Warning: this may look like a lot, but the truth is I could fit even more inside this bag…

We’ve had a tote/diaper bag inside the shop for years. It’s my favorite item to carry so it made perfect sense a few years ago to offer it, but it’s also been one of our best-sellers. Since first introducing it we’ve grown the line to include two new styles of bags {market totes + glam totes [see a closer look at our glam totes]}, which has been really fun.

We’ve also modified our tote/diaper bag to include three larger pockets, in addition to a medium-sized pocket.

Did you see, yesterday’s shop update includes THREE new tote/diaper bags?

Shall I go on? ;) Our bags are also super lightweight, super durable, and super sassy. I think the sassiness comes from that giant signature ruffle. Yes, I blame it on the ruffle…. ha!

Now head over to Kate of The Small Things Blog and snoop inside my Gussy bag! :)

Save 15% on your order with code FRESHFABRIC. Valid on all orders placed through tonight at 11:59 cst ~ click here to shop: www.shopgussy.com

Related posts:

1. {back in the shop!}
2. {saturday shopping // 2 new tote bags & market totes}
3. {a colorful shop update: our SIGNATURE gussy tote + diaper/wipe wristlets}

*NEW* camera strap slipcovers — do you prefer a ruffle or sans ruffle on your strap?!

*NEW* nook/kindle cases — we have a case for 9 different eReader types! {click to see them}

* * *

It’s Monday, and don’t you think for a second that just because I was out of the country last week I don’t have new products waiting for you in the shop. Cuz I do, tee hehe!

And they’re soooo cheery + bright, which makes them even more fun! :D

I think my favorite category update is our tote/diaper bag. Each bag has one medium-sized pocket and three larger pockets, plus a giant ruffle across the front {our signature look!} and the cutest lite green lining print.

Click here to see all of our NEW items // click here to receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Wanna save 15% on your order? Use code FRESHFABRIC on all orders placed now through Tuesday, May 15th at 11:59pm ~ click here to shop: www.shopgussy.com

Wishing you a happy Monday! xoxo

Related posts:

1. {weekly gussy shop update, *new product*}
2. {weekly gussy shop update}
3. {a colorful shop update: our SIGNATURE gussy tote + diaper/wipe wristlets}

* * *

Thursday night after dinner Shaun asked us what we thought would be the hardest part about going back home.

My answer?

“I don’t know how to go home after spending the last week here — I didn’t want to come here in the first place.” It was supposed to be funny — so I’m glad the group laughed at me, because I was sobbing at that point and really needed a bit of relief. {I cried so many times last week, really it was no surprise that I cried once again on Thursday.} We left on Friday, May 4th, and the entire week leading up was hugely emotional for me. I knew I needed go on the trip but I didn’t *want* to. Every feeling from this past week has been shot straight into my heart.

I think the second hardest part about going back home will be knowing HOW to put all that I’ve seen into action.

1 John 3:16-18
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

My posts this week have been extremely personal. Maybe they’ve been hard for you to read ~ there were times this past week where they were hard for me to write. Being vulnerable is so hard. Being open to learn in a new country is even harder. Last week, before we boarded our first international flight, I prayed God would show me what to write about. And now, the start of a fresh new week, I pray my words were exactly what God wanted me to write.

* * *

Don’t throw a paper ball at me, I know I’ve said this like three or eight times already, but I really do feel like this trip was planned just for me. Zack and I have chatted many times this past week and we mutually agree there are big things in store for us. I think — I know — I needed to feel the Lord’s presence this strongly last week. I’m curious to when the door will be opened and we’ll see all that He has planned.

I mean, we were up early every morning and His presence was clear. It came in stunning wisps of beauty with a few patches of tough around the edges.

See? ~

This sunrise was like a little picture message from the Lord: Enjoy today, I’m going to show you clouds of beauty and clouds you must endure. “Trust me,” He said to me.

But I think the Lord wanted me to feel it, too. And to take this a step further, I think the Lord wanted this because of how it’s going to translate into others’ lives. I’m just dying to know how it’s translating to others. I’ll be able to read through + comment on the posts from this week very soon. I ran on adrenaline last week and very quickly on our final flights home it wore off Q U I C K! and so I’m being forced to act fast.

Everything about this past week has been shot straight into my heart and I pray many of you feel the same way.

* * *

Oh, Compassion, you’re so full of passion. It’s like the best ever, and I’m so thankful that Zack and I could travel with you. What a great organization to fly halfway around the world with, and thank you for the invitation from the bottom of my ruffly heart. I clearly remember telling Zack I’d never travel overseas with him because of my fear of flying. He has always wanted to go to England or Paris or Scotland, but I’ve always told him “I can’t”.

Looking back, comparing what was to what is, it feels so freeing and I’m already wanting to plan our next trip. ::cough cough:: Maybe it will be with Compassion again? ::cough cough::

{I just skipped around our house.}

Yeowwwww — would you look at this view?

The wild grass and dry dirt and exotic trees we don’t have back in the U.S. and pet goats and cows and so many lovely people that fill these plains ~ oh it’s a breath-taking view. Every day is it’s own breathtaking view. I told Nester I am looking for rhyme or reason here, because literally everything is everywhere all the time! Hah! And I don’t think writing that even begins to explain what I mean. Whenever we traveled to spend the morning + afternoon with the kids at the Child Development Centers my eyes were glued to the windows of our van. I want to remember this view forever, it’s the original meaning of natural.

* * *

Africa is a special place. I was warned it would take a piece of my heart, so once we landed in Tanzania I put it out on my sleeve and have left it there ever since. I wanted to feel happy things, like when the kids danced for us; and sad things, like seeing a knee-high pile of warm, dead fish with flies swarming over top, knowing that fish was dinner for many people. I wanted to feel encouraged. The best part is the local pastors that lead every Child Development Center didn’t have to try hard to make me feel that way :) Like I said, Compassion radiates passion.
Here’s my very first view of Tanzania. No skylines were found, only land where bread was broken and smiles were smiled and the sound of sweet songs flooded my heart ~

One day we visited Gidioni’s home. When we got there, there was another girl under Gidioni’s mother’s care. This sweet little girl was walking around, being watched after out of compassion by Gidioni’s mom. Her own mother was away trying to feed the family — Tanzanian people are kind like that. I snatched her up as soon as I saw her. I squeezed her chubby legs and I tickled her belly. Before we left I gave Gidioni’s mom my necklace. This little girl was playing with it nearly the entire time I held her, so I thought Gidioni’s mom needed it more.

I’ve given away a few things this week to the new heart friends I made. They weren’t expensive and I know the recipients will treat these items like gold, which settles my heart. After spending a week in a third-world country I knew it would mean more to me if my new friends had them.

a Maasai tribal woman wearing a new {my favorite} Lisa Leonard Designs necklace

* * *

While walking to the home tours of CDC children we walked across prairie lawns and eroded roads and women sitting on their front porch with all of their babies nearby ~ washing dishes with found water and laundering clothes with whatever was leftover.

As we passed through, homes were accented with colorful laundry: wraps and shirts and pants, strung between trees on found string. The constant color made me feel so relaxed. My home is colorful, and to see their home colorful was a settling feeling.

* * *

Midweek we got on a small plane and flew to Arusha, Tanzania to visit a few more Child Development Centers. We were hours away from the previous city and still there was so much dirt and homes sitting on homes sitting on small storefronts sitting on houses sitting on farmland sitting on… It was hard to make sense of it all. My mind kept trying to figure out how this could be. Who owned what? Where were their papers to prove it? Why weren’t there street signs? If sent out on my own I’d be lost as soon as I took my first step ~ I just know it.

Oh, I was constantly trying to figure out how this could really be…

The last CDC we went to had older children attending, which meant they had been a part of Compassion International + their local church’s  program for a few years now {yeow!}. It seems like all Compassion children, regardless of how many years they’ve been a part of Compassion, have hope. They radiate it and it takes one glance of the heart to feel it.

But to SEE with my blue eyes what a year or two or five looks like in terms of how long a child has been sponsored — it’s the most wonderful feeling.

