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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / blog & handmade advice / featured artist / {featured artist :: Julia’s Poppies}

{featured artist :: Julia’s Poppies}

January 21, 2011 ·
Filed Under: featured artist

This giveaway is now closed.

Here at Gussy Sews we love to look at all things beautiful. Beautiful items that reflect childhood, love, and a joyful spirit; beautiful items that we can share with others.

Today is week #35 of my series on Featured Artists, which is a bi-monthly event showcasing fun and sassy handmade shops! I love searching for new wares to show the Gussy community. You can read all back Featured Artist posts by clicking here.

This week’s Featured Artist is Jamie from Julia’s Poppies, a shop full of pretty jewelry & prints ~

***

What inspires you?

Creation, Long Runs, Good Music, Vintage Prints, Mountains, Old Buildings, Photography, Textiles, Family, Anything Floral, Scripture, Antique Shops

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?

Ha. Great question. I am somewhat of a gypsy and have had the freedom to travel around and spend time with family and friends all over the country. Is my car an option? :) Though, I just moved to North Georgia, outside Atlanta to be closer to my sister. It’s not home yet, but I’m working on it. I am originally from Greenville, Michigan. It’s a small town northeast of Grand Rapids.

Name something unique to where you live.

That has yet to be discovered. :]

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I can touch my nose with my tongue. Okay, that’s just weird… What’s more interesting is I went to New Zealand by myself. I explored the south island in a little rental car (where I also slept) and took hundreds of pictures. It was a-maz-ing and such a blessing!! I had the best time of my life.

How did you come up with your shop name?

Julia’s Poppies is named after my grandmother. She’s very special to me and was very involved in my life. She went by “Julie” and I can remember one time in middle school I saw her drivers license with “Julia” printed on it. I always felt like her “true identity” was my little secret. Another childhood memory of her is the paper poppies she would buy from the veterans on Memorial Day. She would put the poppy on her car visor or on the buttonhole of her jacket….hence, “Julia’s Poppies.”

Share a little bit about yourself.

I have a “thing” for vintage dresses and like to dabble in sewing to altering my clothes. I thrive on the challenge of creating something out of nothing. Thrift stores are my own little heaven on earth… the more unorganized the better (and often cheaper). I love the thrill of the hunt! I am passionate about proclaiming the love of Christ and the needs of those whom have no voice. I have the best friends and family in the world and strive to live each day to the fullest.

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?

Adventurous… I am always up to try something new.

What made you decide to open up shop?

I was experimenting with graphic design for creating promo materials for work events. I soon found myself designing wedding/event invitations and stationery for coworkers and friends in my spare time. I continued to get more referrals and decided I should list some stationery on Etsy. Most of my work is custom design and I specialize in Wedding Invitation Suites and Brand Identity.

Do you have a day job or sell full-time?

I work full-time as a freelance artist.

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.

Right now it’s wedding season… at least in the invitation world, so it’s a little crazy and long hours, but I love it. No day looks the same, but they all include: coffee, emails, edits and sending proofs to clients, meeting with my printer in person or on the phone, more coffee, blogging and creating new designs. Most of my time is spent in front of the computer.

Share with us a favorite handmade purchase or shop.

My favorite shop is Red Velvet. I got to go to the store this fall and it’s just too cute. They are always creating and always inspiring.

List a few of your most favorite pastimes.

Thrifting, Running, Cooking, Entertaining, Drinking Tea, DIY Projects

Read any good books lately?

I’m currently reading Creative, Inc. It’s full of great insights for freelance designers.

What is your most prized possession?

The relationships in my life…God, family & friends. They shape the core of who I am and who I desire to be.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.

Italy. I dream of driving along the coast and soaking in the beautiful scenery, people and food!

***

The Giveaway Goods:

Julia’s Poppies is giving away one set of custom monogrammed cards & a necklace.

Please note, this giveaway is open to US residents only.

To enter:

Leave a comment sharing something positive about your day.

