Best of 2015

by | Jan 3, 2016 | Favorite Things | 19 comments

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2015 was a pretty full year for me and my business and I thought it would be fun to look back over a few of the highlights.

I started off by committing to the Whole 30 eating challenge and I stuck to it!  It resulted in a 7.5 lb weight loss, clearer skin and a healthier attitude towards food.  I wish I could say that I kept going and reached my goal weight, but I’m still working towards it.  It’s a process.  I did lose more and I have done a pretty good job maintaining the weight loss.  (Well, Christmas has hit the waistline a little hard, but I’m getting back to it!)

I also launched six new MMS Milk Paint colors, our European color line.  Marzipan, Arabesque, Layla’s Mint, Schloss, Bergere and Mora all joined the ranks.

I did a marathon of upholstery and furniture projects leading up to Lucketts and a magazine photo shoot that happened at my house…

(the checked chair)

(French chair upholstery series)

“Swedish” Secretary Desk

Mustard Seed Yellow Buffet

Workbench Revamp

Another Workbench Revamp

Layla’s Mint Dresser

Lucketts Green Dresser

And a lot more!  I  lost count of the amount of furniture I worked on this year, but it’s one of the things I enjoy most, so I’m glad I was able to spend so much time on it.  I have some pieces waiting in the wings and I’m ready to give them the “mustard treatment.”

I also got a few projects done around the house, including a makeover of the upstairs bathroom

…and our stairwell, a space that was long neglected.  I added a gallery wall of family photos and installed a stair runner.

And 2015 was the year I caught the gardening bug.  I have learned so much this year about how to take care of them and which plants thrive in which rooms.

It’s been a fun addition to my house and I’m still enjoying all of my little “babies.”

My growing affection for plants gave me the idea to make a potting bench out of an old workbench that was in our basement and a chicken roosting box…

 

Late summer brought me into getting ready for the Market on Chapel Hill in Alabama.  One of my favorite pieces for the show was a side table I made out of the base of an antique pram.  It was one of those nutty ideas that worked out perfectly.

We also made our first milk paint “commercial”.  It was really fun to show the paint in a visual way.  I have a few ideas for more video promos to make this year.

And Kriste and I worked on our first room makeover for a client – Megan’s office makeover.

Look what Megan drew on the chalkboard for Christmas…

This little guy… ? #chalkart #frostythesnowman #christmasinmyoffice

A photo posted by Megan Thomas (@megancarolthomas) on

How cute is that?!

In addition to the plant-growing bug, I caught the furniture-building bug.  Jeff and I built a cupboard around antique windows and I’m excited about designing and building more…

And Kriste and I had the most amazing photo shoot for Look Book Two at a manor house in Virginia

And, as the year wound down, I focused on decorating the house for Christmas

There were so many other highlights and favorites for me.  Too many to mention, really.  I learned a lot.  I’ve grown a lot and I’m excited about carrying all of that into 2016.

And, just for fun, here were my five most popular posts written in 2015…

My “Home Evolution” series was also a popular one.

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    19 Comments

    1. antiquechase

      Happy New Year !!
      Marcy

    2. Carrie Schindler Schwab

      I scrolled through this post with a big smile on my face. I’ve so enjoyed each and every post you’ve made (I look forward to checking your blog every day), and it was nice to see such a delightful summary of all of the inspiration you’ve provided to your readers. On a personal note, this was the year I was lucky enough to attend one of your painting demonstrations in Sun Prairie, WI, and had the honor of meeting you, Kriste and Laura of the Ironstone Nest. It was a good year! Best wishes for a fun and exciting 2016!

      Carrie from Copper and Tin

    3. Ashlea

      This was a great year! I am a long time reader of the blog, and I must say it just seems to get better with time. I so appreciate your passion, heart and creativity. Your posts are always uplifting and positive, and they inspire creativity in others. It is a highlight for me to check in on your latest market, furniture, room and house updates. I have looked forward to using your milk paint, and have now done 2 projects (can’t believe it took me this long to get some!) and I just felt so proud and pumped- thinking of your journey over the years. God is good- and your blog shares that message with ease. Happy New year to you. 🙂

    4. Nancy

      It was a joy watching as you passed the year. I just showed your commercial to my mom the other day. We have been un-decorating from Christmas and I can’t help but think “wwmmsd?” What would ms. Mustard seed do with the front door between Christmas and Valentines?

    5. Jaime Costiglio

      Love seeing all the success! Cheers to 2016 and all that’s in store for you.

    6. Dorene

      Reading your blog is one of my favorite things to do as I start my day! Your positive attitude and creativity are inspiring. Your hard work and dedication have brought you the success you deserve, and I am looking forward to following your journey and seeing all that you accomplish in 2016. I’ve used your products to bring new life to some old pieces of furniture and add a bit of vintage charm to our home. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your knowledge through the videos and tutorials you create and for offering such a great product line. I wish you and your family all the best in the coming year!

    7. Lucylocket

      Happy New Year! Your talent is amazing! Looking forward to you bringing us more inspiration in 2016!

    8. Marsha

      I love the lawnmower sign, my Dad used to repair lawnmowers in our basement when I was a kid!!! Is it for sale? marsha@tubbslanefarm.com

    9. Saskia

      2015 was the year I discovered your products and your blog. I have become a big fan of both, and of you! You are a true inspiration. Wishing you all the best for 2016!

    10. Anne

      Happy New Year Marian and Kriste,

      Congratulations for your loving creations and so charming decors!
      I follow all your posts and wish you all the best for 2016.

      Anne.

    11. Linda

      Congrats, Marian! So lovely.
      HAPPY NEW YEAR!
      Linda at Beautiful Ideas

    12. marylisa noyes

      Great year for you and thank you for sharing and giving me so many Pins…

    13. Naomi S.

      Wow! What a busy and creative year for you! Congratulations on all your successes and on learning a lot along the way!

      Miss Mustard is one of my two favorite blogs to read. The other is Knick of Time. You and Angie inspire me so much and give me so much eye candy to look at and dream about, I don’t know how I ever got along without you!

      I’m so glad you had such a successful and creative year, Marian. Here’s to 2016…may we all have many successes and a lot of fun and a few “learning experiences.” Blessings to you and your family, Marian and to all of your fond readers!

    14. Ronnie Gunn Tucker

      I enjoyed that post. 🙂 Looking forward to what’s in store for Miss Mustard Seed in 2016.

    15. Amy

      Marian,

      It’s too bad you couldn’t post photos of all the people you’ve inspired as part of your year looking back. There isn’t a blog big enough! There are those of us who are doing what you do (well, maybe not everything). We work hard and use our creativity to inspire the creation of the home environment so many want for themselves and their families. It’s so much more than a painted bureau or a slip-covered chair. There are also those who may not be in the painted furniture/home design business, but whom also appreciate and are truly inspired by your sense of design, obtainable results, and sensibility. If you are ever in doubt or when your energy is low and you feel like your balance is off, please know you are an incredible inspiration to all of us out there and WHAT YOU DO MATTERS. Thank you!

    16. Debbie Delosreyes

      I hope 2016 brings you lots of happiness, creativity, and prosperity.

    17. Gabrielle

      I have loved every one of your posts throughout 205. I am like a child on Christmas morning, and cannot wait to open your posts to look at the delights within, I am really looking forward to another year of “Miss Mustard Seed” inspiration

    18. Julie

      Wow! What a successful year you have had! So inspiring!! How do you fit it all in??
      All the best for an even more amazing 2016. I look forward to continuing to watch the MMS journey!

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