We found a shady spot near the water and sailboats. Every time I drive by this spot my thoughts get all dreamy-like and I think about relaxing on a sailboat. Wouldn’t that be amazing?! Maybe Zack will buy us one?

Bauer loved watching the boats blow to the left in the wind, blow to the right. Plus there were about 826 different dogs that walked by us and he quietly whined ~ he thinks every dog is his friend which is perfect and actually true :] Dogs are so cute and fun to play with and a good companion, and Bauer knows that. After we ate our picnic lunch, I read a book and Zack took a nap. Bauer watched the sailboats, again.

Then Zack got out the camera and I had to show him my grumpy face, hahaha! {MY HAIR IS GETTING SO LONG!}

And here’s my sassy face {below, right}. I think becoming a brunette Friday evening gave me an extra dose of sass. Yeow!

Ahhhh. Laying on a quilt with my man & pup in the park near dozens of sailboats on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon = awesome!

Zack wore: red Spiderman t-shirt; red/blue plaid shorts, The Gap; hat from PacSun
Maggie wore: purple striped tank + purple floral shorts, Target

I’ve got a whole lot of love in my ♥ for this man!

Related posts:

1. {Bauer’s Daybook — 9th edition}
2. {The best deal man has ever made.}
3. {picnic in the park}

Have you ever sat down and made a list of the things you’re afraid of? I don’t need to make a list, because it’s easy to remember a list of just 1 line item. Part of me hopes that by “writing this” and admitting to it and sharing it with others will make it disappear, or at least heavily dissolve into something that hardly exists. If that happened I’d be one happy girl :] I’ve prayed about this fear, Zack has prayed about it, but it just won’t leave my heart alone. It’s frustrating — and the possibly even more frustrating part is I know we’re not supposed to live life afraid of something silly like this. It’s not what my God wants for me. Or you.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:10

So that makes today the day. If I publish this, it’ll go away. Right? Because I have to face it in just a few weeks. And then a few weeks after {crossing my fingers the trip works out}. And a few weeks after that. That’s a total of 3 times in the next 7 weeks, in case you weren’t following ;]

What’s my fear? Airplanes. Flying. Being in an airplane that’s in the air.

Cue stomach churning.

The frustrating part of this fear is that growing up, my family and I flew often ~ I’d guess that at least once a year, vacations and youth group trips and spring break trips, making me a pro at being “a la airplane”. But flying suddenly freaked me out the day I needed to fly solo for my biz. The more conferences I went to for Gussy Sews, the more sickened I felt over flying. It was a sudden but fierce fear. A few weeks before I’d need to get on an airplane I’d feel ill over the upcoming trip :}

I’m finally realizing that growing up/being an adult is scary. Not only is it not fun at times {bills, blah!}, but it’s scary. There’s no one to plug your ears during breaking news interruptions, no one to cover your eyes at scary photos and events. Right? I remember that horrific event our country experienced 10 years ago. Prior to a few years ago there seemed to be no real reason for me to be afraid of becoming an adult. Zack and I were living in Michigan then, near our family & friends. Our life together was normal and very comfortable. Then in August of 2009 we moved from Detroit, MI to Minneapolis, MN and it’s like one day a few months later I woke up and suddenly understood what 12 hours from family & friends felt like ~ at times it has been scary & different. We’re walking a foreign path.

I realized last year that this recent fear of flying has got to be an attempt from the devil to challenge my faith. And the more I pinpoint the devil as the cause the more it makes sense. I have NEVER been afraid of flying, but suddenly I am. Once I started Gussy Sews, once Zack and I started planning for me to pursue Gussy Sews full-time, flying to attend an event where I’d be celebrating this new gift was not going over well with the devil, which makes sense. He doesn’t seem to be a fan of how low I think of him.

Instead of fearing flying I want to be praising God for WHY I’m flying. I wouldn’t be attending these conferences & events if it weren’t for the blessing of this business. For over a year I’ve tried to convince myself that there’s really no need to be afraid.

One recent flight, I was so nervous to fly that I didn’t eat much that morning. I thought, the less that goes in the less my stomach has to churn. As I got ready to board the plane I started feeling more & more ill. I was buckled in and my sweaty hands were gripping the armrest of the seat. The plane was moving down the runway at lightning speed. I was starting to feel sick, but took slow, long breaths and tried my hardest to calm down. The tires lifted off the ground; I felt my stomach flip as the plane quickly rose to 5,000 feet, then 10,000 feet. Breathe, Maggie. As soon as the plane reached a steady height the flight attendants started passing out a small snack. And I’ll tell you what — I thought I was going to pass out. I was not feeling well, and you know how your mind can quickly flash through “what if” moments? Yeah. I feared I would pass out and then that fear made my stomach churn even more. Clearly this wasn’t good.

Upward went my finger, straight to the Call button, so I could ask the attendant for a few extra snacks. I was really worried about how I was feeling. Never had I felt that afraid and I finally said to God, “You’re the only one that can take this fear away from me.” And that’s the only thing that got me through the rest of the flight.

I need to remember more often, God totally knows what He’s doing with me and my life; it’s already planned out. Yet as humans it’s so hard to believe that. So in the meantime I’m trying to take more comfort in this verse, which I aboslutely love:

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still, Exodus 14:14

It makes me want to shout, BRING IT! God, whatever challenges you have for me, BRING THEM TO ME! Make me believe that You Can and You Will help me get over this fear! I’m just so unsure how else I’m supposed to get over it.

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and now be faint, 1 Samuel 40:31

The next time I board a flight — which will be Friday, September 23 {12 days from now}, I need to believe I’m going to be boarding the wings of an Eagle.

