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 
Your blog is one of the only ones I follow all the time. I love the fact that it is not a “blogging commercial”, but that you do share the products you love and use. I think all your projects are great inspiration, sometimes to imitate sometimes to just spark an idea. It’s also fun to shop your items at Reclaiming Beautiful and have some of your creations in my home😊. I am also jealous of your great garage sale or thrifting finds…I rarely find the goodies you come home with. Bottom line, I look forward to the email I get announcing you have a new blog entry ready for me to read.
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I love your blog just like it is. I follow others and many have changed their focus from why I signed up to now focusing on things I just don’t care about. Yours is perfect for my interests. Please don’t change it. And a rest every now and then seems fair LOL. I am tickled when I see your name in my inbox. Thank you.
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I hope Dixie Belle reads this comment as I dabble in furniture painting and sales and primarily use DB. If they drop you I would consider dropping them as they’re many paint lines out there, however the gal in town who sells it is really nice has become a friend and it’s dang convenient no pun intended! End of rant!
It would be a shame and mistake for them to drop you first of all your representation of them is outstanding I love everything you do! You are one of my biggest inspirations you’re helpful and honest. Your blog is not covered with ads that make it almost impossible to read you do it simply for the love of the game which to me makes it so real and authentic and makes me think I can do it. Your content is always fun interesting and educational. I should not tell you this but I get so many ideas from you and sometimes COPY your ideas like your sleds!!
Keep doing what you’re doing if DB drops you their loss I’m sure someone will be right behind them. You don’t run with the crowd you stand out in the crowd! And that’s the reason I click on your blog first and I’m sure I’m not alone best of luck to you! Keep doing what you do best.
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First off this is the best blog ever. I follow some but yours is by far my favorite. Please don’t compare your self. Who says they are better than you. Why do we do this to ourselves? Follow your Bliss friend( I feel like we are friends thru our love of restoration). You have inspired me, made me laugh out loud, kicked my butt to get moving and brought me joy. I love every trail you take inside and out. Thank you and please keep up the good work.
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I enjoy all your projects, especially the smalls. I love the way you combine paint and transfers. I had never seen it before and have since bought transfers here in New Zealand. I recommend your blog to the retailers I buy from. I love your blog because it is so fresh and clean, and you tell a story about your finds or your buying adventures. I read it all in it’s entirety and love that it is all here rather than jumping around that I would feel I am missing out on something. Keep up the good work. I feel like I need to go back and read your earlier blog posts as I am not sure when I found you.
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I love and look forward to your posts! I love seeing your garage sale/thrift finds and how you spruce them up. You’re very inspirational and I can’t believe you can do this all and work full time. I also like your posts about quaint places you visit and seeing the pictures. I would love to try this paint, thanks for the chance. Happy Thanksgiving! Stay safe
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Btw I love everything about your blog I don’t travel a lot so I do kind of skip over some of those but I do read them and find them interesting and inspirational. However spot on on everything else I got so carried away in my last comment that I neglected to follow the rules as I’d love to win that loot of products.
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Amen sistah! Don’t let the social media machine infest or infect you. Be you. That’s why I love the blog. I like that you take me places I might not go on my own – new destinations, experimenting with new & different colors, planting a new variety, keeping my eyes open to old trinkets with new looks and uses, recycling revitalizing repainting renewing. I have learned so much with all of your ideas, inventions and instructions. Cheers to a new year.
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Linda, I love everything about your blog! I have been following you for years now, and I still enjoy my cup of tea or coffee and sitting with your blog in the morning. I love your furniture makeovers, crafts, garage sale finds, travel photos, and QTips. You name it and I”m in!! I appreciate everything that you share with us. Happy Blogversary! Thank you for the chance of winning the give-away. AND Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. In spite of the pandemic, we have many things to be thankful for. 😊
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Hello, I have enjoyed reading your blog…note I said reading…of course I love the pictures of your creations but I also love reading your information, your instructions, your helpful hints, your travel info, and your humor. It is obvious that you love to write and share your thoughts of the things you love and you inspire so many. My favorites are your furniture transformations, but I also love your garage sale and thrifting hunts and I am always excited to see what you do with your finds. I enjoy reading about your travel adventures locally and abroad. I hope that you continue to be sponsored by products that you use because it really does promote their product and it’s so nice to read a blog without all of the pop ups and ads…. but actually seeing the products being used. Thankful for You!
