the same ol’ thing? (blogiversary giveaway!)

Published on by Quandie

Today I’m celebrating my 12 year blogiversary (read to the end for my annual giveaway)!

Sometimes it feels like I’ve been doing this forever, while at the same time I can’t believe that 12 years have gone by since my first post.

In some ways, so many things have changed over the last decade or so.  Not only have my blogging skills improved a bit, but my sister and niece moved here from New Jersey, and both Mr. Q and I retired from our day jobs.

I’ve also made quite a few changes to our house.

For example, the q branch (which is my home office where I write this blog) went from chartreuse …

to beige …

to deep green.

The piano room went from horizontal grey and white stripes …

to faux board and batten paired with charcoal grey.

The potting shed went from shabby chic she shed …

to photo cottage …

to potting shed.

But aside from all of those changes, in other ways I sometimes feel like I’m just doing the same ol’ thing.

For example, my first post about painting books was way back in 2015.

And I’m still painting books.

My first post about painting toolboxes also goes all the way back to 2015.

And I’m still painting toolboxes.

I also shared some stenciled suitcases back in 2014.

And I’m still stenciling suitcases.

I don’t know, am I still doing the same ol’ thing?

Or has my style changed enough that these things feel different?  All three of these examples show how much my style has evolved, even if the items themselves are technically still ‘the same ol’ thing’.

Last winter I did add something entirely new to the blog.

I gave my old dollhouse a total makeover.

I had so much fun working on that project and it filled up many cold winter days (if you are viewing this on a desktop, you can look to the right side of the screen and under the word ‘sorted.’ you can click on the “mini’s” category to see all of my dollhouse posts).

But the dollhouse is mostly done now, and I’m not sure if I’ll continue to do more miniatures or not.

I did briefly consider the idea of creating miniature furniture to sell.

But that plan didn’t really go anywhere.  I still have quite a few pieces for sale, check out my ‘miniatures for sale‘ tab if you want to check them out.

But despite a brief collaboration with Miniature Crush, and a few early sales, I ended up unable to find a market for my miniature pieces.

So currently I am rather unsure what projects will fill my days this coming winter, but I’m sure I’ll come up with something.  It may end up being more of the same ol’ thing, but hopefully with enough of a twist to keep you interested.

In the meantime, as is my blog tradition, I have a giveaway today to celebrate my blogiversary.

  I’ve included both of the magazines that I was featured in recently, Flea Market Decor and American Farmhouse Style.

If you win you’ll also receive a couple of my favorite paint colors for this time of year, Ecru and Barn Red.  You’ll also get the Clear Bonding Boss that I use on all of my toolboxes.

I’m also throwing in the clear wax that I use all the time, plus Big Mama’s Butta in the Orange Grove scent (my favorite of the scents) along with some brown wax.  I like to mix these last two products together to create an easy to apply aging finish (you can see that result on the bar stools that I painted last summer).

Finally, I’m also including two bars of Dixie Belle’s Scrubby Soap, one orange and one lemon.

I love this stuff for both cleaning my paint brushes and cleaning paint off my hands … and maybe my arms, and on occasion possibly even my legs (I’m a messy painter).  Not only does it work great, but it smells great too.  I guess you could say that I’m a fan of citrus scents, both in Big Mama’s Butta and Scrubby Soap.

By the way, FYI, from now through December 1 if you buy 2 Scrubby Soaps from the Dixie Belle website, you get 1 free.  They make awesome stocking stuffers for the painters/gardeners/mechanics in your life.

Oh, and hey, while we’re on the subject, Dixie Belle has a couple of other deals this weekend only.

The Black Friday Deal:  Buy one, get one 50% off on Friday, Nov 28 from 12 a.m. through Saturday Nov 29 at 11:59 p.m.

The Cyber Monday Deal:  Free shipping on orders over $99 from Monday, Dec 1 at 12 a.m.. through Tuesday, Dec 2 at 11:59 pm.

So be sure to check those out if you need to stock up.

Meanwhile, best of luck on today’s giveaway.

Here are the rules:  Simply leave a comment on this blog post to have your name included in the random drawing.

Your comment must be left on this blog post, not on Facebook or Instagram.

  Also please note that if you are leaving a comment for the first time I will have to approve it before you will see it on the blog (this is to reduce spam and/or inappropriate comments).  Be patient because I’m heading to Mexico on Saturday and may not be getting to comments while away.

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 7, 2025 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 $200, if the prize is not claimed by Friday, December 19, 2025 another name will be drawn at random to win, yada, yada, yada.

Good luck!

Thank you to Dixie Belle Paint Co for all of their support over the years, and for supplying all of their items included in today’s giveaway.

53 thoughts on “the same ol’ thing? (blogiversary giveaway!)”

  1. Good morning! Just wanted to tell you that I found you by accident years ago and have been so glad I did! In 2021 you inspired me to try a sale in my backyard “shed” – it was a great success and in May I am going to do another and hopefully going forward. I would have never thought to do it without your inspiration! I have learned so much from your blog! Thank you!

    Donna Sandler
    Summerville, SC

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      1. I did know that and so enjoyed that post! So glad you visited us! My husband works downtown Charleston in the old houses that are being restored – he has brought home some very cool old items that the owners were just dumping! If you ever come back this way let us know – he can take you in some of the old places that they are restoring – it’s pretty amazing!

