Final Kitchen Island Plans: blogging

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Haven 2015!

<img alt="Screen Shot 2015-01-30 at 11.58.35 PM" border="0" height="82" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-S5B8HMqjOII/VMxlWaqWAeI/AAAAAAAAufs/b7cGZn7enXA/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-01-30%252520at%25252011.58.35%252520PM_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Screen Shot 2015-01-30 at 11.58.35 PM" width="500" />Yes it’s Saturday and I’m blogging! :) This is just a very quick announcement to let you know that our annual blogging event, <a href="http://www.havenconference.com">Haven Conference</a>, is back again this year! <a href="http://www.havenconference.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Haven Conference" border="0" src="http://www.havenconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2015Haven.png" /></a> As the button says, it will be held from July 16-18 – this year at the beautiful Grand Hyatt Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta. And tickets will go on sale this Monday, February 2nd at noon EST!   We are thrilled to announce our main sponsor, Home Depot, joining us again: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-67k3LQKr9ko/VMxlW9guwRI/AAAAAAAAuf0/jqEh36565Qo/s1600-h/THD_vivid_orange%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="THD_vivid_orange" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LDjnrGzg008/VMxlXl6h2VI/AAAAAAAAuf8/YYVnJLzahZc/THD_vivid_orange_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="THD_vivid_orange" width="300" /></a> And our keynote speaker this year is bestselling author and blogger <a href="http://acuff.me">Jon Acuff</a>: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rP8fafp6CAk/VMxlYOwt_HI/AAAAAAAAugE/8StY8u8I1iM/s1600-h/AcuffHeader4.jpg"><img alt="Acuff-Header" border="0" height="108" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yd94wT117kM/VMxlY2-TBKI/AAAAAAAAugM/L6I0YNR3lu0/AcuffHeader_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Acuff-Header" width="500" /></a> I’ve heard he is an incredibly inspiring speaker and I can’t wait to hear him! As always our sessions will focus on blogging, decor and DIY and I can promise you will learn a lot from those and fellow bloggers who attend! You can keep up with news and announcements via our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HavenConference">Facebook page</a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/havenconf">Instagram</a>: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-czYmLzNdTcY/VMxlZbJpATI/AAAAAAAAugQ/7i085gpCpkA/s1600-h/HavenInstagram12.jpg"><img alt="Haven Instagram 1" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hzjwqQ2qfJw/VMxlZwQINyI/AAAAAAAAugc/l7nOVmSHd3w/HavenInstagram1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Haven Instagram 1" width="300" /></a> Now have a great rest of your weekend!

Haven 2015!

Yes it’s Saturday and I’m blogging! :) This is just a very quick announcement to let you know that our annual blogging event, Haven Conferen...

6:01 AM

TDC do-it-yourself ebook

Well hello! I am interrupting the DIY and decluttering this month to talk about an AWESOME project I’m involved with that kicks off tomorrow. I’ve had a plan to write an ebook for years now (a DIY-focused one) and that plan has stayed just that…I just haven’t dedicated the time to it yet. So when the folks at Ultimate Bundles contacted me about pulling together a DIY ebook, I was all in – cause they helped me do it. ;) We picked about 15 of my favorite DIY projects from the blog and put them into the ebook – and they are projects many of you have seen through the years. BUT the awesome part of this is the “bundle'” part – they have pulled together a TON of ebooks on so many fun topics and you get 76 of them (yes, 7-6) for less than $35. Most ebooks cost $5-$15 each so that price is just crazy good. <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/diybundle/a3162/"><img alt="ebook bundle" border="0" height="168" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XMHNwXu9y7o/VL6BAJdom_I/AAAAAAAAuQ0/jv7sOHOZOCM/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-01-20%252520at%25252010.18.17%252520AM%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ebook bundle" width="573" /></a> This one is called the <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/diybundle/a3162/">Ultimate DIY Bundle</a> and I have to tell you I’m stoked to get access to my copies. There are crafting and event books (printables, gifts, entertaining), home and garden books (creating your own natural cleaning supplies and personal care products), home decor (my DIY ebook, furniture painting, thrift store transformations), and a bunch more including books on photography, sewing and scrapbooking. I mean, a ton of great info. Here’s my cute little ebook: <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/diybundle/a3162/"><img alt="thrifty decor chick ebook" border="0" height="276" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HsVj00Spb24/VL6BA0TJPcI/AAAAAAAAuQ8/eyquC10Wwo8/ThriftyDecorChicksDIYHandbook-225x300%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="thrifty decor chick ebook" width="214" /></a> :) I’m excited to read so many of these so I thought you may find them worthwhile as well. You can go <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/diybundle/a3162/">here</a> to purchase your ebooks -- this DIY Bundle will only be on sale for six days. It starts this Wednesday morning (the 21st) at 8 a.m. EST and goes until next Monday, January 26. I was impressed that they offer a 30-day full refund as well if you aren’t happy with all of the content. So there you go! I’ll be back this week with a few more simple projects I’ve finished up recently. I’m getting so much done in this no-spend month!!

