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Favorite Things

Art

art books | new releases in 2024

Well, now that I have more shelf space in the studio, I can buy more books!  I say that partially in jest, but my book-loving mind does think that way to an extent.  There is a practical, organized side of me, though, that understands limits are good and things are only valuable if I can interact with them meaningfully.  They have to be accessible and useful to be enjoyed, so keeping that in mind, there will always be some limits.  That being said, I really, really love and use my art books.  I visit and revisit them regularly, so I feel like I can justify making more room for more books without feeling guilty. I have learned, though, that I need to be intentional about the books I curate, so I’ve gotten in the habit of maintaining a pretty meticulous art books wish list.  When I see a book I’m

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Favorite Things

Black Friday Deals with Walmart

Disclosure | This post is sponsored by Walmart.  As always, all words and opinions expressed are honest and my own. Almost 15 years ago, I decided I would set out on Black Friday to see what all of the fuss was about.  I love getting a good deal, but I wasn’t excited about braving the parking lots and crowds.  I ended up waiting in a line wrapped around a store to buy a Playdough set for Marshall and my curiosity about the hoopla was satisfied.  But now, there is no need to wait in line or even wait until Black Friday to get amazing deals.  has thousands of Black Friday deals available today and you can shop them all without fighting for a parking spot, sitting in traffic, or waiting in lines. They are offering sales of everything from toys and electronics to clothes and housewares and more.  As you

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a slice of life

The Brot Box | homemade German bread

I want to let you know that I’ve been working very hard and making tremendous sacrifices for your benefit over the past couple of weeks.  I mean, this was the kind of work that is way over and above and I did it all for you.  I have been cooking and testing out homemade German bread from The Brot Box. I think some thank yous are in order and I might need a vacation.    If you’re not familiar with my brand of humor, I’m being cheeky with you.  Baking and eating bread to test it out was a treat.  I’m often asked to test out products to share here on the blog and I definitely say no more than I say yes, but when The Brot Box asked if they could send me some of their homemade German bread for me to try, I did not hesitate.  (By the

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All Things Home

maple house collective | small shop spotlight

A few years ago, I worked with The Maple House Collective, a small business based in Washington state that sells antiques and housewares online and eventually in a renovated barn.  I love following the journey of Phoebe and her family for a few reasons.  First of all, the aesthetic of the shop is stunning.  Phoebe is amazing at curation, styling, and photography.  Second, I love that it’s a family business and they all work very hard together.  You want to shop from them and root for them and it always feels good to buy from a business like that. When she reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in doing some product photography, I said yes without any hesitation.  As a small business owner myself, I know how nice it is to get a fresh eye on your products and to receive some photos you didn’t

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a slice of life

one of my secrets to a productive day & Brooklinen Labor Day sale

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Brooklinen, who is currently running a 20% Labor Day sale now through September 6, 2023.  As always, all words and opinions are honest and my own. I’m often asked about my daily schedule and how I get so much accomplished.  A part of it is that I am a person who is driven by productivity, which can be a good thing and a bad thing.  A part of it is the snapshot shared here on the blog and social media sort of compress the things I get done in a week and it can collectively look like more than it is.  But one thing I’ve come to value more over the years is protecting time to rest and getting a good night’s sleep, which can sound counterproductive to productivity. In the early years of my business, I really bought into the hustle culture and

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a slice of life

fall Walmart fashion | classic blue & white staples

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Walmart.  As always, all words and opinions expressed are honest and my own.  blue star sweater | white tie blouse | gold tunic sweater | jeans | striped shirt | ballet flats | navy sweater | olive stripe sweater We moved into our house almost a year ago!  Can you believe that?  We still have things in boxes and areas that have remained largely untouched since we first settled in.  When I see those areas, I feel a little frustrated with myself, but I have to remember how much upheaval and many major renovations have happened since we moved in.  I also had to remind myself that it took two-to-three years to really get settled when we moved to our house in Minnesota.  Even though this house is much smaller than our last one, there is so much stuff to organize and so many

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Favorite Things

July 4th Marlow Pillow & Cooling Cover Sale

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Marlow.  As always, all opinions and words expressed are honest and my own. I’ve shared about the Marlow Pillow a couple of times here on the blog and today, I wanted to let you know their July 4th summer sale is running now for a limited time.  If you’re not familiar with the Marlow Pillow, it was designed to be a well-price pillow that is comparable quality to pillows almost twice the price.  They are thoughtfully designed to offer adjustability, and cooling, as well as mite and bacteria resistance.  In addition, the pillows are designed to work for side, back, and stomach sleepers.  Marlow is so confident in their product that they offer a 2-year warranty and free 365-day returns. In previous posts about the Marlow PIllow, I highlighted the adjustability of the pillow.  Jeff ordered an “adjustable” pillow once and it came with an

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a slice of life

summer bedding with Brooklinen

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Brooklinen.  I have partnered with them for years and love sharing about their products.  As always, all words are honest and my own. Brooklinen is having their big 20% off Memorial Day sale now through May 31, so it’s a good time to buy new sheets, bedding, and towels. One place that has been a haven for Jeff and me (and the kitties) during all of the renovation work has been our bedroom suite.  Other than the boy’s rooms, it’s the one place in the house that isn’t acting as storage for displaced items from the kitchen, dining room, and foyer.  It’s on the opposite side of the house from the kitchen, so it’s also been isolated a bit more from the noise and dust.  And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate having a comfortable bed with fresh, soft bedding to sink

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I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

next art sale

August 13th, 2026 at 1pm EST

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