sYou guys! I’m here today to celebrate my 43rd year of life, but also to spend some time chatting with you. It’s Ask Prodigal Pieces time, where I answer the questions that you wrote for me in my recent survey. Thank you to all several hundred who took time to give feedback.
Are you ready to have some fun? I am!
First, I just have to say that I decided to celebrate this year in my true “Larissa” fashion by ripping out my entire front landscaping bed of my home. Talk about therapy!!
I have hated the ginormous bushes that were there since we moved in. I’ll be sharing what ended up there later on. But, if you remember, I gifted myself my compost bins for my 40th birthday and spent the day building those. This year, I am turning on the DIY juice full speed to finish our garden shed remodel.
Okay, back to the Ask Prodigal Pieces survey answers to your questions…
To make this easy to navigate and also give as much information as I can, I tried to narrow down the top questions to my video interview (see below). However, I also wanted to answer the in-between questions you had for me too here in written form.
QUESTION GENRE #1 – PAINT
It may seem unfathomable, but I prefer to only paint pieces that have damage that needs hidden. Is that only the time? No. However, I am drawn to the pieces that nobody wants, but yet still have life in them that needs revealed. I do not stick to one type of paint at all times. I not only use natural paints, but latex, acrylic, oil, and so on. What I choose depends on what the project I’m painting is for.
A modern piece requires a different finish, therefore, a different product. Same goes for rustic farmhouse versus an Art Deco era piece. Each have styles true to their era and I like to adhere to the origin.
As for which paint, I use the most often, my go-to is Glidden Premium interior in whatever finish I’m after. The flat finish is the same thing as chalk paint, so if you’re after that effect, it works like a charm. Also, skip the chalkboard paint and just use a flat black (or green). I use it on all my chalkboard projects, and it works wonderfully. If I want to skip a topcoat on light-use piece, I use an eggshell finish. Then, from there the satin and gloss come into play when I am working with modern piece.
QUESTION GENRE #2: TOPCOAT
There is not one product that I use every time I rework a piece. As for finishes, again, it depends on the end result I’m after. I will use waxes and flat finish polys for more rustic pieces, and a sheen for a modern piece. However, there is not a poly on the market that doesn’t yellow (or amber) over time, so I take that into consideration as well when choosing colors.
Wax needs time to cure and depending on the product, that can take up to 6 months based on some manufacturer instructions. It will need reapplied within 6 months to a year. Also, you can remove heavy wax build-up with rubbing alcohol.
To apply a poly to a rustic piece, I will use a brush. However, when I am reworking a streamlined Mid-Century piece, I will use a micro foam roller for a smooth finish.
QUESTION GENRE #3: DOWN-TIME
This question is kinda related to what I answer in my Ask Prodigal Pieces video interview, but I’ll elaborate more here. Do I have down-time? haha…what is that?? Just kidding.
Yes, I do. I love to take walks with my family, we sit fireside to enjoy chatting with each other. I take time each day to practice things I’m learning (more on that to come). My garden therapy is what I live for all summer. I’d rather be weeding in most instances. Also, I love to cook. Food gives wonderful therapy as well, doesn’t it? In addition, I take a nap every day. I wake up early, so a great way to hit the reset button is to snooze a bit. My youngest and I will read some stories and then nap together.
We don’t, as a family, have TV access, but we do enjoy some of our favorite movies/old-school shows during winter evenings. It makes cabin fever a little more enjoyable. As a whole, we are definitely a bibliophile family, so books are always laying around and have gained the attention of most everyone.
QUESTION GENRE #4: CITY LIVING (OR LEAVING)
Again, in my Ask Prodigal Pieces video interview below, I briefly touch on this, but wanted to elaborate. When I bought our home, I intended to rework it and flip it. However, when pregnant with my second I near miss with leaving this earth because of pneumonia and a staph blood infection. That set us back in my energy and ability to do much.
By the time I was pregnant with my 3rd, we began trying to sell for about 3 years in a row during peak season. We had many near-misses and entirely felt God was not showing us the next steps to where we were supposed to be. Kinda like a closed door. So, we stopped and began to rework the home again.