♥

we’re home! we’re home — we’re back in minneapolis! zack & i {and bauer!} have been in michigan for the past 10 days visiting our family and friends, but we are now home. i absolutely loved our trip and all the family time we were able to soak up! above is just a small handful of all the photos and stories and memories we made. we went camping, we stayed at our parent’s houses, we were at a cottage, we had a flat tire, soaked up the michigan sun ~ just to name a few of our adventures :]

i’m excited to share them with you. but first… i need to get some things organized – wink! i’ll be back soon with more updates & photos. yay!

PS. thank you to all my guest bloggers who shared their words with the gussy sews community while we were away: danielle b., erin, cate, casey, amy, mary and danielle h. SMOOCH — thank you all again!!!

♥ just a little reminder that August 1st brings opportunities for sponsorship. let us know if you’re interested in promoting your blog or shop! we have a few small & large ads for the first of the month, as well as an XL ad for August 15 – September 14, which includes an individual feature & giveaway blog post! please email my assistant cambria AT gussysews DOT com if you’d like to sign up!

BE BACK SOON! xo

Well… the time has come to answer them! :] I have part 1 recorded and am working on parts 2, 3, and 4. Yep — there were that many questions asked! And what I think I’m the most proud of is that there were very, very few duplicate questions. So here are my answers ~

Maybe you’ve seen my tweets, sharing snippets from our Michigan vacation? Maybe you haven’t? So if you haven’t, I’ve got some instagram pics for ya – wink! We’re in northern MI right now, but before we head back to Minneapolis we’ll be traveling to a few other cities in our home state to visit my side of our family :]

It has been so super hot that I’m a little surprised I haven’t melted away yet… I have to admit, this heat is stealing all my energy to talk! hah!

But don’t worry, I’m staying cool by playing in the lake with my man & pup, and then sitting in the shade to rest. While eating cotton candy. And drinking lots of water. And having lunch at super yummy restaurants with our family.

yeow!
XO

Related posts:

1. {another Vlog (or 2)…}
2. {send me your questions}
3. {let’s interact {via a vlog}!}

It takes us about 11 hours to drive to our parents houses. When we see Zack’s side first we go through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, so there’s a lot of farm/country/nothing. Fortunately when we get to Michigan, even though it’s in the U.P., we drive alongside the lake, so the view is super pretty.

AND NOW WE’RE HERE! And we’re at a campsite and we’re getting lots of sunshine and family time in! It’s great :) Here are a few pictures from our trip so far:

YAY, vacations! Are you taking one this summer? Or did you already? Tell me about yours! xoxo

Related posts:

1. {silly boy + a surprise!}
2. {silly Gus}
3. {ohhhhhhh, I’m so silly}

H A P P Y ANNIVERSARY to me and the mister! ♥ Today is our day!

Isn’t it crazy how quickly your mind can flip back to a certain day like it was just moments ago? Since our wedding, we’ve conquered many challenges with our love {tee hehe}, like a 7-month span of unemployment; 4 address changes, including from Michigan to Minnesota in 2009 [yikes!]; completing 1 [successful] year as a handmade business owner; and adopting the cutest puppy ever. I’d say we’re doing great ;]

An overnight trip.
It has been for-evah since Zack and I snuck away from our house for an overnight. Actually, probably an entire year. One of our favorite things is to date each other ~ we have a very playful, open-communication, adventurous relationship. Zack and I started dating when we were freshmen in college, back in 2004, so we have a huge weakness for summertime dates and the butterflies that come along. Over the weekend Zack and I went away for a quick overnight trip ~ we drove over to Stillwater and stayed in a bed & breakfast Saturday night, perched a few blocks from Main Street.

Our room overlooked the front porch roof and it was seriously picture-perfect inside. I’ll spare you the details *wink*, but let me just share that the bed was round & the room included a GIANT tub.

I swam laps. Just kidding.

Laughter. Love. Birds chirping outside.
We woke Sunday to a lovely coffee/muffin tray left outside our door. Then at 9am sharp breakfast was served downstairs. More {delicious} hazelnut coffee, orange juice, orange ice-water, strawberries + fresh cream, blueberry stuffed french toast + sausage links, and a itty-bitty slice of cheesecake with strawberry + chocolate toppings. YUM!

Summer sun casting shadows + sunglasses + ice-cream + laughter + walking around outside, holding hands… The weather was a batch of perfection. I am so thankful for our fierce love for one another :]

There was a quick 5 minute walk from the B&B to downtown Stillwater. And this staircase? Don’t let it fool you… it’s really 3x the size you see here and made me ultra grumpy to climb it! Sorry, Zack… [xo]

Oh, is that homemade chocolate?
It is, it is! And there’s an entire case of truffles {hazelnut & lemon are my favorites} just to the right a bit… Can you see white case over there? Yummy! And you know we stopped to put a few scoops of sour patch gummy fruits into a white paper bag to bring home :]

A compromise.
We both love food, and there were so many cute, local estaurants to choose from, so we decided to celebrate Saturday night with a fancy dinner at an Italian restaurant and then Sunday’s lunch would be more relaxed and fun. Good relationships are all about compromising, right? :] We toasted to the past 3 years, feasted on creamy tomato-y dishes, and finished the evening with a lemon & raspberry dessert. On Sunday we ordered burgers and fries “to go” and sat on the break wall of the St. Croix river while we ate. I talked, Zack nodded. Zack talked, I nodded {and talked}. Perfection ♥

An antique shop + Rose Mille.
Little {or large} collections of other peoples things that are old are incredibly fascinating to look at and touch and comment on. Some of my favorite collections we saw were kitchen gadgets/spices/dishes {the china we saw, oh my!}, an old chest of thread, and a Junior Miss Rhinestone Setter Kit ~ so darling that I contemplated bring it home to pretty up my Gussy items.

