About Jen Svendsen
Hey, there! I’m Jen, the creator and voice behind Midwest Life and Style. A lifelong Nebraskan, wife, and mom of two beautiful daughters, our family loves living in the Midwest with our three furry companions.
We experience all four seasons, which means snow and sometimes crazy cold (hello -30℉ temps!). But even with the winter chill, there’s something truly magical about the changing seasons and I couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else home.
About Midwest Life and Style
I launched MWLS in the summer of 2020 with a simple desire to share my passion for creating a beautiful home. Four years later, I feel blessed that what started as a hobby has become so much more.
I’ve dabbled in home decor, gardening, and small home renovation projects, but my true passion lies in entertaining and creating unforgettable gatherings.
I believe hosting a memorable party shouldn’t be expensive or overly complicated. I want Midwest Life and Style to be a resource for real people, just like you, empowering you with the confidence to entertain family and friends at home without the stress that sometimes comes with planning and hosting get-togethers.
Whether you’re looking for simple recipes, festive holiday inspiration, budget-friendly seasonal decor, or beautiful and unique entertaining ideas, I hope you’ll find something here that inspires you and brings you joy.
My Background and Unexpected Journey to Becoming a Blogger
Before 2020 if you’d asked me about my dream job, “writer and content creator” wouldn’t have even crossed my mind.
The road to becoming a blogger was filled with twists and turns, but each one ultimately led me to where I am now. From careers in retail leadership to non-profit project management and, most recently, event planning, I don’t take for granted how lucky I am to be doing what I love and sharing it with all of you.
As a past event planner with over a decade of experience planning and hosting events, I’m excited to share all my best entertaining tips and tricks to help you create unforgettable gatherings at home.
More About Jen
Our family is passionate about sports, dance, and spending quality time together whenever possible. When I’m not in the kitchen creating recipes, crafting seasonal projects, or writing for the blog, you’ll likely find me cheering on our daughters at their various sporting events and dance recitals.
Beyond family and my professional experience, here are a few fun facts about yours truly:
- I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
- My husband and I have been married for over 15 years. We met in college at an intramural flag football game, and the rest, as they say, is history.
- In my opinion, sticky notes are the best invention ever. I don’t know what I would do without them.
- I love coffee almost as much as I love creamer. Sugar-free caramel macchiato is my current obsession.
- Diet Dr Pepper is my guilty pleasure. You won’t ever catch our fridge without a stash of it.
- My favorite music genre is class rock. I especially love anything from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Features and Accolades
My number one goal is to inspire YOU. You’re the reason I get to share my creativity and passion for entertaining at home. Without your support, there would be no Midwest Life and Style!
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have my work featured in the Winter 2022 issue of Country Sampler Farmhouse Style, and our charming red and white holiday home tour was featured in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of American Farmhouse Style magazine.
I’ve also been featured in online publications including Parade, Family Handyman, and The Spruce.
My Top Posts
I know that stumbling on a new blog can feel a little like walking into a party where you don’t know anyone.
To help you feel more at home, here are some of the most popular posts that readers love.
Crafts
Get the Look for Less: Affordable DIY Pottery Barn Easter Bunny Statue Dupe
How To Make A Gingerbread Snow Globe Centerpiece
Parties and Entertaining
How To Host A Low Country Boil In 3 Easy Steps
5 Easy Tips For Hosting An Unforgettable Backyard Tailgate
Recipes
The Best Bubbly Cheesy Shrimp Dip
Seasonal Decor and Inspiration
How To Effortlessly Decorate For Christmas With Blue Green And Tartan Plaid
How To Style A Cozy Winter Home
Table Settings
How To Style A Whimsical Gingerbread Holiday Tablescape
Hosting A Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Become a Member of the MWLS Community
Don’t miss a thing! Join the Midwest Life and Style community to stay up to date on all the latest entertaining ideas.
Let’s Connect!
Don’t forget to follow me @midwestlifeandstyle for even more inspiration.
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, and TikTok where I share more simple tips and ideas for celebrating every season and all of life’s special moments. Come say hello!
Have a question or comment? Drop me a line! I’d love to hear from you.
I couldn’t be more excited that you’re here, and I’m so thankful you took the time to learn more about me.
I hope you’ll find endless inspiration here for approachable ideas for entertaining at home sprinkled with a dash of heartfelt Midwestern hospitality.
Once again, welcome to Midwest Life and Style!