Having an education and somewhere to be every day {because they now go to school}, eating nutritional meals and receiving letters from their sponsors — WRITING letters back to their sponsors, all gives them something to be hopeful about.

Shaun shared with us that children who receive letters do so much better with their schooling + vocational training, and have far better chances for success in their life.

There’s that Hope thing again :)

And did you know Compassion offers a Leadership Development Program? It’s an amazingly cool way to tell children “graduating” from the Child Development Centers that they can go on to higher-education at a University. The LDP will allow them to receive this schooling which includes a Christian mentor in their field of study.

LOOK AT THE GOATS! AND THEIR SMILES! These sweet kids above are sharing their gifts with us. Each Child Development Center documents the financial gifts a family enrolled in the Sponsorship program receives, and it was so fun to flip through the pages in the book and see hundreds of happy kids standing with their purchases. They are so proud!!!
Some of the other kids bought rice or fabric or cooking oil, buy my favorite purchases were the little goats. A few kids were able to buy multiple goats and their photos received additional giggles and screams from our group ;D Sooo awesome!

* * *

Ohhhh, just sippin’ tea with my new friends. We’re drinking Chai tea. Yup. And they are making me laugh. With tea in my mouth.

Seems like I was either crying or laughing this whole time ;) And aren’t their school uniforms precious? Purple sweaters, yellow collard shirts, light purple skirts for the girls + light purple pants for the boys… (right behind me is Mrs. Big is the New Small).

SERIOUSLY, their smiles…

* * *

Tanzania seemed to be decorated in two base colors: greens or browns. The greens went five shades lighter and five shades darker, creating an ombre look to every surface on the ground. And it was beautiful. Occasionally you’d see other colors break up the ombre-ness of it and those were like, extra special moments. Yellow was the most popular flower color but sometimes we’d see blue flowers. And this day we saw pink!

* * *

My friend + mentor, the Nester. I’m so glad she was here to experience all of these things alongside me. I think going on a trip this big, this life-changing, has been so much easier to process because of our group. Nester + I met about 2.5 years ago and I feel so blessed to be her friend.

I’ll be praying for her as we return ~ as she enters back into her daily routine with her family and her vision for Nesting Place.

* * *

Part of my, “Will you travel to Tanzania with us???” email from Shaun — at which I first told him NO! {hehe}, but later changed my mind to YES!, and then later I wondered why I changed my mind because I wasn’t sure what the Lord was trying to show me, but now I know {see example 1 and 2} — included a trip to the market to purchase African fabric for the biz.

Here’s an itty bitty preview ~

And hot diggity dog we DID go to the market, and now several cuts of fabric are sitting in the studio waiting to be transformed into a limited edition line of Gussy ruffles. Tracey tweeted a few days ago asking for a little preview. If I haven’t shared this enough, every single tweet + email + instagram comment {follow me, @gussysews} has meant so much. All week our eyes were held open with toothpicks called adrenaline, so thank you for all the encouragement.

* * *

Our trip began May 4th. Zack + I met the entire group in Detroit. From there we flew to Amsterdam, but before we got on the plane I cried. You knew it was coming, right? That was my very first International flight and I wasn’t sure what to think. I knew walking on that plane, putting my seatbelt on and controlling my breathing as the plane took off would be the last things I did before my life would be forever changed. Once we were in the air there was no going back ~ we were off to Africa!

We broke off into groups when we made our home visits and one particular day we hiked up a mountain. The mother shared with us some of the unfortunate events that happened to her family. They prayed through these misfortunes, and shortly after her son received a sponsor through Compassion. Their lives were forever changed.

She told us this story with us as we sat on her couch, with our feet on their concrete floor, with family photos hanging on their blue-painted walls. This was the only home we visited where family photos hung and the walls were painted, but every home we visited had hope and the family shared how their lives were forever changed.

* * *

3 things I learned from my friends in Tanzania:
- smile more
- find more joy in the everyday moments
- wake up asking myself, how can I serve others?

Prior to leaving on this trip I really questioned why I had agreed to go. It’s hard to write that, even if it’s the truth. But once we arrived in Tanzania, and the sewing machines and gifts of fabric appeared over + over again, I no longer questioned why I had agreed to go.

Purpose. We all had purpose there. We all have purpose.

And now that Zack + I are back in Minneapolis, I think this is just the beginning.

To be continued…

Related posts:

1. {a lesson learned}
2. {an upcoming trip to… TANZANIA! + an amazing book}
3. {on missing friends, but feeling so thankful.}

Wanna link up with us? See the end of this post for instructions on how to link up with us // how to receive our monthly newsletter.

* * *

When we planned this post prompt I think I had a general idea of what kind of shoes {or lack there of} I’d be seeing in Tanzania, but now that I’m here I’m seeing a totally different perspective.

Most of the time we see sandals on the people here ~ many of the school kids wear black dress shoes. And some times they wear no shoes at all! We’ve visited Mwanza + Arusha {cities} — we’ve seen the people here go barefoot when they’re walking the dirt roads in their neighborhoods. We’ve seen shoes floating down dirty river water, off to the side in a field near the road, even tucked between sticks in the wall of a mud-wall house. And get this, Zack saw a man building a roof {!} and pointed out he wasn’t wearing shoes at all.

Shoes aren’t always a priority to the people that live here. Instead, growing the freshest fruits + vegetables, scooping up the freshest water from a puddle nearby, and having a solid roof on your home take precedence. And now that I’m here it makes total sense.

Below are a handful of my favorite photos taken by Keely Marie Scott. Gosh, I heart this girl. And her name. Isn’t her name cute?? She’s been our photographer for the week and she’s goooooood! :)

LET’S CHAT SHOES! What do they mean to you? Or is there another item you have that means as much to you as shoes do to the kids here in Tanzania? Did you know that if you sponsored a child for $38/month {the cost of two Starbucks drinks a week} you are helping to provide your sponsor child with a pair of shoes. If a child enters the program without their own pair, one will be provided — cool black shoes for school or fancy shoes for the girls, or sandals or tennis shoes. Any pair would be so inspiring for them, AND YOU!

And not only are sponsored kids ensured shoes, but simple things most of us probably take for granted: a safe place to play; nutritional + hot meals; education, including vocational trades like seamstress/tailoring, computer and bead-making; weekly/monthly/bi-monthly home visits by each Child Development Center’s social worker to check-in on the child’s home life.

* * *

This week’s Inspiration Workshop! prompt is SHOES!
♥ Share your blog post with us by linking up below. I’ll be clicking through the links so I hope you join the party and share your inspiration!!!! You have until the evening of May 13th to link-up your post.

Want even more inspiration? Read all previous Inspiration Workshop! posts by clicking here.

<a href="http://www.gussysews.com/inspiration-workshop/" target="_blank"><img alt="Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop!" height="125" width="125" title="Gussy Sews" border="0" src="http://www.gussysews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IW_button1251.png" alt="Gussy" /></a>

Sign up for our monthly Inspiration Workshop! newsletter to read about additional resources + ideas, plus other fun stuff you may not want to miss. The next email will send on Friday, June 1st.

Related posts:

1. {Inspiration Workshop! — week #8, your inspiration}
2. {Inspiration Workshop! — My Style}
3. {Inspiration Workshop! — FLOWERS}

A little girl reached for my pink sunglasses and put them on so quickly that I knew deep in our hearts we were sisters. In one swoosh the glasses were on and so was her sass. I think when you’re a fun, spunky girl you gravitate towards other fun, spunky girls. Because that’s clearly what happened –wink! One North American girl and one African girl ~ normally separated by 8,000+ miles just five days ago but this week the same “ness” and standing under the same shady tree, giggling over a pair of pink sunglasses.

My new friend is 12 and I’m 26. What I noticed about her pretty quickly is she already knows her purpose ~ and there I was, standing next to her, still half-looking for mine. I think being in Africa is showing me a very clear personal direction.

