You guys!!!! It is my last post of 2013. I may pop in if something comes up, but I may not. It is sad in a way but these "Top 10 posts of the Year" are are my favorite to write and to read. It is so satisfying to see lists of some of the things we all have accomplished. My friend Rhoda from Southern Hospitality has a linky party on December 30th for all the "top 10" posts. If you are a blogger and plan on writing one go link up so I can read them :)
And just because my blog will be quiet for a bit while I enjoy my kids home for Christmas Break, I will still be active on Facebook and instagram. So follow along there for behind the scenes and sneak peeks.
2013 has been one of extreme highs and extreme lows. It has been the hardest year of my life. And no, I am not being melodramatic. It seriously has. I have been more stressed in the past year than any other time in my life. I share a great deal about my life here, the lay offs, the failures, and a little bit of my family life. But there are some things that I do not share for personal reasons. I also know through emails that a lot of you also had the hardest year of your life. So here is to 2014! I pray it will be better for us all. And for now, let's focus on the good that happened...at least in the DIY department :)
In no particular order......
Card Catalog Tutorial
After searching for YEARS in vain for a card catalog that was in my price range, I ended up just building one. I wish I had done this years ago because we have all enjoyed it. My boys love hiding their treasure there :)
Pantry Makeover
I finally, after living here for 6 years, got around to organizing my pantry. The way I do lunches and snacks now has changed my world. Plus it is just plain pretty :)
Office Closet
After my tools got stolen from our garage I started storing everything inside. When you live in a 1580 square foot house with 6 people and 3 small closets, that causes a little storage problem. I decided I needed to go vertical and take advantage of every square inch of the space. You really need to see all the picture to appreciate just hou much I crammed in there.
Chicken Pot Pie
Eat, sleep, DIY....and repeat. It is no wonder that when I am not DIYing I am cooking. I also live with 5 guys who are constantly hungry. So I have been know to share a family favorite recipe from time to time. I have made this since college and it is the number one asked for meal at our house.
Hexagon Greenhouse
I love this! I made it as part of a DIY challenge for Homes.com and don;t really have a proper place for it so it currently resides in my bedroom. It was simply too cute to store in the garage until we add on to the house.
Serving Tray Tutorial
I love this tray and I have recently found it a permanent home in a place you may not expect. You will see the reveal in January!
Garage Window
It was just one little window, but it made a HUGE difference when I painted it and added shutters and a window box. Do you remember the before pic? HORRIBLE. Now when I look out my office window or walk into the backyard, I smile. I can't believe how happy it made our whole yard. I have plans to add these to the front window of the house this spring.
Cream of Broccoli Soup
This is another family favorite and another I have been making since college. It is perfect for cold winter days. In fact, I think I will make it tonight :)
My Family Room Makeover
I completed this room in early December last year but didn't blog about it until January. We have enjoyed it SO MUCH this past year. We spend so much time in there and it is cozy and sunny.
Laundry room PART ONE
I will be working on another project or two in this room over Christmas break, but here is the part that I have finished. I love it and I have been better about getting laundry done. So I guess prettier laundry room does equal more laundry getting done. Now folding it and putting it away is another story....
I think 2014 is going to rock my socks. I have big things planned. Big changes and fun things for you. Remember to follow along on instagram and facebook :)
I will be posting the MOST EPIC Christmas family photo on both FB and instagram and you do NOT want to miss it!!!
See you soon and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
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Great round up, I need to check those out. I'd love it if 2014 did not involve a death in my family as the last 4-5 years have. From my older relatives to my 31 year old brother, the deaths in my family are too many. So here's to a HAPPY 2014!
I want a card catalog! I really like that...
Here's to a great 2014! You know, the thought entered my mind that your blog wouldn't be as relate-able or obtainable for me to achieve if you were rich. You get creative when you're on a budget and have to make do. So while no one wants to struggle with finances, (I know.) Look at it as a blessing for your blog! Keep up the good work!
My favorite was your living room post. Such a beautiful room! Hope 2014 is better for you.
For having had such a tough year, you've managed to maintain a beautiful and instructive blog. I'd be floored just to take care of four boys, and a husband, let alone all the work you do around the house, and for charity. I'm sorry to hear it was a tough year for you, but you're amazingly strong, and you've weathered the storms of life and made it to the finish line. Hope 2014 is a much better year for you, and you enter the new year refreshed and renewed.
Hey!
I love your ideas :) I have recently started exploring paper crafts and lots of DIY projects for home.. going to be back and back on your blog more often! :)
And even though I feel you may not need any encouragement by means of a blog award; but your's is my current top site for DIY ideas and since I was focussing on DIY blogs; I have nominated you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. Check the nomination post here – http://limenlemony.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/along-came-a-friend/
Thanks for sharing your ideas! :)
Congratulations!
lots of love,
ashima
Hi Stacy,
Loving all these projects! Isn't it funny how there is always at least 1 non-DIY related top post of the year, um food? Hey, it's cool by us! P.S. I'm going to check out that pot pie right now.
Best wishes for a very happy, healthy and successful 2014 for you and your family!