Back in 2013 I had this crazy idea to start a blog. A friend of mine had a blog at the time, and I thought it would be a great way to sell some of my painted furniture.
I remember thinking back then that it probably wouldn’t last for more than a few years, five years tops. After all, let’s face it, most blogs come and go.
On my three year blogiversary, I took some time to reflect on whether or not I felt that my blog was a success. By year three I hadn’t really met my goal of selling my furniture via my blog. Sure, I occasionally sold a piece to a reader, but that was more the exception than the rule. I was still mainly relying on Craigslist for furniture sales.
But I still kept going. As it turned out, I really just loved blogging for the sake of blogging. I loved the writing and the photography that goes into creating a blog post, and I also loved revamping vintage things to give them a new life and then sharing those projects with all of you. And I still do.
And here I am, seven years in and I only just recently realized that these days I actually am selling quite a few pieces via the blog. It happened so gradually over time that I didn’t even notice it. So, yes, it took nearly 7 years to meet my original goal for my blog. However, along the way, I realized that my original goal didn’t really even matter.
But what I’ve also realized over time is that I don’t necessarily love all aspects of social media. For example, I really don’t like the inevitable tendency to compare myself to others. There are so many bloggers out there who are more talented, more prolific, more popular, more creative and overall way more successful than I am. I often feel like I’m always running to try and catch up with the competition.
I also don’t like the constant pressure to do more. Add Instagram, add Facebook Live posts, add TikTok, add YouTube videos, increase your number of followers. All of which matters not one bit to me.
Recently Dixie Belle Paint Co contacted me and wanted to know what my social media goals were for 2021. Uh. Well. Honestly? I don’t have any. I suspect that means I’m not going to be invited back as a Dixie Belle Content Creator in 2021.
So here I am after seven years wondering where to go from here.
As you all know, I have a full-time day job. I also want to resume having a social life after this COVID thing is over. So I have to pick and choose the things I spend my time on wisely. I’ve realized that I need to re-focus on what I enjoy and ignore all of the other stuff.
In other words, don’t expect to see me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube or any of the other various social media platforms out there. And don’t expect to see my number of followers growing in leaps and bounds, because that’s unlikely to happen if I’m not playing the social media game.
But you can expect to see me continuing to provide what I hope is good content right here on my blog. Going forward I am planning to focus a little more on that and let all of the other social media stuff go. I’m going to take a little bit of a furniture break over the next month so that I can relax a bit and enjoy the holidays, but I plan to bring you some awesome furniture makeovers in 2021.
In the meantime, that brings me to my blogiversary giveaway!
Before Dixie Belle gives me the boot, I’ve ordered up some of my favorite products to give away. This prize includes 16 oz. of each of my two favorite neutrals.
Midnight Sky …
and Drop Cloth …
I’ve also included 16 oz. each of my two favorite holiday colors, Honky Tonk Red and Evergreen.
To top things off I’ve included a 10 oz. clear wax and an 8 oz. Easy Peasy Spray Wax.
Thank you to Dixie Belle for sponsoring this giveaway by providing the products, and thank you to all of you for continuing to support my blog by leaving comments, following me, or just plain checking out what I have to say every now and then!
The rules: to be eligible to win today’s prize I’m going to ask you to do me a favor. Please leave a comment on this blog post telling me what kind of content you enjoy seeing most on my blog. Are you just here for the furniture makeovers? Or do you enjoy seeing the smaller projects as well? Maybe you like the travel posts? Or the gardening posts? How about the garage sale finds posts? Or the thrift store hauls?
Your comment must be left on this blog post, not on Facebook or Instagram. You are not required to follow my blog, although it would be awesome if you did!
I will randomly draw the name of a winner for today’s prize from all of the comments left on this post by Friday, December 4, 2020 at the stroke of midnight (U.S. Central time).
The fine print: no purchase necessary, you must be 18 years of age or older to win, void where prohibited by law, the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning, approximate retail value of prize is $150, if the prize is not claimed by Friday, December 11, 2020 another name will be drawn at random to win, blah, blah, blah.
