It's official...my diploma is in hand and I finished my masters degree! This means that I plan to focus my time on clients and continue to learn as a professional counselor.    This website will move away as well as the Facebook page...but you can still catch me over on Instagram!  Oh, and the last newsletter is on its way out this morning with all its holiday goodness! Thank you for joining me on this journey with all its twists and turns, mountains and rainbows!

Stay...In The Moment, 

November's newsletter will hit inboxes tomorrow and its super thankful!  There is a note inside indicating that December's newsletter will be the last.  I just finished up my grad degree and look forward to beginning to fully transition all my energy into work...it's a bit bittersweet, so stay tuned for all the extra changes!





Stay...In The Moment,

Seriously a little miffed about the fact that it's already October, basically meaning that there are three months of holidays looming about that all boast of big to-do lists and foods that I get relatively excited about.  And as usual, it's likely that I gloss over some and go overboard with others...so with that in mind, I have no idea what state of hallo-giving-mas my home will be in at any given time, and I am pretty good with that. The newsletter headed out this morning in hopes that the printables help you fill that fall bucket list and get your home ready

​for Halloween, or whatever holiday you feel like celebrating next!.
Stay...In The Moment,

Oh hey there September!  I would be lying if I said it didn't sneak up on me and I was waiting in the wings for fall to happen.  But, it did give way to the use of some throwback photos for the newsletter so I could spend more time on fun printables like this daily check-in to the left.  In addition, you'll find dad-joke lunchbox printable notes, goal sheets, and of course, your monthly quotes and calendar.  Make sure to sign up before September 1st when all the goodness heads to your inbox!

It's tomorrow!  My bag is packed and my nerves are on high alert, but I am ready! See you soon!


​

​I'll be sharing my book in person at the Manitowoc Public Library on Tuesday, August 2nd at 6 pm in the Franklin Street Room! It's been a whirlwind the past few months, so I haven't settled on all the details, but rest assured there will be plenty to do and probably some goodies too!

Talk about gratitude...since announcing my book, Got Gratitude?, last month, the support, positive comments, and amazing conversations have lifted me up in ways you could not imagine, and for that I am beyond grateful!  In fact, that leads to an early blog post announcing that in next month's newsletter (head to the contact page to sign up) you'll get a free sample section that is not in the book!  Head on over now, the June edition goes out on the 1st.!

Stay...in the moment, 

You know how you set out to do something and then other things fall in your lap...ideas, opportunities, excitement, the right amount of encouragement, and motivation that can only come from a divine place? That is where this was born and from a place that I don't often share or talk about.  As a parent to a neurodivergent kiddo, there aren't many options, and for a lot of those options they often only include putting that kiddo in a box, teaching that kiddo how to behave to make other neurotypical individuals feel comfortable in the environment.  Don't get me wrong, brushing your teeth is an important skill, but so are empathy, seeing another individual's perspective, identifying emotions, self-regulating, and finding joy. 

So I spent the last 11 months writing, drawing, researching, editing, and learning the ins and outs of publishing to write this book.  I believe in the power of focused learning, taking a breath, concentrating on gratitude, and resetting how we view things.  These pages, in a workbook and journal format, have the ability to open the door to do just that if you let them.  I hope that in finding gratitude, we are all able to share kindness that resonates with the self and the world around us. 

Stay...In The Moment,

P.S. You can get your own copy on Amazon today!

In full disclosure, it feels super weird sharing anything on April 1st...like whatever I put out into the universe will be questioned with the utmost scrutiny because anyone can rescind anything on this day of all days. But, here I am, the April newsletter is on its way out, and there is nothing funny about it (see what I did there? my kiddos would call that a mom-joke.). Just a reminder that the online shop is now closed and I've got another fun announcement on the way...hopefully sooner than May!
Until then,
​Stay...In the Moment, 

Our March newsletter is coming at you...tomorrow...and on time! You'll get all your goodies for the month...a calendar, goal sheet, favorite quotes, and a daily planner.  Plus, in this issue a recipe that was a hit over on Instagram and St. Patrick's Day fun!  

Still not subscribed?  Head on over to the contact page to sign up! Each month, you'll get a brand new version of all that goodness that changes throughout the year...and its totally free and full of joy!

Stay...In The Moment,

It's officially the season of love...and if I am honest, it feels as though we all could use a little more of it.  The newsletter is packed full of all our regular goodies, plus free printable valentines and lots of ideas to celebrate!  In case you haven't signed up yet, you'll find one of my faves in PDF format below, just in time for you to print and share with your people.

​
Share the love...and Stay...In The Moment,

Cheers to 2022!  I haven't been able to let go of all the twinkle lights yet, and because I am in the middle of transitioning to a longer and larger semester in school this month, I can totally accept it.  The cozy glow is definitely needed.  Our January newsletter just hit inboxes, and the next month you'll find even more printables and lots of fun goodies!  If you're late to the game, click on the contact page to sign up.

In addition to all of that we are prepping the online shop for a long pause as I prepare for my internship...check out huge discounts!

Stay in The Moment,

Our holiday caddy line is now live!  Each wood caddy is filled with 6 tumbler jars in a selection of holiday scents.  Keep all 6 or share, burn one or a few at a time, and savor the season! These are more than double the size of our minis and bundled to save!