TDC do-it-yourself ebook

Well hello! I am interrupting the DIY and decluttering this month to talk about an AWESOME project I’m involved with that kicks off tomorrow...

8:23 AM

Where have all the blogs gone?

So today I’m sharing some deep thoughts (Deep Thoughts by Thrifty Decor Chick…please tell me I’m not the only one old enough to know that one.) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdFUw8OtLlrVwbPeDNyrHGsMkND4iG-97vFhfDDD0PJNxmlK0A-Cp-Jis4hADf995sqFOV_pc4TeZlbMssaMexNrWydJ2plzFn66M6a2O5ZAXE5vYkX__EUT3GQtnFnVsObbRCUS8tGM/s1600-h/Deep-Thoughts-Hulu%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Jack Handey" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zVdJldRdqz1noKZw-qrPpRPNzs0J1N7hqGFfCX8bR4f4buH20DQ4D-QuqIzV5_YP4fAb0FmsTptNtauv-WdaDD41lcHxqHnGk56qPctcuYZ48xrGaOcUIM6isbbL-ULLs9jyoEs9EbI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Jack Handey" width="500" /></a> Thoughts about blogging. Blogs are a virtual magazine to me…and you know my unhealthy obsession with magazines. And catalogs. It’s a problem. But when I find a great blog I actually look forward to sitting down at the end of the day and pouring through it. Blogs are the bomb…free inspiration and tips and tutorials. When I find a beautiful blog with a house I love I’m in heaven! I’ve noticed a trend lately though and it’s given me pause. SO many bloggers are calling it quits. And when they do they just…stop. I’m not saying anyone should feel obligated to explain their lives or why they make personal decisions, but I understand now that readers become invested and concerned. I’ve also noticed a TON of bloggers move to posting at Instagram instead of on updating on the web. I actually love IG now – I thought I would hate it. Another one of those, “this is what I’m doing all day” things just like Facebook. (That was the whole reason I avoided FB for years too.) But I really enjoy sharing on Instagram and searching around as well. I have found SO many incredibly talented people there and I get all excited, go to their site find that they’ve stopped blogging. It always kills me because I’m a house freak and I’m dying to see more. ;) I’ve seen many say that they are only doing IG and not blogging any more for the sake of time. I get it. Us old fogies who started six, seven, eight years ago have seen the massive influx of new bloggers, especially in the DIY/home decor niche. I personally love it – duh, I love houses and blogs and blogs that talk about houses. But I can understand that being one of those newer bloggers is tough. And I think blogging comes off easier than it really is. Let me be clear here – I don’t think blogging is hard. There are times, yes, when it is. Those times are rare for me because I say no a lot and I just love having the freedom to blog about what I want. But there are times when I have deadlines and I’m only one person and the kiddo has practice and homework and a cat puked on the project and the dog wants to go out 15 times and husband is out of town and I feel like I’m never going to get this done and at those times, yes it feels hard and is stressful. Even in those times though, I still say this is the best stress I’ve ever had.  And like I said, those times are rare. I find this to be a pretty fantastic gig. So fantastic that it’s a dream come true for me and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else…so I don’t think blogging is hard. But that’s because say no often, don’t look at my stats every day (or month) and approach this all with some levity – I believe it is what you make of it. Anyway, I understand why so many have stopped blogging – you don’t realize how time consuming it is until you get into it. I read the other day that many blogs are going to no comments, and it honestly made me a little sad. Again, I completely get it – most readers comment on social media anymore and responding to comments takes time. Since Facebook is a jerk and they want us to pay to get our updates out, you probably don’t see those at all. Instagram is certainly where it is at now. But in general comments have dropped and I guess bloggers don’t want readers to feel obligated to do so – but goodness, I think that’s my favorite part of blogging. I love hearing your thoughts and I learn a lot from you all. I guess it’s just got me thinking – when a blogger quits after becoming successful at it, is it because it was too time consuming? Life gets in the way? They hated it? ;) Have you noticed this lately with blogs that you follow? I know of at least ten that I used to read that have stopped in the past year. I’m biased, I’ll admit. I think this is the best job ever, but I started a loooong time ago. I can’t imagine starting up in the past couple of years. It has to be way more intense than I ever had to deal with. I’m not going anywhere soon, just so you know. I don’t see myself blogging forever…I mean can you still be Thrifty Decor Chick at 80 years old? ;) But you’re certainly stuck with me for awhile – as long as I love it I’ll be here! Have you ever started a blog and stopped? What was it that made you do so? If you have a DIY/home decor blog and want to share a link in the comments, feel free! I’d love to check it out! Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

