• Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Maggie Whitley Designs

Inspiration is all around you.

  • mamahood
    • homeschool
    • Maxwell
    • Natalie
    • Marigold
    • Landon
    • baby things
  • faith
    • Tanzania + Compassion
  • inspiration
    • we’re debt free!
    • books
    • debt freedom
    • marriage
    • mamahood
  • creativity
    • embroidery
    • sewing
    • hair + beauty
    • craft project
    • tutorial/DIY
    • knitting/crocheting
  • devotionals
    • (in)courage Devotional Bible
    • 31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer & Doer
  • new? start here
You are here: Home / family / {A very happy 4th of July, plus this ‘n that.}

{A very happy 4th of July, plus this ‘n that.}

09/07/13 · 21 Comments

One thing I was sure to note from this past weekend: The laziest of days with family are the best of days.

This entire holiday weekend was such a blessing to our family. Zack had a couple of extra days off of work and it’s amazed me, both of us!, at how grand this has felt. The two extra days have multiplied to feel like we were on a week-long vacation. It was a gentle reminder that time away from work is so good for the soul.

*

family-gussy-sews

^ Our first 4th of July as a family. Max has found his hand which was clearly more exciting than taking a family photo ;)

duo

Over the last few days we’ve celebrated the 4th of July with dear friends, celebrated my 28th birthday, visited the Natural History Museum, enjoyed a couple meals out, drove to Vegas and back to meet up with my bestest high school friend [I know, right???? So daring of us and also so much fun!]. And I may have added some extra whip to my morning coffee ;) I like to live on the edge.

duoA

IMG_7800

^ I LOVE spending time with girlfriends! We laughed so much, it was so good. [Cristina on the L., Alissa on the R.]

IMG_7850 copy

^ The museum we visited had an exhibit on African Mammals, hellooooooo memories of Tanzania!

*

What are your favorite things to eat for lunch? I like to keep simple, quick, tasty options around the house, but sometimes I get bored with what I buy from the grocery store. Sandwiches aren’t my thing. Any suggestions?

*

IMG_7818 copy

Last week I shared a tip on how I juggle “indie biz” and “stay-at-home-mom” — I loved reading your comments at the end of the post and will be replying to them soon. This part of my life is something I’m constantly tweaking. Naps have been a huge part of making it through the day but they certainly won’t always been the answer, nor are they the only answer. Thank you for your grace as I continue down this path… [Also, it feels so weird to be posting a bit less than normal.]

*

IMG_7819 copy

^ Another wholesale order has shipped, this time to Kentucky!

*

Once again I’m trying to grow out my hair. I even asked Zack to bribe me with a “fun” reward once I reach my goal length. Ha — am I a dork or what? If you were trying to reach a goal what kind of reward would you set for yourself?

xoxo

 

 

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print


21 Comments

« {a birthday gift for YOU!}
{Win a gorgeous Aquamarine ring from Delezhen!} »

Comments

  1. kim @ oh, sweet joy! says

    July 9, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    lately i’ve been making a huge batch of quinoa salad and it’s been such a nice change up from boring sandwiches. i cook 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups of water and throw in a better than bouillon cube for some flavor. when it’s cool, i chop up a tomato, some cilantro, a little red onion, add some garlic salt, olive oil, lime juice and mix it up. the more it sits, the more flavor it gets and it lasts a few days. it’s been our go-to side for quick meals at night too.

    (i’ve made a mediterranean version too — just use some feta, red onion, kalamata olives, and cucumber.) hope that helps!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 9, 2013 at 7:33 pm

      @kim @ oh, sweet joy!, mmmmmm! That seriously sounds amazing :) thanks, Kim!

      Reply
  2. April LeCureux says

    July 9, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    I usually eat leftovers for lunch…not really exciting, but it is what we have :) I have a hard time with sandwiches, too! I make a pasta salad sometimes and eat on it for a few days…just depends on what I am in the mood for :)

    Reply
  3. Sarah says

    July 9, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    Oh la la! Where in Kentucky?!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 9, 2013 at 3:23 pm

      @Sarah, HorseFeathers >> http://www.horsefeathersgifts.com/

      Reply
  4. Debbie Kinney says

    July 9, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Here is a great guacamole recipe that our family simply can not keep from eating! We eat it with chips veggies, chips and pita! There is nothing health damaging in the ingredients, even if you consume the whole batch (which you will want to do!)

