a 10th blogiversary giveaway.

Published on by Quandie

I honestly can’t imagine how it’s possible that an entire decade has passed since I began q is for quandie, but today is my 10th blogiversary!

I’ve shared 10 years worth of projects both large, like painting my baby grand piano …

and small, like painting this little dollhouse dresser …

I’ve shared interior decorating projects, like our principal bedroom makeover which included refinished floors, a shiplap wall and an antique headboard modified to fit a queen size bed.

I’ve also shared exterior decorating projects, namely the potting shed.  In fact, I’ve redone that one three times since I started the blog!

I’ve also shared 10 years of gardening successes, like my gorgeous Limelight hydrangeas …

and gardening failures, like that dang lilac hedge.

One of these days that thing is going to finally look good!  I’ve added some winter protection to the newest lilac additions to keep the rabbits from nibbling on them this year and hopefully that will help them thrive!

I’ve also shared a decade of travel with you guys, to both local destinations, like Duluth …

or Bemidji …

and destinations a little further out, like Charleston …

and Sedona …

and even locations way further out, like Malta …

and Split, Croatia …

and most recently, the Netherlands.

Then of course there is Disneyland …

and Disney World.

I’ve worked with a lot of different paint brands over the years, starting with Miss Mustard Seed’s milk paint.

And Homestead House milk paint …

and The Real Milk Paint Co’s milk paint.

I’ve also shared some brands of acrylic paint, like Fusion …

and the Silk line from Dixie Belle Paint Co.

I’ve also used something that The Chippy Barn calls Amulent Paint, which was “created with a special type of ceramic technology,” whatever that means.

I’ve also worked with quite a few different brands of chalk style paint like The Urban Rooster and Annie Sloan.

Little Billy Goat …

and even the short lived Rachel Ashwell line of chalk paint.

I think Annie Sloan might be the only one of those paint brands that’s still available.

And then of course there is my favorite chalk style paint, Dixie Belle.

I’ve also shared too many projects to count with transfers on them.  I served as a content creator for re.design with prima for a while, until they wanted me to agree to be exclusive to their brand.

I just couldn’t agree to that when there are other brands like Iron Orchid Designs out there too.

I love I.O.D.’s style, and their paint inlays are fabulous as well.

I’ve also created a few projects for Wallcutz stencils.

As well as Ellen J Goods stencils …

and Gone Paintin’ stencils.

I’ve definitely come a long way since I first started blogging back in 2013.  Actually, I’m a little embarrassed when I look back at some of my earlier blog posts.  Not only have my painting skills improved, but so have my photography and writing skills.

When I first began blogging my goal was to last five years.  At the time it seemed like that was the average lifespan for most of the blogs out there.  I figured I’d have had enough of it after five years.  But that blogiversary came and went and I kept at it.

I came rather close to giving up the blog back in 2021.  I was very overwhelmed by my day job and I didn’t think I would be able to continue with both the full time (plus!) job and the blog.  Fortunately Mr. Q helped convince me that giving up the job was the better choice and I took an early retirement, probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Now here we are in 2023 and after a decade of blogging you might wonder where I’m headed from here and the truth is that I don’t really know.  I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’m doing far less furniture than I used to.  I’ve been finding it more and more difficult to sell my painted furniture pieces.  I’m not sure if that’s because my particular vintage sort of style is on the way out, or if it’s because the market has become saturated with furniture painters, or if it’s simply because I just haven’t been putting as many pieces out there.  Back in the early days my furniture typically sold within the first week of posting it on Craigslist or Marketplace.  Now I have pieces that take months to find their new home and when that happens I lose my motivation to paint more furniture.

That being said, I still absolutely love blogging and I don’t want to give it up just yet.  So I’m going to keep plugging away for now and just see where the wind takes me.  You’ll definitely see more posts about holiday decorating, gardening, travel and plenty of toolbox makeovers.  So I hope you’ll stay tuned!

Now, of course, I want to celebrate this milestone blogiversary with a giveaway!

