Maggie Whitley Designs

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

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M is for “margin” and “midday”

May 25, 2020 · 4 Comments
Filed Under: Faith, lifestyle

What is it about your life that causes you to stop and take notice? Is it a pretty envelope in an otherwise stack of boring mail? Is it a cleared-off bathroom counter? Perhaps it’s the mess on the counter that you notice? The chaotic pile of shoes at the front door… Could it be your… [Read More]

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4 Comments
Filed Under: Faith, lifestyle

How to “keep moving forward”

May 19, 2020 · 8 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration, marriage

We sat on the couch, me and Zack together for an after-lunch cup of coffee. He could read the storm settling in my mind; he probably started charting it hours before it actually arrived. Perhaps that’s why he invited me to a coffee date? Either way, I accepted his invitation and sat down. It’s difficult… [Read More]

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8 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration, marriage

Rhythm of Grace

April 30, 2020 · 17 Comments
Filed Under: Faith

Seven years ago, I began waking up at wee hours to care for my firstborn nursing child, who quickly grew into a toddling child. Soon enough, I woke early to care for another nursing child. And over time, though rather quickly, I birthed and nursed two more little ones. Suddenly my mornings were quite noisy,… [Read More]

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17 Comments
Filed Under: Faith

Life around here + FAQ

April 28, 2020 · 4 Comments
Filed Under: family, for fun, lifestyle

Good morning, last Tuesday of April. This morning I feel fascinated over my experience with motherhood, how it came upon me slowly during those first few weeks of gestation, then later, intensely as birth occurred. And now, seven years in, we’ve settled into a family rhythm that continues to fascinate me. Life around here is,… [Read More]

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Filed Under: family, for fun, lifestyle

Gift wrap made from Real Simple magazine pages…

April 21, 2020 · 6 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration, Marigold

As we prepared for Marigold’s 4th birthday celebration, it seemed fitting to gather some back issues of my favorite magazine, Real Simple, to use as gift wrap. Marigold is quite interested in what interests her mama, which currently means sitting in my “pretty chair” (as she calls it), helping me in the kitchen, and looking… [Read More]

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6 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration, Marigold

8 new books to share with you…

April 14, 2020 · 6 Comments
Filed Under: books, for fun, recipe

I’m eager to share with you a few of the books I’ve read the last few months, along with what I’m currently reading. When I open a book and process the written words of truth, goodness & beauty, I am edified. My mind expands and my heart settles into a state of peace. As a… [Read More]

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6 Comments
Filed Under: books, for fun, recipe

Living with joy and refreshment

April 9, 2020 · 8 Comments
Filed Under: marriage

Once upon a time there was a man who wanted to bring his wife a little joy and refreshment. He knew they were due for some time alone together, out of the house. As this man and woman were getting ready for their Saturday morning date, their children were playing underfoot. Little bottoms were bouncing… [Read More]

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Filed Under: marriage

What it was like to write “offline” for three months!

April 4, 2020 · 7 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration, our home

She releases a strong puff of air, freeing the collection of dust on her computer. It flies upward, then dissipates. Well, hellooo! It’s been a few months since we’ve gathered here together. This writing space has been a part of my life for over a decade now, and so naturally I miss it while I’m… [Read More]

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7 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration, our home

Thirteen thoughts in November.

November 29, 2019 · 8 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration

Feeling so proud of all the writing I’ve accomplished this month. Here are my recent blog posts, in case you missed them: the colors of motherhood, learn how to watercolor with your children (includes a 25% off discount code), and a Gussy Sews holiday pop-up shop update. Bookmarking this beautiful movie! We watched it over the… [Read More]

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8 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration

it’s a Gussy Sews holiday pop-up shop!

November 25, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Gussy, holidays

They’re here! Inside my Gussy Sews shop are eight brand new pouches. They are perfectly ruffled, perfect in color, and perfect in size. This time around I’m offering two different sizes to help you stay organized as you go about your day. And, if you’re someone who changes bags often (like me), having a pouch… [Read More]

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Filed Under: Gussy, holidays

MAKE IT: learn to watercolor with your children!

November 23, 2019 · 2 Comments
Filed Under: craft project, creativity, holidays

Perhaps you’re like me and you really enjoy creating with your children, especially when it can be displayed year after year? In years past we’ve made decorations for our Christmas tree, but this year we are taking it up a notch. We are learning to watercolor! I am so very excited.  Emily Lex of Jones… [Read More]

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2 Comments
Filed Under: craft project, creativity, holidays

The colors of motherhood.

November 5, 2019 · 9 Comments
Filed Under: mamahood

Last week after naps, I gathered my tribe of small people to zip coats and buckle seat belts. While out running errands we shopped for nail polish and birthday party things (my sweet Natalie has turned FIVE). I’ve never bought five bottles of nail polish before, but I suppose that’s what happens when you have two… [Read More]

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9 Comments
Filed Under: mamahood

What is your rhythm for self-care?