One guess on what caught Zack’s eyes.

The guns.

Last fall I saw a little glimpse of what Rose Mille has inside their brick & mortar shop at The Creative Connection’s handmade market, so when we walked past their store front Sunday helloooooo, inside we went! So many pretty things to decorate your home or craft room. The photo below reminds me of Lisa Leonard’s style… Lovely.

Look what I found, hidden in the back…

My favorite part of last weekend is that it was just Zack and I, me and Zack. No work or computers or phones. Just my love and I celebrating life.

See this face?…

This is the face of a happy wife.

I LOVE YOU ZACK! xoxo

Related posts:

1. {a winner + Love Stories}
2. {love is in the air}
3. {our love story // 6+7+8 = 21}

The neighborhood we live in is so incredibly friendly, I can hardly stand it. Each day Bauer and I take a walk, and since there’s so much to see we practically explore a new area each time. There’s a pet store nearby, a hair salon, a cafe, a diner, a hardware store, a florist, a market, a barber. A rose garden. Two lakes, miles and miles of streets with lovely houses filled with kind people & pups. Parks, playgrounds. Community houses. More parks. It’s amazing. All of these “places” provide for great content here on my blog.

One thing I want to place greater emphasis on is photography on my blog. Did you know I studied photography in college? It was one of my majors, actually. Yeahhhhh. The years between 2003 and 2008 were filled with a lot of photography. My hands used to smell like fixer. Clothes stained from it. Zack and I used to take a roll of film each time we saw each other in the summer during our dating years ~ I think it’s one of my favorite memories of us :] I feel like those years I immersed myself in the trade were years I was able to really appreciate. Taking time to focus on the little details life birthed me each day…

I remember taking so much time to document a particular “thing” instead of the scene as a whole. I remember saying to people, Trust me, once you see the photo you’ll get it. They didn’t understand at the time what I was trying to capture, but once they saw, they did. I’ve had such a soft spot for photography but these last couple of years I’ve let it harden ~ with all the chaos brought on by unemployment and months of sadness/frustration and moving 600 miles only to start my business, ironically I let something that meant so much slip away. I had given up… Until now.

:]

Related posts:

1. {just a few more details}
2. {the little details.}

Once upon a time, Zack and Maggie hopped in the car and drove from the Twin Cities to the Windy City. Zack drove, Maggie sat next to him and edited photos. And Maggie talked. And Zack nodded and uh-huh’d when necessary. They arrived in Chicago, had a F U N weekend with pals, and partied like it was 1999. {Just kidding, they didn’t party like it was 1999 because they were all 14-years-old in 1999 and have no clue what that even means…}

Zack’s BFF Chase celebrated a birthday a few weeks prior and we had plans to meet Chase and his pretty girlfriend, Allison, in Chicago. On our way in we picked up a college pal, Nick, and together the three of us surprised Chase. Yay! It was so fun to get away and be with friends for the weekend.

And I know this trip meant a lot to Zack, so it was amazing to have it actually happen :] I was really happy for him to be able to surprise his best friend this way.

Here’s a super quick recap of our trip:

Saturday morning we had breakfast at Yolk, but there was a 45 minute wait… so Zack and Nick did boy things while I did girl things, like smile pretty at the camera…

And we walked all around the city…

Stopping to take pictures of texture and different perspectives…

We had a little photo shoot before walking into the Museum of Contemporary Art…

Zack was focused on the marshmallow’s on the wall; I was focused on the vintage Tupperware…

{Mom, do you still have your set???}

Saturday night we had dinner at Giordanos and I met Danielle. Sunday was a quick day in the city: we met up for lunch and then said our goodbyes {sad!}…

While we were busy being tourists, we stopped inside this amazing shop called Polk, which is so amazing it deserves its own post.

So come back to see it? I promise you’ll love what you see :]
xo.

Related posts:

1. {SURPRISE! Gussy weekend}
2. {the surprise… REVEALED!}
3. {surprise!!!}

There are many things on our schedule this weekend: family is visiting, we’re having a photo shoot with these peeps {I’ve been wanting to include balloons in our shoot for MONTHS now}, we’re having a cookout at our place, and then Monday I get to steal Zack for the entire day! He’s been working so much lately that I’ve hardly seen him since we moved in. Almost 2 weeks ago.

But I’m not counting ;]

Once Labor Day passes I’ll be doing my own labor day{s} — The Creative Connection will be here, in Minneapolis {yay!}, in less than 2 weeks and I’ve got LOTS to do before. Not only is Gussy going to have a table at the handmade market, but I’m going to be getting my learn on at all the awesome panels. Sew pumped!

I’ll be a little MIA for the next few days but will definitely pop back in to show you progress of all the things I’m making and finishing up. Molly and I can’t wait to meet you all! If you’re coming to the handmade market, STOP BY!

I can’t wait to show you pics of all the product I’m making — say a little prayer that I get all the items made that I am hoping to make, ok? ♥ Many thanks.

{photo credit 1 and credit 2}

PS. Did you see the cuuuuute things I added to the shop yesterday?! Click the image below to see more!

A week ago Sunday, Zack and I met up with another couple for brunch. We went to this cuuuute restaurant called Cafeteria, and hello! it was decorated just like a cafeteria inside. Loved it! :] It was so hard not to sit and think {quietly to myself, of course} about all of its darling-ness. So I just took photos of everything.