Where have all the blogs gone?

So today I’m sharing some deep thoughts (Deep Thoughts by Thrifty Decor Chick…please tell me I’m not the only one old enough to know that on...

6:45 AM

What fall brings

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Yes, it's that time again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXaaAH8Up4rxY1Pku4wrwNYMWRaM-T18nql9lUmmUK9W8KRjrRUTUDM5wBJ39d0kUYtU3otpZmhJC6lAVlZUZ4UF7gtQLTS9USFuDV5lPrApBVVladzuUnXLB9Jbk_lmxnPxQOxt4mVFx/s1600/DSCN1943_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Duntara, NL </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoxGCJSKaVlrQD8X3OXZRWG2bN4VYHuM0Ox_N4dB8zbze_j1Sgm_MsuZgKk0Z8zhVMjdktOvKX9tjhsjWZgg9Usxi1Ym8H91TCIBTswrZoJN5cYOQcrm23Pt66cBogU2-lj7qZtc8hf8r/s1600/DSCN1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoxGCJSKaVlrQD8X3OXZRWG2bN4VYHuM0Ox_N4dB8zbze_j1Sgm_MsuZgKk0Z8zhVMjdktOvKX9tjhsjWZgg9Usxi1Ym8H91TCIBTswrZoJN5cYOQcrm23Pt66cBogU2-lj7qZtc8hf8r/s1600/DSCN1950.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge, Duntara NL </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxGcPSs2MTiCNGPLlpmk_O861pcYLBmUeGkpqUBqNzXtiNNe9UK_5pgy0YI3t43Pb_D-eoREScoKFyHSRr8Mb9CpD3cAktUQh7Bqzq86EMg7ZoM-nK3L02SgzOsG2rTQlZWE1T4f6qfCJ/s1600/DSCN1936_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Duntara neighbour </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My love for Duntara began in my teens when I spent my summer vacations there with my Aunt Mary in the house above. Life has come full circle since 2002  when we built our own house up the road  from Mr. Harty's place. This harbour is particularly  stunning in fall. Everywhere I look I see natural beauty.  As summer winds down it becomes quiet and even more relaxing if that's  possible. </div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWPeDq_ANe2kzb7Ti3wpliwjNYoY1pd7OPZJ7z-DBYZv5aeudr5E2ctmRWu5LPvX1pxK6tRDbQwfg4A72t9gf1BWxSdxsW01ThQy1XXIrM8y6qToVXcGW7QnLA2ji-gZBrJOvsUziNF0E/s1600/DSCN9647_01.JPG" width="300" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Around the bay" dining  table </td></tr></tbody></table> Finding natural things for decorating  my summer house becomes more difficult in September, and I accept it as a sign that it's time to close up and move back to my  St. John's life. As  I make the  final drive back to the city I can feel myself subtly changing .  No more rocking chair as I watch the sea gulls swoop and meander .  No more ocean waves or full moon over the bay.  No more twinkling lights of Bonavista across the  water. No more total silence.  No more summer friends.  Fall means something quite different in my life. It  heralds the reality of  my peak production time for design and blogging, and a decrease in art production.   