Change in the Air...

Well...it's time for a post I've been dreading. 

A few months ago we found out that we are expecting a baby boy in April. We couldn't be happier to be adding a little brother to our family. I have fallen in love with being a mom to a little boy, and can't wait to have another one. It's truly a blessing to be expanding our little family by one. 

But, sometimes with blessings (even really great ones) comes challenges, trials, and big changes. With out going on and on with details, there's been a chance of this pregnancy/delivery being slightly more complicated than with my first. (There's also a chance it won't, and everything will be perfectly perfect!) But I have felt strongly that I need to get my life and home in order and be prepared for all the changes that our little addition may bring. 

I LOVE Gypsy Threads and this online community we have been I have been lucky to be a part of. Truly, it's been so much fun to run the shoppe, but when it comes right down to it, putting my family first is the most important thing. 

So, Gypsy Threads will be closing (hopefully just temporarily) till our little family is all together and settled. It is unknown exactly if and when I will reopen the shoppe, but I do plan to stay connected to this wonderful network of friends online. I will continue the blog and all of our social media accounts. I look forward to sharing more about myself, our life and family here in the PNW as well as sharing some of my favorite small businesses and brands, the way so many others have shared their support and love for Gypsy Threads. 

I am truly grateful to the bloggers and instagrammers who have posted, highlighted and shared their love for my little business. They have made this crazy idea a success, and I truly am grateful to them. 

As for the shoppe...everything has been marked down 40%-75% and will be available to purchase till the end of February when the website is no longer live. 

Thank you so much for all of your support...I do hope you'll stay connected HERE on our blog as well as HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE!

XOXO Brittany

Britt's Picks :: Portland Plaid

 In the Pacific Northwest, you never take a sunny day for granted. Especially when a sunny day comes along in November. You get outside, squint your eyes and let those rays in. 

After a long stretch of rain, the sun made an appearance over the weekend, so we headed out to our neighborhood beach. If you live in the Seattle area, or if you ever visit, head north to Mukilteo. It's not a tropical beach experience by any means. It's cold and rocky and sometimes you are required to climb over giant drift wood to make your down the shore. You won't find palm trees and coconuts, but it's the perfect place to take in the beautiful PNW scenery and Puget Sound, and a great opportunity to let Miles get his wiggles out. (Toddlers can get a little restless here, in the winter months) 

He loves to watch the ferry and fishing boats, throw rocks into the icy cold water, collect sticks and seashells, and there's the occasional harbor seals that pop up to say hello. It's a petty magical place to live, and I feel pretty lucky to be a part of it.

My PNW fall/winter must-haves are flannel, thick black leggings, and good rain boots. They are staples in my wardrobe, and wear all 3 things more than I probably should.  Gypsy Threads just added new plaid flannel pieces to the shoppe, my favorite style is the PORTLAND PLAID TOP in Green. 

It's soft and warm with and can easily be layered up with jackets, cardigans, leggings, skinny jeans or  you could even wear it as a mini dress with tights. The full length roll up/button sleeve makes it versatile depending on what your day entails. (My days are usually filled with chasing a 2 year old and packing orders- so I love rolling the sleeves!) The elastic waist and belt give it a polished, feminine look. I like pieces that cinch at the natural waist. It's always flattering look, especially if you are high waisted like me. 

My favorite thing about the PORTLAND PLAID TOP it the fact that there's some room to expand. It makes a great fall top for the early stages of baby bump growing...and these days that's exactly what I'm doing! We are expecting baby #2 this spring and we are thrilled! I've been extra sick with this pregnancy, so orders have shipped late, emails have gone unanswered, and I've been a little behind on work. Thank you for your patience!! I am back on my feet and in the studio, ready to get on it! To thank you for your understanding, I'd like to offer a discount this week. 

Use discount code: GYPSYBABY and get 20% off your entire order.

Thank you so much for your support!

XOXO Brittany

SHOP THESE LOOKS:

Brittany

PORTLAND PLAID TOP :: GREEN  (also available in RED)

LEGGINGS

HUNTER BOOTS (these are my favorite rain boots-they are great for wide calves)

Miles

SHIRT

CORDUROY PANTS

HAT (similar)

HUNTER BOOTS

Trick or Treat!

Milo is not really into dressing up. For such a little person he has a pretty big opinion, especially when it comes to what he wears. So we went for a pretty simple costume this year. Mickey Mouse is a great costume for an opinionated toddler. All it takes is basic black leggings and a long sleeve tee, the ears and some red shorts. It feels like regular, comfortable clothes and a nice warm hat.

Find all the details of where to find these pieces below! 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

XOXO

Brittany

BLACK LEGGINGS

BLACK L/S TEE

MICKEY HAT

YELLOW MOCCASINS

RED FELT SHORTS- I made this out of cheap red felt from the fabric store. Hand stitched really quickly. Nothing fancy...I don't do fancy! 

Little Adventures

 Just a little peek at my favorite way to spend time. 

Miles is such a trooper. He loves helping me with my daily tasks, especially vacuuming and trips to the post office to ship GYPSY THREADS orders. He loves Ace Hardware store and he's more fascinated by flora than fauna. He asks me what the names of different plants are, and he likes to water the "suck-you-wents" on the porch. 