Why didn’t my school’s cafeteria have cute lunch trays like they do? Ugh. So not fair ;]

***

For an appetizer the four of us shared corn dogs on a stick + syrup. So different but so good! The batter was like eating a pancake — yum!

Another photo I had to take was of the cute carafe my creamer came in. And the cupcake + dessert area — drool.

One of the best parts about Cafeteria was that it was open to the outside! There weren’t windows, and it was such a gorgeous, breezy Sunday morning — perfect for brunch with friends :]

What’s your favorite restaurant in your area?

After brunch we went on a walk, and ya know, found the house we were going to rent just five days later. We were walking the neighborhoods and looking for the Rose Gardens {see below} when we literally walked up to our {now} house.

It’s been a little clear this past year that God stands firm in that He has great plans for us. Last year, it was on a Friday that we found out we were moving from Michigan to Minnesota. We drove home to Michigan to pack and on Sunday night we were back in Minnesota with everything we owned.

And now, one year later, something similar has happened. We found the below house on a Sunday afternoon. Fast forward a few days to Friday — we’ve signed the lease to move in. Later that afternoon we decide that we are moving TODAY and we start packing/making arrangements. Sunday morning arrives and we’re all moved in, every single item and piece of furniture we own. But this time Zack and I did it all, just the two of us. Yeowwww!

Do you see the pattern here? On Friday we receive the news and by Sunday it’s 100% complete?

God has really been showing us patience when it comes to big life changes and then BAM! He answers our prayers. I’m afraid to write this {what if it comes true?!} but I have to share it: I’m afraid I’ll find out I’m pregnant on a Friday and then hello! it’s Sunday and it’s time to deliver our healthy baby.

…Can I get a chair, please? I need to sit down.

A few weekends ago Zack and I hopped in the car and drove to a Wisconsin winery. Leading up to our summer vacation, and of course ever since we got back, we’ve been so eager to get out of the concrete city of Minneapolis. Thankfully we’re moving soon, but still unsure WHERE so don’t ask (♥), and we’ll be seeing more green grass then.

{Seriously, stay on topic Gus!}

Wine tour. We went on one. It was amazing and the entire drive out there I wished Zack was driving me in a convertible. The wind in my hair, and the fresh air. It was lovely.

Then we pulled up to this and I died and went to wine heaven:

I’ll let the photos do the talking here…

Sorry Mr. Tour Guide, I caught you in my photo!

With our wine tour came 5 tokens for wine tasting {5 tokens per person…}, a cheese & cracker platter {sorry, I ate that before taking any photos}, and a complimentary bottle of vino.

OHHH my sweet sewing machine, it was well worth being away from you for the day…

I never would have guessed that at 25-years-old I’d be this in love with trees and dirt and green grass. But I am. Hah! :]

We passed so many little lakes and ponds on our way to Wisconsin. I thought it would be fun to take a photo of each one, but then I remembered that most of you have probably seen enough green grass this summer and didn’t want to bore you.

But I had to share this pic {I love the yellow & green, and the trees in the side mirror}:

Hello :]

And hello from my handsome driver, Zack:

Share with us…Have you been on a day adventure recently?

Related posts:

1. {SURPRISE! Gussy weekend}
2. {Christmas tour}

our Northern Michigan summer vacation spot to began our journey downstate. Three hours later we arrived at my parents house. We pulled up their long drive way and in the rear view mirror, as we were parking the car, I saw my mom and 2 nephews standing on the back porch.

Oh my sweet heavens, I haven’t seen these boys since Christmas!!!!

My have they grown :]

…into such handsome, smart, chatty, sunshine-kissed skin boys.

We spent the next hour or so outside. The boys were playing, my dad and Zack were grilling/laying our tent out to dry {it had recently rained and was still damp}, and my mom and I were chatting away.

Look, we even SIT the same way when we chat :]

And wear the same shirt.

The next day we took the boys to the Splash Park. It was super overcast but the boys had fun. They are little BFF’s and I love it!!!

Mom, Collin, Jack & Gussy, at the splash pad:

My parents watch my nephews in the afternoon while my brother is at work, so I got to spend SO much time with them ♥. Since we haven’t seen them in months we arranged to have them stay the night at my parents, too.

Auntie just can’t get enough of them — yeow!!!

The next day Zack and I drove to my parents cottage for the weekend. We took Collin {5-1/2 years} and Jack {almost 2-1/2 years} with us…

Ummm, I felt like a mom the entire time: trying to keep Jack awake so he didn’t fall asleep before lunch/naptime; talking with Collin and answering all his questions; helping Z remember where to turn.

I gave Collin my phone and he snapped some pics of his favorite puppy {and Uncle Zack}:

We’re here!!! Ready to totally relax at the cottage by playing games, sitting in the sunshine, playing in the lake, reading, and grilling out! We’re so thankful to be able to share in our favorite summer activities — for Zack it’s being on the family boat, for me it’s being at the family cottage :]

Yay, big brother Matt is out of work and finally at the cottage with us for the weekend {top left photo: Matt & Jack} –

Sunday evening came and it was time to leave the cottage. We drove back to my parents house, met up with some of our best pals, and then crashed around Midnight!

It’s now Monday morning and we’re back on the road, headed for CHICAGO! We arrived in the city mid-morning and decided to stop for a few hours to break up the drive.

Turns out “a few hours” really meant 4 hours ;]

We hung out in Millennium Park…

…took silly photos,

…grabbed some deeeee-licious pizza at Giordano’s, and then got back on the road.