Let me share with you what I mean…

Our group went to the local market yesterday. Mary is our trip leader, helping us get to the different Child Development Centers ~ she’s like our personal travel guide and we love her! Naturally we said YES when she asked if we wanted to go to the market. Mary knew I wanted to shop for African fabric, I think I hinted just a few times that I was looking for local fabric, so once we found some at the market I just about died of happiness.

Plastic tarps were spread like a roll of carpet. Every square inch of the dirt-packed ground slash market was serving as a table, a makeshift table.

Women were peeling vegetables and cutting the heads off sardines while sitting on the ground; babies were crawling behind them, babysitting themselves. Handbags and shirts and dress shoes and hand-carved trinkets alternated between the foods that were for sale.

Everything was for sale.

And guess what else I noticed? Everything was handmade.

But wait, there’s more :)

Everywhere, seriously — I am not making this up! Everywhere I looked I saw foot-pedal sewing machines. Scissors were clicking and the presser bar lifter were gently tapping the throat plate. So many familiar sounds in a very unfamiliar place.

We walked a few streets over and still, the foot-pedal machine madness continued on. At one point Scott pointed upward. My eyes followed his hand and I sew a dozen sewing machines sitting on the roof of a 3-story building. Blue and black tarps overlapped each other and served as a makeshift roof.

And right there, another glimpse of the Lord and how He’s always nearby, He always has a plan and they are always good plans.

Spending all week with the Compassion kids has been such a blessing to me.

For just $38 a month you can be a blessing to these kids. Want another nudge? See what my fellow bloggers are experiencing + sharing.

Back to the market — Mary {remember, she’s our awesome trip leader} wanted us to move quickly throughout the market. If we weren’t stopping to shop we needed to be on our way.

The people working + shopping at the market have a purpose and they know it.

Just like my 12-year-old friend at the Child Development Center we visited today.

Just like you, you have a purpose to do good to others…

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth, Exodus 9:16

Just like me…

Oh and look. ANOTHER glimpse of the Lord: while at the Child Development Center (CDC) today this woman named Mable gifted me with a cut of Africa fabric :) I bought some at the market, our entire group was given some as a thank you gift from yet another CDC, and now Mable gifted me with another cut.

I sense a limited edition Gussy + Africa line coming soon, yeow! ;D

So here is my question for you: Do you feel like the timing is right for you to sponsor a child? I know this trip to Tanzania was perfectly tailored just for me. Because we all have purpose and because the Lord has perfect plans {perfect timing} for us. But there was a moment where I thought of saying no. One thing I’m fearful of is missing out on these perfect plans. I mean, I know if it’s His will it will happen ~ but I’d be super bummed to think that there was some opportunity that He set up, and I missed my chance.

If you took a moment to look for a glimpse of your purpose, would you see it?

Related posts:

1. {a Gussy Sews giveaway ~ Turquoise Grid market tote}
2. {Turquoise Grid market tote giveaway winner!}
3. {saturday shopping // 2 new tote bags & market totes}

we’re here with compassion international — MY FIRST TRIP traveling with them! — and i’m having the strangest feelings. every morning i wake up i’m like, we’re in africa! last night i went to bed in africa and this morning i woke up in africa! the sunsets are beyond gorgeous and the sun is beyond-er hot. and the details of the neighborhoods we visit are so unbalanced. so unbalanced.

every morning our group meets near the lobby ~ we step onto the bus that takes us to a new child development center + neighborhood to visit. did you know each center is run by the local church? i think that’s pretty amazing — compassion international serves as a partner to each house of worship, assisting them with meeting the children’s basic needs.

it takes about three seconds for things to switch from serene to something totally opposite for serene, i’m not even sure what to call it. earlier today we went on another home tour {where we visit the home of a child sponsored through compassion}, but this time we were welcomed inside the home.

oh, my eyes saw so many firsts.

monica was the mother of gidioni, the sweet boy who’s home we visited. when we arrived, monica was bathing outside with rainwater gathered from a puddle near the edge of their home. i think we surprised her with our visit by arriving early, although i’m not sure how she would have known what time we were coming because i didn’t see a watch on her wrist or a clock in her home, or a cell phone in her purse {like i use for my watch}.

she dashed inside to dry off + get dressed, and then our visit began. we learned that gidioni has been sponsored for two years now by a family that lives in germany. gidioni’s father was out finding work. this was the first home visit we made where there was father active in the home; the other two homes the father had left long ago. do you want to sponsor a child? click here ♥

our walk to gidioni’s home was like the other home visits we made. it’s hard to describe, and while i captured some video of our home visit, i’d like to try to find the best words to use. here i go…

we head out on foot and the road is pot-holed and bumpy and decorated with rain run-off cutouts. pieces of tarp show through the worn sections of the dirt road; food scraps and trash and perhaps a shoe left behind. chickens are seen a few meters back. laundry is hanging from nearly every home and babies are off playing while their mama’s work in their garden or wash dishes in a basin near the open front door.

it smells like dirt.

fresh dirt, raw dirt, dirty dirt.

you can tell by the smell of smoke in the air that a fire is burning nearby.

women walk past us wearing beautiful wraps and flip flops — some are even barefoot — most walk with a tall basket on their head, water-filled or banana-carrying.

we walk through grass and skip around another stream running down the road. muddy sections of ground appear and then we’re back to more grass, tall grass.

most homes we see don’t have windows or solid doors. instead, sheets of fabric dart in the wind and little ones appear in the door frame with their hands near their mouth, watching us as we walk by.

we wave at them…

they smile and wave back.

my heart feels inspired to share more + more.

if i stop describing what i see right now, does that leave you at a turning point?

do my words so beautiful and lovely, or do they sound poverty-filled and hope-less?

or how about both?

i know there is a lot of poverty here but i also know there is a lot of beauty here.

and hope.

there is always hope if you have a heart. and ya know what ~ these people have hearts, which means they have hope. i think this hope can burn silently but i believe it’s there, in every persons heart.

while visiting gidioni i took some video {see below}. you can see us walking to his home, meeting his family, chatting inside their home, looking at the letters and stickers and coloring pages his sponsor family has mailed him.

take a peek — let’s go on a walk ~ journey with me to Gidioni’s home + family in Tanzania ~

do you see the hope that i see? click here to sponsor a child from the development center we visited today.

Related posts:

1. {home with the family}
2. {our morning walk}
3. {so sweet to be home in Michigan}

i’ve been trying to find the perfect words to describe to you all that i see and feel and hear and smell and taste here in tanzania, but it’s taken a bit longer for my words to form. i think i’ve been trying too hard to describe all of these things to you ~ all at once, through a perfect post. have i mentioned perfection yet? i’m really struggling with that right now, but i think i’ve figured out how to share all of this with you by sharing a story from earlier today ~ one that really broke my heart.

here, let me explain :)

we were gathered around in a circle playing games: a vibrant mix of little boys and girls from the compassion program ~ dressed in their best clothes, along with a few program directions {remember how compassion works with the local church to create a child development center for the kids?}, and our team.

the beautiful african children were showing off their favorite games and the songs they love to sing. there was one leader in particular that i couldn’t stop watching. she was wearing a purple satin floor-length dress with a heavier, darker blanket wrapped around her tiny waist. she had her hair woven into teeny tiny braids, then pulled back into a ponytail. her voice was loud and confident as she spoke to the kids. even though she spoke in swahili and i couldn’t translate her words, i could understand her love.

at one point this leader separated the boys from the girls and they stood facing each other in a half-circle. she picked one child from each side, gave them both a small stick to hold, and told them to run around the opposite gender group ~ whoever made a complete circle first, won. the kids played a few rounds and it seemed simple.

super, super simple.

then the leader asked two people from our team to race. if you know how to predict scenarios you’ll know to put me down for the GIRLS team. she yelled something and i knew that was our cue to start the race. so off i want, running to the edge of the boys half circle and then behind them, quickly running across to the other side.

i could hear everyone cheering for us.

