It was an ordinary day at the gatehouse.
I had coffee.
And did the dishes.
And tried to figure out how to curl my hair with a flat iron to hide the fact that I had accidentally spray painted part of it pink.
Nothing really unusual or out of the ordinary.
Until.
Until this seemingly unremarkable box showed up at my house and plopped itself on my dining room table.
The return label said from KILZ paint manufacturers, but when I opened it…..
…..I saw this.
A chalkboard label with my name on it tied with a grosgrain ribbon around a chunky knitted blanket.
And it smelled like rosemary.
And they spelled my name correctly with an e at the end.
(total aside: if you have an e at the end of your name that people are always forgetting you truly understand the importance of that last statement)
Here’s the picture that represents my surprise and joy and excitement and total and utter jumping up and down and the camera losing focus and my pink hair literally standing up and giving me a standing ovation when I saw a note tucked under the chalkboard label.
You won’t believe who it was from.
Never.
Not in a million years.
Joanna Gaines.
Wait.
Can we pause for one moment and absorb that last statement? Let me type it again properly.
JOANNA GAINES.
And the letter read like this:
Dear KariAnne (spelled with an e again),
Greetings from Texas where I have some exciting news to share–my new paint line Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Paint is available now on MagnoliaMarket.com/paint!
Every home needs a personal touch.
That’s why I personally crafted each of the 25 classic colors in the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Paint collection and I can’t wait to see the beautiful transformations they’ll inspire in homes across the country. These colors mean a lot to me because they were influenced by cherished moments in my daily life–my husband Chip, our children, the farm and our pets. I hope these colors take on their own special meaning and inspire memories in your own home.
To celebrate the launch of the new paint line, I wanted to share this box of Magnolia-inspired treasures with you. Inside, you’ll fine premium paint samples of Ella Rose, One Horn White and Gatherings. I’ve also included some of my go-to treats and favorite home decor accents. I hope they fit perfectly in your space.
Enjoy and come and visit us in Waco soon!
Joanna
*sigh*
Isn’t life amazing.
In the middle of an ordinary day….
…..something extraordinary knocks at the door and plops itself on your dining room table. 🙂
So here’s to coffee.
And farmhouses.
And pink hair.
And wishing your day be full of the extraordinary, too. 🙂
You are just darling and always inspiring. You always manage capture my attention and my heart. Have a beautiful weekend!
Wow, what a great surprise! Obviously Joanna knows you're a rock star too!
That is just BEYOND exciting! Good for you- love Joanna and her laid back style. Can't wait to see what you create! Have a great weekend !
Wow! What a great surprise! I would have been jumping around like crazy too! Can't wait to see what you do with that paint. Hope you'll share. :) And I get the whole spelling your name right; mine is forever misspelled with two "e's" instead of two "i's"... Have a wonderful weekend, KariAnne!
Haha! I've opened two e-mails this morning -- Joanna's newsletter and yours! What a lovely way to start my day. And what a beautiful treat for you to receive in the mail! That personalized sign is so pretty. I know what you mean about e's -- that's Vicki, no e. ; )
Life is amazing...and so are you!! I love everything about this line, from the crate it shipped in, to the graphics on the brochure and paint can. I can't wait to give it a try!! : )
Wow. That's all I can say. I think we all have a girl-crush on Joanna. The post about your visit to Magnolia is my all-time favorite. I guess you're due for a follow-up visit to the Silos. ☺️ It will be interesting to read about your experiences with the paint! Hope you have a great weekend.
My lifelong friends still don't put an "e" between Ann and marie....and most are still compelled to capitalize the M! Sigh! I've only been around for 44 years. Love your posts and personality!
There is little else in the way of surprises I like better than something from a delivery person! The element of surprise itself brings me as much joy as whatever lies in wait. I'm happy with you and for you. Almost makes me want to spray some pink in my hair! Hugs, KariAnne. ;-).
Wowsers. Just Wowsers. I mean....your sweet name tag, gorgeous goodies, AND THEY'RE ALL FROM JOANNA GAINES. That, my dears, is a great way to start any day. Happy and proud for you. You do know I'm nosy enough to see it all, right? Barb
How exciting! Very well-deserved my friend. Can't wait to see what you paint with the new colors!