We drove for hours before we saw the Minneapolis skyline:

So, as a recap –

We drove from Minneapolis to Petoskey to Grand Rapids to Chicago to Minneapolis.

And throughout out summer vacation we…

*drove over 1,200 miles
*slept in 4 different beds
*spent 10 days with family & friends
*and wish we were still there with them all. Huff.

Related posts:

1. {our summer vacation, part 1}
2. {Collin: part 1}
3. {Collin, part 2}

We left Minneapolis earlllllly Saturday morning, early like 4:14am!, and headed northeast towards Wisconsin/Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I can’t tell you the last time I saw a sunrise, let alone one I saw in the car while driving with my love.

The entire drive was so exciting. Not only we were on our way to visit family & friends, but seeing corn fields, grass, and the fresh air blow in the windows was the.best.ever! Living in the Twin Cities is super fun, but it’s definitely not what Zack and I are used to. We grew up with lakes, pools, cottages, cabins, and lots of sunscreen {OK, maybe not “lots” of sunscreen for Z, but definitely for me!} :]

We finally arrived in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Driving along Lake Michigan felt like home! There were so many cute families swimming at the beach. So many campers driving along… It was great! Zack and I took turns driving, and when I wasn’t driving {or talking} I was reading this book: The Handmade Marketplace. It’s fabulous and a great tool for beginners or establishes handmade businesses.

Yeow — we’re ALMOST on the Mackinac Bridge! Love, love the big white puffy clouds! The worst part is driving on the grated side of the bridge. I don’t like seeing dark blue water foaming underneath our car :]

After spending a night at Zack’s parent’s house we went camping for a few nights! It was so great to breathe in fresh air + have campfires + swim/boat. Michigan at it’s best :]

And look at our cute tent:

One day while camping we went on a 3-hour kayak trip and I spotted this retro white car at the kayak rental shop.

Last summer, also while camping in Michigan, Zack and I {and a ton of his family members} went kayaking together. It was our first trip last year and we can’t wait until we have a garage to buy & store our own kayak. There is an amazing river in Michigan that we went down — so clean and refreshing.

Family!

Camping snacks!

Gorgeous sunsets!

Fires! {and s’mores!}

It’s now Wednesday afternoon — we’re leaving northern Michigan and on to our next stop…

Related posts:

1. {this spring & summer…}
2. {Collin: part 1}
3. {Collin, part 2}

These next few weeks are going to be super busy around here! Hooray :]

Later this week Zack and I are going on vacation for a while. We’re going to be with family the entire time — cottages and camping and lots of traveling. We’re very excited!!!!!!!!!! To prepare for our upcoming adventure I’ve got lots to do + share…

Here’s what you need to know:

• All items in the shop are ready-to-ship
• All orders placed before Wednesday {July 14} will mail this week Friday
• All orders placed after Wednesday {July 14} will mail July 28
• I’ll have limited internet availability towards the end of the week…
• …But I have some AMAZING surprises set up while I’m absent :]

There is soooooo much to do to prepare for our big adventure! Ohhhh goodness. I’ve got lots and lots of orders to mail out — actually I’m sewing all day today to stay caught-up! I’ve got sunscreen, bathing suits & sweat shirts to pack. Tennis shoes and flip flops. Sunglasses and car charger cords and maybe some Sunkist Orange soda? :]

Yesterday we did some major cleaning. We had family come two weekends in a row and you know one of those weekends was a surprise visit :] So not much cleaning was done. I think “having a clean home” needs to be added as a love language. All the laundry is clean & put away. The linens have been swapped out. Floors washed, tops dusted, carpets vacuumed. I’m a happy girl.

PS. Since I work during the day in the same place as I relax at night seeing tiny snippets of thread all over the floor and scraps of fabric and cut fabric piled knee high and orders stacked kinda drives me nutso after a while. Hah!

Giveaway Day starts tomorrow morning — hope to see you back here bright & early :]
xo!

Related posts:

1. {I have an announcement to make…}
2. {shop update #3: zipped pouches}
3. {shop update #1: headbands}

Saturday morning I woke up and remembered we were in the living room. Friday night we decided we wanted to watch TV but didn’t want to use the little TV in our bedroom. So… Zack pulled the mattress and blankets into the living room. Hah! We are so fun :]

Then Zack told me I had a 1pm appointment. We walked downtown to a fancy hotel, up the steps, and to the desk of LifeSpa Salon where Zack gifted me with an hour-long body massage. The girls working said, Ohhhhh, this is the surprise appointment, right? And I said yes and then they squealed with excitement. They asked what we were celebrating so I told them about Gussy… So fun!

Afterwords we walked downtown, had a late lunch, bought some wine…

We walked through this neighborhood on our way home…

Once we were back home Zack said we needed to pack our bags for a night away and to include a dressy outfit. I thought, Oh yes! We’re going on a hot date! And we totally did :] We took the bus downtown to the hotel, checked-in and this is what I saw:

It was so fun getting dressed-up for our dinner date at the hotel. Of course it took a while to get ready because there was a small flat-screen TV in the bathroom… Ahem. We headed down to the lobby, Zack snagged a Taxi, and we were off to dinner.

We went to a Japanese Steak House called Ichiban. SO YUM! A woman at our table was celebrating her 51st birthday with her family so the Chef made her something special while sauteing the vegetables.