I’m including lots of fun goodies including some of my favorite Dixie Belle products; clear B.O.S.S., Drop Cloth, Caviar, Gator Hide, Big Mama’s Butta, Sea Spray, the Farmhouse silk screen stencils, a paint brush and some of their Scrubby Soap.  I’m also including 4 of my stenciled drop cloth Christmas stockings …

and finally a revamped toolbox.

The rules for today’s giveaway:  Simply leave a comment on this blog post.  I would love to hear if you have a favorite project or blog post of mine.  Please forgive me if I don’t respond to comments right away because I’m actually off in Mexico at the moment!

Speaking of which, I don’t have any other posts scheduled for the coming week.  I’m taking a week off to celebrate 10 years of blogging!  But back to the rules …

Your comment must be left on this blog post, not on Facebook or Instagram.  You are not required to follow my blog, or follow my Facebook or Instagram accounts, 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 Sunday, December 3, 2023 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 $380, if the prize is not claimed by Friday, December 8, 2023 another name will be drawn at random to win, blah, blah, blah.

Thank you to Dixie Belle Paint Co for supplying most of the items I’m giving away today!

110 thoughts on “a 10th blogiversary giveaway.”

  1. Congrats!! Always I enjoy your posts – you have a great variety of topics. Some of my favs are gardening and travel and stenciling everything! 🙂

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  3. Congratulations! Ten years is quite a milestone. I think I’ve been with you almost that long. I had wondered about the scarcity of furniture pieces. Part of the problem may be the economy. While there are signs that it’s getting better, people are still being a bit more discretionary about where they put their money. In any event, I look forward to your future posts, in whatever direction you go.

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  4. Congratulations on 10 years!! What an accomplishment!
    I haven’t been a follower nearly that long but I have truly enjoyed the variety of your posts for I too love the art of creating and refurbishing, gardening and travel.
    Mexico!! How wonderful! It’s one of our favorite places to vacation, especially since it’s so close to Los Angeles.
    Enjoy your vacation, my prayer is you return home rested and refreshed. I look forward to many more of your delightful and informative posts.😊

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  6. I’m so glad you didn’t give up blogging! Your blog is my favorite. Looking forward to each one! Your ideas are fresh and fabulous! I hope your Thanksgiving was “Happy” 🦃!
    I also enjoy your Pinterest boards!
    Merry Christmas and Smiles, alice

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  7. Wow. Who even knew such an option was possible back in the day right? I’m so glad you decided to do this and that you have evolved over time because I think all of our lives have. I don’t have a favorite episode but I find I have very similar interests so I truly enjoy the blogs you do. I love old furniture. I love to travel (19 countries and counting) and I’ve become more of a gardener lately. Bring on the hostas! I’ve also learned a lot about products by watching you. So keep the mix coming and I look forward to seeing what is next that I haven’t thought of yet….

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  8. Mrs. Q, I’ve loved everything and enjoyed everything that you have done over the past years, since I found you on Facebook, as I became a furniture, refinisher myself. I think some of my favorite have been your MCM pieces that helped guide me to create some beautiful MCM dressers myself. Thank you for all the fun Linda! I look forward to so much more. Safe travels!

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  9. That’s awesome! You are a star in the blogging world. Haven’t always read your posts but whenever I do , I learn something new and not just in paint. You have lots you can share. Also appreciate your blog is not bombarding us with ads so that we can actually read it! I’m in Canada so not sure I qualify but Congratulations anyway!!

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  10. Congratulations on 10 years of being the best blogger ever!
    I’ve read every one of your posts, and often refer back to them for inspiration. You are truly one of the most talented and creative women that I follow. And on top of that, you’re genuine, a rare quality in social media.
    I hope that you continue on your exemplary blogging journey and we’ll all continue to benefit from your talent. Here’s to many more anniversaries!

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  11. Congratulations on your 10th Blogiversary! You are one of my favorite bloggers, and have inspired me so much throughout the years. My favorite posts can’t really be narrowed down…I enjoy them all, as I do many of the same type of upcycles that you do, only not on such a big scale. I often wonder how you manage to create as much as you do! Anyway…hope to keep on being inspired by your blog for many years to come!

