@hidemyage:
Hi Kim,
For restoring default settings, go to Dashboard=> Appearance=> Customize=> Reset All Settings and check on Check to reset all settings to default option then click on Save & Publish.
Yes, Widgets can be put in content area of the site. Go to Dashboard=> Appearance=> Widgets, then put the widgets you want in Featured Widget Content Area. Then go to Dashboard=> Appearance=> Customize=> Featured Content and select Featured Widget Content in Select Content Type then click on Save & Publish.
Regards,
Mahesh