GO MAGGIE! GO MAGGIE! GO SCOTT!

i could feel my adrenaline building — i needed my legs to keep up with my brain, i could feel them starting to buckle as i turned the last corner to run home and my heart was pounding and the kids were cheering for us. their smiles were so bright they were practically glowing, lighting up the humid, sunny day a little bit brighter. {come to tanzania if you don’t believe me, wink!} i was so close to finishing first, to beating my teammate.

but i totally hit the dirt

i could blame it on the fact that my feet were sweaty inside my shoes and my legs were moving faster than my brain was spitting out commands, but know that’s not true.

i hit the dirt because God wanted to show me something. remember yesterday when i wrote that God has been trying to teach me that my earthly struggles don’t matter? He wants my purpose to be stitched up by Him. and yup, He’s still mending me.

earlier today he added another stitch to my heart.

back to the race, i was about to hit the dirt. and then i did fall ~ it happened so fast i hardly had time to process it. but when i stood up and saw the damage, i mean it was pretty hard to miss the dirt covering my arms and shirt and pants, i felt a teeny bit embarrassed. there i was, our day at the child development center had JUST begun, and i was covered in dirt.

everyone was so sweet — asking if i was OK and telling me how close to the finish line i was — telling me how great of a job i did. a few came over and patted me on the back, zack gave me a little wink to silently remind me it was OK that i just fell. {thanks, babe.}

my feelings had time to settle just a bit, but only just long enough to turn into a fierce embarrassment over how dirty i was.

that’s when my heart broke. i could feel my eyes starting to burn, a few tears filling up each eye. i turned around for just a second and acted like i was brushing the dirt off my pants. oh, my arms are filthy too, i better brush the dirt off my arms too while i cry with my back to the rest of the group. but after those few seconds passed the tears didn’t pass. actually, the burning in my eyes increased and those few tears turned into too many tears to count. but God was counting.

one of the little girls came over to check on me. she couldn’t have been more than four-years-old. she saw my tears and moved a little bit closer to me. then another girl came over and started brushing the dirt off my pants. a third came over and did the same to my shirt.

how can it be that the start of a second i’m standing here in africa, feeling so incredibly embarrassed that i fell — my once-clean outfit is now covered in dirt — and the end of that one second i’m feeling the love of Christ like i never have before?

these children don’t care about my clothes. they don’t care that my now-dirty clothes look just like their always-dirty clothes. why couldn’t i see that before?

we don’t speak the same language but my tears spoke to them quicker than the rate my tears were falling onto my cheeks.

they saw me hurting and they rushed to my side.

earlier this year, when i agreed to travel with compassion, i had absolutely no clue the lessons i’d be learning. i thought i was agreeing to travel to teach lessons. geez, how selfish does that sound?

OH, it is so hard to not bring all of these children home with me. i mean, aside from how beautiful and spunky they are, they have so much to teach us…

like how life is SO not about how clean your clothes are, or what your house looks like, or whether you have to share a car with someone else in your family.

life is about loving on each other — all the time — in the name of Jesus.

matthew 25:40, The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

and letting your favorite pair of dirty bow flats feet rub against the dirty feet of your neighbor.

and feeling like you know your purpose.

because we all have a purpose, and it is beautiful.

click here to sponsor a child from compassion and allow them to help you see your purpose…

or click here to sponsor a child from the child development center we visited today.

♥ these children, my are they beautiful.

*supplemental photos by keely marie scott.

Related posts:

1. {“My feet are off the ground.”}

i knew i would feel something intense; we hadn’t even arrived yet.

in fact, i hadn’t even left the country. our team was meeting in detroit, and as soon as the last person arrived {ahem, shaun} it suddenly became official. forget the passport we applied for, the visa we received, the six shots administered into my arm. we — zack + i along with our fabulous team — were going to africa, and come friday it was time to go.

there really wasn’t much to think about. when i was asked to go on this trip i knew deep down it was God speaking to me, he just happened to sound a lot like shaun groves. going on this trip, ohhh i knew how much it was going to stretch me.

these last few months i’ve been scared to find my purpose… for the most part i’ve really wondered what’s next for me ~ so to pacify the situation i told myself, just hold on until africa.

i really felt like whatever was going through my head would surface once we touched down in africa. and you know what? i think i was right…

{i hate when that happens.}

when we visited our first child development center every thought-filled fiber in me seemed to stitch itself together ~ and really quickly it all made sense.

i think what God has been trying to teach me these last few months is these earthly struggles don’t matter. my purpose is in Him, and that’s enough. that is what matters.

after all, that’s what the kids at the child development center in tanzania believe. despite their living conditions they greeted us every time with love on their faces.

oh, it is beautiful.

so back to my purpose… my purpose is to show God’s love to others.

my purpose is to set all my worries at His feet, to walk on plane after plane after plane, to travel over 8,000 miles and let my purpose be stitched up by Him.

…every time.

africa — i’m not sure what else you have to teach me about purpose, but it’s only been one day and i’m already hooked.

*all photos by keely marie scott

Related posts:

1. {preparing for Tanzania + what is my purpose in this life?}
2. {i’m ready to experience africa.}

my blog is going to turn into even more of a journal of my heart pretty quickly.

we have one more morning here in minneapolis before we start our travels to africa.

detroit, amsterdam, kilimanjaro. that’s our route.

did you know –
i’m going to be blogging the entire time we’re in africa?

oh yes, every day. and just like i shared on my facebook page this morning, i have no clue what i’m going to see + hear while there because i’ve NEVER seen or heard those things. and that’s strange to write… but it’s exciting at the same time.

some things i’m nervous about:
my feet swelling to the size of elephant feet from the long flights // forgetting my passport or immunization card {yes, i have a CARD! filled with them} // writing every single day — will the words come easily? // contracting some sort of stomach + bathroom virus {oh LORD, save me from that} // returning home and settling back in… but i’ll be changed.

some things i’m not nervous about:
flying, which is surprisingly funny // leaving my american life for a handful of days to experience an african life // knowing this is where God wants us to be.

i feel like my thoughts have been ALL OVER THE PLACE this last month or so in terms of work, what is my purpose?, creating a life with more margin in it, not trying to do it all, and the like.

and a few posts that have really spoken to me, like seriously spoken to me:
+ giving up on good via the tiny twig
+ on how i DON’T do it all by naptime diaries
+ it’s all too much by the nester

i’m going to give myself some space the rest of the day to finish work and just BE. i want some time to finish processing this trip we’re about to take and all the blessings surrounding me {the blessings you are in my life}, and then i want to see if some of these thoughts formulate more coherent thoughts because i feel like i have more to share on the links i listed above ~ but the words aren’t quite there yet.

please keep praying for zack + i, and our entire team. we leave so soon. SO SOON.

i am ready. there’s no going back. i need to experience this trip ~ i’m ready to experience africa.

PS. i would love some verses to read while on our trip. if you have a favorite bible verse, leave a comment below with it? XOXOXO

Related posts:

1. {she’s ready}
2. {are you ready…?}
3. {ready-to-ship}

a few weeks ago i headed outside to our backyard with bauer, a book, and a hot cup of coffee. the air was chilly but the sun was piping hot, so it was the perfect combination of chilly + warm that i love about the spring season. if i remember correctly, zack was out of town so i was using the occasion as an opportunity to relax and have some fun myself :)

normally on the weekends it’s hard for me to relax. {tell me you understand what this feels like.} since i work from home, work is on my mind often, and if it’s not it’s because i feel comfortable letting it go for a couple days while i focus on doing other things. but that’s a rare thing, hah! no matter how hard i try i have a hard time letting work “be” for a couple days. that may sound silly, but it’s a struggle i have, and often.

and now that we’re getting ready to go to africa on friday i find rest happening way more easily. i think back to this weekend where it was just me and bauer, hanging out in the backyard — relaxing. it was like the thought entered my mind how it would be glorious to have more relaxing weekends and suddenly they were dreams come true… i simply can’t go on this trip if i don’t rest, i’m learning this to be true.

first, the shots we had to get for africa knocked me out for a few days. and now the final preparations {coordinating where bauer will go for the week, clothing, packing, paperwork, updating the shop + packaging orders} are knocking me out. my eyes are on the destination: tanzania. loving on the kids. facing my fear of flying by going to THE LONGEST flight(s) of my life.

trying to relax so i can be fully present to what God wants me to see…

that is my goal…

no matter how many times i feel…

like i can’t do this ~ i have too much to plan and do! oh, how i quickly learn this isn’t true.

like i can’t stop thinking about work ~ God will show me HOW to relax.

like i know what i’m doing ~ i don’t. i have no clue {giggle, giggle} but every day is a new day to try. right?!

