Hello!

I’m Jolene

I’m always chasing my next DIY project, planning a gathering, testing a new recipe, or finding simple ways to make life feel a little brighter. Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet—I hope you find a few new “pockets” to love, too.

I’m Jolene—a DIY-loving, list-making, joy-chasing Minnesota girl who believes the best parts of life are usually found in the little things.


A few years ago, I realized I was spending more time surviving than actually enjoying life. Since then, I’ve been on a journey to simplify, create healthier habits, make my home feel cozy, and rediscover the things that make me light up.


This little corner of the internet is where I collect all of those “pockets”—the recipes worth making twice, home projects that actually turn out, Amazon finds I genuinely love, wellness habits I’m trying, books on my kindle or in Audible, travel adventures, and the everyday moments that make life feel just a little brighter.


When I’m not working on my latest project, you’ll probably find me at the cabin, planning a themed party, tackling another DIY, organizing a closet, putting together a charcuterie board (heavy on the cheese and pickles), or enjoying a margarita with family and friends.

Around here, it’s never about having a perfect life. It’s about making room for more joy—one little pocket at a time.


Whether you’re here for a simple recipe, a DIY project, a book recommendation, or just a little inspiration, I hope you leave with an idea that makes your day a little brighter. Welcome to Pockets of Jo.

A little about me

TEA ORDER

Chai or Lavender Matcha

Favorite Season

All four seasons – Minnesota girl at heart

Go-to lipstick?

Chapstick or Lip Stain

Guilty pleasure

Naps & Lindor Truffles

On repeat lately

Emily Ann Roberts

Currently binging

Romance Audiobooks

favorite DIY PROJECT

Vintage Record Player

Introvert or extrovert?

Ambivert – mix of both!

FAQ

Because life is made up of little pockets—small moments, simple routines, favorite recipes, cozy spaces, and tiny wins that make a big difference. My family has always called me Jo, and when I was dreaming up this space, it felt like the perfect twist on “Pockets of Joy.” Here, I’m simply collecting the things that bring me joy and sharing them with you, hoping they’ll inspire a few little pockets of joy in your life, too.

I’ve been blogging on and off since 2013! My very first blog, Designs by Jolene, was all about home projects, crafting, and paper goods. That passion grew into my first small business creating custom wedding invitations and stationery, which later evolved into my Etsy shop — Handmade on Half Street.

Over time, the shop expanded from paper to wood — handmade furniture, signs, and home goods — thanks to a lot of teamwork (and sawdust!) with my husband.

Blogging became my way to share our projects, creativity, and the joy of making things by hand. Today, it’s come full circle — into the lifestyle and wellness space I’ve dreamed about for years — a place to inspire intentional living, creativity, and feeling good in everyday life.

Honestly…I’ve been DIYing for as long as I can remember. Back in the ’90s, I was constantly rearranging my bedroom, painting walls, making crafts, and dreaming up new ways to make a space feel more me. I was the kid who loved the feeling of refreshing a room on a budget and discovering how much of a difference a few simple changes could make.

Not much has changed! These days, you’ll still find me tackling home projects, refinishing furniture, organizing spaces, or convincing my husband that one more project will be totally worth it. I love the creativity that comes with DIY—and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own two hands.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone wanting to start DIYing, it would be this: just start. You’ll make mistakes—I definitely have—but almost anything can be fixed. Every project teaches you something new, and that’s how I’ve learned over the decades. Some of my biggest inspiration has also come from home blogs, where I’ve picked up ideas, built confidence, and realized that ordinary people really can create beautiful things.

I hope this little corner of the internet becomes that kind of inspiration for you, too.

My wellness journey began when life felt anything but well. I was overwhelmed, anxious, and constantly trying to keep up instead of truly enjoying life. I knew something needed to change.

Over time, I discovered that wellness wasn’t about doing everything perfectly—it was about making small, intentional choices that helped me feel more like myself again. Creating simple routines, decluttering my home, spending more time outdoors, nourishing my body, and making room for joy all played a part in that journey.

I’m still learning, trying new things, and growing every day. This blog is where I share the ideas, routines, home projects, recipes, favorite finds, and little moments that have helped me build a life that feels calmer, brighter, and more joyful.