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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / lifestyle / giveaway / {sponsor feature: Ike & Co.}

{sponsor feature: Ike & Co.}

July 8, 2011 ·
Filed Under: giveaway, shop feature

This giveaway is now closed.

HELLO, Friday! I’m here with a sponsored feature & giveaway from Ike & Co., one of my sidebar sponsors. Angie, the owner & designer, has some super amazing advice to share with you. As I was reading through the interview I was nodding in agreement the entire time. I know many of you will be able to relate, and I truly believe all of you will be encouraged by her words in some form or another. And ~ be sure and enter the giveaway at the end! Super fun! [xo]

Hi there! I’m Angie, owner/designer of Ike &Co, my little shop of fun jewelry! I’m also wife to Chris and mama to identical twin girls and a three year old son. By day, I’m an elementary school librarian, which is a great job to have when you love both books and kids!

When my daughters were in kindergarten they wanted to learn how to bead necklaces so I learned how to fasten clasps for them. Then I started beading for myself. And suddenly I had 30 necklaces. My husband asked me what I was planning to do with them. He didn’t think my answer, “Um, wear a different one everyday,” was the best choice, so I started giving them as gifts to friends and family and then people wanted to buy things from me and before I knew it, I was in business! That was almost two years ago and I love it even more now than when I started. I feel like I am constantly learning either something about jewelry making and design or the customer service/bookkeeping/marketing end of the business, which is really exciting and motivating.

There are a ton of things in my life that I am proud of – my family… my wonderful (and supportive) husband and my three amazing children. I am proud of my education… I have an undergrad degree in Middle School Education, a Master’s Degree in Children’s Literature and an Education Specialist degree in School Library Media. I am also really proud of the way my shop has really taken off in the past few months. Hooray! Definitely something worth celebrating.

I think a huge key to success is believing in yourself and being persistent. Set goals – realistic short term goals to help you feel and become successful along the way to your long term goals. My husband pointed out to me at one time that I was never going to feel the success of my business if I didn’t set goals with the idea in mind that I was going to meet those goals… goals that were realistic and concrete. Other things to keep in mind – find a mentor – someone that you can trust and turn to for advice and support. If you are doing something the online route – learn something about taking pictures (or using photo editing software to help). But more than anything learn from your mistakes and use them to better yourself, your product and your business.

I found that I was (and still am) hardest on myself and that I am my own worst critic. Sometimes I have to move out of my own way :) I am also not the best at reaching out and making new friends… I am dying to do a craft show, but am terrified of it at the same time. That’s silly, isn’t it??? :) So, finding ways to promote myself and my shop are always things that I need help with. I also struggle with time management. I like to think that I am better at this skill now than I was as an 18 year old, but with three kiddos and a day job, sometimes it can be quite the balancing act.

I feel like I have been creative my whole life. When I was a little kid, I was constantly building and decorating houses for my dolls, writing, putting on variety shows for my family. As a teenager, I danced and took to the stage – I even went to college with a theatre scholarship. I was voted most creative in my senior class. As an adult, I spent years scrap-booking before I found my love of making jewelry. Yes, I stumbled upon it, but once I found it, I knew that it was something I was passionate about and needed to go further with. When you find what your passion is, you should definitely do what it takes to make it become a part of your life.

Leave a comment below for the chance to win $25 shop credit!

Angie is giving away *TWO* – $25 shop credits, so there will be two winners. L U C K Y!

Need to order something now? Angie is offering 20% off with discount code GUSSY20 at checkout {valid July 8-15}.

♥ This giveaway is open to the US only and will end in a few days. I’ll announce the winner here and email them directly.

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Filed Under: giveaway, shop feature

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Comments

  1. Kristin says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:24 am

    HI Angie :)
    Love your stuff :) I am a huge owl fan so those are my favorite <3

  2. Chris says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:29 am

    I love the items you have in your shop! those yellow earrings are adorable! thanks!

  3. Lee says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:29 am

    Thanks for the lovely giveaway! Such cute items!

  4. thechattymommy says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:33 am

    Love the owl earrings- so cute and different!

  5. Kimberly B. says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:33 am

    Wow there are some amazing things in the shop! Love the owls :)

  6. heather cloudt says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:38 am

    I LOoooooooove the avacodo and peach necklace! Well, really everything is perfect! :) Thanks for sharing such great insight -now to get my butt in gear!

  7. Ashley says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:38 am

    I appreciate your story of how you got to where you are.

