I think it’s been established and well documented that I love French chairs. That love encompasses the Gustavian/Swedish/Scandinavian varieties as well. I’m not particular when it comes to a pretty wood frame with panels of beautiful fabric. I mean…come on. Anyway, when Soft Surroundings contacted me about their new home decor line based on French antiques, well, I knew working with them was a good match. If you’re not familiar with them, they are known for clothing and accessories and have recently branched into home decor and, after looking at their beautiful collection, I was excited to partner with them. I selected the Petite Salon Chair to take for a “test drive” in my house.
I was thinking about using it at the head of my dining room table, but it is a pretty generous arm chair and I felt was too big for that, so I put it in the corner of our home office. That corner seems to be the “chair-of-the-month corner”, but I think this one will set a record. It looks great with the wall color.
The wood frame is sturdy and the washed and faded finish is so pretty. It’s upholstered in a textured, but soft gray fabric with welting and nail head trim on the inside and a fine woven burlap on the outside.
They offer so many other beautiful pieces of furniture on their site and in their stores as well…
Even pieces that are genuine antiques from France to use as inspiration…
…and then reproduction pieces of those antiques like this Fantine Linen Cabinet, that’s about $1000 less than the inspiration piece.
I love that idea. Offer the original for someone who wants to splurge on the real deal and reproductions for someone who wants the look for less money. It would still be a splurge in my book, but definitely a lot more affordable.
Here are some other pieces that caught my fancy…
I am over the moon for the Fantine Wingback…
(I think I may have asked to “test drive” this one if it was available a few months ago!)
…and the Bruges Secretary, which is the loveliest color…
I could spend too much time window shopping their site. I’ll share more about Robin, the woman behind Soft Surroundings, and her recent shopping/inspiration trips to France in another post AND I’ll be having a giveaway, so you can have a chance to own something from their home decor line.
Disclosure: I have partnered with Soft Surroundings by trading product (the Petite Salon Chair) in exchange for advertising on my blog.
125 Responses
Love the chair! Off to check out their site.
Excited about the giveaway!
You know, I noticed what I thought was a different chair in one of your recent posts. It looks like a great chair.
I’m done. You’ve become too commercialized for me.
Seriously? The whole idea of starting a business is to make money and become successful! She starts working out of her basement, has a spot in an antiques store and gets a few free-bees in exchange for advertising something she loves and knows her followers would love. All the while showcasing another small business. I wouldn’t call that commercialized, I’d call that helping another business grow. I had never heard of Soft Surroundings and probably never would have if she hadn’t featured it.
Perfect response Jodi!
I too agree with Jodi!
Agreed. This doesn’t seem any less than the charming grass roots creation that it is. Keep it up. Missmustardseed.com is inspiring as ever!
It’s called the American Dream! And it is one of the things that makes our country great!
Congratulations to Miss Mustard Seed for being such a success and for inspiring us every day!
God bless you Marian!
In response to “I’m done” ………… I can’t understand why!!!! Miss Mustard Seed is an awesome blog and lady! I recently discovered Surroundings and am in love. The clothes are sooooo soft good quality!
You are done because MMS can finally make some money doing what she loves. It would be better if she was sharing everything she makes, and how she does it…absolutely FREE of charge to you?! Not only cutting in on potential profits uncaring if others copy her style and design WITH step by step directions!! Saving newbies countless hours and dollars on mistakes and YOU are done!!! LOL! You probably should be than! If you cannot be extremely happy for everything Marion and shared and helped folks with, YOU will never GET it!! Marion, Continue on your path…YOUR star will continue to rise…I for one appreciate the sponsored posts. I WANT you to be able to make some money for the hours and hours you dedicate to your FREE blog and the posts on social media!! I have told you before, YOU have helped SO many folks learn to be creative and try things they would never feel they have an ability to accomplish. Keep up the great work!!
Don’t be a hater because she is growing as a brand. Her voice is still the same.
I too agree with Annie Vee and have been meaning to unsubscribe the MMS for a while now. But keep hoping that she will come back down to our level. I don’t care that she is receiving money for advertising, but the reason that the advertisers came was because of what she used to blog about not what she is doing now and I believe she is losing followers.
Stay true to what you believe Annie Vee. Commercialization has spoiled authenticity .
In France they call it the “naked chair”. They are a little more roughed up looking but
extremely popular now.
Oh, I am so excited to see this post! I stopped by the Soft Surroundings Store in St. Louis this week, and I have to say these pieces are even prettier in person! I could have taken one of each piece I saw! I have a bench and table I hope to be getting soon! I hope they keep this style in the future, it is beautiful, and I normally have a hard time finding furniture I like in stores. They have outdone themselves! That petite chair look perfect in your home.
Kimberlee
I love Soft Surroundings! That chair is darling! My husband and I are making some reproduction stuff right now and it is flying out of the shop!
Good morning! I love Saturday mornings, I sip coffee while everyone is still asleep and catch up on Miss Mustard Seed…so informative, beautiful furniture, down to earth..love all of it!
Hi Marian…I will check out their site. I love their offerings so far. I will be interested in their pricing. Another retailer in the same vein is Tara Shaw – she offers the real deal antiques plus reproductions of those antiques.
That chair seems like it has found a perfect home in your office!
Linda
I love the shape of those two chairs, but they don’t look finished to me. With the steel tacks showing on the petite salon chair, and the wood frame showing on the other… I don’t know that I could live with that. I do love the shapes, just not the unfinished look of the upholstery.