Good luck!
q is for quandie 
Congratulations on you blog anniversary! Your post are always so beautiful. I especially love your furniture makeovers, thrifting finds, and when you share a glimpse of your lovely home / carriage house and gardens. I’d love to see more of your window box and planters…they’re so creative and inspiring.
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I’m with you. Enjoy the parts you like and don’t worry about the other stuff. I wouldn’t like them either. I enjoy all aspects of your blog. Keep up the good work!
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I am a fairly new follower and I am SO glad I found you! I love refinishing tired old pieces and you so inspire me! I also work a full time job but love finding old treasures and bringing them back to life. Last night I picked up an old buffet that I am so excited to start working on! I guess my favorite parts of your blog are of course the furniture re-do’s but I also love the gardening aspect as I love to garden too! I absolutely adore that you use old tin containers for window boxes – so beautiful! I have never used Dixie Belle paint but since finding your blog have been looking at it online – I would love to win so I can try it out – especially Drop Cloth – looks like the perfect vintage color! I just ordered the Saint Nick stencils you talked about recently and am ready to try my hand at stenciling! My husband has an old 1971 Ford truck that he drove for 40 years and plans to restore – right now it is a fixture and I am going to stencil the doors with the St Nick stencils – or at least that’s the plan! Wish me luck! Thank you SO much for taking the time to share your talent – I love too that you do it mostly for the love of it – not the “fame” but just the pure enjoyment! Please don’t stop sharing!!! THANK YOU!
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Donna,
That’s a great focus takeaway (is that even a thing), doing something purely”for the love of it.” When Q is having her doubts, I’ll remind her to keep that in mind.
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Please don’t change a thing! I love all the aspects of your blog, and I love the fact that you are not pushed into the social media biz. Keep doing what you’re doing!
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I love it all! I love that your blog is somewhat diverse and enjoy seeing what you have this week. I agree with social media game, it’s tiring and a LOT of work. Congratulations on 7 years! Keep doing what you’re doing 😊
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I had a moment of dismay reading this blog post- thought you were setting us up to stop blogging- and a sigh of relief when you confirmed your commitment to keep blogging. I love every one of your blog posts whether they are a furniture redo, travel adventures, garden tours, or garage sale finds! I love the uncluttered look of the blog, straightforward explanations, and fabulous photos. Your emails are the first ones I open and I would put it on my bucket list to spend a day hanging out watching your thought process as you create beauty. Congratulations on 7 years!
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Your blogs are always a joy to read. Of course I enjoy furniture makeovers but love to see all things through another’s eyes too. I appreciate all your content but for me…I so appreciate that you’re not strapping yourself in with “goals”. Thank you and carry on…
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Seems you do have goals for 2021. Continue to enjoy your life and do only things you enjoy. Wishing you happy holidays with friends and family. Stay safe, happy and healthy.
2020 has been a time for reflection and to only carry forward the real and important things in your life. I look forward to all your posts on your blog.
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Linda, first I must tell you that without even knowing what the content of the blog was, seeing your email notification of a post made me smile and feel good and I happily clicked on the link. For a number of years I subscribed to a lot of lifestyle/vintage/furniture blogs. But currently I only subscribe to yours. It’s the only one that inspired me. Our styles completely mesh and you always have content that seems relevant, do-able and fresh. So, of course I want you to continue. Oh, and I’m a Dixie Bell retailer so don’t put me in for the drawing, I just wanted to let you know I’m a big fan.
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I’m so glad you are going to continue with your blog. It is by far my favorite. Maybe its because you come across more relaxed at what you do than most. No pressure, we could all use more of that. I sometimes get bogged down with the social media too, I’m not sure its worth it. Ill be looking forward to your creations in the future, I’ve learned a lot from you. Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 and Merry Christmas 🎄
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Hi Q
I hVe followed you for a few years now, under my old blog email. I love all your posts..the makeovers, the travels, the everyday stuff. I am about your age and started a blog to sell my husband wood projects. Sadly he passed away last year and myblog purpose needed redefined.