He LOVES the Space Needle, and sometimes we take trips down town and just walk around the grounds. We did that just a few weeks ago, munched on grilled corn on the cob, danced to the Guatemalan band that always plays outside, met a creepy spiderman, and then, because it's Seattle, we got caught in the rain.

It was magic. 

XOXO

Brittany

DIY // Gold Dipped Planters Part 2

 If you are in a crunch for a Father's Day gift with a personal touch... we've added a twist to this week's DIY

Simply paint your child's hand lightly with a paint brush, and press those little hands on the painted terra-cotta pots. 

Just like that... Father's Day success!! 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! 

Gypsy Mama :: Kim Davis

Today we are talking to Kim Davis of OH SWEET JOY about motherhood! Kim lives with her husband, Chase and son Knox in Colorado. Kim writes a lovely blog filled with daily inspiration and also makes headbands (some of which we sell HERE at Gypsy Threads!) and she also has a shop of her own! 

HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU HAVE AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES/AGES?

One, his name is Knox and he is one year old!

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT BEING A MOM?

The snuggles at night and the joy (and coffee) filled mornings.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS ABOUT BEING A MOM?

The lack of sleep really threw me for a loop this past year, but i think it's hardest to find grace in yourself in the midst of trying to do "all the things" 

HOW HAS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE CHANGED SINCE BECOMING A MOM?

YES. I've definitely been more bohemian inspired. I felt super matronly in all of my retro and classic dress silhouettes while losing the baby weight. So I've resonated with and been drawn to the headbands in my shop and flowy kimono-like layers. It hides the muffin top and still gives a fun silhouette! 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A "SOON TO BE" MOM?

I was told so many times to "sleep when the baby sleeps" but I am NOT a napper, so it was impossible for me. As long as the advice was solicited, I'd tell the "soon to be" mom to "soak it up." Soak up the tiny moments and soak up time with your husband. Soak up the giggle and soak up the time you're able to sit and rest. Soak up the quiet too, because it's about to get LOUD when that baby gets a little older! HA!

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES WITH YOUR CHILD SO FAR?

Oh gosh. Being able to stay at home with Knox has lent itself to So many memories. One of my favorite memories that is etched into my mind from this past year are all of the tickle fights and giggles before bed. Chase seems to be able to get Knox to giggle the BEST giggle and belly laugh and it's always nice to head into our bedtime routine with big smiles on our faces.

Thank you Kim! Baby Knox is simply beautiful. We love all your thoughts on being mama! 

XOXO

Gypsy Mama :: Miko Bowen

 This week we are all about celebrating moms!! We are excited to feature one of our favorite "Gypsy Mamas" miss Miko Bowen. Miko lives in Ogden Utah with her husband and her 6 beautiful kids. (yes...I said 6 kids)

We've asked Miko a few questions about motherhood...and after 6 kids, she knows her stuff! You can get to know Miko and her family on her brand new blog SIMPLE LIKE LOVE and please follow her on instagram @MIKOBOWEN  -that's where we first discovered her, and her feed is simply lovely. 

HOW MANY CHILDREN DO YOU HAVE, AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES/AGES? 

I have 6 kids! Taylor (18) Addison (17) Mathew (16) Aden (14) Liam (7) and Liliana (3)

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT BEING A MOM?

Watching my children succeed. It brings so much joy to my heart to see them conquer something, whether big or small. To see their genuine happiness and success is definitely something I love.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS ABOUT BEING A MOM? 

Oh, man. I'd say learning to let go of your expectations for your children and accepting and loving them for who they are. Before you become a parent, you think you know just how it's going to go. You may even criticize or look down on other parents with thoughts of "I'll never do that" or "That will never be me" but until you are there, in the crux of it all, you truly will never understand why we as parents, do the things we do. 

 HOW HAS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE CHANGED SINCE BECOMING A MOM?

I wouldn't say it's changed. I started my family so young that I've just tried to keep my style up along the way. My goal is to keep up with current trends no matter what age i am. So when you see me when I'm 80, don't be alarmed if I am still wearing my ripped jeans and parting my grey hair down the middle!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A "SOON TO BE" MOM?

Don't listen to anybody else but yourself! You are your child's ultimate gift, you know exactly what, when and how they need you. Trust your gut and relax. Everything will be just fine.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES WITH YOUR CHILDREN SO FAR? 

This is hard. I don't really have a favorite memory. Usually my absolute favorite moments are when all of my kids are home and we are just hanging out...usually in the kitchen while I cook. They chat and tell me about their day, and sometimes there's a little dance party mixed in!

My favorite moments are just the average ones, when we're all together. 

We LOVE all of Miko's thoughts on motherhood!! Thank you so much miss Miko...and we hope you are still blogging and instagramming your beautiful family when you are 80! Long grey hair and all! haha! 

Miko's shirt can be found HERE! and don't forget to enter our Mother's Day Giveaway HERE!

Gypsy Threads + Freshly Picked Mother's Day Giveaway!!

Around here, we know first hand that more often than not, mamas spend their money on their kids instead of themselves. We can't help it! It's in our nature to spoil our littles!

Well...we want to make it easy for one lucky gypsy mama! 

We've teamed up with Freshly Picked got a Mother's Day giveaway! 

Enter to win a $100 Gypsy Threads gift card for you, and a pair of Freshly Picked moccs for your little!

Find the details of how to enter on Instagram @gypsythreadsshoppe and for an extra entry leave a comment here on our blog!!

Happy Mother's Day!