  8. Courtney says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:42 am

    Cute jewelry! Love the owl earrings…adorable. :)

  9. Melanie says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:44 am

    The owl earrings are adorable:)

  10. sarah says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:51 am

    I adore the owls and your shop!

  11. Krista says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:56 am

    Wow! I am in love with how colorful your jewelry is. thanks for the great advice. I am going to do my first craft fair in October. I’m super nervous about creating my own online shop because of all of the competing talent at there, so I feel your pain. :-)

  12. Debbie says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:00 am

    Beautiful shop! Thanks for the chance to win!

  13. Emma says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:03 am

    Love the jewelry!

  14. Sarah M says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:18 am

    All those items looks so summery and fun!
    Sarah M

  15. Tonya says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:22 am

    I love your shop! So cute! I totally can relate to your interview… Thank you!

  16. Melissa Graves says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:22 am

    ♥Love your shop♥ My Favorite is your laser cut earrings. Thank you for sharing your story.

  17. Kelly says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:34 am

    Love your designs!!
    Scrumptious!!!
    Enter me please!!

  18. Jill says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:34 am

    Beautiful shop—- I love the yellow dangily earings!

  19. mama marchand says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:35 am

    Oh my goodness! What fabulous accessories! I love. :) My favorite is the pair of black rose earrings – beautiful!

  20. Jenelle Wexler says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:36 am

    Thanks for the great giveaway….super cute designs!

  21. Katie says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:39 am

    Such cute jewelry! Thanks so much!

  22. Paige says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:41 am

    What a fun shop! Love the peacock and pearls earrings.

  23. Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:42 am

    How fun! I love those sweet yellow earrings. :)

  24. Lindsey says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:46 am

    Absolutely lovin’ the owls!!

  25. Jen Swartout says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:49 am

    omg, everything is so cute! i would LOVE a shop credit.

  26. Alice @ Farewell, Office says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:51 am

    Oh, look at the bright colors! It reminds me of your new inspiration workshop on Sunshine! :)

  27. Sarah Johnson says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:55 am

    I LOVE those earrings!

  28. Wendy says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:56 am

    I love the bright fun jewelry especially the owls…so cute!

  29. Sarah says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:57 am

    of course! I love the owls!

  30. Kristina says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:00 am

    This was a very encouraging post . Thank you so much for posting!

  31. Maria says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:08 am

    Eeek! What a cute shop! So many colorful fun items…I really love many of the earrings. Thanks for the giveaway!

  32. Alli - Life on LeRoy says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:10 am

    Oh your earrings are just my style! I LOVE them! Such beautiful colors! Happy Friday!

  33. Tara @ Mommy Head Adventures says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:21 am

    Seems to be a theme, but I will add mine ;)

    I love love love the owls!

  34. stac says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:37 am

    Those owl earrings are so so cute! I’d totally rock those :)

  35. Georgia says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:42 am

    whoop whoop! Your things are adorable! I’ve “hearted” many of them already!

  36. Erika says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:43 am

    Very cute stuff!

  37. Kathleen @ the lushers says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:43 am

    Those owl earrings are adorable!

  38. emma ball says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:44 am

    i <3 red, but I think those owl earrings are made for me ;)

  39. james @ agirlcalledjames says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:44 am

    Thank you for sharing your story Angie. I am still looking for my passion. I don’t feel crafty at all so I don’t know where to look exactly.

  40. Rebecca T. says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:53 am

    Neat love the earrings!

  41. Kirsten Irish says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:53 am

    yay! owls! pickmepickmepickmepickme =)

  42. Joanna Noel says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:57 am

    I totally love everything in her shop :) I want to win this one <3

  43. jessica@domesticated-bliss says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:58 am

    I LOVE the owl jewelry! She has such an ADORABLE shop :)

  44. Page says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:58 am

    I’m such a huge fan of your shop! The teardrop earrings are amazing. And making their way to my jewelry box very soon :)

  45. Sydney S says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Helllloooooo!! ~ this is one fun shop. The Lime Teardrops are CALLING my name =)

  46. StephG. says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:00 am

    Super cute shop!

  47. christy says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:15 am

    thanks for another great giveaway!

  48. aimee says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:16 am

    Thank you for so many great giveaways! I’d love to win.

  49. Mary DK says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Great shop! You have some great items there, my favorites are the amazonite flower earrings and the all across the universe earrings… pretty!! Thanks for the chance to win! :o)

  50. Amy says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:26 am

    Those yellow earrings are adorable!

