Enjoy FREE SHIPPING all weekend long with code “FreeShipMay” at checkout :)

CLICK HERE TO SHOP GUSSY SEWS

>> Code expires Monday, May 27th at 11:59pm PST <<

Other posts you may like:

{free shipping friday!} {saturday shopping: free shipping on your Gussy order, today only + new products!} {saturday shopping // Labor Day SALE} {Give a Gussy this holiday season [+ receive free shipping]}

On the weekends we love packing up our Jeep with Max stuff and heading somewhere as a family. Last weekend it was especially nice out — when the weather is warm + sunny it’s instant happiness for my soul. I threw on a casual outfit and we headed down to the Promenade to meet up with some Minneapolis friends for brunch. Afterward we window shopped and found some new musicians playing nearby that were especially good, and later we visited with our other friends at their apartment: the guys worked on their bicycles outside + the gals sipped iced tea while chatting about our babes. It was a great weekend indeed!

Here’s what I wore…

I love a comfy v-neck tee. I recently asked for a few recommendations on where to buy them — my go-to stores have been selling really sheer tee’s [no thanks]. Gap was the most popular mention, I’m definitely impressed.

If you know just a little about me me then you know I love wearing color, but a few years ago I realized I wasn’t quite wearing enough. Since then I’ve tried to be more intentional about not only wearing more color but pairing fun/different colors together. My latest mix? Grape + mustard, so fun!

Also… a couple weeks ago these skinnies wouldn’t zip up. Last weekend, cha-ching! What a nice surprise to find that they fit :)

Confession: I kiss Max about 200x/day.

OUTFIT DETAILS // purple tee, gray tank, skinny jeans, flower ballet flats, mustard headband, vintage ring, “you are my sunshine” necklace

GIVEAWAY // GIVEAWAY >>

^ orange houndstooth medium zip pouch

In celebration of our huge shop update last Friday we’re giving away a medium zip pouch to 4 unique winners! To enter simply visit my shop, then leave a comment below with a link to your favorite item. For an extra entry, share this giveaway on Instagram and tag me, @GussySews. Be sure to leave a comment for each entry.

All 4 winners will be announced/emailed on Friday, May 24th. This giveaway is open to the US only.

Thanks for celebrating with me + good luck! xx

[Linking up with The Pleated Poppy.]

Other posts you may like:

{annoucing a few giveaway winners — 1 from Yellow Heart Art + 10 from Gussy Sews} {a Christmas Gussy giveaway} {What I Wore Wednesday — week #11 + a giveaway} {Gussy GIVEAWAY}

Ten weeks ago my healthy blue-eyed baby stared into my blue eyes for the very first time. I snuggled my face in his neck and took a long, deep breath. For 27 years I waited for this very day — the day when I held my son for the very first time. This heartbeat of life, beautiful life, is held tight against my body. When I pull him back to speak into his eyes I can feel the warmth of my love diffusing off his skin.

Hello, Maxwell Zackary.

I start to think about all the moments of learning + adventure we’ll have together. I start to daydream about how special it will be to see a giraffe together — how a month before we learned of Maxwell I was standing before one in Africa, in it’s natural habitat, in true awe of its beauty. And now Maxwell is here, in my arms, snuggled near my face, in his natural habitat.

On Sunday we went to the zoo. Our little family of three stood before a family of giraffes, and again I thought about this moment of learning + adventure. All the weeks we’ve had with Max, all the weeks leading up to this day, made my heart swell. There is so much to teach him, and I’m confident I’m capable.

Life is so precious, isn’t it? And those blue eyes that mirror mine, this young life that is watching me, is learning new things with each fresh day.

+ + +

Each week new toys are pulled out from a basket under his changing table where I have a few things stored. We have the basics: rattles and squeakers and stuffed animals. But often I think about more challenging toys that will soon polka dot our home…

The Land of Nod is my go-to store for baby toy inspiration. You know me, I love color and timeless, practical pieces. So of course The Land of Nod’s timeless, fun toys have my attention.

Here are my 7 favorite items I’ve collected from their site:

1. down to the wire wall bin // 2. rainboat wood stacking boat // 3. landscape floor bins // 4. good read book caddy [gray] // 5. wildlife of the party puzzle // 6. big picture book [fruits and veggies] // 7. double decker bus in transportation

Simplicity has never looked so good! ;) By the way, have you seen their amazing shelving units? Oh my goodness, just stop it Land of Nod! Such a fun way to store all of those colorful, practical, timeless toys.

+ + +

The Land of Nod is celebrating the Grand Opening of their Costa Mesa store on May 31st at the South Coast Plaza [located at 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626]. You should definitely be there as giveaways happening in-store throughout the opening day and of course there will be free goodies for those who arrive early to shop [ahem!].

Leading up to their Southern California Grand Opening party, follow along with The Land of Nod on Pinterest, Facebook + Instagram to gather even more inspiration prior to shopping on May 31st. I’ve already started a little list for Maxwell of items I plan on purchasing.

I’ll have him with me while I shop The Land of Nod, perhaps Max could point out a few things he’d like me to bring home? ;)

[This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.]

