In this year of blogging, when we’ve written about “the heavy stuff” we’ve been referencing furniture we haul from the dumpster or days we decide that an outfit with two statement necklaces is better than an outfit with one. We hesitated for a minute about sharing our newest project with you, because it’s heavy in a new sense. But that’s nonsense. You believe in us, and we believe in keepin’ it real. So here we go…
I got laid off this week. As you may know, I work at an ad agency. And like every other business, sometimes ad agencies have to make reductions. But unlike every other business, the agency I worked at is made up of people who set the standard when it comes to the brains in their heads and the kindness in their hearts. It’s the kind of place where the people who stayed were as hurt as those who left. And it probably would have been a lot easier if it was the kind of place where I had wanted to give unladylike hand gestures instead of hugs on my way out the door.
Now let’s please pause. If you’re giving your computer puppy dog eyes right now, Gwyneth would like to remind you that she’s the only one with a legitimate excuse. (And her excuse is that she’d like a treat.) You however, have no reason – we’ve got this!
Remember our DIY No-Sew Feather Dress? That started out as a boring old shift that we weren’t crazy about. Broken pieces of jewelry and scraps of trim came together as our DIY Tassel Necklace. Our Dumpster Dive Dresser? Well, that started out as busted piece of trash. And of course, the inspiration for all these projects and the reason we started blogging in the first place came from the best mistake we ever made – moving to New York. Maybe you could say we’re a case-study-in-the-making when it comes to taking what’s undesirable and turning it into something we love.
While we don’t know what this project’s “after” picture will look like, we’re pretty sure our formula works. Believing in the possibility, celebrating the ups, riding out the downs and using a little elbow grease hasn’t failed us yet! So stay tuned! As with all our DIYs, we’ll let you know how we turn this one into something we love.
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Some day, you’ll look back and know this was a good thing that happened to you, but it sucks to go through it. I will be praying for you.
Look at the example the inimitable Rhoda set for you. She’s turned the most sour of lemons into lemonade. I love love love your blog. Is there any way you can monetize it?
Yes! Rhoda is such an example! Thank you so much for your very sweet words about the blog and for your prayers! Gwyneth and I are excited to see how this one unfolds! Who knows if it will be blogging, writing or back to advertising?!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
https://ifbconsept12.eventbrite.com/?nomo=1
Sneak in!!!!!
You are so right! We can’t see the after yet! God has a plan for you as He does for each of us so just listen for that gentle nudging of your heart. He’ll tell you what to do next. Just don’t quit writing (unless God tells you to!)…I would miss you and Gwyneth!
Lynn in Raleigh
Lynn in Raleigh, thank you for your encouragement! Don’t worry, we won’t quit writing; in fact, we’ll probably be writing more! Gwyneth and I just hope ya’ll don’t get sick of us!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Best wishes!! I’m sure you will land on your feet, exactly where you’re supposed to be!
So sweet! Thank you!
xoxo,
mk & Gwyneth
You are such an amazing young woman, Meredith! I am so sorry for this unfortunate downturn but I will be praying for you and I know that there are many, many good things ahead for you. I would love it if you would get advertisers and find other ways to use your blog contacts to make a living. Your blog is ADORABLE and I can’t go a day without my Meredith & Gwyneth fix. I know there are a great many of us out here who feel this way. Believing in the power of possibility is a fabulous first step into all of your tomorrows! And we are with you every step of the way! We are sending hugs and hope your way from Dallas!
Wow, Vickie, you are too much! What a sweet comment! Thank you for your unflagging support of us and our blog!! Big hugs and lots of hope right back ‘atcha!
xoxo,
mk & Gwyneth
Bummer… but, I feel for the company who have lost such an amazing person!!
Keep on, steady and positive M. Amazing things will unfold for you. Forward!
Love, love your blog too!!
Yes, forward! Thank you! We’re so happy you’re following along on our adventures!!
xoxo,
mk & Gwyneth
Aww…so sorry to hear that. However, I’m a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. Better things lie ahead for you. You are so creative and thoughtful that you will be back at in no time. This is merely a detour not a roadblock. If anyone can do it, it’s you!
Best Wishes Always,
M.
Thank you, M! Big hugs from NYC!
xoxo,
mk & Gwyneth
Well, I think you are so talented. You could design jewelry, clothing, furniture, and where else but in New York. Blessings to you.
Dori
Ya’ll are making our day! Thank you for your sweet comment – we think you are so kind!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Hi… Best wishes in your transition. I have really enjoyed your blog!
Yay! We’re so thrilled your enjoying it! THANK YOU!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Rhoda from Southern Hospitaltiy introduced me to your blog and I absolutely fell in love with it. This economy is effecting us all in different ways. Best of luck and keep on blogging.
Hi Sharon! Welcome and thank you for reading! (Isn’t Rhoda the very best and a total inspiration?!?) We are so glad you’re having fun following our adventures, and we are so grateful for your support! Don’t worry – there’s a lot more Dumpster Diving, DIY-ing and blogging in our future! Thank you again! We’re so glad you’re here!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
So sorry to hear that. I’m sure something good is waiting right around the corner for you – best of luck
Thank you, Natalie! We appreciate it! You are so sweet to stop and comment – this thread is making our days pretty awesome!
xoxo,
mk & Little G
Meredith!