Ooh! Thanks for the Soft Surroundings Home Decor feature. I have received their catalogue a few times and never really made it past the front cover because the clothes were not my usual JCrew type style. However, after seeing your post, I am in LOVE with the furniture and decor. Although the antiques are not considered cheap, they seem to be 1/3 less than what I would pay in Atlanta! See you on the 19th!
Yum. Yum yum yum!!! So beautiful! Can’t wait for the giveaway!!
I just received my two linen wing chairs with light blue vertical stripe from Soft Surroundings; I have never ordered furniture online and was a little apprehensive but they arrived (finally, I had ordered in April and didn’t get until Oct) but am quite pleased with the quality and so put one in my office and other in guest bedroom. They are very comfortable.
I love their antique French line of furniture, just right up my alley. I also had considered the chair that you received and put in your office. Love that one too.
You at one time talked about making cream colored curtains, are you still considering that. I am considering ordering some new material and making some fall/winter panels to go in my breakfast nook and above my kitchen sink; I made and have the same panels in my dining room as you have in yours; and really like them. I probably won’t change them for some time;
the material I am considering for the breakfast nook is by Waverly called Santa Maria Adobe but that remains to be seen; still looking.
So divine…love it all,
Happy Day
Aaaaaah the Bruges secretary, inspired by a Belgian antique! I’m sorry for my enthousiasm, but we’re such a small country (that a lot of people don’t know about). So every time it gets mentioned somewhere, I tend to get in a childish state of excitement 🙂 SORRY!!!!
I’m with AnnieVee !!!
MMS has sold herself out to commercialism ! MMS gets a $700.00 chair in exchange for a positive review and some pretty pictures on her blog, WHAT THE????!!!!!!!!!
For those of you who are buying into the notion that Soft Surroundings is a small business……They have eight (8) stores around the United States !!!!! Come on people wake up. This is commercialism at it’s best.
As for me, I’ll continue to buy my furniture from thrift stores, make my own chalk paint and use the talents that God gave me to make my home warm and welcoming for family and friends.
Oh, and don’t forget, you just read an advertisement and MMS got a $700.00 chair for her office.
As long as there remain heartfelt personal posts, how- to’s, and endorsements that stay true to the MMS brand, then I have no problem with the paid endorsements. We all don’t know the time, effort and commitment it takes to keep a blog of this caliber going. I know we wouldn’t get daily posts if MMS was coming home from a full day at the office, taking care of her family and then having to paint, restore, and decorate. This blog is her career and I quite enjoy it ! Not to mention that it costs me $0 for the inspiration MMS provides whether from her personal or sponsored posts.
Thanks for the support Vanessa.
I started following MMS because of what she says under her photograph: MOVE MOUNTAINS IN YOUR HOME….
I cannot afford to purchase anything at the stores that are featured lately. And it’s just a sad reminder of that fact.
But, I will be sure to check out the Paint Blog when it goes live because I’ve always been “ready to roll up my sleeves and dive in”
Don’t be a hater because she is growing as a brand. Her voice is still the same.
fyi – Eight stores across the U.S. does not a McDonald’s make. It’s still a small business, it has just grown. Like MMS.
You are just jealous of her success. Grow up! I just bought that chair and I LOVE it! Thanks for featuring it! I looked long and hard and this was what I never knew I always wanted! Bravo to Miss Mustard Seed! I love you.
I am telling you put it in the diningroom. I have two in the diningroom and LOVE them!
Ha, ha! I love the unexpected drama on a quiet Sat. morning! As a small business owner I’ve often thought that people would be so much happier if I worked for free. MMS is open about the fact when she is getting something for her endorsements so maybe don’t read the ones which are! I bet you won’t be able to resist a peak once in a while:)
I adore Soft Surroundings and am thrilled with the new home line. My first purchase ever was a pair of green velvet lounging pants and I still have them. Of course, at some point they may be used for making velvet pumpkins! Not yet, though…too comfy! 😉
Marian…the chair is absolutely gorgeous…..looks great in your home office…that is a perfect chair for my bedroom…I so love Soft Surroundings….they have such beautiful, quality products….their new home collection is just magnificent…
Beautiful chair!! Can’t wait to browse my self – Giveaway would be wonderful!!
I just love their new line of furniture. On a side note I did the estimate and am project managing our part of the build out of their new retail space here in Houston, Texas. It is really going to be a beautiful store.
OOOooooo, I’ve loved their clothes for awhile & have just started looking at the furniture a few months ago. I live in Round Rock, Tx. but go to Houston every now & then, so hope to see the store when it’s done. Thanks for the heads up!
Marian Parsons, Corporate Shill. There is no DIY anymore, unless it features something that she got for free or something that has to be purchased from her. Right on Vanessa and Annie!
Chris…..perhaps you would like to be the first to donate to MMS……it takes a great deal of time and money….yes, money to provide such a wonderful blog. We all get inspiration from this blog and others like it….for FREE….so what if she get’s a “free” chair in exchange for taking the time and effort to share it on her blog…which I enjoyed looking at by the way….you can easily pass on this post….and simply enjoy all of the FREE content on her site.
She is compensated for her blog, read all the disclosures.
Exactly……a fact that she makes very public with every post in which she has been compensated for. Do you think that she was immediately compensated???? No it took several years of her blogging for FREE to attract the interest of corporate sponsors. I am glad that she is finally getting some sort of compensation for her work…..do you think she can buy groceries or pay the mortgage with her chair? It is called bartering.
I stand by my original post, that is all.
Wait… You’re mad… Because she works hard on her blog… And she gets compensated for her work! tell me, What’s wrong with making money again?
