Easter is over, Mother's Day is next, and I hate to say it, but I am already excited about Memorial Day. There is just something that is so bittersweet about Mother's Day, whether you have experienced joy, loss, or a combination of both.  And for me, the pressure is immense...I am not good at relaxing, and apparently, that is what is expected of you on that day as a mother. I much prefer a good project, getting dirty in the yard or garage, and then maybe ending the day with a beverage and big bowl of popcorn.  It's the little things, right?

And then there is the gifting pressure...do my kids get the grandma's gifts?  I mean, grandchildren are the star of the show anyway, but it's not really grandmother's day.   What I am saying is I basically put a lot of pressure on myself for Mother's Day, which I am pretty sure is the opposite of its intention.  So, if you are in the same boat, I feel ya sister!  I have also made Mama Gift Sets so you can order yourself something you like, split apart and gift as you wish, send to a favorite mama you know, or scoop one up for your actual mama or lady that fills that role for you. The truth of the matter is, I made these for those mamas in my life and am super excited to hand them out this year!

You can head to the online shop to order...just click the shop tab!  You can message me directly for any specific requests should your mama or you have a preference...I know I have my faves!

​Stay in the Moment...

I don't know about you but Easter week is symbolic on a lot of different levels...spiritually, this year as a result of the 2020 of it all and it being a little over a year since our lives were eaten, chewed up, and then spit out like a toddler does with broccoli, and also for the spring of it. Easter to me means that we made it on all of those levels, its a fresh start, a promise that spring is either here or will begin soon, and just generally gets me excited for our shortest season of all...SUMMER! 

And there's just something so sweet about bunnies and chicks...
We have our countdown on...our next little flock arrives late April and we chose Easter Eggers!  So I feel like it will be like opening a present, because we have no idea what color they will be and then what color egg they will lay!  In any case, I am sure my Instagram feed will be filled with them, cuz this chicken mama loves that little fluffy stage. 

So this is me reminding you to head over there if you want to follow along.  You can also find my easy-as-pie spring chalkboard art there too!


And in light of this super non-informative blog post and rambling because I was really just excited to tell you about the chicks...you'll find a FREE Easter card printable below.  Because if you ever were worried about not being worthy or loved, I am here to tell you that you are loved beyond all things and Easter week is the perfect reminder!

Stay...In The Moment,

Well, I guess as a Wisconsinite I shouldn't be surprised that it snowed this week...multiple times.  But like the rest of the country, I am just ready for spring and ready to wage an all out boycott of Mother Nature herself.  She is just plain cranky. So, I am making it feel like spring inside.

My schedule is packed, so any spring inspiration needs to transition easily to summer and be easy to create, hang, or blend into our other decor...cue all the neutral vibes.  Instead of my usual wreath or garland, I wrapped a vintage frame with florals for our entry...bonus, we already had everything and I can transition it right into summer!


​
Frame...floral wire...garland...blooms...a little patience...and done!

Keep thinking spring and
​Stay in the Moment,

I mentioned on social media the other day about how I am treating my home similar to my wardrobe.  It's the dress-for-the-job-you-want edition of home decor styling.  Not that I don't love winter and snow, cozy fires and blankets...just that we have a long season of that and I am ready for spring blooms, green grass, warmer temps, outdoor fires and maybe a butterfly or two. On the bright side, all these feelings coincide with our spring candle launch and so even if the outdoors isn't complying, the inside of my home can feel and smell like all the glory of spring! 
​Read on for an intro of each amazing scent...

Citrus Sunshine
Bring on all the goodness of the citrus grove as it heats up in the morning sunlight!  Notes of grapefruit, lemon, and mandarin are sprinkled with apple, peppercorn and a drop of vanilla so slight you’ll feel like you are wrapped in sunshine!

​Cashmere Sweater
A subtle fusion with plum, black cherry, currant, peach and jasmine grounded with notes of sugar, amber, and citrus.  It’s soft and feminine, yet intensely luxurious just like sliding into your favorite cardigan.

​Lilac in Bloom
Step outside your cottage to rows of lilac bushes in full bloom. Walk among the spring fragrance of these purple and white blossoms while taking in the full garden notes complimented by lily of the valley, rose, and jasmine grounded in the cover of sage and carnation.