Other posts you may like:

{Our top 8 baby gear favorites…} {Welcome to the world, Baby Whitley…} {The precious beginning to Baby Whitley’s story. // Baby Be Blessed dolls} {Baby Bundle Giveaway — $550+ in prizes, including Baby Bjorn, Baby Be Blessed, The Vintage Honey + more!}

medium zip pouches | large zip pouches | wristlets

+ + +

Today is my 3-year anniversary of focusing on Gussy Sews full-time, ohhhh my goodness I can hardly believe it! I am so blessed to have this business and your friendship :) It’s a wonderful gift to be celebrating this today. To all of you who own a Gussy, thank you so very much. You are dear to me and I treasure your support towards Gussy Sews.

Other posts you may like:

{Gussy shop update — come see what’s new!} {weekly Gussy shop update — have you seen our *NEW* line of tote/diaper bags?} {weekly Gussy shop update} {Gussy shop update — Have you seen our new large + medium zip pouches?}

When I was pregnant for Maxwell, and shortly after we moved to Los Angeles, I visited a baby boutique in Santa Monica called Giggle. I’ll admit it, I was itching for some cute itty bitty baby stuff to buy for our sweet Babe ;) I was hardly past my first trimester, maybe 15 or 16 weeks, but I needed to buy something. I had a few requirements — I wanted something unique and I wanted it to be orange. As a kiddo I had a lovey I carried around with me. His name was Smoochie and he was a puppy with a rattle in the tail. Ohhh, he was my absolutely favorite stuffed animal! By the time I grew up, Smoochie was so worn and well-loved that he was actually missing patches of fur.

Now that Maxwell is a little bit older — he’s 9-weeks by the way, tear!, and is starting to grab at things/kick around, I wanted to see how he’d respond to having a lovie of his own. At first he didn’t seem to be interested [see the above photos, he's more interested in the ceiling fan, ha!] but now that a few days have passed since first introducing him to Bunny he is totally loving it. He holds on tight, winks at Bunny, and puts Bunny’s ears in his mouth. It’s so adorable, sooo completely adorable. I hope this is just the beginning of a lifelong friendship :)

Maxwell + his orange bunny, they’re the cutest pair around!

Other posts you may like:

{Our first week as a family with Maxwell.} {Maxwell and his forest friends.} {Welcome to the world, Baby Whitley…} {Silent lessons on work + mommyhood.}

One thing we talked about last night is this huge shop update I’m working on. I love love love the excitement of shop updates and handmade biz strategy-ness. Wanna see a sneak peek? ;)

Sometimes, as your own boss, you just have to get crazy with making things happen. There’s so much “behind the scenes” work to these updates and it feels amazing to be working with fabric and sewing ruffles and making plans :) Seriously, I have missed it. It’s taking a lot of intentionality to get back into the swing of it, because the time I have each day to work has changed so much. [Thanks to this little mister...]

Maxwell is my absolute favorite work time companion ;) Even if he’s snoozing in his swing while I work. Or hugging his bunny.

I can’t wait to share the final shop update with you later this week. It’s one of my biggest updates yet, yeow! xo

Other posts you may like:

{my week[s] in Instagram pics + a Gussy shop update!} {weekly Gussy shop update — coming soon!} {Gussy Sews shop materials :: for sale} {weekly gussy shop update, *new product*}

I love that our home is dotted with bits of our story: marrying Zack, living in Detroit then Minneapolis and now Los Angeles, our families, our jobs/hobbies, our trip to Tanzania. And the latest addition to our story: Maxwell.

Becoming a mama has made me a completely new woman. Our routine, the moments that now highlight my day, the prayers I whisper at night — they are all a reflection of becoming a mama in March. Just last year we were in Africa, dreaming of a baby to call our own, and on Sunday I couldn’t stop my flow of thanks as our dream baby kept my arms [and my heart] full…

“Sometimes when you pick up your child you can feel the map of your own bones beneath your hands, or smell the scent of your skin in the nape of his neck. This is the most extraordinary thing about motherhood – finding a piece of yourself separate and apart that all the same you could not live without.” — Jodi Picoult

Other posts you may like:

{A Baby Be Blessed giveaway — yeow!} {The precious beginning to Baby Whitley’s story. // Baby Be Blessed dolls} {what’s on my mind? the uncut & fun verison} {Mother’s Day}

I know I talk about this all the time, but it’s so true — one of my very favorite things about the Gussy Sews community is the encouragement you all bring, to me and to each other. Sometimes it comes in the form of handmade, other times it’s business chatter, and some times [perhaps my favorite form?] is daily life. Handmade is a huge part of my life, it brought me to know so many of you. Almost three years ago I left my day job because my handmade business was thriving. I love to encourage others to take the leap, too… and that’s where our Seasonal Gift Guides come into the picture.

We’re currently booking for the Summer Gift Guide. June, July and August are such fun months — family vacations, parties/baby showers, longer afternoons/evenings spent outside, weddings, barbeques, lots of sunshine — and I’m sure you can think of an event during one of those months where you’ll need a gift? ♥ That’s where our 2013 Summer Gift Guide is handy.

