A Blogging Challenge …
As a furniture up-cycler and blogger, I am passionate about my craft and what I do. I also love to gain knowledge and understanding and fine tune my craft, my business, and my life. I am taking part in a blogging challenge this week, and although I usually post weekly(ish), I’m making an effort to post a few extra this week as part of a 7 day challenge over at the ProBlogger podcast this week. Let’s see how I go – I’m up for the challenge, but believe me, this is a challenge to this busy mother of four and wife to busy video producer guy (see my “About” section in the side panel). So I think I may end up taking this challenge at my own pace …
This list is representative of probably the top 5 blogs or podcasts I tune in to on a weekly (sometimes more often) basis:
1. Miss Mustard Seed’s Blog
If you’ve been following my blog or Social media pages for a while, you will know that Marian Parsons – aka Miss Mustard Seed – is one of my all time inspirations in many ways. I love Marian’s style for interior decorating; I love her photography and the amazing tips she gives for taking great pics and styling your furniture; I love her Milk Paint range and was one of the first in Australia to try it out after ordering some through my sis-in-law in the USA! I love it so much that I stock it in our online store, along with all her finishing products. I love Marian’s passion for teaching people, for restoring furniture and her ethics in business as an “accidental entrepreneur”. Here’s where you can find her blog: http://missmustardseed.com/
2. ProBlogger Podcast and Blog
I first came across Darren Rowse & his blog, ProBlogger while attending a CMA Connect conference several years ago. Darren was a guest speaker, and I was at the conference helping out my husband who was in charge of the audio/video production for the event. Darren was planning his ProBlogger event at the same venue that same year, and as yet, didn’t have an audio/video guy to take care of production, so the event organizer introduced Darren to my husband, Marty and his business, M3 Media has been a part of ProBlogger’s annual event ever since. I took in everything Darren said at the CMA conference that year, and having just begun the blogging journey, as a “fun thing to do”, I realized there could be a whole lot more to this “blogging” thing!
Needless to say, I tagged along as Marty’s “assistant” to the ProBlogger conference that year, and gleaned as much as I could from as many sessions as I could, at the same time as editing audio tracks for him (YES! I wear many hats apart from painting furniture).
Now, I tune in to Darren’s ProBlogger Podcast on my way to work or to pick up the kids from school. If you’re looking for info about creating a blog, or any aspect of blogging, this site is jam packed with SO MUCH FREE INFO. No kidding!
Here’s the link: http://www.problogger.net/
3. iBethel TV/Podcast
Another thing I’m passionate about is my relationship with God. Yes, I’m a Christian, and so for me, daily meditation in the bible is a great thing for putting focus on your day, gaining proper perspective of your life and relationships with others. I love what Bethel church in Redding, CA, USA has to offer on their TV podcasts, and I love listening to their music as a form of meditation and inspiration for my life. I have actually downloaded the iBethel app on my phone, and can easily click on either a TV or podcast link to listen to a recent message, or an inspirational life story from someone. Check it out: itunes iBethel app
4. The Graphics Fairy
Another page I find myself visiting often (maybe not every week, but many times over the years) is Karen’s amazing collection of vintage graphics on her blog, The Graphics Fairy. All her images are scanned originals – so old they are no longer under copyright restrictions, and are so good for any number of DIY craft projects. I’ve used so many of these wonderful images on my furniture and decor over the years. Here’s the link: http://thegraphicsfairy.com/
5. The Painted Hive – Blog
I just LOVE hopping over to The Painted Hive, where fellow Aussie blogger, Kristine, has the most adorably photographed posts about all things DIY, interior design, and the most affordable ideas and inspiration for the home. Her blog features loads of tutorials, as well as free printables. You’ll want to check it out: http://thepaintedhive.net/

Photo via: the Painted Hive
There you have it! 5 blogs or podcasts I tune into weekly and there are probably more I could add to this list, but I’d love to hear what you tune into?
What blogs/podcasts/videos do you head to for inspiration? Leave your comments below …
We are authorised retailers for Fusion Mineral Paint and Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint in Australia. This blog post may contain affiliate links.
6 Comments
Tracey B
August 9, 2016 at 10:00 amThanks for sharing Sharon. I’ve subscribed to a few podcasts, but don’t listen as regularly as I’d like – need to get in the habit of popping them on when I’m pottering around. I joined the challenge too, but was a little over ambitious – I think I will follow in your footsteps and take things at my own pace. Completely new to blog posts and it’s not quite as easy to put your words (and yourself) out there as I thought it would be 😊
IRestoreStuff
August 9, 2016 at 5:08 pmGreat idea Tracey! Thanks for your comments. Yep, I’ve still only finished two posts in the challenge! But I do intend to finish the others. Good on you.
kerryann wood
August 24, 2016 at 9:52 amThank you for sharing and bless you for sharing your love of Jesus as a passionate blog follower and mad home decorator and changer as well
it is AMAZING to see a fellow Australian include their God in their post ❤️ Keep up the good work , have fun, and enjoy your God much love Kerry
IRestoreStuff
August 24, 2016 at 4:27 pmThanks Kerryann.
Sheila
September 2, 2016 at 9:24 amHi Sharon, I usually just catch up with your new stuff on facebook but decided to check out your website. It looks like you’ve updated it since I last looked. Looks great! I also love to follow Christian bloggers and love that you don’t hide your love for Jesus. If you have other blogs that also share a Christian perspective, I’d like to follow them too.
Thanks,
Sheila
IRestoreStuff
September 2, 2016 at 9:38 amThanks Sheila. Another podcast I’ve been enjoying lately is the Eric Metaxis Show. You can check out his website here: http://ericmetaxas.com/ He has some great guests and interesting current world topics.