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I just enjoy seeing everything you do.It makes my day. Happy Thanksgiving from .Betty in Ontario, Canada.
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I love both the furniture and the smaller items. I really like the small ones the most. They are things that inspire me. I can do seasonal pieces and bring them out for that perfect time of year, I can’t rotate large pieces of furniture. They give me that excuse to keep on painting. I love the barn sales, I get to go in those adventures with you, it’s interesting that you find some different things where you live compared to here, I keep my eye out for similar items that I wouldn’t have thought of. Continue to stay true to your self and keep on inspiring us. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
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First and foremost, saying you don’t have any social media goals makes you an ICON and Dixiebell would be wise to hang onto someone who prioritizes real life over online life. Creating art for art’s sake. The value and beauty of creativity is no matter the outcome, there is inherent benefit to the creator and the byproduct is we, as your followers get to experience our own sparks of inspiration. Being Thanksgiving week, I am grateful that Peggy introduced me to your sales, then finding your blog, then winning the giveaway which led to a home tour and ultimately a friendship. Of course I have to say my favorite posts are the thrifting and sales, don’t I?! You are a treasure, friend. Happy Anniversary and Happy Belated Birthday! XO
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I enjoy everything about your blog. The photos are lovely, the thrift store makeovers fun, all the great tips for making our projects easier. It’s a nice break in the crazy that fills each day. Happy Blogversary!
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So very refreshing to see someone doing things for the joy of it and not the social media accolades. Your blog posts are always a bright spot to the day and so inspirational. (Not to mention enjoyable and informative) Keep your happy attitude. It’s really needed these days!
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Oh….i am so happy to hear you are NOT following the crowd! Trust me, those that love your creative ideas are not going to abandon you! You are truly talented. And the other social media sites are way too commercialized for my taste.
When I look at your blog, I see a genuine person. Someone who is passionate in her hobbies. Your blog is funny, informative and a breath of fresh air!
I have only followed the blogs I receive in my emails.
Stay strong in your convictions, and your heart will remain happy!
Sincerely Marykay
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I have followed your blog for years! I love your simplicity- not trying to write the biggest or the most flashy blog out there. Yours is comforting to read when I have a few minutes to spare in my day. Love love love the painted furniture you do- that’s my favorite part!
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thank you or the honest and heartfelt blog entry.I enjoy your blog just as it is for the reason it inspires me, teaches me, challenges me and often makes me chuckle.I am here because you do not follow the media train which really from my view is just too much! I have not tried Dixie Belle products and would enjoy the chance as they are far and few where I am in Canada. I believe you have been a wonderful ambassador for them.I was looking back through your early posts the other day and am amazed at the value and content you have shared! Wishing you continued success and happy anniversary.
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Love your blog and started using Dixie Belle when I saw your furniture projects. I had been using a well known more costly “chalk paint” and found DB easier to use. I have started doing less furniture and more small projects and enjoy seeing what you do. I have an old sled that I never considered painting until I saw the one you recently painted. Good luck to you in your future plans and enjoy the time.
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I love seeing all the goodies you find at garage sales and thrift stores. We just don’t have those great garage sales here in South Carolina, where I live. But I also love seeing the furniture make-overs, the travel posts and especially seeing your gardens! So I guess I like everything you do! One of the best things about your blog is that I don’t have to deal with tons of ads while I’m trying to read it! Your photography is beautiful and I’m often inspired to try something new because I saw it on your blog. Don’t worry about all the social media – I’m not interested in all that. Keep doing what you are doing and happy holidays to you!
