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You are here: Home / inspiration / for fun / Life around here…

Life around here…

May 8, 2015 · 10 Comments
Filed Under: for fun, hair + beauty, Maxwell, Natalie, running

hair maggie whitley

It’s time for a little “life around here” post, yeah? :)

So I’ve got a new beauty secret for my curly hair. Wanna know what it is? A shower cap. You can stop laughing, I’m for real. On days 2 (and 3) of no shampooing I use a shower cap to preserve my volume. To refresh my curl, I flip my head down and spray my hair with water from a spray bottle. Then I flip it back, tousle it a little, and sometimes finish with a light hairspray. That’s it! It’s the best thing ever :) Literally yesterday Zack looked at me in the morning as I was drinking my Chai tea, and before he could say anything I cut him off and said, “yes, I woke up like this.” Volume. It’s been crazy fun.

bauer maggie whitley

It’s Thursday night as I type this post, the rain has just begun to fall — it’s supposed to rain all night, which is the perfect ending for a cloudy week in Los Angeles. We’ve had a bit of a schedule change-a-roo. Zack’s been working crazy hours and I accidentally took a few days off from running. It’s been interesting to notice how strong I rely on my daily exercise. It’s been a really good thing ;) but I can always tell when it’s time for another run. Bauer has loved running, too. He’s like, FINALLY, LADY!

home maggie whitley

When we moved our apartment around in March we were able to create a little play nook for Maxwell. One of the chairs in our living room hides his toys well, and then this bookshelf stores his work bench, bin of building blocks, his tool box, and doctor kit. We also use a wicker basket for his stuffed animals and smaller toys. I give him a few play prompts (read a book to your stuffed monkey; can you fix Bambi with your doctor kit?; can you build me a tall tower?) and then watch his imagination take off.

I’ve also been making a lot of pizza dough. It’s been fun to bake bread this way, and I love how quick it is to make a pie. My favorite topping to add is sun dried tomatoes (marinated in an herb olive oil). #hearteyesforever

natalie maggie whitley

Now that Natalie is 6 months old she’s not only found her squeaky voice but she’s obsessed with moving her arms and legs! It’s hard to snap a photo without it being totally blurry. She’s also started laughing totally on her own from little things Maxwell does or says. It’s so cute and I melt inside every time I hear her raspy laugh. This is such a fun stage. They all are, actually…

maxwell natalie maggie whitley

Babies, babies, babies!

sewing machine cover maggie whitley

Earlier this week Max and I snuck over to my sewing machine to make a cover. He’s become very interested in trying to touch it, so this new cover is my secret trick to keeping him away from all the knobs and buttons ;) So far it’s working.

running los angeles maggie whitley

Wednesday and yesterday I got back into my running zone. AND IT’S BEEN SO GOOD! I’ve been focusing on 4 miles/day, gone for about 90 minutes total (including stops to talk to the kids, having Max walk alongside me, and a visit to the water fountains). And doing my run in the morning is essential, I’m learning. Once the afternoon hits, if I still haven’t logged a run I feel like suddenly it’s time to prep dinner and get the baths drawn. It’s gets to be cranky town over here. Running in the morning is definitely what we need to be doing, for this season of life. In my dreams I’m running a few times each week without the stroller or dog, if you were curious (ha!). Soon… Soon I hope to be doing that again.

Happy Friday, loves!

PS. double stroller c/o Britax and coral capri leggings c/o Albion Fit

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10 Comments
Filed Under: for fun, hair + beauty, Maxwell, Natalie, running

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Comments

  1. Lisa B. says

    May 8, 2015 at 7:29 am

    Even tho my girls are older I love reading your blog! I didn’t know you had a dog til today…he is adorable…we have have 3 beagles ( who are basically my children now that my daughters live on their own). Anyways enjoy your little ones, time flies!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      May 8, 2015 at 10:17 am

      Bauer is a staple to our home :) he is often hiding from the kids (and their noise) nowadays!

      Reply
  2. Kaylene Smith says

    May 8, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    Hi Maggie, Love your hair and thanks for sharing what you do on 2nd and 3rd day hair! Great tip! Could you please let us know what products you are using now to get great 1st day hair? I love trying new products so l’m curious about your new routine! Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      May 9, 2015 at 4:58 pm

      Coming soon! :D

      Reply
  3. janine says

    May 9, 2015 at 10:44 am

    Running in the early morning is an essential as wel here.
    I literally get out of bed , into my running gear and am out the door.
    The longer I pospone it the more excuses I find not to go.

    No kids here to take into account,.
    And our dog Abby doen’t mind sleeping in.
    She is such a lazy little bully.
    And yes I have tried taking with me once.. it was a disaster.
    As I said; she is a lazy lttle thing
    hahaha

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      May 9, 2015 at 5:07 pm

      Girl, I hear you! About once a week I tell myself I’m done bringing our dog, but I know how much Bauer loves running with us. He’s crazy sometimes. Also: GOOD FOR YOU for getting up and running right away, that’s so awesome!

      Reply
  4. Daisy - émoi émoi says

    May 13, 2015 at 8:14 am

    Thanks for the hair tips and I agree, running first thing in the morning is the best way forward for me too :)

    http://en.emoi-emoi.com/

    Reply
  5. Sarah says

    May 13, 2015 at 11:16 am

    Ok your hair is AMAZING and you look great in red! Just sayin’.

    I so need to make a sewing machine cover. My 3yo is all about pushing all the buttons lately (mine and the sewing machine’s, ha!). I’ve had to hide my serger. I do love having them out around my family, not tucked away in a separate room, but sometimes it has its disadvantages! Did you use a pattern for your cover or wing it?

    And I hear you about the afternoon. Afternoons are not my best time and yes, seem focused on getting dinner fed to people and cleaning people. :)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      May 26, 2015 at 1:43 pm

      Ummm, THANK YOU for the hair and color compliment!

      I didn’t use a pattern, but I did take the measurements 3x ;) I hate finishing a project and having to rip out stitches because it’s not quite the right size/fit.

      Reply
  6. Maria Ensey says

    June 7, 2015 at 8:34 am

    I’m really enjoying following your journey along! I’m 6 mos post partum and have a 3 year old as well. You have inspired me to keep up running ! After all, I love in San Diego and only 5 miles from beach ;) I figured, if you can take your babies along then I can too! (My dog?… No way ! Lol!) l agree with all the benefits of running you mentioned! I was also encouraged to hear you break up your run to play with the kids!! That’s what I needed to hear…do you run 2 miles and then two after playing? Interested in deets I guess! Thanks again for Sharing! It’s just what this mama on same journey needed ☺️ And keep running!!

    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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  • The books I hope to read this year. January 12, 2021
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

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Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
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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. 🖤

Another soothing truth is from the end of Psalm 34:19 — “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him of them all.”

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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! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

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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?
🖤working on our school room, mid-process update 🖤working on our school room, mid-process update! this wall is inspired by @mygrandparentschair 👏🏻 

I saw her feature in a recent issue of “Better Homes & Gardens” and I was all 🤩🤩over her foyer. I’m using 1/2” black masking tape (mistake-making friendly) instead of paint, also renter friendly. 

Working on this project has been so good for my mental health. Doing > worrying.
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devotionals written by Maggie:

the (in)courage Devotional Bible:
Proverbs 14:1 and Lamentations 5
31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and Doer:
on Simplicity

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