ABOUT THIS GIRL


Hi and welcome! I am Shush, aka Michelle, lover of all things related to design, organizing, staging, accessorizing, and DIY'ing. I have been a high school PE/Health teacher for 9 years and about 6 years ago I started a small side gig helping others transform their spaces.  First off, I want to THANK all of those lovely people for allowing me to do what I love and trusting me with their homes.  Being able to help people create warm, cozy, organized, functional spaces for their homes is my PASSION.  If I didn't need the extra moolah in the summer I would be doing this for free.  Yes my friends, I would do it for free and mostly for the satisfaction of seeing the smiles on your faces. It's even more exciting when it is a surprise makeover....OH HOW I love surprises!   



I am sure you are wondering ....why the name SHUSH?  Well being a "Michelle" I always had a ton of nicknames growing up: Michelle la Belle, Meesh, Meeshell, Shell, Shellbell, Shabell, Shelbs, Shelly, and the worst one... Mitchell(sorry Mr. Heisman...LOL). So my dad used to sing this tune all the time to me, "They call me Shushnabellaaaa...that's right" kind of like the mellow yellow song , "They call me mellow yellow." If you've never heard it click here. So after years of hearing him sing that the name never stuck until I got to college. A couple of my college field hockey teammates got a hold of that name and it stuck ever since.  My own Mom even calls me Shush now.  I know it's crazy but nicknames are so much fun and that is why I couldn't resist putting it in the title of my blog.  

I am the proud owner of about 25 pairs of sneakers (duh...PE teachers have to have kicks to match every outfit).  I LOVE working with teenagers, SHOCKING I know, but you would be surprised at how much they brighten your day.  I am also a proud aunt of 4 nieces and 2 nephews. I live for these kids! They love my nickname as well.  
I am Aunt SHUSHY to them! 



I began this blog because I realized life is short and you have to appreciate every minute of every day.   I know if I died today that I would be rolling over in my grave saying "Damn it! I never became famous I wish I would have done more with my passion for decorating." 

 I had my first and only child on July 13, 2012.  Unfortunately, I learned real fast how short life can be. Micah Dylan Turner spent 48 amazing days with us before she flew back to heaven.  She was born with a rare muscle disease called nemaline myopathy.  She changed my life in ways that words cannot describe.  To read about her amazing story click here.  She taught me how to live for today and to be strong even when you think you've lost everything.  I am so happy she led me exactly where I am today, on here giving you fine people some great decorating advice. 

                                                     Here is my Micah Girl at 6 weeks old....

  




I miss my daughter more than anything and she has taught me to appreciate every day that is given to me.  I also learned through the grieving process that FITNESS is my new ANTI-DEPRESSANT.  After my daughter passed I needed a goal. I needed something to look forward to so I started training for a mud run that I had planned to do in honor of her on her birthday...how PERFECT right?!? So the training began and  I started going to bootcamp classes  to get in shape and before I knew it I had adopted the paleo/primal lifestyle, thanks to my two amazing trainers. I dropped 30lbs in 7 months.  I wasn't even trying to drop weight I was just focusing on my goal.  Funny how life happens that way.  I owe all of that weight loss to my nutrition.  I cut out the sugar and the processed foods and the weight just melted away. I sleep better, I have clearer skin, no more headaches, regular bathroom visits ;) and most of all I wake up every morning get out of bed and LOVE what I see. There were days where getting out of bed felt like the most daunting task and exercise has given me my life back. Well... I guess I should say "I" have given myself life again. GO ME!!!!! 

  Check out my progress shots...

 

In the process I decided to become a "yes" girl and say yes to anything that I would normally say no to. First one was the Kenny Chesney concert.  I am not a big drinker so I usually don't enjoy concerts and a bunch of drunk people but I went and I had a blast. 
Then I said yes to my sister inviting me to OCMD for the week.  I walked freely in a bikini and actually enjoyed my time on the beach without worrying about what I looked like.  It was so freeing. 


Next stop was a color run in NYC. It was a blast. Check out our team name...


Before I knew it, it was JULY 13, 2013.  My daughter's 1st birthday and the day of the mud run.  The support was OVERWHELMING to say the least.  I even had people posting pics on facebook of them wearing the t-shirt that day even though they weren't participating in the run.  This day meant so much to me. It warms my heart to look back at these memories. 


We wore pink because Micah looked FAB in any pink color.  She was all girl, even though the ultrasound lied and told me I was having a boy at my 18 mo appt.
#nevertrustanultrasound
#Iamstillreturningboyclothes  


Me and my 3 siblings <3


We all heart Micah


My two trainers who I adore


And one of my favorite pics is this one because these are all of Micah's nurses from CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
I was so honored to have them run with us in honor of Micah on her birthday.  
What a year it has been =)


    I know I am making her proud by just waking up each and every day, setting goals and accomplishing them. I will continue doing what I love for Micah <3, which is being a "yes" girl, writing this blog and sharing my passion for design.  Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope I can inspire and motivate you to follow your dreams and live life to the fullest.  We are all not guaranteed tomorrow so let's live for today and in the meantime make your home a place you want to be. 

