Podcast appearances and mentions of karianne wood

In this episode of Creatives on Fire, I welcome back one of my favorite returning guests and all-around business genius, KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farms. If you're looking for practical, proven strategies to generate income online, this conversation is one you'll want to bookmark. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode188 From blogging and affiliate marketing to YouTube and beyond, KariAnne pulls back the curtain on her 28 revenue streams and shares what's working right now—and how you can get started too. KariAnne's Top 3 Money-Making Strategies That Are Working Right Now When we sat down to reflect on what's driving real results in her business in 2024, KariAnne revealed that three things are bringing in the biggest income: Affiliate Marketing Blogging YouTube Not only are these strategies scalable, but they're platforms where she's found consistent and long-term income opportunities. KariAnne emphasized how blogging and YouTube allow you to “triple dip” with brand sponsorships, ad income, and affiliate links—all from one piece of content. “That ability to take one piece of content and make it last for a long time and make more money from it… is probably one of my favorite ways to make money right now.” —KariAnne Wood The Importance of Growing Your Audience First To monetize effectively, KariAnne stresses the importance of building your audience. Whether it's through blog posts, email, or social media, consistency and authenticity are key. One of her top affiliate tips? Use platforms like ShopMy, Amazon, and LTK strategically—by assigning each a role in your content strategy. Use Amazon for daily lifestyle items Use LTK for home tours and fashion Use ShopMy for curated product features and specific brand partnerships (like Target or Anthropologie) And her biggest advice for beginners: start small and stay consistent. Share just one product per day on each platform. That daily rhythm adds up quickly and helps establish you as a trustworthy source for recommendations. Content Creation Tips from a Pro Blogger KariAnne posts five times a week on her blog using this simple format: Decorating post Story/encouragement post Affiliate product roundup Simple tip or how-to Weekly wrap-up (called Thistlekeeping) For those who can't commit to five blog posts a week, she recommends doing one of each monthly to maintain a balance of inspiration, education, and monetization. KariAnne also offered a brilliant idea for content creation: head to your favorite store, fill your cart with beautiful items, and film yourself pulling each one out in-store to feature on a reel. It's budget-friendly content that performs well and drives affiliate income. Why YouTube Deserves Your Attention While still growing her YouTube channel, KariAnne is investing time and energy into YouTube Shorts. By posting two Shorts per day, she's been able to steadily increase her subscribers and get closer to unlocking more monetization features. Shorts are helping her grow without the pressure of long-form video editing—and she recommends it as a low-barrier entry point for bloggers who want to expand their reach. Want more content like this? Be sure to subscribe to the Creatives on Fire podcast and join us each week as we share simple, actionable strategies for content creators who want to grow their audience—and their income. Until next time, stay creative. strategy. Be sure to check it out below! Links Mentioned in the Episode: KariAnne's Blog: Thistlewood Farms Join Let's Make Money: Check it out here Affiliate Platforms: ShopMy Learn more about how to batch and schedule content with this episode on batching content FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

is week on Creatives on Fire, we're diving into something that can absolutely transform your blogging and content creation journey—meeting other creators in person! If you've ever felt stuck, uninspired, or alone in your blogging business, this episode is for you. And if you're local to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you're in luck because we have an amazing in-person blogger meetup coming soon! Let's talk about why meeting other bloggers face-to-face is one of the best things you can do for your business and how you can join us in North Texas for an unforgettable experience. The Power of In-Person Blogger Meetups I sat down with my friend Karianne Wood of Thistlewood Farms to chat about how stepping outside of your comfort zone and meeting other bloggers can be a game-changer for your business. Why It Matters: Nobody understands what we do like other creators. You leave feeling inspired and motivated to keep going. You gain new strategies and insider tips that can help you grow. You build real friendships and collaborations that last for years. How These Relationships Can Impact Your Business When you meet people face-to-face, something shifts. You get to: Build a "Phone-a-Friend" Network – Have go-to people for blogging, Instagram, YouTube, and more. Create Collaboration Opportunities – Work on blog posts, social media content, or even go live together. Capture Content – Get the best photo ops and behind-the-scenes footage with fellow creators. Karianne shared how some of her closest business friendships started at meetups like this. These relationships have helped her scale her business, navigate changes in the industry, and stay motivated year after year. If you're feeling alone in your blogging journey—this is the solution! DFW Blogger Meetup Details—Join Us! Ready to take your blog to the next level and connect with other creators in person? Where: Fairview Farmers, McKinney, Texas When: Thursday, March 6th at 9:30 AM RSVP: Link in the show notes Why You Should Come: Learn from other bloggers & share ideas Gain insider tips on what's working now Capture incredible content in a gorgeous, Instagram-worthy location Enjoy an amazing breakfast (seriously, their omelets come with flowers) Build lasting friendships that will support your blogging journey If You're Nervous About Coming… Karianne says, "I'll save you a seat right next to me!" If you're hesitant about walking into a room full of people you don't know, don't be! This is a warm, welcoming, and fun event where you'll meet creators who understand your business struggles and want to support you. "In this influencer world, no one should be an island. You have to do it with other people." – Karianne Wood So, grab a coffee, push yourself to step outside your comfort zone, and join us for an unforgettable morning of networking, learning, and inspiration! RSVP Now: [Link in Show Notes] I can't wait to see you there! Until next time, stay creative! Links Mentioned in the Episode: Local DFW, TX Blogger Meetup Details KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farms FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with the delightful KariAnne Wood from @Thistlewood. KariAnne is the ultimate hype woman, and today, we had the privilege of interviewing her to learn more about her incredible journey in content creation. In this episode, KariAnne shares her secrets to maintaining joy and enthusiasm in her work, how she made her first $1000, the abundance of opportunities available for micro-influencers, an in-depth look at her 27 different revenue streams and SO MUCH MORE! KariAnne is a wealth of knowledge and generosity, and she's here to spill the tea! Whether you're an aspiring influencer or a seasoned content creator, you won't want to miss this conversation. Follow KariAnne

This week, a listener who owns a duplex wonders how to improve unsightly exterior paint issues while saving money to hire the pros. Stacy and Daniel offer DIY exterior painting tips and their thoughts on getting the job done safely and efficiently. Later, Stacy and Daniel chat with KariAnne Wood from the long-running Thistlewood Farms blog. KariAnne's special connection to her old house and the town of McKinney, Texas, proves that when the stars align, you actually can go home again. Mentioned in this Episode: Sign up for the Wood Window Workshop Weekend Retreat at Silver Lake: July 19-21 or July 26-28, 2024. (New, lower prices!) How to leave a rating and review on Spotify Lead-Safe Renovations for DIYers (EPA guidelines) Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Airless Paint Sprayer 9 Critical Steps to Ensure a Long-Lasting Paint Job Sign up to have Thistlewood Farms blog posts sent directly to your inbox Follow KariAnne (Thistlewood Farms) on Instagram WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales. Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com. Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

In this episode, it's my pleasure to interview my friend Karianne Wood, a successful blogger over at ThistlewoodFarms and expert in affiliate marketing. We discuss the potential of affiliate marketing, its growth in recent times, and Karianne's best tips for making it work effectively. Listen in as she shares: Her best advice, insights, and tips for making affiliate marketing work for your business. The growth of affiliate marketing as a revenue stream for creators, especially after the changes in 2020. Her personal experience with affiliate marketing, where it constitutes over half of her revenue stream. Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over in the Facebook Group or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode103 Links and resources mentioned during this episode: Karianne's Blog is https://thistlewoodfarms.com Karianne's eBook on Affiliate Marketing https://thistlewoodfarms.thrivecart.com/double-your-affiliate-income/ Karianne's eBook on blogging https://thistlewoodfarms.thrivecart.com/first-thousand/ URL Genius https://app.urlgeni.us/influencers-affiliates SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review! 

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing KariAnne Wood, the creator of Thistlewood Farms, a creative lifestyle blog. We talked about her inspiring weight loss journey and how she became a successful fashion influencer. We also delved into the world of affiliate marketing and selling digital products. KariAnne shared some valuable insights on how to promote products that you genuinely love and trust, and how to leverage social media to maximize your affiliate marketing efforts. We also talked about the amazing benefits of MiloTree and MiloTreeCart - two of my businesses - for bloggers and influencers who want to grow their email lists and sell digital products. The key takeaway from this episode is that building a personal connection with your audience is crucial to growing an authentic and successful business. So, whether you're a blogger, influencer, or entrepreneur, make sure to prioritize your audience and find ways to serve them in a genuine and meaningful way. Show Notes: MiloTreeCart How to Write an Ebook Using ChatGPT Ebook Thistlewood Farms Catch My Party MiloTree Pop-Up App Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group Join My Blogger Genius Email List All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes Stitcher YouTube Spotify Other Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes You'll Like: How to Work With Brands from a Blogging Expert with KariAnne Wood How Starting a Blog Can Lead to Multiple Book Deals With KariAnne Wood The Wild West of AI in Affiliate Marketing with Jeannine Crooks Imagine a World Where You Could Sell Digital Products and Tap into a New Income Stream with Ease… If you are interested in selling paid workshops, digital downloads, memberships, subscriptions, mini course or coaching in under 10 minutes, sign up for MiloTreeCart. MiloTreeCart is the perfect digital product payment tool for creators who hate technology. No coding, design, or website needed. If you're a creator who wants to sell, this is for you! You get fill-in-the-blank sales pages, checkout pages, and payment collection, plus, a dashboard to manage your sales, done-for-you marketing materials, a team who wants to roll up their sleeves to help. Also, MiloTreeCart integrates with all major email service providers. Start your 7-day free trial now! Find out more about MiloTreeCart here!

