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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / for fun / {2010, a recap of the year}

{2010, a recap of the year}

December 31, 2010 · 30 Comments
Filed Under: for fun

Highlights from 2010 ~

In January, Zack and I rang in the new year being residents of Minnesota. We had moved from Michigan just months before but were actually in Michigan for the New Year. I had bought my ticket to Blissdom and was realllllly excited about going to my 1st blog conference. I had added a shop with Big Cartel (but was still selling through Etsy) and couldn’t even come close to predicting with the following months would bring Zack and I // Gussy.

February came and I celebrated by writing my first tutorial post. I had painted my nails for Blissdom and left for Nashville soon after. The next day revealed a HUGE project I sewed for (in)courage. I blogged about the awesome-ness Blissdom brought my way and just a few days later was featuring Where Women Create on my blog. Little did i know I’d be working with WWC on their first conference/handmade market later this year :] I wrote about discussing analytics. This was the start of sharing blog/biz 411 posts.

sadly we must skip through march as all posts have been lost from my switch to WordPress from Blogger {tear}, but I did find this post on when I moved over to WordPress.

April is such a memorable month ♥. I had a “first” with sewing ruffles on notecards. I also wrote my first most-popular to-date post on Etsy vs. Big Cartel {so fun to see the community form through this!!!}. I added a new print to my line of Gussy totes and later wrote a 3-part series on having a handmade business: part 1 {organizing}, part 2 {business tips}, part 3 {Q&A}. A few days later I received this amazing email from a customer. Wristlets were added to the shop, and then — I made MY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about quitting my day job to sew full time ♥.

In May I met Allison with OMyFamily for cupcakes and we’ve been friends ever since :] Allison’s son, OBaby, was caught inside a Gussy tote bag. The maintenance lady at our apartment complex saw Zack nekkid {hilarious}. The month of May also meant I was getting ready for my first day as a full-time Gussy girl — May 17th is my first day self-employed. {I also wrote about it here and here} The celebratory day **finally** came and I was no longer working for someone else. Zack and I celebrated by a weekend “away” — here’s all the fun stuff we did. May continued to be a big month as I wrote a detailed post on how I quit my day job. I hosted my very first Gussy/Minneapolis meet-up, and was preparing for The Creative Connection here in Minneapolis later this year.

June finally brought warm weather to Minnesota, so Zack and I went on our first of many bike rides. One month had already passed since quitting my day job and I was finding old sewing posters to giggle over. I wrote a post on 3 of my favorite handmade accessories and was on my way to becoming good friends with Lisa Leonard & Jessica of Allora Handmade. I wrote another Q&A post…

July is my birthday month! :] On July 5th I celebrated my 25th birthday, so to have fun I posted my favorite things: part 1, part 2, and part 3. These three posts were leading up to a super fun birthday giveaway that I posted here. My parents surprised me {as did Zack for planning it all!} by visiting us for the weekend — yay, happy birthday to me! I received some lovely gifts and wrote another tutorial post. Zack and I had a summer adventure with a trip to Michigan. My favorite bloggy friends guest posted for me while we were away visiting family.

Yay — August! I created my first ever limited-edition headband {it turned out to be super popular — I should have un-named it “limited edition”, haha}. I wrote another biz series, but this time on budgeting: part 1a, part 1b, part 2a, part 2b. The bloggers at LoveFeast hosted a MN meet-up — of course I had to go :] One year had passed since moving to Minnesota from Michigan, and Zack & I **finally** found a new place to live {a few pics are found here}.

September I introduced a new product line for little girls >> Gussy Girl purses and headbands. Gussy Sews had our first booth at a The Creative Connection’s handmade market and I spent a few days with these fabulous business owners/bloggers :] It’s so amazing to see that earlier this year, in May, I had just quit my day job to sew on Gussy full time and was *ironically* available to meet and help plan the team putting on The Creative Connection {conference & handmade market}. God is so good! I ended the month with the official tour of our Minneapolis home.