To see my latest projects click here












23 comments:

  1. Your daughter was and is a BEAUTIFUL ANGEL!!!! Sorry for your loss. Your blog is amazing and I can't wait to see it grow! You deserve the best =)

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  2. HI there! I just found your blog through iheartorganizing and reading your story brought me to tears. Your baby girl was beautiful. I am in awe of your strength and your willingness to share your story. Your blog is wonderful and I am happy to follow along.

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    1. Thanks Jessica! You are so sweet for stopping by. Micah has touched SOOOO many lives. We have been receiving cards/emails {even from strangers} almost every day since she's passed. She is motivating me to follow my dream and I trying to pay it forward here on this blog. Please share with your friends...this is my ticket to HAPPINESS =)

      You ROCK girl! Have a great day...

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  3. Hey there! Found your blog via Jen over at IHeart Organizing! I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet, precious daughter. You have one beautiful angel looking over you. <3

    I'm so excited to be your newest follower & follow along on your journey!

    xoxo
    Amy

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    1. Thanks Amy! She certainly was an angel that touched down for an amazing visit. I am so blessed to her Mommy foreverrrrrrrrr!

      I just checked out your blog. Your family is A....dorable =)

      Thanks for stopping by =)

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  4. Hi! I also found your blog through I heart organizing, and have read every post already. :) I followed your link to the blog about Micah and cried my heart out at your video. I'm so touched by how gracefully you have handled the brief time you had with your little girl.

    Looking forward to reading future blog posts!

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    1. Thanks Lindsey! It was def the hardest thing I've ever been through and I'm only 30yrs old ....WTF right?!?!? I hope God gives me an easy ride here on out...doubt it tho....he knows I am a FIGHTER just like Micah girl =)

      Thanks for check my blog out! I hope you stick around =)

      xo
      Shush girl

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    2. *checking....grrrr I hate typos #psychoperfectionist...lol

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  5. Hi Michelle! I'm also stopping by from iheartorganizing! In September I lost my sister, brother-in-law, and 3 nephews. It's amazing at how much we learn about ourselves in times of tragedy. I will definitely be sticking around here with you!

    -Monica

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    1. UGHHHH...I'm so sorry Monica! I just HATE hearing about someone else in pain. I'll pray for you and your whole fam!

      Ughhhh just can't believe your loss!

      Xoxoxo
      Shush girl

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  6. Hello,
    I can not even imagine what you are going through! We recently lost a baby in my 17th week of pregnancy. I delivered a boy, my angel Michael. It is hard to understand why we go through these things, but God has an amazing plan for our lives. Thank you so much for sharing your story, you are an inspiration!

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    1. I'm so sorry you had to go through that! Michael is an awesome name =) he and Micah are hanging out up there together watching us chat! Have you read the book "heaven is for real". If NOT you def need to get that book from amazon and read it ASAP! It's awesome!

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    2. I was just watching your video crying my eyes out thinking I hope our babies are playing together! They passed away only a few weeks apart:( I did read the book as soon as I got home from the hospital. I was on bed rest due to blood loss during delivery, so I had plenty of time to read, cry and be sad! Everyday brings a new emotion that is for sure! Stay strong and hopefully this is not the end of your beautiful story!

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  7. Hello! I also found your blog through I heart organizing and immediately was inspired. You are amazing! So glad that Jen featured your blog today :)Thank you
    Faith

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    1. ME TOO!!!! Thanks so much for writing.

      Check ya later
      Shush girl

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  8. Hi Michelle, I too found your blog through iheartorganizing and already added you to my daily read list. :) I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. As a mother of two I can't even imagine the pain you and your husband might have gone through. I am happy to see that you have overcome the pain and accepted God's way gracefully. I wish you the best and will follow your blog to get inspired all the time!

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    1. Thanks Gina! We both just put one foot in front of the other and float through our days. Thanks so much for your kind words. They mean a lot! Congrats on your two little miracles....that is exactly what they are!!!! You are truly blessed.

      Thanks again
      Michelle

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  9. Hi Michelle,
    A Jersey girl that found my way over from Jen's blog also - I love your voice! Having lost my precious 5 year old angel of a niece this year, my heart goes out to you and to your husband and family. Be so very blessed and know that you pay Micah such homage through your words - such a beautiful, sweet angel in her pictures. Thank you for sharing her with us. I look forward to following your blog!

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  10. Kay,
    I am SO SO sorry about your niece. I can't even imagine losing one of my nieces...DEVASTATING! My heart goes out to your sister or brother and your whole family.

    Glad you are sticking around to read my blog. That makes everything WORTH IT!

    xo
    Michelle

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  11. Hi there... I also found you from iheart.(now yours is my new fav btw) Your story was so touching... I found myself glued to the computer, going through your awesome posts, and landing upon this one. It's like a great book that you can't put down.... It's not over the top like some others, Just very down to earth and fabolous:) And you have so much talent! God Bless you for having such a good attitude that shines through your writing- having gone through something so difficult. She is/was beautiful <3

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  12. You are such an AMAZING woman!

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  13. I hi Michelle I am so sorry for your loss of your daughter. We lost our 36 year old daughter in an auto accident. It’s amazing I found your story while trying to figure out decorating my house. My daughter always helped me with this. If you feel you want to reach out to me send me an email to vbowdoin@comcast.net My husband and I are involved in compassionate friends which helps us

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