Sunday morning we went to Starbucks for “brunch”, saw a matinee movie {How To Train Your Dragon}, and then headed home. Such a fun, fun weekend :]

Zack gave me a super memorable weekend. It was sooo amazing to be celebrating the entire weekend and for it to be surprise after surprise. Thanks babe! I love you :]

Related posts:

1. {a little surprise…}
2. Whew, what a weekend!
3. {signing off for the weekend}

this new adventure of ours has really allowed us to cling to one another.
but some times it gets lonely.
being in a new city.
being so far from our family.
only knowing a few people.

until today we didn’t have internet.
until today we didn’t have cable television.
we still don’t have normal working cell phones.

we needed a new place to house our money.
a new place to call home.
we need a new way to talk on the phone.

many phone calls with updates.
new daily routes.

all things we couldn’t pack need to be new.

{or so it seems.}

these last few weeks we’ve totally been riding on God’s wave.
we’ve been forced to put all trust in Him.

do you know God?
do you know that if you Let Go and Let God, God will take care of it all?
whew.

that is, by far, the number one thing I learned this year.

i know it’s hard…
you can read our experience here.

i finally gave in and counted.
26 days since i had last sewn.

last night i sat down and made a few things.
tweaked a few things.
loved on my sewing machine again.

at first i was a bit nervous.
i mean, it had been almost a month since i let it sing to me.
actually, it’s safe to say i put it off a few times because i was afraid.

what if these last few months have been a dream?
what if i sit down and i can’t sew?
what if…
what if…

what if?!

what if i give up?

what would that look like?

i’m was more afraid to give up than to not give up.

{i hope i wrote that correctly ;) }

i remember, almost 4 weeks ago, Zack was driving us to Minneapolis and i was sitting in the car, staring out the window, staring at the beautiful view of trees and sunny, blue sky.
i was thinking up new product ideas.
ways to intertwine fall into my signature GUSSY ruffle.

hmmm.

so much has changed.
my sewing room is different.
my picture taking spot is different.
so.
much.
change.

we rent an apartment instead of a house.
i walk or take the city bus to work.
i have a job.

I HAVE A JOB!

our apartment is lovely. lovely kitchen, lovely bedroom, lovely living room, lovely sewing room.
lovely windows with lovely trees outside.

lovely :)

as i’ve already skipped around this post like a young kindergartner would on her first day of school, please, let me continue on.

my life has changed, but my life in God’s book of life hasn’t changed.

there is so much hope in that.

what brings you hope?

what brings a smile to your face?

i know for a fact these last months haven’t brought many smiles to my face.
as sad and unGussy-like that is, it’s true.

i can’t stand that that is true, but it is.

i have more confidence than ever that more smiles are to come.

maybe this will bring a smile to your beautiful face?

SALE!

go on now, take a look.
i know there isn’t much new to see but give Gus a break.

after all,
it’s been 26 days ;)

I’ll try and do a little recap because, let’s be honest, it would be helpful for myself! ;)

Around the first of July Zack and I realized we would need to start looking out-of-state for work {we then lived in Michigan}. We had been battling a total of 3 job losses since January and it was time for some serious and permanent changes to happen. Pretty soon after, Zack received a magazine in the mail that included a large section on the top 100 cities in the US. It rated them by economic status, employment, culture, housing, etc. We soon read that Minnesota was on that list.

Fast forward a bit. I was telling my friend Nikki about this discovery and she suggested I forward her my resume. Maybe I could get a job where she was working?

To make that long story short, everything turned in my favor and Zack and I were set to visit Minneapolis for a week in August. I’d visit the company Nikki works at, hopefully have an interview, Zack would look for work, and so on.

The middle of August came and onward we went. We drove to Minne and stayed with Nikki for one week. We arrived Sunday evening. By Tuesday morning I had an appointment to visit her employer. On Wednesday they asked me to stay through Tuesday. Then once Tuesday came I was asked to stay through Friday.

Ummm, OK!

I was freelancing for the company as a Digital Proofreader and things were looking up.

On Wednesday, two days before we were supposed to drive back to Michigan, I was offered a full-time position at the company. I’d continue as their Digital Proofreader.

That day, Zack and I frantically made phone calls in preparation to move 13 hours away. We needed to move that coming weekend. We called our families and told them of OUR BIG NEWS! :]

We drove back to Michigan Friday morning.

Our families arrived Saturday morning to help us pack. And I just have to share this fact, because it is so darn stinkin’ cool: It took us no more than 4 hours to pack our house and have most of the cleaning done! I AM SO PROUD OF THEM! It was amazing. A huge blessing! :]

On packing day, it had been over two weeks ago since we had been home. Nothing had been prepared for us to move. Laundry sat in the hamper. Leftovers were in the fridge. Our mail sat un-read.

Turns out God had some great things planned for us. Over 15 people showed up to help us move. Family drove hours to help us out. My big brother even made a surprise trip in :]

When I think back on that day {August 29}, Zack and I didn’t pack a single box. We were so occupied with organizing the move, saying hello and goodbye to family, and making sure last-minute errands were run. That day still exhausts me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday morning came and we caravaned 4 vehicles out to Minnesota.

Monday morning we unpacked.

Tuesday morning our families left for Michigan.

Wednesday morning I started my first day of work.

Yeow! :]

And that brings us to today, Saturday, September 5th.

Hello, my name is Gussy and I now live in Minnesota.

LOL!

Just so you all know, I did laugh-out-loud when I typed that. This is so unreal. Zack and I live in an apartment in downtown Minneapolis. I can walk or take the bus to work. I sit on the 12th floor of Carmichael Lynch with a PC and a Mac and I work, work, work away. I’m their Digital Proofreader. I sew on the side, talk every single day of the year, and unfortunately, live miles and miles away from our family.

But, amidst all of that, I have to take comfort that this is all God’s plan.