Click here to sign-up for our 2013 Summer Gift Guide

In just a few weeks we’ll be launching our 2013 Summer Gift Guide — yeow! In the meantime, below are all the details you’ll need to know for including your handmade shop in our gift guide:

Our Summer Gift Guide is an incredible way to connect Indie Biz owners with loyal customers who are passionate about the handmade community. Unique links directing shoppers to the Summer Gift Guide will appear in my blog sidebar + navigation menu, in addition to being hosted on a separate page on my blog for easy shopping.

products we’d love to feature: Handmade Fox Pillow, Linen Tea Towls, Peach Chevron Dress

♥ IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT THE SUMMER GIFT GUIDE //

90-DAY TERM: The Gift Guide runs June 15 – September 14, 2013

BOOKING DETAILS: Prebook now through May 20th for the low rate of $90 {90 day ad; that’s just $1/day for a 200×200 pixel ad}, or book after May 20th for $100

YOUR GIFT GUIDE AD INCLUDES: your shop name * short description of shop * your location {city, state} * a list of your 3 favorite items from your shop * a price range {ie: $10 to $90 USD.} * a 200×200 pixel ad/logo * a link your shop * a “pin” via Pinterest to a dedicated Gift Guide board * a group Facebook mention * placement in our Gift Guide sponsor blog post {coming late February} * Twitter updates

DEADLINE: Applications + artwork must be received by June 8th. We are accepting a limited number of sponsors so click here to apply

SHOPS/PRODUCTS WE WANT TO SEE IN THE GUIDE: clothing {women, kiddos}, fashion accessories, nursery/home art, gifts for the kitchen, candles, learning/development toys, bath + body products, personalized items, printed items {cards, art, labels}, wall art + decor, inspirational gifts

THE SUMMER GIFT GUIDE WILL BE PROMOTED TO: Facebook: 22,400+ fans | Twitter: 10,500+ followers | Blog: 110k+ monthly page views | Newsletter: 4,200+ subscribers | Pinterest: 7,900+ followers // multiple group mentions throughout the 90-day ad via Facebook

The deadline for the pre-book rate of $90 is just over 1 week away — Monday, May 20th, and the final deadline is Saturday, June 8th. Click here to sign up for our 2013 Summer Gift Guide and be included among the “best of the best” handmade shops.

Have any questions? Leave a coment below + we’ll chat! xo

Other posts you may like:

{What’s that? You want to be in our Mama+Baby Gift Guide?!} {this season, SHOP the Holiday Gift Guide [now live!]} {NEW! // seasonal gift guides + how your shop can be included} {this season, shop the Gussy Sews Holiday Gift Guide}

Each day as Maxwell’s mama is a fresh, new day. We have the tiniest of adventures together — post office visits, long walks with Bauer around the neighborhood, coffee dates with friends, trips to Target, picnic lunches at the park, morning chats with the neighbors in our gorgeous flower-filled courtyard. Each day brings it’s own challenges but a calm spirit has made this new phase of life even more beautiful.

May you enjoy this day to it’s fullest… xo

Other posts you may like:

{Our first week as a family with Maxwell.} {snapshots from the week: fabric, friends + sunshine} {Welcome to the world, Baby Whitley…} {An adventure to San Diego!}

So, back to my yogurt commentary. Last weekend Zack scored me a delicious combination of Red Velvet and Chocolate with different candy bar toppings. I swear, eating chocolate has been very effective in helping me to lose my pregnancy weight. That, along with chasing Bauer, walking/rocking Maxwell for hours every day + night and eating a lot of fruit…

The weather has been pretty much perfect these days. Sometimes it’s nice enough to be able to wear shorts or a skirt for a few hours in the afternoon. Mornings + evenings are still a bit cool, which I’m still getting used to. I’m a Midwest girl at heart, you know. While we were out on another yogurt run we stopped to snap some pics.

The other week I found myself at Target and helloooooooo, pretty green skirt. Won’t you come home with me? So it did.

Oh, and look at my handsome baby — he’s a blondie some days, a ginger the other days. But, he has BIG blue eyes every day :)

As a new mama, these tank tops are my favorite. They’re really soft, I don’t have to wear a second tank underneath to cover my midsection when nursing, and they have stripes on them. I don’t know what it is about stripes but my closet is just bursting with them! :)

Last week I also painted my nails for the first time since Maxwell was born. Maybe you remember — painting my nails is one of my favorite pastimes [mentioned HERE], aside from talking :) By the way, Maxwell starting cooing and I’m all, YES! Let’s have a conversation, son! Hearing his voice squeak is sooo cute. Having my nails painted is a super easy way to add color to my outfits, too, a goal I talk about HERE.

Outfit details // green skirt, navy striped tank, gray flipflops, sunglasses, pink polish

Stealing baby kisses are the best, right? And would you look at those chubby arms? Ahhh, they are perfect and just what we ordered ;) Look who stole a kiss from me earlier in the day?

Getting dressed each morning has really helped me feel refreshed as a new mama. Some nights are especially long [!] and I actually look forward to a hot shower, a spritz of perfume and my favorite mascara. Now that Max is 8 weeks old we’re getting out even more throughout the week, too, and I want to feel inspired to take on new adventures with him. The first month I kept my focus on feeling comfortable while I healed from my c-section, so it’s been especially fun to wear again my favorite pair of purple skinnies and now this new green skirt.