​Fresh Herbs
All your favorite greens in a timeless bundle perfect for every season.  This clean and classic blend of eucalyptus, pine, rosemary, and chamomile is sprinkled with sage, sandalwood, and cedar.  It is mingled with drops of camphor and lavender softening out the fragrance of freshly cut herbs.

I hope you are either feeling the spring vibes or getting ready for all its goodness!
Stay...In The Moment,

In the midst of all the snow and polar vortex temps...I am just ready for spring and all I can think about is what I can paint and change and upgrade and makeover!  So, I realized I never shared our fireplace before-mid-and-after transformation, in case you are feeling the same.
Our fireplace has taken on a couple transformations over the last five years, partly because we moved in with a 1 1/2 year old (who is now 7), a little bit because we continue to change how we use the space, and even more so a result of our backyard oasis of trees that prevent light from entering the space. I promise it's because of all those things, but, if you ask my hubs, he would tell you it's because I like to stress him out by constantly changing things. I'd be lying if I told you that didn't make me laugh...probably more than it should. 

I think, in all honesty, this change may have been a bit more daunting for the simple fact that if I royally botched it, installing a new fireplace would have been neither in the budget nor anything either of us wanted to undertake while living here with 3 kiddos. But technically it transformed in stages, the first time, using more greys to lighten it and the second, using whites, creams, and light greys to brighten it to the shade it is today. 

If you have similar stone to ours and plan to tackle this, here are a few pointers...
Dry brushing is best; it allows you to control the paint, create natural looking stone variances, and add color slowing allowing you to adjust the shade as you go and change it slightly from stone to stone. 
Using an oval brush or brush that expands or splays at the end is easier to use...and using it by stippling the paint on gives you a better finish.  Keep in mind that you will likely just toss this brush after you are done, I used one of my fave oval brushes that had seen better days. 
Any palette-type piece will work to hold your plate...I got extra fancy and used a couple of paper plates stacked together. 
Move around as you go, revisit areas and readjust the color.  Layering colors and hand-mixing varying shades as you continue will give you a more natural look.  Wishing you all the beautiful fireplace makeovers that take you a little less time and give you instant gratification!
Stay...In The Moment,

Let me be the first to tell you all, I am not Willy Wonka, and I am certainly not an amazing chocolatier. And that, my friends, is what I learned from making Valentine's Day Hot Cocoa Bombs.  In truth, I could have made this a lot easier on myself, but as a result of watching too many baking championship shows over the holiday season, I thought tempering chocolate would be a good life skill to learn.  I am happy to report I got a perfect snap and sheen when finished, but it took way too long, lots of patience I didn't have, and a few too many hours covered in chocolate.  Trust me when I say, buying them is an option that seems more than appropriate.  My feelings could also be justified with the fact that I set out to make 50, and perhaps that was a little ambitious. In any case, they are totally do-able if you have the patience, time, and want to learn some new kitchen skills.

Supplies...not pictured is the chocolate,
because I was too consumed with tempering it
​(see Willy Wonka reference above). 

Here's to dropping all the love bombs,
eating all the chocolate, and if you are
experiencing freezing temps like us,
cozying up with your favorite people. 
Happy Valentine's Day!

Stay...In The Moment,

It's LOVE month...my birthday month...and a month I have reserved to be able to make a few more amazing changes in this tiny little internet space of mine!  I am not sure if I have ever been so excited for Valentine's day; it's not my typical jam.  But the world and each of us could probably use a little more love, hugs, and kindness, and so I have been anticipating it's arrival since the day after Christmas! 

This pom wreath was the first Valentine's project on my list!  I've included a couple videos below in case you'd like to tackle one too...but before you do, you should know that they really are super easy, take a little more time than you think, and you may want to put poms everywhere once you are done!

This goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway...if Valentine's Day isn't your thing, this pom wreath can be made with your favorite colors, sports theme hues, or you could get a head start on one for Easter or the 4th of July if that's more your speed.  The options are endless!  And although its hard to see, I did end up adding lace ribbon to mine as well...so add your favorite extras too and as always...
Stay...In The Moment,

​Thank you does not begin to express the gratitude I feel for the place each and every one of you allowed me to call home for nearly the last five years.  And my heart is bursting for the support I still continue to receive as I expand my design services and candle line.  Even more than that, the joy in counting all of the friendships I have made along the way is truly immeasurable.