For extra entries {leave a comment for each}:
  • blog or facebook it!
  • tweet this: i {heart} @JuliasPoppies and hope to win 2 items from her *gorgeous* shop via @GussySews’s blog >> http://bit.ly/gHfVEJ

EXTRA INFO:
  • The giveaway will close Sunday, January 23 at 10 pm CST,
    and the winner will be announced the following day
  • Connect with Jamie online ~ blog, twitter, facebook, website

Come on back Friday, February 11 for another Featured Artist post!
xxoo.


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Filed Under: featured artist

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Comments

  1. cb says

    January 21, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    wow she is amazing and i just love that floral design…would make a great tattoo! something positive about my day…that one is hard as waking up next to the mister everyday is the best start to any day but today i had the pleasure of going to my favorite breakfast pit spot and had the most incredible pear muffin! this place makes fresh right out of the oven muffins and they use only fresh fruit. they are truly heaven sent…especially when you get them and they are still warm and you can see the steam coming out of it when you take your first bite…aaww life <3

    xo,
    cb

  2. Neely says

    January 21, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    Today has been great! I took my first certification test for my grad school program and had an awesome workout! TGIF!

  3. Neely says

    January 21, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    Tweeted it @Neelykins

  4. Jessica Peppel says

    January 21, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    I decided to “stop building walls, and start building bridges”, I made some great friends this week!!

  5. Valerie says

    January 21, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    I’m doing a good job not beating myself up for the things I didn’t accomplish this week, and looking forward to next week.

  6. Kathleen says

    January 21, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    My husband gets off early today, and it’s a night for just our family to spend time together. (my baby is getting his first haircut!) Thanks, as always, for the give-aways.

  7. Mary Kathryn says

    January 21, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    what a lovely artist- thanks for the intro

    I’m having dinner with my family + my mom & dad for my dad’s birthday, so that positive thought is getting me through this workday.

  8. Jess says

    January 21, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    I got a raise yesterday and am still riding the high! :)

  9. Heather B. says

    January 21, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    She’s so cute! Love her stuff. I got to sleep in a little this morning…much needed and now I can face today well rested and ready for anything! (Well, almost anything.) ;)

  10. Amy C says

    January 21, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    What an awesome shop! the most postitive thing about today is that it is FRIDAY! Can’t wait to spend the weekend with my family.

  11. Heatherly says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    Beautiful work!

    My kiddos and I are SNOWED IN! Which means sleeping in, extra cuddles, and a long weekend.

  12. Jennie says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Today I had the day off and had time to relax…which doesn’t happen very often. I can’t wait to see my man and my sweet girls for some family time this weekend!

  13. Marixa says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    A positive thing today, was watching my son get so excited to play with some “new” toys. They are just some plastic food and skillets, so he can cook like daddy!

    She sounds very inspiring! Thanks!

  14. Marixa says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    I just tweeted!

  15. susan R says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    I gave blood today!

  16. Abbie Torroll says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    B-EAUtiful!!
    I am visiting family I haven’t seen in a very very long time and it is wonderful!

  17. Catlyn L says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    today has been perfect by getting some crafting and sewing done, which is always good! :)

  18. Hannah says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    So many good things about my day: casual Friday, lunch with my hubs, and fresh snow!

    What an adorable shop!

  19. Catlyn L says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    i tweeted the giveaway! http://www.twitter.com/ZombieCupcake90

  20. Stephanie C. says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    My hubby quit his job that he hates today to start a better one next week!

  21. Katie says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    I love hearing about crafty people from MI! (I’m from Jenison).
    I’m happy my hubby comes home from Vegas today! (rough job…;)

  22. Jess says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Something positive? That’s easy…. it’s Friday!!!

    Such great design!!

  23. Lexi says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    I love those recipe cards!

    I’m happy that I will see friends this weekend, to celebrate a birthday!

  24. Lexi says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    Also, I tweeted it!

  25. april c. says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    every day i spend with my daughter is positive :) i am so lucky to take her to work with me!!