What’s something new you’ve recently added to your wardrobe? It doesn’t have to be an expensive piece, a new bottle of nail polish or accessory [anything that makes you smile] is fancy enough :)

[linking up with Lindsey of The Pleated Poppy]

[by the way, I absolutely loved this mamahood article on Naomi Davis of Love Taza]

Other posts you may like:

{what i wore wednesday} {What I Wore Wednesday — summer stripes} {What I Wore Wednesday — bold colors} {what i wore wednesday}

Her flight back to Michigan left out early Saturday afternoon so to take my mind off my mom leaving Zack + I headed outside with Max and Bauer to enjoy the sunshine. It was a gorgeous day, too! Here are some photos from our little adventure around Los Angeles…

+ + +

^ Fresh, colorful flowers always catch my eye. I’d like to take them home with me.

^ I spy a little tea party…

^ Is it just me, or is holding a baby WAY more fun than pushing one in the stroller? ;)

^ Walking the Santa Monica promenade on the weekends is one of our favorites.

^ Dinner at Plan Check? Yes, please! Their burgers + waffle fries are absolutely delicious.

^ So completely, absolutely, wonderfully true…

^ We never need this for very long, but ohhh my! does it calm Max down quickly…

 ^ My sweet, chubby, healthy, snuggly son :) I am so proud to be his mommy.

+ + +

Well, I think we’ve turned a corner with week 7. Maxwell suddenly started sleeping 5-6 hours at a time, he’s been having less nasal congestion and he’s been even more active with his kicking/reaching reflexes + baby coo’s. It was a double blessing having my mom here with us to experience these things. My mom is such a great communicator. She thrives on cultivating a relationship and so having her here to experience these fun milestones was really wonderful. Max is her third grandson and so she’s basically a pro at being a grandma :) Zack + I always look forward to her visits and I know Max does, too. [She visited us often in Minneapolis. Even if my dad couldn't join her she wasn't shy about driving solo to continue cultivating our relationship.]

Last night Maxwell was fussing so I went in and picked him up. Even swaddled, his baby bum stuck right out as I placed him on my chest. His body melted into mine and I sang him a couple of songs. It was such a sweet moment. While I was singing to him I was looking around at the art on the wall, pieces we hung before he was born — before we knew if Baby was a he or a she, and — I know I’ve said this before, it was like a slideshow of my pregnancy flashed before me. All of the conversations I had with my mom about what it would be like to become a mommy, how to care for a newborn, how my relationship with Zack would change, the furniture + decor we arranged in the nursery. All of it snapped into place once Maxwell was born. :) And each week since then we’ve been perfecting this parenthood thing just a little bit more. But week 7 has been especially monumental for our family, and it’s absolutely wonderful.

Max’s personality is starting to form: he smiles when he sees the ceiling fan, his toes flex when Bauer licks them, he absolutely loves bath time, and he holds on to our shirt sleeves when we carry him in our arms. His favorite is to be upright over our shoulder so he can look around. It’s adorable and every single day with Max is a gift.

I also feel a turning point within my own self. When my mom was here last week I made some serious progress with some projects for the Gussy shop and I’ve implemented a new workflow thanks to my mother-in-law. I’ve given myself a lot of grace since becoming a mommy. I didn’t want to put any extra pressure on myself, I knew in time I’d figure out a beautiful way to balance work + mommyhood, and I really feel like I have — even though it is different than it once was.

What I’ve been learning is I simply needed to soak up this new life before taking any steps forward. Some days it was hard to just be and not work on anything, but I have no regrets. Sometimes silence can be just as beautiful as something that reverberates. For nearly eight weeks I though that my focus was solely on Maxwell. Little did I know God has been quietly teaching me how to mesh work + mommyhood, I just didn’t realize it at the time.

Other posts you may like:

{A very special woman.} {How do you prepare your heart for motherhood?} {Our first week as a family with Maxwell.} {Welcome to the world, Baby Whitley…}

The weekend before last Zack + I were really wanting to get away for a little bit. We always talk about doing this or doing that but since moving here, I always chicken out and come up with an excuse for why our adventures won’t work. And really, that is so unlike me. When I marinate on why I do this, I think it’s because I feel like there’s just a lot going on in our lives right now, and instead of letting a fun trip away serve as relaxing I turn it into work. And I don’t want extra work, so I chicken out. :) But! Recently Zack suggested driving south to San Diego, and before I could come up with a reason why we shouldn’t go I told him we totally should go. And you know what? We had an amazing time.

Of course we had a few set backs: we left home a couple hours later than we wanted to and the zoo wasn’t open as late as we thought it was, but we had such an amazing time. Our trip started out with ice-cream sandwiches. It was a gorgeous, sunny drive. We had a yummy lunch at Trattoria Fantastica. We held hands + walked the gaslamp district. We talked business, window shopped, sipped coffee in the evening hours and then visited my dear friend Jessica and her newborn babe Calvin.

When I reflect on our trip I am realizing that having a baby has encouraged me to try even more new things. Since Max was born I can see how God has slowly prepared me for trying these new things. I’ve surprised myself a bit with the amount of patience I have for the day-to-day newborn craziness. When Max was five weeks old we ventured out to his friend Olivia’s first birthday party. I’ve taken him to meet another friend for lunch. I’ve nursed him in our Jeep — changed countless diapers in there, too. These may not seem like huge advances to you, but they are for me as a first time mama living in a huge city. There are a lot of uncertainties as we figure things out between the two of us. We’re a duo, and not every day is the same as the one before. It takes a lot of patience :)

I don’t want to give any more excuses for why we can’t adventure out. I want to spend more time experiencing new things. I want to be fully present and to teach Max how saying “yes” can make a huge difference between just being and truly living.