The last day of the brick and mortar was last Saturday, and all that remains is tying up some loose ends and patching some nail holes. I am able to say I as turned the closed sign around for the final time that rather than feel sadness, I felt blessed.  Adding to that, I look forward to maintaining these friendships and continuing to serve you online, virtually, and one-on-one.

You can expect online shop updates, new items, and seasonal candle launches over the next few months.  I'll be sending out regular updates, free printables, and DIY tutorials for those of you wanting to get crafty.  And as always, you can continue to connect with me via social media.  I plan to stick to the basics on Facebook, but share our home, projects, recommendations, and fam over on the gram (Instagram that is!).  
​
Stay...In The Moment,

Where have the first two weeks of January gone?!?
It has been total crazy town as we downsize
and prepare to upload new goodies to the online shop! 
In the meantime, we still have
complimentary local delivery going out every Friday
and we are down to our final quantities on flash sale items! 
If you missed out on those,
​head to the online shop to take a look!

Over the next week, we will share with you two new favorites and begin the final countdown on the brick and mortar shop! 

Until then, you can use the code
EXTRA10
in the online shop for an additional 10% off!

We cannot wait to drop the next two goodies and are so grateful that you are cheering us on!

Stay...In The Moment,

​Please know that I already know I am literally the worst marketer of the things I actually create, and because there is so much confusion on the candles, I am taking a hot and overdue minute to explain them. Because of all that, it’s totally believable that half of you have shared with me that you thought I purchased candles and slapped my label on them instead of actually making them.   
 
In truth, I started making candles because of shipping and delays two years ago, then vowed I would never do it again because of the work involved, and repeated this process twice before diving all in.  I am happy to say, I have it down to a science…the ratio, the melting, the cooling, the mixing, the curing…and I have come to enjoy the creativity behind all of it.  So, I am happy to announce that I, personally, melt each carefully measured formula of soy blend wax and hand mix each and every single scent. I do actually slap a label on them, and it’s an In The Moment label because they are made in-house.

​And to keep things interesting, and in true form of my inability to follow recipes, there are only a handful of scents on the permanent line.  Seasonal scents get hand-mixed and poured four times per year and are considered a one-time pour.  That means, if you don’t grab it, it’s gone!
 
Because of this and because some of you follow along each and every time a new collection is launched, I decided to package these in a Seasonal Candle Box.  Each season (if you have an annual subscription) or the season you choose (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) you will receive four minis in signature seasonal scents, one home good, and one personal good in a specially curated box shipped right to your door!  This allows you to have a variety of feel-good smells each season, and also decide which are your faves before committing to purchase a regular size candle in that scent.

​You can find the Seasonal Candle Box in the online shop available for pre-order now.  The spring scents will get launched March first and you can click the order button then to get your full-size versions, melts, and minis. 

In addition to this, a brand new permanent scent will be dropping in February, and this one will also have a fantastic bonus size!
 
 

Stay...In The Moment,

I am not sure where December went, but here we are literally one week away from the jolly old fat man squeezing his big butt down all our chimneys. And I would love to tell you all that I have kept up with Christmas cards and family photos and them ordered by Thanksgiving, but that would be a lie. 
I have, however, sent out plenty of happy mail and packages and am proud to say that I may have redeemed myself a little with the card I tucked into each one.  

Stay...In The Moment,

​I can hear the whispers already, but in all truth I haven't been this excited since we celebrated our last birthday at the shop!  This year has been a big one, and by most accounts I hear, not the greatest.  I, on the other hand, cannot say I fall into that category.  Sure, things weren't all rainbows and sunshine, but neither is a regular year without murder hornets, dust storms, unruly hurricanes, and a novel virus. And this crazy year with all its ups and downs afforded me some of the most significant pushes to be able to pursue some amazing things.


I spent the better half of the year transitioning the shop online and acquiring enough virtual design and managerial clients to be able to maintain all our current offerings and allow me to keep working full time, even during shutdown. Both of these goals had been on the list for quite some time, and without the hours required at the shop, I was able to meet these in record time. 

This gave me the push to send out applications for graduate school to which I can excitedly tell you that I have been accepted!  I am not only grateful for this opportunity, but overjoyed at the prospects of where this year has taken me and where I will continue to learn and grow from here.