* * *

i think i want my reflective word for the month of may to be REST. this would be the first time i focused on something for an entire month but i think it’s a good time to start :) we leave for africa in 3 days. learning is something i love to do and so learning how to REST seems appropriate for this first day of may.

PS. while resting more i’ve learned how much easier it is to focus on work when it’s time to work. even though my days have more quiet time in them i am accomplishing more with gussy sews than i thought possible. it’s quite amazing ♥

xoxo

Related posts:

1. {now that i work from home, that means…}
2. {reflecting on where you used to be…}
3. {on making time for rest.}

hooray — it’s time to show off {tee hehe} two more items that are new to the Gussy shop: victorian tangerine + pink floweret market totes! this tote is a smaller version of our tote/diaper bag. but it’s just as cute — includes our signature ruffle, and measures 11.5″ x 15″ {horizontal} with two gray straps measuring 24″ each.

use our market tote as a purse, book/library bag, or to help keep the little people in your life quiet while sitting in church or in a meeting.

YEOW, and guess what?! our market totes are just $59!

* * *

also noteworthy // i spent a few hours last week reviewing our prices, looking for a way to make our products MORE AFFORDABLE while still maintaining the high-quality product you’re used to. and i did it! a handful of product categories now have long-term lower prices, but there’s more! we also have a nice little SALE section, too! many items have been marked down by 20% — take a peek?

i’m sure appreciate your patience as i constantly seek to offer the best prices on our products :)

that’s all i got! we leave for tanzania this friday, which is F O U R days away! oh my goodness, the butterflies! ♥ i can’t wait for our adventure… it’s going to be heart-swelling.

xoxo

Related posts:

1. {weekly gussy shop update, *new product*}
2. {a colorful shop update: our SIGNATURE gussy tote + diaper/wipe wristlets}
3. {H A P P Y FRIDAY, a shop update + a giveaway!}

yeow — HAPPY FRIDAY! i mentioned on monday that i would be doing Gussy Sews shop updates every monday. but guess what? we have A TON of new product and that would take months to get through everything we have here in the studio :) which means this: i have more NEW product to show you right now!!!

some of our new products include iPad cases for men, ruffled headbands, camera strap slipcovers + small zip pouches. LOVE!

{update: we are completely sold out of the Queen’s Grey tote bag, which was introduced on monday.}

this weekend only, SCORE FREE SHIPPING! purchase at least $45 of Gussy product + your order will ship for free! enter code freeship45 at checkout. [offer expires saturday, 4/28at 11:59pm cst]

♥ sign up for our newsletter to be the first to receive NEW PRODUCT updates + special promotions.

happy friday!
XOXO

Related posts:

1. {saturday shopping: free shipping on your Gussy order, today only + new products!}
2. {free shipping TODAY ONLY}
3. {free shipping + a future giveaway}

zack and i went to the doctor’s tuesday morning to get our shots for our upcoming trip to Tanzania. that’s in Africa, which i learned of recently ;D i have been so nervous about the appointment because we thought it would be about $1,400 total for the shots — OUT OF POCKET — which makes me wanna pass out! but being the awesome husband zack is, while i was at snap! last week he made some calls and found a clinic that will accept our insurance. seriously, praise the lord!

so off to the doctor we went. the nurse chatted with us ~ she scribbled notes as we answered her questions. she left for a few minutes, then came back into the room with a TRAY of shots ~ 12 shots. that’s six shots, each. yikers! i volunteered to get stabbed first, but after the first two my arm was throbbing. four more to go, i told myself.

i started laughing.

zack was probably a little embarrassed, but oh well, ha ha! so three shots in each arm. i dropped zack off at work and headed home, then little by little i felt more + more worse. at first i was really tired, then achy, then nauseous, then hot. not to mention cramping from other womanly events. i was done; i didn’t think i could feel any worse, but surprisingly i kept feeling worse.

the entire time i tried to remind myself, “it’s not about ME. it’s about THE KIDS. it doesn’t matter that this hurts, this is short-term pain. going to Tanzania will be a long-term blessing. for everyone.”

but, i’m feeling nervous. i’m worried about not being able to sleep on our flights. we leave from detroit [A] and fly into amsterdam [B], then into kilimanjaro [C]. go ahead and look at the map.

i’ve spent these last few days feeling so restless, it’s unreal. yesterday i woke up and felt like i had the flu mixed with throbbing shoulders and cramping that was literally taking my breathe away. if you could take a moment to pray for me that would be really wonderful :) i’ve been spending a lot of time this week thinking about my purpose in this life… i’m sure it’s just the devil trying to challenge me, but it’s a little draining. i find myself wondering, what are my talents? what do i want from this life? how can i be more content?

do you ever have thoughts like that?

so tanzania is happening in 10 days.

i can SO do this.

if you’ve ever traveled to another country — or even halfway around the world — and you have any tips, PLEASE leave a comment below! i would seriously love to hear from you + learn a few! XOXO

Related posts:

1. {an upcoming trip to… TANZANIA! + an amazing book}
2. {preparing for next Monday}

snap! took place near salt lake city, utah at a location called thanksgiving point and was fabulously beautiful + amazing! i loved the location… the mountain view… the warm sunshine… the weekend full of friends. highlights included laughing so hard with jess + lindsey that i couldn’t breathe, speaking on a panel with gina, susan and becki {topic: inside a thriving creative business} and of course meeting/seeing bloggers like heather of just lovely things, ashley of lil blue boo, lizzy, alissa + meg.

* * *

so i left minneapolis around lunchtime on wednesday, my flight was at 2:30 and i needed to take the train from the city to the airport. yeah, that was a lot of work carrying 2 suitcases, 1 duffel bag and 1 carry-on {my Gussy tote}, hah! i was super tired like three minutes into my travel journey ;D and here’s poor bauer below, snoozin’ while i packed ~

OH, guess what! i chopped my hair wednesday before my flight ;D yeow! totally loving my new angled bob! sorry long-ish hair, i had to quit you. // once i landed in SLC, jess and i met at the airport and picked up our rental car. it was SO GOOD to see her + lindsey! we got a hotel that night in SLC before heading to thanksgiving point/snap!…

and once i got to snap! i met a cute, new friend danielle! i loved her style and think she needs to come to minneapolis to shop for me!!! *nudge, nudge* // i bought these cute sandals from target before i left! everyone kept asking if i made them… but i did not… i bought them :) // one of the sessions i went to was on SEO, here’s dennis from @thenextcorner making my head spin around + around ;D // and then friday morning i attended a breakfast by michelle with simplicity patterns, LOVED that! ♥ do you see my pink lipstick on my white coffee cup???

here’s a close up photo of danielle from above with her Gussy headband, she paired it with a little bow headband from just lovely things ~

B E A U T I F U L tulips planted all over thanksgiving point ~

CUTE balloons from whippy cake // a super fun print from livy love designs // paper straws from bake it pretty // dinner, yum!

leaving town wouldn’t feel right if my nails weren’t painted ;D

the last night at snap!: a delicious dinner, dozens of raffle prizes and a dance party ~

such a cute print, also from livy love designs

and now for the market! this was my first queen bee market. i don’t do a lot of markets — i feel way more comfortable selling my products online than face-to-face, but i thought i would give this one a try since my pal mique was putting it on! even though it meant 2 extra suitcases with me on the plane i’m soooo glad i did. i surpassed my expectations for my booth design, yeow! i browsed flickr, pinterest, and my brain and came up with this for my booth ~

yep, LOTS of new product in there! and a few things i haven’t added to the Gussy shop just yet. click here to see the new items that are in there right now :)

call me a dork, but i’m super duper excited that our small zip pouches are back in the shop! they debuted at the queen bee market, you can see them below. i took them away in january when we re-launched but i thought it would be fun to add them back in and see how they do. we have had a few requests for them, and friends have shared their small zip is one of their favorite items from our shop. i suppose you could say i gave in to peer pressure here ;D

small zip pouches are perfect for coupons, as a small wallet, storing chapsticks/other small trinkets, business cards + MORE!

friendship shadows! lindsey + gussy + jess ~

jess and i went to forever 21 wednesday night and i found myself a new pair of sunglasses! {which i store inside here.}

and… this was my view back home monday morning when i waved goodbye to zack as he walked to the bus stop. my flight landed sunday at 9:30am so i had a full day with zack and bauer, which was fabulous!!!! i always love coming back home :) i was so tired from the weekend that i went to bed at 8:30pm. monday was a beautiful day… i unpacked my bags, organized the studio, kept it pretty easy.