I’m going to try and write this correctly:
We make plans and God laughs at them.

My, that is so true!

I remember earlier this summer I was frantically trying to figure out our lives. We were pushing 5 months of unemployment {which was OK at first, but after a few weeks I began to question where this would take us. And after a few months of being unemployed I really began to question my purpose} and I knew September brought the end to many things, specifically the lease on the house we were renting.

I have always had a hard time with not having a grasp on the future. Zack finds it easier to let things go and wait for the answer; I, on the other hand, don’t like to wait.

Until recently, that was the way things were.

Once August came, our roles reversed. I knew there wasn’t a darn thing I could do differently to change our future and finally decided to let go {and let God}. However, Zack began to worry more and wonder more about how we’d make it through.

It seemed like overnight it became a heavily-weighted subject.

BUT GOD PULLED THROUGH!

We knew He would.

There were definitely days when we weren’t sure how He would, but we knew He would.

God always pulls through.

When I wrote earlier…
I’m going to try and write this correctly: We make plans and God laughs at them.

…I’m always messing up phrases like that. For instance, I love to say, When worse comes to shove. Instead of, When worse comes to worst, or When push comes to shove.

So if I’ve typed something incorrectly, please just smile ;)

Another side note:
Life is short. Talk fast!

So. This year has been full of trying times. {I just asked Zack if that is the correct way to write that. See, now I’m getting nervous!} I know there was a purpose to it all, but six months ago I wouldn’t have been confident {or comfortable} saying that. For over a year I was absolutely against moving out of state. I had never lived out-of-state until now and I didn’t want to be away from our families. I still don’t like being far away. But God has taken that control away from me and says, Trust me.

A lot of credit needs to go to the people that God has placed in our life. They’ve helped us get to this point. Without all of them we certainly wouldn’t be living in Minneapolis! YEAH for College/Etsy/Babysitting connections!

Just yesterday I painted my fingernails with some nail polish that Sunshine Meg mailed me!!!!! {Hot pink polish, baby!} She’s a blog friend of mine and has been encouraging us these last few months to hang in there. Meg is a super awesome friend!!! Other people, like our family, respond to our e-mails with encouraging words.

I feel like I’m getting a bit off track here. Basically, a big thanks to everyone that has been super awesome and encouraging to us. Life on this side of the clouds can be a bit hard to swallow some days. I’m really praying things continue to look up for us.

Taking a break from planning life’s plans has made a lot of things easier. It’s hard to admit that, but it’s true.

What is something you’d like to work on? What is something you think you’d have a hard time doing differently?

What is going on with you? I know I’ve been mega MIA for almost a month now.

Shoot me an e-mail and GUSSY to me :]

OK. Me and my pink fingernails are going to keep on keepin’ on. Hope to hear from some of you. Middle of next week our internet will be installed. Once that happens I’ll have a much easier time staying in touch with you all :]

Happy Labor Day weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS. One of my wallets was featured in Pregnancy & Newborn magazine. A reader saw it while at the doctor’s offer and contacted me. That was so awesome. A real highlight! :]

Related posts:

1. Things are moving along nicely… I think.
2. {a thousand things to say}

it is nearly day 2,857 of no sewing and i’m going crazy.
like, no-sew crazy.

just ask Zack.

OK, fine. it’s actually day 16.

for most of our drive out to Minneapolis i dreamt of new products…

i hope to sew them up really soon :)

i have updated the ship date on all upcoming orders. i’m estimating that by september 7th i’ll have everything organized {like whoa} and i can sew + ship then. at first i estimated september 15th, but that date is long a part of the past.

or whatever the saying is.

september 7th.

that’s the big day.

roughly 10 days to go.

sigh…

***************

we are packing our house today.

{!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!}

both neighbors on either side of us are moving, too.

big day for our street!

thank GOODNESS we have great families who are so eager and willing to help :)

Sunday morning we ship out to Minneapolis.

what plans do YOU have this weekend?

***************

if i may, i’d like to get a head count of all those interested in the travel diaper + wipe cases i made a few years, i mean weeks, back. several of you mentioned you’d like to place an order back when i made the reveal.

i’m wondering if you’re still interested?

if you’d like one, will you please leave me a comment saying YES!

{i’m already planning my first day of sewing in Minneapolis.}

I NEED TO PLAN SOMETHING BECAUSE THESE LAST TWO WEEKS HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT!!!

ahem.

i mean, i love to plan. so please, help me plan?

ok, thanks :)

PS. all cases come with a pack of travel wipes; sorry, the wad of fabric to show diaper depth-ness isn’t included. many apologies in advance.

***************

accessory cases.

love them?
hate them?

what are your thoughts?

***************

need a unique gift? check out the sale section of my Etsy shop for some super discounts.

Related posts:

1. ~i heart sewing~
2. {MY SEWING ROOM}
3. {weekend recap + sewing + you’ll have to read this to know the rest!}

Good morning, you and you and you! :)

Related posts:

1. {oh snap, another sale}
2. {30 Day Shred update + more}
3. {SALE items + new pictures}

My sweet nephew, Collin, says that phrase all the time. And I mean all the time.

Last week I spent a handful of days watching and playing with my nephews, Collin {4 years} and Jack {16 months}. I was their full-time go-to gal. It was so fun. And so exhausting. So exhausting that Monday night I went to bed right after I put them to bed.

Did I mention raising kids is exhausting?! But man, we sure did have fun! Not only did I sit Collin in the chair by the window so we could play “senior portraits”, but we went to the park, went on a scenic drive, had lunch at McDonald’s, only sat in time out once {Collin, not me. Ahem}, played bikes in the driveway, and went on a walk.