So here comes the hard part...my little business is doing well online, my clients are happy, and I will soon have a full course load of graduate classes. The piece of the puzzle that no longer fits is me spending time at the brick and mortar shop and curating the thousands of goods it takes to stock it month to month and season to season. Because of that, I have decided to continue but only with individual clients, custom work, providing other shops with wholesale In The Moment goods, and the online shop, leaving the rest of my time to my family and studies as I pursue my graduate degree. 

I will continue to keep you all posted on some fantastic new online offerings, new partnerships with local businesses, and all effective closing dates of the brick and mortar. And as always, I'll share via all our social media accounts every step of the way.  If you don't want to miss a message, news, or the fun announcements we have dropping soon, make sure to sign up for our email list...especially as I share our final closing dates and I get to tell each of you how very grateful I am for all the love and support you have shown this little shop, allowing it to grow to the expanded online space it is today.

Our next big announcement happens tomorrow!

Stay...In The Moment,
​ 

​Many of you know, small business has my heart...we didn't just fall into this by accident.  My roots are in small business, my parents had one for over 30 years.  I didn't just live it, I literally grew up above it and breathed it in every single day, in every kind of season, and every kind of climate.  

We have several small businesses under our brick and mortar shop and even more that I work with and love to support across the country.  These people are my tribe and I cannot wait to share five of my favorites with you!  Please consider supporting one or all of these this Christmas season.  You can rest assured that unlike the cashier standing at a big box store delivering small talk as quickly as possible, each one of these amazing and talented business owners does a happy dance each time an order comes through.  I don't know about you, but I personally feel like 2020 could use more happy dances!

Sweet Pea 
Kim approaches business with her whole heart and helps make items that feel like you belong to a sisterhood so strong you can feel the connection miles apart.  I have given her items as gifts and received so many of these beauties from her...literally the perfect gift for gal pals that are five minutes or five hundred miles away!

PS...my earrings above are created by her!

Southern Spangled​
Becky delivers the cutest tiered tray decor
and hand-sewn goods, adorable signs,
ornaments, and table decor.  All of her items make great stocking stuffers and will help you make
​this season a little bit merrier...
especially if you order for yourself
​and your bestie!

Cottage Farmhouse 1872​
Jana is super creative and not only sews up the most adorable decor and ornaments, but is an incredible artist as well.  She hand-draws directly on her pillows
and can be seen on
social media making these amazing
​pieces one by one!

The Crows Nest Sign Co​
Tina has such an art of personalization
with her beautiful pieces.  We have one of her
crosses and it is a treasured piece in our home. 
She also offers ornaments that can be personalized
and faith centered items
that make the most lovely home accents
​and gifts this time of year!

Square One Soapworks, LLC
Barb is one of my favorite locals,
and if you have had a soap conversation with me
in the shop, her soap is literally the only soap
that is always in my shower.  The ingredient profile is clean, she works hard to develop each bar,
​and we always end up ordering several at a time!

Spreading cheer is so easy when shopping with these small businesses.  I hope that you were able to find some beautiful gifts for your favorite people on your list, and maybe one or two for yourself as well!

Stay...In The Moment, 

In a shocking turn of events, much like the rest of 2020, November is looking oh-so-much different than anticipated.  In the shop, we are typically elated to see our favorite customers politely excusing themselves through packed aisles and around crowded displays throughout the month, and especially at our holiday events, Black Friday, and Small Business Saturday. 
Having your best interests at heart and because Wisconsin is like a south pole elf right now, gatherings, crowds, mosh pits, and the basic ol' bumping into one another, is not recommended and something we would like to avoid.  In other words, we are super excited to share with you our November Small Business Saturday running from Thursday, November 19th to Monday, November 30th, 2020!

To thank all of you for all the support since reopening, the online shop and everything inside the brick & mortar will be 30% off...and the icing on the cake is that we also have gift with purchase goodies we will pack into every bag! Shop small, support your favorite makers, and stuff those stockings!  We can't wait to make things a little bit merrier for you!

Beginning tomorrow the online shop pop-up will contain a 30% off code as well as our social media pages.  You can shop online for complimentary local delivery (every Friday), in-store pick up, or shipping.   If you head to the brick and mortar we will automatically put the discount in for you! 

And as always, we appreciate you and your choice to shop small...whether that is with us or your neighbor down the street. The impact is immeasurable in joy and oftentimes unequivocally matched at supporting local community; both things we can totally and wholeheartedly stand behind.  