My mom Amy Woods told me about your blog a few weeks ago and since then it is always a topic in our conversation throughout the day. I am her only 21 year old daughter and we love just talking about different blogs that we find…well that she mostly finds because I barely have enough time to read my email between school and work. This morning I came downstairs to get ready to leave she looked at me with this concerning look and said “Crista guess what” my reply was “ohh what mother” …..her reply to me was ” Meredith and Gwyneth got laid off from their job”. A bit perplexex seeing as it was only 7:30am ..I finally realized what she was saying and have had you on my mind all day. As a person pursuing and having a job in Human Resource Management I just want to tell you to keep the prayers and positives thoughts coming because the right job is not that far away! In the mean time don’t stop writing because if I can’t make it to the blog everyday my mom sure does and she loves reading and telling me about it!
Hope you land that dream job very soon!
Crista and Amy! You ladies sure know how to make a gal and her Yorkie feel good. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this incredibly sweet and encouraging comment. We cannot tell you how much it means that ya’ll are reading our blog (and first thing in the morning?!?) and that ya’ll had us on your hearts and minds when you saw our news. THIS and all the other amazing support we’ve gotten through this blog are what keep our outlook sunny, so THANK YOU. And don’t worry – we won’t stop writing! We’ll keep you posted with how things develop. Big hugs and kisses from your friends NYC!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
I’m so sorry to hear this! I know really great things will happen for you! You are SO talented. This is only a door closing so a window can open somewhere else. I’ll be praying for you, and I’m excited to see the wonderful things God has up his sleeve for both of you!
Thanks, Beth! We can’t wait to find out what goodness is in store! You’ll be the first to know!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Hi Meredith and Gwyneth. We met at Blogher, and you were delightful. Love your blog–I really think it’s going continue to gain momentum. (We must have been in that Video seminar for a reason, no? So many great ideas!) When all else fails, remember this quote: “Leap, and the net will appear.”
Yes! Loved meeting you, and told Gwyneth all about your pet iguana! (She sends her regards!) Thank you so much for the compliment and the well wishes! And love that quote – thank you for sharing! So glad you stopped by – you made our night!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Oops, meant to write, “going *to* continue to gain momentum.” It’s late–must be time for bed.
So sorry to hear this news, friend
But if there’s one thing I learned about you through the blog and our brief time together in NYC — you’re strong, determined and optimistic. Go gett’em girlfriend and give Gwyneth an extra treat 
HUGS!!
Kelly, I can’t tell you how glad I got to meet you when you were in NYC! (Gwyneth is so jealous.) You are a true friend – thank you for being an immediate and awesome source of support and blogging inspiration! We love you! Will definitely give Gwyneth extra hugs and treats today and tell her they’re from you!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
So sorry to hear this, but thankful you are taking a positive approach to a negative situation. Found your blog through Rhoda’s southern hospitality blog! I love your posts! Will be praying that God opens doors for you and of course your pooch!
Courtney, thank you! Big hugs and kisses from both of us!
xoxo,
mk & Gwyneth
So sorry to hear about the layoff. But you are young, very talented and live in NYC so I am sure great opportunities will come your way! Keep up the positive attitude, it will move you forward in all you do.
It’s comments like this that keep the positive attitude up! Thank you, Diane!
xoxo,
mk & Gwyneth
I know it sounds cliche, but I have found that everything happens for a reason. You will be fine, better than fine in the end.
BTW I live in Chapel Hill and have two yorkies. Love your blog!
Chapel Hill and 2 Yorkies – does it get any better?!? Thank you so much for the encouragement! We believe that everything happens for a reason too and can’t wait to see (and share) what’s next! Have a fabulous day, Jill!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
I’ve been there (more than once) and believe you me it always gets better. And you have an amazing talent for DIY, decor, and blogging. I know it’s tough in NYC to be laid off and you might have to cut back on the shopping, cabs, and boozy brunches for a bit you’ll come out on the other end with something amazing! Best of luck to you.
Ps. You might be happy to know while I was totally skewed because of you I picked up (with a stranger’s help) a cute lil cabinet from the curb of the building next time mine.
And while one drawer was broke and i might have to return it to the curb. I feel like curb shopping and DIY’ing is in my future.
What a compliment – thank you! And you are right – we’re definitely cutting back! We know it’s a little “Oprah,” but we do think that working with what you’ve got makes you appreciate it all the more. So not a bad thing. Plus, the shopping will still be there! Thank you so much for stopping by and for your encouragement, Jessica!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
I noticed your posts weren’t showing up on my blogroll and had to pop over and see why! So bummed for you, sweet friend! You are such a positive go-getter, I’m 100% confident you will have your foot in the door to wonderful opportunities in no time. You have such a talent for blogging, fashion, diy and design, if you could share it further in some way it would surely be a huge success! Can’t wait to see your ‘reveal!’
Pam, you are such a sweet friend! Thank you for your constant encouragement! (And for letting us know we’re not showing up in your blogroll! We just moved from Blogger to WordPress, so good to know we need to figure that out pronto!)
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
I am so sorry! You are so incredibly talented and a gifted writer for sure. I adore your blog and perhaps, there is a way to make money from it?! I am absolutely certain that while this door closed, another big one is opening just for YOU!
Sending thoughts, prayers and a big hug!
Talia, bug hugs back to you! Such a kind and thoughtful comment – thank you! I would love to see where the blog can go (and I know Gwyneth would love it if I worked from home!) So we’ll see. Will be a fun and interesting ride figuring out what’s next for us! Thank you again – the support we’ve gotten from you and all our other readers has truly been the very shiny silver lining on all of this!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie