Hi and welcome to my blog – Gems from Joani. I am a person who loves to cook, entertain, organize, and make my home welcoming. I got my love of cooking from my mom, Norma, who I’ll likely refer to often in posts throughout this blog. Sadly, my mom passed away over 13 years ago, but she is still with me everyday in so many things that I do. She showed me what it meant to have a welcoming home, and with her, it usually started with a comfy space filled with food, drinks, family, friends and lots of laughter. That is what I have always tried to offer in my home and what I hope to help you attain as well. The best part about my tips – “gems” – is that they all come from a place of ease and practicality. I’m no Martha Stewart, I won’t over-complicate anything or strive for perfection. I’m really just striving to have a life full of love and laughter, and with my family that always includes food and good friends, so a large part of this blog will include cooking and entertaining tips.

For ten years I had my own home organization business, so this blog will also include many tips on organizing your space to help you be more efficient and to reduce clutter, which reduces stress. I’ll offer simple tips to tackle small organizational tasks in your home. One thing I can tell you about organization of your space is that it leads to a greater sense of calm, and that is part of what makes a comfy, welcoming home. For me, organization is therapeutic. For many, I know that organization is overwhelming. That’s why I will try to give you simple tips for small jobs to help get you started.

If you want to know a little more about me, I have been married to my husband Dave for 30 years. We met in college at Indiana University, but didn’t date until two years after we graduated (more on that at some future post). I am the proud mom of two boys, really men now – Nick is 25 and lives in Austin, TX, and Alex is 21 and attends Indiana University, just like mom, dad and Nick did. We are big Hoosier fans – tailgating at most of the home football games and attending all of the IU Rugby games because Alex plays for them. We have an 11-year old dog, Izzy, who is a cavachon (cavalier king charles spaniel mixed with bichon). We also have a new rescue puppy (boxer-pit-lab mix) named Tank. And, lastly we have a Russian tortoise named Norman. He is 6 years old and although he’s really Alex’s pet, he lives with us for now because I didn’t think living in a house at IU with five 21-year olds was the best scenario for Norman.

I hope you enjoy what I have to share with you. I would love to hear your comments, or for you to share some of your own “gems” with me at gemsfromjoani@gmail.com.