My heart is set on the country and have had many tears over having to raise my kids in a city setting without an abundance of animals and having to worry about neighbors. We are ready to move the minute we find a place, but that just hasn’t happened yet. Lord willing, it will happen in His time.
QUESTION GENRE #5: STAGING
When you see a finished project staged for my blog or shop, that means that my house underwent a demo in a mini sort of way. It is EXHAUSTING to take apart my bedroom, my family room, my kitchen, my living room, etc. to set things up. However, I’m anal about making my hard work look as it should. It also is fun to use what I have on hand to make project shine.
I often joke to my kids that if one of the neighbors move, I’m going to buy their house to set up just for staging. Just think of how glorious that would be! Many don’t realize how much work goes into blogging from the IT technology, the editing, the actual blood/sweat/tears labor, and into the final written piece. That is why your comments and time spent enjoying what I put forth means so much.
Honestly, it irks me that I only hear from some on a giveaway day. Often it will even result in only talking about their intended use of the prize, and totally ignoring that I just displayed days and days of work. Comments to any and all bloggers are affirmation our work is relevant, inspiring, enjoyed, as well as educational. I’m also guilty of reading and not commenting at times, but I do make wholehearted effort to share their posts and leave love when I can. Thank you for your comment love!
ASK PRODIGAL PIECES WRAP-UP
As I conclude this survey session of Ask Prodigal Pieces, I hope you enjoy what I’m sharing with you today and find yourself getting better acquainted with me. While there is much information I could continue to share, I am aiming to keep it to a focused minimum.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of myself and my family for loving, supporting, and sharing your lives with us. Did you feel that? You’re being given a huge bear hug right now. You’re my extended family.
No matter what you are facing right now, just know that there is hope for a future. I have a birthday request from you. As I mentioned in my Ask Prodigal Pieces interview video above, I am feeling a tug at my heart to do something BIG. I need the Lord’s guidance and your prayers to help me discern the right steps. It’s been something that has been brewing in my head and heart for years and I’m trying to be patient and let my path be made clear.
AFFIRMATION
This song called “Reason” by Unspoken says it all perfectly.
And you’d give anything to feel the sun
Always reaching always climbing
Always second guessing the timing
But God has a plan a purpose in this
You are His child so don’t you forget
He put that fire in your soul
His love is the reason
To keep on believing
When you feel like giving up
When you feel like giving in
His love is the reason
To keep on believing
We would see His hand on everything
Every hour every minute every second He’s always been in it
Don’t let a shadow of a doubt take hold
Hold on to what you already know
He put that fire in your soul
His love is the reason
To keep on believing
When you feel like giving up
When you feel like giving in
His love is the reason
To keep on believing
It’s the reason
It’s the reason
His love is the reason
That you can’t explain
He’s the hope in the heartbreak
The rest in the suffering
He’s closer than the air you breathe
From the start to the end to the in between
Don’t you dare doubt even for a minute
What He started in you
Yeah, He’s gonna finish
He put that fire in your soul
His love is the reason
To keep on believing
When you feel like giving up
When you feel like giving in
His love is the reason
To keep on believing
It’s the reason
It’s the reason
To keep on believing
SHARE
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
ColleenB.~Tx. says
Happy Birthday Larissa.
Wishing you many more joyful years to come
On your birthday
I wish you much pleasure and joy;
I hope all of your wishes come true.
May each hour and minute
be filled with delight,
And your birthday be perfect for you!
Enjoy your day
Larissa says
You are so sweet, Colleen. Thank you for the birthday wishes!
Carole says
Have a wonderful Birthday! Thank you for all the inspiring words and diys. I look forward to your posts daily. ?
Larissa says
I have so far, Carole. Thank you! Spending the day rebuilding my shed as my daughter’s birthday is tomorrow. Fun times!
Linda says
Thank you!!! And HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL LADY!!!! I am amazed at your creativity!! I especially love all your typography!! I marvel at how you do so much!! A loving family, cooking/baking from scratch, growing/canning your food, home schooling, remodeling your home, and THEN you still find the time to encourage me (and others)!!!!! Love and Blessings to you today and everyday!!!!!!!!!
