Favorite Posts of the Year {Year in Review 2013}

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Another year has come and gone, can you believe it?  Looking back, I’m in awe of where I started at the end of 2012 and where this little blog has taken me since.  Even my home has changed dramatically, I finally feel as if it’s reflecting our needs as a family (and MY needs in terms of style, wink!)  What a long, FUN trip it’s been.  Here’s a peek back at 2013– my favorite DIY projects, craft ideas, recipes, travels, and more– and the many adventures we’ve been on together along the way!

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Favorite Round-Up Post

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Every time I reread this post, there’s at least two tips that make me think “why didn’t I think of that first?!” in this round-up of 25 Timesavers and Organization Tips.  My personal favorite is the dry erase marker on the dryer and the bobby pins on the magnet strip.  In fact, I still kick myself for not thinking of the grease in tinfoil idea first!

Favorite Organization Project

 

There’s actually two DIY projects that rocked my organizational world this year.  The first is the HUGE DIY pinboard which displays favorite mementos, important pieces of paper, and serves as my inspiration board for design and decor ideas– made for under $12!  Get the tutorial here.

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

The other project is the family command center that got us organized for the Back To School season.  Finally, our shoes/ hats/ mittens/ jackets/ backpacks have a place to call home.  I’m kicking myself for not doing this project sooner.

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Favorite Budget Renovation Post

 

Looking to update your kitchen on a budget?  Here’s 10 ways to update your kitchen on a dime— and each can make a massive difference in your home’s comfort, style, and resale value for very little money.

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

 

Favorite Guest Post / Most Commented On Post This Year

 

I love all my guest posts of course, but this post about blogging (from a non-blogger’s perspective) pretty much got the most comments this year and I’m honored Kelly chose my blog on which to write it.  🙂

Favorite Gold DIY Project

 

I mean really, can you choose a favorite child?  No.  That’s how I am with my gold projects.  Right now I’m crushing on gold something fierce so I can’t choose which is my favorite.  I will say I enjoyed figuring out how to make a faux bois pattern (this gold faux bois tray makeover shows you how), play with gilding paint on this $7 Hollywood Regency Bamboo Mirror, and help bring a Greek Key Console back to it’s former glory.

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Favorite Kids Decor Project

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

This one is funny, because my son is slightly obsessed with the embroidery hoop art from his bedroom makeover.  He loves the artwork, but has told me the words should say ‘choo choo’ and not ‘beep beep’– AND he’s managed to take down half the hoops AND HANG CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS FROM THE HOOKS. He and I are working together on yet another room design for him– at three years old he has strong opinions that the decor should include more trains… including a train lamp he spotted at a thrift store.  This kid, he slays me.  He’s a future Nate Berkus for sure.

Favorite Gardening Tip

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

With little time to devote to gardening, I’ve gotten a huge bang for my buck by using planters and urns.  Here’s 5 tips for creating beautiful planters and potted gardens!

Favorite Personal Post

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Gosh, when you take time to be thankful for the small things they truly become big things, don’t they?  This post fill me with such peace, happiness, and gratitude.  When you’re feeling down and out, I hope you’ll take a moment to read it and maybe it’ll pick you up too.  In the middle of winter, it’s important to remember summer does indeed come again.

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Favorite Small Change that Made a BIG Difference

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Sometimes, one simple word and a little paint can totally change your curb appeal.  Check out how painting this word transformed my front door and entryway!

Favorite Newspaper Article

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

It’s interesting to see just how far my blog (and our home) has come even since this feature in the Philadelphia Inquirer last June.  I have other exciting Philadelphia news to share in a few days, too, so stay tuned.  🙂

Favorite Printables

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

I’m an organizing junkie, so it’s a toss-up between the Beach & Pool Bag Packing List (now laminated and in permanent residency in our beach bag) and the Kids’ Clothing Inventory & Organizing Printable which is helping me tame my kids’ clothing overbuying habit!  Though, the Technology Tickets have been an absolute lifesaver in teaching my kids to limit screen time, better manage their time, and teach self discipline.  LIFESAVER!