KariAnne Wood is the author of the blog Thistlewood Farms and several best-selling books on Amazon. She has a true gift for decorating and sharing ideas and tips with others. She turned what she does best into multiple books and we will discuss them on this episode. KariAnne's newest book will include easy, 10-minute decorating ideas that anyone can do. Listen in as she shares with us all about: Her best advice on starting your first book. How to take what you're already good at and build an audience around it. Links and resources mentioned during this episode: KariAnne's Blog is https://thistlewoodfarms.com Find all of KariAnne's Books HERE: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/kariannesbooks Connect with Melanie on Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/southerncrush Connect with Melanie on Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/southerncrush SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review!

Thistlewood Farms & KariAnne Wood Influencer, Author, Speaker (and my friend) When you meet someone who makes you feel so comfortable you immediately call them friend, you know you’ve found a treasure. I don’t use the word friend lightly but I’m definitely using it with my guest this week. I met KariAnne during an event […] The post A Chat with KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farm appeared first on .

This week, it is my treat to introduce you all to Christin Cieslarski. She runs the blog My Homier Home, out of her home in Indiana, where she's been blogging for almost six years with two little kiddos under two and a half years old! She is going to share with us how she grows her business through the magic of digital products! Links and resources mentioned during this episode: Visit Christin's website, My Homier Home Connect with Christin on Facebook and Instagram  Interview with KariAnne Wood is here Grab your copy of The Holidays at Home Bundle HERE Connect with Melanie on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest Liking the show? Write a review!

I can't wait to introduce to this week's guest! She's one of the cutest, most inspiring and fun people on the internet who always leaves you with a smile. KariAnne Wood is the creator of Thistlewood Farms blog where she gives lots of fun, practical and economical tips about home decor and she also shares parts of her story. KariAnne and her husband took their four kids and jumped from everything they knew and loved in the Dallas, TX, area over a decade ago, to a place where they didn't even have one stoplight in the whole county! They wanted to raise their kids away from materialism and in the country. This led to her creating the blog and she shares the hilarious story of her first blog post that will help you understand why she's so loved. She shares in this episode that she believes Jesus takes our brokenness and He writes the chapters of our stories better than we could ever imagine or even think and shows just how God keeps doing that in her life. She also teaches us some of her favorite tips on finding the best thrift decor and tops it all off with the best advice she was ever given (it was from her dad). There's so much good stuff and we laugh a lot in this episode. I know you'll have a brighter day after listening!

Do you love writing and connecting with others? Karianne Wood, a passionate lifestyle blogger, reveals how she started writing and several actions plans to turn your blogging hobby into an astounding profit. Connect with us and be inspired by her story in finding the beauty in every imperfection!     IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The business and passion of blogging How to stop comparing and start protecting your creative spirit The mental and physical impacts of the Optavia weight loss program Life lesson that led to ultimate success 5 Ways to earn money through blogging Life-changing benefits of joining KariAnne mastermind group     RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED: Optavia: https://www.optavia.com/us/en/ So Close to Amazing | Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3H0MtAR | Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3sP9kKw     ABOUT KARIANNE WOOD Best-selling author and renowned speaker, KariAnne Wood is the author and owner of decor and lifestyle blog, Thistlewood Farms.com which attracts an audience of millions every year.  Thistlewood Farms was awarded the decorating blog of the year by Country Living and one of the top 10 decor blogs by Better Homes and Gardens.  KariAnne is passionate about helping others to turn their blogs into a business and runs a coaching group for aspiring bloggers.       CONNECT WITH KARIANNE Website: Thistlewood Farms: https://thistlewoodfarms.com  Mastermind group: https://thistlewoodfarms.com/thistlewood-mastermind-community/     CONNECT WITH US Website: www.hammersnhugs.com YouTube: Ahna Fulmer // Hammers N Hugs Instagram: @ahna_hammersnhugs Facebook:

If you're wondering how to make money from blogging, just ask my guest today KariAnne Wood. She is the creator of Thistlewood Farms, a blog focusing on DIY, home decorating, recipes and so much more! KariAnne has over a million people that follow her blog and she's here today to give us some amazing tips. She has some great advice on how to make money when you're starting your blog and how to grow your readership. She also shares some must-have organizational tools and strategies to help you make money.  KariAnne has been running the Thistlewood Farms blog for 9 years now. She has also written 5 books and has several different product lines. Although she was just trying to make friends and never intended to create a business, KariAnne has enjoyed huge success with her blog and it's extensions on other social media platforms. Looking to share her wisdom and good fortune, she also started a coaching group for only $10 a month. KariAnne has maintained her joy in writing Thistlewood Farms and has lots of great projects and collaborations planned for the future. In this episode, we cover: - How to get people to share your content. - The best days of the week to publish a blog.  - Where to meet like-minded bloggers.  - The importance of growing your email list. - Why you absolutely NEED an editorial calendar.  - How to make money when you're just starting your blog.  - Where to go to find out about new and exciting trends.  SHOW NOTES: https://www.southerncrushathome.com/episode19

Learning how to make money from the pros? We've got you covered. In this episode learn from KariAnne Wood, owner of Thistlewood Farms blog as she shares how she got started making money as a blogger, and five ways blogger can make money today. So many things that you'll learn from listening to this episode you can go start working on today!  Head to thrivetogether.blog/podcast for the show notes! If you're looking for a blogging community, then join us over on Facebook! bit.ly/thriveonfacebook

Sometimes, God is calling us to take a little jump… or a big one! Today, Cristabelle welcomes award-winning author and blogger KariAnne Wood from Thistlewood Farms for an encouraging conversation on following the nudges God gives us, and learning to fearlessly jump into God's plan for our lives- even when we might feel intimidated by what it might look like on the other side. SHARE YOUR VOICE MESSAGE - "What does living a Declaration Life mean to you?" - submit at https://anchor.fm/declarationlife/message •CONNECT & MORE INFO• Hosted by Cristabelle Braden Instagram: @declarationlife Facebook: @declarationlife Website: cristabellebraden.com/declarationlife Email: declarationlife@gmail.com Intro/Outro Music: "Not Giving Up" by Cristabelle Braden •ABOUT KARIANNE• KariAnne Wood writes the decorating and lifestyle blog Thistlewood Farms from her project-filled historic home in Dallas, Texas. She recently jumped back "home" with her family from the middle of the country to the busy Dallas Metroplex where she lives with her husband and four children. Thistlewood Farms is full of stories of family and joy and features hundreds of the home decor projects KariAnne creates every week for readers. The blog was awarded the Country Living Decorating Blog of the Year, was named one of the Top 10 Decorating Blogs by Better Homes and Gardens, and was voted one of the best DIY blogs of 2015. KariAnne has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas, Country Living, Flea Market Décor, Country Woman, HGTV Magazine, the Cottage Journal, the Chicago Tribune, Reloved, and This Old House magazine, and on popular websites including the Today show, Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, Apartment Therapy, Good Housekeeping, Mediakix, Bob Vila, and BuzzFeed. KariAnne has made appearances on television programs including Nashville Channel 5's Talk of the Town and Channel 8 in Dallas. KariAnne is also the author of four books: So Close to Amazing (Tyndale 2017), The DIY (Decorate It Yourself) Home Planner (Harvest House 2018) and You've Got This Because God's Got You (Tyndale 2018) The DIY Style Finder (Harvest House 2019). Website: https://thistlewoodfarms.com •ABOUT CRISTABELLE• Cristabelle Braden is an award winning singer/songwriter, keynote speaker, author, and podcast host. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, she began to write music. Since then, she has surpassed medical expectations and thrived in her newfound gift of music; she has come from re-learning daily life tasks in brain injury rehabilitation to setting her feet firmly on the ground as a songwriter, speaker, and artist with a message of hope. Website: cristabellebraden.com

Many of you may already be familiar with my guest this week.  Melissa Michaels is the blogger behind The Inspired Room and author of many books, my favorites being "Love The Home You Have," and "Make Room For What You Love."  She has just come out with a new book, "But Where Do I Put The Couch?  Answers to 100 Other Home Decorating Questions," which she co-authored with KariAnne Wood.  I had the pleasure of meeting KariAnne at a conference several years ago and then had her on the show.  So I was delighted to see that she was pairing up with Melissa Michaels.  And since I've wanted to have Melissa on the show for years, I was thrilled when we got he on the calendar.  Let's get started.  