I too found I love blogging for blogging. I changed my blog, dropped off social media pretty much and basically am following your path. I still have inventory to sell but I shifted to amore lifestyle focus. Thats what I like about your blog.
Btwyou should tell Dixie Bell that my last purchase of their paint wasinspired by your footstool post and today Ill order the spray wax thanks to this post….
Keep on posting kid, id miss you if you stopped
D
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I look forward to reading your blog every single time. It is still the upbeat and informative read that it has been since I started following it. I say stick to what brings you joy and the heck with all the background noise!
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Have followed your blog for several years. Reasons you may ask? We have simular tastes, learn from your techiques, enjoy your humor and can identify with living up north.
Your Wisconsin neighbor,
Becky
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I like your blog as it is. i think I like your sled makeovers for Christmas decorations the best. I only look at facebook posts so it’s fine by me that you are only on facebook. Who has the time to look at more? Have an enjoyable holidays.
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Well,this is a first for me………..commenting on a blog but, you deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE YOUR EASY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just keep on keeping on!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I love seeing your furniture makeovers, your garage sale finds, thrifting finds, and anything you transform!
You have an eye for design and color! I also love your gardening articles and seeing your thrifting finds. You are an inspiration to us and I would definitely miss your blog were it not there, so keep up the good work Dixie Bell or not!
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I enjoy the makeovers, large and small. I also enjoy the way you stage your photos. Glad you are not stopping, just taking a break.
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I enjoy your blog. Your furniture makeovers are awesome and inspiring! You are truly talented. I especially enjoy your garage sale hauls. The garden tours are also my favorite. I like to see treasures repurposed in the garden. I hope you continue to blog. Enjoy the holidays and many blessings to you and family!
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I love your blog!!! I like all of your projects, as well as the other topics your share. I really enjoy when you share tours of your home (inside and out) and those of others you have visited. More of those would be great! The giveaway sounds great, too! Happy holidays!
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Congratulations on Number 7! And I am happy to hear that you don’t intend to “do more” with other outlets like instagram and YouTube videos and ADS. That’s one of the things I love most about your blog…simplicity with no darn pop-ups that I have to click on to get rid of. I love everything that you do…we have the same tastes in style, and I am very inspired by your garage sale hauls, visits around Minnesota (I live in nearby in Wisconsin!) and your makeovers! I often wonder how you manage to do so much while working a job too. I love seeing what you come up with on the items you makeover, from big to small. Love your Q-tips and experiments and redos. Look forward to reading your blog posts for as long as you love creating them!
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I enjoy the furniture makeovers & the smaller projects. I enjoy seeing your thrift finds & your gardening posts. I really couldn’t pick a favorite category. I too, admire you blogging for your personal pleasure & not allowing sponsors to force you into other areas. Congratulations on seven years of doing things your way!
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Congratulations on 7 years!
I love the variety of the blog,
It’s like opening a gift, surprise!
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I’ve followed you for some time now. I really love your blog because it’s so different all the time. I like variety! Please keep up the fine work that you do.
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I’m like you on the blog/social media. I just put it out there and whatever happens, happens. I don’t have a strategy! I have better things to do.
I love seeing your furniture makeovers, and I love your smalls. I enjoy seeing how you take your bits and pieces of transfers to spruce up the smalls! They are all so cute!
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Congrats on seven years! I enjoy your furniture makeovers, thrifting and antique finds, and gardening ideas.
You have such and eye for design and can make a piece of furniture beautiful and give it a new life with your paint brush! So glad you decided to keep blogging! Yours is a blog I enjoy and learn from each time. Keep up the great work!
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Midnight Sky and Drop Cloth are both on my list to purchase. I have just started unholstering chairs and think they would both work well. Thank you for sharing your experiences and techniques. As far as your blog, I am happy to hear you are not going to stop posting. For a minute there, I felt anxious as to what you were leading to. I love your makeovers most. I also love when you go hunting for items and wish I could join you. Hahaha. There is so much pressure to be better than others in our society. We should, instead, learn to be more grateful for who we are and strive instead to be more compassionate. All these strategies, in the end, are to make more money. Don’t get me wrong, I understand it is necessary, but we can lose track of the goal so easily by always wanting more. Congratulations on continuing to do what you love and letting go of the things that push you in a direction that doesn’t make you happy. Thank you for your beautiful post. Wishing you Peace.