…and of course, snuggled with bauer ~

* * *

it’s so good to be home. even though i miss my blog + crafty friends terribly, it’s super great to be unpacked and having dinner with my man at night :)

have you been to a blog conference? if yes, which one was your favorite? if no, which one would you LOVE to attend? xoxo

Related posts:

1. {Relevant ~ a God-filled conference}
2. {this TCC conference is fabulous}
3. {sharing snippets of my day through photos}

pssst! we have just 2 bags left before it sells out!

in the meantime… i have 12 more *new* items to share with you :D

ALSO NEW IN THE SHOP //
…small zip pouches in eight different print combos :)

…diaper/wipe wristlets in two new print combos

…and two new camera strap slipcovers

PS. feel free to share this with your friends — spread the Gussy love!
xoxo.

Related posts:

1. {shop Cyber Monday with Gussy Sews + new products!}
2. {sale items now in shop!}
3. {Saturday shopping – Gussy Sews summer kick-off sale!}

NEW IN THE SHOP //
gray stripes tote/diaper bag ~ perfect as a travel, work or tote/diaper bag
[bag body measures 12" x 16"]

tangerine + crazy gray stripes, with a hint of gray blue + mustard on the inside…
so lovely and fresh and happy and perfect for spring/summer!

really, truly, seriously the most comfortable tote bag i’ve ever carried! the straps on our tote/diaper bags are padded [24" in total length] and this is my GO TO bag when i travel or run errands around town. our bags also super light-weight, which is perfection :)

WHAT FITS INSIDE A GUSSY SEWS TOTE/DIAPER BAG // {shown below} a 13″ macbook, weekly planner, medium zipped pouch, large zipped pouch, wallet, keys, sunglasses + more…

♥ click here to see all gussy sews tote/diaper bags

* * *

REMEMBER // all items inside the gussy shop are limited in quantity! to avoid sell-out and to own a gussy, click here to shop :)

Related posts:

1. {a colorful shop update: our SIGNATURE gussy tote + diaper/wipe wristlets}
2. {new product :: Gussy Totes}
3. {damask update // create a Gussy product bundle}

the energy + enthusiasm + creativity that caine has is out-of-this-world AWESOME! this 9yo boy has inspired me immensely, and all it took was watching this 11 minute video. it only took a few seconds for me and i was hooked ;) but while watching i saw deep opposition between caine’s attitude + the indie biz movement.

HERE’S WHAT I MEAN: i think it’s really easy to have big dreams and run with them, to chase after them regardless of who’s watching. because let’s be honest, it’s super duper easy get started when you’re excited about something. but what’s really important is to KEEP RUNNING even after you realize who’s watching. [or, maybe more realistically, who isn't watching.] it’s not about the numbers {or sales}, it’s about being high on life {drug-free, of course!}. that’s what i wanted to chase a few years ago when i started Gussy Sews ~ and sometimes it feels like i have little signs taped everywhere in our house, reminding me of such things. because just like i shared here, working hard is so great.

however, with indie biz, i haven’t found a set formula that says after x months you’ll see x results. but i think many of us expect that. CONFESSION: i know i have expected this at times! my encouragement for you is to keep, keep, keep going; then, keep, keep, keep chasing after what excites you. when you’re not looking you’ll find “overnight success”. it doesn’t happen overnight, but you’ll feel it overnight. remember, overnight success isn’t always measured through media coverage or a giant paycheck. even though you’re energy is directed towards your passion make sure you take a step back once-in-a-while so you don’t miss when it happens :)

so what do you think? do you feel encouraged to look past the hard, challenging days that come with running a business? do you feel challenged to keep your focus on your dreams so you don’t miss your moment of “overnight success”?

today my friend dan is here to share 5 tips to grow your business and work with your community.

so dan, take it away, sir!

* * *

We get it. You’ve got an online shop. You’ve created amazing product. You’ve designed a
beautiful store. And now, well, you need customers. Promoting your shop doesn’t have to be
expensive or frustrating. You don’t have to rely on friends and family to be your only
customers for the foreseeable future. We’ve got some great ideas, found right in your own
backyard, that will help push your shop past that awkward “first day of school” phase.

SELL AT {and SUPPORT} LOCAL RETAIL STORES: Local boutiques are always looking for something special to set themselves apart. Your unique, custom goods may just fit that niche. Sell to them on consignment to ease their risk, or offer a competitive wholesale price (usually 1/2 of the retail price you sell for). Once your products are in there, spread the word about that place,
and make sure you shop there yourself. The more you support those stores, the more they’ll
support you and your products.

ATTEND OR CREATE EVENTS: Get out into the world! Even if you’re going to events that aren’t directly related to your business, put your face out there in new crowds and be sure to bring plenty of business cards. If there aren’t any relevant or interesting events in your area, create one! A fun meet-up at a local waffle cafe (great, now we’re hungry) can go a long way when
trying to build your business.

GIVE BACK: Support local non-profits that align with your beliefs. Volunteer your time, goods, or portion of profits. Other supporters of the non-profit will take note and be more likely to support you in return. Make your community a better place. You’ll quickly find yourself
connecting with like-minded people who share the same passions, ethic and drive.

CARD ME: Make sure whenever you’re out of the house engaging your community that you’re never without business cards. Hand out a card with every conversation you have, and consider
including an exclusive discount code on the back of your cards to encourage folks to visit your
site and make a purchase.

DON’T GO AT IT ALONE: Find ways to collaborate. Curate an exhibition, swap blog posts (Oh hey,Gussy!), run a contest with a brand you admire, or concept and create a product with a shopthat complements yours. You’ll share the workload and instantly double the community your
promotions will reach.

And most importantly – have fun representing what it is you love to do. You are the face of
your business, and making a great impression can lead to long term brand loyalty.

SHARE WITH US: do you have a tip that has worked really well for you? is there a tip here that’s inspired you with your business? share with us below! :)

Related posts:

1. {happy Monday + 3 tips on having a productive work week}
2. {5 easy challenges to grow your blog or shop.}
3. {grow your online presence with Indie Shopography! a feature + giveaway}

hi everyone! so a few weeks ago i thought it would be super fun to share on my friend heather’s blog “WHAT’S IN MY MAKE-UP BAG!”, since i’m always interested in finding about + trying new make-up. i’ve been wearing make-up for for almost 15 years, so crazy! i started with a jet black mascara {with a fat wand, please!} and slowly started wearing eyeliner, eyeshadow, foundation, blush + lip gloss as well.

for me, a “natural” look is my favorite. if zack and i go on a fun date i’ll apply another coat of mascara, add another swipe of blush and maybe some lipstick, but that’s about it! i haven’t braved RED lipstick yet although it sounds like it would be fun!!! maybe that’ll be next on my list ;D

before i share what’s inside my bag i thought it would be helpful to share more about my skin type, since i know that plays a huge role in selecting make-up. my skin is a little bit oily and definitely problematic! if i’m wearing foundation it absolutely has to be high-end. basically, anything that can be bought at Target or a drug store is a no-no. within hours these low-end products irritate my skin causing me to breakout. however, the rest of what i wear is inexpensive, thank goodness!

as for my cleansing routine, every morning + night i wash my face. i love this foam wash for the morning and these wipes for the evening. i use astringent 2x/day and follow-up with a light moisturizer 2x/day. something else i’ve learned that has played a huge role in my make-up + cleansing routine is this: anything with SPF in it causes me to breakout as well. it’s so weird, but instead of focusing on this i just move forward with what i’ve learned and make sure to not spend too much time out in the sun. i also love these oil blotting sheets and use 1-2 daily {is that TMI?}.