  51. Alicia says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:31 am

    I LOOOVVVVEEEEE the owl earrings!!!

  52. FoxyMomma says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:33 am

    i think i like every item in her shop!! so many cute things!

  53. Cindy V. says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:35 am

    Love all the earrings!

  54. Stacey says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Oh, I already know what I’d use it on! The Botswana Agate Drop Necklace!! Beautiful stuff. Thanks for the chance to win!

  55. Suz B says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:56 am

    LOVE those owl earrings!

  56. Cassie says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:59 am

    Her jewelry is so fun! I’m glad this was featured, my sister and I would love to own some of her stuff!

  57. Michelle McCray says

    July 8, 2011 at 10:05 am

    Oh, earrings!!! These are lovely. I would love to have a pair or two :0)

  58. Brooke says

    July 8, 2011 at 10:21 am

    i love the bold gray pearl necklace!

  59. JeNeal says

    July 8, 2011 at 10:25 am

    I love your jewelry and I absolutely love your advice!!! It was honest and so very true! I am still trying to find a single thing i’m passionate about instead of a 1000 different things!! Love it!

  60. christy a says

    July 8, 2011 at 10:28 am

    Love all of the owl jewelry! So adorable!!

  61. Rachel K says

    July 8, 2011 at 10:33 am

    I love the amazonite flower earrings and the marigold bouquet earrings! She has such pretty things!

  62. SnowflakeDay (Audra) says

    July 8, 2011 at 10:51 am

    I like the ginger bouquet earrings!
    :-)

  63. Libby says

    July 8, 2011 at 10:55 am

    I love the Retro Cab Earrings no.5 so cute!!

  64. Erin @ {grace-filled} says

    July 8, 2011 at 10:58 am

    She is so inspiring, and I love the shop! :) Yay!

  65. barbie says

    July 8, 2011 at 11:03 am

    oh my word! i would be so lucky to own anything she has made! gorgeous! all of it! :)

  66. Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says

    July 8, 2011 at 11:21 am

    I love the earrings! So fun!

  67. kittykerri says

    July 8, 2011 at 11:37 am

    I love Ike & Co. Such lovely colorful & unique designs!

  68. Valerie says

    July 8, 2011 at 11:39 am

    Really really cute jewelry!

  69. Nicci @ Changing the Universe says

    July 8, 2011 at 11:45 am

    Oh what cute pieces!! Loving the owl earrings!

  70. Kiley says

    July 8, 2011 at 11:46 am

    everything in her shop is SO cute! I especially love the earrings. my fav are the hot pink filigree earrings. ♥

  71. Stephanie G says

    July 8, 2011 at 11:47 am

    the owl earrings are so cute! :]

  72. Sara says

    July 8, 2011 at 11:49 am

    Such cute goodies! Love the owl and floral inspired pieces! :)

  73. Angie H. says

    July 8, 2011 at 11:54 am

    I love the candy colors of her jewelry. Thanks for the giveaway and discount!

  74. Kristen W. says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    I’m in love with the owl earrings! Perfect!!

  75. Heather Irene says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    I am loving the “Faceted Coral Necklace!” I need more colorful necklaces!

  76. kelly says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    you have the best give aways. love the coral necklace.

  77. Elisabeth says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Gorgeous jewelry! Another great find, thanks to Gussy!

  78. Kristen Hess says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    Just love your stuff. Especially the owl earrings.

    And thanks for the inspiring story. I really do need to set more “short term” goals for myself. :)

    -Kristen Hess
    @KristenUH

  79. Katie @ Making This Home says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Those owls are toooo cute. I love the advice about setting goals. Thank you for that and this interview.

  80. Sara P. says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    What cute pieces! (and I LOVE Owls!)

  81. Erika says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    Oooh I love the fun colors!

  82. Jesy says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    Oh my! I love LOVE the OWLs!!!!!!!! So cute!

  83. Jen @ Sunny Vanilla says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    I almost teared up just a smidge because I felt like I was reading about myself. Thank you so much for the helpful insight and inspiration. I was once a third grade teacher and I used to tell my students all the time, “slow and steady wins the race.” I must always remind myself of that as I work to open my own shop.

    Your work is fun and creative and I love all of it. Congrats and best of luck to you!!!

  84. sarah says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    woot woot! LOVE IT!

