time flies when you’re having fun.

Published on by Quandie

When it rains, it pours.  There seems to be a lot going on in my world these days.  This week I’ll have celebrated my birthday, Thanksgiving, my niece’s birthday, and next Tuesday I’ll be celebrating my retirement!

And with all of that celebrating going on, I almost completely forgot about my blogiversary!

Wowza, can you believe that 8 years ago today I posted my first blog post?  Time really flies when you’re having fun.

Over the years, I’ve gone from this header …

to this header …

to this one …

And then last February I gave myself a fresh, neutral look with this header …

In 8 years, I’ve written 1,271 blog posts.  My posts have been viewed 875,743 times.  And you guys have left 31,782 comments!  Thank you for that!

My furniture painting style has certainly evolved over the years too.  My color choices have definitely changed.  Early on I used a lot more color overall, especially that pale aqua/sea glass sort of color.

And who remembers all the pieces I did with vintage wallpaper?

That was a fun phase.

Lately I’m doing a lot more neutral pieces.

I’m not entirely sure if that’s because neutral is more marketable, or just because my own preference is leaning more towards the neutral.

Maybe it’s a little bit of both.

Up until the last couple of years I shared far more vintage garage sale/thrift store find makeovers.

They are still one of my favorite things to post about.

But COVID did a number on garage saling, with barely any sales in 2020 and things just starting to come back in 2021.  Hopefully going forward I’ll have a lot more vintage find makeovers to share, especially now that I’ll be able to garage sale on weekdays!

For that matter, COVID messed with my travel posts as well.

I’m happy to report that after meeting with our financial planner, it appears that we’ll still be able to afford to travel in retirement.  I’ll admit that I was willing to give it up if that meant I could leave the day job, but thankfully we won’t have to.  So hopefully I’ll have more travel posts to share in the future too.

I’ve shared a few home tour posts over the years, including Nancy’s house …

And Amy’s house at Christmas …

I really need to get back to doing more of those.  After all, Amy has since moved and has another fabulous home that I’d love to share (hint, hint Amy)!

I’ve done quite a few room makeover posts from my own house over the years as well.

Since beginning the blog I have made over the living room, the piano room, the dining room, the pantry, the principle bedroom, the guest bedroom and the q branch (ie. the study where I write this blog).

Now that retirement is going to free up a bunch of my time, I hope to tackle a few more redecorating projects going forward too.

And let’s not forget the garden tour posts!

Sue’s peaceful garden is one of my favorites.

And Jackie’s scented garden is amazing as well.

And of course I like to share my own garden on occasion too.

I think that being retired from the day job is going to result in a renewed enthusiasm for blogging, and I’m really looking forward to it!

So I want to express a huge THANK YOU to all of you who have supported my blog over the past 8 years whether it was with a purchase of one of my pieces, becoming a follower, leaving a comment, or simply just clicking on a post and reading it.  I appreciate every single one of you!

It wouldn’t be a blogiversary without a giveaway, would it?  Since this one sort of snuck up on me, I didn’t have a lot of time to compile a super fabulous giveaway.  But recently someone commented on how they scrutinize the books I use to stage some of my furniture photos looking for clues on what decorating books I like.  She also suggested I write a blog post about my favorites, and I still might get around to that.  But in the meantime, I thought it would be fun to give away a couple of fabulous decorating books by two of my favorite bloggers.

First up is Liz Marie Galvan’s new book, Cozy White Cottage Seasons.

Who doesn’t need 100 ways to be cozy all year long?  And has anyone else noticed that even her dog matches her preferred color scheme of whites and pale wood tones?

I’m also including Marian Parson’s (a.k.a. Miss Mustard Seed) new book, Feels Like Home …

which is filled with the beautiful photos that we have come to expect from Marian.

I have to be honest though, I still miss the old days when she painted furniture on the regular.  I don’t think we’ll ever see that from her again though, more’s the pity because her painted furniture pieces were to die for.

Her work, especially her photo staging, has totally influenced my own style.

And her new book is fabulous and definitely worth a read.

I’m also going to throw in this gorgeous Staalmeester brush, just in case the winner wants to do a little painting.

The rules:  Simply leave a comment on this blog post to be eligible to win.

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 Tuesday, November 30, 2021 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 $60, if the prize is not claimed by Friday, December 3, 2021 another name will be drawn at random to win, blah, blah, blah.

Thanks to Mr. Q for ordering the books for today’s giveaway from amazon.com 😉  Good luck!

 

92 thoughts on “time flies when you’re having fun.”

