a thanksgiving giveaway.

Published on by Quandie

I have so much to be thankful for this year, but I’m sure you all know what tops the list.

courthouse group

I’m so thankful to have my sister Debbie and my niece Kris living here in Minnesota!  I honestly can’t even remember the last time I spent a Thanksgiving with them.  But I do have one very vivid Thanksgiving memory.  The year was 1986.  I was living in South Carolina with my parents and the three of us drove up to New Jersey for Thanksgiving.  At the time, Debbie was pregnant with Kris.  She was very, very pregnant, yet she put on a huge Thanksgiving dinner at her house for both sides of the family.  I still clearly remember getting up the next morning and finding Debbie cleaning up the kitchen.  She made a comment to me about how she thought maybe she was going into labor.  She said it so matter of fact-ly.  My only experiences with child birth were what I’d seen on TV, so I was pretty sure she should have been writhing in pain and rushing around to find her overnight bag and speed off to the hospital.  But no, she was very calm.  Several hours later, sure enough, she and Kris’ dad went off to the hospital where she gave birth to my niece.  It was pretty fabulous timing since it meant that my parents and I were there to greet the new addition to our family!  I’m pretty sure this Thanksgiving won’t be quite as eventful, but I’m very happy to be spending it with family.

In addition to Thanksgiving, I have one more thing to celebrate today.  It’s my blogiversary!  How appropriate that it should fall on Thanksgiving Day this year.  I’m so thankful for all of you who read my blog and occasionally take the time to leave a comment or two (or many!).  I’ve been blogging for two years now, but it weirdly feels longer.  It’s strange to look back at some of my earlier posts and to see how much my blogging style has changed.  And it’s hard to believe it was only two years ago!

As a way of showing my gratitude to all of you who follow q is for quandie and to celebrate my two year blogiversary, I’ve decided to host a Thanksgiving Giveaway!

giveaway

Here’s what is included:  the November Jeanne d’ Arc Living magazine, a bag of MMS milk paint in Bergere, a jar of Fusion’s Mathew Mead Studio Metallics in Bronze …

giveaway paint

Some Miss Mustard Seed brush soap (I swear by this stuff!) and a pretty vintage glass …

giveaway soap

A lovely vintage soup bowl that just wants you to believe …

giveaway bowl

And because I want the whole box to smell fabulous when it arrives at your door, I am also throwing in a bar of Thymes Frasier Fir soap.  This stuff smells amazing.

giveaway soap 2

All you have to do to enter your name in the drawing is leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite part of q is for quandie is.  Are you a fan of chippy pieces painted in milk paint?

rooster cupboard

Or maybe you love just seeing the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pics.

french dresser before and after

Are the garage sale ‘find of the day’ posts your fave?

cameras

Or perhaps you really enjoy the gardening posts.

plant a garden

Do you get inspired by the room make-overs the most?

q branch carpet

Or maybe you love the quick and easy makeovers like these stenciled buckets?

stenciled buckets

Whatever it may be, leave a comment and your name goes in the hat for the giveaway!  You have until Sunday, November 29 at 6 pm to get your comment in.  The winner will be announced on Monday.

Mr. Q and I are off now to pick up Debbie and Kris and head out to my in-laws for Thanksgiving.  This year we’ll have quite the feast since my sister is adding 4 dishes to the mix.  I’m bringing my favorite sweet potato casserole (shared here last year).  I’m also bringing my camera because I want to get some pics of my father-in-law’s amazing workshop to share with you guys, so check back next week!

173 thoughts on “a thanksgiving giveaway.”

  3. I am thankful I found your blog! Love your style and all your great ideas. The before and afters are my favorite! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  6. I really love how you take a diamond in the rough and make it shine! The decorating before and after are a favorite too. Heck, I like everything you blog about including travel. It’s a great giveaway. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. 🦃

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    1. Oh! I didn’t even think about the travel posts! Thanks for mentioning that Paula. I need to plan another trip soon, but even travel to Europe seems a little dicey these days. I’ll probably be sticking around home for a while. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well!