This last weekend we stayed home but we still adventured, just in different ways: we had a picnic lunch at the park, we walked to get frozen yogurt when really we should have been eating lunch ;) Oh, and we met up with our friends for dinner Sunday.

I am a creature of habit, I love routine and doing what’s easy. But lately I’ve come to realize there’s so much beauty in saying yes to something that’s new {and maybe even a little bit scary}.

Other posts you may like:

{Gussy’s going on an ADVENTURE!} {a SURPRISE! trip to Chicago.} {SURPRISE! Gussy weekend} {remembering memories :: dates with Zack}

Now through May 17th, sign up to receive a 3-month shipment of ruffly goodness for just $50 {includes shipping!}. These treasures typically retail for upwards of $70. Once a month, starting in June, we’ll automatically send you a unique zipped item or accessory from the Gussy Sews shop.

At this price, we have to limit the first round to just 50 subscribers. Click here to sign up for The Gussy Club for June, July + August with the first Gussy Club box shipping out in June.

The Gussy Club is the perfect way to support your love for independent/handmade businesses and we’re so excited about our new subscription-based gift service ♥

*Delivery dates subject to change based on USPS in your area.

Other posts you may like:

{remembering memories :: The Baby Sitter’s Club} {Give a Gussy this holiday season [+ receive free shipping]} {Gussy shop re-design} {this season, shop the Gussy Sews Holiday Gift Guide}

^ sweet Maxwell at 5 weeks old

^ we decided last minute to go to San Diego last Saturday, and guess what? it was so fun!

Things have been a bit quieter than “normal” here on the blog, haven’t they? And it is different for me, that’s for sure. When I started this blog I posted often, sometimes multiple times a day. It was fun to have my blog serve as a visual notepad for my thoughts and dreams to grow my business and document our lives. Over time I found a more focused purpose for this space, so I slowly streamlined my posts to reflect that. A little bit more time passed and I once again my focus narrowed — naturally, my posts reflected that once more. Now it’s been almost five years since I started this blog and yep, my focus has changed again :)

Ready for the focus change?

It’s called… living life.

Yep, two short words yet two very weighted words.

It can be a very heavy process writing a blog and keeping up with everything social media related, dontcha think? The pressure to do it all has snuck up on me at times and suddenly it seems almost required to wake up and scroll through my iPhone instead of letting my eyes scroll through those red letter words.

[awkward silence]

Do you ever feel that way? I’ve been making more of an effort to have the focus change translate to my life offline, too.

+ + +

Los Angeles has blessed me in areas I didn’t know were possible. I know I’ve said that before, but seriously, it’s so true. A few months before Maxwell was born I started meeting weekly with two girlfriends. We usually met at a coffee shop — an hour would pass and we were still talking. Two hours would pass, yep — still talking. Three hours would near before we quieted down and started gathering our things. I love how the three of us instantly connected to share life together.

Living life.

Just last week we started meeting again {yeow!} and this time there’s not only a baby boy who gets passed around but a new friend has joined us! Instead of meeting at a local cafe we’re meeting at each others homes and sharing a meal. But don’t worry, we’re still sipping our coffee :) We’re living life together and it makes me so, so happy.

+ + +

There’s a lot of quiet time during my day right now. It wraps me up throughout the afternoon while I’m holding Max, cooing over Max, nursing Max. And, this quietness keeps me company throughout the night, too. So often during this quiet time I think about how blessed I am to be at home with our son. Day after day I learn more about being Max’s mommy and I am stretched. It is challenging + rewarding, all at the same time.

Writing this blog and designing products for Gussy Sews has contributed to being able to be home — another huge, huge blessing to our family. But even with all the quiet time that surrounds me, all the blog purpose + post ideas I have, I still find myself a bit quieter than normal. Just this morning I told my coffee girls, “I feel like I have nothing to say.” And it’s not so much that I literally have nothing to say, just that I feel like I have nothing to say. The focus of Gussy Sews, it’s definitely changed. I shared last week how I want to share even more of my heart, I want to be more brave, have confidence in the inspiration I carry…

If being brave was so easy I think more of us would become it.

This precious life we all live — it’s a wild one at times. It can be stagnant, adventurous, loud, even painfully quiet at times. And like she said, “each day only happens once”, so that’s been the motto of my heart lately.

Just when I think I have something figured out, life drastically changes for me and it takes a few beats before I’m back on my feet. I recognize that, but I need to be better at accepting it.

I’m so thankful for this space where we can encourage each other with where we’re at with our lives.

I’m thankful to have more + more peace over living life.

I’m thankful that I am home with Maxwell.

I’m thankful that the quietness that’s surrounded me has helped me to live life in a totally new, intense way.

How about you? What are you thankful for right now?

Other posts you may like:

{a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring Lisa Leonard} {Oh, just a couple of life updates…} {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring Kyla Roma} {Where are you in this journey called Life?}

I have a secret to tell you. I’m not very good about giving over my worries and anxieties to God.  I mean, I do… eventually, but only after I’ve sat with them for much longer than I should have.  Do you ever do that?  Sit with your fears and try to conquer them yourself, instead of giving them to God?  I’m a bit of a worrier, so I’ve been down this road more times than I’d like to admit, and the results are always the same — what was once a smallish worry grows into something seemingly insurmountable.  That’s usually the point at which I humbly hand it over to Him.  The moment I do I am always left feeling lighter and freer, and wonder to myself why it had taken me so long.

