Miss Mustard Seed Interview and Book Giveaway

 

 

I don’t think I’ve made it a secret how much I love Farmhouses.

In fact, anything Farmhouse.

My online shop, Farmhouse Decor, is a testament to this love.

 

When it comes to Farmhouse Style, it would be hard to deny that this style

has seen a surge of interest because of blogging.

 

I grew up with the original “Farmhouse Style.”  

I am a barefooted, sun-tanned, dirt under my nails gal through and through.

 

 

I’m surprised my Mama got me to wear a dress long enough to take this pic. 

Farmhouse means a lot of different things to everyone.

 

When I think of Farmhouse, first and foremost I think of the home where I

was raised and blessed with the most wonderful childhood anyone could

ever wish for.

 

 

Farmhouse to me….was “home.”  Maybe that is why I have such an affinity

for the style today.  Especially in my kitchen, where I have such precious

memories of cooking and baking with my Mama.

 

When I think of Farmhouse in terms of blogging, I will have to say – one

particular person comes to mind more than anyone else.

 

Marian Parson, better known as Miss Mustard Seed

 

Marion has an iconic style, and has turned her family’s farmhouse into a

truly unique and endearing home.  It is no wonder that she was asked to write

a book, where she featured some of her classic designs and the style that has

put her Bloggyworld’s map.

 

 Inspired You.

 

 

It is filled with page after page of inspirational photographs and projects.

Inspired You is one of those books that you go back to again and again…

and see something new each time.

 

I was thrilled when Marian agreed to do an interview with me.  I sent

her some questions, and here are the answers she gave.

 

Ten Questions with Miss Mustard Seed

 

Question One:  Most of us know that you really started blogging

on a whim, and a way to advertise your business, but did you ever

think it would grow to be one of the biggest DIY blogs there is?

 

Answer: No, I had no idea!  I didn’t have any grand plans or big

expectations for my blog.  I just did what I did and everything happened

in an organic way.

 

(source)

Question Two: What aspects of blogging do you appreciate the

most, and which aspects do you wish you did not have to deal

with?

 

Answer: I love the community, and having an excuse to “play magazine”

and having a place to share.  I’m also constantly amazed at the opportunities

that have come available to me through my blog and I’m really grateful for

those.  As far as the downsides, I do get bogged down with e-mails and all

of the technical things that need to be done.  I also hate the accounting,

taxes and legal stuff that comes with all of the “fun.”

 

(source) 

 

Question Three:   In 2012, you started a line of milk paints,

Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint,  which has become hugely

successful.  Where do you see this product line going in the

next few years, and do you have other plans to add more

products.

 

Answer: What started as a very small idea has totally blown me

away and it’s a little overwhelming at times.  Right now our focus is

on education and inspiration, so our customers know how to use milk

paint like a pro.  We do have some other products on the horizon,

including new milk paint colors and some new paint products. 

It’s exciting.

 

(source)

 

Question Four:  How do you handle the aspects of being a business

owner, a blogger, a wife and mother, and life in general – all rolled

into one?

 

Answer: This is the area that I constantly have to work on…balance.  

I might be rocking out some furniture, but my house is a mess.  I might

spend a ton of time with my boys and then my e-mail inbox is overloaded. 

I just take each day as it comes and make adjustments along the way. 

I’m sure I’ll still be talking about my struggle with balance years from now!

 

 (source)

 

Question Five: How does your husband and children feel about

your newfound fame?

 

Answer:  My kids have grown up with me being “Miss Mustard Seed”,

so it isn’t strange to them.  They have enjoyed the attention at the book

signings they’ve attended with me, though!  My husband has been so

supportive through this crazy ride and is very proud of all I (we, really)

have accomplished.

 

 (source)

 

Question Six: Do you have plans to write another book?

 

Answer:  I don’t have any firm plans at this point, just soft ideas.  I

am so content with where I am that I don’t feel like I need to push to

make anything happen.  I’m just going to wait until the timing is right. 

I’m definitely open to it, though.

 

(source) 

 

Question Seven: What is the favorite room in your home and why?

 

Answer: My favorite room to shoot in is my dining room, but I enjoy my

kitchen and family room the most.  Those are the rooms where we really

live and relax.

 

 (source)

Question Eight:  What is the one piece of furniture you have

painted/refurbished and sold, and regret it and why?

 

 Answer:  I sold a French sofa a few years ago, before I knew how to

reupholster, and I wish I had kept it, so I could finish it properly. 

I am sure I can find something else I like just as much, though.  I don’t

really have regrets, because there is always great new stuff to be found

and given a makeover.

 

 (source)

 

Question Nine: Why would you encourage anyone to start

a blog?

 

Answer:  I think it’s a great way to connect with other people who

have common interests.  It doesn’t have to be professionally or as a

part of a business, but as an outlet.  I think a lot of women, especially

those who feel a little lost in motherhood or their job, really need that. 

It’s also just fun!

 

 (source)

 

Question Ten: For someone new to blogging, what are three

pieces of advice you can offer them?

 

Answer: One – Be yourself.  I know that sounds so cliché, but it is true. 

Don’t try to copy someone else.  Just do what you do.  Two – Focus on

quality content and photographs.  Three – Remember that everyone starts

somewhere.  I started with three followers (myself, my sister-in-law and a

friend.)  I didn’t hire a designer until my blog was over a year old. 

Don’t feel like you need to compete with established blogs when you’re

first starting out.  Just start and let things grow naturally.

 

 (source)

 

Thank you, Marian.  It was such fun asking you these questions and hearing

your responses.  Thank you for your contributions to Farmhouse-Style, as

well as,  your contributions to Bloggyland.

 

Did y’all enjoy that, too?  

 

Well, like that wasn’t exciting enough – I have another surprise for you.

 

(source) 

 

I am giving away not ONE of Miss Mustard Seed’s books, but TWO.  

TWO lucky Everyday Home friends will receive a copy if Marian’s book,

Inspired You.

 

Simply enter below using Rafflecopter, and the winners will be announced

next Thursday.  Good luck, everyone!!!

  

Have a blessed and relaxing weekend!

xxoo, Barb

 

Please note:  If the Rafflecopter image does not show, simply click

the link below to go to image page.  You only have to do ONE of

the following requests to be entered into the giveaway.  More requests

only gives you more chances to win.  Good luck! 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
For more Farmhouse-Style Inspiration, please check out: 

Sharing With:

 

Enter your email address to follow The Everyday Home:

Delivered by FeedBurner