Kathi concludes her four-part conversation about creating your Clutter-free home with style-expert KariAnne Wood. A few weeks ago, we learned about dedicating your space for its purpose. Then we focused on how to decide the way you want the room to feel. Last week we learned about the easy-to-do actionable steps it takes to cut the clutter. In this episode, you’ll learn more about creating style in a room. How to put zazz into any room. Can your style change? The role your home plays in interior design style. Clutter-Free Home Are you longing for a place of peace from which you can love others well? The Clutter-Free Home: Making Room for Your Life is your room-by-room guide to decluttering, reclaiming, and celebrating every space of your home. In The Clutter-Free Home, you’ll walk through each room of your house to create organizational zones that are not only functional and practical but create places of peace that reflect your personality.  Kathi will help you tackle the four-step process to reveal the home you’ve always dreamed of, and then transform it into a haven that reflects who you truly are meant to be. Order your copy of The Clutter-Free Home on Amazon today. Links Learn more about Clutter Free for Life. Take your Style Guide Quiz   We would love to stay connected. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

As bloggers, we are always looking for new ways to add income streams to our businesses. Sponsored posts are a popular way to do just that. But first, if you haven't joined my Facebook group, I want to encourage you to do that today! Every Monday at 3:00 EST, I go live in the group to talk about that week's podcast episode.  I go over the highlights, what I learned, and what I think it's important for you all to take away from the discussion. It's a great place for you to ask questions and to share your knowledge with others. I hope you'll join me! Now, if you're ready to learn how to make the most from sponsored content, you're going to love this episode. My guest, KariAnne Wood, is the creator of the blog, Thistlewood Farms. KariAnne works with over 50 sponsors per year on her blog, so she knows all the ins and outs of sponsored content and partnering with brands! KariAnne shares that working with sponsors is all about building relationships and creating win/win situations.  TOP 4 TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE  Build a relationship of trust with your audience so that you know what brands you should be pursuing. Only work with brands that your audience will find helpful or pertinent.  Take the time to fully research a brand before reaching out to them. Share what you know about the brand in your pitch along with information about your audience. Keep your rates flexible so that you have room to negotiate. Think of other things you can sell to brands, such as specific and timely knowledge of social media features.  Imagine a world where growing your social media followers and email list was easy… It can be with MiloTree! Try the MiloTree pop-up app on your blog for 30 days risk-free! Let your MiloTree pop-ups help you get to that next level by turning your visitors into email subscribers and social media followers on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube. Sign up today! Install your MiloTree pop-ups on your site in under two minutes. Sign up for MiloTree now and get your first 30 DAYS FREE! Read the podcast transcript for “How to Work With Brands from a Blogging Expert”

What does it take to create a beautiful home you love and what might be holding you back? Whether its the fact that you haven't defined your style, being paralyzed by perfection, or not giving yourself permission to love your home. Five-time author and award-winning blogger, KariAnne Wood offers encouragement, insight, and some of her best tips. You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – or listen to it below! Listen on: .icon-3-1 img{height:50px;width:50px;opacity:1;-moz-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;-webkit-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;padding:px;}.icon-3-1 .aps-icon-tooltip:before{border-color:#000} .icon-3-2 img{height:50px;width:50px;opacity:1;-moz-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;-webkit-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;padding:px;}.icon-3-2 .aps-icon-tooltip:before{border-color:#000} .icon-3-3 img{height:50px;width:50px;opacity:1;-moz-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;-webkit-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;padding:px;}.icon-3-3 .aps-icon-tooltip:before{border-color:#000} .icon-3-4 img{height:50px;width:50px;opacity:1;-moz-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;-webkit-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;padding:px;}.icon-3-4 .aps-icon-tooltip:before{border-color:#000} .icon-3-5 img{height:50px;width:50px;opacity:1;-moz-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;-webkit-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;padding:px;}.icon-3-5 .aps-icon-tooltip:before{border-color:#000} .icon-3-6 img{height:50px;width:50px;opacity:1;-moz-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;-webkit-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;padding:px;}.icon-3-6 .aps-icon-tooltip:before{border-color:#000} .icon-3-7 img{height:50px;width:50px;opacity:1;-moz-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;-webkit-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;padding:px;}.icon-3-7 .aps-icon-tooltip:before{border-color:#000} .icon-3-8 img{height:50px;width:50px;opacity:1;-moz-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;-webkit-box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;box-shadow:0px 0px 0px 0 ;padding:px;}.icon-3-8 .aps-icon-tooltip:before{border-color:#000}

In this episode Kathi chats with guest and long time friend, KariAnne Wood about the fun and freedom in cultivating your own decorating style. In her latest release, The DIY Style Finder: Discover Your Unique Style and Decorate It Yourself , KariAnne encourages listeners with some simple DIY mantras: Don’t give up on your dreams. Learn from your mistakes. Embrace your imperfections. Release any stifling rules that limit your creativity. Through the book’s easy style quiz, readers can identify their personal décor tastes. These include the Traditional, Farmhouse, Transitional, Contemporary and Coastal styles. If you feel stuck, when it comes to style, it's worth mentioning that clutter often stifles creativity. Make sure to sign up for KariAnne’s blog, Thistlewood Farms, here. Check out KariAnne's book on AMAZON now. Just for fun: In this episode Kathi also mentions taking the Enneagram test. Click here to take it now. We would love to stay connected.  To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe to our newsletter now.

One of my favorite things is to have reoccurring guests on the show. I love inviting people back to the table who I just really enjoy and today’s guest is one of those people. KariAnne Wood, whom you may know as Thistle Wood Farms, joins me again. She is a home blogger, influencer and author who has written a new book called The DIY Style Finder. If you have ever asked the question, “How do I figure out my decorating style?” then this episode is for you! We talk about  why its so hard to find our style, our biggest design regrets, how to push past the fear of decorating, our favorite rooms to decorate, advice on how to decorate on a limited budget and what to do when your home is temporary. I have never laughed so much in an episode. KariAnne is such a delight. And before we jump into the conversation, I want to let you know that the audio may sound a little different. Skype has been giving me such grief lately, so I apologize that it might sound a little off than what you are used to from me. Okay, now it’s time for you to join KariAnne and I around the table. Freebies: Sign up for Sarah’s monthly newsletter containing her survival kit Download Sarah’s FREE planner pages to help you be more productive and efficient NEW!!!! Surviving Sarah Book Club - let’s learn together! In April, we will read The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. Sign up today!

On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes friend and author KariAnne Wood to talk about her devotional; You’ve Got This! (Because God’s Got You). Kathi and KariAnne chat about how to find joy and stay encouraged even in the middle of tough places. On today’s encouraging show you’ll learn: What to do on the days when you just don’t feel like “you’ve got this” Why sometimes we need to just press pause How to give away “extra joy” and why it’s a blessing for all when we do Enter to Win! Enter to win a copy of KariAnne’s book!   Two lucky winners will win a copy of You've Got This (Because God's Got You) Enter by answering in the comments:  “Brag on yourself. Comment about a place where you KNOW you've got this.”    *US residents only Or buy the book here   Thanks for Listening! To share your thoughts: • Leave a note in the comment section below. • Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. To help out the show: • Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. • Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe now.