I know that God wants all of me; my good days & my bad days, plus all the worries and anxieties that pop up in between, but it wasn’t until I realized what the worry was taking away from me that I finally managed to break the cycle.  Worry, like comparison, is a thief of joy and will steal the light from your life without you even realizing it.  It takes away your ability to be present and enjoy the life you’ve been given, and that’s something that I couldn’t allow anymore. I want to live in the sunshine!  I want to feel God’s face shining on me.  I want to be present for my husband and children.  I want to be able to see the beauty that God’s put in my life, and that just can’t happen if I’m living in the dark.

I know there’ll always be things in life to worry about, but I also know that I’m not going to live in the dark with them anymore.  By choosing to give them to God the moment they rear their ugly heads, I’m choosing to live in His glorious sunshine.

Are you a worrier?  Do you give your worries over to God right away?  Or do you live in sunshine?

Meet Heather Hamilton, our Inspiration contributor. She’s the wife to one + the momma to three; two that live in her house + one that lives in God’s. You can find her sharing her journey to becoming the girl God created her to be over at her blog, Life Made Lovely, and sharing her love of handmade in her new shop, The Paperie. She’s the founder of the Joyful Life Library and the curator of The Joyful Shop, which uses 100% of it’s profits to support the library project. And every day, she chooses joy.

Other posts you may like:

{a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring The Tiny Twig} {A fresh start.} {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring Sarah Jane Studios} {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #3}

This post has been one I’ve really struggled publishing — not because it’s filled with anything crazy important — although photos of my family are VERY important to me :) — but because it’s one where I admit something to all of you. And also, this post is sort of like a topic variety pack. You can thank me later.

OK, so that thing I’m going to admit, are you ready for it?

I’m a huge coward at sharing the inspiration I gather. {Yikes, that’s embarrassing to admit.} Instead of making it happen, I hold on to the inspiration I gather with fear. Most of the time I sweep it aside, trying to buy myself more time to get it right when really it’s already right. Right now; as it already is, in it’s pure state.

I’m great at over-thinking a situation. Instead, I need to just get started.

Do you know I draw a lot of inspiration from this friend? The way she bravely writes is as though she’s connecting an invisible line from her heart to our computer screens. Lisa’s courage tugs at my inner spirit; her writing challenges me in unique ways and I love reading her blog.

Today is a new day. A fresh, new day. I’m going to challenge myself to be more brave, to translate into actions my word of the year, to really live out what this blog is about. Those dreams I have? I need to be chasing ‘em!

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For the past five weeks we’ve been so, so blessed to have our families here with us in Los Angeles, helping us with Maxwell and cooking, laundry and organizing, “life with a baby” tip-giving and of course good old conversation and adventuring around the city.

It’s been absolutely wonderful to have them staying with us. Like Zack said to me the other morning, as the last of our family was catching their first flight back home to Michigan — Our entire time in LA has been focused on our family coming to stay with us. I can’t believe that time is already over. It’s almost as though our first day home with Max is just starting for our family, even though he’s been with us for five weeks now.

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This quote, oh I’m absolutely loving it:

Each day only happens once, Everyday Elsie

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Right now I have a lot on my heart + mind. Life nowadays is completely different, never before have we experienced what we are experiencing. There’s just so much change :) And it’s a little bit scary… but at the same time it’s super exciting. You know what I’m talking about, right?

Each morning a new, fresh day. Each day, new goals are set. Each evening, new prayers are whispered in the dark of the night. We are sitting on the cusp of change and — dare I write this — we’re getting ready for another new adventure.

PS. I made some changes to my hair :) Lots more blonde, lots less auburn. I love it.

Other posts you may like:

{A very special woman.} {How do you prepare your heart for motherhood?} {Hello, 2013.} {On embracing change.}

Just a little update over the weekend to share that our tote bags + market totes are available once again for ordering. We know many of you have been waiting for this update — thank you so much for your patience. Current ship time is about 10 business days once the order has been placed. Click here to shop our Gussy Sews totes. xoxo

Other posts you may like:

{weekly Gussy shop update} {weekly Gussy shop update} {want to grow your Gussy Sews collection?} {need a last-minute gift? shop our ready to ship section!}

Maggie Whitley is the owner & designer of Gussy Sews, a lifestyle blog + handmade accessories boutique. On her blog you’ll find handmade business tips, different prompts & projects that help build a handmade community, Gussy shop updates + of course, updates on Maggie herself. Maggie’s work has been featured in magazines like Pregnancy & Newborn, Simply Handmade, and OK!, and is constantly inspired by the friendships she’s formed since starting her blog in 2008. Maggie lives in Los Angeles with her husband Zack, newborn Maxwell and pup, Bauer.

Ashley LeMieux is the founder of Threads by The Shine Project, and the blogger behind Myshineproject.com. Ashley’s mission is to inspire people around the world to live up to their full potential and you’ll find bits of inspiration on her blog. She has a passion for American at-risk youth, and founded a non profit last year to help send them to college. Feeling a call to help the kids even more, last year Ashley launched Threads, a line of fashionable bracelets that are made by at risk American youth so they can have a job while they put themselves through college. They are sold online and in over 40 stores across the country. Ashley lives in Phoenix with her husband and dog (who might as well be her child).

