Before the first stitch of the week is made, I’m filling up my glass. ​I’m bringing back my old habit of starting the day with water and electrolytes. It’s a small "reset" that clears the brain fog and helps me focus on the patterns and students ahead of me. If I don't take care of the maker, the making doesn't happen! Cheers to 2nd Grade Math (Homeschool), body/brain reset and an amazing Monday! ​How are you fueling your Monday? Coffee? Water? A giant to-do list? Let’s hear it! 👇

I often get asked how I got my kids to learn. My secret? The "Chain Challenge." Don't start with a project. Start with a personal challenge. See who can make the longest "snake". It builds muscle memory without the frustration of turning rows. ​Teaching someone you love can be... stressful. I work hard to take the stress out of the process.

Wishing every one of you in the Mindful Stitch Sanctuary a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful holiday season. I hope your day is filled with warmth, cozy threads, and plenty of "slow-stitching" moments. ​I’ve been a little quiet the last 48 hours—unfortunately, I’ve been down for the count and feeling quite sick for the past two days. Being under the weather right before the big day isn't ideal, but I'm listening to my body and taking it one step at a time. ​🏃‍♀️ The Pre-Holiday Hustle ​I’m currently in "catch-up mode" this morning to get everything squared away before I can finally settle into the holiday magic. On my list for today: ​Grocery Shopping: Grabbing those last-minute ingredients for our holiday meals. ​Gift Runs: Picking up a few final surprises for loved ones. ​The Deep Clean: Getting the Sanctuary (and my home!) feeling fresh and ready for guests. ​🕯️ Finding the Calm ​Once the to-do list is checked off, I am looking forward to hitting the "pause" button. My plan is to embrace the time to rest for recovery and truly sink into the spirit of the season with some tea and maybe a few festive stitches. ​I’d love to hear from you: What are your plans for today? Are you all finished with your holiday prep, or are you in the "hustle" with me? ​Whatever you are doing, I hope you find a moment of peace today. Merry Christmas!

Let’s be honest—some weeks, finishing a project feels like winning an Olympic gold medal. 🥇 ​Between the holiday chaos, the "frogging" (rip-it, rip-it 🐸), and the general madness of December, actually reaching the end of a skein is a total mental health win. Finishing a project isn’t just about the yarn; it’s about the dopamine hit of saying, "I did the thing!" ​Whether you finished a giant chunky blanket at The Makery (one of my local classes)this week, conquered a single Christmas ornament, or finally wove in the ends of a project you started in 2022... WE WANT TO SEE IT. ​The Rules: ​1️⃣No "perfection" allowed. We love wonky stitches and "character." 2️⃣​Bragging is mandatory. 3️⃣​If you haven't finished a project yet, post a photo of a row you’re proud of! Now, take a second to look at what you made. You took a single string and turned it into a thing. You’re basically a magician. 🪄 ​Post your victory photos in the comments below so we can virtually high-five you! 👇

We often view rain as an inconvenience—a reason to cancel plans, a "gloomy" day, or an extra bit of traffic on the commute. ​But today, I’m looking at it differently. ​To me, rain represents pure renewal. Just like the earth needs a heavy downpour to wash away the dust and trigger new growth, our minds need moments to "wash off" the noise of the daily grind. ​Why I’m leaning into the "Refresh"? ​When the sky opens up, I take it as a permission slip from nature to: - ​Slow Down: I stop racing against my to-do list and match the steady rhythm of the rain. - ​Reflect: The sound creates a natural "white noise" that helps me clear out the mental clutter. - ​Appreciate: I look at the vibrant greens and the way everything feels brand new after the storm passes. ​ Growth doesn't always happen in the bright sunshine. Sometimes, the most important progress happens during the "inclement weather"—when we are forced to go inward, rest, and prepare for the next season. ​💬 ​How do you handle "rainy" days (literal or metaphorical)? Do you push through the storm, or do you take it as an opportunity to reset and refresh? ​Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite way to slow down! 👇