What a wild year this has been! It’s also been dare I say a bit wonderful? For all the trouble and uncertainty, loss and worry, contention and fear that 2020 brought, I have to also say that as I look back on this year I find many, many blessings and incredible moments that I would not have otherwise experienced without the trials that came. I have definitely seen the hand of God in so many things this year, and for that reason, I cannot wish it never happened, or feel too upset about it. Here are a few of those personal highlights for me this year:
- Pre-pandemic visits with friends and family
- Andy getting into his dream college
- A quick family trip to Disneyland (right before the shut down!)
- Finishing the Midway Modern Farmhouse & starting work on the Dutch Canyon Project
- Celebrating a big 18th birthday
- Lots of cooking together as a family, healthier meals, learning new skills in the kitchen and trying new yummy things
- Game nights, movie nights, walks and tons of family time that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible, all before Andy left on a 2 year mission.
- John working from home
- A mission call for Andy
- 2 Graduations that instead of being traditional, brought more personal, heartfelt and exciting celebrations
- Getting to go through the Temple with Andy
- Adding Sam to the family
- Finishing the OC Ranch Reno
- Take-out picnics at the beach
- Long drives along the coast
- Morning walks with dear friends
- Embracing a chance to slow things down, concentrate on the things that really matter and truly appreciate them
Now on to the blog! I can see how this year has influenced your hobbies, priorities and behaviors too, simply by looking at the most popular posts of the year. Home makeovers and design, crafting and road-trips in the great USA were tops this year as we all spent more time at home and in the great outdoors.
#10 Modern Master Bedroom Makeover
I finally got my act together with a little more down time to pull this room together. It’s come a long way from where it started!
#9 Easy DIY Spider Wreath for Halloween
The holidays this year were definitely more about crafting and decorating at home to create memories. This DIY Spider wreath has now been featured in 6 publications and is such a fun and easy one to make!
#8 Things to Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
By summer everyone was definitely feeling a major travel itch, but with so many things shut down and the virus still spreading, hitting the road and exploring the great outdoors was our vacation of choice. No wonder Jackson Hole was at the top of everyone’s list this year! It’s always beautiful and fun!
Kitchens have earned their place as the heart of the home more than ever this year as we’ve all cooked more, used them as school centers, home offices etc. You were interested in getting a look at the 1987 Fixer Upper kitchen right after it was completed.
#6 Designing with a Color Palette
Painting was obviously on the honey-do list while everyone had more time at home. This post on nailing down a color palette for your home was a favorite.
#5 The Coolest Gifts for Teen Girls under $50
No matter the year, teens are hard to buy for! This post is a hit every year for birthday’s, Christmas, graduations, Easter baskets and more. I update it frequently with the latest and greatest, so be sure to PIN it so you can find it again when you need it! 🙂
#4 Cute Room Ideas for a Teenage Girl
All those teenagers spending more time than ever at home must be on the hunt for fun ways to update their bedrooms and new online school rooms. This post on cute room ideas for teenage girls was number 4 on the most popular list this year.
#3 Kitchen Remodel Before and After
A good kitchen before and after is ALWAYS a fun thing to watch and this post of our 1980’s kitchen with oak cabinets and lightbox included being transformed was the third most popular post this year. It’s a good one!
#2 How to Make a Felt Circle Garland
Felt circle garlands are fun for any occasion and decor year round. They look cute in bedrooms and nurseries…decorating parties and packages, so many fun uses. So it’s no wonder this post on how to make a felt circle garland is always a top performer. Check it out and make one yourself. They are SO easy and fun!
It always makes me feel good when I know that little tips and tricks that I use around the house to make my life easier, do in fact help you all out too! This post on tips for hanging garland went viral in November, and I have received SO many messages from people who were grateful to learn this little trick. It makes me SO happy!! I love garland on the stairs every year, but I don’t like to worry about scratching the banister…so this trick comes in hand every year! I hope you find it useful too!
I hope that 2021 brings us all a little more laughter, joy and stability…but I hope we can all recognized the lessons we’ve learned and the joy we’ve experienced even in hard times this year. Happy New Year my friends!! 🙂
Tammy
xoxo
Tammy
Creative Director at Pink Peppermint Design
- Cute & Easy DIY Valentine’s Day Treats for School
- 11 Valentine Party Themes for Kids: Valentine Card Party
- Super Easy & Yummy Game Day Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
- Middle School Free Printable Valentine’s Ideas : Put a Ring on It
- The Best Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes on Our Dinner Menu
- Free Halloween Printable Tags for Treat Bags & Gifts