    1 Avacado (mashed)
    2-3 tablespoons of crumbled feta (we choose fat free if we can find it)
    1 big squirt of lime juice (fresh or bottled)
    1 big squirt of Italian Dressing (any kind will do)
    Options: onion, tomato but neither are necessary to make it good..it already is!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:29 pm

      @Debbie Kinney, avocados are my favorite, but they give me a terrible stomach ache! Booooo! Your recipe sounds amazing!

      Reply
  5. Jillian says

    July 9, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    I’m a big fan of healthy snacks throughout the day. I don’t always want a big lunch so I eat things like cheese & crackers, fresh veggies & hummus, Greek yogurt with fruit or granola, etc

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 9, 2013 at 7:34 pm

      @Jillian, that is totally me, too, but with nursing it hasn’t been enough lately :}

      Reply
  6. Andrea@KnittyBitties says

    July 9, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    Hey you!!
    This has been a favorite lunch for summer. I make a batch on Monday and can eat it for 3 – 4 days and have yet to get tired of it.

    http://www.tickledred.com/greek-veggie-pita-quesadillas-51st-street-reunion/

    I modify the recipe by omitting the mozzarella and making it ‘pizza style’ instead of ‘quesadilla style.’ I use the feta/yogurt mix as the sauce on a whole wheat pita, then pile it up with the veggie mix and pop it under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes to just warm everything up. SO GOOD! And good for you … lots of protein and veggies and healthy fats!

    Enjoy these baby days, you seem to be doing splendidly at soaking it up and letting everything else come after! XOXO

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 9, 2013 at 7:38 pm

      @Andrea@KnittyBitties, oh that sounds delish! :))

      Reply
  7. Paige Whitley says

    July 9, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    Because of our new weird schedule where hubby is in bed for the night by around 5pm(And we eat our “dinner” with him at about 3:30),we have a light lunch of veggies and ranch, or crackers and cheese. BUT if you were here I’d throw us together a salad of spring greens, crumbled goat cheese, sliced granny smith apples, walnuts and walnut raspberry dressing (Ken’s is my favorite).
    I’m growing my hair out too. I was wondering, did yours get damaged when you put highlights on top of the darker that was on top of highlights?

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:28 pm

      @Paige Whitley, maybe a little damage, but nothing a little deep conditioning can’t fix :)

      Reply
  8. Kelly @ Love Well says

    July 10, 2013 at 6:55 am

    I’ve been eating a brown rice – quinoa mix I buy at Costco. It’s got garlic in it, so it’s already super tasty, but I top it with avocado for extra umph. Best part? 90 seconds in the microwave, and the rice is ready. Sandwiches? Ain’t no mom got time for that?

    (There’s a link to the product in this post: http://www.lovewellblog.com/2013/05/appetites.html)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:26 pm

      @Kelly @ Love Well, oh my gosh, don’t hate me… we don’t own a microwave! ha ha, seriously.

      Reply
  9. Andrea Worley says

    July 10, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    cute 4th pics!

    i love making goals for things, like a cute new shirt for hitting a weight loss goal or whatever makes it fun and attainable.

    Reply
  10. Megan says

    July 11, 2013 at 12:09 pm

    I love that you are rockin a bikini already. So awesome! Also, I have been giving myself a little gift for working out. I get a sticker (I’m such a kid) for each workout. Once I hit 25 stickers, I get a new dvd. It usually takes me a couples months.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 11, 2013 at 4:55 pm

      @Megan, best comment ever! stickers — yes — love them :)

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. {A very happy 4th of July, plus this ‘n that.] | Fashion says:
    July 10, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    […] Read more… […]

    Reply
  2. The recent subject, pt.32 | Fashion says:
    July 11, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    […] Read more… […]

    Reply
  3. 29! says:
    July 7, 2014 at 5:01 am

    […] Maxwell last year at his first Fourth of July celebration, he’sso […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie has been writing online since 2008 to inspire women to pursue the adventure of life. Her blog writings are centered around faith, simple living, motherhood & cultivating joy. Maggie and her family live near Detroit where she home schools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood.
"Inspiration is all around you."
READ MORE...
Follow

newsletter sign-up

Join over 5,800 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement straight to their inbox:


Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.