Plus another handful of things, but I can’t remember. Oh right: laundry, bubble baths, puzzles, making/eating homemade cookies, intense discussions on hiking adventures, and reading books.

Collin and I share the same passion for talking. Here he is, telling another story :)

Anyhoo, it was really, really, really, really, really fun being with the boys. And since they love to chit-chat as much as I do, it was really super fun! Ha ha. Jack doesn’t speak English, but he speaks Jack lingo. He understands 85% of everything we say to him. And he babbles like he is speaking English. But he isn’t. For sure, he is not.

While I was there, I woke up at 7 a.m. {aka: the scariest time ever}, hopped in the shower, and then went downstairs to tell Collin to stop stomping on the kitchen floor. This happened every. Single. Day.

!!!

{For extra emphasis.}

I would tell him, Brother Jack is still sleeping, and since it’s hardly 7:21 a.m. I’d like him to sleep a little bit longer. You’ll understand this in twenty years ;)

Isn’t he precious?! I love spending time with Collin.

However, most times I {or Zack and I} do more activities with Collin simply because he is older and we have more options. But last week I was able to spend a lot of time with Jack. It was awesome. It made me realize we don’t have to take Jack somewhere to make a memory with him. And not that we have to with Collin — we all just like to go on adventures with him.

So, we sat on the porch swing, chatted about life and it’s hardship.

We had a good time.

A real good time.

Some times we even sat on the swing together and held hands.

Ha ha, I tried to hold his hand. Most of the time he let me :)

Other times I watched him play.

This is my all time favorite picture of him. I’m taking this as his, Aunt Maggie, you rock and this is my YOU ROCK signal.

Ha ha, so hilarious!!!

While I had Collin sitting in the chair in the living room {for senior portraits, remember?!}, I put Jack in the toy shopping cart. I’m pretty fun. I wish I was small enough to fit in it. Oh wait, I probably could fit in a normal shopping cart. Whoa.

Anyways, Jack is in the shopping cart. I can only assume Collin sat in his chair all big-eyed and watched the following unfold…

In conclusion {what is this, a term paper?!}, I decided to make a little list of the top 100 things I said daily, while visiting.

Just kidding, how does top 5 sound? I’m a little young to be counting triple digits.

• Hands off the wall! {This phrase was repeated every other minute, especially when we’re having a “learning moment” aka: Big Brother is about to be in time out {so listen up, ya hear?!}

• Please don’t touch the door/door knob

• Nuh-uh is not a word. Please say “no” instead

• No standing on the couch

• Please don’t throw your food

Ahh, that was fun skipping down memory lane.

Back to all things sweet and chirpy.

Guess I wasn’t done typing.

Collin sure has learned to say the cutest things. Whenever he wants to do something special, like play a game or watch TV/a movie, he says, Umm, Aunt Maggie? I’m going to ask something nicely. OK. Can I… I mean, may I please watch _____?

It’s almost like he’s telling me, Umm, Aunt Maggie, I’m going to ask nicely once, OK?…

Ohh, great. My nephew has more sass than I do…

Related posts:

1. {Time for a good laugh!}
2. {all good things}
3. Alright, it’s time

I hope your day, your entire day, is so very relaxing and where ever you are you are able to take a few minutes to breathe in and breathe out. Meditate and reflect on your life. I know for some of you, you aren’t able to think much past today. Hello, that is my life. Only God knows the plans He carries for me and Zack. We are taking strong efforts to move to Minneapolis soon.

Whoa.

It is hard to write that.

I joked with Zack today that we could move to Grand Rapids, MN, and then I could say I lived in Grand Rapids, MI and Grand Rapids, MN. I tried to find a little humor in it. Potentially moving that far is going to be difficult. I need to remember it’s just an adventure. An adventure God already has planned for us.

We have tried, oh-so desperately, to stay in Michigan. We are open to staying if we can find fabulous jobs.

Back to the song.

Isn’t it lovely?

It makes me feel so relaxed to listen to it. I would like more relaxing in my life and less stressing, thankyouverymuch! ;)

So what is new with you all? I know I have new readers. Most of you haven’t commented yet, and I invite you to introduce yourself to me. Comments or e-mails are always welcome.

Maybe you are a little intimated to comment… feeling a little shy… feeling like I should go first?

OK.

Hello, my name is Gussy. I’m young {a baby, actually! Thanks Nester ;) }, and I’m a newlywed. I love my family dearly. I like to talk, duhhhhh, and I like to sew. Make that love to sew. I started an Etsy shop in November and by February I was sewing full-time as my previous full-time job disintegrated right before my eyes. Since February I’ve been relying very heavily on Etsy to keep things moving forward. It was pretty scary. Then, in July, I hit 100 sales. HOORAY!

Rewind: I have an older brother, two adorable nephews, and a set of parents that have been married for over 30 years.

Fast-forward: I met my husband just over 5 years ago at Central Michigan University. We were both freshmen and were head-over-heels in love. College sweethearts, they say. We dated for 2 years, were engaged for 2 years, and we married June 7th, 2008.

Now, Zack and I are preparing to move to Minneapolis. Do you think Minne is ready for Gussy? Hmmm… I sure hope so…

Alright. That’s my story, now tell me yours ;)

Two things before I stop typing:

1. EverythingEtsy.com — be sure to enter in the GUSSY giveaway!

2. Don’t forget to take advantage of free shipping. Everyone that commented on my last giveaway is eligible. Offer is good through Thursday, August 6.

Related posts:

1. {GUSSY’S BIRTHDAY}