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.
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.”
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!


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GREAT post and interview. What a wonderful book (times 2) Hope you have a great night- xo Diana
View CommentThanks for stopping by. Good luck. xxoo
View CommentBarb,
This was a fabulous post! I love farmhouse style too but I also love Coastal cottage. My kitchen leans towards farmhouse. I remember visiting my grandparents in upstate New York on their then 200 y.o. 70 acre farm. I loved hearing those dairy cows moo! I have such a hard time with rafflecopter entries. I have never mastered Twitter but I hope to learn one day. I’d love to win a copy of Miss Mustard seeds books. Barb, is that adorable photo of you? What a cutie with a beautiful smile. I’m following along on your blog and I already had you in my google + circle. Still trying to figure out how google + works too!
View CommentYes, that is me. LOL If you figure out how G+ works fill me in. Ugh I would LOVE a 200 yr old farmhouse. My dream.
View CommentLove it Barb! You are up to sooo much these days! Love Marian of course!
View Comment🙂
Kelly
Barb, I totally enjoyed this post. Marian is just awesome….and so humble and “real.” I wish her every continued success!
I think it is absolutely wonderful you are giving away that awesome book – two of them, wow!
Have a wonderful long holiday weekend.
~Michele
View CommentGreat article. I am a follower of Marian’s and love her blog. Thank you so much for asking her about her blogging business. I’m starting out (just opened a blog) and find it encouraging.
View CommentGreat giveaway, Barb!
View CommentWhat a great interview Barb, I learned so much about Marian! Amazing how her blog took off and how she shares her talents wit blogland. Great giveaway too!!
View CommentKathysue
What a great interview, Barb! I follow Miss Mustard Seed and I do agree – she’s just real.
I discovered YOUR blog yesterday and fell in love! We have a number of things in common on the personal side (Marine Corp and love of red/gold/green). I too am leaning toward some blues and greens now. I love how you left your English room in those colors and moved on in the rest! I look forward to all your posts! 🙂
View CommentWelcome to another member of the Corps family. Nice to meet you. Glad you found me and hope you can stop by often.
View CommentGreat interview and giveaway. Love your blog.
View CommentHi Barb,
View CommentYes! I did just find you and I’m your newest follower! And what day to enter, with such a fab giveaway. Love MMS Marian too! Thanks for the opportunity, and I hope to explore all of your social venues – the shop, Pinterest, your blog, and Facebook. Happy to meet you – from the hills of WV – almost Heaven. 🙂
Best,
Rita
Hi Rita, I am so glad you “founded” me. 🙂 Welcome and I hope you enjoy looking around.
View CommentGreat interview Barb and great questions too! I won’t sign up for the giveaway because I bought her book…then I won a copy on another blog to which I gave the book to my niece 🙂
View Commentxx
Anne
Thank you so much Barb. I love the interview. Miss Mustard’s seeds always inspire me. And I love her milk paint too!
Have a great week end.
Ellya
View Comment@CuriositaEllya
Sono una seguace vostra e di miss mustard, da un bel po, bellissima intervista.
View CommentVi saluto desde Italia.
I really enjoyed this interview and I also love a success story. Thanks so much
View CommentBarb – my goodness why am I only finding your blog now? It’s so beautiful and I’ve never really looked at Miss Mustard Seed’s blog either – just heard her name everywhere in the blogoverse. Thank you so much for introducing her to me and yourself too. I’ve followed you all over the place and entered your giveaway. Thank you again.
View CommentMichelle / newengland-style.com
What a great interview. It is so fun to hear about her and how it all came about. Thanks so much for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
View CommentGreat interview Barb! I have always loved MMS’s style. So glad you shared this at HSH! Thanks for coming by!!
View CommentSherry