Favorite Conference

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Haven.  Hands-down.  It was great to see old friends, meet new ones, create connections, and network with some amazing brands.  If you’re a DIY blogger, here’s 10 Takeaways from the Haven Conference, and why it was a fantastic investment.

Favorite Kids Craft

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

While I try to stay on track by sharing ideas for your home, at the heart of it I’m a mom and former teacher so a few kids crafts can’t help but sneak onto the blog.  My daughter loved making the Kids’ Craft Board Game Frame together!

Favorite Kids’ Party

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

We went all Tangled up in here for my daughter’s Rapunzel themed fifth birthday party.  She’s sorta a miracle baby and all, so we tend to go BIG or GO HOME when it comes to her birthday parties.  For her birthday, she asked only for small party with her school friends and “a Rapunzel cake with Flynn Rider and the boat and the floating lanterns”.  Not too tall an order considering she’s a miracle baby.  Gets me every time.

Favorite “You’re Gonna Be a Billionaire” Post

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

50+ Ways to Save Money on Home and Family is by far one of the most popular posts this year, and hopefully it’s because it’s saving you TONS of money on everything from groceries to clothes to home decor and more!  Check out tips and tricks for saving money in all aspects of your life.  And if you want to make even more money, the Tips for a WILDLY Successful Yard Sale should make you a bundle– don’t have a yard sale until you read this!

Favorite “Pinch Me!” Opportunity

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

While all my sponsored posts have a special place in my heart because they help keep this site up and running, the one that most stood out to me this year was the opportunity with Ford Motors to fly out to San Francisco and drive the coast to Big Sur in a C-Max Hybrid.  It was an incredible experience and I dream about going back there EVERY DAY.  The Ford team was amazing to work with, and the photos speak for themselves– California is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.  Plus, getting to go with a blog friend made it even more incredible.  Hopefully companies are increasingly seeing the value in such experiences, and if they do, my bags are packed!

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Favorite Holiday Projects

 

It’s a toss up between the very easy fairy light centerpieces:

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

and the more time consuming (but well worth it) stenciled tree skirt:

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

I can see both projects having a long life in the Making Lemonade holiday decor scheme. Which isn’t an easy thing these days… I just donated 3 bins of Christmas decorations which is kinda hard core, right?

Favorite ‘I’m Letting My Style Show’ Post

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

I feel as if my personal style is finally, shyly, starting to emerge.  It’s not easy to buck trends and try new things because you love them and not because it’s popular, but I put my heart into setting my modern mixed metallic Thanksgiving table this year and it really reflects my personal style as well as the needs of my family.  And that, my friends, is the entire mantra of this blog!  Hopefully this will be the year to share more of my personal style even though it might not be the most pinnable or mainstream, since I mostly want to encourage you to embrace what you love and GO FOR IT!

Favorite Blog Series

 

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Blogging for {almost} 31 Days was a challenge, and I’m glad I gave it a whirl!  31 Days of 15 Minute Decorating Ideas is what actually motivated me to get moving on my huge project to-do list and my home is much happier for it.  If you only read a few posts in the series, you might enjoy how to hang a mirror wall to add light to any space, organize your jewelry using vases, and how to style vignettes in real life.

Don’t forget to meet me back here tomorrow for a Favorite Posts of 2013 Link-Up with co-hosts (and buddies) Jessica from Decor Adventures, Beth from Unskinny Boppy, and Jenna from SAS Interiors.  We can’t wait to check out your ‘Best Ofs’ and celebrate all your hard work in 2013!

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

Whew, 2013 was quite busy, wasn’t it?  It looks as if 2014 will be the same, I’m excited to have already started planning for it!  Mostly, please know this blog wouldn’t be possible without your support, comments, shares, and love.  While it’s hard work blogging full time without sending the kids off to daycare each day, I cherish the madness, creativity, and challenges that brings.  Maybe 2014 will be a year of balance?  HAHA!  Here’s to a wonderful 2013, and may 2014 bring many blessings to your home and family!

Making Lemonade Year in Review 2013

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