TOPICS I WRITE ABOUT

POPULAR POSTS:

  • How we paid off over $65K in debt in 3 years
  • Having a TV detox & minimizing our toys
  • How we paid off $42K in debt in 2 years
  • How to style your wavy (or curly) hair
  • How to sew a zippered pouch
  • How to accurately price your handmade items
  • How we are getting out of debt
  • How to make a freedom change
  • What to focus on when you "stay at home"
  • Twenty "20-minute crafts" you must try
  • Having something to look forward to

maggiewhitley

I help moms find the JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨ see my Stories for even more hope.

Instagram post 2193719243355153941_911685 Who else needs a door over their lips? 🌿 I need one in the mornings, for sure. Pausing and smiling instead, letting the emotion move past me, is what I need. In fact, this verse is taped to the trim of my kitchen window. Wise words. Who else can relate?
Instagram post 2193294914997882663_911685 THERE’S STILL TIME! 👛🧵my handmade shop, Gussy Sews, is stocked with a limited edition of ruffles zip pouches. This time around I have two sizes, a medium zip for $30 or an XL zip for $42. Visit my shop for the full collection, and tag your friends so they don’t miss out. 🎉🎉hello, Christmas gift! Which fabric design is your favorite? I just can’t get enough of the orange 🍊🌿!!!
Instagram post 2189719903867253222_911685 She’s discovered how fun it is to rinse dishes, and I’ve discovered (again) how fun it is to show our children how their gifts & interests are an important piece to a family’s puzzle. Chores don’t have to be horrible, terrible, no good work. They can be fun. They’re often the most fun once we’ve first had a good deal of play. Sometimes it just requires thinking outside the box? That’s the greatness of motherhood.
Instagram post 2187987417307088498_911685 JOY in motherhood: noticing beauty and bringing beauty along as we care for others, serve others, go about our precious lives. My daily bag is used for many different purposes, but my Gussy Sews pouch is a constant companion inside. 👛 She works hard to keep my bag organized. See my Stories for a 15% off discount code, valid now through 12/6.
Instagram post 2186129444419111743_911685 Lately, I’ve been letting my children play make believe in the morning hours. They have been so creative with their stories that I’ve let them free play until lunch time. Once lunch is over and Landon (my 17mo) is asleep, we learn. Today I had two nappers, so our lessons felt very quiet with just two around the table. Marigold even painted while Max drew rattlesnakes. It’s amazing what our children create when they truly want to learn. Teaching my children myself has opened my eyes to the wonder of childhood, the depth of learning, the seriously ridiculous thoughts I have (solely based on what’s expected, not what’s best) regarding education. This time around the table is very important for me as a mother. It’s causing me to really THINK about what I want, what I feel important and valuable, not just what is expected or routine. These days are everything to me.
Instagram post 2185341944398314782_911685 This afternoon, after a few solitary hours at the library working & writing, I came home to my four young kids and committed to just be present with them. 🍃It’s hard for me to “switch “on & off writing mode and home mode and kids mode and creative mode, it takes a lot of brain power for me. But this is where the sweet spot of experiencing JOY as a mother comes in :: choosing to exercise control. Living this way (with joy) requires self-control and is hard, but it’s the better path to be on. I don’t really believe in multi-tasking (🤯), rather focusing on something for a set period of time, then reevaluating. Twenty-minute increments are my sweet spot for joy. 💓🧸🧺✨🍃What is your sweet spot?
Instagram post 2184976657521867703_911685 👛The GUSSY SEWS shop is now open! So many pretty ruffles, yay! Use code GRATEFUL for 10% off + free domestic shipping. Visit #shopgussydotcom
Instagram post 2184618265083218322_911685 It’s finally happening: my brain released some creativity and so I ordered fabric, more wooden buttons, and got to work sewing! I’ll be releasing a GUSSY SEWS holiday pop-up shop soon! See my stories for how to receive a 15% off discount code 😘👏🏻👛! Like I’ve been known to say, yeoooow!