  26. april c. says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    i tweeted! http://twitter.com/taprilcrosier/statuses/28536215636545536

  27. Julia R. says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Love the perspective in all her work!

    Today: I’m a first-year teacher enjoying a snow day! Off for some tea and songwriting with my best friend!

  28. skye says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    my positive for today is that i feel much better than i did last night! :)

  29. Suzanne says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    Beautiful flowers! My something positive is dinner is in the crockpot, both kids are napping and today is FRIDAY! Thanks for the giveaway Gus!

  30. skye says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    i tweeted it! :)

  31. Amber says

    January 21, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    Something positive- I’m going to be on the local news tonight. They filmed a short segment today of me because I work from home. :) Unfortunately, I’m not working and handmade business from home yet but I love working from home anyways!!

  32. Megan Lane says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    oh my goodness, that stationery is absolutely gorgeous!! and what a lovely idea for a necklace – love the texures! it’s beautiful!! i would be really excited to win this one.

    something positive about my day :: got tickets to see one of my all-time favorite bands (arcade fire) in chicago!!!

  33. Tara says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    very pretty! wish it was open to canada…

  34. Megan Lane says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    tweeted!!

  35. Kelly H says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    These are really beautiful! Wish I would have known about her when I was getting married two years ago. Those would have been great invites!! Lovely.
    It reminds of when I was younger and y mom would make cards for every event. She was very good and could have started a small business from it. Thanks for the flashback. :)

  36. Melissa says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    An artist she is! What beautiful work.

    Something positive about my day.. it’s Friday! I’m looking forward to spending the weekend with my sweetie. ♥

  37. Nicole says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    The sun is shining and it’s Friday!

  38. Kelsie says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    I am truly inspired….its always wonderful to hear about peoples relationship with God and how He can fulfill our lives and bless our relationships. Thanks for inspiring my day!!

  39. Katie @ Chai Thoughts says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    Beautiful work! And something about my day – thought I’m at the computer, I have a window to my left with the bright winter sun streaming in. And I had coffee shop coffee this morning. All in all, not too bad.

  40. Kirsten Irish says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    no work, no school, just me and …NOTHING! days like this are rare now that I’m back in school so I’m enjoying it immensely :-) :-) :-)

  41. Rebecca G says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    Today is my due date!! (but baby hasn’t decided if she wants to come or not yet:)

  42. Annie says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    It snowed today. Again. :)

    Awesome gal! I love following her blog.

  43. Jennie says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    Sharing cookies with my two year old! Makes me smile.

  44. Shelby says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    Having a blueberry muffin, scrambled eggs, and caramel covered apple all before noon.
    :)

  45. Shelby says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    tweeeted.
    (@shelbyisrad)

  46. Tara says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:52 pm

    Date night with my husband planned tonight – courtesy of a Christmas gift card to Outback:-)

  47. Jessica M says

    January 21, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    I am super excited!!! My birthday is today and my precious husband just presented me with a certificate he made for anything Gussy I want!!! I am thrilled! I have been wanting a Gussy piece for a long time! You will be seeing a order come through for me very soon :) By the way, I think you are too precious!! I love your blog and all of your beautiful handmade lovelies!!

  48. Jessica of My Baking Heart says

    January 21, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    Just finished a nice little lunch with my Dad – just him and me! :)

  49. Jessica of My Baking Heart says

    January 21, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    Tweeted!

    http://twitter.com/#!/hornedfroggy/status/28558341944901632

  50. Lisa @ all things * jane says

    January 21, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    The day has been flying by due to lots of productivity!

  51. Lisa says

    January 21, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    I PAID OFF MY CAR TODAY!! (AND I’M GOING TO TWEET NOW!)

  52. Julie S. says

    January 21, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    I’m doing my first photo shoot today with my new backdrop set, AND I won a camera strap cover from Eclectic Whatnot!

  53. Lisa says

    January 21, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    Today is family day! My sister, cousins, and I get together once a month and this is the day :)

  54. Cassandra Beverly says

    January 21, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    Something positive about today — I met a dear friend for coffee and we chatted! It feels so good to have life long friends ;)

  55. Cassandra Beverly says

    January 21, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    I tweeted!

