Best of 2016

Wow, how are we here already?! The years just seem to go by faster and faster the older I’m getting. Doesn’t even seem possible that I’m writing a ‘Best of 2016’ post already, does it?

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I know it’s been quiet on the blog, and that was on purpose;).  I really – really – tried to be present this year. I made it my mission to finish the shopping early, and to unplug more. So that I could focus on the things that really matter. We found a new church that we really love, and I think – I know actually – that played a huge part. I hate hate HATE to see this time of year go, but I’m starting to embrace the new year coming – there are some changes I’d like to make (perhaps a new post on allll that;), and I’m hopeful. Isn’t that what’s so beautiful about a new year? A fresh start…to make the changes, to better ourselves. A rejuvenation. It’s always exciting.

And you know what else is always exciting to me? When I think about all the things I have NO idea will happen in our home in the upcoming year. I mean, I had NO idea last year at this time that the wall in our office/family room would come down! That I’d be typing this best of post in my favorite little built-in nook! That the dining room would get a makeover?! And that the cherry banister would be gone?!

So the thought of what 2017 has in store is very exciting to me…what changes will this little house of ours go through over the next 365 days? I can honestly say, I HAVE NO IDEA. 😉

But let’s take a look at the top ten 2016 projects – these were your favorites (and mine too!)

10. The $5 Table – because who says you have to spend a lot of money on furniture?! Not me!

9. DIY Shiplap in a Frame – who can’t get enough shiplap still?? THIS GIRL!

8. The Big Sign Fakeout – the sign I made for next to nothing in our bedroom was a hit:)

7. The Java Banister Makeover – sooooo easy and such a difference!!!

6. Husband’s Dresser Makeover – I’m still getting comments on this post – I think the world is with me when it comes to grey and wood combos…

5. The $10 TV Console – ok, this might be my very favorite yard sale find EVER. I know I tend to say that a lot, but I mean it this time;) I cannot believe my luck with this beauty. It is the most solid, well made, perfectly made for this room piece of furniture we could ever find. It was 100% meant to be here.

4. Mudroom Nook – when we put up the wall where the office entry was, it gave us the perfect spot for hanging up our coats! (and of course…more shiplap;)

3. The Master Bedroom Makeover – oh this room still makes me so happy. I really love it. So glad you did too.

2. Read the Book. Always Read the Book – this resonated with a lot of you and that means so very much.

AND THE #1 PROJECT OF 2016….

1. THE FAMILY ROOM MAKEOVER! It is seriously hard to remember what this room looked like before the wall came down. Best best best decision we ever made in this house. Some of you who’ve been readers for a while know that this was once my grandparents’ home, and my aunt (their daughter) said my Gram had always talked about taking this wall down – I never knew that! So I feel even happier about this decision now. I know she’s smiling – no, beaming – down at all of us in this house.

May 2017 bring you and yours health and happiness. A fresh start and endless possibilities. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for all of us…

Happy New Year!