How fun! Yes, that would be a great surprise package! Can't wait to hear about her new line of paints!
I knew, one day, your paths would cross!! Soak it up & enjoy!!
WOW.......If that was for me...I would have needed to wear my Depends....Seeeeee......and you think you are not Awesoooooome ??? It is quite a complement for you to get.
Wow, awesome! I think Joanna needs to come visit YOU and your beautiful farmhouse:) That chunky knitted blanket looks yummy!
I think that is an excellent idea, Barbara and JOANNA GAINES....
How fun! I'm sure you'll do something awesome with your new paint. I love happy mail and what's not to love about Joanna!
How awesome is that???? I just love Joanna's Farmhouse style...almost as much as I love yours :-)
I gasped when I saw who it came from...I can only imagine your gasp!!! Wow...you are a super-rock star! I think it's a HUGE compliment that she would send that to you. You both are my favorites...so it makes total sense to me!!!
Karianne, I think that is a wonderful surprise too. I love Joanna Gaines and I'd love to see your finished project using her paint. Last winter my husband and I helped our daughter paint the whole interior of her first home. I went to work on Monday and was having a conversation with a coworker when she looked at me funny and said uh, you have paint in your hair. I was really embarrassed. Of course it wasn't cool pink paint. Heres to more fun days with pink hair and surprise packages.
How exciting!! I'll be visiting the Silos next weekend when I go to TX for my niece's graduation. Can't wait to see how you use them !! Hugs T
OH! MY! GOSH!!! I may have accidentally squealed and sucked all of the air out of the doctor's office waiting room reading this!!! But everyone who may have turned and looked at me would have truly understood the reason for *hmmmmm...* excitement if they knew what I had been reading!! Perhaps I should just read this post to all who can hear!!! How exciting!! Christmas early at Thistlewood!! ;-)
GIRL. You are so lucky!! Love her, love you.
Wow, how cool is that- I love getting packages in the mail. Maybe she'll even get to meet you some day. ;)
Oh, GOSH, KariAnnE! I got chill-bumps when I saw the pic of the letter. Then your words confirmed it! I can just imagine your thrill! Such fun. And, you deserve it. So looking forward to seeing what you dream up when using this paint from... Joanna GAINES!
Karianne, How sweet is that! What a wonderful way to start the day, with gifts from Joanna Gaines! And you are a rockstar yourself girl!
KariAnne, what a special treat! Lucky girl! there was an article in the Dallas paper last week about Joanna's new line of paints. Can't wait to see them. Let us know what you thing. BTW, I'd love to see your pink hair. I went to the store the other day and a lady said I had something on my face. It was chalk paint!
The paint is to match your pink hair ? (from Anne-Marie with an "e")
Oh now that is just too much! ♥ The Gaines Family! What a thrill!!!! From a ONE "L" Michele! (So I get your e on the end, lol) I need to check out her colors - I love love love her style colors and choices.
You needed that surprise. How awesome!
Wait a second. How did this happen? Have you MET Joanna???? Or did she just HAPPEN to see you blog and deecide to send you stuff???!!! WOW, this is totally amazing! I want to see the pink hair:):) LOVE the chalkboard and blanket!!!
Holy cow! And she said to "come visit us in Waco", so that sounds like a personal invitation to me!!! Pack your jammies and head on out there!
....because it feels a little like winning the raffle. The raffle you had kinda sorta forgotten about but then you get the call. Or the note. And its's the BEST feeling in the world. Joanna Gaines could have only outdone herself if she had been INSIDE the box wrapped with a bow the color of one of her precious paints... I'd keep the box too.
Holy Schmoly!!! ahhhhh! such a wonderful treat :) Love, love, love Joanna (and Chip, of course! and everything about them)!! My 24 yr. old daughter watches and recently told me she has a secret crush on Chip ;) (so sweet) and that "they are my future 'relationship goals' " ... I just love that! What a great surprise for you, KariAnne! Btw..I also love , LOVE your posts and your writing style makes me want to be your friend, too <3 Happy Friday! Carey
Oh, I'm just drooling over here, Karianne! I saw where she was launching a paint line and to see you get free samples, what can I say! Can't wait to see what you will transform with these colors!