  56. sheila says

    January 21, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    What a sweet person! Thanks for sharing her with us ; D

  57. Emma says

    January 21, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    Beautiful work! I’m happy that I got off work an hour early and could spend more time with my 8 month old son!

  58. Davanie says

    January 21, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    This morning I started cooking soup to eat for dinner. It’s been cooking away all day and it smells awesome!

  59. Abby says

    January 21, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Love those cards! Super cute!

    Today was my second day as an elementary school art teacher and it was awesome! I can tell it’s going to be a good semester. :]

  60. Rebekah says

    January 21, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    lovely products!

    I spent the entire morning with the hubs – a rare treat!

  61. Megan says

    January 21, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    What’s positive about today – it’s FRIDAY – which means we’ll be doing movie night with the kids. Always fun…

  62. jenny says

    January 21, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    Such pretty prints! A warm fire in the fireplace and watching the kids draw little pictures of little people.

  63. Sharone says

    January 21, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    Wow, what gorgeous artwork!

    I got my first fan email today, and it made me feel like a million bucks. :) Plus, I found a beautiful dress on my lunch break for only $12! Can’t wait to wear it out somewhere fun.

  64. Jen says

    January 21, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    I made 30 magnets today with help from my mom. :)

  65. sarah says

    January 21, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    We’re roasting marshmallows for dessert!

  66. Kiki_Dawn says

    January 21, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    Positive about today! …. Wedding planning! YAY!!

  67. sarah says

    January 21, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    I tweeted the giveaway!

  68. Kiki_Dawn says

    January 21, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    Tweeted …
    http://twitter.com/#!/Kiki_Dawn/status/28592739494928384

  69. kara s. says

    January 21, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    i joined a new bible study group today. that was wonderful!! :]

  70. Natalie says

    January 21, 2011 at 5:56 pm

    I love those poppy notecards! So pretty!
    Something positive… I’m getting ready to send you (Gussy) an email for the giveaway day! :) :)

  71. Lauren says

    January 21, 2011 at 6:05 pm

    Well, I have two things. One, I got to wear the newest scarf I made for a the first time (it rarely gets cold enough for that in Texas!). And, I got The Versatile Blogger award, which I am now nominating you for. It’s just a cute little meme, and if you want to accept, just follow the link to my blog. Happy Friday!

  72. Jacqueline Presley says

    January 21, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    Something positive: First day with energy since recovering for the stomach bug. Got so much done! I feel inspired!

  73. Dollface Creatures says

    January 21, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    Those peony notecards are beautiful! Might have to pop on over to her store and buy some!

  74. Mellisa says

    January 21, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    It was busy at work today so I made a lot of money and the time went by so fast! :) So glad that it’s time to start the weekend.

  75. Mellisa says

    January 21, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    Tweet:

    http://twitter.com/#!/mellisarock/status/28615564985376768

  76. Jennifer says

    January 21, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    wow, gorgeous! :)

  77. Tillie says

    January 21, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    Positive today? Cuddling with my doxies on the couch :)

  78. AlaskanAlison says

    January 21, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    Positive today? Yikes, that’s gonna be a hard one. It’s Friday and I get to leave work in 6 minutes and my husband is picking up pizza for dinner. There ya go :)

  79. Kiley says

    January 21, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    i got to see my best friend♥

  80. Alison says

    January 21, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    We got to have dinner tonight with some good friends that we rarely see anymore. It was wonderful!

  81. ashley says

    January 21, 2011 at 9:09 pm

    im honestly obsessed with everything that just happened!

  82. Teri says

    January 21, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    My coworkers surprised me with cupcakes today since my birthday is on Monday:)

  83. Southern Gal says

    January 21, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    Keeping my granddaughter while still being able to homeschool my 8-year-old and get some sewing done. That’s a full, great day!

  84. taylor says

    January 21, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    frozen yogurt and tangled with a special little girl. who could ask for a more fun day?!