Today I'm talking with KariAnne Wood from the blog, Thistlewood Farms. KariAnne is a DIY and interior design blogger, but really she's an excellent storyteller. In this episode we explore how starting a blog can lead to multiple book deals. We delve into how KariAnne started her blog out a feeling of loneliness and then built it into a booming business! Her blog lead her to a huge publishing career. But what most impressed me most about KariAnne is how she's built such a deep connection with her community, and it's all been through authenticity. And wait until you hear her stories! Resources: Thistlewood Farms So Close to Amazing (book) The DIY Home Planner (book) You've Got This (Because God's Got You) (book) MiloTree Some of these links may be affiliate, meaning at no cost to you, I may make a commission. Transcript: How Starting a Blog Can Lead to Multiple Book Deals With KariAnne Wood Host: [00:00:03] Welcome to the Blogger Genius Podcast, brought to you by MiloTree. Here's your host, Jillian Leslie. Jillian: [00:00:10] Hello everyone. Welcome back to the Blogger Genius Podcast. Today, my guest is KariAnne Wood who is the founder and CEO of Thistlewood Farms. She is a lifestyle blogger, author, and speaker. So welcome to the show, KariAnne. KariAnne: [00:00:30] Thank you so much, I'm so glad to be here. Jillian: [00:00:33] So we were just talking about a whole host of things, the main thing I am curious about is, first of all, how you started your blog and how you ended up moving back into your childhood home? KariAnne: [00:00:49] Well, the blog kind of began out of necessity about 10 years ago, we were living in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex in McKinney, Texas, which is a very busy metropolitan area. KariAnne: [00:01:01] My husband and I, we were just tired of all the busy, and tired of the rat race and we wanted an adventure. So we gathered our four children up and we move to the middle of nowhere in Kentucky. KariAnne: [00:01:14] It was actually the suburb of a 500 person town. Cows were our neighbors. Target was crossing state lines. There were no stoplights in our entire county. And there I was in the middle of this rural paradise and I was lonely. KariAnne: [00:01:34] I wanted to really reach out and find a community of like-minded people that love to decorate and share their heart. And so I started a blog called, Thistlewood Farms. Jillian: [00:01:44] So wait, OK, so you move out there. You're living the dream and you're lonely. How do you feel? Like oh my God, we made the biggest mistake of our lives? KariAnne: [00:01:53] Well, everyone else, my four kids were like having the time of their lives. My husband was extraordinarily happy because we bought a business, and he was all consumed with the growing of the business and everybody was so happy except me. KariAnne: [00:02:07] And part of the reason why I was lonely is because we moved to an area where everybody was related. They came over on the Mayflower together, and they were all together and it was really hard to make friends and I definitely made some amazing friends. Building a blog to find a community KariAnne: [00:02:22] I'm not going to act like I was all by myself, but I just wanted people that had similar interests to me. And so that's really how the blog was born, kind of out of just looking for community. Jillian: [00:02:34] Interesting. And have you always had a designer's eye? Have you always been creative? KariAnne: [00:02:40] 100 percent. Like when I was younger, I had Barbie houses and I was like, forget about the Barbies, because I would just decorate their houses and then kind of plop them in. So yeah, I've always loved to decorate and I've always kind of been a very creative person. Jillian: [00:02:57] Now were you a professional decorator back in Texas? KariAnne: [00:03:01] No, I'm actually a decorator from the School of Hard Knocks. I say in all my books, I made every decorating mistake in the entire world. And so I went before everybody and made them all so I could save people from them, from making mistakes that I made along the way. Jillian: [00:03:21] That is that is terrific. OK. I have to just confess we are moving from Palo Alto to Austin over the summer. So if anybody, by the way, has been listening to this and is in the Austin area, please reach out because again I'm looking for friends, but I am now thinking about decorating and so I have a whole new interest, so tell me the biggest mistake people make. Design advice from a style blogger KariAnne: [00:03:44] Oh I think the biggest mistake that people made is following trends like looking online and finding something that looks very trendy, or someone is telling them this is the way to decorate and they go that route and it's not really them and it doesn't fit. KariAnne: [00:04:01] It's like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. And I'm always like, just go with what you like. Like if the current trend right now is all neutral and you love hot pink carpeting, you go for it. Embrace that and live that because that's how you are going to make your home truly one that you love, is by embracing what is truly you. Jillian: [00:04:21] OK here's one question, I go on to Pinterest. Let's say I type in kitchen remodels and they all look, they're gorgeous but they all look the same. KariAnne: [00:04:32] I know right. Jillian: [00:04:35] I feel like I'm being biased by the fact that I need a farmhouse kitchen with a big white sink and white cabinetry and you know like some bar stools and I feel like I love that now but I can't tell if I really love it, or if I'm being brainwashed into loving it. And if in six months everybody is going to be doing something else. KariAnne: [00:05:01] I am kind of with you in that you're second guessing yourself but I am a big fan of keeping your design, big design, expensive design choices neutral. Jillian: [00:05:13] OK. KariAnne: [00:05:14] In other words. So when you're looking at your kitchen I think keeping your cabinets relatively neutral, whether it's a white or it's a gray. KariAnne: [00:05:21] I think keeping those relatively neutral keeping your countertops relatively neutral and if you love color you can do that in other ways. So you have your big ticket items in your kitchen and those are all relatively neutral. KariAnne: [00:05:34] And then you're like you know what, there's too much neutral. You can always pop it out with like textiles in the room or you could pop it out with beautiful floral arrangements or adding in greenery or just baskets and different fun things in the space to liven it up so that you're not going the complete farmhouse route. KariAnne: [00:05:52] However, if you get in there and you love the neutral, go with it! Not just because people are telling you. Decorate with your heart, like look in that space and say, "Is this space something I want to sit across the Thanksgiving table from?""Is this a space I want to live in every single day?" If it is, go with it. Jillian: [00:06:10] OK. But I just feel like somebody is going to walk in, like in five years somebody is going to walk into my house and go oh my God, it's so 2018. KariAnne: [00:06:19] You know what, there is a chance they might do that, but that's why I think sometimes just making small changes along the way is good. KariAnne: [00:06:28] For example, I'll just give you a little story for me, I was all about neutrals. I mean my farmhouse, if you look at it it was all neutrals all into that. And then we purchased this home the home I grew up in. KariAnne: [00:06:43] And all of a sudden it's like I'm feeling like it needs color, like I went with a neutral look and now I'm going back and adding in color, pops of color, just because it's what the house needs. And so what worked at that farmhouse, is not necessarily working in this house. Jillian: [00:06:59] OK so now we can get off of my own little design issues and get back to your story. KariAnne: [00:07:06] You could always message me if you have questions. Jillian: [00:07:08] OK I'm serious because I love your aesthetic and I feel like I'm kind of flailing except for Pinterest and everything looks the same. Jillian: [00:07:15] So all right, so you move out to Kentucky. You're in the middle of nowhere, you're lonely. You want community, you start this blog. KariAnne: [00:07:24] Yes. And I had no idea of the world of blogging I had no idea people made money off of it. I had no concept of that. I was just doing it to join a community. What are the business opportunities that come from blogging? KariAnne: [00:07:33] And along the way these incredible business opportunities presented themselves and I kind of put on my marketing hat and I started marketing the blog. Jillian: [00:07:41] So wait, explain, what are these tremendous business opportunities? KariAnne: [00:07:44] Well along the way I have worked with, like for example, last year I worked with 53 different brands. Jillian: [00:07:51] Okay. KariAnne: [00:07:52] And so anyone from Wayfair to Sherwin-Williams to Frogtape and I work with them in a variety of different ways with different collaborations. Some I'm working on photography with them. Jillian: [00:08:08] What do you mean you're working on photography with them? KariAnne: [00:08:11] Like for example they would send me products and I photograph the products in my home and then they use it in their social media. How to collaborate with brands as a blogger Jillian: [00:08:16] So it's not you're not posting, you're like a paid photographer. KariAnne: [00:08:21] Well sometimes, it depends on the collaboration. Every collaboration is different. Some collaborations they send me the product, I post about it. I show how I've decorated my home on my blog. And then I give them the assets the photography assets to use on their own social. KariAnne: [00:08:35] Sometimes I'm literally just taking pictures of the product at my home for them to use on their own social or on their web site or in a blog post. Jillian: [00:08:45] And do they tag you? Do people know this is you or in that respect you're like a gun for hire with a beautiful home and a great taste? KariAnne: [00:08:57] It depends. Most of the time if they're using my images it would be written into the contract that they would tag me because I own the rights to those photographs. I mean depending on the contract and what's negotiated. But yeah they for sure would tag me. Jillian: [00:09:11] Okay. Got it. So you're a blogger, brands are I guess reaching out to you? KariAnne: [00:09:18] Yes. Well it's a little bit of both. I think when you're a blogger you know I'm the Queen of Hustles so I'm always like "Who did I work with last year? Let me approach them and see if they're interested in a new collaboration." or a lot of times brands do reach out to me. KariAnne: [00:09:31] I mean, probably one of my best tips as a blogger is a lot of times with a brand, I'll work with their PR agency. And that PR agency may have another client besides the client that I'm working with. KariAnne: [00:09:44] And I will say to the PR agency, "hey I've got this Bathroom remodel coming up, hey I've got this kitchen remodel, hey I'm redoing my front room. Do you have any clients that are a good fit for that?" And some of my best collaborations I've gotten because I worked the PR contacts that I already had. Jillian: [00:10:01] Got it. And then you end up hopefully getting free product. KariAnne: [00:10:06] Yes. Again each collaboration with a brand is different. I mean sometimes I'm using products that they send to me, sometimes I'm designing an inspiration board for them. I mean each collaboration looks different but typically it does involve some sort of pre product. Jillian: [00:10:23] Got it. Okay. So I mean, that's always a way for you. Lifestyle bloggers style bloggers DIY bloggers. Isn't that a nice way to reach out to a brand and say "I'm redoing my kitchen" like reaching out to say Whirlpool or something like that, how would you do that? KariAnne: [00:10:46] If I was going to go through a major remodel. I know I have kind of a long time ago when I first started blogging, one of the promises I made to myself, kind of one of the guidelines that built my business on is I never put anything in my home just to blog about it because then it's not authentic. And the readers know that. KariAnne: [00:11:05] So I there's many collaborations that I've turned down just because they're not a fit for my brand. It's not something that would work in my house. KariAnne: [00:11:14] Back when I was all neutral all the time. I mean if if a company that had a very colorful aesthetic with like super cool graphic prints and things like that that might not necessarily work in my space then that's probably not a company that I would have worked with. How to reach out to brands as a blogger KariAnne: [00:11:29] So a long time ago just set that forth. So if I was going, let's say I'm doing a kitchen remodel and I worked with a tile company in the past I've worked with a countertop company in the past typically I would reach out to them. KariAnne: [00:11:43] I have a pretty extensive network of contacts now because I've been doing this for 6 years. I would reach out to them say, "hey this is what I'm doing, is this a fit with your marketing budget? Is this something that you might be interested in?" KariAnne: [00:11:55] And sometimes it's a fit and sometimes not so much and sometimes the parameters that they would have, you'd have to wait a couple of months and I need the tile right then and probably that might not be a good fit or I need a countertop right then and it might not be a good fit. KariAnne: [00:12:10] But typically you're reaching out to the brands and saying here's my project can you come alongside me and partner with me. Jillian: [00:12:18] That's great. So let's say you're doing a kitchen remodel. How many brands would you want to partner with you with your kitchen? KariAnne: [00:12:25] I think it depends on the extent of what you're doing and kind of who you have in contacts and what would be a good fit. KariAnne: [00:12:33] So for example in my kitchen that I just redid I chose to reuse existing cabinets that we already had rather than reaching out to a cabinet brand. KariAnne: [00:12:44] Just because I already had the cabinets and I'm kind of frugal girl. And so it made more of a fit to do a post and show the readers hey look these were cabinets from another area of the house that we just repurposed added molding to and kind of redesign them to look like brand new cabinets for the kitchen. KariAnne: [00:13:02] So I think that totally depends on the scope of your project and what you need for that project. Jillian: [00:13:09] Got it. OK so let's let's go back to your story. So you're living in Kentucky and then all of a sudden you end up, because of family illness right? You end up moving back home. KariAnne: [00:13:26] Yes. We had some illness come up in our family that was it's a little bit overwhelming and so they just needed us. I mean it was kind of like step up time. KariAnne: [00:13:36] And so we knew that it was they just needed us and we needed to be home so I said to my husband oh my gosh if there's any way we could get back the family home that would be totally amazing. KariAnne: [00:13:49] My mom had sold it about five years ago to a wonderful couple. And I called her up one day and said hey you don't really know me. I'm KariAnne, and I used to live in your house. I would love to buy it. Is there any chance that you would sell it to me? And she was like wait, KariAnne, do you write a blog? Jillian: [00:14:10] No way! KariAnne: [00:14:14] So yeah, she totally read the blog. She's amazing girl like oh my gosh super amazing girl and she said actually yes we would totally sell it to you. KariAnne: [00:14:24] They had some circumstances in their lives where they were actually it wasn't on the market or anything but amazing timing. And so yeah we bought it from them and just never even went on the market. Jillian: [00:14:36] Oh my God. Well first of all I have to say I've been boggling your name by calling you KariAnne. And it's KariAnne. KariAnne: [00:14:43] Oh no worries. Jillian: [00:14:44] OK. But that is amazing so, a couple of things. How did you feel leaving your house in Kentucky that you had then remodeled? KariAnne: [00:14:52] I was literally, they were like prying my fingers off of the front porch pillar. I was in an emotional relationship. Jillian: [00:15:01] Really. OK. KariAnne: [00:15:03] Now it helps it helps that this house is so amazing like that helped in that, you know I've lived a lifetime in this house. I don't know if I would have traded it for any other house but this house. But I did love that farmhouse. Oh my gosh it was one of a kind. Jillian: [00:15:18] And I recommend people go to your blog because you have photos of both your current house and your old house. Like definitely check it out. It's gorgeous. KariAnne: [00:15:27] Thank you so much. It's a labor of love. Both of them. Jillian: [00:15:31] OK so how long ago did you move home? KariAnne: [00:15:35] Thanksgiving. Jillian: [00:15:36] Oh OK. So relatively recently. KariAnne: [00:15:38] Yes. Very very recently and so we've kind of been in a mad dash to really remodel this house because when you're a blogger you know I need places to photograph and I need rooms that look cute. KariAnne: [00:15:51] And I actually wrote a post on my blog that said every day I wake up and I try to make the house cuter than it was yesterday. Like that's my goal. KariAnne: [00:16:04] So today, either I'm going to add pillows or I'm going to paint something or I'm going to switch a bookcase around or do something so it just made me feel so much better and miss my old house less every day. I took a small step to making it cuter than it was the day before so it's a process. Jillian: [00:16:23] And how is the cuteness factor now? KariAnne: [00:16:25] It's getting there. I mean it needs so much work. Like in my mind I can see it all done. I feel like I'm running a design marathon like, "I'm coming, don't worry house I'll show up you'll be cute soon!" It's getting there, it's getting there. Jillian: [00:16:44] I love your use of the word cute for your stuff. It's so sweet. I mean again life is all about change and uncertainty. But at least you can control the cuteness. KariAnne: [00:16:54] That is so true. The best story ever of the house, this is literally the best story. So when my mom sold it, I was of course emotionally attached to this house too. And so my mom said "I'm selling it" my father passes away and my mom it's just too much house for her. So she had to sell it. KariAnne: [00:17:09] So she goes to sell the house and I go on like a farewell tour of the rooms like "bye dining room, having Thanksgiving was so awesome" and like "bye staircase where I said hello to Santa Claus" and like "bye kitchen where I met my husband" you know like "go have a nice life". KariAnne: [00:17:24] And as I'm literally about to head out the back door there is this bathroom with a mirror. And it's this giant ornate antique mirror not even my style or anything. And I look at that mirror and I had stood in front of that mirror in my wedding dress. KariAnne: [00:17:40] I had waited for my husband put my lipstick on before our first date in front of that mirror, and something just comes over me and I literally grab the mirror and I run out of the door with it like I'm like throwing in my car driving back to Kentucky. KariAnne: [00:17:55] And when we bought the house back I brought back that mirror and I put it right back where it was. Oh and an even better ending to the story is I have little twins that are in ninth grade and they just went to their first dance and they were standing in front of the mirror putting on their lipstick. Jillian: [00:18:16] Oh. Oh. KariAnne: [00:18:19] I know! Dude, I'm like full circle. Jillian: [00:18:21] Oh that's so sweet. Wow great story. Great story. OK. So now the one thing I want to talk about is books because you are an author you've written how many books? How to get a book deal as a blogger KariAnne: [00:18:37] I have. There's five books in all. Two are on the market currently. Another one is releasing September of 2018 and then there's another full color coffee table book that releases in March of next year (2019). And then one more after that. Jillian: [00:18:58] So based on interviews I've done in the past on this podcast with people who've written books most people say "I write books because it's a labor of love". "I write books because it puts my brand out there and establishes me as an expert. But books are not moneymakers. Books are a way to launch myself". Jillian: [00:19:21] And when we were talking you said well that's not exactly been true for me that I've actually made money from my books. KariAnne: [00:19:27] Yes 100 percent. I think probably the most important component is, when you're looking at publishing a book there are many different routes. KariAnne: [00:19:38] There is of course self publishing where you would publish it yourself and you put out all the money upfront and then you sell publish and sell it and market it yourself. KariAnne: [00:19:49] Then there is kind of like a hybrid where you have a company that publishes the book for you and then they provide you with copies and then you purchase them at a discounted rate and then you sell them and they maybe help a little with marketing but not that much. KariAnne: [00:20:04] And the route that I went which is the one I recommend is traditional publishing. Is working with traditional publishing house and I have been so fortunate to work with two incredible publishers that will ever and forever have my heart. KariAnne: [00:20:22] And the reason why I went that route and probably my best advice for anyone looking to publish a book or thinking about publishing a book is number one: I think it's so important that you build a platform because when you're going to that publisher and you have a message that you're going to get out there to the world, you want to come alongside that publisher you want to talk with the publisher about how your going to help the publisher sell the book. KariAnne: [00:20:51] You are going to help the publisher markets a book. Because just I think traditionally in the past sometimes you know authors they would send the manuscript to the publisher and then they would kind of sit back and wait for the publisher to do all the work. KariAnne: [00:21:05] Or in the case of self publishing, I mean they would probably do a huge majority of the work themselves but it would be so expensive to put all that money up front to get your book published to design your cover and all the all of that stuff. KariAnne: [00:21:18] So my best advice would be to start with your platform. Work on developing your platform work on developing your message work on developing your print your brand. So when you go into meetings with that publishing house you can say "hey this is what I'm bringing to the table". KariAnne: [00:21:35] My second piece of advice would be to get an agent. I have the most incredible agent. So fortuitous to find her and she has just really been the world to me. KariAnne: [00:21:49] The agent kind of knows the ins and out of the publishing world and they give you great advice and they know which publishing houses. I mean they make recommendations they make contacts for you at publishing houses. How to develop your platform as a blogger KariAnne: [00:22:01] And really those two things work on you're developing a platform. You bring something to the table don't just go to the publishing house and expect them to do all the work you show up. Jillian: [00:22:12] OK. All right so let's unpack this a little bit. OK. You start your blog. You start working on your platform which means your email list your social media. You know growing those platforms. KariAnne: [00:22:32] I think it's more than when I say build a platform. I think that numbers are very important. I mean obviously if I'm coming to you and I say I have X amount of people on Facebook or X amount of people on Instagram you know I think that's definitely important. KariAnne: [00:22:47] But I think the key components that so many of us miss in this world of blogging and social media and platforms is the influence is the influence factor. So I always tell people if you gave me a thousand loyal readers I could rule the world. How to find one thousand true fans as a blogger KariAnne: [00:23:05] And when I say that, I mean a thousand people that want what I have, that want to hear my message, that show up every day and they stand up and they're counted. KariAnne: [00:23:15] So when I was looking at developing my brand and developing my platform those were the people that I was looking for. When I was growing my blog I treated those people like they were my customers. KariAnne: [00:23:28] So if they had a decorating question, I didn't charge them for decorating advice. I really gave it. I spent hours putting together ways to help them or answer anybody's question they sent me. KariAnne: [00:23:39] I think I have a