  1. Linda, it’s funny that you mention Marion’s sense of style, because I think yours is far better. I can easily see you being a design influencer after you retire and have more time to create and decorate. Thanks for all the posts you have made, all the projects you’ve shared and all the Q Tips you posted. I don’t think I’ve been a follower for all 8 years but it has been a while. I look forward to every one. Thanks again for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. You’re going to love retirement! You have so many fun things to keep you busy! Thanks for all the ideas and inspiration you’ve given me for several years now, and I hope, many more to come. Congratulations on all your milestones.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. I like other people’s houses tours, and the places you visit – hopefully there will be more! I think there so many of us will benefit from your retirement 🙂 Great giveaway, thank you Linda!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. I love your blog. I have followed for several years now, ever since I retired from my day job! I don’t do a much now as I used to. “Crafting” has changed so much over the years, from gluing to painting to larger projects like furniture. I really can get into all of it, but it takes me longer now. Keep up the great work that you do. So many of us enjoy it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. I can see my own decor evolution in your blog headers! I find the neutral tones to be more calming and cozy. Who knows what our homes will look like in ten years…I have to say I wholeheartedly agree with you on Marian’s furniture makeovers, they were so beautiful – but so are yours! I love all of your makeovers, especially the smalls. I am so looking forward to more posts from you as you settle into retirement.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Thanks for writing a great blog – I began following you when I retired and I am inspired by your projects every week. Liz Marie and Miss Mustard Seed are right up my alley, so I would love a chance to win their new books! and a good painting tool! Thanks

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Thanks for the giveaway, beautiful books. you have a wonderful blog, I enjoy reading each one. Congrats on your retirement and you will enjoy your free time.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. Hi
    Not sure what year I joined you but really enjoyed being along.

    I totally agree with the mustard seed change too. Miss seeing things really painted, the variety and the whole Luckets look, but time marches on and changes bring changes.
    Excited for your changes and to try some of these ideas.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Congratulations on your retirement!! I left my job 4 years ago…(position eliminated) and honestly never looked back…when it’s time, it’s time!! Good luck and enjoy…Thank you for the giveaway

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Although your style has evolved over the past 8 years, I don’t think there is a single project of yours that I haven’t loved. My pinterest boards probably have every single one and I have been inspired(aka copied) by more than a few of them. Looking forward to the next 8 years!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. I am still totally in love with the green headers and ALL your green painted furniture. Also, love the white and black. I have a lot of that in my home and I just never get tired of it. Congrats on your retirement and blog anniversary!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. Eight years! I’ve learned so much from you, copied you, evolved with you. I still love the green painted furniture the best, though. Congratulations on this next chapter of your life

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Wow that’s a whole lot of celebrating good for you! I remember finding your Christmas night in 2008. And what a glorious ride it has been one I’ve truly enjoyed. You influenced me to actually buy paint and tackle some pieces myself. I’m sure you are looking forward to this new phase in your life. There will be more time for creative endeavors and traveling the world. Selfishly I hope you continue to blog a bit longer too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. Happy Blogiversary! I love your blog and have been following it now for a little more than a year. I am also a follower of Miss Mustard Seed and am also sad that she no longer paints furniture-she is actually why I started my business, but her new book is fabulous. So glad you get to retire when you’re unhappy at your job. Will look forward to seeing more of your blog! And Happy birthday!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  21. Linda!!! I’m so excited for your retirement AND your anniversary-have loved your blog for YEARS!! And I’m so excited you’ll still be able to travel-my goal is to copy your exact trips some day! And maybe if I think you’re coming to take photos, I’ll get my decorating done quicker AND better this year-just the inspiration I needed!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. Wow! You have quite a few reasons to celebrate this season! I wish you the Happiest Birthday ever and a Fantabulous Retirement Celebration! I am most excited to hear that you’ll be able to continue traveling😃, I am bonkers about traveling the world. I’m retiring in September and my hubby & I have so many places on our “must experience” list.
    I look forward to your post retirement posts, I am sure they will be full of wonderful photos and lots of helpful tips.
    Congratulations!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  26. Those books look so interesting…love both those ladies. And I love what you do. I really like that pale blue-green/sea glass color. Trying to decide if I want to paint my huge entertainment center in that color or an off-white. Decisions!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  30. You have been such an inspiration to me! Your blog has helped me with so many projects. I’m so excited to see what you do now that you are retiring. Thank you for all you do and most of all enjoy the new chapter of your life!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  31. I can’t count the friends and fellow junkers I’ve shared your blog info with! You are among my very favorites! I recommend your site and Marion’s at MMS to all the painting customers at Aunt Bee’s as my go-to sites for painting inspiration and technique information! Congratulations and keep doing you’re marvelous vision and style!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  33. Your blog is so inspiring! Everything you do is very tasteful. Would love to win ! Congratulations on your retirement! Many more years of beautiful blogging to you! Thank you

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  34. Its quite possible I was almost as excited about your retirement as you were – ’cause it means we get to see more!! Congrats – well deserved…….I’ve already purchase both of the books in your giveaway but a new brush would be AAWESOME!! Thank you again for all you do : )

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  38. Wow! You surly have had a lot of things going on. I have enjoyed all of your blogs for years. I do miss MMS’s furniture makeovers. I still love her milk paint. Happy Retirement and Happy Blogversary!! I enjoy everything that you do and look forward to many more years of your creativity! 😊

    Like

    Reply

  39. I just had to stop by and say HAPPY RETIREMENT!!! Now you are on the next journey in life and how exciting that we all get to come along with you. ENJOY!!!

    Like

    Reply

  41. Happy blog anniversary Happy retirement Happy birthday. Wishing you lots more fun!! Thanks for the giveaway chance! Love your blog💕

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.