  85. Jen says

    January 21, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    love love love! so pretty are her wares :-)

    something positive about my day was seeing my niece. she is 8 months old and such a happy baby – even when she has a cold! i just love her smile and her laugh.

  86. Natalie Marie says

    January 21, 2011 at 11:49 pm

    I was able to spend time a relaxing evening with my boyfriend tonight ~ a special treat when dating long distance! so thankful for cozy dinner & a movie [in]!

  87. Natalie Marie says

    January 21, 2011 at 11:49 pm

    i shared about this giveaway on twitter: @missnmiller

  88. Melany says

    January 22, 2011 at 9:20 am

    Hi! I am coming over from Freckled Nest. I have loved your stuff for awhile and hope to own some Gussy myself. I love Jamie’s blog. I think it is so cool that you are featuring her.

  89. Suz BB says

    January 22, 2011 at 9:20 am

    So pretty! The positive for my day: mall & target shopping then a friend’s baby shower!

  90. christen krumm says

    January 22, 2011 at 9:27 am

    positive for the day…. the sun is shining!! clothes on the line outside (and here’s hoping they don’t freeze! haha)

    xo,
    christen

  91. christen krumm says

    January 22, 2011 at 9:28 am

    tweeted!!

    http://twitter.com/#!/christenkrumm/status/28835997714227200

    xo,
    christen

  92. christen krumm says

    January 22, 2011 at 9:29 am

    i facebooked!!

    xo,
    christen

  93. Ann says

    January 22, 2011 at 10:14 am

    Today I get to spend time reading and reading and reading! Yay!

  94. katy reitz says

    January 22, 2011 at 11:59 am

    aren’t grandma’s awesome. my shops name is in honor of my grandma. her and i are much alike. my shop is lil’ alice.

    thank you for such a great story! i love it!

  95. Katie says

    January 22, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    I LOVE her cards! I am always looking for something cute and unique and girly. My husbands bff is a graphic designer, but he’s so….dude-sih :)

    My day is lovely. There are piles of beautiful, puffy flakes falling that I do not have to venture out on (hence the beauty), I am in sweats, drinking hot cocoa, grading and entering this giveaway! What better saturday!?!

  96. Katie says

    January 22, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    tweeted!

  97. Krysten says

    January 22, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    Hmm, something positive about my day? I got my hair to look cute, yay!

  98. Grace says

    January 22, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    I enjoyed a cup of coffee by myself this morning!

  99. Suz B says

    January 22, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    Tweeted!!

  100. danielle says

    January 22, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    baking cookies with my boys!

  101. Brittany says

    January 22, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    I looooove sleeping in with my husband and my kitty. That’s the best start to any day I can think of. :0)

  102. Brittany says

    January 22, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    I tweeted that I’d like to win some pretties from your shop.

  103. Brittany says

    January 22, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    And I Like Julia’s Poppies Design on FB.

  104. Ari says

    January 22, 2011 at 4:46 pm

    I got to stroller in the sunshine with my man and babe today. It was so calm, fun and relaxing. I love them so much!

  105. Mama Fisch says

    January 22, 2011 at 7:59 pm

    My husband volunteered to go to the mall (an outdoor one) with me and our toddler this afternoon to get some things done! It was a first and I was so appreciative!

  106. Kristen W says

    January 23, 2011 at 12:31 am

    What talent! Today was my mom’s birthday and it was the perfect evening spent with family!

Trackbacks

  1. Tweets that mention {featured artist :: Julia’s Poppies} -- Topsy.com says:
    January 21, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by april crosier, lexilooo and marixawillis, Maggie Whitley. Maggie Whitley said: i love me some handmade goodness. check out this Featured Artist post, featuring the lovely @JuliasPoppies >> http://tinyurl.com/4fl8hsj […]

  2. {a winner & a weekend update} says:
    January 24, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    […] monogrammed cards & necklace is… Jessica P.! {check your email, girl!} Did you just love Julia’s Poppies, or what?! I love FA posts — they’re so fun to find & share with […]

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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