by Jennifer Much

As I run in 2026, I took a moment to reflect on 2025. The ups, the downs, the scares, the heart hurts, the happiness. Everything. It quickly shaped how I wanted to feel in the new year. One thing I had hoped to hone in on has been gratitude. Those who know me, know just how hard I work and they know I pour every ounce from a nearly-empty cup. This hit me hard looking at news article after news article about the economy. I kept seeing businesses close left and right, and that was hard. I felt, in a small way, that maybe I could help them be seen, be remembered, be saved. So, my Creative Access Program idea was born.

The Creative Access Program will help start up and struggling businesses alike have beautiful designs made for their business. Running a business is expensive, this I definitely know, but creative work should be for all budgets! Now, businesses will be able to privately share their situation with me and they will get a steep discount on my services. That means a stunning website or snazzy new logo will no longer be out of reach, marketing materials won't be put in the backburner and stock photos won't fill their social media page because they'll have bright, crisp photos of their real business! I am so excited to launch this program, which will run all year. Please share with anyone you think that will benefit. I am so excited to work with everyone!

Much Love,
Jennifer

by Jennifer Much

I'll admit, I have been on a small hiatus from my blog! I have been so busy writing posts for others that it went on the back burner for a bit. Here's to hoping for some extra time in 2026! The good news? New holiday premades are available and they're adorable!

First, there is a Wreath & Berry Family Monogram decor print. It features a solid letter centered in a watercolor wreath and has a mix of fonts for "The x Family." This offering is customizable and clients receive a print-ready file. Next up is a beautiful deer placecard. It's simple but can add a touch of color to your table setting. The top can be edited to reflect your family's name or gathering information. Clients will submit a guest list when ordering and print-ready files will be returned back. 

If you cherish family memories and traditions, you'll love the Santa's Recipe card. The card, available in 4x6 or 5x7 can be printed at home for you to record your children's favorite recipes. It makes for a fun keepsake. I suggest laminating them after use to preserve them. Finally, for all you shoppers - I made an 8x10 sign for the porch for the delivery man. Simply print and frame the print and place outside or on a deck with a basket full of goodies. 

Last but not least - if you're looking for custom orders, the final day to order to ensure they are ready for Christmas is 12/22. Gift certificates may be purchased up through Christmas Eve. Happy Holidays!

Much Love,
Jennifer

Shout out to Kyle @ Crimson Sun Studios - thanks for the snap!

by Jennifer Much

February has flown by, and honestly, it has been busy but refreshingly bittersweet. Earlier this month, I attended the annual Do Good Wisconsin Gala for Good and spent the weekend in Madison. My daughter, Katelyn, won the 2025 Youth Impact Service Award! The organization did such an outstanding job at highlighting individuals who have done good in their community. Every minute was enjoyed; my family got to go swimming and venture around town. My daughter still keeps talking about the double-story Target and seeing the capital rotunda. 

At the gala, learning about each of the winners was rewarding. One winner, Lew, was a 100-year-old World War II veteran. It was such a touching experience to let that sink in as my daughter, who is 7, stood next to him for a photo. He was the oldest award winner in the organization's history and my daughter was the youngest. Everyone got to doll up and hear the winner's amazing stories while surrounded by blue and white ice-themed décor.

The evening was accompanied by laughter, new friends, and the most delicious plate of chicken pesto and appetizers. Upon seeing the event photos, I spotted my donation basket which was neat; my basket included goodies with a nod to my favorite color - aqua & teal.

Much Love,
Jennifer

by Jennifer Much

I am often asked why I live in Wisconsin - and while I was born here, I have been to many other places and why they seem ideal, there were big red flags about why I couldn't live there. Several years ago, I visited Arizona during their "winter" and I cannot begin to tell you how nice it was to sport a sweatshirt or hit the hot tub in their 65 degree evenings, but after seeing a snake slither across the freeway, I quickly determined I was okay living in Wisconsin, where my face hurts six months out of the year and you can have snow, rain and sun all in one day.

I sit here and think about this today because Wisconsin is currently under an Extreme Temperature Warning. It is currently -41 degrees with windchill. Yes. Living in Door County is beautiful, but colder - thanks to being cushioned on both sides by Lake Michigan. It's beautiful, though! When the temps warm back up, I love seeing the ice shoves and going for drives. I then count down the days until I can go to Cana Island again in spring - one of the most peaceful, historic spots here.

It's fine, but definitely a "stay at home and work" day. Thankfully, my work is anywhere my laptop can go - and for that, I am thankful and warm!

Much Love,
Jennifer

by Jennifer Much

January is usually a month that is rather uneventful, minus the making of all those New Years resolutions. But, it's actually one of my favorite times of year. When Lake Michigan freezes over and is overtaken by ice shoves, that means Winter Layup is upon us and the big ships come in! One of the best spots to catch a glimpse of these giant floating marvels is at Bullhead Point in Sturgeon Bay.

You'll find me here often as it's a historic site that also includes three nearby sunken ships, Empire State, Ida Corning, and Oak Leaf, that were burned to the waterline in the 1930s. You can even see the ribbing of the Oak Leaf when the water level is low and during winter months. It's a quaint little spot but provides a wonderful look at the ships at Fincantierri Bay Shipbuilding across the water. While I love seeing all the different ships, my favorite is the Mesabi Miner, which is docked for winter here this year again.

Off to photograph some more ships!

Much Love,
Jennifer

by Jennifer Much

If you haven't guessed, teal and aqua colors are my favorite. I was pretty excited to find this deliciously creamy Talenti Gelato, not just for it's calming color, but because it sparked a memory! 

Growing up, my mom would make pistachio pudding but combine it with cake mix to make a poke cake. Sometimes she would make it just because and other times for Easter. It is light, semi-sweet, but finished with a nutty flavor. If you love it too, you just know. I will say this gelato was the perfect treat that made me think of my mom's cake and makes me look forward to spring even more.

If you want to try a Pistachio Poke Cake, check out Pilsbury for a recipe here. And because I know I will get asked, these nails are by Red Aspen in Robins Egg Blue.

Much Love,
Jennifer

by Jennifer Much

As I watch the soft flurries fall outside, it's clear that winter is officially here and another fall is in the books. Of course, there is no better way to snuggle up than with a mug of hot chocolate. Years ago I discovered a rather obvious but delicious treat and it's stuck with me. Simply, it's adding cinnamon to hot chocolate! It makes for the most decadent mug of hot cocoa and is good for you, too.

Just a few shakes of cinnamon is like magic in the mug! For an extra rich flavor, I also use whole milk instead of water. It's an absolutely wonderful way warm up with when it's cold. How do you hot cocoa?

Much Love,
Jennifer

by Jennifer Much

One thing that I have learned from experience is to never underestimate how an amazing lunch can transform your day! For the perfect blend of delicious and fresh, I stopped into Patty & Pablo's in Kaukauna. Let me tell you, it scored!

The restaurant is airy, bright, and there is always a new lunch special to try. This time it was an impeccable chicken quesadilla. The freshly made guac took it to a whole new level. The helping was generous and very filling and I especially enjoyed the orange bell pepper additions for a little extra sweet and of course, let's circle back to the guacamole because it just made lunch even better!

Hands down, this is one of my favorite 'hidden gem' lunch spots in the Fox Valley. I recommend a side of their cheese curds and ranch; they are irresistible. Those who love breakfast can also savor it all day here. The breakfast potatoes are drizzled with balsamic and they are outstanding with any meal. I will also admit, their glass bottle 'Mexican' Coca Colas are also spot on, too.

Read more about Patty and Pablo's here!

Much Love,
Jennifer