October brought a photo of my Gussy ruffles & Ree Drummond along with new Vacay totes. And, I met Heather Bailey {and she knew who I was!} I blogged about beings pals with social media and receiving a gorgeous 1916 Singer sewing machine ♥. Pregnancy & Newborn magazine featured Gussy again. Zack and I talked about adopting a dog, and then we found Bauer and added him to our family :] I fell in love with the hair salon in our neighborhood {tell me you understand this dilemma for us curly-haired gals}, and Bauer made his first vlog ;] I went to Relevant {Christian womens blog conference} in Pennsylvania and…

then in November introduced yet another new Gussy product ~ Christmas stockings! The Gussy Sews blog hosted a holiday gift guide {day 1, day 2, day 3} and we revealed our ruffled holiday product line. Red Letter Words created THE MOST FUN ever GUSSY print for my studio. Every day Bauer steals our hearts a bit more {sigh}. I found an Etsy Success email and turned it into a community blog post, went to another blog meet-up event {at Aveda}, and shared pics of our new Gussy tags. I started a fun new series called Remembering Memories and blogged about yet another brick & mortar shop that I love. Bauer recorded another vlog and is really loving the winter snow outside. We decorated for Christmas early since we would be in Michigan over the holiday, and Gussy Sews had their first ad in OK! Magazine. {umm, amazing}

December ~ I started out by sharing how I stay [more] organized with my Gussy folder. I also shared {thanks to my friend, Stephanie} some simple tips to improve your business cards since I’m getting ready to go to Blissdom {again} in January {SO EXCITED!} I made plans to host a Gussy // Grand Rapids, MI meet-up and I wrote a stream of consciousness about my sewing machine. Gussy Sews had their “first” Christmas and shipped 148 packages *just* for the holiday season. Creating Community turned out to be a very successful post idea {click over and read about the community of the Gussy Sews blog & find a friend to connect with.} The Gussy // Grand Rapids, MI meet-up was super fun and we talked for over 2 hours :] We finished with a final Sponsor Feature post which includes a feature/giveaway on our sponsors, as well as posting our 28th Featured Artist for the year.

***

Putting this recap together has been a lovely reminder of the places I’ve gone, where I’m at now and where I want to go. Our Press page is something I couldn’t have ever dreamed ~ thank you for giving the press something to write about. Praying for a healthy, successful, fun year for 2011. xoxo

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30 Comments
Filed Under: for fun

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Comments

  1. amy cornwell says

    December 31, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    Congrats on the successful 2010!

    Reply
  2. Kristin says

    December 31, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    Your success and how far you’ve gone in such a short time is so inspiring to me and such a testimony to God’s blessings and how you can accomplish so much when you live your dreams!! I can’t wait to see what you do in 2011!

    Reply
  3. Catlyn says

    December 31, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    it looks like you had a truely awsome and blessed year! totally random: i have a kenmore ultra stitch 12 like in the pic too! ;)

    Reply
  4. Claire @ Madefor3 says

    December 31, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    great post, lovely memories….

    wishing you Zach and Bauer all the best for 2011…

    I find you really inspiring and am looking forward to reading about what adventures you get up to into 2011…

    Claire xox

    Reply
  5. Becca @ One Girl says

    December 31, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    Congrats on everything you have got done! You’re recap is so much fun! I hope you have a wonderful time ringing in the new year in snowy Minnesota!

    Reply
  6. April Foss says

    December 31, 2010 at 3:02 pm

    WOW!! Quite a year or you!!! Congrats on all your success Gussy!

    Reply
  7. melissa says

    December 31, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Congrats on a wonderful 2010! I wish you a blessed 2011!
    Happy New Year my friend…hope to see you soon :)
    xoxo

    Reply
  8. Natalie says

    December 31, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    Wowzers! What a year! Thanks for sharing!

    Wishing you a wonderful 2011!

    Reply
  9. Paige says

    December 31, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    What a wonderful year. Wishing you health, happiness and prosperity in 2011!