Caddy 1
1 each of juniper & ice, fruitcake, honey hot toddy, home sweet home, cherries jubilee, evergreen branches
Caddy 2
1 evergreen branches, 1 sugarplum fairies, 1 honey hot toddy, 3 juniper & ice
Caddy 3
1 evergreen branches, 1 cranberry marmalade, 1 honey hot toddy, 3 juniper & ice
Caddy 4
1 sugarplum fairies, 1 cranberry marmalade, 1 honey hot toddy, 3 juniper & ice

Stay...In The Moment,

Does it feel like this year is on light-speed, full-steam ahead, and generally plowing by without a minute to spare?  Each month I feel like it can't go any faster and yet, it gains momentum.  So here I am...yesterday was Halloween and tomorrow will be Christmas!  But, I am ready...yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll celebrate the turkey, continue to practice gratitude, and give Thanksgiving its due diligence.  However, the turkey is going to be adorned in the glow of a Christmas tree. As my first year in many without the chaos of a brick and mortar shop, I am going to soak up every minute and actually remember to turn those tree lights on this year!

Click inside your November newsletter for all your printables...favorite quotes, calendar, and gratitude journal!  And stay tuned...today winter candles launch!
Stay...In The Moment, 

Well, 2021 is flying by! The pumpkins are out, we are ready for cozy, baking all the things, lighting all the candles, and stacking up the wood for fires...and still enjoying this amazing weather!  The October newsletter just went out and with it, so did the recipe for these dog treats...because our furry friends deserve all the cozy comforts of fall too!

Happy September buddies! Here's my last bouquet of the summer...I am secretly wishing I had more of these blooms and more days of August, but know that the show must go on and that fall gives way to lots of goodness too.  With the start of the school year and wind-down of carefree days, I made sure to put in a self-care BINGO printable in the newsletter which will hit your inbox today...and I can't wait to put mine in action! 

You can sign up for the newsletter out on the first of every month on the contact page. I can't wait to hear about the BINGOs you create!

Stay...In The Moment,

When summer seems to be going so fast that you actually forgot to publish your July blog post and found it in your drafts folder ...insert face palm moment. But, that also means that our summer has been full of goodness, and if you signed up for our newsletter, there's even better stuff going out today!  You find a coupon code, a scone recipe, and lots of summer blooms!  

That's all I got...because the days are flying by and I am off to do all the things...including sending off that newsletter before I forget about that too! Happy August!


Stay...In The Moment,

I would ask how is it already July?!? But you are probably in the same sunny boat...summer is for all the things and man, it goes fast!  If you want to find out what is going on with us...and its been a lot...make sure you hit the contact page and sign up for the newsletter!  It goes out July 1st, always contains at least 2 FREE printables, a coupon code for just my newsletter buddies, and gives you the scoop on the shop, the projects, and all things In The Moment!  Oh, and these easy DIY summer vases are available over on Instagram...check highlights for the scoop! See you in the newsletter!

Stay...In The Moment,

Hey hey buddies!  One more mention that I have switched the inconsistent emails, blog posts, and fun printables plus freebies to a newsletter style!  This one will hit your inbox June 1st with a special incentive for those who have read all the goodness first. What you can expect is some of the same things you already love… like my favorite seasonal quotes, an update on what is currently happening, regular printable goodies, and maybe a few fun surprises.
 
In case you are asking why…this streamlines the whole process, allows me to do more for you, and quite frankly, that whole process puts a smile on my face!  So if you haven’t already, head to the contact page and share your email, you won’t want to miss it!
 
And for those of you near and far, stay in touch more often by following
@inthemomentrestorations on Instagram.  I share my favorite things,
favorite people, and favorite freebies over there each week! 
​These earrings are this week's goodie!

Stay...In The Moment,

Hey hey!  Would you believe it's May?!?!  And because it's May, I am thinking about June, and that's a good thing, because it gives me a bit of time to give you an update on some goodness headed your way!  

First up...chickens. This throw back pic is of our silkie bantams, but you can meet our Easter Eggers over on Instagram...they make regular cute appearances in stories!

Second...you may have noticed that I am never consistent with blog posts and regularly scheduled emails.  Beginning in June, rather than sending random emails about exciting things, I will be sending out a newsletter instead with what you can expect for that month.  This is also the place where I send out coupon and discount codes, so if that's your thing or you have a gift card to burn, you'll want to subscribe!

Third...the Mother's Day sale is still in progress!  Because things seem to arrive in threes and because I am a mom to three, most of my faves are marked at 30% off, just in time for Sunday!  

If you are local, complimentary delivery goes out every Friday.  And it is totally acceptable to gift yourself, especially after the 2020 of it all. 

Fourth...Summer Candle Launch! These are all sorts of summer, sunny, delightful, and fresh.  Limited stock and supply available, and they will be available for purchase TOMORROW!  I'll announce when they are live on Facebook and Instagram... set your notifications so you don't miss it!
​
If you purchased a subscription box, no worries...yours will get shipped and/or arrive by June 1st!  And if you missed that, there is still ONE box left!

Lots of stuff, more in the newsletter in June...for real, its good! And Happy Mother's Day, to all you mamas of all the things, mothering and nurturing and loving fiercely! 

​Stay...In The Moment, 

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,