thing on my blog where I say "calling all questions" this is an unlimited question policy here at Thistlewood Farms, because those readers are the customers. KariAnne: [00:23:48] And I think people overlook that they just put messages out there and expect, "I wonder why no one's reading me," or "Wonder why no one is responding to me?" KariAnne: [00:23:56] It's because they are not in a relationship with those readers. They are not treating those readers with the respect that they deserve. And so I went out of my way to build that sort of platform. Jillian: [00:24:07] I think that is terrific in fact if you read my emails you see that I have actually sent out I think two e-mails about this concept of a thousand true fans. If you have a thousand true fans you can build a business. Jillian: [00:24:23] You do not need millions of fans. You need true evangelists. People who love you, believe in you, will buy from you. That's what you need for a business. I think that is just terrific advice. KariAnne: [00:24:37] Well, and so what I did was so, for example, and this applies not only in the publishing world but it applies and in the brand world as well. So I'll just give you one example, when I was looking to paint my house a color I went to my fans and I went to the people that read the blog and I said "What color would you paint the house?" KariAnne: [00:24:55] I gave them six options and we had over 700 people chime in. Not for a prize, not because we were giving anything away just because they wanted to be helpful. They wanted to show up and represent. KariAnne: [00:25:08] So I was able to go back to that brand and say, look 700 people are invested in what color I paint. Jillian: [00:25:15] Wow. Wow. KariAnne: [00:25:16] And I think that is the key component. So when you're talking to publishing houses, I mean that same applies in working with brands as well. You're saying to them I'm an influencer. I have the ability to influence people's buying decisions and I think that is a key component that is so overlooked when you're dealing with anyone. Jillian: [00:25:39] What's interesting is when we first started talking, you said start with your platform. And I said oh you know social media, email list and you're like, "No no no wait," I thought you were going to say really clarify your message. But that's not what you said. ADVICE: Be authentic as a blogger Jillian: [00:25:56] You said be authentic, be available. Really, you focused it on your fans not on your business and what your message was. Which I think is a really interesting differentiator. KariAnne: [00:26:11] Well I definitely think the message is important. When I counsel people on how to start a business or how to start a blog I always tell them, start as you go, like don't don't pull the rug out from under your readers. KariAnne: [00:26:24] In other words don't be all this direction and then all of sudden change midstream and like one day you're positive, full of energy and the next day you're complaining, you know. KariAnne: [00:26:33] Start as you go, develop that message, be true to who you are. But I do feel like if you're authentic and you are all about the people that are reading your blog, or participating in your business, the message authentically comes out. Jillian: [00:26:49] I agree. I agree. Again I think that the focus on your audience your community is really powerful. KariAnne: [00:26:58] I mean I literally was in tears when my first book was released and it was a best seller and it was on Amazon. You know at the top of the list and it had like the best seller tag on it. KariAnne: [00:27:12] People were screen shotting it and sending it to me and I was weeping because all of these people they weren't just celebrating the book. They were coming along for the journey. They're like "how can we help you get your message out there?" KariAnne: [00:27:30] And so it was as if you sat down with a thousand of your best friends and they're like, dude how can we help you? Jillian: [00:27:37] Wow. KariAnne: [00:27:38] "You've helped us all these years, how can we help you?" And I have never felt so humbled and so grateful and so appreciative and in my whole life than during that first book release. Jillian: [00:27:48] So let's look at that. You're making me tear up here. KariAnne: [00:27:53] I love it. Jillian: [00:27:54] So let's talk about this. So from the beginning you are cultivating this community that you care deeply about and that therefore in turn cares deeply about you. Jillian: [00:28:05] So you say to yourself, I want to write a book. And then what? How do you get an agent? How do you pitch yourself to publishers? How do you tell that publisher, "I've got these diehard fans?" KariAnne: [00:28:18] I think before we unpack that, I think an important component here is and this is something I try to explain this to people, I wish I could tell you I was a super incredibly brilliant person that sat down with this totally mapped out plan to get to the book. But it was so organically grown. KariAnne: [00:28:36] So I start a blog. I'm writing about decorating and actually I'm writing about nothing. I'm kind of writing about my toes sometimes like I mean a very lame messaging going on. KariAnne: [00:28:48] One day I remember I wrote a post "Don't you think I have very long toes?" and people were like "you do have long toes!" and so I had to hone my message a little bit. KariAnne: [00:28:57] But over time what happened was one day I told a story about something just because I'm kind of a storyteller. But I'm a decorating blog so I was like, How am I going to incorporate these stories? Do people even care about stories like this even a thing? And no one else was telling stories. KariAnne: [00:29:15] And so I told a story on my blog and the response was incredible. People were like oh my gosh like this is crazy. Tell more stories. What else are you doing? What other funny story you have? What else is going on in your life? Write a blog you want to read KariAnne: [00:29:27] And then the blog became kind of this hybrid of I would talk to you and show you these beautiful decorating pictures and then randomly tell you a story about how I stepped in dog poop and it was just like organically grown because it was a kind of blog that I wanted to read. KariAnne: [00:29:43] I didn't want to read a blog that said here are my curtains. Here's my rug. I wanted to write. I wanted a little meat. I wanted something interesting to go along with my curtains. KariAnne: [00:29:56] And so that's how the stories were kind of born. So I mean I think in the back of my mind I always had a dream about writing a book but it wasn't until this story started really taking off and I saw that that amazing wonderful community of people that read the blog really responded to the stories. KariAnne: [00:30:12] It's like the decorating brought them to the blog and the lifestyle brought them to their blog. Jillian: [00:30:17] And the beautiful photos and aspiration tips and I get it. But there is more. There is you! KariAnne: [00:30:24] But then you show up and I'm like hey take a seat in my living room and let me tell you let me entertain you. Jillian: [00:30:30] Right. KariAnne: [00:30:32] Let me tell you how I'm sliding down a hill after I spoke at a conference and ended up with mud all over my butt. You know, let me entertain you with my life, like these real actual things that happen to me every day of my life. KariAnne: [00:30:44] And so it really that was the combination that people really responded to, and so I thought maybe I could write a book. But I didn't know how to go about it. KariAnne: [00:30:53] So I did a little bit of research and actually reached out to some friends of mine and one of my friends was in the process of writing a book and I said, "How did you get started?" KariAnne: [00:31:01] She said the first thing is you want to find an agent. And so she gave me a bunch of different literary agencies and I wrote the most incredible pitch letter ever. Jillian: [00:31:12] OK. KariAnne: [00:31:14] It was quite entertaining. And I sent it out to these agencies to see if anybody would take a bite because this is an unknown world to me, this is something that is very different. I'm so thankful an amazing agency picked me up and I met my agent and really she kind of mapped everything out. KariAnne: [00:31:33] She was really instrumental because I didn't know where to start and she sat me down and said we're going to do this, and we're going to do this, and we're gonna do this, and you know for example the next step is you have to write a book proposal. How to write a book proposal KariAnne: [00:31:42] Well a book proposal is very intimidating for anyone who's never written one before. I mean they say that's what separates kind of the serious people from the not so serious people because the typical book proposal is about 10,000 words. Jillian: [00:31:55] Wow. KariAnne: [00:31:55] So it took me probably about four months to write the book proposal which is, like it was overwhelming. And my agent, her name is Ruth, she kept gently nudging me like, "Hey haven't heard from you on that book proposal yet, how's it going?" KariAnne: [00:32:15] And I just kept going and putting one foot in front of the other. And I think probably the hardest thing about writing a book is when you write a blog post it's 350 words and there's a beginning a middle and an end and you're done and you walk away. When you write a book it's 50,000 words. KariAnne: [00:32:32] And it's a beginning and then a whole lot of words. And then a middle and then a whole lot of work and then the end. So you got to shift your thinking a little bit. KariAnne: [00:32:43] But we we did the proposal and then she sends it out to different contacts that she has in the publishing world. And then we got some bids on the book and we looked at them and selected an incredible offer and went with that. And then the whole book writing process started. Jillian: [00:33:02] OK and how long did the book writing process take? KariAnne: [00:33:05] Well I'm kind of a fast writer just because I mean you've got to think of it this way, I was in training to write a book. I mean I write five blog posts a week. So that's training yourself to sit at the computer and write 400 words every day or five days a week. KariAnne: [00:33:21] And so I had done that for year after year after year so when they told me, you have to sit down and here's when your first chapter is due and here's when your second chapter is due and I pretty much stuck to my deadline. KariAnne: [00:33:32] I hear in the world, I don't know this for a fact, but I had heard that a lot of sometimes people don't stick to their deadlines. Jillian: [00:33:38] I've heard that too. Yes. KariAnne: [00:33:40] They get overwhelming, but I was pretty on it. And so I think the whole process of actually writing the book maybe took about nine months. Jillian: [00:33:49] OK. And what is the first book called? The book: So Close To Amazing KariAnne: [00:33:53] The first book is called So Close To Amazing. And it's actually a memoir. It's a memoir so it's trade paper which in publishing house terms means like it's a book book, was like writing and it's not for color. There are words and chapters and that type of thing. Jillian: [00:34:13] So it's not just a DIY book? KariAnne: [00:34:15] No it's a like a memoir, it's about my life it's about us moving. It's the story that I told you except with way more stories along the way. Jillian: [00:34:24] OK. OK. KariAnne: [00:34:26] Way more adventures in about. It's all about at the end of the day, the overarching message of the book is learning how to celebrate right where we are and realizing that the me of today is perfect. KariAnne: [00:34:40] I mean I think so many times, and that's what this book is about: The book was, we jumped to the country and I expect when we moved to the country everything's going to be perfect, and I'm going to be growing my own grain and I arrive in the country like, "wait, life is not exactly how I thought it was going to be" and I thought I was going to make friends and that didn't exactly work out. KariAnne: [00:34:58] It was like I was always looking for this amazing. Like I was like, Oh tomorrow is going to be amazing, if we just finished the house I'm going to be amazing, if I could lose another like 20 pounds I'll be amazing, if my hair was a little longer I'd be amazing. KariAnne: [00:35:11] And along the way and part of this whole journey was I discovered that the amazing was right there. Jillian: [00:35:19] Wow. KariAnne: [00:35:19] The amazing was the journey. Jillian: [00:35:23] Wow. Yes. I love that. I love that. That's amazing! KariAnne: [00:35:32] So I had been so close to amazing all along. There's the book. Jillian: [00:35:37] Right. So this book though, did it have photos of your beautiful house? Did it also have DIY? Or was it really just about your journey? KariAnne: [00:35:48] Well you know you read those books and at the end of each of the chapters they'll have a recipe. Jillian: [00:35:56] Yes, Ruth Reichl is one of my favorite writers and she's a food writer and she always puts her favorite recipes. KariAnne: [00:36:03] Yes. And so you always think you can have these recipes. Well when you read the book you'll understand I'm a horrific cook. Like I mean absolutely positively horrible cook. And so there was no putting any recipes like that would have been horrible. KariAnne: [00:36:19] So I put DIYs at the end of each chapter that I talk about in each of the chapters I work that DIY into the chapter. Jillian: [00:36:27] I love that. I love that. KariAnne: [00:36:30] And at the end is a DIY. The book is also full of total asides which is the way I talk, so I'll be in the middle of a story and then I'll be like total aside. Did you really like Shaun Cassidy when you were younger? You know like, why random thoughts, people were like wait where was she going? Jillian: [00:36:46] Oh that's terrific. KariAnne: [00:36:48] So yeah it's a little, I don't know if you remember there was a lady named Erma Bombeck. Jillian: [00:36:51] Yes yes. KariAnne: [00:36:53] It's a little like her. Jillian: [00:36:54] Oh OK. So you launched this first book. And again what I think is so interesting is, yes you are DIY, yes you have a great eye, yes you take beautiful photos, but there's a there there. Jillian: [00:37:08] There's a you with a message and you're living your life and you're sharing your life and you're going that extra mile, you're connecting. Blogging for comments and connection KariAnne: [00:37:18] Yes. Well I have been so blessed. It all started with the first little person who left a comment on my blog. And then you know some people blog for money some people blog for their egos. I blog for comments. Jillian: [00:37:34] Yeah. KariAnne: [00:37:36] Shameful. Jillian: [00:37:36] No, I get it. Oh my god I get like if if somebody emails me and says "I read your email" and it was somebody today, just emailed me and said "I really need it" Jillian: [00:37:47] It was something about I wrote an email. It's a sequence and there's one about Instagram, and it's like you have to show up for Instagram and somebody wrote back to me goes, "I really needed to hear this today." And I sit here and I just read that and I go "awww" and I write back and I just go "thank you so much." KariAnne: [00:38:05] Wow. Right. Jillian: [00:38:09] I love those. And I have a file I save called Love Letters where I will go through them on a bad day and I'll read them. KariAnne: [00:38:19] Me too! OK. Mine isn't called love letters. Mine is called KariAnne You're Amazing. Jillian: [00:38:27] Because there is something about it. Even why I love the podcast, just because I get to connect. And then if other people get to hear it and learn from it. I'm so happy about that. Jillian: [00:38:39] But at the end of the day, like being a blogger can be lonely having a company or multiple companies. It can be lonely. And so if I can hear other people's stories and if I can impart little bits of wisdom by being in the trenches. You know I feel like I've done my job for the day. KariAnne: [00:39:02] Well OK so I'm going to be totally shameful and transparent here. So sometimes I write a blog post especially if it's a good story. KariAnne: [00:39:10] And when you email me when you comment on the blog it leaves it has an email that comes through on my phone. And so I'll set the post to publish. And every time there's an email the phone will ding. KariAnne: [00:39:23] So the the post will go live. I don't know maybe seven and go out by email by like 7:15 and I lay there and I hear. Ding! Ding! Ding! And I'm like Yay! KariAnne, they're commenting! So yeah there's no greater joy for sure. Jillian: [00:39:42] I agree. And I think that there's you know what's so interesting is in every one of my podcasts I feel like I learn, and I step away with like a new realization and I feel like from this conversation that realization is the more you put yourself out there, and be vulnerable and be human the more you welcome people putting themselves out there and being human. KariAnne: [00:40:11] I 100 percent agree and I think what being online so much has taught me is that we live in a world where there are so many people that are hurting, and there are so many people that are not being heard. They're not being validated. KariAnne: [00:40:27] And you know it's almost like they're walking through life without someone taking a moment to say, "Hey look you're amazing. You got it." KariAnne: [00:40:36] And there is a post I wrote one time and I said the first line of it I think is just "In case no one else had mentioned it yet today like no one has said it. You're a rock star." Like let me be that person. Let me go first. You're incredible. You're funny. There is something you can do better than anyone else in this entire world. KariAnne: [00:40:54] And the response to that post was incredible because I feel like we as human beings have this longing for connection and we want our voices to be heard and we want people to understand us. KariAnne: [00:41:10] And so when somebody comes along and goes hey I'm gonna love you right where you're at. I'm going to accept you right where you are. I think that that is such an important message. Jillian: [00:41:20] And I think because we are so hard on ourselves. I was just having this conversation with somebody, I was at the Mom2.0 conference and I was talking to a woman and we were talking about if somebody could hear our own voices in her own heads, how horrified they would be. Jillian: [00:41:39] You know the messages we are telling ourselves of were not good enough and we're not thin enough and we're not young enough or good whatever, if somebody could hear that they would stop you and say "Stop it!" Jillian: [00:41:53] That is abusive, but somehow it's OK for us to do it within ourselves because nobody really can really hear it. And so this idea of, if only I could, like you, If only I could finish my house. If only I could move to the country and grow my own grains. I will be happy. Happiness has to happen right now Jillian: [00:42:20] And it's about really changing that perspective of saying no, happiness has to happen right now. KariAnne: [00:42:26] Well and it's funny, because back when I was telling you about the house trying to make the house cuter. I actually wrote a post on the blog and I had the twins for their first dance. KariAnne: [00:42:36] I had all these parents coming over. They were doing like a pre-dance party at our house and we hadn't really shown the house to anybody, and I spent days and days trying to make the house cute. KariAnne: [00:42:48] I would be like. "Come on House we're going to show them. We're going to show them we're cute." I was painting walls and putting up curtains and doing all this, and you know what happened? KariAnne: [00:43:00] People got here, and they walked around the house and all of a sudden these two beautiful adorable sweet identical twin daughters came down the stairs with their hearts in their eyes and these beautiful smiles on their faces. And no one's paying attention of the house, right. Jillian: [00:43:19] Right. Yes. You just gave me goosebumps. KariAnne: [00:43:21] The house was already cute enough. It was already cute enough. And here I was so obsessed and worrying about that, when I should have just paused and thought you know what the house and I were on a journey, and here are these beautiful girls and the day really is about them. Not about making your house cute right. Jillian: [00:43:41] Right. Oh I love that. Oh I love that. I want to say I have learned so much from you. KariAnne: [00:43:51] Oh I love that because I'm a little in awe of you. I could I could just sit at your feet and learn from you for sure ,you are amazing with everything you have accomplished. Jillian: [00:44:02] We will have to do a part two for sure. KariAnne: [00:44:05] Oh that would be awesome. Jillian: [00:44:06] So tell people, because again, we have much more to talk about. So tell people about your books and the books that are coming and then how people can reach out to you. Because what I love is you're available. KariAnne: [00:44:21] Yes 100 percent. So the first book is called So Close To Amazing and it's a memoir. It's a faith based book. I touch on my faith in the book. It's a faith based publisher called Tyndale. KariAnne: [00:44:34] This second book is all about decorating. It's called the DIY Decorate It Yourself Planner and it's literally the sassy girl's guide to decorating. KariAnne: [00:44:45] One of the chapters starts and it says, space planning is a lot like wearing Spanx to your high school reunion, like absolutely necessary. So there's a lot of like not intimidating. I kind of bring you along with me on my journey of decorating this house. KariAnne: [00:45:05] There are very specific things in there, like specific guidelines for how to choose a paint color, and how to plan out your spaces and how high to hang your chandelier over your dining room table and amazing stuff like that. KariAnne: [00:45:18] And the third book is actually a devotional book. Jillian: [00:45:20] Okay wait, I need that book. I need that book as we make our move to Austin. KariAnne: [00:45:25] OK. It's yours. I'll send it to you. Jillian: [00:45:27] I know nothing. I know nothing about the chandelier. KariAnne: [00:45:30] And I'll be available on speed dial. Jillian: [00:45:32] OK. I love it. I love it. I love it. OK. KariAnne: [00:45:37] You are kinda my neighbor. Jillian: [00:45:37] Yes. Oh my God. We will meet up together. KariAnne: [00:45:41] Yeah for sure. KariAnne: [00:45:43] The third book that's coming out. It's a devotional book but it's all just stories of encouragement. And it's called You've Got This Because God's Got You. KariAnne: [00:45:53] And then the last or the fourth book is actually, which I'm so excited about, I cannot wait for you to see it. It's a four color beautiful coffee table book. And it's called The Style Finder and it's, we traveled all over the country and photographed different bloggers houses. KariAnne: [00:46:12] And there's a whole questionnaire with what's your style? What your decorating style? And then we walk you through. Once you're we kind of pick out what's your favorite decorating style. We walk through, like here's your living room in this style. Here's your bedroom in the style. Here's your bathroom in the style and tips to kind of combine styles, too. Jillian: [00:46:29] OK that's fabulous. OK so then how can people reach out to you? KariAnne: [00:46:36] They can email me at Thistlewoodfarms.com. If you go on there, there's a contact form that they can just get right to me, or they can actually my email address is thistlewoodfarms@yahoo.com but they can go to the blog Thistlewoodfarms.com and there's a contact form. KariAnne: [00:46:52] And they can message me on Facebook, if they want to message me on Instagram with any decorating questions, I seriously could talk decorating, I mean till the cows come home as we say in Kentucky. And that's true. You come home. Jillian: [00:47:11] Thank you so much for being on the show. KariAnne: [00:47:14] It was absolutely my joy and my honor. Get more Instagram followers fast and free with MiloTree! Jillian: [00:47:19] Are you trying to grow your social media followers and e-mail subscribers. Well if you've got two minutes I've got a product for you. Jillian: [00:47:26] It's MiloTree. Jillian: [00:47:28] MiloTree is a smart pop up slider that you install on your site and it pops up and asks visitors to follow you on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest or subscribe to your list. Jillian: [00:47:43] It takes two minutes to install. We offer a WordPress plugin or a simple line of code and it's Google friendly on mobile and desktop so we know where your traffic is coming from. Jillian: [00:47:55] We show a Google friendly pop up on desktop and a smaller Google friendly pop up on mobile. Check it out. Sign up today and get your first 30 days free. Sign up for MiloTree now and get your first 30 DAYS FREE!