  85. Sarah P. says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    I want those owl earrings! Love them!!

  86. Mary B says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    Love, love, love the owl earrings! We have several owls in our neighborhood and I love to listen to them at night. We had one on our roof a few weeks ago in the early evening. It just say there and my whole family spent time just staring at it! So cool!

  87. Crystal says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    Great giveaway! It would be hard to choose what to buy :)

  88. Jamie says

    July 8, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    Love her shop! Such pretty jewelry!!!!

  89. Julie says

    July 8, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Bright. Beautiful. Whimsical. Lovely. What an adorable shop and inspiring story. So glad you shared!

  90. Lauralee says

    July 8, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Whoa, love her shop!!!

    Lauralee

  91. Sarah says

    July 8, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Love those designs! The color! The whimsy! Gorgeous ;)

  92. Ashley M says

    July 8, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    great work with the owl earrings! i love the solid colors on them!

  93. britney says

    July 8, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    man oh man id sure love a pair of those adorable owl earrings! cute shop :)

  94. Claygirlsings says

    July 8, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    So many cute things! I really like the blue sakura earrings, although with my need for surgical steel earwire, I’d probably opt for a necklace instead.

  95. Tiffanie Ferrel says

    July 8, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Thanks for the helpful advice!

  96. Kim says

    July 8, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    Love everything! I especially love that this fabulous shop is from a mom who loves her family, loves her job, and has found something that is uniquely hers!

  97. Laurie G. says

    July 8, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    Such adorable jewelry! Now that I have short hair, I LOVE wearing fun, dangly earrings like those owls ;o)

  98. Stephanie C. says

    July 8, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    That stuff is super cute!

  99. HannahBee says

    July 8, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    I LOVE all her jewelry, but those owls are calling my name!

  100. Sarah says

    July 8, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Those owl earrings are to die for!! Love them so much

  101. Michelle C says

    July 8, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    Love that necklace in the last photo! Super cute. Thanks for the chance to win!

  102. Andrea says

    July 8, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Love her Scarlet Candy Jade necklace! And I don’t buy necklaces!!! :) Thanks for the giveaway!

  103. Nancy L. says

    July 8, 2011 at 3:47 pm

    the colorful bead necklace is adorable!

  104. emma. says

    July 8, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    The owls are so cute! :)

    • Abby says

      July 8, 2011 at 4:26 pm

      I agree! :)

  105. Teresa says

    July 8, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Great story!

  106. Vanessa B says

    July 8, 2011 at 4:20 pm

    yep, I tend to be my own worst enemy too when it comes to my crafts :-) when everyone else loves it I still se that one “spot”, LOL! Thanks for a chance to win a great GC!

  107. Abby says

    July 8, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    I love the owl earrings! They are sooo adorable.

  108. Andrea S says

    July 8, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    I am in LOVE with the Owl earrings :)

  109. Lauren @ Adventures in Flip Flops says

    July 8, 2011 at 4:33 pm

    Very awesome! I love stumbling upon something and it turns out that you love it and can’t imagine yourself without it. What an inspiring story!

  110. missy rice cook says

    July 8, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    love the rainbow bead necklace. thanks for the great reminder about goal setting.

  111. Saira says

    July 8, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    Love love the marigold bouquet earrings. Cute shop!

  112. jaimie says

    July 8, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    the owl earrings are soooooo addorable!!

    Oboed at aol dot com

  113. Alyssa says

    July 8, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    Ooh! These are so pretty!

  114. Whitney says

    July 8, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    I checked our her shop. Her jewelry is so cute!!

  115. Liz says

    July 8, 2011 at 5:43 pm

    So fun! I love the owl earrings. :)

  116. Pam says

    July 8, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    Great colors cute designs, liking those filigree circles.

  117. Steph says

    July 8, 2011 at 5:59 pm

    what cute stuff! thanks!

  118. Melissa says

    July 8, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    What a cute shop! I love those owl earrings. :)

  119. Ally says

    July 8, 2011 at 7:08 pm

    Those earrings are so cute!

  120. Laura L. says

    July 8, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    I love that rainbow necklace in the post! So cute!

  121. Tiffany says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    I enjoyed reading your story Angie. I agree with you on so many points about being your own biggest critic, same here! I used to scrapbook as well and feel like now I get to be even more creative. Good Luck with your store and the necklace with the 5 beads is my fav.

