Redefining Style Here: The RSH Catalog Blog

Home Office Advice

As a full time working mom of two I am often asked how I stay organized and not feel overwhelmed by  the mounds of paperwork.  My response is usually the same, pray, laugh, keep a healthy stash of m&ms handy and create a home office that you are happy to spend time in.  Make sure your home office reflects your personal style and is organized for optimum productivity. 

(Love this book.  Great ideas with a bunch of inspirational images.  Courtesy of Amazon)

When I am asked about decorating a home office my reply is always the same, make it your own!  If color inspires you, make the space colorful.  If you are motivated by your kids, position big pictures of your kids on your desk or a bulletin board, if you love the feeling of being organized, setup an easy to follow organization plan.  Just remember to keep it personal. 

One item I think is critical in any home office is light; make sure your space is well lit. Whether you are working at 11 am, or 2am it should be light and bright. Your productivity will go up and the work you produce will have fewer mistakes.

Over the next few weeks we will share with you some ideas and pictures our readers have shared with us about creating the perfect home office.  So send in your pictures and ideas we would love to see them.

A new desk accessory collection that is perfect for organizing essentials:

Meet the Team, Part II

Many of you know Joanie as the reliable, friendly, can do voice that has taken your catalog orders since 2004 but I want to introduce you to the Joanie we work with everyday.  She is our in house MacGyver.  She has been voted by our team as the person we would want with us if we were ever stranded…anywhere. She is funny and compassionate and is an avid fisherman and chef.  Her attention to detail is backed by action and she is a cornerstone of the brand.  In short, Joanie walks her talk.

 

Growing up in Dallas, Joanie was one of 17 children and was exposed to great organizational techniques from the beginning.   Her passion for organizing enabled her to get her chores done quickly and efficiently still leaving playtime. She attended an all girl’s Catholic high school and graduated from the University of Texas where she studied home economics and child psychology.   Being the third oldest of such a large family kept her busy and offered her the perfect training for working in the retail design industry.  She has the proven ability to listen and follow through.  Her attention to detail is matched only by her ability to cook the perfect meal at the office using only one hot plate.

 

While at RSH Joanie has served as head of Customer Service, spending evenings and weekends making sure “her” customers were 100% happy with their shopping experience and selection. From there, she began to work with the merchandise team, where her many years in customer service honed her skills of finding the perfect product. Understanding what customers would look for and expect in every single offering that appears in the catalog or on line gives Joanie the advantage of having been on the "front line" of customer contact. Joanie works so hard to deliver on each client’s expectations and deliver a product they will enjoy for years.

 

Joanie’s customers have sent countless letters, as well as gifts and goodies recognizing her as a great listener with amazing follow through. Joanie is busy at work and home with her husband Doug and sons, Daniel, Bryan and Doug Jr as well as her adorable granddaughter Bella who is already showing her ability to fish and chat with anyone who will listen.

A few of Joanie’s favorite things…

 

Favorite Book, Little Women

 

Favorite Movie, Forest Gump

 

Favorite Flower, rose

 

Favorite Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens

 

Favorite Comfort Food, Keller’s hickory burger with cheese

 

Favorite Childhood memory, my mother having child number 14 on my birthday when I was a senior in high school

 

Favorite Cleaning Supply, Clorox Bleach

 

Favorite artist, Johnny Cash

 

Favorite Season, fall

 

If you missed Part I, meet Grace, our Merchandising Director here

Summer Totes

I know it is still cold in lots of places, but with spring right around the corner we just cannot help thinking about warmer weather.  As we all know, with warm weather comes one thing – SUMMER FUN!

And while everyone knows that the best summer gatherings are casual and laid-back, you still need some fun accessories.  Whether you are just relaxing poolside with the kids or sneaking away for a night on the town, we think we have found some perfect accessories for any summertime occasion.

The perfect poolside companion, we absolutely love these cute and colorful terry-cloth tote bags.  Big and practical, you will find it slung across your shoulder every time you leave the house this summer.  These stylish bags will soon be featured in InStyle and Girls Life Magaizines.

These woven straw clutches are just too cute.  The perfect size for an evening on the town, this clutch has quickly become one of our favorites.  Everyone here already has a couple different colors to accessorize with any outfit.

So put an end to the winter doldrums with some fun accessories that will put you in a summer state of mind.

The Tickle Monster Lives

 

Just like the cute little boy in the video, I am pretty sure every child has had at least a few laugh-filled encounters with the “dreaded” tickle monster.  One of our favorite finds this holiday season is the Tickle Monster set that includes the Tickle Monster book and pair of tickle mitts wrapped inside a gift box that is great for giving this season.

Make story time even more fun for you and the kids this year, and create some laugh filled memories that you and your children will cherish forever.