Have you ever felt like you were chasing tomorrow—never satisfied with today?  Join me and my friend, KariAnne Wood as we laugh and talk about how to find peace in the everyday challenges of life. She has blue feet today—but she’s still smiling! Come find out why—I think you’ll be encouraged! KariAnne Wood writes the decorating and lifestyle blog Thistlewood Farms from her project-filled historic home in Dallas, Texas. She recently followed God’s call and jumped back “home” with her family from the middle of the country to the busy Dallas metroplex where she lives with her husband and four children.If you wander down the tree-lined streets of KariAnne’s beloved hometown, McKinney, you might find her painting mismatched chairs, listening to Christmas carols no matter the season, singing Scripture, or walking hand in hand with her knight-in-shining-armor husband to a Friday night football game. She loves sweet tea with lime, thunderstorms, good books, milk glass, and yard sales, and she is an imperfect DIYer saved by grace. KariAnne’s new book, So Close to Amazing, is a book celebrating the incredible, awesome, special individual within each of us. It’s also a book for anyone who has ever mismatched her shoes or trimmed her own bangs when a professional might have been a better choice or added too much soap to the washer and watched it overflow. Thistlewood Farms is full of stories of family and faith and features hundreds of the home decor projects KariAnne creates every week for readers. The blog was awarded the Country Living Decorating Blog of the Year, was named one of the Top 10 Decorating Blogs by Better Homes and Gardens, and was voted one of the best DIY blogs of 2015. KariAnne has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas, Country Living, Flea Market Décor, Country Woman, HGTV Magazine, the Cottage Journal, the Chicago Tribune, Reloved, and This Old House magazine, and on popular websites including the Today show, Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, Apartment Therapy, Good Housekeeping, Mediakix, Bob Vila, and BuzzFeed. KariAnne has made appearances on television programs including Nashville Channel 5’s Talk of the Town and Channel 8 in Dallas. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/heidistjohn/support

