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Maggie Whitley Designs

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You are here: Home / inspiration / for fun / {scenes from the past week ~ also known as “I’ve done so many fun things!”}

{scenes from the past week ~ also known as “I’ve done so many fun things!”}

June 8, 2012 · 20 Comments
Filed Under: for fun

It’s early Friday morning — the weekend is almost here, yippee, woohoo + yeow!, and what am I doing? Sitting on my bum while the fan blows cool morning air inside our home. From the backyard. The sun has risen and it’s flooding our living room, warming that darling pup right up while he takes a nap. Snort. No shower for me yet {wink!}, just pajamas + coffee + nerdy glasses.

Like I said above, it’s early Friday morning. My in-laws are coming to visit this weekend along with our cousin + aunt. We’re going to a wedding a bit north of the city {I hope I don’t come back home with a Minnesotan accent, I hear they talk crazy up there} and then will spend the rest of our time together around the house. I love being at home, around the house. I think it’s something I’ve recently come to love, but who cares? I love it now :)

This past week went by so fast. Probably because my mom was here the week before and we spent so much time gabbing + making memories — did you know it had been FIVE MONTHS since I saw her last?! Unacceptable.  So while I prepped my work so I could take last week off-ish, this week greeted me with something fierce. As you may or may not remember, our cousin Alyssa lives with us, so Sunday evening we skipped off to dinner in Uptown. Monday’s shop update was super fun {eeek! y’all keep us busy!} and then Tuesday I worked in the studio on a fun, totally new project. Wednesday — nothing too crazy happened. I don’t think. Yesterday was our 4th wedding anniversary {hearts, confetti, smooches, happiness!} and today is FRIDAY.

This past week I really worked hard at planning more fun things. Ughhhh I am so bad at this!!! Normally I stick around the house to blog + work in the studio, but I think it’s good to change things up. I need to get better at doing more fun things throughout the work week. It’s helps to keep me sane, ha! :)

Here are some photos from the past week :D All are taken from Instagram, follow along — my username is GussySews!

* * *

 ^ A small collection of the empty spools we’ve collected over the couple of years.

Last year I wrapped fabric around them + created a cute garland for my home studio {DIY}.

^ Zack + I watched Compassion videos last night.

And I cried. I love these Tanzanian kids and can’t wait to go back.

 ^ Every day I read my Bible. We’ve created a neat way for you to read daily, too — visit #SheReadsTruth for all the details. You can read with your iPhone or through the YouVersion website.

 ^ Earlier this week I felt super stressed over work.

So what did I do? Hide in the kitchen with a cup of coffee of course! ;D

 ^ Creating fun new things in the studio! Neons — you’re too cool.

 ^ On Tuesday, Mary + I met up for coffee + croissants at Patisserie 46, then we skipped over to Sugar Sugar — the cutest candy shop I ever did see!

 ^ Working on the back patio with Bauer nearby :)

^ Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Shop Lady Like’s hair accessories? I lover them. Here I’m wearing their Valentine Crocheted Heart headband in red. Sassy!

^ Dinner out with Zack + Alyssa at Uptown Cafeteria. Good golly they have yummy drinks + dining. We sat on their rooftop patio as the sun set, so fun!

^ Just one of the new items in the Gussy shop — click here to see our Floral + Mint wristlet ;D

^ Last Saturday Zack + I scooted out of the city to a water park for the day. Sunshine = happiness!

^ Most of the time I read my #SheReadsTruth devo in the morning, on the front porch, with a cup of coffee. Where + when do you read?

PS. Linking up with Life Rearranged — click over + add your InstaFriday post, too!

* * *

What does your weekend look like? Are you laying low or do you have a few things planned? And if you work from home like I do, do you think you plan enough things, or could you benefit from changing things up a bit like I did this week? Share below! xo

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20 Comments
Filed Under: for fun

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Comments

  1. skye @ neathering our fest says

    June 8, 2012 at 9:42 am

    for the first weekend in quite a while, we have NADA planned for saturday. i’m going to get caught up on my shop stuff and do some work for the farewell dinner for our pastor sunday night. it should be a nice relaxing weekend hopefully!! xoxo

    Reply
    • Katy (lil' alice) says

      June 8, 2012 at 7:47 pm

      skye, enjoy your restful weekend. we have had a few of those the past few weeks. this weekend is not one of them, but that’s okay!

      Reply
  2. Becky @ The Barefoot Seamstress says

    June 8, 2012 at 9:49 am

    Looks like a great week! I work from home too with two kids chasing behind me or maybe it’s me chasing them, I’m not sure! Anyhow, it is tough and I am constantly reevaulating my schedule. I am an obsessive list maker and yet somehow I still forget to do things. Oh well, I’m only human right? :) Headed over to follow you on Instagram!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      June 8, 2012 at 12:43 pm

      @Becky @ The Barefoot Seamstress, reevaluating is a good thing! :)

      Reply
  3. Beth says

    June 8, 2012 at 10:08 am

    Happy anniversary one day late!

    Tis the season, we have a graduation open house this weekend, so not much laying low I guess! Gonna be a HOT one too!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      June 8, 2012 at 12:43 pm

      @Beth, open house = free dinner ;D

      Reply
  4. Heather F. says

    June 8, 2012 at 10:29 am

    I’ve been totally trying to arrange more fun things into my family’s life. I’m a total homebody, but came to the conclusion that that wasn’t creating any real memories for my kids. Now I seek out more local excursions, road trips, and just special things we can do at home. I think life becomes stale and repetative as we become comfortable in our routines. Sometimes we need to seek out fun that will actually put smiles on our faces.