PS. Did you see we’re running a 25% off FLASH SALE inside the Gussy Shop? All you have to do is use code FLOWER25 to save, now through Saturday, April 13th at 11:59pm PST.

Other posts you may like:

{group giveaway :: August sponsors} {modeling Gussy Sews bags + a giveaway} {a fabulous Gussy Sews giveaway via Nesting Place!} {a *surprise* Gussy Sews giveaway}

large zip pouches | teal rain + orange square zip | lite blue tulips headband

There’s nothing quite like being the boss and announcing a FLASH SALE — right? Running a handmade shop is so much fun, but shouting that four letter “s” word is even more fun ;) Now through Saturday, April 13th at midnight save 25% on your entire order with code FLOWER25. Add multiple items to your shopping cart order or place multiple orders through Saturday — it’s so simple to save. We are gearing up for spring over here and our guess is you are, too!

Which item from the Gussy shop is your favorite for this upcoming, fresh new season? xo.

Other posts you may like:

{save HUGE with our Cyber Monday sale!} {Gussy Sews flash sale — save 20%, today only} {want to grow your Gussy Sews collection?} {Get cozy with our crocheted infinity cowls [on sale]}

Those dreams you have? Let’s chase ‘em!

If you could be brave, even more brave than you already are, even for just 5 minutes, what story would you want to tell?

Other posts you may like:

{a fabulous giveaway with Hope Ink} {He has RISEN.} {Hope Ink + Indie Shopography giveaway winners!} {giveaway day ~ Hope Abound}

These last three weeks have gone by at a beautifully slow pace. When I look at my Instagram stream, or the photos on my phone, most are of Maxwell. And that’s such a good visual descriptor of what our life really has been like since he’s been born. Life around here has been steady. We’ve had family visiting since the beginning of March so we’ve had a mattress in our living room piled with family quilts and blankets and pillows. There are suitcases and laundry and snacks {both of our families bake a rad cake!} dotted throughout our apartment. And our stroller has been a hot item — especially with Bauer! He looooves going on walks and is getting used to walking alongside his baby brother :)

We’ve been loving the PUJ tub at bath time, our Baby Bjorn bouncer, looking at pretty purple flowers and the hours + hours spent rocking in the nursery. The other day I caught myself in the mirror in our bedroom and I couldn’t help but love what I saw. I was about 16 days postpartum when I took that photo. I’ve always wondered what my body would look like post baby. Drinking lots of water, continuing to eat healthy, going on walks, taking a lot of naps, relaxing with our families — all of these things are helping my body to bounce back. Zack has also played a huge role, one I can’t really put into words. The constant {constant!} praise he gives me. The encouragement when nursing tires me out, the love and snuggles he blankets me with. These things have also helped my emotional health. I couldn’t have been gifted a better husband :) My body definitely isn’t the same, but in it’s own wonderful way it’s better now than it was before. I’m so grateful to have this perspective…

We are so excited Zack has a couple days off this weekend. We’ll be spending both days snuggled against one another and soaking up lots of California sunshine. And of course, there will be a few naps in there ;) I tell ya, taking a really long nap every day has been my saving grace with the late, sleepless nights with Maxwell. But Baby, we sure love them!

In work news, Cambria and I have been working on an exciting new project and hope to launch it in the next few weeks. I’m excited to test out some new ideas, play with fabric again, and as always — continue to watch the Gussy brand evolve.

PS. I finally announced the Baby Be Blessed giveaway winner. Click over to see if you’ve won?!? xo

Other posts you may like:

{Inspiration Workshop! — week #10, a day in my life…} {Oh, just a couple of life updates…} {How do you prepare your heart for motherhood?} {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #5}

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How do you find time during the day to focus on your business? Do you have a nanny? Use daycare? Are the kids in school? Do you carve out certain times of day that are for work, whether your kids are with you or not? How do you explain to them that you need to work on a task and need them to leave you alone? How do you keep them busy?

This much I know: running a home-based business with little ones underfoot is not for the faint of heart. It’s a constant balancing act. Just when I think I’ve got it down, something changes — my schedule, the kids’ needs, the childcare situation. At first, that unhinged me. After leaving my corporate career in 2007 to start my own biz and be more present for my family, I learned the hard way that I couldn’t do it all. I needed to keep bringing in an income, but I struggled to be focused and productive in my work – and that,
in turn, made me a cranky mommy. Everything suffered.

Today, things are so much better. It helps immensely that my boys are now in school; my fourth grader is gone from 8:30 – 3:30 and my four year old attends preschool four afternoons a week. When our little guy was just a couple of months old, we hired our first part-time nanny; the freedom that gave me to focus on my work was amazing. Now, we have a flex nanny — someone who cares for several families and can frequently juggle her schedule to fit our needs. She is usually here three to four mornings a week until our 
four year old goes to preschool. It’s the perfect schedule for us right now; unless I’m traveling, I’m able to get the kids ready for the day and be there when they get home from school.