​Stay...In The Moment,

Some days it is easier to look on the bright side, find the joy, and create it when it cannot be found.  Other days, a quick "Thank you, next' and beverage seem to do the trick.  And when you combine both, its just plain magic. So basically I am saying, try this Autumn Mule, you won't be disappointed.  And before you say you don't like mules, there are a LOT of options with this one, mule or no mule, spiked or not spiked, hot or cold, and we may have tried it all of these ways on a few different occasions. (I am calling that research.)

You'll need to make the cider first.  Note that this is meant to be more of a concentrated cider, and you can drink it hot, make it into a toddy, or serve over ice.  For this you'll need the following...

Assembly time! We personally enjoy an Irish mule, so we used traditional ingredients like our favorite ginger beer and bourbon whiskey...but, you can omit the bourbon, substitute your favorites, or just use sparkling water to make a non-alcoholic version. 

Easy, oh-so-yummy, and super versatile!  It's like apple pie in a drink, a little dangerous because its just that good, and a bonus...your house will smell like you have been baking all day long.  Let me know if you try this one (or how many you enjoyed once you do!).

​Stay, In The Moment...

Inconsistency...waiting for the other shoe to drop...perching on the edge of our seats...describes pretty much how I am operating on the daily this year.  Running a small business amid this chaos is akin to jumping in the deep end of the pool where a shark is circling.  Add in homeschooling 3 kids who just want to experience normal which is like herding cats through a minefield of catnip and caged mice. Ok, ok, that may be exaggerating a little, but it also mildly covers the everyday activities of a Monday in our house. 

And if you have noticed this little piece of the 'interweb' that holds my blog, that too has been inconsistent at best as those posts and writings get juggled from list to list and put off to the very bottom of what seems like a never ending log of things yet to be accomplished.  Between all the conversations I have had with friends near and far, most all of you are feeling that crunch, that uncertainty, and the pressures that are somehow different and more numerous than ever before.  How did we get to a slowdown that made us so unbelievably busy?

Like many of you, I have taken on so much extra while simultaneously letting go of so much excess. And we are still sitting on the edge of our seats, wondering what will be next, and making small and big changes that make sense for this new, and hopefully short-lived season of life.  So you may be seeing a few changes here...so we need to know, what are you sitting on the edge of your seat for?  What makes you click that 'read' button?  What do you want to see in the future?

Tell us more...
Do you want an online paint class that is at your own pace?  Do you want weekly emails with fun printables?  Do you want a quarterly bundle of goods you can purchase from the online shop?   

Until next time, I'll be sitting on the edge of my seat and trying to 
Stay...In The Moment,

Let's be honest...2020 has shifted how all of us do things, both in big and small ways.  And if I am honest with myself, some of those shifts and changes have been positive pulling out more and more  gratitude and  each and every creative fiber of my being to make it all work. Like some of you, we had big plans for our home this year and some of that had to shift to accommodate other things...our master bath was one of the first things to get nixed from the list.  But instead of crossing it off completely, I just revamped how I approached it and pulled off a $15 refresh instead.  If you are struggling with an area of your home and 2020 has put the cancelled in all of your plans, revisit the how...anything is possible with a little creativity and paint.

On a side note...I get a little messy in this post.  The real-life, ugly, before pic is proof that everyone has a hidden eyesore somewhere in their home whether it be a junk drawer, closet, or bathroom like this one. I hope seeing this gives all of you a little extra encouragement to pick up a paintbrush, refresh that space that doesn't give you all the good feels, and transform it into a space that fits the season of life you are in. 

A few notes about the refresh...
-$15 total, yup...$15.  We used all the leftover supplies we had from other projects.  Which, I will say, was not as easy as it sounds.  Our original 3 plans were scrapped once we took measurements and allotted for the supplies we actually had...cue some designer frustration in there! Our $15 was spent on drywall mud, drywall tape, and liquid nails.
-Yes, you can totally paint cabinetry!  I get this question all the time...what matters is the type of paint and finishing product you use to make it as water resistant as possible. Our painted kitchen cabinets have very little wear on them and have survived 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 3 cats for five years and counting! Since this isn't a 'How to Paint Cabinets Tutorial' comment below, DM with any questions, or if you are local, pop in the shop and I would be happy to talk you through it!
-We inherited this beauty of a room and as you may have noticed this bathroom is the size of a port-o-potty.  This created a lot of logistical issues, but ultimately saved the budget so I guess you could say I have a love/hate relationship with it. 