So you’re saying you would be happier if MMS was never compensated.
Chris, I would really love to hear your ideas on how this is such an affront to you and also I’d be very interested in what you think Marian’s site has been worth to you? Certainly you are not saying she has no right to be earning money for this service she is providing you and others? All the time, money, and energy she puts in to make this FREE website so invaluable to her readers is absolutely worth a few paid advertisements, no?
Don’t be a hater because she is growing as a brand. Her voice is still the same.
In reply to the ladies that have decided MMS has gone off the edge. I also am a stay-at-home mom, and 2 yrs ago I started a hobby to have a creative outlet that is now turning into a side line business. It is hard work to keep up with the house, and then find time to sqeeze in other work. I charge prices for my stuff that I would never go buy from someone else, partly because I can do it myself and partly because I can’t afford it. But, I do it for the people who want my stuff and will buy from me. I can’t afford that chair, but I can look at it and be inspored instead of jealous; go to the thrift store and buy furniture to fix up beautiful because of the inspiration. Someday.. I would love to be able to be on the receiving end of something like that- we all would. Because no matter what we do, there is much muuch time, effort, and tears that people do not see when they look at our beutiful finished products. So please, dont say unkind things, we all get our rewards even tho they might not look the same. To me , looking at an awful chair I got for free and fixed up for my porch is reward enough and an amazing sense of satisfaction.
AMEN!!! And you keep those prices up there dear – it is HARD work to run a business and a blog and see to all the other things a wife and mother has to tend to. We are not doing this simply for our own pleasure we are doing it to help our families income. yes, it can be fun to have the creative outlet but for it to be a business it is WORK – a lot of it for very little pay for the first few years! Lvoe how you said it!
The chair is beautiful Marian! Don’t give a fiddle about the meanie heads who get their kicks ripping others down. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, and resources to grow a blog and business and you have every right to do just that!! I agree the shop is out of my budget…right now….but maybe not one day….and they have beautiful and inspirational furniture for those of us who want to DIY.
How are you doing today, Marian?
Have I said Thank You lately for all that you have done for me? Hmm, where to begin? You taught me how to strip furniture, use chalk paint and apply wax. I’ve learned how to distress furniture, apply a color wash and use different layers of paint. I have studied your completed works for inspiration for my projects. You have generously given me so much knowledge. You inspire me everyday. I don’t know that I’ve ever told you how much I appreciate it…so let me say Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Robin
Hear, hear, Robin!
I, too, am grateful for all the FREE inspiration and FREE tutorials you have provided to us, Marian. We come willingly to your FREE site looking for ideas and words of encouragement to tackle projects that we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves, but knowing we couldn’t afford these otherwise. How the naysayers can’t make the connection that you are providing a FREE service to them, and instead feel the need to bash you for getting something “FREE” in return for your time and energy is beyond me.
Keep moving those mountains for us all! And let the negativity just roll on down that hill.
My mom, sisters, and I have been Soft Surroundings customers for years. We love their clothes, and have recently bought some of their window coverings as well. The raw silk panels are fabulous! When I received their most recent “at home” catalog, I actually thought that they were copying MMS’s style! I find Marian and her MMS blog to be inspirational, helpful, and truthful. Also, I can’t wait to hear more about Robin, the founder of Soft Surroundings, and whether that is her home that is always pictured in the catalogs – it’s gorgeous!
ouch. There’s not much love to be felt here today; must be something in the air. I’ve been attacked lately as well. Wow. To have all that free time…
Wow!!!! Work = Pay. This is Marion’s work, she should get paid. Do you go to work everyday for FREE? I think not!
Here in Australia we call it “tall poppy syndrome” where if someone starts to get ahead, or starts to become successful, there are always those who want to tear them down. Why? Maybe because they’re jealous, maybe because they won’t be able to identify anymore with that person (i.e. Marian), they’re not in the same league any more. Sad isn’t it, we should be proud of Marian and her achievements. Annie Vee, haven’t you got anything better to do than winge, go do something productive, it will make you feel better. And as for you Vanessa, you said “use the talents that God gave you”, well maybe God should have given you a kinder heart. This world would be so much nicer if we all supported one another, so how about – if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. And now for my ‘nice thing to say’, Marian I can’t wait till your milk paint gets here in Australia so I can get my hot little hand on it and paint like there’s no tomorrow. We love you Marian, keep doing what you’re doing, ‘cos we all benefit from it.
What you said!
Cindy
I too am hanging out for MMS Milk paint to come here to Australia Marcia 🙂
Well written response.
I love your blog Marian. Busy as you must be, you have taken the time to answer every question I’ve ever asked here in the comments section and that to me is very special and personal. Keep up the fantastic work, I for one am here to stay 🙂
Come on you guys…..stop this nonsense about commercialism.
It’s a beautiful October day, Fall is upon us…life is good. Take a walk in the fresh air and be grateful for the many things you Do have, and stop moaning about the things you think you don’t.
Marian is our friend..we’ve learned so much from her and she has been faithful to us, her blog audience..how would You like to have to crank out a blog post every day with interesting and refreshing content ? And take care of her kids and husband ? And run a business ?
I am so thankful she’s here for me.
Marian, I guess you know you’ve made it when people start acting all jealous. If I owned a big corporation, you can bet I’d be right there trying to tap into the huge audience you’ve
painstakingly created with the sweat of your brow…
Love you as always!