Reminding myself that the ease of the summer months would not be so special if  I could do it all year helps a little.  But that final trip out is always bitter sweet. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4XrMQTGAvnozSGvFRkqVlaqtsQEy1fCuiyRUzaum2GJkbdI3CBzzNQN1zokss-wADrL-ebsKlTY648QgDglcqupRYCiAOZu8r3XVbihx30Jh64UsCG2uQXKK5QL_jQQi41ijJ5moHzTF/s1600/fall+dining+room.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4XrMQTGAvnozSGvFRkqVlaqtsQEy1fCuiyRUzaum2GJkbdI3CBzzNQN1zokss-wADrL-ebsKlTY648QgDglcqupRYCiAOZu8r3XVbihx30Jh64UsCG2uQXKK5QL_jQQi41ijJ5moHzTF/s1600/fall+dining+room.JPG" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City dining room table </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Now doesn't the differences between these two tables sum up my two lives.</div>  So it's planning time.  September is the month when I  feel anything is possible.  It's about deciding where I want to go and coming up with a way to get there. I've been putting a lot of thought into  the next step for this blog.  My original purpose was to use blogging as a way to consolidate my ideas about various  design topics,  and at the same and provide practical information about design that would answer questions that average  DIY homeowners might have.  I've written about all sorts of topics and my list of  popular posts shows which have been  most read, some  with  hundreds of thousands of page views from around the world.  That always blows my mind.  Now I'm ready to  change it up a bit. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDq4n-MAT7qrwoow6_QlYr-OJBwDv24C7AmUEMj3vUlKT4VGT2FL3YPNbyliqF9sossnKrdUnT3r1SAbEzbBDxHK4oTSiXJFxR7VGT-8QgLeisHyVo7Oa-Mtn2FsIoxXfQ0Ca3A2nDTNV/s1600/autumn+quilt.jpg" width="312" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDq4n-MAT7qrwoow6_QlYr-OJBwDv24C7AmUEMj3vUlKT4VGT2FL3YPNbyliqF9sossnKrdUnT3r1SAbEzbBDxHK4oTSiXJFxR7VGT-8QgLeisHyVo7Oa-Mtn2FsIoxXfQ0Ca3A2nDTNV/s1600/autumn+quilt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Third Weekend in October, 85 x 110, quilt pattern by Ruth Powers</td></tr></tbody></table>  This fall I am  planning more local and national posts about interior design, art and gardens- my three loves.  I have friends lined up who are willing to open their doors to me so I can photograph and write about the many ways they make their houses into homes.    If you know me you may be getting a call.  Stay tuned for my first AT HOME installment.

What fall brings

Yes, it's that time again. Beautiful Duntara, NL Bridge, Duntara NL My Duntara neighbour My love for Duntara began in my teens when I sp...