OK, so now that i’ve shared about my skin type + my morning routine let’s get to the fun part, MY MAKE-UP!

i wear make-up just about every single day and am faithful at washing it off at night. i’m a dork, but i can’t sleep if i know i have foundation or mascara on, hah! here’s what i wear on most days, in order of application…

* MAKEUP FOREVER HIGH DEFINITION PRIMER {NEUTRAL} — i just started using primer, and i know it sounds a little bit silly BUT it totally works and has helped my foundation stay put for a few extra hours. it feels a little cool upon application and it’s a little bit relaxing to “paint” it on with my make-up brush.

* SONIA KASHUK RETRACTABLE MAKE-UP BRUSH — one end is for my foundation, the other is for my blush! and i love that there are caps for both brush types so they stay clean a bit longer.

* LAURA MERCIER SILK CREME FOUNDATION {CREAM IVORY} — this is my new favorite foundation! it has lovely coverage, ranging in light to heavy depending on how many applications you apply. it covers redness, blemishes, and gives me a nice base for applying bush :)

* CLINIQUE BLENDED FACE POWDER — for a matte finish!

* NARS BLUSH {MADLY} — did you know when you color your hair you should also change your make-up?! this was news to me! in february i went into sephora looking for a few new items and told the cosmetologist i felt like my make-up made me look washed out. i was with a friend who reminded me i had recently colored my hair {from blonde to reddish/brown}. the cosmetologist found me a new blush and YEOW! my life has been changed forever! ;) this specific color {Madly by Nars} is fantastic!!!

* COVER GIRL EYESHADOW {CHAMPAGNE} — such a pretty, light, shimmery color ~ it’s been a favorite for many years :)

* EYE SHADOW BRUSH — the brush i use is similar to this. it’s simple + provides a quick application.

* MAYBELLINE DEFINE-A-LINE EYELINER {BROWNISH BLACK} — again, an all time favorite for many years. BONUS: if you need to wipe it off and start over {because seriously, sometimes i need to do that!} it comes off clean! no need for make-up remover.

* MAYBELLINE THE COLOSSAL VOLUM’ EXPRESS MASCARA {GLAM BLACK} — i’ve been wearing mascara for years… since i was like 12! so that’s about 15 years now ;D my theory is to match your mascara wand with what your lash type is. so for me, i love a fat, dense mascara wand. i’ve tried using something thinner but my eyelashes get all clumpy and weird. i have naturally long, thick, curled lashes – DON’T HATE ME! – so two coats of mascara is all i need.

* NAIL POLISH — my favorites are Essie, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear + Sally Hansen Diamond Strength (top coat)

i feel kinda like we’re back in 7th grade, sitting in a circle on the floor with our kaboodle’s flipped open ;D my kaboodle was pink with glitter, if you’re wondering! make-up is fun to play with and even more fun to wear when you know you’re going on a fun date with your man or some girlfriends.

SHARE WITH ME BELOW: what is YOUR favorite make-up item? do tell!!!

[affiliate links included above.]

Related posts:

1. {a little peek inside the studio + featured product}
2. {shop update #2: make-up bags}
3. {pretty bouquet make-up bag}

on that note, several of you have asked about balancing your time + days with running a business and being a wife and/or mama, so if that’s you, please read on! emily’s advice is timeless and i’m hoping it speaks to you as it does to me.

some of my favorite emily posts: this one, and this, and this one, too. xo

* * *

Hello Gussy readers…I’m Emily, wife to Mr. Anderson and mama to 6 wildly awesome children.

Our oldest just turned 8, and our youngest is 4 months…so to say our life is chaotic, is an understatement. Because of the understood chaos that takes place in our house on a daily basis, this mama needs some quiet time.

My 4 oldest are in school for half days (home by 1:00) and I usually spend the mornings running errands or catching up on housework (our laundry pile is always amazing). By the time the oldest are all home, and after we finish up lunch and homework, it’s my favorite time of the day: rest time.

Ever since my oldest was about 1, I have implemented an afternoon nap time. As he’s gotten older, it’s no longer a nap time for him, but a rest time. As each new baby is added to the family, I work my hardest to get them on the same afternoon schedule (meaning, they take their longest nap in the afternoon). At this point I have 3 that nap, and 3 that just rest. “Resting” can look very different for each child, depending on their needs that day. Sometimes they are cranky and I know they need alone time, so I have them grab some books and puzzles and head to their bed. Other times, they are allowed to play quietly with their sibling that’s awake…but this only lasts if they remain quiet. If they fight, or are loud, then they have to go back to playing alone.

Every day I remind my kids that rest time isn’t for them, but it’s for mama. I need this time. Over the years it’s changed, as the needs of my kids have changed. We’ve experienced afternoons where rest time lasts for 3 hours, and sometimes it lasts for 1 hour. Either way, I’m getting time to myself every afternoon.

So, since I committed to having my kids rest every afternoon, I make sure I’m doing the same thing. For years now, I only allow myself to do things that are fun and recharging for me in the afternoon. This can look different on any given day, but some examples are: write a couple blog posts; catch up on some of my favorite shows; do a crafty craft; read a book; have some time with the Lord; take a nap. Whatever is needed so that I can recharge myself, I’m gonna try to do it.

Let me say that it’s not always perfect. Some days I walk away feeling even more exhausted than before, because my kids weren’t cooperating. Since having a new baby, I have felt like I’ve had to really lay the hammer down during rest time because I only have a little bit of time completely to myself, while my newest one sleeps. So, when she lays down, I set the timer for 45 minutes and tell the kids that are awake still, that they may not play with each other, or come and get me (unless someone is dying of course) until the timer goes off. This usually ensures I get about 30-45 minutes to myself—but not always. Life isn’t perfect.

So, to all you mama’s out there, let me tell you something. You need this time. It doesn’t matter if it comes in the morning or the afternoon, but for your sanity, you need this time. Don’t you have things that you love to do? Maybe it’s painting… or photography… or writing… or organizing… or meal planning/cooking… or heck, maybe it’s watching T.V. If you love it, make some time for it. You don’t need to be at your kids beck and call all day long. In fact, when you get time to yourself, you will be a better wife and mom for it… I promise.

If you’ve never had an afternoon rest time, or if you are struggling with a toddler that won’t nap anymore, don’t give up that afternoon time. It’s okay to put your kids in their rooms for an hour or so in the afternoon. Give them some books/puzzles/legos. Make them have to figure out a way to not be bored. If you think “there is no way my kid will stay put for an hour in their room” then start out with 15 minutes. Set the timer for 15 minutes… then gradually add 5-10 minutes to their rest time every day so that you are finally at an hour. And be consistent with it… and don’t give up when you add a new baby to the mix… work hard at getting them accustomed to sleeping long in the afternoon.

I hope this helps some of you with finding time to yourself. I realize that not all of you will think you need this, or maybe even some of you already have another routine going, and that’s great. But if you are struggling, then hopefully you can get started today!

* If you have any questions about how I do things, leave a comment here!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FROM GUSSY:
Tsh of Simple Mom, a day in the life – love seeing into others lives!
Nester, Lovely Limitations :: 12 days a month – how Nester only works 12 days a month, amazing!