Peggy
First, I would like to say that I have admired Marion for her creativity, work ethic and generous nature in sharing all sorts of DIY skills and ideas. She has worked very hard to get where she and she deserves tons of credit for it. She is very talented in so many areas and has created a brand that is notable and inspiring. I must admit however that I am getting tired of many of my favorite bloggers pushing the corporate brands. I was especially annoyed when MMS did the back to school shopping post for the department store. It had nothing to do with home decorating but apparently free clothes for her adorable boys. The corporations (and the print mags too) have caught on to a good thing with blogs. We like blogs because they are honest and corporations tend to be less so. I am getting tired of the endless pandering of the big box stores myself. I like the wonderful DIY creativity that bloggers bring – that is what makes them special. If we rely on on the mass produced merchandise the big stores sell for our homes then what is the point? Every home will look the same. I do so admire good ole American ingenuity, which is what MMS used to sell. As for the big corps, I do hope that they are compensating the bloggers, if this the way some bloggers choose to go. Same goes for the magazines – how easy has their jobs gotten? Editors can peruse blogs for great content and then flatter the blogger with a photo spread. Anyway, I do admire Marion and I also appreciate that she is growing a business but if this trend continues the real honest beauty of blogs will disappear forever and that would be a shame.
Thank you Lynne, better stated than I.
I agree with that, Chris, it is better stated than your post was. Your post was mean spirited, as were several others. Things can be said nicely. Or not. You are talking to a real person, not your computer. You wouldn’t talk in this manner to someone’s face I presume.
I skip the posts that don’t interest me; I highly recommend it. MMS is obviously not living in the lap of luxury, she has a modest life. She works incredibly hard, some might even say too hard. Now she is enjoying some success, but obviously still working very hard, not hanging around eating bonbons. I’m sure that she doesn’t have a perfect life despite her beautiful home; none of us do. The point is to inspire, which she does, in spades. This all sounds like sour grapes to me, the green monster rearing his ugly head.
I’d venture to say that, when all is said and done, that pretty new chair cost MMS hundreds of hours of hard work.
The premise seems to be that one can start from nothing, work really hard and inspire us and charm us and have us read every day to see what’s coming next – but God forbid there is actually any gain in terms of perks and compensation, then all deals are off: you must stay poor the retain our approval.
I tell you what, some people are just born with a high level of drive. MMS is one of them. I am not. But I get a heck of a lot of enjoyment reading the success stories of those who do, like MMS.
I have to agree with some of the honesty in the comments which I do not consider mean, but rather the thoughts of people who have contributed to the popularity of this blog weighing in. I’ve been reading from the start, have told countless people to read this blog and that Kohl’s thing was too much. Now Soft Surroundings? The furniture/bedding/clothing/makeup store? I went in it once and for the life of me couldn’t figure out what they were and I’ve worked retail for twenty years.
It reminds me of A Christmas Story when Ralphie is in the bathroom frantically decoding the special message, only to find out it said, “Be sure to drink your Ovaltine.”
A crummy commercial??? Yeah, it’s got that feel lately.
I haven’t really been responding to comments on this thread, since it’s a big can of worms that I can’t possibly address in a reply, but I had to say that the Ovaltine thing made me laugh out loud.
I don’t think the comments are mean, either, and I can hear different opinions without being offended by them. I did address this concern in the post I put up today, though, so I hope you’ll take a look at that. 🙂
Marian, Glad to see you can keep your sense of humour (and a healthy perspective)… and that you ‘got’ what some were trying to articulate through the tricky medium of the internet…
I don’t want to put words in your mouth but I suspect that you yourself ‘might’ have felt that the line was possibly stretched a little and that some of the more ‘negative’ comments resonated with how you had been feeling about this side of the business. But those ‘commercial’ choices have been what helped you grow your brand and you have generously provided so much more practical advice and visual delight for F~R~E~E and you have always offered full disclosure. If we don’t like that post (or the sponsorship) then we move on to the next visual feast…. Simple.
Now as for this particular ‘sponsored’ post… I don’t care that they are new.. or even that they are from a retail store I can’t access from Australia… Oh and I checked out Soft Surroundings website so I could pin some ideas about the colours and finishes…I looked at the detail and took that information away for future ‘projects’…
One of my favourite posts of all time was the one about Homegoods stores and how you picked everything I would have bought for myself – still trying to figure out how to get a container load Down Under 😉 – but I have been on the hunt for similar items – you inspire me because of how you put it all together !!!!!!
I have a few friends who are bloggers and it is a business. They too struggle with the thought of (and balance) of advertising, sponsored posts etc but have taken a similar line to you with your subsequent (well written) post about authenticity.
Now that being said I am on the cusp of starting an online business… I can’t afford the $5K charged for the sponsored posts but… she has and will continue to give me editorial space for free because she believes in my product and my story and wants to help me get there. I am VERY grateful to her as I could not afford to reach that many people on such a limited budget
Best of luck – of and my Miss Mustard Seed Pinterest board is one of the most popular for repins… we all just keep spreading the word!!!!!!
Oh… and again apologies as I don’t think I was entirely clear in trying to articulate what I meant (yes, the internet IS tricky) but I don’t want you to think that I was trying to say that IF you had some concerns about where ‘the line’ was that you yourself were worried that you had in anyway sold out… (probably still not saying that the right way)
Another of my blogger friends has REALLY struggled abut monetising her blog in any way despite her having an incredibly prolific blog… the money side makes her uncomfortable but she is beginning to realise ‘she’, her ‘brand’ is a business and like you has developed her compass and credo to blog by… she fretted over how this might be perceived but was actually overwhelmed by the positive response and support when she put it out there. She just has to test to waters to find the right balance and fit and knows she might ruffle a few feathers as she does so.