        Happy Thanksgiving!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Awww. I can’t believe that I have read your Blog for so many years. It has been my go to every morning with my cup of tea. I enjoy seeing all of your projects as well as reading about your travels. Keep going! You are doing a great job!!! Thank you Linda for all that you do for all of us❤️ Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours😊

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  8. I discovered your blog when I retired in 2017 and I have enjoyed it ever since! You do a great job of varying your projects and I don’t find them repetitive – it helps me to see the different ways one type of creative project can be made. But you add new things all the time too. Congratulations on 12 years and thanks for all of the inspiration!

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  10. Congratulations – time sure does fly! Not sure how long I have been reading, but it’s been maybe 6 years at least? Love to see all your makeovers and I do confess I sure love the picture of your shabby chic shed! I moved away from that too, but I really still do love it! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  11. Happy Blogiversary!! 12 years! Your Items are always BEAUTIFUL and inspiring!!!! Keep showing us your talent😉. I only found you maybe 5 years ago but I’ve gone back on all the posts. I think I first saw you on Pinterest. I’m Canadian but Happy Thanksgiving!🦃

    Kerry

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  12. Hi, my name is Alison and I found your blog about a year ago. I have PTSD and have been looking for something to do since I had to retire. What got me interested in your creativity was the boxes, all of them! I am now addicted to everything toolbox related and sell them here in Florida. I’ve only actually sold 3 but I’m starting to do craft shows along with my plush one of a kind naughty gnomes!

    Thank you so much for your inspiration!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  13. What a delightful stroll through the years. I really enjoy your blog, and don’t have any sense of ‘same old, same old’. You keep things fresh and you’re always entertaining. Your timing on leaving town is also pretty spot on, enjoy your trip!Cheers to the blogs ahead!

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    1. I know, right? I was starting to think I wasn’t ready for a tropical vacation quite yet, but I’m sure happy to be getting away before our first sub-zero temps 😉

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  18. congratulations! I definitely do not think you’re doing the same thing over and over. Love your classic style and even though I’ve followed for only a short time, I enjoy going back into your archives. Keep going! And I hope to make it to another occasional sale in future.

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  19. I loved getting to see the evolution in your style. Everything always feels fresh and new to me and I really enjoy reading your posts and seeing your projects. I even feel connected to your garden – though gardening isn’t really my thing in the heat and humidity of Houston. Your window boxes are always beautiful and I, too, am still upset about the tree your neighbor cut down. lol

    Have a happy thanksgiving and thanks for the awesome giveaway.

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  21. Well being featured in not just 1, but 2, two, t-w-o magazines is not the same ol’ thing so I say keep it goin’. Your ideas are smashing and who knows what will show up this year!

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  22. Congrats on the magazines! I’ve been following your blog for years. Lots of inspiration. We always go to Reclaiming Beautiful when in Stillwater. Last time I purchased one of your vintage paint brushes for my collection. Love it! Thanks!

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  23. hi Miss Quandie, I enjoy following your blog and love your see before and after pics. I’ve gotten brave enough to paint some furniture and smalls myself after seeing your makeovers! Thanks for all you share. Happy thanksgiving to you and yours!

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  24. I can’t believe it’s been that long. WOW. While I’ve enjoyed the beauty of the things you create, there are times I consider you a How-to resource for using various products. Plus seeing the way you transform things is amazing. Here’s to another 12 years.

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  26. I love your posts. I am new at this hobby so the details you provide about materials and techniques are very appreciated! Toolboxes are my favorite, and I have studied your posts like a kid cramming for an AP exam. Congratulations on your anniversary! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and creative ideas. ❤️

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  27. Congratulations on 12 years! I love seeing all you interior changes❤️ I love changing my room colors occasionally and it’s much easier than moving. As I look around my house, I see you in almost every room. Your creations are just wonderful. Congratulations and have fun in Mexico!

    ~Melissa

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  29. Your blog is never the same old thing at all. You may feel like you’re doing the same old things but they evolve with the times. It’s always fascinating to see the color combos and transfer choices you make. It’s usually something that sparks an idea I can try too. Who doesn’t need more inspiration? It’s nice to have something that is all fun and joy. The world is a serious place and you’ve created a little respite from that. Keep it up Miss Q!😃
    Sent from my iPhone

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  36. I think your Luk has matured like a fine wine. I still love your blog. I still love your creations and y’all have a happy Thanksgiving.

    smiles, alice

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  38. You might feel it’s the same ol’ thing, but you’re always bringing a fresh approach to each item. Your creativity is inspiring, Linda.

    Happy Blogaversary…here’s to many more!

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  39. Thank you Linda for keeping up with the blogging! Your blog has been my favorite for years, it inspires me and bring me joy. Sometimes I just choose a random post from previous years and read from there. Happy holidays!

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  40. I read your next blog first where you’re thanking readers about your blogs. I will say I enjoy reading your blogs, and seeing your projects. I enjoy this blog and the garden ones very much. Please continue blogging/showing us your projects.

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  43. I love your posts. I have collected quite a few toolboxes because I am inspired by the ones you have transformed. Now if I could only get to courage to give it a try.

    Thank you for continuing to write your blog for us.

    Linda

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