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Congratulations on your milestone of 7 years! How refreshing that you are not motivated by numbers! So rare and unusual these days! I am a fairly new follower…I happened upon your blog browsing Pinterst for ideas on stying my vintage treasures. I was hooked! I love your styling and all of the other content you share. I enjoy many of the same things that you do and I look forward to continuing to read your blog. I have not tried any Dixie Bell products but would love to!
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I got really worried reading your blog as I thought you were about to hand in the towel. I was actually holding my breath as I was reading it and gave a huge sigh of relief when I read that you were carrying on. Phew!! I don’t blog, but like you, I do paint furniture as a hobby as I too have a full time job so I love reading your blog and seeing your photos. They inspire me to try different things and often I copy some of the things you do as I really do love them. I also love the fact that you share your lessons learned and tips with your readers. I enjoy reading about your travels too, especially your Europe cruises as that’s my neck of the woods (I live in the U.K.) but also enjoy you sharing the trips with your sister, the estate sales and your finds, and your upcycling of those finds and your scrapbooking. In fact, I love it all and really enjoy seeing ‘q is for quandie’ emails in my inbox. I look forward to hearing from you soon but in the meantime, enjoy the holiday season. Keep well and stay safe and keep on blogging 🙂
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There may be “many bloggers out there” that you compare yourself to, but in my opinion, you are the best! Your blog is the 1st one I read, and I look forward to ALL of your content. You have a great mix of projects, personal shares, instructions, and a “realness” that the others are often lacking. Your blog has taught me quite a bit, and your ability to see worth in many different styles of furniture has encouraged me to try new things! Keep doing what you do best, because you are a unique voice in a crowd of copies. THANK YOU!
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy and relax 🙂
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Just so you know you are my favorite blog! I check every day for a post.
My favorite content is your garage sale finds and furniture makeovers.
I’ve also grown tired of social media. It is a full-time job. I keep up my Facebook page but just don’t have time to add all the others.
We need to do whats best for us!
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Linda, I so much understand what you mean! Social media just takes up so much time that keeps us from doing what we love to do. Please keep on delivering your wonderful blog posts to inspire all of us! Plus there is so much more in life than social media, isn’t it? All the best from Germany! Daggi
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I really enjoy all aspects of your blog from the larger furniture pieces to the smaller “finds” that you transform into something useful and/or attractive. They give me so much inspiration and ideas for my own projects. Following your blog from Prince Edward Island, Canada.
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In my humble opinion, you have been far more effective in promoting Dixie Belle products than Dixie Belle themselves and it would be a short-sided and foolish business error on their part to drop you. While I have swooned over your countless furniture makeovers, it is your “smalls’ that I most enjoy. The backstories behind how you acquired each piece, your mistakes, and your “saves” keep things real and elevates your blog above others. My favorite of favorites are those ugly little black and red frames that were brought to life with Dixie Belle paint, your “non-collection” of ephemera, a little elbow grease, and a lotta love. Because of you, I now know what to do with the box of small snapshots and handwritten letters left from my grandmother and great-grandmother. I can not thank you enough for your inspiration. My world gets put on pause when I am notified of a new blog post.
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Love your blog and living vicariously through your various projects. I would love to try some Dixie Bell but will continue following you blog this coming year!! Happy Holidays.
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I just love everything about your blog. Thrift store, garage sales, makeover, and small projects too. You seem to have an eye for recreating a beautifully worn piece of furniture into something delightfully new. Just love it.
Keep it up!