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  7. Pick a favorite thing about Q is for Quandie? Impossible! Everything is just so fab!! No matter the post, your humorous personality shines through. Thanks!!

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  10. I do love the before/after shots of anything as I too love to redo something that has been kicked to the curb as a lost cause. I am passionate about painted furniture and enjoy seeing new and unique ideas for making a piece work with existing decor. I also enjoy reading what your neighbor does to the furniture before you take charge.

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    1. That’s good to know, thanks for mentioning that in your comment. I’m never sure if people are bored by those details (about fixing things) or if they like learning about how to fix stuff. So I’ll be sure to keep including those details! Good luck in the drawing!

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    1. I’m really glad people like the before and afters, since that is my ‘bread and butter’ so to speak. You should try it some time, it is addicting! Once you see how much fun it is to transform a piece of furniture you want to just keep doing it.

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  12. Very difficult to choose my favorite of your wonderful blog. Before and After shots stand out but I love and appreciate all of what you have to offer. We are kindred spirits.

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  13. Your blog is my favorite. You are so generous with your ideas and giveaways!

    I live for the before and after posts. Your “after” furniture is always so gorgeous and inspiring!

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  14. Happy Thanksgiving! I love everything you write in your blog. But I think I really love your blogs about your adventures with your sister and niece. And of course Mr. Q!!!

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    1. Happy Thanksgiving Donna! I do always think about you when I share my sister stories. I hope all is going well with your sister and you are able to give thanks for that today.

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  15. Before and after, garage sale finds, room make overs , probably something else but can’t remember unless I scroll back up AGAIN…

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  16. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and family! The one thing that gets me every time are the checkered floors! I have those floors in my bedroom! I do love the before and afters!
    Smiles, alice

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    1. Nice choice Alice! I do love the checkered floors myself. I have three of them … the photo cottage, the front porch and the kitchen. I’ve debated painting the guest room floor too. How does the painted floor hold up in a bedroom?

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  17. I love all of your blog, but if I had to choose something that was a favorite, it would definitely be the before and afters of the painted furniture. I absolutely love the pieces and wish I lived closer so I could snag some of them. Thank you for all the inspiration your blog provides!

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  18. Happy Thanksgiving Linda! My favorite part? Well, finding you as a friend first of all. It’s so hard to choose because it’s all inspiring and I like the variety of posts. It’s always fresh, so I appreciate that. You know I love a good find, so the garage sale posts are pretty great! Have a wonderful day celebrating with family. I’m so happy you get to have Debbie and Kris nearby, that’s very special. What a Thanksgiving story too! Happy Birthday to Kris tomorrow!

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    1. Thanks Meggan! And thanks again for your guest post! I’m definitely thinking about a permanent ‘column’ for you here on the blog. We need a good name for it!

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  19. Honestly I could not pick just one thing, because I love your before and after, gardening tips and ideas, oh I love it all!!! We have such a similar style that I enjoy every post and look forward to it each day. Thank you for always inspiring and for the giveaway. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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    1. I’m happy to find that readers like the variety. I enjoy including lots of different things rather than just all furniture makeovers. Best of luck in the drawing Wendy!

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  20. I love the before and afters, but especially love seeing how you style the after photos! You have such an eye for it and your props are always so charming! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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  21. What a beautiful way to spend Thanksgiving. So happy you will have your sister and your niece with you for celebrating this year. I am happy to hear you will take pictures can’t wait to see your dad’s work shop. This is such a beautiful giveaway. So many wonderful treasures. Thank you for a chance. With my name the same as your niece I hope that will bring me some extra luck!!!! Have a wonderful day today. Enjoy all the day brings.
    Kris

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  23. Happy Thanksgiving! I especially love your chippy, milk paint re-do’s. I’m a neutral, white-painted furniture person, so I love to see the variety of colors you use and other new products you try. I’m thankful for running across your blog and finding much inspiration in every read.

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    1. I used to be an all white sort of girl myself, but since working with many of the gorgeous Miss Mustard colors I’ve become a big fan of color. That being said, I still love to go back to my roots now and then and paint something white. Good luck in the drawing Kristy!