ROAD TRIP!! What a wonderful surprise! I love that Joanna follows your blog! It makes it seem that we are all related. Enjoy playing with your new goodies!
What an awesome surprise Karianne.....I just love both the sign and the throw. Yummy!!!!!
I know it is good for business but what a lovely surprise. Wouldn't it be grand if others did business like this. Or we simply treated each other this way everyday. "What a wonderful world "
What???? I would have fainted. You are the Queen of Rock Stars and Joanna knows it too!
Rock stars often have pink hair. Neon blue next? What a great surprise. Wish I had one full of greys. Off to thep aint store for more samples.
You lucky girl :) Joanna knew where to send her box of goodies - to someone she knew would truly appreciate it. Enjoy your treasures and let us know what you think of the paint!!
How wonderfully exciting for you!!!
Lucky you! Her paint colors look amazing. Let us know what you do you with the goodies sent you. My niece and hubby are taking a road trip to Waco this coming fall. All because of Joanne and Chip:) She is very excited.
You know, I feel the exact same way when I get an e-mail from you, and you spell MY name correctly!! Enjoy your goodies!
OH WOW! I would have jumped up and down too. What a beautifully and well thought out gift to introduce you to the new paint line. I can't wait to see you use the colors in a project.
"A" mazing !!!!!!!! But ... Karianne.... It should be a given that Joanna Gaines knows who you are!! After all , you both have an incredible "Farmhouse" Kindred kind of spirit!!!!!! lolol..... did you just laugh and sigh and laugh again!!??! I know I would Have!!!!!! That plaque with your name on it is tooooo cute!!!!!! I follow her blog and I did see where the new paint line was coming out..... very excited to see some of these colors being used!!!
Wow! Just wow!!! The stars were perfectly aligned that day, my friend. :) What a neat surprise!!!
What a wonderful surprise. When my daughter was 2 and apparently had just absorbed the fact that the new baby sister was here for good, she woke from a nap and informed me "I need a present". So many times I feel the same way-bad day, uninspired life spell, whatever-and marvel that at TWO she figured it out. So I'm delighted that you got a present to smooth over the pink hair.
Good morning KariAnne, Oh, how fun! I LOVE getting boxes in the mail too, and letters and cards and envelopes... it doesn't matter... What a really sweet gift Joanna sent your way! She knows you'll do something amazing with her paints... and I'm sure you will! Have a wonderful day, you pink haired sweetie! Blessings, Jeanne (with an "e" but no "i")
I just fainted...<3 <3 <3 I ordered two samples the other day and I am camping by the mailbox until they arrive. Lisa
AWESOME AND SOOOO EXCITING
I am so red-faced from embarrassment. I feel like the wall flower that just doesn't have a clue. I really don't want EVERYONE to know so could you please whisper in my ear -- Who the heck is Joanna Gaines? Everyone who has commented knows exactly who she is -- except me. *sigh* I think I may have to do a Google search. And as far as names go? My name is either misspelled with 2 "s's" or it is mispronounced by giving the "i" a short sound like the "i" in it instead of the "ee" sound like in Maria. But a rose by any other name . . . right?? :-) I'm thrilled that Joanna sent you a surprise. I'm looking forward to seeing your creativity take flight. Have a great weekend.
Ha! I was thinking, hmm, I thought KariAnne was the famous one. I think I've heard of this Joanna woman but I don't know how I know her name. :) Have you read Anne of Green Gables? In the book (and the movie) she is most insistent that her name is "Anne spelled with an 'E'". Your comment reminded me of that. Thank you for spelling my name with a K. ;)
This is a WOW moment - wonderful. I will be on the look out for the paint...Have a wonderful weekend from Jeanne (yes, with an "e" at the end and pronounced "Jean" if you're an acquaintance and "Jeannie" if you're family)....please feel free to pronounce it "Jeannie" :)
You always make me smile and what a neat surprise!