KariAnne Wood joins me around my virtual kitchen table. And I can’t tell you how much I wish we were able to sit around my actual kitchen table because this girl is golden. You can’t help but like her. She is such a nice person and she makes you feel so special. One thing I love about her is how great a storyteller she is. I learned in this conversation that she talks to furniture way and is a thief—you’ll want to listen to this one! KariAnne is a home decor/life style/DIY blogger. She has authored two books—So Close To Amazing and The DIY Home Planner. We talk about what it was like to jump out of her comfort zone, how to find your decorating style, what has helped her embrace who God made her to be, and what she has learned about God through decorating.  What did you enjoy about this episode? What was your takeaway. Let's continue the conversation  on Instagram or Twitter or you can send me an email here.  Thank you for following along life with me. I love being apart of your day. And as always, I hope this show helps you survive a little easier.

We are really giddy with excitement this week to share our interview with KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farm.  She is the author of "So Close To Amazing" and her newest book "The DIY Home Planner".  We first met her at the Haven Conference in Atlanta, Georgia and she has a way of welcoming everyone into her wonderful world the moment you meet her.  Her positivity and kindness are equally contagious and her sense of humor had us laughing throughout.  We can't wait to have her tell you all about how she wakes up her house every day, her favorite yard sale treasures and all about her imagination room!