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  24. Happy Thanksgiving, have a wonderful time with all your family! I love all your transformations, you really have a gift for turning ugly ducklings into swans. keep doing what you do so well!
    Janet

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  26. I truly cannot pick one favorite as I love them all! Okay, I lied, my favorite posts are ones with your sister involved. I am so happy that she and your niece now live so close. My sister lives so far away, so I know what it means to miss her, like you missed Debbie.
    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and I can’t wait to see next week’s posts!

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    1. In previous years I would call my sister and we would chat on speaker phone while we each were cooking our various dishes for Thanksgiving. This year we actually get to share the dishes in person! I still have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. Happy Thanksgiving Barb!

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  27. Happy Thanksgiving and Blog Anniversary! I love your style and look forward to reading all of your posts. My favorites…I’m torn. The room makeovers are fab; I love the furniture before and afters, and your garden posts inspire me and my own Minnesota yard.
    Enjoy the holiday with your family!!

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    1. I’m glad to hear that you enjoy the gardening posts. I need to add more of them next year. I’m sitting here watching the snow fall and knowing that soon the gardens will be all covered up for winter. I always appreciate this break from gardening and being able to start fresh again in the spring. I think I would have a hard time being a southern gardener who has to work at it all year round, how about you?

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      1. Absolutely! By late summer, my yard has had it! I’m not much of a gardener but hope to improve on it. I always admire a beautiful yard!

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    1. Thank you Mary! Of course I totally admire your blog and your furniture transformations as well, so I feel like this is high praise indeed 🙂 Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

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  30. First of all I like your writing style, and enjoy reading The posts on all topics.
    My favorite posts are the before n afters. I am working on improving my photography skills so your posts are inspirational in that way. Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thanks Terri! I am always working on my photography skills too. I’m getting a new tripod soon, so hoping that will help me get sharper inside photos. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

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  31. My days are crazy busy. Hectic cannot even begin to explain my life. Between 16 hour work days and family life-there is very little me time. Some people get massages or pedis to relax, Me-I get my Quandie fix. Your posts are inspiring and the work you do amazing. I so envy creative talent and the ability to execute on it. You see beauty in the wall flower, the cast away, and the forgotten. From plain Jane to beautiful swan, your pieces always find new life and the chance to shine once more. I should know as many of your pieces are beloved treasures in my home!

    If only for a momentary escape,I look forward to reading about your adventures and in seeing your artistry each chance I get!

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    1. What a lovely comment Jen! Thank you so much! I am glad I can provide a respite from your hectic lifestyle 😉 And for those of you reading, the ‘before and after’ dresser that I included in this post is one of Jen’s pieces. I loved working on that one, it was so beautiful.

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  32. I like the traveling posts best but have fun reading all of it. Of course I am in most of the traveling ones and it brings back memories. We love living in Minn and being so close to my sister and brother in law. We get together at least twice a week or more, especially when we make to our Zumba classes. The thing I remember most about that 1986 Thanksgiving besides Kris’s birth was that I didn’t get to go Black Friday shopping with Linda and our mom. Thanks for all the holiday best wishes and a Happy Thanksgiving go all.

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  34. I love every part of your blog but what makes me smile when I see a new post from you in my email is your joy! No matter what you are sharing, your joy in life shines through. In a world full of negativity, I am always drawn to people who show joy in the little things. Thank you for sharing your joy in all you do.

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    1. Oh my gosh Jan, that is the nicest compliment! Thank you so much for that, you have made my day! I am a big believer in the idea that whatever you put out there is what gets reflected back at you, so I’m glad I am projecting some joy your way.

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  35. I love your *finds* and what you do with them to customize. Also love your furniture redos. You have a lovely blog that I always look forward to.

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  36. My favorite part of the blog is the furniture transformations! They are very inspiring. I enjoyed your furniture painting class last February. Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  37. I really enjoy all of your posts but the before and after would probably be my favorite. I especially love those pieces you do on black colors. For whatever reason they always look fantastic!