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  12. What an accomplishment! Congratulations. I’m not a painter myself, but I find it fascinating to see how you envision a new life for so many forgotten and lonely pieces. I think my favorite was the mid-century dresser you redid in a beautiful green ( sorry, I don’t remember the name of it.) I really love your photos and travelogues. It’s almost like being on the trips. Thank you for taking us along on your creative journeys.

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  14. Wow, it’s been 10 years that I’ve followed you?! I found you via BeesKnees Bungalow (I miss her!)
    Congratulations – you deserve it ❤️

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  16. Happy 10th anniversary on your amazing blog (if you can keep a secret….your blog is absolutely my favorite blog…today, always and of all time!!!). I joined your fun and exciting blog maybe 7 years ago.

    It would be tough to choose my all time favorite project/blog episode. I enjoy everything you put on your blog. I enjoy your garden updates and I have learned so much from your successes as well as the not so successful garden plans. Your travel episodes are wonderful to enjoy through your eyes. I love when you talk about your “not collections.” Every single one of your furniture and small makeovers have left me in awe and want to try what you do top notch.

    Thank you for sharing with us your amazing passion for plants, travel, and makeovers. I wish you another happy and fun ten years of blog heaven.

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  18. Congratulations on 10 years of blogging!! I wish I was that interesting because I would love to blog. I’m more of an introvert though so boo. I started following you about 3 years ago when I learned you used the same products I did. Dixie Belle, redesign with Prima and of course the IOD’ sisters. You have been a huge inspiration to me and I thank you. Now I would for once like to win one of your giveaways. 🙃🤣🤣. Have fun in Mexico.

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  19. I started following you this year because I saw a post from you on Pinterest. That whole day I was consumed by your blog. The tool boxes had me so hooked that I started trying to make them! Also failed but your inspiration is what keeps me going! Please don’t give up painting, you are so creative and talented and by what I read your followers love you also! Wishing you a restful and enjoyable vacation and can’t wait till you get back with more awesomeness! 🙂❤😊

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  20. Congratulations on 10 successful years! I’ve only been following you a little over a year. It was your tool boxes & blog name that drew me in. We have a lot in common I think. I still love the vintage chippy furniture. I enjoy working with Dixie belle paint, transfers & stencils. I hope you enjoy your anniversary celebration in MX. It is much deserved & will likely provide you with new inspiration. So glad you’ve kept the blog going. I’ve enjoyed all that you’ve shared & look forward to the fun & exciting things that are yet to come. Thank you for sharing!

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  21. Your posts are the highlight of my emails. I love your humor, your creativity is to the moon and back, and I love your honesty and humbleness. I typically go thru my emails deleting most, but when I see yours I smile bc I know I’m going to be inspired and I’ll smile and think I can do that and I typically never do, although I did just paint a pair of skates and put a transfer on them…not as good as yours though. Congratulations on 10 years, here’s to at least 10 more!!

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  23. Congratulations! 10 years of blogging is commendable. I only just discovered you and your blog about 3 years ago. I enjoy seeing and reading about all of your projects but my favorite projects are your toolbox makeovers and your gardens. Enjoy your trip!

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  25. I think I’ve followed you for almost 10 years or close to it!
    My favorite blogs are your painted furniture and I’m still a MMS milk paint fan. We had matching kitchen scale buffets but you may have sold yours.
    Looking forward to see where your blog takes you and what you do next!

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  26. I loved your green phase on the mid modern furniture (although I don’t like mid modern so much). I just painted my antique porch glider and chair in Sea Glass by Dixie. My neighbors love it! Hope Mexico was fabulous!

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  27. I always love reading your blog, it’s like sitting down with an old friend for a cup of coffee (or wine) and catching up on what’s new…here’s to 10 more years

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  28. I always love reading your blog, it’s like sitting down with an old friend for a cup of coffee (or wine) and catching up on what’s new…cheers to 10 more years

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  29. I love your blog and always look forward to it. I always enjoy seeing your furniture and would love to see a piece in my home if only I didn’t live so far away. My favorite furniture post was the one featuring small/doll size pieces since I also collect them. I am also a gardener so I look forward to your Sunday posts. Enjoy your blog-cation. Come back rested.and inspired.

