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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / Faith / {girls night out ~ the orchard art house}

{girls night out ~ the orchard art house}

August 29, 2011 · 29 Comments
Filed Under: Faith, friends

On Thursday of last week, I really seriously truly contemplated not putting on a skirt to meet up with some of my girlies. Some times getting out of the house, no matter how important it is, is one of the hardest things to do for myself. Working from home makes me want to STAY at home in the evenings & on weekends to enjoy the house as my home, verses as the house my business is run out of. Do you feel like that too ~ ever?! {bites fingernails} I realize that may sound so silly but that is how my brain thinks a lot of the time.

But, I shoved those just-stay-at-home thoughts in the laundry basket as I quickly changed clothes and ran out of the house to meet up with Chris Ann of LoveFeast Table, Cate of Wild Ruffle, Noemi of Noemi Photography, Jennifer with Stella & Dot {and her friend Amy}.

My friends and I met at The Orchard Art House, which is the *adorable* workshop + art house/boutique run by erin kate of ekate designs and together we shopped AMAZING art made by ekate designs + her friends. There was this adorbs piece made by Ashley Barlow that I couldn’t snag fast enough, when I went back to buy it it was gone!

Isn’t her website so cute [above] ?! Erin Kate’s art house and designs are even cuter, though — for sure! :] That night I bought two charms, one that reads Joy and another that shows a tiny map of Minneapolis ~

Us girls — we found so many fun things to look at / play with / giggle over. Just look at all of the pretty things we saw that evening ~

Aside from alllll the beautiful & inspiring finds on display, this evening out with friends really showed me that time with friends is one of the most important gifts I can give myself. I’m really thankful for the girls I spent Thursday evening with ~ especially the conversation we shared over a meal after the boutique party. That night the LORD reminded me He knows just what I need, all the time… which is so comforting.

♥

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29 Comments
Filed Under: Faith, friends

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Comments

  1. cinzia says

    August 29, 2011 at 6:40 am

    i too find it hard to get out sometimes. i’ve always been a home-body and that’s why i like to work from home…that being said, i never regret pushing myself out the door to meet up with my girlfriends. The older I get, the more i realize the importance of this. We love to encourage each other to persue our goals and to give each other a kick in the #$*! when we’re feeling unmotivated! Someitmes, when i don’t want to get out, i invite them to my home where we do something crafty together. That’s fun too!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      August 29, 2011 at 12:23 pm

      for me, working from home has made me a homebody — but it’s not really something i wanted to become. since i work from home my co-workers are my employees… i am the boss so there really aren’t co-workers. i’ve found that working from home means my friends must come from outside sources: local events, church, my friends’ friends, hubby’s co-workers, etc.

      it’s almost like working from home means you’re in a secret society, except it’s not so much a fun secret society, hah!

      i take this as a challenge for me to try and overcome it :)

      Reply
  2. Erin Russell says

    August 29, 2011 at 7:23 am

    That looks like a real BLAST! I am the opposite, maybe it’s because I have kids I stay at home with, but I am always itching to GET OUT!!!
    Yay for girly times!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      August 29, 2011 at 12:26 pm

      oh don’t get me wrong — of course i am itching to get out!!! but i need somewhere to go ~ see my reply above to Cinzia… tee hehe :}

      Reply
  3. Cate says

    August 29, 2011 at 7:42 am

    I’m so thankful for that night too! xoxo

    Reply
  4. Tara says

    August 29, 2011 at 7:58 am

    I work from home and can totally relate to the drive to stay at home – the more I’m home, the more I don’t want to leave!

    Reply
  5. Erin says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:08 am

    That is a lesson I learn over and over. I tend to be a homebody if I’ve fallen into the habit. My hubby and I are still pretty alone in our new city (with a few friends, but they all work), and I struggle with having the blues. But when I hang out with friends (or sometimes even a good Skype chat with my sister), I feel rejuvenated. So glad to hear how the Lord encouraged you, friend! :)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      August 29, 2011 at 12:29 pm

      i need to remember this is just a season i’m in, where i have to try harder to have a busy social life because *I* have to be the one to plan it. this is something i’ve struggled with for for a while. it’s not as easy as college when your close friends were just a street away. i feel like my close friends are in Michigan, where we used to live (we’re in Minnesota now), and when we left MI we left everything we had, including friends.

      thanks for the comment, erin :) you’re sweet! xoxo

      Reply
      • Erin says

        August 29, 2011 at 2:27 pm

        I feel the same…my best friends are all 1,100 miles away!! And for me, its been hard to connect, especially now that I have a daughter and another on the way! Life changes so much when you’re in your twenties!! lol – I’ll be praying for you to continue to feel encouraged…its tough being away from home! <3

        Reply
  6. Noemi Hedrick says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:25 am

    The effort is it takes to plan ahead, find someone to look after the kids, get ready, and then find my way to the right place at the right time…nearly impossible. But, I’m reminder that every time I do it…why I make the effort. My lady friends give me so much joy! And finding God in the center of our conversation has lasting effects – on everyone present.