Marian………….I did read it so thank you. I can relate most things in my life to that movie, Vacation/Christmas Vacation, The Jerk and The Big Lebowski.
I love what you do and you seem to be consistently doing it better than most so bravo. Maybe that’s why some of the big retailers are coming around, but I’d rather find a bird’s nest or pine cone on a daily walk and let my creativity fly (which is what draws me to your style) than anything that the bigger stores try to recreate in massive quantities that those without imagination flock toward.
I love your pics, ideas, etc. But, please – no nose ring – it doesn’t go with your style.
Today , while driving through my neighborhood, I came upon a great woven cane back chair. Some of the cane is broken, but I can fix that. So excited.
Wow, Judith, you must be a best friend of Marian to know that a nose ring is not her style. Even so, it seems to me only Marian can determine HER style and clearly the nose ring IS her style. Truthfully it’s not my taste either, but that’s just me and I wouldn’t dream of telling any adult they’re not permitted to wear a nose ring because of my own preferences.
Judith, I’m sitting here catching flies (I’m in Southern California, we still have flies this time of year) because my jaw has fallen into my lap! Did you really have the audacity to tell Marian NOT to wear a nose ring? I’m flabbergasted! It’s HER nose, she can put 25 piercings in each nostril if she wants to, it would not change who she is or the content of her blog! Please, in future, refrain from telling a grown woman what you think she should or should not do with her own body. It’s completely offensive.
Thanks, Chris. As a follow up to my original comment; I think what frosts some of us ( those comfortable enough to stand out from the blog “groupies”), is that the bloggers get compensated with free merchandise but what do we get? we subscribe to their blogs for something altogether different. I don’t want to hear about Soft Surroundings, HomeGoods, Kohls, etc. etc. when I read a post. That is not what I signed up for. A far better solution would be for bloggers to charge these companies a nice hefty fee to place an ad. They have big budgets and are accustomed to such business practices. I suspect they are taking advantage of the bloggers who naturally lack sophisticated business sense (this is not a slur by any means, this quality is what makes blogs and their content so captivating – that they are “real” and not Madison Avenue whizzes).
I actually like the sponsored posts because often times they turn me onto products or stores that I didn’t know about. Or they help me see a store I am familiar with in a new light, or find a new use for a product I already have. Sometimes I get new ideas for how to shop a store. It is fascinating to learn what those with more style-sense than I have see when they walk through a store. I’ve also found products I ended up buying because someone else took a picture of it in a store and blogged about it. I cannot make every thing I want or need for my home. Shopping is a necessity and it is fun to go along with stylish ladies on a virtual shopping trip.
Lynne, it’s super easy to skip sponsored posts. Marian has so few of them. However, she always discloses that they are sponsored, so just hit the back button, et voila, you don’t have to read the blog until she posts something that doesn’t “offend” you. There are a trillion blogs out there that don’t have nearly the content or originality of MMS, maybe they’d be a better fit for you?
Marian,
Thanks for this wonderful post. Thank you for your spectacular blog. Thank you for your great paint. Thank you for your wonderful ideas.
My daughters and I LOVE Soft Surroundings and have purchased clothing, shoes, jewelry and make-up from them for several years. I have recommended them to many friends. I have received their décor catalog and as someone before said, I thought it looked like they were copying you!
Continue on with your spectacular work, and do continue to introduce others to good ideas and good companies you have discovered. If they choose to compensate you for it, good for you!
Jealousy and Envy are terrible things. For the life of me I can’t understand someone taking the time to write such nasty comments… surely driven by envy!
Thank you Lynne, your comments are spot on and presented much better than mine.
Vanessa
Thank you for your blog, for the inspiration and sharing your time and talent with us. Hugs
Marian,
Your blog is marvelous – don’t change a thing! Thanks for introducing us to Soft Surroundings, just found some great clothes there. Had never heard of it before. Even though we’ve never met in person I consider you a friend. I feel about this recommendation exactly as if a friend had shared a shop she likes.
I just wanted to comment on the chair and then realized there was a whole hullaballoo going on-yikes! Anyway the style of that chair is awesome!!! I have been looking for a pair for my living room for almost 2 years now. I have been coming up empty on craigslist and other stores as well and even this one alas is too much for me,but it does remind me of one you remade maybe a year ago? Still hoping I find my two beauties some day-sigh. Happy for you though! Oh and my dream pair comes in a silvery grey velvet.
We love you in New Zealand. You are an inspiration to women all over the world. Unfortunately sounds like a few hormonal or envious women are posting today. Just turn the other cheek. You have lots of love in your life. You work hard, take risks and now it’s paying off. Be happy enjoy the ride!
Dear Marian, I loved the chair!!! As usual you inspired me!!!!
I had never heard of Soft Surroundings, something to watch for!
I just wanted to send my love, to add to so many beautiful testimonials
You have here: you inspire me, and I am forever thankful; I would not have started my business if I hadn’t read your story and followed your blog!
Now, just to address the “less than kind” comments… We can’t please everybody… Not even Jesus did!!!
There was an old journalist in Brazil that used to say:
“The dogs bark – and the carriage passes…”
You are the carriage!!!!
Mwah mwah!!! (Kisses)
I agree, as my very street-wise friend once said, “Haters gonna hate.” Marian is awesome. She even responds to emails I’ve sent asking her questions. She definitely has not sold out. She works hard.
Marian has also taken the time to personally respond to two emails I have sent asking her specific questions about projects I have been working on. That’s better luck than I have with my doctor returning my calls 🙂
loving the chair but o my its your boots I want….love them
yup, I agree, they have great stuff, that armoire is yummy!