Not bad for $15 and a week of fitting in 15-30 minutes here and there!  It may not be the original plans we had, but a fresh new look that fit our budget, our schedule, and our ability to source all the things in our current climate.  I'll call that a win and hope that it gives you a boost to tackle that soon-to-be-hidden-gem of a project that 2020 officially put on hold for you!

​Stay...In The Moment,

Well, if you have been around here for any length of time...big thank yous!  You may remember that we missed our Birthday Bash, our Annual Destash (clearance) event, and our community's Krazy Daze...all fun things we get to celebrate with you and use to transition our little shop through the seasons.  It started out in March as pushing it off, rescheduling, and planning to do all these things at a later date...well its already a later date, the landscape still looks the same, and waiting no more we will do. 

Bring on the BINGO...yup, birthday BINGO.  Its our way of letting you know of all the sales so you can follow along and pick up all the things you need, want, and never knew you couldn't live without.  Plus, it's a little more fun than me telling you from behind a mask what is on special, all the goodies, the gift with purchase, the BOGOS, and so on...because let's face it, its a long list and I will likely forget to tell you some of them.

So, come celebrate with us...in a different way than usual throughout the rest of the month of August!  Because once August is up, we have big things to share with you again...a new schedule, new plans, and some transitions as we continue to grow through 2020! 

Stay...In The Moment, 

​It's been quiet over here, but we have been oh-so-busy with all the things.  In additional to owning this small shop, taking custom work and offering personal design services, we have 3 kiddos, 1 cat and 5 chickens.  And let me tell you, the chickens may be the easiest part. 
Changes in schooling are being announced all over the country and with the realization that I may be at home more than usual through next spring, we are crossing off all the projects on the list. This week, I am sharing one of my favorite paints by The Chippy Barn, giving you a sneak peek at painting, and showing off our new master bedroom refresh.  Behind the scenes, we are finishing up our master bathroom refresh (disclaimer: its the size of a closet) and if the weather cooperates, the greenhouse I started more than a month ago...so stay tuned for those.  Right now, you can hit my IG stories for all the painting goodness (check highlights for yesterday's first coat) and read on for all the answers to my master bedroom refresh...

First, let me say hand-painted wallpaper is not for the faint of heart. Second, there are a few steps to make it a bit easier, so I'll start from the beginning...

There are so many patterns you can mimic or come up with, but bottom line is this fern pattern was easy to duplicate, although time consuming, and felt like the much needed zen I needed in the middle of spring of 2020's chaos. Plus, I really liked that it was not completely cookie cutter.

There are a few tips that do make this process a little easier.  Remember the Frog Tape and fill in with the wall color first.  I have seen others cut sponges as well for a lighter look...just keep in mind that you may have to play around with your paint and the type of foam sponge you use to get a consistent print. I also hand-mixed my paint, both the actual formulation and the color.  This allowed me to get the perfect shade and more importantly the right consistency to use with detail brushes on a vertical surface.  I used a combination of clay paint (from Country Chic Paint), ceramic paint (from The Chippy Barn) and latex wall paint in satin finish.  It not only gave one coat coverage, but allowed for an almost completely matte finish that is wipeable.

I will warn you that because of this wall, I subsequently also had to paint my headboard and make modifications to its style.  The project also took many more hours than anticipated.  But I had all the supplies already, and if you didn't, it would really only cost you paint, tape, and a brush. This was what I kept reminding myself while painting (it took nearly 15 hours) because the wallpaper alternative would have been over $400 for the pattern I had chosen.  Ultimately, it was the perfect win and I am so glad I pushed through and finally finished it.

