I've spent the past week recapping the most popular projects and posts of last year...and there were a lot of them. But what made 2015 so unbelievably special was you...and the experiences and opportunities that came from your support, readership, comments, and genuine enthusiasm and encouragement.
While I tend to always be pushing forward, it's key for me to slow down in order to acknowledge all the blessings I've been given...both big and small...so I can truly express my gratitude. In a world of endless To Do Lists, it's easy for me to lose sight of what I've accomplished, so I hope you'll indulge me one last recap post of 2015, sharing my personal highlights.
I struggle to write these type of posts because they feel a little narcissistic. But I often have to remind myself that this blog is my happy place...my own personal scrapbook and life's chronicle...of not only what we do to our home, but what happens to the people in our home.
So this post is a combination of my own personal highlights from 2015, as well as the projects you made popular...along with some geeky by-the-numbers stuff. Basically all the good stuff that made 2015 grand for me, my family, and this little blog, all in one spot! If we don't share DNA, you might want to skip it!
*Recognitions*
There's no question being photographed for the cover of Redbook was one of the highlights of my life, let alone 2015! That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I'll never forget, and my mind is still boggled that I was chosen...in large part of because of you guys and your persistent votes!!
I am forever-honored and humbled to be part of this award-nominated, historic issue, featuring real women of all ages, sizes and color.
Cover of Redbook magazine
Behind-the-Scenes of Redbook Cover Shoot
Just as mind-blowing was seeing our beloved house beautifully photographed and published in a 10-page spread of Better Homes & Garden's Refresh magazine. It's even more special since we no longer live there, but will always have this keepsake of the home where we raised our babies. I miss that light-filled, completely decorated house!! #sigh
BH&G Refresh Feature Article
Behind-the-Scenes of BHG Shoot
Some of you know Mr. SP and I lived in Nashville for 10 years before moving to Texas 11 years ago (read a little more about that life here). At that time, I worked for Country Weekly magazine...and since then, many of my close co-worker friends moved over to Parade magazine. Last year I had the pleasure of working with them again, but on a whole different level, with me providing creative content!
American Profile Earth Day feature projects
American Profile Valentine projects feature
Another fun Redbook appearance was when they featured my favorite, and most popular, spray paint project!
Spray paint Project feature in Redbook magazine
The Living Room I created with Kristen was named House Beautiful's most-liked image of 2015, as well as, featured on Better Homes & Gardens! #mindblown
*Opportunities*
I'm always amazed at the cool experiences and fun opportunities that fall in my lap because of blogging. I feel like I'm just sharing thoughts and ideas with friends on the internet everyday, so I'm shocked when it leads to things like meeting design crushes Eddie Ross and Nate Berkus, or hosting events for my favorite brands.
Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker Event
Sailing with HGTV & The Property Brothers
Container Store Back-to-School Event
Nate Berkus
Kip's Bay Decorator's Showhouse in NYC
*Collaborations*
Since I think of you all as friends, I'm very choosy when it comes to recommending brands and products, and only collaborate with those I'd authentically pass along to my mom or best friend. I know sponsored content is not always a reader-favorite, so I work extra hard to make those posts just as original and credible as non-sponsored posts. I was honored to work with these stellar brands last year.
Alaskan Cruise with Princess Cruise Lines
{One Room Challenge} Master Bedroom Makeover
{One Room Challenge} Living Room Makeover
Cruise Style with Nordstrom
Booties | Now & Later with Sole Society
Men's Style with Nordstrom
Kids Style with Nordstrom
Monogram Mania with Mark + Graham
Outdoor Patio Makeover with AE Outdoor
Making the Bed with Loom Decor
Christmas Decor & Traditions with Pottery Barn
*Travels*
Not only have amazing opportunities and experiences come from this blog, but so many treasured friendships. Many of my closest friends are now people I've met online...some of whom, I've still yet to actually meet in person (I'm talking to you, Freckles Chick!). That concept really baffles my mom, but I'm so grateful for the relationships born from this special place.
Last year I was able to attend three amazing blogger conferences...which for me, are just opportunities to grow those friendships...along with several trips with fellow blogger favorites, and my precious family.
Haven Conference
Blogger Style Conference
BH&G Stylemaker Conference
Anna Maria Island with Jen's Family
HGTV Cruise with The Property Brothers
Alaskan Cruise
Big Sky, Montana
Seattle, Washington
New York City with my mom & son
New York City with friends
*Personal*
We had some really big personal moments and changes last year...starting with unexpectedly selling our house, buying a new one, and moving!! There were a few hiccups and growing pains, but in the end, it was a positive step for our family. Not to mention, all new spaces to decorate!
Sold our Home
Moving
Bought a House
My sister also married the best guy ever, and after celebrating her bachelorette in New York City, my entire family was part of her gorgeous Montana wedding.
Montana River Wedding
We also remodeled a kitchen and weathered a water leak, while remaining married!
Kitchen Remodel
*Most Comments*
I'm fortunate to have an outside job, so this blog can remain my pure joy and hobby. I write for myself, but I love the interaction with you. Every time I hit 'publish' on a post I wonder what you'll think, and am always surprised by your response. The entire Kitchen Renovation as a whole (see all the updates & reveal here), along with the Redbook, Better Homes & Gardens and new house announcements, received the highest number of comments...with these posts coming in right behind.
Living Room Makeover Reveal & Source List
Master Bedroom Reveal & Source List
You Vote: To Paint or Not to Paint
Dressing Room Diaries
*Most Viewed*
Some posts take on a life of their own, and I really have no idea why one project resonates more than another...but these posts (along with the most commented ones) received more views than any others in 2015.
Rule of Three
How to Tie a Scarf
How to Hide Lamp Cords
Living Room Makeover
Favorite Beauty Products & How to Apply Sunless Tanner
*Numbers*
It's fun for me to see who you are, and where you're coming from, according to Google Analytics:
More than a million of you stopped in & read almost 10 million pages last year! I can't even wrap my head around that!?!
Most of you are American (but shout-out to the Canadians who are next!)
95% female, aged 25-44...but the 45-64 bracket is catching up
Phones & tablets took over as the most popular way to read
More than half of you are referred here from other sites...so thank you to these amazing bloggers who so generously share my projects and include me in their blogrolls. Without them and Pinterest, I'd likely be writing to just my mom and aunt each day.
Jen at I Heart Organizing
Natalie at Designer Bags & Dirty Diapers
Megan at Honey We're Home
Shay at Mix and Match Mama
Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick
Kate at Centsational Girl
Sheaffer at Pinterest Told Me To
Kathy at The Budget Decorator
Linda at Calling It Home
Kristin at Hunted Interior
That said, the majority of the amazing opportunities that come my way, are because of you, darling readers...I know without your support, enthusiasm, kindness, and interactions, none of this would be possible. I can't thank you enough for popping in every day, week, month, or leap year...whenever it is, I'm thrilled you stopped by! Even the lurkers...I know you're there!
I know this post was a lot of toot-tooting my own horn, so thank you for indulging me. God has blessed me more than I could have ever imagined, and I'm beyond humbled by your friendship, support and kind words. With all my heart, thank you. #grouphug
Your encouragement makes me excited to share each project, and continue doing what I love so much. Starting this blog was the best whim I've ever acted on, and I can't wait to see what's next. This year has already started with a bang, and I'm excited to share all the ideas and projects with you. I pray 2016 is your best yet, lovebugs!
{More Best of 2015 posts}
Room Makeovers
Style Series
Cool Tips
Organization
Recipes
Parties & Tablescapes
Travel
Personal Highlights