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Happy 7th Blogging Anniversary! I like seeing everything you post. I’m not afraid to tackle painting furniture after you tell us how to do it, I enjoy garage sales and thrifting immensely myself, and find joy in seeing the treasures you find. I travel to places I will never physically go to through your words and photos. I’m a gardener and enjoy seeing your gardens and the others you share as well. So as you can see, I look forward to your posts and am thankful you will continue to blog.
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Oh which to pick? I honestly love it all! The furniture makeovers, small and large projects, your garage sale finds (actually jealous as my area seldom has finds like yours).
I love hearing about your travels and your family!
I think I have mentioned before how much I appreciate not being inundated with ads!
Congratulations !
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I’ve often thought that playing the social media game must be exhausting, and congratulate you on coming to a decision on what you want for your best life! I love your garage and thrift store finds, and makeovers both small and large. I’m always impressed with your vision and the resulting transformations.
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I enjoy all you do. The smalls are always fun,you have such a creative mind. The big pieces are fabulous. I always enjoy the furniture you use blue to transform. My Fav color ,from light to dark. Keep up the good work
Just enjoy what you are doing!!!
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I LOVE the furniture remakes, the thrift store and garage sale finds and remakes!! I love the furniture remakes but don’t need new furniture all the time and like to add the smalls and seasonals. So glad to hear you are making the best choices for YOU regarding social media. Your loyal followers will remain and spread the word. We all need margin in our lives. Keep up the great work and inspiration!!
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The reason I enjoy your blogs so much is because I never feel that you’re just trying to sell me something. Of course I almost always like what you’re showing us but I almost always think I could do what you’ve done. I always go looking for your blog first thing.
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I love it all! Please keep doing what you are doing!!! You. Are. Awesome.
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I think “you doing you” is perfect. Happy Thanksgiving. Stay safe.
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I discovered your blog a couple of years ago and have soaked up every one since. I have even gone back and read almost all of your archives. It is difficult to describe why I love your blog but I will try to be specific. First, your blog titles are so creative and draw me in to the content. The fonts you use are just the right combination of fancy and readable. Your pictures are beautiful and staged in a way that entices me to see more. One thing that may not matter to others but matters a great deal to me is that typos are almost completely absent. Your content is well written and the fact that you check to make sure your grammar and spelling are correct means you care about your blog and it is QUALITY! That is so lacking in most content these days. And I LOVE that you don’t have ads! I know that’s what pays but, honestly, I tend to not read something regularly if it has ads popping up all the time. As far as content is concerned, your variety is what I love the most. Of course, furniture is my addiction and you feed that well! But I also enjoy the smalls, the travel, the garage sale finds. And even though I am not a gardener, your garden blogs inspire me to be one! And you can let Dixie Bell know that I am now a customer because of you! Congratulations on seven years!! Wishing you all the best in the future! Here’s to seven (at least) more years!
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Happy Blogiversary! I enjoy your furniture makeovers the most and especially love that you always post the colors you’ve used. You’re so talented and I look forward to your emails. I have a email folder just for your emails to refer back to when I’m contemplating what to use on a project. Thank you for sharing your talents 🙂
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I really enjoy seeing your transformations. I need a husband and neighbor like yours! I love to see how you stage your pieces. Oh and it is awesome to see your “finds”!
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Thank you for the awesome giveaway!
I love seeing your beautiful furniture makeovers and also enjoy the smalls. I love your ideas. I think that everything you do is beautiful!
Thank you for all of the inspiration.
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I am a crafter, gardener, DIYer, etc.. I love all the things you do and take a lot of inspiration from your work. Thank you and keep up the great work!!
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My favorite posts are the makeovers of any kind – big and small. Thank you so much for the chance to win.