And now we can focus on all the other things on that to do list while we
​Stay...In The Moment

We certainly are not alone in saying we missed so much this year.  But on the contrary, we are also not alone in saying we gained quite a bit too. And with this little shop, it is no different...we are choosing to view the cup as half full rather than half empty, making sure to leave a little room for hope, goodness, and the expectation of better things.  It is certainly not easy, but it is much easier to get through the day focusing on that rather that on the opposite.  
This year, our shop missed its Birthday Celebration, Annual Destash Event, Christmas in July gathering, and what was supposed to be our community's Krazy Daze event this weekend. But right along with that, we have expanded online, offered complimentary local delivery, and kept in touch with so many of you, really learning who is committed to our tribe of local and far-away friends who have a love of old and new goodies and a passion for making their lives a little more rich in all the ways that matter. 
With that vision in mind, that half-full cup completely runs over, feelings of gratitude replace concern, and the reasons behind the whys become that much more apparent.
To continue that, share our gratitude with you, and rather than think about all the sweet faces and connections we will miss this weekend, we have taken our Krazy Daze sales online (we will continue to update as the week goes on), and included lots of gift with purchase on a bigger scale than ever before.  It's our way of putting the smiles in each package, sharing our half-full cup with you, and continuing to move forward through whatever kind of new normal 2020 shares with us. 

Stay...In The Moment, 

It seems as though we just started June...meaning I had to look at the calendar twice to make sure the 4th of July was really this Saturday.  Summers in Wisconsin go FAST around here...on a side note, the winters do not. And there is nothing better than a little patriotic decor to make me feel all those fleeting summer feels.

But, if you have been reading along for a bit, you know that I am all about all-things-simple this year...enter in my 5 minute centerpiece and this year's attempt to reuse, change up, and make the 4th festive. I grabbed multiple packs of this little flags last year at the dollar store, and dip-dyed them in coffee to age them a bit.  It's a bit difficult to tell from the photo, but they were bright white and starched to a stiffness only June Cleaver would accept (yes, that is a dated reference...I am still in my thirties, but I am a Nick-at-Nite baby thanks to my mama with an affection for retro television).  Thanks to this easy dye process, they now give an off-white hue and more relaxed look.  Add in greenery, and checklist done!  Easiest decor ever, leaving lots of room to enjoy the holiday. 

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For me this holiday is usually a lot like Thanksgiving...a whole lot of food and a whole lot of gratefulness.  The only difference?  The weather, and maybe the addition of a sprinkler. 
This year, like everything else in 2020, our celebration will look a little bit different.  But, it will still include all of those things...all the goodness of the ideals of independence, the responsibilities that come with that, and the unshakable knowledge that better things are coming. 

And in case you a little something extra to carry with you into the weekend,  next week, and maybe even into next year, I'll leave you with this quote reminding you to be unshakable...focus on the gratitude, rise with a clear mind, and leave the door open for the happiness that will follow. 

Stay...In The Moment, 

Check that title again...It's Thursday all day and to be quite honest, that's about all I've got. And peonies.  My peonies finally, and I mean finally, decided to open up...and it truly was all in their own time.  Sometimes, alright...most of the time, things can't be rushed, they have their own timeline.  And if 2020 has taught me anything, it is that we must be in the here and now, get real comfortable with being in the moment amid uncertainty and ever-changing circumstances that despite how much we hope and wish and pray, have their own timeline that they are operating under. 

Some of this is just nature, a course of action playing out and other times it is our inability to shut it down...both the internal and external reactions we have to situations.  The biggest thing I have noted this year is the volume of opinions blasting freely on social media, in person, and in print.  And by volume I mean the expression of, amount of, level at which they are announced and carried out, and sometimes the lunacy of that all wrapped together in a not so neat package. 
We may not have control over the length of time something takes, the ability of others and ourselves to change and transform, or the speed at which peonies bloom, but we do have control over our reactions and how deeply we allow ourselves to feel them.  Take in this full quote by Marcus Aurelius, but read this line carefully...'There is never a need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can't control.'
Peonies won't bloom any faster accompanied by my opinion that they should. Nor will anyone be any more kind, approach a problem with any more intelligence, or the world hasten the effect of the certain circumstances we are in all while experiencing a rainstorm of my opinions.  So instead of feeling the weight of that storm, I am going to focus on the things I know, those things I can control.  I'll continue to practice kindness, pretend I have lots of patience waiting for peonies to bloom, and rest in the knowledge that all day today is Thursday... at least until midnight. ​
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Stay...In The Moment

Many of you know we have offered Intro to Furniture Painting classes plus a variety of specialty classes and studio time over the last few years.  It is so amazing to see all your work, the things you have accomplished, and the projects you have tackled! If social distancing weren't a thing right now, we would be high five-ing each and every one of you!  But because of this time we are living in, we have instead been fielding oh-so-many questions via social media over the last few months while we have been unable to host these classes and events.
After all, you still have projects, and some of you more time now to complete them. We hear you, we are here for you...and we will continue to guide you along in your painting journey whenever you start,  wherever you want to land, and however you want to finish.