Has your home ever been in a rut? Or is your home in a rut right now? Today we are giving you practical tips and lots of advice about how to get your home out of a rut! Let's get out of that rut and on the road to great decor!!!! If you need some inspiration get out of your home. Sometimes we are too close to our home and we can get tired of it! GO out for an afternoon and refresh your attitude! Are you lost for ideas? Visiting a decor store might inspire you! You also might want to try something entirely different. Don't feel overwhelmed. Remember decorating is a journey. There really is no end. Take decorating in small bites! Grab a few girlfriends and go on a home tour! "THE SECRET OF CHANGE IS FOCUSING ALL OF YOUR ENERGY NOT FIGHTING THE OLD BUT BUILDING THE NEW." Socrates through Kelly "Phone A Friend" Call a friend and talk about decorating and get ideas from them. And ask them to come over and give your room a once over and offer suggestions! Call a Realtor and ask them to come and access your home! Like a movie house? Google it and see it in real life! See Yvonne's post about HERE Here's a post related to a rut from Anita. See it HERE And if you need inspiration to get out of your rut enjoy this pretty tablescape from Kelly HERE. See Yvonne's recent purchased decor books HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE. Anita  is constantly updating her collection of favorite Amazon items. She's added several items that you could use above your bed. CLICK HERE. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Today's sponsor Is DIY HOME PLANNER. A fabulous handbook for doing any DIY in your home by our great blogging friend KariAnne Wood. You can find this fabulous book HERE. You know what would be SO awesome?  If you would share Decorating Tips & Tricks with your friends.  Do it in person or on Facebook using THIS LINK. It is easy just click & share DTT to your page. Thanks in advance!! x Subscribe so you never miss an episode. And please drop us a line and let us know what you think of the podcast. Our email is decoratingtipsandtricks@gmail.com XOXOXO, Anita, Yvonne and Kelly

KariAnne writes the decorating and lifestyle blog, Thistlewood Farms from the back porch of her vintage farmhouse in the rolling hills of Kentucky. She followed God's call for her heart and jumped with her family from the busy Dallas metroplex to the middle of the country where she lives with her husband and four children.  If you turn down the winding country road to KariAnne's farmhouse you might find her painting mismatched chairs, listening to the music of the crickets singing in the pasture, singing scripture or walking hand-in-hand with her knight-in-shining-armor husband as the sun sets over the river. She loves sweet tea with lime, thunderstorms, good books, milk glass, yard sales and she is an imperfect DIYer saved by grace. What we chat about: Technology and teens The relationship with teens and their siblings The challenge of setting rules for kids at different ages Giving consequences that fit the crime Learning to speak "teenager" Modeling the behavior you want to see in your kids The story behind KariAnne's new book Links mentioned: So Close to Amazing: Stories of a DIY Life Gone Wrong . . . and Learning to Find the Beauty in Every Imperfection Parenting with Love and Logic Where to find KariAnne: website // facebook // instagram // twitter // pinterest Episode Sponsors: Queen Bee Market  Lovepop: Enter 2018 Lovepop Birthday Sweepstakes and win 50 Lovepops by visiting LovepopCards.com/MSW!  CanvasPeople: Get an 11x14 canvas FREE + shipping by using the promo code GONE at checkout (for a limited time)! Support the show: Shop Amazon Affiliate Link Share the Struggle! Find me on Instagram or Facebook because I want to hear YOUR thoughts on this episode!  If you've been encouraged by the show, please share it with another mom.  The struggle is real.  We might as well do this together! ***Some links above take you to Amazon.  When you click through, anything you purchase there will help offset the costs associated with producing the show. It doesn't cost you any extra, and it helps me out.  Everybody wins! Thank you for your support!***    

Ever feel overwhelmed by all that surrounds you in your home? Maybe our blessings have become a burden. Join Kathi Lipp and KariAnne Wood, the author of "So Close to Amazing", as they discuss how to live the life you want to live by simplifying and decluttering, DIY style.

I had the best time chatting with KariAnne Wood on the show. Not only does she chat all about she ended up moving from suburban Dallas to RURAL Kentucky, but we also talk about her new book, "So Close to Amazing", which recently released. She is currently parenting teenagers, so I gained so much from hearing how she developed good relationships with her kids while they were young so they could be "her people" when they got older. So awesome. Definitely, go pick up her book! AND... you can WIN one of her books. Head over to my Instagram to enter. (runs for 48 hours) Show Notes: Buy her book and check out her blog! Follow her on Instagram Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email: jessica@extraordinarymomspodcast.com

Challenged by her pastor one Sunday morning to "jump," KariAnne and her family made a big move from Texas to Kentucky. KariAnne shares their doubts and hurdles along the way.

Melanie talks with KariAnne Wood, the DIY expert behind the award-winning lifestyle blog, Thistlewood Farms, and the author of So Close to Amazing. They share their pancake-making fails, talk about smiling at strangers, and how they can embrace imperfection. KariAnne is fun and funny, so listen in, and lighten up!