4:54 PM

Haven 2014

Hello all! Wow, this week went crazy fast. Only one more month of summer for us – I’m not ready for it to end yet. :( Last week I was away in Atlanta for our third annual <a href="http://www.havenconference.com" target="_blank">Haven Conference</a>:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlN8pbnMBegSTcoEPg8dlhDey9DtW1JVy6h7Lo18TSUq51F0mldECHKO8mqW5wBN7qQeep1DQlDUtBDkCQP3Glcq1EmLZUcrAysRyuCavLmP7c3X43f-aq96UNUTvqUSiTBaneNa0tGpl/s1600-h/2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo wall with cut outs " border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgze-04jesWRYHbPCZqncSJBZ_BptwSQEzPjo29JgGztTZdlimG9OE2AGSXYay9bIG01G-sgXPdWT-UVWlPiBag7EJj6FlegoJACb3cZnNmvbYbhBX338afxEOhDQCjA4Z4LzHbbXjuMO1L/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="photo wall with cut outs " width="500" /></a> I don’t know that any of us imagined it would become the success it has four years ago when we started planning the first one. We had all been attending conferences and none of them touched on topics we were interested in as DIY/decor bloggers. So…we created one that did. :) Our team consists of five bloggers and one event coordinator and I can honestly say we couldn’t do it without each of us. AND our incredible speakers, attendees, sponsors and volunteers. Stuffing four hundred swag bags is no joke:    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyb4BPGjSR_89cvFlWKrMUzyLJbcuC3jnWRDT0bSwQiCO0wLL33DxAkNVwH3Vs9ji1bACuomhGenQTvIPQBHfyT2ztFyLVPadIg70A_ADFgXVGQxWhWV-9XbNVu6HdYne3hFj28n8TCwkC/s1600-h/unnamed%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Haven Conference" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAbt2OSVmzUvwB_Qb14_mnP_7986veV2jDVPtC_UZvAo-AvDfhRHSK6IW54XZRDtriJpdfZogMjLyIL_uPBFzgNvAzDzRMW63_QMev5dQBXs8c-p7PS9wKQpsmTZnKJUyPd81t9pQdVjd/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Haven Conference" width="500" /></a> Once again our main sponsor was Home Depot and they knocked it out of the park: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhMfaa9UudzUtP5tKEeQlGeMZjtivoChVJ2FLOkH390_o-_KwaznoH0JcrWtzTSiNfNa9vYArvf8pTxpJFHp1Cs66L9rdlViLFkA-5RwrcwU74gSOKTriZz5Hf1QOPrzGebO53HfuqH8Q/s1600-h/10563012_10202386091148895_6669399500188905631_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Haven Conference" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyQC63RrUL8Tf6JdZVkwLtoH3h7m9udiYO1MzAGGi2bwCmOANFCBNB22i8ih_U5zSOC0TOpWWpKwkFvFl6kAShk_KcqPOpcRZt_ACCFGgkILIozabAI-nJ6LRDYiXPz88QT9OPLpu8PdI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Haven Conference" width="500" /></a> Our keynote speaker this year was Chip Wade from HGTV: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE-Spar0GS6M28OLru9S9Tj8Rwaos6tKeVEVe-yQQsr9YNs5VQ5ALRu200yH9aDtlN-L6oTqU7wwAqFfwYxBjtBbJzc2G2ED-de1iNl3FlLZW-mqdXGdgDHScUD7M-s8QHDzJ45IIUBeU/s1600-h/haven-team-with-chip-wade%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="haven-team-with-chip-wade" border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWJYL2ZmemhkR534zwJAn43IvJcxqPqxX-OWOjnihqABc4DdIcpO0rffSf3C1gnYoGQn04xD8eTb_TEiXyL4YjaFADNVC_8wNc-CmHEcetVw597dsXovUuSabDdlWBcx6mV-w78dvSfdn/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="haven-team-with-chip-wade" width="500" /></a> His designer <a href="http://www.cristiholcombe.com" target="_blank">Cristi</a> joined us too – I met her at another event years ago and her designs on the show are awesome. Their show is called Elbow Room – I’ve loved it since it started last year – you may remember Chip from Curb Appeal too. He does some of the