October 29, 2019 · 4 Comments
Filed Under: lifestyle, mamahood

There’s a floral tray on my bedside table that holds my frequently reached-for items: a bobby pin to pin my hair back, peppermint chapstick, my eye glasses, a pen, my beloved perfume oil. They are simple tools, pretty tools, but I didn’t intentionally put together this collection of favorites. Rather, the rhythms of my life did…. [Read More]

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4 Comments
Filed Under: lifestyle, mamahood

Year 2: the beginning of our homeschool journey…

October 15, 2019 · 4 Comments
Filed Under: family, homeschool, inspiration

We’ve begun our second year of homeschooling, and it’s quite surprised me how well and how fast it’s skipping by. I absolutely love teaching my children, however this wasn’t something I considered for our family when I became a mom in 2013. As time as passed, as I’ve come to know my children and grow… [Read More]

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4 Comments
Filed Under: family, homeschool, inspiration

What are you reading this summer?

May 22, 2019 · 6 Comments
Filed Under: books, seasons

Just yesterday the kids and I planted flowers in a variety of places around our home. We are outside a lot during the spring, summer and fall months, and I’m especially looking forward to the beauty flowers add to our daily life. In fact, I don’t mind the weeds growing in the cracks near the… [Read More]

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Filed Under: books, seasons

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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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recent posts:

  • The books I hope to read this year. January 12, 2021
  • Merry Christmas! Plus, adding a little warmth to my home. December 21, 2020
  • Life around here! December 15, 2020
  • 10 “field trips” ideas for your homeschoolers (Detroit & beyond) September 2, 2020
  • 7 books we are reading aloud this year August 19, 2020
  • A fall-themed homeschool resource! August 12, 2020
  • Studying the Bible July 30, 2020
  • What do you consider “a good book”? July 23, 2020

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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

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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. 📖✨🤍
We’re driving home in the dark of the winter nig We’re driving home in the dark of the winter night after a beautiful, hard & intentional couple of days working on a project ✨I’m committed to work on this this year; 2021 is already great. 🤩🤐😘
Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last 3 months. I’ve had more anxiety than ever, and it’s seriously putting me on my knees in prayer —almost daily. My mind and chest aren’t unfamiliar of the attacks, but the grip it’s had on me since September has been so strong. The attacks are painful. But... Worship music has been one of my main healers. 🎶I know God is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and singing this truth really soothes me. Social media has been a big trigger for anxiety for me. I don’t want to “miss out on my life”, which is why I’ve hugely stepped back in posting and scrolling. 

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.”

Seriously. Thank you lord. Thank you for music and for rest and for the words in your book. I need them. I need You. I need Your freedom. I trust you’ll deliver me.
Nearing the end of my “20 letters in 20 weeks” Nearing the end of my “20 letters in 20 weeks” challenge. Many stayed in Michigan, but mail was also sent to Colorado, Texas, California, Indiana, and Arizona. I loved this personal exercise! I have just one question: who will be my pen-pal for 2021? ✏️💌
We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk. When I finally walked out and sat down, they shouted, “THE QUEEN! EVERYBODY CHEER FOR THE QUEEN!” (yes, they really call me that...☺️💓☺️)

I brought our basket of mittens and gloves and hats. The older two brought RC cars. Bauer the dog came along; we had a wonderful time on our walk.

The afternoon was harder, but overall the day was sandwiched between two really sweet time slots.

Bedtime tonight was wonderful. We read two chapters from our read aloud and Max lost another baby tooth.

This job I have, it really wears me down AND fills me up. It’s a constant take away AND fill up. Even when the moments feel so fitful, I know the story is rich. 

🕯🌙 Hello, sweet slumber. You’re carrying my babies away to a peaceful land. Goodnight, my children. Goodnight.

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodissanctifying #naturewalk #michigan
There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every co There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every couple of weeks because she is so sparkly & cheerful. She shares little pep talks, she wears fuchsia lipstick. She says, “like so, like that” when she’s explaining something. She’s a hoot. I love the joy that bursts from her eyes when she talks. In her own unique ways, her perspectives pull back the fog I often find myself in. I’m a weary mama, and her energy and gentleness feels nurturing, though I haven’t met her... I would love to meet her. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼I’m inspired by the snippets of life she shares online. Thank you, Tabitha for sharing your light. 🕯💓💄🌿@iamtabithabrown
What has kept you and your home busy as of late? F What has kept you and your home busy as of late? For us, it’s this…

The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

💞💬More on my blog! #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of books that shape our minds, of anticipation, of creative projects that mar our kiddos clothing (but morph our memories into beauty). Oh right! There are cookies cooling on the counter — gotta go! ✌🏻
Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland for our tree; link posted to Stories) and my mind inspired (watching HGTV). I really enjoy the quiet of the evening after a full, rich day. God is so kind to give this to me today. What have you received today? 🎄💫📿
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.
This morning I sat on the front porch and read my This morning I sat on the front porch and read my book & drank coffee. The birds were with me, nearly a hundred of them. Fluttering from rooftop to treetop to hiding inside the bushes. So beautiful and calm. Mother culture... the path to joy in motherhood & homemaking.
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?
🖤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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POPULAR POSTS:

  • How we paid off over $65K in debt in 3 years
  • Gift wrap made from Real Simple magazine
  • Living with joy & refreshment
  • Having a TV detox & minimizing our toys
  • How we paid off $42K in debt in 2 years
  • How to style your wavy (or curly) hair
  • How to sew a zippered pouch
  • How to accurately price your handmade items
  • How we are getting out of debt
  • How to make a freedom change
  • What to focus on when you "stay at home"
  • Twenty "20-minute crafts" you must try
  • Having something to look forward to

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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