I love the blogs. If you get a freebe , so be it. Marian you are an inspiration to many and God has blessed you with talent that you share freely to many. Keep it up Others are just sorry it is not them. and wished it was, Rewards come in many ways, blessing are earned. You deserve yours, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Love the chair, will check out site. But I am a CL shopper , do very well with my finds and restore myself. Your information has been very helpful Thank you. GOD bless you always,
Linda
from the OC, California
Marian’s level of generosity, tutorials and how to’s astounded me from the beginning of her blog to today. I watch her tube tutorials, bought her book, her dining room table and will always support a good persons business and wish you every Success, Marian. I’d love to see you with a tv show. Lets support women and growing businesses.
Ps I just love that chair.
Dear M.,
You are a talented woman and you succeeded in turning your talent into a money making business. You support your family through your business and you should be proud of that ( I actually have no doubts that you do feel proud of everything you have accomplished).
You received flak from a few readers when Khols graced you with a $500 gift card in the past and you handled it very well. You can handle these naysayers as well who criticize you for doing business, for God’s sake. It’s not like you partnered with a Colombian drug cartel. You and Soft Surroundings are exchanging services and that is simply it.
Hello people, wake up and smell the roses. This woman is a business woman and you should be ashamed for feeling an iota of hatred towards her and her success. Shame shame shame on you. Just ask yourself this: do you want to see Marianne wallow in sadness and misfortune or flourish in success. If your answer is the first response, we all pity you collectively.
Keep on keeping on from a faithful reading from New York City.
LMAO. People, you have far too much time on your hands to be keeping up this silly banter. If you enjoy Marion’s blog, continue to read it, if not, DON’T. It’s that simple. And in the words of a very wise bunny rabbit, “If ya can’t say somethin’ nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.”
I admire all the décor bloggers who work so hard to bring us such wonderful inspiring ideas and products. While they clearly love what they do, this is work and their job. I realized from the first décor blog that I followed that yes they get “free” products in exchange for promotion on their blog sites. I have no problem with that unless they are promoting something they don’t believe in or wouldn’t recommend. Then it becomes a issue of “selling out”.
Peace to you & don’t let the turkeys get u done. We all need to rise above this nonsense. Even though I cannot afford the chair, I love to read about it and see it at your lovely house.
Others may always have something to say, glad u are supported here.
MMS…love you and all your work! Keep it up, girl!!!
Marian, All I want to tell you is that I’m so terrible sorry for all of the negative comments that you are receiving on YOUR blog. People should be ashamed of themselves. All I have ever seen you do here is share your talents and heart with us. May God comfort you during this trying time. God Bless, Cindy
Hi, Marion…I luv the chair..and with praise there will always be those who are ready to tear you down!
I attended a MMS workshop yesterday & had such a fun time!
While my blog is relatively new…I talk about things & products I use all the time….matters not to me whether a post on any blog is sponsored or not. If it was an issue…I simply wouldn’t read it! I for one, enjoy your blog & have learned so many new things.
If people haven’t anything good to say…then they need to sit on their hands!!
What a palava! I’m not usually interested in sponsored posts because I’m in the UK and can’t get any of the goods even if i wanted to. But I have no problem with you having them! It’s your blog, you do what you like! I appreciate it all. I could never afford that chair but I LOVED seeing it and saved the image as I might like to try and copy it. We are here for your good taste and style, not just the DIY. You are always inspiring.
First off, love the chair!!! I’m in agreement with the others. I’m not sure that people fully understand what it takes to do what Marian does. The writing, the creativity, the new concepts…that all takes time. She’s paid her dues. In my very humble opinion, this is no different than getting a raise. She has earned it and all the good that comes her way. What many people don’t see is the behind the scenes stuff. She has been an incredible listener, provided words of wisdom and encouragement and has never once made her advice conditional. I’ve never owed her anything, not a dime, and to me, that’s priceless. These companies approach her because she is respected and admired in the DIY community, something that has come at a cost…her time, endless hours away from her family, trials and errors… So what she earns a stupid chair!? Have you seen the tutorials she’s done on reupholstering your own thrift store chair finds? I don’t think she’s sold out or compromised in any way. She is offering an opinion. If someone offered you free paint and asked you to paint a piece and then review it, would you decline the offer? It’s a smaller scale, but common in this industry and very acceptable.
Love the chairs and the gorgeous products! Even if I could afford the furniture, I don’t have the space for new pieces in my tiny little ranch house but a girl can dream. Marian, I love the way you style your rooms and the photos are magnificent. I didn’t read any of the negative comments because I think you unpublished them. Good, they don’t need to be here. Sometimes people don’t understand all the creativity, time and effort it takes to run a successful business and a successful blog. I know one blog I visited I left a comment saying I visited often but never heard anything back. Right after I hit the send button I regretted it because how can you get back to every person who leaves a comment, when you’re busy running a business, taking care of kids and a household? You would be on the computer all day and not living life. I truly understand how hard some of you bigger and hugely successful blogs work to create the gorgeous images that we see and the wonderful and creative ideas you come up with. Sponsored blogs in products you believe in I love reading about them. The one thing I don’t appreciate on blogs are pop-up ads and I don’t have much luck with raffle copter and give-aways. I always have difficulty jumping through all the hoops going back and forth and trying to pin, facebook like etc. etc. but that’s just me. Nothing wrong with having them. Now I’m off to check out that beautiful website you just wrote about!
