Favorite Posts of 2018

Happy New Year, Friends! Before we get too far into the new year, I wanted to celebrate 2018 by looking back at my favorite posts of 2018.

First, let me say, I’ve missed you guys. I took some time off to spend with my boys, the dogs, and my mom. Leading up to the holidays I felt completely burned out. You know when you feel like you’re running on empty???

We enjoyed a quiet Christmas and New Years here by the sea. My mom stayed with us for Christmas and we had an Italian Christmas – our first time doing that. The boys loved all the meatballs and cutlets. My mom finally taught me how to make stuffed artichokes which I’ll share the recipes with you guys. We slept in, we walked the beaches, we played with the kids, and we sat by the fire and read. It was just what we needed.

2018.

It was a year that brought many challenges, but made me realize a strength I didn’t know I had. There were highs and lows (as I’m sure you experienced in your own lives). February started with eye surgery which I’m happy to report was a success. The first few months were a struggle. If any of you are thinking of laser eye surgery (PRK) let me know and I’d be happy to write  a post about the experience. The recovery is different and longer than Lasik. My father became sick in February and passed away in March. On St. Patrick’s Day, actually, which was very appropriate. You can read my good bye to him here. His passing has brought an emptiness to my heart. I miss him every day and I actually cry most days, but I guess this is a part of life. You can’t love someone without feeling a part of you is gone when they aren’t here. As I type this tears are streaming down my face. I know he wouldn’t want me to be sad. I just hope I’m making him proud with the choices I’m making in my own life.

2018 also brought so much to our lives. It brought new meaning and the realization that life is much too short; a reason to love deeper and to share memorable moments as a family. Trips to Boston and the Harbor Islands with my moms and boys. Reconnecting with my sisters. One of our biggest dreams came true – putting in a pool to enjoy with our boys!!! I also stretched my wings a little by launching my Design Services.

In another post, I’ll share my goals and upcoming projects for 2019. For now let’s take a look at my favorite posts. You can click on the title or the image to read more about the post.

My Favorite Posts of 2018

1. Fireplace Makeover

For 5 years, we wanted to tackle this project and we finally did it last January. Adding a working fireplace to our living room sitting area has made this room so much more enjoyable. It was also wonderful while recovery from eye surgery and losing power last winter. We use this room all the time. You might be surprised to learn what we refaced the fireplace with.

2. Updating an Old Workbench

This lovely workbench came with our house and belonged to Mr. Stewart, a previous owner. We moved it from Luke’s wood-working area to my painting area and I gave it a new life with some milk paint. Since posting about this I’ve become friends with the Stewarts. A picture of Mr. Stewart is now on his old workbench. I knew this piece had a lovely history and I was right!

3. Watercolor Pansies

I love the smiling faces of pansies. I created free printable pansies in watercolor which I decoupaged on eggs. These look so sweet for Easter or spring crafts.

4. How to Refresh a Kitchen without a Contractor

One day, we’ll redo our kitchen. We’ll change layout and the oven and add more, but we currently don’t have the budget to do that. If you’re looking for ideas to update your kitchen on a budget this post is for you. Think paint. Think stick on subway tile (yup, you read that right)…

5. An Easy Fern Wreath

This was one of my most popular projects and popular pins of 2018. Who doesn’t love ferns, though, am I right? This wreath took 5 minutes and since it’s faux I can use it next year too 😉

6. Boys Bedroom Update

Since redoing their room in 2016, we made a few updates in here with pillows and bedding. Despite loving the red, white, and blue I’m feeling like this room needs a bit more grown up twist. Over the break I moved a few pieces of furniture around in here and think they’re might be a mini update for 2019. John will be a teenager, after all.

7. How to Make Sunprints

I’ve dreamed of making these with my kids for so long and we created such beautiful, and meaningful, artwork for our entry way.

8. English Inspired Office Reveal

Moody, dark walls and antique furniture gave my husband’s home office an English library feel. I still wish this was my office…

9. Found and Foraged Tablescape

I’m always inspired by nature in my decor. Hydrangeas from our yard, pretty white pumpkins, fragrant eucalyptus ground this tablescape and make it feel so special yet so simple.

10. Fresh Oysters Sign

This sign was made with spare paint and spare wood. My hubby, who loves oysters, was so happy with this addition to our kitchen 😉

11. Blue and White Decorating Ideas

My favorite color combination is blue and white. This post was very popular as I think many other people like this classic color combination.

12. Our Pool Reveal

Of course, my favorite post of 2018 was our pool reveal! I gave updates of the pool progress over the spring but we did the landscaping ourselves and built the retaining wall so we didn’t finish everything until the end of August. Would it be helpful to write a post about what to think about when putting in a pool? An FAQ post? Let me know if you guys would be interested in that and I’ll write a post answering all your questions.

Well, it was quite a year. I appreciate you. All your comments, thoughtful emails, and our interactions.

I’m ready for a new year full of possibilities. Are you?