Larissa says
Linda, I do believe you just made my day. Thank you!
Holly says
A very happy birthday to you from the UK.
I really enjoy all your work . It takes me so longer to do the smallest Piece that I can only imagine the hours that go into yours.
I am starting a remodel of my kitchen and you have been part of the inspiration for it!
Stay safe and stay well.
Larissa says
I’m so excited for you and your remodel! 😀 I hope all goes wonderfully and you can enjoy it soon. Thank you so much for making me smile.
Hélène says
Happy birthday Larissa !!!
I enjoy your blog and everything you do very much.
I am impressed by your creativity, your energy and appreciate your fun posts.
Big hugs from France !
Larissa says
Thank you so much! 😀 You’ve given me ooh, la, la love!
Diana says
The happiest of all birthdays to you, Larissa. May the good Lord continue to bless you with many more beautiful years.
Larissa says
Your words are a blessing, Diana. Thank you!
Mary Loveland says
Happy Birthday Larissa and a million more! I enjoyed the video, you can feel the passion. I most certainly applaud your creativity/talent and hope you are able to continue to grow. Best wishes.
Larissa says
That means so much to me, Mary. Thank you for the awesome support. Hugs!!
Rebecca - Knoxville, TN says
Happy Birthday! You make this world a more interesting place. Your blog is a blessing to me and so many others. Keep your little light shining!
Larissa says
I’m tickled to hear from you, Rebecca. Thank you for the wonderful support and love.
Clara says
Happy Birthday-May you have a blessed birthday as we all have been blessed to to view your visions. Thank you!
Larissa says
Thank you!! Such a treat to hear, Clara.
Sharon Millsap says
Larissa – what a beautiful name! You hve a great talent for giving furniture new life. & it is admired by your many followers. For your birthday, put that something BIG out to the universe and see how the prayers are answered.
Larissa says
Thank you for the sweet words, Sharon. I had a wonderful birthday. I know God has us all in the palm of His hand. He works in my life daily – I just have to choose to see it. 😉
Debra says
Have a wonderful Happy Birthday!
Larissa says
Thank you! Spent the day rebuilding our shed.
Jerri says
Happy Birthday! I hope your day is special.
Thank you for sharing the information regarding paints and topcoats. More importantly, thank you for giving us a glimpse into your world. I’ve always been amazed at all you accomplish, your talent and skills. Now I will add your wisdom, faith and love of family to that.
You opened my eyes with several of your comments, I will no longer take this blog , and others, for granted. . Know how much you are appreciated!
Thank you, thank you,
Jerri
Larissa says
Sending you huge hugs, Jerri! You have made my day and I know will make others feels the same. Thank you.
Terri Hughes says
Happy belated birthday, Larissa. I hope you had a great birthday and I pray you have many more. God Bless, you!
Larissa says
Thank you! We celebrate my daughter’s birthday today. The fun continues!
Rebecca says
Larissa,
Hoping your birthday was full of joy and that joy lasts longer than a day!! As always, your post reminds me to relish the things in life that matter. Loving and being loved, using the creativity we are blessed with to bring out the beauty in things that others dismiss as trash, and realizing each day is a gift. While my husband fights cancer, I thank god morning and night that I “have him today and will have him tomorrow.” I’m fully aware of the future, but isn’t it amazing what you find when you look at each day as a blessing and a gift? I find all you do and share so meaningful and therapeutic. Thank you and may all your wishes come true!!
Larissa says
What a touching thing to say. Thank you, Rebecca. I’m lifting you and your husband up now. Cherish and trust. Hugs to you!
Jane Clelland says
Happy Birthday, Larissa and daughter! May God grant you all your wishes. Love your work.
Larissa says
I am so blessed, Jane. Thank you!
Laura F says
Thank you for sharing! I look forward to ALL that you share 🙂
Larissa says
My pleasure to share, Laura. Thank you!
