were teeny-tiny in 2007, I felt very isolated and blogging was a way for me to feel like I was connected with the real world. As my kids grew and changed, so were the things I wanted out of blogging and my creative life.
It’s funny to look back at my really old posts. My house was a MESS! I had little kids and I wasn’t really sure what my style was. It was dark and a miss-mosh.
Luckily, blogging has actually helped me to continue to refine what I like and go lighter and brighter. Unfortunately that leads to a lot of changes. My husband tell’s me “it’s never the same house twice.”
What was the most exciting thing that has happened to you
because of your blog?
Lots of things actually!!!Having my kitchen and various projects published in Country Living magazine, and going from one day wishing I would be published in just one
magazine to being in over 20, most recently Celebrating Everyday life.
I never would have believed that that could have happened to me if you asked me 5 years ago. The Lord has let blogging open up so many opportunities for me such as working with national brands, speaking at conferences and teaching classes, and I know there is still more coming.
There are so many opportunities for everyone if we want them. The thing about blogging that every one forgets is it’s all digital. There is enough room for EVERYONE .We should be lifting each other up and supporting each other so we can all do our best, instead of feeling like we aren’t good enough or comparing. There are enough amazing opportunities for everyone to live their own journey.
3.What is your dream gig?
My ultimate dream is to have my home décor line and designs sold at national retailer’s such as Anthropologie, Ballard’s or Pottery Barn. I am already in about 8 stores and I would love to see that grow.
I try to do 2 home decor/jewelry collections a year release lookbooks. It’s of ton of work, but I know if I do my best and it flops, at least I tried. My goal someday is not to have the biggest blog, but I would
I try to do 2 home decor/jewelry collections a year release lookbooks. It’s of ton of work, but I know if I do my best and it flops, at least I tried. My goal someday is not to have the biggest blog, but I would
love someday to be the Nate Berkus or Rachel Ashwell of Artsy Home décor.
4. What are a few things that readers would be surprised to find out about you?
In my former life, after I got my art degree but before kids, I was a firefighter/paramedic.
I can’t believe I am posting pictures; but it is a time in my life I am insanely proud of.
My younger self never believed that I could make a living with my art, so I went down the path of my second love, Medicine and public service. I was the first and only woman in my fire dept. in the 1990’s. I climbed ladders, ran into burning buildings, restarted people’s heart’s, and cut people out of cars.
It was an amazingly hard,physically brutal and emotionally exhausting time but it was also an extremely fulfilling, amazing, find a heart in the soul’s of men, dig deep, learn yourself time too.If I had never gone through those years, I would never be who I am today. Now, my newer (not older) self knows I can work hard enough to trust in myself and make it work.
5. How would you describe your style?
I would call it Modern Vintage Cottage. I love white/neutrals with pops of color,old, rusty, chippy, things with stories, traditional/vintage furniture styles, but modern, artistic textiles, lamps and linens.
5. What are your top 3 favorite posts?
My Kitchen remodel is my Top fave. It was the first time I truly followed all of my design instincts. It has also opened the door to so many other things.
Second, Every year I host a holiday housewalk with over 25 blogger’s homes and even though it’s a ton of work, I love love love doing it, and I look forward to it every year! I am so excited for next year to see all of the amazing homes.
And the third one is a tie, I love my bedroom reveal. For so many years we just kind of shoved it aside. I could barely get up there to put laundry away (Okay, that still kind of happens.). Now it’s a relaxing space for us.
but I also love my bathroom renovation. It was done completely under duress but, I am so happy with it now!
Thank you so much for having me here today and letting me share a bit of myself with you! Please stop over for a visit!
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us Jennifer. Isn’t she amazing?
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I love her style and her beautiful home! It’s so much fun to learn the backgrounds of all these creative bloggers!
-Shelley
Oh I love her and her blog, she is such an amazing person with such fabulous style. Loved learning she was a firefighter, that is wonderful. Hugs, Marty
So fun to learn more about Jennifer. Wow, look at those muscles!
I found Jennifer before I started blogging and have seen her blog and style transform over these last almost 5 years. Not only does she have great style, she’s so funny, and creative. Love hearing more about her.
How fun to learn more about Jen…she is one talented gal!!!
Blessings,
Linda
Jen is such a talented person and I can’t wait to see her line someday in anthro.xxoo
Jen is such a talented person and I can’t wait to see her line someday in anthro.xxoo
Just goes to show, you never know 🙂
Fab feature Anita.
Hugs ladies,
Gee
Wow I did not know Jen was a fire fighter paramedic…you go girl!!! She is an amazing and sweet person.I know this from meeting her several times.Love her style and yes I do believe her wish will happen because she is that talented!
xx
Anne
Thanks for featuring Jennifer! I love her blog and I have to say after seeing her bedroom redo last year, I was so inspired. I left the safety of my neutrals and bought some colorful Anthro inspired curtains for my bedroom! Hubby couldn’t believe it! I hope to meet her soon, we live near each other. She is such a sweet and creative person!
XO,
Jane
Good day Jennifer, I have a question for you, PLEASE could you help me, all my outdoor ornaments stings are broken and I need to get it up again. What string can I use to put it together again. It does get some sun and rain exposure. I am sorry if this request is out of place but would appreciate if you could help. Thanks Ina