Instagram post 2181526188623634637_911685 Mamas! This! ✨🎨🎄My friend Emily at @jonesdesigncompany has put together a watercolor class for kids (plus one for slightly older children/adults), and I can’t believe how many ideas are coming to mind with this FUN online class. You could apply the art techniques and projects to a variety of gift ideas or home decor. Use code MAGGIE25 at checkout to save 25%: http://simplifiedclasses.com/watercolorkids1 — see my Stories for even more class photos 👏🏻🥰
Instagram post 2180731014376917818_911685 Sharing a little in my Stories about why I’m committed to homeschool *even though* it is hard work. 📚And let me share... This isn’t the path I thought we’d take for our children’s education, but once I learned more about the many many benefits it made such sense. This year we are working through 1st grade, Kinder and preschool with My Father’s World.
Instagram post 2179965015205807796_911685 We had a four fun days away. Now that it’s Monday and we’re back home it’s time to start the wash, water the plants, pour over new ideas and lessons with our school work. Three of my kids are outside in snow pants 👏🏻 tell me what rhythms you have on Monday?
Instagram post 2178131191979175670_911685 Super missing my man while he’s away at deer camp. Hello, opening day! Also, last Saturday we went on a fantastic date that included hot cups of coffee, driving around gorgeous, old Detroit neighborhoods, and visiting a four story used bookstore! —jaw drop— I found two awesome books for my “teacher” library and also two books for the kids. 📚✌🏻I’ll share next week once we’re back home.
Instagram post 2177226695397321623_911685 Many ask what book they can read to learn more about homeschooling, I always recommend this. I’m new to this community but I surely love it. My children are thriving too, which is entirely the point. 💫”The Call of the Wild + Free” is also a great parenting book. Super recommend. Can you tell by my many post-it notes?!
Instagram post 2177184557540155071_911685 What? He was feeling a little hot. What a little cherub ☺️💙~ it does my heart good to see moments like this, with my baby’s face so full of joy. My mind is so tired come end of day and it’s too easy to forget precious moments much like this.
Instagram post 2175609344989343675_911685 Finishing my notes for book club tonight. This book has opened my eyes even more to the beauty of eternity. I was so not expecting that (I thought it would highlight more about marriage, lol) but isn’t that fun when we find ourselves pleasantly surprised? In awe? Grateful? I loved reading this book & the challenges gently offered at the end of each chapter. 🌿 Ladies, strengthen yourself walk with God through prayer, reading scripture, and living in community.
Instagram post 2171396481286495096_911685 It’s the one-room schoolhouse concept! 🤣📝💓seriously the neatest part of homeschooling for me — everyone can learn alongside one another. Right now we’re working on penmanship and math cubes. And my children experience teaching their siblings new things, which is like💥so cool! Next year Landon will have his bottom at the table ;)! Four kids learning, that’ll be a sweet sight to see.
Instagram post 2171331803256463087_911685 “Motherhood is hardly green, mostly yellow leaves collecting just inside my back door. Don’t blink; this season is soon be changing.

It’s the color of dark broom bristles sweeping leaves back out.

It’s the pearlized bubbles floating up from the sink.”
•••
link in profile for the full post!
Instagram post 2167660238602019070_911685 I did a thing a couple months ago... started a book club! Last time I did this we were living in Los Angeles. Here’s our November BOOK CLUB selection 📖 “You and Me Forever” by Francis & Lisa Chan. Have you read this? I’m eager to dive in as I have heard wonderful things about pastor Chan. ❤️ Our desire is to read encouraging & life-giving books. Tell me, if you’re in a book club what are YOU reading?? // want more BOOK CLUB ideas? Join my newsletter, link in bio.
Instagram post 2167633377062987448_911685 I know they’re really four different ages, but here they look like the same size 👏🏻🤪 #fourkidsinfiveyears
Instagram post 2167182438967301513_911685 Halloween 2019 ⚔️👸🏻🧁🎃a ninja, a princess, a cupcake, a pumpkin ••• my kids ate way too much candy tonight ;)
Load More... Follow on Instagram

devotionals written by Maggie:

the (in)courage Devotional Bible:
Proverbs 14:1 and Lamentations 5
31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and Doer:
on Simplicity

Categories

Archives

Illustrating Bible

Copyright © 2019 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.