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Like many others, I thought you were going to announce the end of your blog. I don’t know how you manage to accomplish as much as you do. I enjoy when you post about your finds, whether large or small. Since you are the person who is juggling all of the plates, whatever you choose to focus on seems to be your choice and like others have written, I’m glad you are staying with your postings. I would adore winnong the gifts you have chosen to celebrate your anniversary. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
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I found your blog through a furniture painting post on FB, I think. And while I love your furniture makeovers, it was the overall content of the Blog that had me signing up for email notifications. I love your low-key, vintage-y style – and enjoy seeing the big pieces and the little pieces. I also enjoy seeing your non-collections, your garden, and reading about your trips in the countryside – whether to shop at garage and barn sales or to historic towns full of old buildings steeped in history. I grew up in a small town in western New York, but have lived in Houston most of my adult life and your posts remind me of summers spent outside and Sunday drives and friendlier times. And though I will never miss the winters, your beautiful photos of your garden in full-bloom as well as covered in snow simply make me happy.
I say do with your blog whatever makes you happy. Life is too short to get caught up in the rat race of social media friend/follower counts and metrics. I imagine that kind of pressure sucks the enjoyment out of blogging for many people and leads to the premature end of their blogs. Enjoy your holidays and I look forward to seeing what you do in 2021. Oh, and thanks for the chance to win some paint. Midnight Sky and Drop lots are two of my favorite DB colors. And I haven’t tried Easy Peasy wax yet and would love to win some.
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I just found your blog today because I’ve been watching a lot of Dixie Belle content. I’m feeling lucky that I found it on the day you are doing a giveaway. I have a piece of furniture that I plan to work on soon, it’s a large wooden mailbox piece that was pulled out of an old bookstore library. It’s basically a huge square with a lot of square boxes inside of it. I’m planning to paint it, add casters to the bottom, and sell it. I’ll be signing up for your newsletter and I feel you on the social media.
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Hello Erica, I’m Mr. Q, The hubby. When I read about your painting project, it reminded me of a job I was given painting some cubby holes in a shop, like a ten foot high twenty food long array. It. Took. Forever.
Good luck with yours!
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Hey Linda..I like the furniture and smalls, all the different ways you paint and decorate!! Your blog is about the only one I read straight thru…Most of the others have to tell you SO much of “nothing” before getting to the project!!! It was great to meet you and Mr. Q when I was in MN. Now I am in TX and loving it!! We have 60 as the high and 50 as the low…NO SNOW….LOL!! Keep up the good job with your blog, do it your way…I like it!!! You deserve the rest!!!!
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I love your blog! I’m also not on any social media sites other than watching youtube videos. Please keep doing what you’re doing and I’ll be looking forward to each of your posts 3 days a week!!
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Oooo…..I have soooo much to say, but will try to be (somewhat) concise! Love your blog, I mean, it is literally my favorite. I can’t wait for your posts, never one I haven’t been interested in – I’ve tried to go back and read some old ones as well. I love it all but the furniture make-overs and flea market finds are my favorite. I wouldn’t worry about all the other social media – I don’t follow all the other things anyway. I barely do Instagram. I have an antique booth and I can’t keep up with technology – I guess it’s an age thing, but I’m fine with blogs, looking at Pinterest and reading magazines too! I could care less how many people like my business FB page – I enjoy seeing more followers, but it really doesn’t drive what I do. I followed another furniture blogger and loved what she did – then she over-expanded, really got into her own paint, and other things and it seemed like it became, me, me, me and I lost all interest in what she had to say. To me, your posts are like eye candy – doesn’t matter to me what type of paint you use, everything is stunning! Thanks for everything you do and thanks for sticking with us!!
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I love your blog. Your benches made from headboards are amazing. I love your garage sale hauls and your makeovers. Your projects are inspirational, especially your Christmas stuff. Thank you for being you. And I agree with you…blogging is fun just for the process. It is part of your creative, expressive self. Thank you for sharing it all with us!
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That’s a hard question for me to answer. Because I love your vision on the bigs and smalls! I like living vicariously through on your trips as well! The garage sale finds are eye candy too! I’m glad you are not stopping your blog because I look forward to seeing your fun finds and redos! Happy Thanksgiving to you and family!