    Reply
  10. hiyaluv says

    December 31, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    congrats on a lovely year gus! Here is to 2011:)
    gina

    Reply
  11. Heather G. says

    December 31, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    2010 has been amazing for you, and I know 2011 will be as well! I love this post!! Did a similar one over on my blog.

    Happy New Year, Gussy!

    Reply
  12. Meg says

    December 31, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    Wow! You had an amazing year…here’s to 2011 being even better!! Happy New Year!!♥
    xoxo~Meg

    Reply
  13. Kelli says

    December 31, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    Congratulations on such a great year! Hope your 2011 is just as amazing for you!

    Reply
  14. Jennifer says

    December 31, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    you’ve had an amazing year!! Best wishes for all the best in 2011! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  15. Heidi says

    December 31, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    What an awesome year! Congratulations on your success! Happy new year!

    Reply
  16. Piper says

    December 31, 2010 at 8:00 pm

    Hey Gussy! I started reading your blog in early 2010 and have just loved it! Every time you mention quitting your day job I hear the hallelujah chorus in my head. :) Many blessings to you in 2011!

    Reply
  17. Renee Candy Stick Lane says

    December 31, 2010 at 8:47 pm

    Its been wonderful watching you march up the ladder! YOU ROCK!

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      January 1, 2011 at 10:54 am

      thanks Renee!!!!!! :]

      Reply
  18. LoveFeast Table says

    January 1, 2011 at 1:34 am

    Happy New Year!!!

    Reply
  19. Mandi says

    January 1, 2011 at 7:53 am

    What an exciting year for you! :) I’m glad I got to share a table with you during one of the sessions at Blissdom last year … wish I’d been more outgoing to say more than “hi” haha. Gotta work on that in 2011. ;) Happy New Year!!

    Reply
  20. Suzanne - the Farmer's Wife says

    January 1, 2011 at 7:55 am

    What a great year for you. Lots of ups and downs but to be honest with you – BAUER STEALS THE SHOW!!!!

    Reply
  21. danielle says

    January 1, 2011 at 9:24 am

    a) you’re beautiful
    b) you go girl
    c) what a fun post to look back on a wonderful year
    d) happy new year!!

    Reply
  22. Heather Bailey says

    January 1, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    It was great to meet you this year, miss gussy. I hope you have an amazing 2011!

    Reply
  23. Sandy a la Mode says

    January 1, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    You had quite the year, GUS!! I am sooo happy and proud of you!!! You are such an encouragement to so many women/small business owners out there!!! Here’s to another wonderful year~!!! :D

    Reply
  24. kim-todays creative blog says

    January 1, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    Oh I LOVE stories like yours! Congratulations. Keep up the great work……..only good to come in 2011!

    Reply
  25. DogsMom says

    January 1, 2011 at 5:57 pm

    Great post of a whirlwind year!
    Wishing you new adventures and increased success in this next year.

    Reply
  26. Mama Gus says

    January 2, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    You have been blessed in a BIG way! Love you!!!

    Reply
  27. Gaby says

    March 18, 2014 at 8:21 am

    So True!I remember after Savannah died how diffreent life became. I no longer had to pack the car with her huge blue chair and wagon, crush and mix her many medications or care for her in the so many ways a special needs child demands. It was like my whole identity and meaning had disappeared. Not only did I miss her all consuming love that she gave just with her smiles and her eyes but I missed the lessons she taught me.What is ‘normal’ anyway? I think as you have posted, these special children teach us so much. And while I adore our healthy daughter I do miss my life caring for Savannah.Its also easy to become bogged down in a ‘normal’ world with trivial things…Savannah, each day gave me the gift of appreciating every little thing…even just a giggle from her would make my day.I am honored and privaleged to have been part of a very special world that taught me so much, and I would turn back the clock in a heart beat.Thanks for the reminder today to appreciate!loveDiana x

    Reply
  28. Jennylee says

    March 18, 2014 at 8:12 pm

    With all these silly wesbstei, such a great page keeps my internet hope alive.

    Reply
  29. Anangs says

    March 20, 2014 at 12:49 am

    Good web site! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well wrttein. I’m wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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