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]
How we paid off over $65,000 of debt in 3 years (debt freedom part two)
(click here to read PART ONE of our debt-free journey.) (Date night: Zack and I are celebrating our debt freedom) Are you ready for this amazing, achievable announcement? Zack and I made our final debt payment on March 27th, 2019 ~ we are finally debt free! We worked so hard for three years and paid… [Read More]
On seeing the small details…
Last week I sat outside with my older two children and read a book, which was very much not the plan I had envisioned for quiet time. Moments before I had been reading inside on the couch but soon I was invited outside to see their newly built fort. They had the beach umbrella set… [Read More]
Learn to sew your own clothes! (NEW online course)
Fellow creatives: the ever inspiring Elise Cripe has created an online sewing course focused around garment sewing. Can you even believe it? I’m personally thrilled for her newest creative endeavor. I mean, yes! Go Elise, go! For just $28 Elise will guide you through 13 written lessons, 6 step-by-step video tutorials of common techniques, and a… [Read More]
Look at those NEW Gussy ruffles!
Hello, hello! It’s really the greatest gift for me as a creative to make time for my interests. This is something I’ve had to work towards doing well, though, because as a creative I often get “lost” in the present. My husband Zack gently nudges me at just the right time, which is why I’m here… [Read More]
Exercising, getting out of the house, and how to stay calm with young children…
Before I answer your questions I want to know: have you heard the birds singing outside your window yet? I have, which means spring is near! As a Michigan dweller, this is very exciting. The birds that flutter outside our windows are precious to me. Their songs are a comfort after a long stretch of… [Read More]
Making time for myself as a mother of many, plus homeschooling…
One of my favorite things as a blogger is answering reader questions because it helps me feel like we’re sitting together as we enjoy good conversation. I have a long list of reader questions saved and will be sharing my answers with you through various blog posts. I’m really looking forward to sharing this series…. [Read More]
Thirteen thoughts in February…
Feeling really empowered lately by all the creating I’ve been doing. Setting aside this time to create, even subconsciously as I work with my calendar to preserve it is causing me to take notice. I feel different. I am still tired, often waking up 1-2x/night with one child or another, but it’s allowing me to… [Read More]
Here’s a GREAT resource for your handmade business!
Hey friends! An exciting announcement — a few years ago Elise Blaha Cripe and I co-authored an ebook called Building a Business. Inside this resourceful 37,000 word (!!!) book we share years and years of personal experience on our handmade businesses. This book is incredible. We broke down the content across six sections and have… [Read More]
Do you need to grow deeper roots?
This post is written to you today while I sit at the library. I really love being here when I write because it’s a quiet space. My winter scarf is next to me on the desk, and at my feet are two plants double wrapped in brown paper. Oh yes, you read that correctly. I brought… [Read More]
they’re back: Limited Edition Gussy Sews pouches are now in the shop!
SURPRISE! The Gussy shop is re-stocked with limited edition medium zip pouches! Would you look at the gorgeous fabric, ruffled fronts, and wooden buttons! ;) For many years I ran a handmade business called Gussy Sews. It began soon after teaching myself how to sew in the winter of 2008, when my husband and I… [Read More]
Sitting with a very dear friend…
Greetings to you, brand new 2019 year! I’ll just jump right in here. I’m not one to set lofty January 1st resolutions or find a wild new path to follow, however I am someone who enjoys sitting with my emotions and writing them down. Since I can remember I have thrived over the reality of… [Read More]
Need a baby shower gift idea?
A lot of time is spent in my children’s bedrooms, particularly the nursery which Marigold and Landon share. Since we’re talking about him, when did he turn 6 months old? Wasn’t he just born? Landon is such a happy baby. I love my children’s bedrooms because they’re filled with their found treasures, favorite craft projects,… [Read More]
Two of my devotionals: inside the NEW (in)courage Bible!
I’m really, really happy to share with you my latest devotional writing opportunity… Two of my devotionals for women have been published inside the NEW (in)courage Bible! And friends, the inside design is lovely. The color palette is encouraging, the gathered content is full of beautiful details, and because it’s the written Word of God the language… [Read More]
Three books I want you to read in 2019.
Reading is one of my favorite past times since becoming a mother, partly because it means the house has slowed to a quiet but mostly because it’s a chance for me to sit down and learn, laugh, lament. Do you know some of the most important things I’ve learned are from books? Topics like how to… [Read More]