    I need someone to remind me of this the next time I feel lazy!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      August 29, 2011 at 12:30 pm

      *take me with you next time you leave the house* –wink!

      Reply
  7. Kassie says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:42 am

    Oh, that looks like a fun place!
    Friends are definitely one of the greatest gifts from God! I don’t get to see my college girlfriends often, but whenever I do my heart just feels a bit better!

    Reply
  8. Barbara - The Tattooed Housewife says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:43 am

    That looked like so much fun! I can’t wait to get up there and go to all the handmade fairs and markets. there is nothing down here! really wish i could make it to the convention in st. paul coming up! we won’t be there till december!

    Reply
  9. Annie says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:16 am

    You are such a positive inspiration to SO MANY! I love reading your blog and seeing your joy in life. God bless you and your ruffly business!

    Reply
  10. Raine says

    August 29, 2011 at 9:19 am

    I am so glad that you got out and hung with good friends and had a great time. We all need that. We can’t keep giving and not take care of ourelves or things start being to lopsided in or lives. Have a great day!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      August 29, 2011 at 12:31 pm

      amen amen amen

      Reply
  11. Meghann @ Fuzzy.Little.Wishballs says

    August 29, 2011 at 10:09 am

    What a neat place that seems to be! So glad you were able to have a good, rejuvenating night out. What would we do without our girlfriends?

    Reply
  12. kim says

    August 29, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    that looks like so much fun! i’ve had the same experience in the past week of just being overwhelmed by sweet friendships…SUCH gifts from the Lord!

    Reply
  13. katy reitz (lil' alice) says

    August 29, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    i know what you mean. i don’t wanna leave either, and i am not a homebody either. when my kids were little was i itching to get out of the house all the time. i had to learn to love being home and that wasn’t easy. it was a time of sifting that’s for sure.

    the pics are adorable!

    Reply
  14. Tiffany says

    August 29, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    i can totally relate you!! I married into the military and I’m far away from all my family and friends. So I naturally want to stay at home with the hubby! There are times where I just yearn for times with my girlfriends, but it can’t happen. :-( it also doesn’t help that we live in a small town and there’s nothing fun to do!! Lol but I learn to really value my friends when I go back to visit them. This post makes me want to get dressed up and go out to town!

    Reply
  15. Sarah-Anne says

    August 29, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    being a homeschooler I know what you mean; i’ve gone a week without getting out of the house before {that was a B-A-D week, ha}. getting out with your friends is one of the best things of life. :)

    Reply
  16. Heather G. says

    August 29, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    Awh, how fun!! I will take a girl’s night whenever I can (which isn’t often!)

    Reply
  17. Simple Daisy says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:44 pm

    That looks like such a fabulous time!!! I am kind of a homebody myself….but it’s so nice to get out every once inwhile for a girls night:)

    Reply
  18. Angela E. says

    August 30, 2011 at 12:40 am

    I am a total homebody – I actually find myself getting irritated if I know I have to go somewhere, i.e. grocery store, dentist etc. But you’re right, it’s important to feed our souls and nourish our friendships. You’ve inspired me – I’m having my gal pals over this Friday night and I’m going to cook them a fabulous meal. I guess that still keeps me at home, but surrounded with my girls. If you’re in the Southern California neighborhood, stop by! :)

    Reply
  19. Alle says

    August 30, 2011 at 5:48 am

    I think my biggest thing is that I tried desperately to hang on to my “besties” from college after getting married. But we slowly started to disperse over the country and staying in contact is becoming harder and harder. I’ve committed to loving on one of them each week – a card, phone call, skype date, etc. But am now asking God to show me who He has put in my life for this season of friendship. Once I opened my hand to what He had the friendships started pouring in – or at least my eyes were opened to them. Friendships that have surprised me. Friendships that I almost missed. I’m slowly learning to embrace the new season and realize that my “family” is enlarging!

    Reply
  20. diana says

    August 30, 2011 at 10:58 am

    isnt the orchard house amazing?!
    i was just out there not too long ago.
    glad you had a good time!

    Reply
  21. Jamie - Easily Amused Mommy says

    September 1, 2011 at 12:15 am

    What a funnnnnnnn girls night out! Look at all those beautiful things? You must live in a big city.. I live in a tiny town and we do not have art houses or boutiques like that! That’s why I thank God for Etsy! :0)

    Reply
  22. Jamie - Easily Amused Mommy says

    September 1, 2011 at 12:16 am

    Ooookay, not sure why I put a question mark after the word “things.” I am my own worst critic and I hate it when I have typos! lol

    Reply
  23. LoveFeast Table says

    September 3, 2011 at 10:56 pm

    It was an awesome night out!! Can’t wait to do it again ~ GNO ~ is the best!!
    Love that pic of us!! The vintage color is better than botox! LOL!
    ~CA

    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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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. 

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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? ✔️🧺👏🏻
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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
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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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