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Well. I too am not a fan of feeling pressured to check all the different social medial sites. Geez I might miss something. I love your blog and all of its content. Love painted furniture, love small item makeovers, love gardening posts, love to garage sale and am an avid thrift store shopper. What’s not to like about your blog. Your doing everything right in my book. What I miss are your barn sales. Have so many fun things I’ve purchased there. Keep on truck’n.
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You are one of only two blogs I subscribe to! Your eye for design, your photography, and your witty posts are something I really look forward to. I’ve remade a few pieces at my house, using your suggestions, and they turned out fantastic! I used Dixie Belle products purely because you recommended them, so I don’t think they should drop you as a representative! It’s really hard to pick a favorite thing about your blog, but I sure do love a good before and after, whether it’s a refreshed piece of furniture or a beautifully reimagined room. Enjoy your holidays & be well.
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Honestly, I love living vicariously through your blog. My get up and go has got up and went, but I can travel with you and when you post pics?! Bonus! Thank you for sticking to your roots and staying true to who you are. I have unfollowed a few bloggers because they lost sight of the goal.
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OMG! I thought you were going to leave us!! Please don’t leave us!! I love your blog. I don’t really follow your other social media but I look forward to this!! I have a small company called http://www.canadianbarleytea.com and I know your struggles to constantly feel like you have to do more and more with social media and for what? Do those people turn into more of your buyers? I don’t know but you can get burn out just from that for sure!! I still LOVE redoing furniture when I have time as I also have a full time job to pay the bills!, I love your small projects! I love your travel blogs ( even local would be a treat !) Your garage sale makeovers are awesome! Really everything you do. I would love to win Dixie Bell products from you. I will pay shipping if I win! Thank you! Keep on Truck’in!
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Thanks for being honest and sharing. I enjoy all of your content and find your old school style refreshing. I enjoy your sense of humor and feel like we could be friends in real life. I enjoy the “Q-Tips” you offer occasionally, too. Do what feels right for you and those of us who follow along will continue to do so. I will say that I learned about Dixie Belle from you and have enjoyed some of their products. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
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I’m so glad you have decided to keep your blog!!! I recently retired and am like a kid in a candy store trying new things! Your blog is so well rounded I would love for you to continue with all your interests for you are helping me discover new tools to do the things I love also! I started using some of the Belle products …slowly because of the price and I never heard of Tim Holts and went to Hobby Lobby and was amazed at his selection of items to add to a project. So again, your blog is amazing and it’s only due to your knowledge , imagination and curiosity to bring out the happy in something that may have been thrown out! Kathy
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I love all your blog posts. I think the variety is my favorite part. I never know what to expect and I look forward to them always! I don’t follow any other blogs, your tastes are so similar to mine that you are all I need. We are all pretty much doing the balance thing, I don’t have time for more, so this works out perfectly! So you keep doing you!! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to you!
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I am glad that you are not buckling down to the pressure but I’m happy that you will still be blogging.
I enjoy your furniture make overs and your smalls. It’s fun to see where you find makeover pieces.
Cynthia
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Sometimes bigger is not better. Love all your style and ideas. Stay true to your art!!! All the best for the next 7 years.
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I think your work is exceptional, creative and beautiful. I love your furniture makeovers, but also all of your smalls, and your unique use of transfers so artistically. You create one-of-a-kind items by reinventing the ordinary into something beautiful and extraordinary – skates, suitcases, toolboxes, ironing boards! Keep doing what you’re doing, you are my favorite blogger, and if you choose to grow into other mediums, I will follow you there too, but if you don’t, that’s fine. Congratulations on reaching 7 years and still enjoying what you’re doing!
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I love your blog. Every part of it. I don’t follow any other blogs because I don’t have time to read them, but yours I count on for beautiful inspiration. The simplicity and honesty and beautiful pictures are real and refreshing. I hope you don’t get the boot from DB, but if you do please continue without them. I love the small projects and the furniture projects, and the garage sale finds, heck I love it all. Keep going please!
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