Related posts:

1. {making progress :: our new home}
2. {weekend recap + sewing + you’ll have to read this to know the rest!}
3. {the rest of Jessica’s order}

oh man, do you ever have days when you think, “i can’t possibly do any more!!!”, and then three seconds later you find yourself back at work, working so hard so that you can make deadlines? oh man, because that’s totally where i’m at. it’s late… it’s almost 10:30pm here. zack is in the basement working on something for SNAP, a handmade conference in salt lake city that i’ll be flying out to in just 2 days. err, how about 1.5 days?! i can hear power tools coming from below. bauer’s having the time of his life with his toys and i’m sitting in our living room staring at the piles of mess that are everywhere. ooooops!, hah! i am so so so looking forward to SNAP. i can’t wait to hung my friends and meet new ones! i can’t wait for the sessions and to speak and share a little bit of what i’ve learned. i can’t wait for the handmade market that’s scheduled for friday + saturday.

and even though i think, “i can’t possibly do anymore!!!” i know this is the right path for me. my back may be tired but my heart is full. receipts may dot my desk like confetti but i’m OK with it :) work is work… work is great. working hard is so great. XOXO

PS. a little glimpse of what i’m bringing to SNAP…

PPS. we’re leaving for tanzania in less than 3 weeks. i reviewed our itinerary while we’re gone and it includes like 12 airplanes. ha ha. ha ha ha… :}

Related posts:

1. {working hard…}
2. {my super great, very good week}
3. {“work hard. have fun. no drama.”}

our sunday morning routine may not look the way you think our sunday morning routine looks. and… our sunday morning routine doesn’t look the way we thought it would, either. here’s what i mean: zack and i both grew up going to church every week. we were involved with our church’s youth groups and our families volunteered on sunday mornings and at after-church activities — and we loved being a part of the community church brings. but for some reason that hasn’t happened for us yet. i know there’s a big part of us now that wishes we were a part of a church here in minneapolis, after all there are TONS of churches here and we’ve been to probably a dozen or so. but, that hasn’t happened for us just yet.

most of the time our mornings are spent at home together as a family. we cherish this time together and use the quietness, slowness of our sunday mornings to just be a family. sometimes we’re on our computers, sometimes we read, we always have hot coffee nearby, but we are always together, quietly, as a family. instead of focusing on how we’re not at church, which is something i struggled with for about a year {oh the guilt! oh, the fact that i have had guilt over this in the first place…}, we shift our mindset to the gift of what being together as a family means. there’s beauty in every sunday morning moment, even if it’s different from what we are used to. i shared with a friend recently that God has always been nearby. “if there’s one thing i’ve learned these past few years it’s God knows what He’s doing. trials are always going to precede triumph,” i wrote to her.

i feel like that’s exactly what minneapolis has been for us: trial then triumph. minneapolis has stretched us, challenged us, brought us super close. nearly everything about minneapolis has been new to us, including what sunday morning looks like for our family. and ya know what? that’s perfectly OK ♥.

Related posts:

1. {faith + resources = zero worrying}
2. {hello, Jonah}
3. {what’s on my mind? the uncut & fun verison}

NOTEWORTHY LINKS FROM THE PAST WEEK:

* what if slow & steady doesn’t win the race?, a great post by tara gentile

* loved this post on ten ways to battle creativity block, especially the very last tip

* a place for dreams journal

* living with kids {a kelly rae roberts home tour}

* what a sweet little sheep eyeglass holder!

HAPPY WEEKENDING! ♥

Related posts:

1. {noteworthy links — farmhouse wares, giveaway day winners + a DIY}
2. {the OFFICIAL tour of our Minneapolis home.}
3. {noteworthy links — network like a rockstar, chevron dress, a recipe + a DIY}

this is week #2 of my creative life mini-series.

for week #1, the focus was on five guest bloggers + their tips on living a creative life: kyla roma, just lovely things, lisa leonard, tiny twig + sarah jane studios ~ and this week the focus is on sharing five different applications i currently use to live a creative life and how they’ve transformed my mindset into something incredibly inspiring and freeing.

for week #2, i’m sharing my personal tips on how i live a creative life: 1, 2, 3, 4.

this is the last post in the mini-series!

* * *

tip #5: share your passions with others

as we wrap up this mini-series on living a creative life, think about the people you have around you. what kind of role do they play in your life? how about in your create life? i’m going to go out on a limb here and say it’s near impossible to live a satisfyingly creative life if you never share your passions with others. why? because the people that care about you also care about your passions. did you hear me? i’ll say it again :) the people that care about you also care about your passions. you may think your creativity is stifled from not not having a defined “end of work” day or from not taking the time to create an oasis where you work, but what if it’s stifled only because you’ve kept your passions to yourself? what if you were brave for a few minutes and shared your passions with others? how do you think they would respond?

what if they supported you?

what if that, but they also encouraged you?

what if they supported, encouraged + challenged you to turns your dreams into plans?

yeow!

unspoken passions are unnoticed passions. if you don’t tell the people you care about about your passions then they never have the opportunity to support them ~ with you, for you, alongside you.

i think many of my best ideas were ignited only after sharing them aloud with someone. my ideas may be great in my mind and on paper, but they become GRAND after sharing them aloud with someone else. zack + our families have been fantastic support systems for gussy sews. i remember sharing with my mom my dreams for the business and i’m pretty sure before i even finished sharing them she was supporting me. i think she could SEE it was a passion… a leap worth taking… i think the same for our family, they were 100% ready to support me with this business — and i’m sew thankful they did!

the same goes for my man. oh zack, to think where i wouldn’t be if it weren’t for your support.

so go on now… IT’S TIME TO SHARE YOUR PASSIONS! :)

HOW ABOUT YOU? do you have people in your life that you can share your passions with? who are they, and what about them makes you comfortable? do you wish you had more or less people to share your passions? xo

Related posts:

1. {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #3}
2. {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #1}
3. {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #4}

this is week #2 of my creative life mini-series.

last week the focus was on five guest bloggers + their tips on living a creative life: kyla roma, just lovely things, lisa leonard, tiny twig + sarah jane studios ~ and this week the focus is on sharing five different applications i currently use to live a creative life and how they’ve transformed my mindset into something incredibly inspiring and freeing.

click here to my personal tips from this week: 1, 2, 3.

* * *

tip #4: create an oasis where you work

if you’re like me, you work from home. that means throughout the day your office moves from the dining room to the bedroom to the living room to your actual desk ~ and sometimes, outside on the front porch! when i’m not working on my computer i’m working in our studio. i absolutely love our studio space, tucked into the corner of our home. we’re renting our home right now which means our studio has lite blue painted walls, but it’s a neutral backdrop for me to hang art that blog friends have made + sent over :)

by working with the room’s layout i’ve created a little oasis inside. i spend a lot of time in this room so this is important. but i’m choosing not to focus on it’s little quirks — our house is over 100 years old so there are little quirks in every room ;)

creating an oasis where you work is really easy. let me show you what i mean…

first, keep a positive attitude about your workspace. how can you create your ideal workspace? how can you make the most of your space? second, what fun elements can you add to the room to enhance it a bit more? we have finger knit garland hung from two windows, and since our walls are tall i’ve got some word art {it spells CREATE} sitting on the crown molding of one window, and beautiful painted art from casey wiegand {below} on the crown molding of another door. by constantly creating new Gussy products i’m surrounded with cheerful colors + textured elements. surrounding myself with fabric is definitely an oasis ;) third, prioritize what works best for you in terms of having a productive work day. if you need coffee to start your day, drink some coffee. if you work better in a tidy house, or in silence, in the early morning hours, or if you like to have a million things going at once like heather does ;D prioritize what works best for you.

the point is… when you run an Indie Biz it can be hard to be creative all the time, especially if you work from home ~ the distractions are endless! when i find myself struggling to stay focused these three tips help me so much! sometimes we need a little push to finally create our oasis ♥

PS. it’s been fun to see how i can continue to stretch this mindset! this week i created something new for lunch: english muffin toast + peanut butter + raspberries + honey. SO TASTY! making sure i take a break for lunch and having the ability to create something that’s not from your typical lunch menu makes working from home even more fun!

*click here to see more photos from my studio

YOUR TURN: what is your workspace like? is it an oasis for you? is it perfect or do you have plans for a little make-over? share with us below! xo

Related posts:

1. {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #1}
2. {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #2}
3. {a NEW mini-series: “How I live a creative life,” featuring five personal tips from Gussy // tip #3}