Lynne says
Happy Birthday, Larissa! Thank you for opening yourself and your family to us. You are a wonderful example to me. Sending hugs and prayers your way!
Larissa says
Thank you, Lynne. I’m excited to share.
Judy Burnside says
Thank you for your blogger video! I loved being able to get to know more about you on a more personal level. I have to say I’ve been following you for a couple years and although I don’t post or comment a lot, I truly look forward to your newsletters in my email each week. I eagerly “steal” a few minutes for myself to see what projects you are working on! I have a whole basement full of rescued furniture and items that have been gifted to me for the most part that are awaiting transformation. As I was listening to the end of your video and how you are awaiting God’s direction for the next big thing, my favorite scripture verse came to mind – Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Especially in this uncertain time in our country and world, it gives me great peace to know that God has my future already figured out, and it is all good, and I can rest in that. God bless you and your family.
Larissa says
What fun for me to hear, Judy. That truly means so much. Sounds like you have been immensely blessed too! That verse in one of my favorites for sure.
Mary says
Larissa blogging is one of the hardest jobs to do on your own. I can attest to that. You have gone above and beyond all these years providing us with beautiful posts that are also informative. Thank you for all that you do and I hope you make it to the country one day. Although my view of the city is definitely different from ours. Haha!!
Larissa says
It truly is. Most don’t understand. Thank you for always being so loving and supportive. I tell the kids that all the time…that we have so much. So blessed! 😀
Mary says
Wishing you a very Happy and Blessed Birthday dear faith sister! You are such a breath of fresh air – a real gift to all of us. I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing all with us your struggles, your joys, your Light! I so appreciated the update on your health; I’ve had some of the same eye and dizziness issues and also noted that occurred after a chiro neck adjustment. So I have stopped going for awhile and noticed improvement. And my neck gets ‘stuck too! (I’ve had some old whiplash injuries which caused thyroid problems and neck issues). Anyway,I give Praise that you aren’t having strokes, no heart issues, and hope and pray you do not have any more symptoms! I will be keeping you in prayer, that God will shine a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path as you go forward. 🙂 Many many blessings wished for you AND your family. Thank you for all the many ways you inspire me and many others! God bless you!
Marie says
Happy Belated Birthday, Larissa ❤️ You know I’m a HUGE fan, old enough to be your mother, and have so much respect for you and everything you do. Whatever that BIG thing is you are hoping for, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that it will happen. Sending BIG hugs and love your way from Canada. xo xo
Larissa says
and an even BIGGER HUG back to you!! You have been such a blessing to me, Marie. More than you know. God’s timing is perfect, indeed.
Jennifer says
Happy Birthday! I have to confess to often reading and not commenting on projects done by you and others. I never thought about your perspective. So,,,in the future I will be leaving comments as I do enjoy your blog very much! Your projects are always creative and your advice helpful. Thank you for taking the time to host this creative space!
Larissa says
Thank you! You are sweet to understand. I take it for granted often too and have to take time to leave love when I can. Many hugs to you!
Barbara Pelzer says
Happy Birthday! I hope you have a blessed day filled with everything positive. Love reading your blog! I actually only read yours as I have deleted the others I had. If I only have time to read one, it’s yours! keep up the inspiring work! Sending a hug to you on your special day! (My birthday is Thursday) 🙂
Becky says
Happy birthday!!! I can’t wait to see your new flowerbed! I sure it will be marvelous, as the rest of your yard is.
Every time I see your staging, I think of what must have gone into that! I mean, you appear to swap the whole house around for some of those shots! Crrrazy! ? You have some serious dedication! Thanks for freely giving that to all of us. ??
Larissa says
Yahoo!! Thank you so much, Becky. It is crazy, honestly, and wish I had a studio to use instead. But…so glad I can do what I can do. Hugs!
Vickie says
Happy Birthday Larissa! I so enjoy viewing your handiwork. The one thing i wanted to ket you know is…when I see something of interest to recycle…you are the one I think of. I always say…I wonder what she would do with this piece.?
Larissa says
aww…thank you so much, Vickie. I love that you think of me. Hugs!