Friday, November 22, 2013

Saturday Spotlight: Kate from Salvage Dior

Hi, everyone!  Myself and Kris (Junk Chic Cottage) wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been
 done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.
There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.

Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Kris's and my blog. 


Today it is an honor for me to welcome one of my 'blog idols' Kate from Salvage Dior!  Kate was one of the first bloggers that I 'stalked' then followed when I discovered the world of decor blogs.  Her honesty about her struggles is inspiring, and her style is impeccable!  She has a real talent for taking curb picks and cast-offs and turning them into works of art!  Please sit back, relax, and enjoy getting to know Kate better!


Chances are at one time or another we will face a challenge in our life that blooms beauty through adversity. My beautiful journey with Salvage Dior began in 2009 it was the brainchild {blog name included} of my dear friend Jo Lee Vaughn . She encouraged me to share my passion of " look for less " projects that evolved from my curbside finds. When I began blogging I could have never imagined this journey of my soul and how this road would inspire my heart to connect with another. Here I was married to the man of my dreams, three beautiful children and a successful twenty year career of wedding and event planning. I hit the ground running with my blog until that moment, the one that happens right upon impact, that defining moment that changed the life I had always known. In 2010 I heard the words Systemic Lupus in the dr's office as my body went numb. As I walked out with wobbly legs and a pounding heart the dr's words "that my mind would be my sharpest weapon against this disease" would soon resonant the best advice above all. As I stood on the solid ground of my faith I prayed for grace over my emotions. Journaling had always been a part of me and now through blogging this illness would lose its stronghold over my life. As the weeks and months transpired I became transparent. I shared not only my love for bringing beauty into your home but my hills and valleys as well. Everything Lupus stole from me as a woman my blog was restoring allowing me the willingness to change and grow in this new season of my life. I wanted readers to know the woman behind writing a post each week. As I shared coastal and rustic vignettes in our home I journaled my thoughts to connect and reach out to the heart of every reader. Salvage Dior became a part of me like a baby that I nurtured and cared for. Each week I would answer emails of others who were living trial under fire searching for hope and encouragement. I found myself crying, praying and cheering for each one as they inspired me through their story. Salvage Dior began to render unto me an unexpected change that would blossom in the deepest part of my heart. When the illness began to place physical limitations upon me I enlisted the help of my husband Robert whom I lovingly refer to as Mr. Dior to help me bring my home decor projects to the blog. As a team we brought forth the woman I thought I had lost among the ashes of this illness. My readers have embraced Mr. Dior as well and this has become our perfect fit.









Thank you, Kate for being my guest today!  Please go visit her blog Salvage Dior, then hop over to Kris's blog to read more about Janet from Shabbyfufu!
Have a great day :)

19 comments:

  1. Thanks Kate for sharing your story with all of us. You are truly inspiring. Hope your story will inspire others that are struggling with life altering situations. Thank you for doing spotlight.
    Great choice Susan for introducing us to Kate.
    Kris

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  2. I've only been blogging {and reading blogs!} a little over a year. Salvage Dior was one of the first blogs that really caught my attention. Not only because of Kate's amazing style and talent, but because she has the rare ability to share her pain and struggles in a way that always points to redemption and beauty. When I shared on my blog about a particularly rough time I was going through in my life, she was among the first to respond with love and encouragement, and I'll never forget that! Thanks for the many ways you manifest beauty through your blog, Kate! And thanks for sharing her here, Susan!

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  3. Susan, it's exciting to see you feature Kate today! Kate, your style is unique & glam, with a name that captures it so well! Congrats on your well-deserved success, & may you enjoy much good health, in spite of your DX.
    Best,
    Rita C. at Panoply

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  4. Kate, you are beautiful both inside and out! Thank you for sharing with us! :)

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  5. Kate is The QUEEN of Our Junkin' Family . . . She & the Mr. are Much Loved !!
    Thank You for this Post !

    Big Texas Hugs,
    JOE & GLENN

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  6. How kind of you Susan to do your Sat. features and show support for such wonderful talented ladies ( yourself included )
    I love Kates blog and her style !!!
    Hugs

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  7. I have peeked in at Salvage Dior every now and then, but I have to admit sometimes I just look at pictures and don't read. I realize that not reading means I missed a lot of what Salvage Dior is about. I am headed over there to "read" Kate's posts.

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  8. Dear Susan and and to her readers I humbly thank you for your words of love and kindness. Each and every reader is such a blessing to my life. Thank you for sharing my life among the others who also have a beautiful journey of their own. Much love and gratitude Kate

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  9. Dear Susan I am honored and humbled to be among the others who we all have a beautiful journey to share. Thank you to all of your readers and their love and show of support. Much love from my heart Kate

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  10. I love Kate. She is always so kind to me and replies to me as well. I love her blog and have followed for sometime. That header of hers does it for me each time. Thanks for sharing her with us today!

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  11. Probably many of us realize the truth of what you wrote of blogging restoring the woman you were, and all you hoped to be, although my reasons seem insignificant in comparison to yours. I have not had the pleasure of visiting Salvage Dior but I will now. The pictures above are beautiful.

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  12. Kate is one of the most inspiring people in blogland. Love her style, and gentle spirit. Great feature.

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  13. Kate has such an inspiring ongoing story! Her strong faith to see her through is such a blessing to others!
    Mary Alice

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  14. Kate is so talented, creative, and inspiring. She has been an encouraging friend, as well! Lovely feature for a lovely woman...

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  15. I have been a fan of her blog for a while now. It was interesting to learn more about her. It's good to know that her blog has helped her deal with her illness too. I am not a stranger to living with a chronic illness myself. Lupus, however, can be so debilitating. Her husband is obviously a wonderful supportive partner for her through all of this too.

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  16. love kate's style! thanks for sharing, susan! happy sunday!

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  17. Kate sure has talent and an inspiring story. Thanks for introducing a new blog to me, Susan!

    Cynthia

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  18. What an amazing kitchen…love the chalkboard wall…and such an amazing story of Kate dealing with her challenges of her health issues by sharing and caring about others. Great, great feature Susan!

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  19. Kate is an amazing woman. One that I idolize as well. Not only is she so courageous, but the sweetest person in blogland there is! She is in my prayers often. I adore her talents as well as her amazing ability to put her journey into words!
    hugs,
    Jann

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