I am surprised, I actually clicked on the link twice for Soft Surroundings and was happy to have been introduced to them. I thought their prices were reasonable and something to save for, and I am not made of money either. I think when you fix up furniture constantly for other people, you start to think it might be a nice reward to buy a little retail.
I did think the Kohls thing was a bit much, so I didn’t read it….no biggie to me or you,
I think you will get more of this in the future. I have to remind my own self constantly not to get jealous of other creative women’s success, but instead to try and learn from them. I think when one of rises, we all do a bit.
First of all, I love that chair. I think it is nice to offer a source to buy pieces similar to what you are teaching us to do for ourselves. There are some of your readers who aren’t able to DIY pieces for themselves, so to give them a source where they can purchase the look is a great idea. I’m sorry there has been controversy. Marian, I so appreciate your message to me last week on Facebook. I wrote to you asking a question about a piece of furniture i’m about to paint. There are other home bloggers with a MUCH smaller following than you who like to make everything sound so cozy and friendly on their blog, giving the impression that they read and answer all of their messages and comments but who have totally ignored messages with questions that I’ve left in the past. So when I got an answer from you, I was very grateful. I feel like I can proceed with my project now with some confidence. Thanks for teaching us and thanks for caring!
Everyone take a deep breath and step back. I believe this blog is called “Miss Mustard Seed” and belongs to a Lady called Marian. It cost me nothing to read this blog and I am free to read it or pass it by as is everyone else. If anyone does not like the content of the blog they are free to read a blog they enjoy from someone else. I do not own a blog but feel sure if I did I would run it my way. There are thousands out there so if this one offends anyone they need to try other blogs that suit their sensibilities.
thank you for your comment. you said what i was thinking.
aha…before you know it you will have caught the bug. The greige bug. Love it!
Oh the love I have for that chair! Beautiful!!
Your awesome, love your blog and Iam glad you got a free chair. Happy for you and I look forward to all you have to share with us in the future. You have inspired me in so many ways and I thank-you.
I’m a mama. I’m a blogger, wouldn’t consider myself a “professional” blogger just yet, because it definitely has not paid any bill, but my family has gotten a great amount of free product to use, only for a review on my blog. I get that people who are not in Marian’s shoes don’t understand her occasional review of a product, and that’s their prerogative. However, speaking from experience, I quit my job in corporate banking to stay home with my daughter when she was born. We took an enormous financial risk when we made that decision, but we knew that we could pinch pennies and make it work. A lavish lifestyle would be out of the question, but the rewards were great. When I decided to stay home, we purchased a home that was in foreclosure, that was in dire need of repair. My husband suggested that I start a blog to showcase the home flip, the crafts that I enjoy making, etc. It would give me something to do during the day when my daughter was napping, or I had extra time on my hands. So, I began Stringtown Home, basically to serve as my outlet…. my way to socialize with adults in the midst of two year old tantrums and Spaghetti O breakdowns. I never expected any more out of it than that. However, as a financially strapped family, a blogger who was having so much fun showcasing her lackluster crafts, and basic diy projects, you better believe I was thrilled when I was contacted by Keurig to review several K Cup flavors. We hadn’t been able to buy more than a box of KCups at a time, because of the cost. Since then, I have had the opportunity to review multiple products, and it has helped my family financially, given me things to give to my readers, etc. My point is that, as a blogger, you invest so much time and effort into your site (that costs you money – Domain, Hosting, Project Materials, Tools, etc.) to receive an occasional “Way to Go!” in your comment thread. I’m not saying that we had any intention more than that, but it’s extremely rewarding when an advertiser reaches out to you, chooses you to feature and review their product… that’s simply affirmation that there’s more than just your grandma reading your blog… haha! It’s affirmation that you have readers that they think the product will appeal to. It’s your job as a blogger to discern whether the product is right for your readership. I’ve seen negative comments throughout this thread about the companies that Marian has chosen to work with. I can assure you that she has received enormous amounts of product review requests that have never made their way to the MMS site. I thoroughly enjoyed the Kohls review, because I love to see the “behind the scenes” life of a blogger. Regardless of whether you assume that her blog is based solely upon DIY and furniture re-dos, her blog is exactly that – her blog. She can choose to post about a beautiful chair makeover one day, and how to milk a cow the next. Regardless of what she chooses to feature, or not, it’s her decision… just as the editor of a magazine chooses the magazine content. If you go to the store, purchase a popular DIY magazine, you will pay $5 (or more) for a magazine that is 65% or more of paid advertising… you pay for that. With all of that said (sorry – I made it a little too lengthy… LOL), I am so happy to support Marian, and every other blogger who has made it “big” enough to have companies ask to showcase their product on their site… they’re obviously doing something right. I’ll always be a supporter of MMS! Thank you so much for all of the great content, your family, everything you choose to share with us every day… you don’t have to do it, but you do. ((Hugs)) from Texas!
Thumbs up!
Yes!! You said it perfectly!!!
Oh my goodness, … their stuff is right up my alley. Your chair looks like the real deal… it looks wonderful in your little chair corner. I’m so going over to the site right now!
Cindy
Hm, who is making ridiculous generalizations now? Everyone just needs to simmer.
It is a suggestion, for all bloggers, so people know. Nothing wrong with sponsors btw, . I love Marian
Marian,
i love your blog and your willingnss to share your knowledge with your readers. I have always been under the impression that to “get paid” for anything you write you need someone to make the payment. When I watch anything on TV or pick up a newspaper or magazine there is someone paying to be included in that format and that payment makes all else possible. I get all the information this blog shares for the time spent reading it and I can ignore anything I wish. Nowhere in this blog am I being told what I have to do.