It also is important for me to have my own creative workspace. We turned our dining room, which was wasted space most of the time, into my studio (we call it the dudio… dining room turned studio!). It’s unconventional and we certainly can’t host Thanksgiving dinner, but I love having sacred space for my work while knowing the kids are nearby, often playing in adjoining rooms. Most days, I still have work to do even after they get home from school — so I’ll take time to play, chat, make snacks, and help with homework — and then set them up with toys, video games or a movie to keep them busy while I sit back down at the computer for a bit. The key for me is doing whatever is best for our family and not trying to live up to anyone else’s standards. I love our set-up right now — and feel blessed to be able to make it work for all of us.

SHARE WITH US BELOW: What scares you about mixing mamahood with handmade life? What tips have you adapted personally that made the transition easier? Or, what have you since learned that’s made juggling both of these roles a bit easier? Let’s educate + encourage each other in the comments below…

Liv Lane calls herself a Human Sparkler, using her gifts to illuminate and celebrate yours. She leverages her background as a journalist, publicist and creative entrepreneur to helps artists, authors and advisors embrace their brilliance and master the art of feel-good self-promotion. Her coaching, ecourses and uplifting art can be found at LivLane.com.

 

Other posts you may like:

{“Mama + Biz Owner” — Remembering what’s most important in life, part IV.} {Handmade Business in 31 days — Day 1, Knowing when to say ‘no’} {Simple [but valuable] tips to juggle business + life.} {Handmade Business in 31 Days — Day 9, Addressing your biggest issue.}

Today is my mom’s birthday, and oh my goodness — she is so amazing. She stayed with us for three weeks in March which meant we were able to spend the final week of my pregnancy together, something I know we both cherished, along with the first two weeks of Maxwell’s life. She’s back in Michigan now, and every night I fall asleep wishing that was different. But, rumor has it she’ll be back out here in just a handful of weeks :)

One thing that I couldn’t have ever, ever prepared my mama heart for is how Maxwell’s birth would change my relationship with my mom. We have always had a close relationship. After all, when together we are a pair of Gussy’s :) But since Maxwell was born I see her in a totally new light, it’s absolutely inspiring. Who knew the birth of child could birth so much more to a family?

There are many memories that float through my mind as I think about her stay with us — how she was present in the labor room with me {over 30 hours, my goodness!}; every morning she was here she told me I was beautiful; she constantly asked how I was feeling/doing, which made me feel so incredibly special; each night once Zack was home from work she shooed us to our bedroom so we could have family time with Max, what a gift this was; watching an entire season of Up All Night on Hulu; all of the meals she cooked + clothes she laundered for us — we are so thankful for all of her help.

My mom loves softly, encourages often, listens well, laughs hard and is a fabulous memory keeper/storyteller. And today, as we celebrate her birthday all day long, I pray she feels our love all the way from California.

♥ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM/GRANDMA! We love you…

PS. It seems that the deadbolt is engaged!

Other posts you may like:

{Oh Gus, you’re becoming a changed woman} {the nekkid story.} {happy birthday, Zack!!!} {Gussy’s BIRTHDAY // giveaway bash!}

There are four NEW! Square Zip Pouches inside the Gussy shop and I’m sooooo excited to be sharing them with you! I have been on a color kick, which is amazing! Orange + teal is my favorite combination right now, and I found a way to incorporate at least one of those colors into this shop update. Tell me, which Square Zip pouch is your favorite?

Each pouch includes a fun inside lining, a colorful zipper and our signature Gussy Sews tag. Did you know all of our pouches are made in our Los Angeles studio? I still can’t believe sometimes we live in LA… but, it’s true! We do :)

^ Square Zip Pouches: organize your receipts or business cards // use as a small wallet // carry just the essentials

And just for fun, save 15% on your entire order with code “APRIL15″ now through Friday, April 5th at 11:59pm PST. Click here to shop Gussy Sews. xoxo

Other posts you may like:

{weekly Gussy shop update} {Gussy shop update — Have you seen our new large + medium zip pouches?} {weekly Gussy shop update — a new seasonal item!} {weekly Gussy shop update + a bit of my story.}

Gussy Sews + BurdaStyle project collaboration

It’s been a little while since I’ve been on Spoonflower’s site, and since my mind has been lingering over Gussy shop “stuff” since starting my maternity leave I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite fabrics from their site. I pulled six prints and paired them together. These three sample combinations would make for fab new products, dontcha think?

folksong linen // coral springs

umbra deco coral // cloud lines linen

green budding linen // plus one linen orange

Here’s my final takeaway from Spoonflower: their fabrics are priced a little steep, especially if you’re shopping their materials to create/sell a handmade product. BUT, if your handmade items are priced correctly and you’re able to successfully turn a profit, Spoonflower is a great site to use for materials. Their selection is enormous, and because of their price point (high) you’re more likely to not see the fabrics you have in your shop in another handmade shop. These last two points are huge for me as a handmade shop owner. Lastly, you can always design your own fabrics to feature in your products {yeow!} and if you order 20+ yards you get a 20% discount — which is amazing!

Have you ever shopped Spoonflower? Which prints are your favorite? Have you ever considered a pricier material to create a feeling of exclusivity within your handmade shop? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss!

*affiliate link

Other posts you may like:

{a collaboration with BurdaStyle, yeow!} {Handmade Business in 31 Days — Day 31, How to accurately price your handmade items.} {Handmade Business in 31 Days — Day 23, Is it still handmade if I don’t make it MYSELF?} {Giveaway Day :: The Fabric Bar}