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  30. I definitely don’t think it is your style It’s just the “cycle in cycle out” we commented on this 2-3 years ago. Of course your Christmas projects have always been my favorite!!

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  31. I love your blog Linda!! New posts, old posts – love to come back here every week. Your wonderful pictures, ideas, tips, new products – love it all! Congrats on 10 years!!

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  32. 10 years of great projects! I have many in my own home that were created with inspiration from you. Thank you for that! I hope you enjoy Mexico and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! 🙂

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  33. Congratulations Linda! I also can’t believe it’s been 10 years! I love your creativity and have definitely missed our Thrifty Thursdays 😉 Cheers to 10 years, enjoy Mexico!

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  35. Congratulations on 10 years Linda. I think I’ve followed you from almost day one. I don’t think I have a favorite project. I pretty much love everything you do. So much inspiration. Always look forward to opening my email to see your latest blog. Great start to the day. So glad you ditched the day job and not the blog. All the best to you where ever “retirement” takes you. Donna

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  37. Happy 10th Anniversary to you! I enjoy your blog so much – it would be hard to pinpoint one project I liked best. I look forward to your posts every week and go back to past posts when I need inspiration and directions. My birthday is 12/2 and your giveaway would be the perfect gift!! Enjoy Mexico

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  39. Congratulations! I’ve enjoyed all of your posts. Where does the time go! Creations for 10 years…keep up all your hard work! Happy and Merry Christmas I cannot leave a message on the site so I noticed you respond to emails as well. ________________________________

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  41. Congrats on 10 years of blogging! Your toolboxes are my favorite makeovers; your paint and transfer choices are inspiring! I also greatly enjoyed your posts on Charleston. I hope to visit there one day. And your garden posts are very helpful-so real- it helps so much that your “failures “ as well as your successes. Here’s to 10 more years!!

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  45. Happy 10th year blog anniversary! Time sure flies ! I believe I found your blog from Miss Mustard Seed’s old link parties?! (Remember those?!!) I use to blog and paint furniture, as well, so I would have to say I always looked forward to your milk painted dressers way back in the early days. And I really appreciate the time and effort you give to gift giving, staging photos, decorating, etc. Also, I grew up in the Twin Cities, so there’s that! Again, happy anniversary! Enjoy Mexico!!

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  46. 10 years is quite a milestone. Congratulations! I know you haven’t done one in a while, but I love the benches you make from bed headboards and footboards. The construction, the paint, the designs you use. Always love them.

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  47. Congratulations on 10 years! You have been in an amazing inspiring blog to follow. I was so excited when I found you. Thanks for all you’re amazing IOD projects, furniture and smalls. I love to see your many travels and beautiful flowers too. Cheers to you!

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  48. I love reading your blog and seeing all of your makeovers. I also love your tiny dresser collection. Happy blogiversary!

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  49. Congrats on 10 years, now that’s something!! Love your blog and all your inspiring projects. I’m retiring in March and have the perfect dresser and multiple tackle boxes waiting to try your techniques.
    Barb 🙂

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  50. Congratulations on your 10 year blogiversary! I started following you about 5 years in. I do feel somewhat like I have been around since the beginning because I did go back and read all of your posts from the start once I found your blog. I truly enjoy your blog and read every post when notified by email. I do apologize for not commenting more often but I just kind of like to stay under the radar. The internet can get so weird and a little creepy at times. Maybe I am just getting too old. Even though the subject matter of your posts has changed quite a bit since the early days, I still enjoy and look forward to all your posts and hope you continue for many years to come. Cheers to you!

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    1. First of all, congratulations on your Blog-anniversery! I think I’m approaching that milestone in two years. Life changes, styles change and the world continues on with us leading or following. I enjoy your painted posts and all the styles you do. I spent a decade painting furniture that ended in 2007. Life goes on, now I make miniatures. Hugs, and thanks for all the great ideas…totally love that mini cabinet/drawers…so cute! Sandi

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