Marianne, Upon opening that box, I'd have sounded like Clark Griswald getting ready to jump into the hotel pool for a skinny-dip with Christie Brinkley, "This is crazy, this is crazy, this is crazy!".
Thanks for that wonderful story! Some days begin so ordinary & end up with extraordinary things happening! On days like that, I remember to smile & thank God for all his blessings, presents & Presence! Carmen
I do not watch their show. Once filming is done, everything in the house is taken out! Homeowners can buy things, but I wonder how many have the money to do so.
Wow KariAnne, that is so exciting. I think I might have fainted. I love Jo and Chip and watch their show on repeat. It'a amazing how their brand has taken off. Did you see Jo now has a furniture line? It launches this month. They know great talent when they see it, no wonder they reached out to you.
You are one lucky duck!! I did see the colors and really like them. Is this a latex paint? And that blanket looks like it's perfect to snuggle under and bing watch Fixer Upper . I live that tag included in your box. I am searching for a Thank You tag when I ship out my packages. This would be great. Looking forward to see what you do with it. Barbara Ann
Ok UPS Fairy, I'm getting out the pink spray paint :)! Snuggle up in that amazing chunky throw. Can't wait to see your talents create something special with those paints. Ella Rose is such a sweet color.
What a great start to the weekend! Happy Spring!
That is so awesome! My heart jumped!
Wow, just wow. What a classy package that Joanna sends. I wish it would have had the name Linda on it however! Have fun and enjoy your weekend, you lucky duck!!
I am like a kid on Christmas morning when I receive a package - even if I'm the one who ordered it! But to receive a gift from Joanna Gaines?!?! What a wonderful surprise!
Hi KariAnne, what a lovely, unexpected surprise. Those are the best kind, right? The paint shades are beautiful and I'll watch to see what you do with them. I also especially like, the clean and simple labeling. Happy weekend, Lisa
Oh my goodness, I could not be more tickled for you, sweetheart!! You've been blessed because you truly bless others!! Enjoy the specialness of this!! ♡♡♡
What a score! As soon as I saw the title of your post I thought to myself I bet it's a crate from Magnolia, like the one Lauren, from Blesser House, received! I'm so excited for both of you and can't wait to see what you do with the paints. I ordered 2 samples earlier this week and hoping I fall inlove with one of them to use in my entry hall and my hubby's office later on this year! Enjoy, have fun and give yourself a high-five from me!!! Woot Woot! Go Girl!
That's it. I want to be you !
Awesome! I see a collaboration of Karianne and Joanna.
What a beautiful personal touch. She rocked this promotion! And you made such a beautiful post and I would really like to see what you make with those paints. :)
Oh I want to know about that luscious throw, and want you to open the cans so we can have a peak at the colors and don't tell me about the treats, please. Can't wait to see what you do with it all. My guy told me next winter we will go to Waco for some warm weather, wink, wink.
We keep telling you how AWESOME you are... ;) Wonderful surprise...couldn't happen to a nicer and more creative person! Can't wait to see how you use the gifts/paint.
Wow, that is really special. And how exciting for you. I will look forward to see what you decide to do with the paint.
What a great surprise! Joanna must be following your blog. She must know that A. You love to paint, and B. You're someone to take note of too! You know what? So am I...because I also have paint in my hair right now! (I've been painting my mom's powder room.) Unlike you though, I'm not rocking a cool color like pink. I wish I were! My hair paint is blue-green, and it's such a light shade that it might as well be gray...a color that I just dyed my hair to get rid of, lol! Oh well, she's worth it! We took a break from our home decor efforts today and made a trip up to Hobby Lobby, where I saw something that reminded me of you. A little sign that said something to the effect of, "My yoga pants have never seen the inside of a yoga studio." Insert sassy winking emoji here. FYI: I run around the house in exercise pants, which are a bit like cropped yoga pants. I have even been known to wear them to the hardware store. (And on occasion the grocery store!)