Smiles Alice
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Well Miss Quandie…..I had NO idea that that kind of multi-platform pressure came along with creating your wonderful blog! You know how impressed I’ve always been with all that you DO manage to get done and I would miss you so much if you decided to resign. It’s easy for me to say to Dixie Belle “take a hike then!” but for you it would definitely effect your business bottom line and also your ability to experiment with all the paints coming your way. Boooooooo! Should your readers perhaps lobby Dixie Belle? I love you!
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I enjoy everything you write about on your blog, but I love seeing your thrift store and garage sale finds the most.
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I love your blog and furniture flips. I dont look at other social media sites so i dont care that youre not on them. I especially like that you dont post tons of pictures of yourself (so many bloggers are so into themselves) and tell us how you do your hair and makeup and how and where to buy the latest trendy clothes. I hope you dont change anything about this blog. I love it all: the yard sale finds, paints, furniture flips,transfers . I honestly dont know how you manage to find the time for it all with a full time job. But yours is probably my favorite blog!
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I love your blog! All of it!
Furniture makeovers, garage and thrift store finds, travel, etc. Your staging is spot on.
Thanks for what you do!
I look forward to your blog in my inbox.
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I love everything about your blog. Your furniture and smalls makeovers and garage sale finds are my favorites. Your writing style just draws me in. I used to follow other blogs but yours is the only one I follow now!! Please keep doing what you do! Thank you
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I love your blog, every post, so please don’t go away and don’t change a thing! I like it just the way it is.
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Let me add to the sentiments about your blog. Who cares if DB drops you? Your devoted followers love you and your blog. I for one, love that you “keep it real”. So many bloggers have the perfect house, yard, garden etc but for us in the real world it just makes us feel less than adequate…Keep doing what you’re doing. Reading your blog, makes me feel like I’m having coffee or a glass of wine with an old friend. No pretenses!
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I love your blog! Keep doing your thing. I enjoy the furniture makeovers, small projects, garage sales and gardening. Happy thanksgiving!
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Hi
I read 2 blogs and you are one of them. I don’t care what you show. I like your style . I like your painting. I’d like your pictures. I like your writing. I like how appropriate you. are. I like your balance. I like that you don’t have ads. I like that you’re doing this because you like to do it. That’s how many of us are. Thanks for sharing it with us as you don’t have to, and I appreciate that you do.
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Just FYI: I find your blog posts to be some of the more interesting and helpful of the ones I follow. I’ll be happy if you just keep doing what you have been doing! Thanks and have a blessed Thanksgiving!
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I’m mostly crazy about all the cool garage sales you get to go to (obviously more of them before the COVID-19) and your descriptions of the different neighborhoods they are in. We don’t have that in my little Southern country town. The way you take a photo of your haul and then show what you’ve created is what gets my curiosity up. I appreciate that you purchase some items that require repair! You have a love for many of the things I also collect. Watering cans, beds, galvanized buckets, hostas and painted furniture, although I hoard the stuff I find and don’t ever plan on selling it!! I own two sets of transfers and several Dixie Belle paints (my fav is sea glass) because you’ve shared clear direction on how to prep the piece, paint and apply the transfer. Who knew pumpkins could be done! I never thought of using a stencil on a garden shovel or sticking miniature furniture into a window box. Garage sales are my favorite but I love reading your blog no matter what the content! Have a great, restful holiday season!!
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I am inspired by your blog – both with your creative endeavors (big AND small) and the friendly (dare I say, folksy) manner in which you explain your process, from initial idea for a piece, to the finished product. Your photography is composed with an artistic flair.
When I am reading an episode, I feel as if you are a friend, showing and teaching your methods to me. No condescending attitude, no showing off, just wanting my project to turn out a great.
I subscribe to VERY few blogs, and dont “do” Instagram, so your pace is fine with me. Thank you for investing time and effort into creating and repurposing beautiful art.
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