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  38. Happy blog anniversary! I suppose your painted furniture rescues are my favorite. But a close second are the after photos. Your selection of props and styling abilities are amazing. I honestly enjoy it all. I am thankful I was fortunate enough to find your blog.
    Happy Turkey Day to you and yours.

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  39. Linda, first a big Thank You for the inspiration. The blog is what I like best, I mean everything you paint and upcycle is so fun. If I had to choose, it might be the ‘garage sale finds’ that you add to and make into something that fits in with today’s decor. I have gotten so many good ideas out of your posts! Have fun with family today and I know exactly what you mean about being close. I moved to Dallas about 17 years ago and the big draw was that my oldest sister lived here.

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    1. You’re welcome Laura! I’m glad you mentioned the garage sale finds, I do love a good garage sale find myself. Hope you’re spending today with your big sis like I am!

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  40. …well there you have it, offer a freebie and we all come out of the woodwork, right? With all the email crapola, Internet overload, and way too busy lives we all have, your blog is a few minutes we can each take to escape into an awesome new piece of furniture staged in the midst of fab vintage collectibles in a beautiful setting of greenery outside or in either way. And then we go on with life for the day. Such a dot in time but our weekly ‘Q’ bloggersize routine is important to us all. It ALL adds up to a great mental workout! Eat a lot today, enjoy the people you love and be grateful! …just my thought!

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  41. I love it all! I used to have an antique booth and miss it so your furniture transformations and fun finds give me a piece of what I miss! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy bloggiversary! karen….

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  42. Happy blogiversary! I am fairly new to this site and love every bit of it! I think that you are a very talented woman. I look forward to reading all of your blogs in the future! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with the rest of us. You are truly blessed! Happy Thanksgiving! Monica Gray

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    1. Welcome to the blog Monica! I’m happy to get new readers! Thank you so much for the compliment. I hope you’ll keep reading and enjoying the Q. Best of luck in the drawing!

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  43. Happy Thanksgiving! My favorite thing about your blog is the before and after. I also love your garage sale posts. I really like it all! Hard to pick.
    Blessings

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  44. I love everything about your site..there are some days that I cringe when I see a picture of a beautiful piece of furniture and yell at my computer..don’t do it, don’t paint it! but the after pic has me swooning..you are amazing at what you do..just wish I lived closer so I can pick some of these beauties up and show case it in my home 🙂

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    1. I do occasionally see pieces that shouldn’t be painted, or should be stripped and refinished instead. I have to tell you, sometimes I see pieces for sale on Craigslist and I purposely don’t buy them because I don’t think they should be painted. So I get where you are coming from. I try to stick with pieces that are too damaged to salvage in any other way, usually with damage veneer. So I hope I don’t make you cringe too often 😉 Mostly you swoon, right? LOL. Thanks for you comment Ginette!

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  45. I love everything about your blog! Having been to your carriage house sales (which I wouldn’t miss, even if I was in labor), I feel like your blogs are like a letter from an old friend. I always read them first. Thank you for all your fun posts!

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  46. I love your staging for your painted pieces and your “straight on” shots in your B/A pics. And the fact you’re in Minnesota (mom was born & grew up in MN and I went to the U for grad school) makes me love you more.

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  47. I enjoy many things about your blog, but I really love the before and after photos of the furniture pieces you restore. You are so talented, Q. , and I enjoy reading your blog.

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  48. Happy Blogiversary.
    I always enjoy reading your blog, the furniture painting, the unique finds, the quick make-overs, the rooms, etc. Your ‘after’ photos are great, no matter what the project was. I like your outlook on life and love your sense of humour and I’m happy you have such great neighbours and that you have your sister and niece so close by.
    P.S. I’m not commenting because of the give away (although I would love to get an awesome present like that) as I’m too far away… 😉
    Oh, and a Happy Thanksgiving…

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      2. Yes, I suppose it does. Mr. Q suggests that if you win we just hand deliver the prize. Lots of direct flights from Minneapolis to Amsterdam 😉

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  49. More than anything I really enjoyed your finished & staged photos. You have such a knack for selecting just the right things to show the finished pieces at their best.
    Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

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