With that said, let us know...WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN A FACEBOOK LIVE Q&A SESSION ON ALL THINGS PAINT, ALL THINGS FURNITURE, ALL (or hopefully most) OF YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED?
We know this isn't our typical blog post of all things lovely, all things that are going on, and maybe a sprinkle of encouragement...but this is a way we can support and challenge many of you to finish up those items you just got stuck on, don't know how to begin, or maybe need a little bit of a confidence boost to dive on into. So head to Facebook, our Instagram account, or heck, even send us a little email and let us know!
We'll decide on the time and date later, so no need to worry about that. We'll also decide on who will hold the camera as well...any takers for that thankless job?  Must be willing to keep me from laughing, distract me from saying 'UMMM' every other word, and help me stay on track. Cue me asking my hubs to take on this assignment!  So chime in, share your thoughts, or better yet, all your questions!

Stay...In The Moment,

In case you were popping by for some encouragement...I'll be sprinkling these words with a lot of new favorite quotes based on all the doors that have closed, the windows that have opened, and the new normal that continues to present itself on a daily basis. Know that you are valued, there is a place for you, and that while things may continue to shift you will land, and hopefully it will be in the place you were always intended to be. 

I learned a lot about myself while at home with my people, and was quickly reminded that I need to get back to the things that matter, not just in the interim, but to stay from now on. I have a tendency to be a YES person...a person that struggles with the consequences of saying no. letting someone down, or the inability to help. 

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So if you are feeling less than,
uncentered, wobbly and unbalanced..
hear me when I say this, YOU ARE VALUED. 
It is okay to close some doors, let go,
and accept yourself...and when you do that,
you will be in a better place to accept
all the good things.  The joy will be easier to find,
and those around you will naturally benefit
​from the value you place on yourself.

​Never in a million years, or at least those that I have been blessed enough to grace this earth, would I have thought that my topic of conversation would be what I am doing as a small business owner to follow guidelines set forth to do my part to keep everyone safe and healthy during a viral pandemic.  Now that’s a run-on sentence for the record books.  But, here we are….here I am…and that is what I am writing about. So, if you are local and you plan on popping by the brick & mortar to visit the shop, below is a list of what you can expect. And, if you still plan on shopping online or continue to let us know you saw something in our Instagram stories and cannot live without it, you can either plan to pick it up or request complimentary local delivery.  We will meet you where you are in the current climate and your current comfort zone. If you are heading to us, here are some changes…
 

1. Our hours will be posted each week and may vary as we get back to our full schedule. This will allow for more time to clean and restock areas. These will be updated on Facebook first, so that’s a great resource.
2. Greater walkways…We have restyled and shifted everything in the shop to allow for better traffic flow and easy exits out of an area.  
3. We have placed a handy self-checkout with an easy step by step process, so you can help yourself, package all your items, and keep distance.  
4. We will have hand sanitizers in place for your use, and we ask that you use them.
5. We will have signs posted that will say…Please Wear a Mask, Please Keep 6ft Apart, and Please Practice Kindness.  There are many facets to re-opening that small businesses have had to contend with from seasonal shifts, to government guidelines, to insurance regulations…bear with us as we navigate these to serve you better.
6. Please plan to pay with a card, it just makes things a bit easier for us right now. 
7. Please note that we are unable to open our dressing room right now and accept any returns.  We are operating on the policy of all sales are final because we know you will love your items. 
8. Please be mindful of only handling merchandise you plan to purchase; this makes cleaning easier and all of our customers feel comfortable. 

 
These may change over time, and I sure hope they will because like many of you, I miss normal.  I have seen many boat and storm analogies running rampant in memes and on social media rants.  We truly believe that all boats look different, and therefore how we proceed through the same storm, the trajectory of our path, and the way in which we dock may be different. This current boat that we are in as a small business is oddly shaped, its sails look wonky, and its rudder is a little off. But we are determined to keep afloat, be lifted when the water is high, and allow you to climb aboard when you choose to do so. For those of you that have messaged, commented, ordered, and supported, our gratitude cannot be measured…thank you, we look forward to seeing you in the shop. 

Stay well...and In The Moment,