  122. Julie says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    She has such cute stuff, I’d love to win!!

  123. Sarah says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    Awww…you sound like a wonderful person ~ your proud of such amazing compliments – being a mom, wife, and educator! Love your jewelry!!

  124. Lisa says

    July 8, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    I like all of the necklaces. Very unique.

  125. Crystal says

    July 8, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    So cute and fun!! I’d love to win. :) Love the owl earrings.

  126. steph nelsen says

    July 9, 2011 at 12:44 am

    that’s a talented and educated lady right there! very cute stuff.

  127. Shawnna says

    July 9, 2011 at 6:52 am

    I love that rainbow bead necklace! Adorable, all of it is :)

  128. Cristy says

    July 9, 2011 at 7:20 am

    So pretty! A fun pop of color for any outfit.

  129. Kathleen says

    July 9, 2011 at 7:41 am

    What a great shop! I love the faceted coral necklace or the red coral necklace. Thanks so much for offering the give-away.

  130. Amy says

    July 9, 2011 at 10:44 am

    So many pretty choices! Lovely shop. :)

  131. eliza hirschi says

    July 9, 2011 at 11:16 am

    I love Angie’s shop! Her stuff is great!

  132. Megan Berkey says

    July 9, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    Pick Me =)

  133. erika says

    July 9, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    so cute & i love the colors!

  134. Cerrisse Wood says

    July 9, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    LOVE this stuff, fun bright colors are always so fun to wear :)

  135. Jenny Taylor says

    July 9, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    What a great give-away! Thank you for having this. :D

  136. Michele says

    July 9, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    I love Angie and her blog. Her jewelry is awesome! I’m glad she put a reminder on her blog to enter the giveaway :)

  137. Andi T. says

    July 9, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    sooo cute!!! love those red earrings :)

  138. Tiffany says

    July 9, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Oh I’d love to win! She has the cutest jewelry!

  139. Leah C. says

    July 9, 2011 at 5:26 pm

    Thank you for sharing your shop! You are amazing for balancing work, family, and “you” time. Too few women remember to do things just for them!

  140. MelindaB says

    July 9, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    such cute things! Hope to win one of the credits :)

  141. caroline says

    July 9, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    oooh i love the bright colors she uses in her shop! crossing my fingers that i win ;)

  142. catie says

    July 9, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    OOOH! Those owl earrings are ADORABLE!!

  143. Verena says

    July 9, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    What beautiful bright colors! Thanks for offering this giveaway, I’d be so pleased if I won it!

  144. Shazia says

    July 10, 2011 at 1:02 pm

    Love the necklaces!

  145. Jenny says

    July 10, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    Those green owl earrings?! Are you kidding?! Adorbs!

  146. Trish says

    July 10, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    I love, love, love her shop!! Everything Angie makes is so much fun!! I own a pair of her Chantilly Lace earrings and they are to die for!

  147. Meg says

    July 10, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    Thank you for the encouragement to follow our true passions! It’s inspiring to know that I could make a living from what I like to do best!

  148. Jamie Hill says

    July 10, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Very good advice, Angie. I’ve recently taken to creating some fun things with my sewing machine, and the thought has crossed my mind about selling them….now I can use you and your advice as an inspiration!

  149. Ann says

    July 10, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    Thanks for the chance to win!!!

  150. Emily N. says

    July 10, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    Ooohh, I love her shop! Thanks for the chance to win, Maggie! =)

  151. Lisa says

    July 10, 2011 at 11:12 pm

    Love her shop and her story! Thanks Gussy for linking us all up with a chance to win a shop credit and to add yet another to my favs! ;)

  152. Darlene says

    July 11, 2011 at 11:11 am

    I love the store and blog “Life with Ike” – thanks for the chance to win.

  153. Btrflywmn says

    July 12, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    great stuff, would love to win

  154. Abby says

    July 12, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    I love that Angie @ Ike&Co!!! :) We met in grad school and have been blog buddies ever since. She gives me hope that one day I can pull off the “mom thing.” ;-)

Trackbacks

  1. {three giveaway winners. is one YOU?} says:
    July 14, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    […] Ike & Co. giveaway winners are Lisa, email: peacedais_ _@yahoo.com, and Cindy V., email: cvanderkl_ _@hotmail.com. […]

  2. {four giveaway winners. is one YOU?} says:
    July 16, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    […] Ike & Co. giveaway winners are Lisa, email: peacedais_ _@yahoo.com, and Cindy V., email: cvanderkl_ _@hotmail.com. […]

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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