    Reply
  5. Kate @ Songs Kate Sang says

    June 8, 2012 at 10:44 am

    This weekend I am gonna lay low.

    Reply
  6. Kacia says

    June 8, 2012 at 11:03 am

    heart you.

    like whoa. xoxoxo

    Reply
  7. Victoria says

    June 8, 2012 at 11:23 am

    I really like going and being busy till I just can’t take anymore. But over the last year or so I have learned to actually enjoy (even crave) days where I don’t have anywhere to be or important things to do. You know, put on a pair of comfy jeans, a tshirt, and read, garden, bake, fix dinner LEISURELY, clean the house…..Just a nice quiet, slow day at home. It’s just a balance and it is super nice that way.

    Enjoy all of your company! Your weekend sounds lime it will be great. I honestly don’t have a clue what mine will be about yet….I think it is going to involve jumping in the car and heading somewhere, we just haven’t decided where it will be.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      June 8, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      @Victoria, go to the beach! or have a picnic at the lake! or go on a bike ride! or visit the bookstore :) ENJOY it! xoxo

      Reply
  8. Anna says

    June 8, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    I had a dream about you, actually your shop, the other night. It was London fashion week and the models were walking down the catwalk with yellow polka dot purses and it was announced they were by Gussy Sews. It was really cool!!!

    Reply
  9. Jacquelyn says

    June 8, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    Hey there beautiful lady!

    I just want to tell you that I (and I know sooooo many others will agree!) really enjoy your blog :) I am sure that everything that you have to do/handle/juggle can, at times, be overwhelming but you do it FANTASTICALLY! Even on the days when you may not feel like you are making a difference, there is SOMEONE who is being changed because of you!

    Thank you for pressing through when it feels tough! You are an inspiration :) Have a good weekend!!

    Reply
  10. Lauren says

    June 8, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    Working from home can be so challenging! I do find that switching things up helps me stay motivated. I have also found that scheduling things other than work during some days somehow makes me more productive. I went for a two hour walk with a friend yesterday and ended up getting way more done than if I had stayed at home all day- crazy!

    Reply
  11. maddie says

    June 8, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    wow it looks like you had a busy week! Exciting though!

    Reply
  12. Katy (lil' alice) says

    June 8, 2012 at 7:46 pm

    we have a busy weekend. my oldest is going to a youth all nighter, gotta pick him up at 6am. i am the morning person, so not a big deal. he has his last soccer game tomorrow. hope he doesn’t fall asleep on the field. each child has a pool/bday party to go to tomorrow. it’s going to be perfect weather & 90! sunday we have a soccer picnic and i’ve made plans to skip church and let the boys rest. fyi… i never skip church either. ever.

    oh and i have 90 cheerleader bows to make, 10 gifts to make for teachers & staff plus normal orders.

    no worries, it’s going to be fun!

    Reply
  13. malory says

    June 8, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    <3 the cute pics!!! i'm doing the #shereadstruth devos {mostly} at night :) lovin' it!!! thank y'all by the way ;)

    anywho…my weekend plans are pretty much finish cleaning the house (purging, throwin' out, cleanin', etc) and gettin' ready to go on family vaca :)

    hope y'all have a great weekend!!!

    p.s. <3 the mug!!!

    Reply
  14. Lacy says

    June 8, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    Fun post! We won free tickets for a year from KTIS, so we’re off to the Joyful Noise Family Fest tomorrow in Blaine with the babes. Lots of family time:)

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  15. Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says

    June 8, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    looks like lots of awesome stuff going on! & happy anniversary to you & your mister, how exciting!

    we kicked off our weekend with a frozen yogurt to celebrate 8 months of marriage (as of today), and then I’m going to fold a bunch of laundry…that part isn’t so exciting! ;) we don’t have much planned for tomorrow, but Sunday we’re heading to church early so I can play piano for service, lunch with my brother & sister-in-law, and a trip to Joann’s for sewing & cross-stitching supplies. I think it’ll be a fun weekend. :)

    Have a wonderful weekend yourself, Maggie!

    Reply
  16. iFMAEyn6PfT says

    October 10, 2012 at 1:12 am

    90856 212859Some times its a discomfort within the ass to read what weblog owners wrote but this internet web site is rattling user friendly ! . 722

    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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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
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. 🖤☕️🧺📖
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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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One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

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This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergra This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergram from October, from one of our many fall adventures with the kids. We had so many fun day trips, I don’t even remember where this was taken 👏🏻⭐️. I’m gonna guess Cranbrook Gardens.
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Well kiddos, we had a great summer together! 🥳👏🏻🛴⛱🍦🤸🏼‍♀️🎨🎹🏊🏻‍♂️🧺🎠📚📺🍿🌿🌷☀️🚲

Thanks for coming along with me to the pool, nature trails, the park, hosting friends in our backyard, reading adventures, popcorn & movie night, art, planting flowers, planting a garden, bike rides, neighborhood walks, lake swimming, and supplying the ice cream truck w/ roughly $84 this summer. 

I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
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