KariAnne, I love this Blog because of two reasons! First, the name thing.. I so understand the spelling the name correctly! My name is Debrah, notice that "h"on end of Debra. The story goes that my sweet parents couldn't decide whether they wanted Debra or Deborah. Mom wanted one, Dad the other. My father says he didn't mean to misspell Debrah on my Birth Certificate. My Mom would look at me and raise an eyebrow. One time I had to send my Voter Registration Card three times before they spelled my name correctly! I feel your pain! Secondly, Joanna Gaines!!!! How awesome! I'm so jealous that a box came to you and so happy you have been blessed with a gift from one of my favorite designers. I keep telling my husband maybe we should move to Texas so she can design our home!!! I so want to go Magnolia Market and have a sit down with her! You bring such delight to my day with your Blogs!! Thank you so much! Enjoy a cuddle with the throw!
You lucky girl, you! I recently discovered that a darling home decor shop here will be carrying some of Joanna's furniture line. I am beyond excited!
That's awesome! I can't wait to see what will you do with that... So, sorry, KariAnne... I am guilty of forgetting the "e" ... when I realized it was too late...
Best...Gift...Ever! I am a little jealous but I am happy my favorite blogger was selected for this wonderful treat.
Can't wait to see what you will paint, and would love to be a mouse in the corner when you visit Magnolia Lane. I am sure lots of giggles and new ideas. Love both of your comments and sharing new ideas.
How fun!! What a lovely treat :)
Im having a good day..I bought 18 trees for $5 each! Some 6 ft tall...flowering cherries, quaking aspens etc. We built our 1st home last summer after 10 yrs of renting so I am SO excited to plant things!! Your box of goodies is amazing! Drool!!
You lucky dog! As hard as you work, there is no luck involved. You deserve it! Get busy inspiring us some more. Can't wait to see what you will use your goodies for. We'll keep on helping you count your blessings! Rock star, you go girl!
How wonderful (even the correct spelling of your name)! Do you think she (or her 'people') read your blog...i would not be surprised. What plans do you have for the paint? I'm sure it's going to be a winner!!! :-D Jane
What a great story! What a great gift! But I'll bet Joanna Gaines would be just as honored if she heard from you! You too are a big fish in this pond!!
Oh my goodness! What a beautiful surprise! Have a great weekend! Bet you are painting something awesome.
Yes! I only wish I was there with you to scream and jump up and down!
Oh you are blessed... I love Joanna ... what wonderful gifts from her. I can't wait to see what you do with them. Oh and I want to see your pink hair.
Oh my stars!! How exciting!! My mouth fell open for you!! How awesome!! Chip and Joanna are so amazing and my husband I were saying we need to save our money so we can travel to Texas!!! I do have family in Texas too so road trip!! I love her new paint colors! Well, I love your style and I would love to see how you use the colors in your home. Thanks for your sweet stories and inspiration!
It's not like she picked you to be her new best friend. You just made it onto a marketing list. Holy cow.
WOW just WOW!!!
Reminds me of Anne with an e in Anne of Green Gables :-)
How very, very fun! I love packages! Especially when they contain beautiful and favorite things. Happy weekend!
My daughter is Abbye with an "e" so we totally get you!! :)
When I read this I gasped. How exciting for you! I just came home from paint store with a sample color of your recommendation. I'm now going to wait to hear your opinion of her paint colors! And some of her favorite things! Your one lucky lady!
OK...I think you left out the part that as you were jumping up and down, waving your arms and your twirly whirly skirt dancing to the beat of sheer excitement, you shouted, "that Joanna is a Rock Star!" .... you go girl... love that chalkboard with your beautiful name spelled correctly!....the paints colors are beautiful...I snagged the color samples at the High Point Market...
Wow! That is so exciting! I would've been totally jumping up and down (and maybe even screaming!) She is amazing and it is such an honor that she this new line to you. I'm guessing that all her colors are gorgeous - can't wait to see them! Sheila www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com P.S. Why was your hair pink???!
Shelia, It was pink because I was spray painting a bench and the over spray got on my face and my hair and turned it pink. #goodtimes #truestory Happy day friend! karianne
It's appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I've read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!
That IS very special! P/S. My husband, Ron & I loved meeting you in Paducah!
Aww sweetness! The colors of the paint line look so soft and sweet. I love the show and I really hope you do get to visit there.