Family. Food. Travel. Mental health. Design. Home. Cooking. Home cooking. Empowerment. Growth. The big picture. The little things. Life in general. Just as there are seasons to a year, there are seasons to life. Joy in the Meantime is meant to be a trusted resource sharing what’s meaningful and delightful for whatever season you’re in. You are welcome here.
I’m Karin (Ka-Rin).
I’m the creator behind Joy in the Meantime. My meantimes have included becoming a partner and parent, working in clinical social work, traveling as much as possible and creating a place my family can call home.
Finding Joy in Creating a Family and Home
My husband Roger and I are parents to three adventurous boys – Bram, Emerson and Soren – and we are in the midst of renovating our (hopefully!) forever home outside of Chicago. This isn’t our first reno rodeo, and I’ve learned so much about what it takes to celebrate the small projects and tackle the larger ones all while enjoying our everyday lives in the midst of it.
Our family has empathy, hard work and humor at the center of our lives and it centers my work and informs my passions. From weekly family meetings to raucous backyard play, date nights to the late nights that come with parenting, I use this space to document our lives and hopefully share insights and ideas on parenting, partnership and self.
Finding Joy in Seeking Adventure
Whether flying to visit my family in Bergen, Norway (where I was born!) to exploring our town, a sense of constant wanderlust infuses my life and this blog. I want to see the world. I want my family to see the world!
We hope to explore every nook and cranny and expose my children to different people, places, tastes and adventures. We might be jumping in puddles in the backyard or boarding a very long flight. I share the ups and downs – and hard-earned tips and tricks – of planning nearby excursions and traveling afar with family.
Finding Joy in Being A Lifelong Learner and Lifelong Teacher
Everything I create – from a family tradition to a morning ritual to a course I offer – is informed by my background in clinical social work. I served in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), primarily with children, individuals, and families and focusing on a variety of mental health issues.
For over 13 years, I have been teaching and educating recruit correctional officers during the mental health component of their academy training, looking at mental health holistically from the people correctional officers serve to their own wellness in high-stress jobs. I’ve also partnered with schools, educators, and families on topics such as bullying prevention, teen dating violence, empathy skill building and bystander empowerment.
Teaching is one my most favorite things! I love to empower people, and that love led me to develop my podcast and courses to share practical tips to find our joy in our everyday lives. I’d also love to connect with you through my Office Hours Name TBD where we can focus on what’s most important to you right now.
Finding Joy in the Meantime
I started Joy in the Meantime as a way to intentionally pursue joy and purpose in the small, seemingly everyday in-between moments. I wanted to create a space to be present and live in the now moments.
More than anything, I love creating conversations and soft places for people to land. Opportunities for personal exploration and growth. Moments of magic and beauty. Here’s to supporting and being supported. Cheers to being inspired!
Follow @joyinthemeantime on Instagram
As parents, it’s natural to want to step in and solve our kids’ problems, but research shows that allowing them to experience frustration is essential for building resilience, critical thinking, and a strong sense of self-reliance. 🧠💪
Today, I’m reminding myself that it’s okay for my kids to struggle—because through these challenges, they learn to navigate life’s complexities on their own. Instead of solving it for them, I’m starting with prompts like:
1. “I see you’re feeling frustrated, and that’s okay. What do you think we could do to start making this better?”
2. “It’s totally normal to feel upset when things don’t go as planned. How do you think we could approach this differently?”
3. “I can tell this is really bothering you. What’s one small step we can take to work through it together?”
4. “It’s okay to feel frustrated when something is hard. What’s something you’ve done before that helped in a similar situation?”
5. “I know this isn’t easy, and it’s okay to feel the way you do. Let’s think about some options—what do you think might help?”
6. “Feeling stuck can be so frustrating, I get it. How about we brainstorm some ideas together—what comes to mind first?”
7. “I can see this is tough for you, and it’s okay to feel that way. If you could change one thing about the situation, what would it be?”
8. “It’s okay to feel frustrated when things don’t go right. What’s another way we might be able to solve this?”
Helping them think through solutions is key to their growth. 🌱
#ParentingWithPurpose #RaisingResilientKids #LetThemGrow
This flameless candle night light makes finishing that evening kitchen clean just a little bit cozier ✨🕯️ Comment LINK for details!
#amazonfinds #homedecor #simplehomestyle #cozyhome
Last week, I sent my youngest off to kindergarten— such a bittersweet milestone. 🥹 Watching them take this big step is both heartwarming and emotional. Here are six things you can say to help your little one feel confident as they embark on their exciting new adventure. ❤️
#BackToSchool #KindergartenMilestones #ParentingJourney #encouragement #encouragementformoms
This bag is a game-day lifesaver! Waterproof, easy to clean, and spacious enough for all the essentials. ✨ It’s not about needing everything, but I do love feeling prepared for both the player and the feral siblings 😆IYKYK
#GameDayReady #MomEssentials #SportsMomLife #StayPrepared #footballmom #baseballmom
✨ Crispy Apple and Manchego Salad ✨
My absolutely new favorite salad! All those fall apples will be put to good use!
- Cut the Honeycrisp apple, Granny Smith apple, and Manchego cheese into matchstick-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the fresh chives.
- Dice or shred leftover or rotisserie chicken (you can also skip for meat free option)
- Add the matchstick-cut apples, chicken, and Manchego cheese to a large bowl.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the salad.
- Gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately.
This quick and easy salad is fresh, tangy, and perfectly balanced with the nutty Manchego cheese. Enjoy!
#SaladLovers #HealthyEating #FreshFlavors #AppleSalad #ManchegoCheese #EasyRecipes
#QuickMeals #HealthyRecipes #FlavorfulFood
Happy Friday! Remember, feelings are not facts. We have the power choose how we want to feel and what we want for ourselves. Take a moment today to set your intentions. What do you want more of in your life? Joy? Peace? Love? Tell yourself what you want and make a conscious choice to embrace it. 🌿
#MindfulFriday #ChooseJoy #PositiveVibes #FeelingsAreNotFacts #ChooseYourPath #MindfulLiving #IntentionalLiving #PositiveMindset #SelfEmpowerment #ConsciousChoices #MentalWellness #FridayMotivation #SelfCare #Inspiration #Affirmations #EmbraceJoy #LiveWithIntention #MindfulFriday
Just tried my new mattress vacuum cleaner, and wow! 😲 Even after vacuuming, changing the sheets and using a mattress pad, there was still so much to pick up. This little machine is a game-changer! It uses UV light to zap dust mites and bacteria hiding deep in the fabric. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a cleaner, healthier bed.
Feeling so much better knowing my mattress is truly clean! If you want to try it too, comment LINK 🛏️✨
#CleanSleep #AllergyFriendly #HomeHygiene
Discovering the charm of Circus Lane in Edinburgh, the prettiest street in the city! ✨
Hidden away in the Stockbridge area, Circus Lane is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. With its picturesque cobblestone path, quaint cottages, and vibrant flowers, it’s easy to see why this hidden gem is so loved. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just love a scenic stroll, Circus Lane is a must-visit. 🌿📸
#CircusLane #Edinburgh #HiddenGems #TravelScotland #PrettyStreets #Stockbridge #Wanderlust
Channeling our inner Banksy at the Graffik Gallery @graffikgallery ! 🎨✨ Our street art workshop was an unforgettable experience for both adults and kids alike. With an easy-to-follow tutorial, a talented instructor, and a dazzling array of colors and stencils, the kids created the best kind of souvenir—a core memory! 💖🖌️
Located on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, we even got to see an original Banksy, “Heavy Weaponry,” and another just around the corner for inspiration. 🐘🎨
London isn’t just about the classics; we’re here to explore its vibrant, exciting side too! 🚀🖼️ From iconic sights to hidden gems, our adventure continues.
#London #NottingHill #StreetArt #Banksy #FamilyFun #TravelWithKids #LondonLife #ExploreLondon #CoreMemory #ArtWorkshop #GraffikGallery #PortobelloRoad #StreetArtLondon #FamilyAdventure #TravelDiaries
✨ 5 Powerful Affirmations to Lift Your Spirits on Tough Days ✨
It’s been a tough week, and I’ve needed a little extra self-care and kindness. Allowing myself to feel and express my emotions has been crucial. Self-talk plays a significant role in how we navigate through rough patches. Here are 5 affirmations that have helped me find strength and peace, even on the hardest days. I hope they bring you the same comfort and encouragement. 💕
#SelfCare #Affirmations #MentalWellness #PositiveVibes #MindfulLiving #YouAreNotAlone
Let’s begin this week by embracing our humanity, letting go of perfectionism, and treating ourselves with the kindness we deserve. Remember, it’s okay to feel everything you’re feeling. Be gentle with yourself and know that every emotion is a step towards healing and growth. 🌱
#SelfCare #MentalHealth #GiveYourselfGrace #SelfLove #PositiveVibes #MindfulMonday #EmotionalWellness #GrowthMindset #HappinessJourney #WellBeing
✨ Enjoying our new flattop grill with a delicious hibachi-inspired meal! Who knew making steak and shrimp fried rice at home could be this easy and fun? Here’s the recipe if you want to try it out, too!
Steak and Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Steak:
- 1 1/2 pounds steak of choice (I used strip steak)
- 1 Tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 Tbsp garlic paste or minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp ginger paste or minced ginger
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- Fried Rice:
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 6 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice
- 3 eggs
- 1 12 oz bag frozen diced peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 Tbsp garlic paste or minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp ginger paste or minced ginger
- Optional: store-bought yum yum sauce
Instructions:
1. For the steak: Marinate the steak (for at least an hour) with coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, and oil. Grill to your preferred doneness on the flattop, then slice thinly.
2. For the shrimp: Grill to your preference - noting that they will cook quickly for 2-4 minutes
3. For the fried rice: Heat oil on the flattop and sauté the onion. Push to the side and scramble the eggs. Add the cooled rice, peas, and carrots, mixing well. Stir in coconut aminos, garlic, and ginger—top with sesame seeds and, optionally, yum yum sauce.
4. Feel free to mix together - we kept ours deconstruction per the kid’s request 😉
Enjoy this restaurant-quality meal right from your backyard! 🥢🔥
#HibachiAtHome #TraegerGrill #FriedRice #EasyRecipes #HomeCooking
Recipe inspired by: Cooks Well With Others
On the Podcast
Join me – my best friend Jen – as we dish about finding joy in the meantime.
Courses
Join me – my best friend Jen – as we dish about finding joy in the meantime.