I will continue to read this and marvel at all the creativity involved
thanks
rick
I had no idea that Soft Surroundings had furniture! And cute furniture to boot! I for one am happy that you posted this and also other posts about products because I know they are products/companies that you like so chances are that I’m going to like them too!!
Marian, I love this chair. I have enjoyed seeing reviews and products for sponsors. Sometimes, I have never heard of them and find great products to order for myself or gifts. I love to do home projects to save money. However, I don’t sew nor can I uphoster furniture. I do have the means to buy from individuals such as yourself and others other there as well as from commercial companies. You inspire me on many projects that I feel comfortable to tackle myself. You also provide me with options where I can purchase things.
I enjoy everything about your blog and that it’s free to me. Keep up on the wonderful job you are doing. It is awesome!
Dear Marian,
You have inspired me to find talents that I did not know I had. Your blog has helped make my home a nicer place to live. I am so happy with my new hobbies, and when I cannot sleep at night, I am daydreaming about the next project I may tackle. You have done these very same things for so many people all over the world. Please sleep well at night and know that through your work, you are literally changing peoples’ lives for the better. What is better than that?
I am lost, unaware of any negative remarks…maybe I breeze over them because your site and blog is my ” quiet and happy time out” of my day. I have learned amazing things not just from you but from other peoples comments and for that I am grateful. Please keep up the good work!
Cecelia
I’m just wondering while all those complaining readers aren’t visiting my very free of any ad blog right now… Wait I was just kidding! I don’t want any angry people on my blog!
Seriously, what I meant is you got the ads because you have lots of readers, and you got them for a reason, your writing, your talent, the inspiration you gave them. Lving far away from the USA, I don’t even see the post as ads. And you know some people could be given free fabric and never know what to do with it.
MMS….Congratulations!! When people start being jealous and critical, this is just confirmation that you are a SUCCESS! It must be eating at them. That is hilarious to me!!
Also, a word to your sponsers: We appreciate your support of MMS. Your support enables her readers to enjoy this blog for free.
I’m gonna chime in too – I have noticed with many bloggers that there are more and more sponsored posts and sometimes, it seems like there is a blogging “click” where some bloggers will only pair up with other bloggers to do projects to be featured on their sites – Marian is not one of them. That being said – it is still a free country and you can always click on over to a different site or opt out of her newsletter/email list. Also, blogging takes a lot of time out of the day to take pictures, write meaningful posts that are well written, easy to understand and convey the person behind the computers’ personality. For some (me) that doesn’t come easy and why SHOULDN’T she be compensated for her time!? If it were to become too commercial for me, I would simply not follow anymore. However, I learn something new each time I log on and that helps me to hone my own craft. Keep up the great work Marian and as you can see, you will still have plenty of followers that will keep coming back! 🙂
Well, I’m late to the party, so to speak but I’ve read thru the supportive emails and I am with them 100%. I can’t even imagine criticizing you for partnering with anyone! I’ve learned so much from your blog for FREE and been entertained for FREE and inspired by you for FREE! Your blog is one of the few that I make sure I frequent and check several times a week for new posts. I will continue to do that and support you and your blog choices. Thank you for all you do and share with your readers. The naysayers, the negative, the poo-pooers (is that a word?) can go somewhere else. It’s a FREE country!
I think the chair is beautiful and I love what you do! Keep your chin up and keep smiling !
You have such talent. Thank you for sharing it with your readers. And thank you for sharing your partners. Do the complainers stop watching TV because of the commercials or stop reading magazines because of the ads? You are not forcing people to read your bog, you are very giving. I think you are wonderful……………..
I am so happy that the negative comments are gone and that the positive ones are proof that Marian has a blog that so many of us want to read. I bought your book and I still love it. You have my support, Marian! Keep doing what you are doing and the positive way
you showcase your work. I love your style!!!
This is so interesting, given that bartering and word of mouth go back to the beginning of time! Basically, it sounds like Marian could take cash for everything and buy her own pretty things and everyone would be ok because we wouldn’t know about it all. That’s silly.
When I’m not creating, I work in radio broadcasting to pay the bills. Radio, of course, also pays its bills by selling advertising. We do first person testimonials for clients and charge them a lot more because of the inherent value in them. We keep some of it, and we give extra to the announcer who truly tries the product and reports their experience with it. Its a win-win for everyone, including our listeners who learn about new things and what someone they trust thinks about it….just like the old days over the back fence. In more than 25 years, I can’t recall ever getting a complaint about a testimonial.
I only wish I could trade with MMS but it would probably take everything I have! You have worked hard to establish a following, Marian, and should not apologize for the success and perks that come with it. Unfortunately, this is a theme that is becoming more and more pervasive in our culture, but its not a good trend. We were all meant to use our talents for His glory and that’s exactly what you do.
Love your projects, but the disclosure should be at the bigining of the post, not at the end. Congrats for such a great blog
I love your work!!
Marion has a passion for what she does – but it is still her WORK! Do YOU work for FREE? It’s called capitalism and it is what makes America GREAT! Go Marion!!
Love these chairs and the rough look is out of the box… so French and quaint… adorable love love love…can’t say enough. I’m inspired by your work to try new things in my home and I appreciate you sharing of other furniture ideas. I consider it a blessing to follow you!?❤️?
I love the chair. And I love Soft Surroundings. I didn’t read the post just saw the pic and was wondering if I could reupholster some chairs I have, with the same idea. Then I read the post and saw where they were from and went straight to the Soft Surroundings web site. However, I could not find this particular on the Soft Surroundings web site. Do you know if it is coming soon?