coolest projects I’ve seen anywhere! And Ballard Designs did another fabulous job at decorating our “living room”: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsfvnFfPmNM-qS8OaopeIxGijg_FNZgFYCdpZ5V1sqpzBdsFwTFPe-uw9NBp9nKq-JRYwAlZ1Hg132XMMECl4GxFEhgCDNrqVzQT_OQ7_koV0Yq04UhiC7YYfvfw4QDtxZzeJmgUIjKTI/s1600-h/10428326_10202386085308749_7020536969055023500_o%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Haven conference" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lP1T3EIH-ud-SrvZ6EDxagHxY0ot_Z9ZYKS3L556ooksBpstFCO7RQlM5grMT9i9YGqA4BRlHuxiaCKbca0X7Yf_vARWqgfLbQ2u5yrmLl1n97kBJ1VRj1MuiAMbgGutnA6mnXlJ77qn/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Haven conference" width="500" /></a> We use this space for booths and sessions and parties and it’s so wonderful to be able to plop down and relax for a bit: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI1L4BAniQa0QX-bvapwv7Rg4HbPe3XS_EvRu-oZs7Tq4M5LeBCNZi0ZDdxMxDrxmwwURKFHTbMd3PnNPMfkKlY0Q7Ow2rpZocOPAjcEx3Ds5B1lPtE_h__Nie5CL_TC87OpLlYBIQdbC/s1600-h/10498498_10202386085028742_624827222087679554_o%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="zebra print chairs" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghICPNJoOV-gnK8f7rs3HIRJOtctVu3nNGz1eQtNDDmDxMXFirZJX12fOtJ70_1e4CXfbqyCiNlfQ24sE7uLyFH4okcSuHAj0ravJCjMURXy0CQIXaql-EbrfEZnjNOUCSRFkcbtw4y4rz/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="zebra print chairs" width="500" /></a> We may or may not have laid down on one of the beds for a while at one point. Exhaustion sets in. ;) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4WwSPh2KfUdzMZHi5rlb-F-kld1tZLSpucwkX0xiUV7pLJKORhVJr9a0nMGwp0yl1BEhdoh7jc04lRJbGMxVvXvvu8wd8y3QkD3znKzvaES0GS5yW2mDjVho8NXNHQVCdySa48dDSZkG/s1600-h/4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Haven Conference" border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ2DUeJMd4SmQsxE2D0Jp5aNDUnssyKzgvRFkBZHqKe86yeziHBLRingJuY_x2BFEeVw1M3-WK4KNcPeWF7uEzLD_Cp_kYaGeTcbrkS1-fXgNmXS-Ve73jilwLwpEfO0rh4E4poq4pX6m/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Haven Conference" width="500" /></a> The sessions were awesome this year – I think the best we’ve had. I’ve been blogging for six years and I learned more at this year’s conference than any conference I’ve ever been to. There’s ALWAYS something to learn. Our sponsors rock – when we walked into the Procter & Gamble luncheon on Friday there may have been a few squeals: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnC86wBIiNcGvf57fO9OBa75Aeu9ZMFdYQLItky01OxszoOPubQG_0EaZUwufWgwXVX1jFuGh_TIzE2K4FeTG1tVGIevLp1wZpOu-EcXbSsFvOzdw8xW0-pbqhA74ZIJqWE9u9F4reWC7/s1600-h/5%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="round balloons" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeuVVAGK-iEiuJ9LGQVkkmZC_TmF6uHTWMHX1HAMB8rcvTIYiXMmPsYo8JoFEOkNnoFn42iYN13SZ4h4Y5VQWFEJ1HRmVpUX4f3eD1tmQhqIPRCNGsx9Fk6s9rvNx7jeHfdqPBiB4civf/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="round balloons" width="500" /></a> Bubbles! Our friends <a href="http://www.cristiholcombe.com" target="_blank">Brooke</a> and <a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com" target="_blank">Mandi</a> did the decor and they did SUCH a great job. We had some amazing parties every night where we danced till…uhhhh, late. :) Rustoleum threw a great one Friday night and we ended the event on a fun note at the Ryobi party on Saturday: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zgsO6TwT-pv3zXu4Kn8MOaPtWVKgPTLphLK5sKESzwoHCicmr1LDVqtQBUUmrwDr9IWVgZSvlDPs6uQgHml9sU3fIl8vw2YP_v679HyqHuG00j1j4HdxTHnqDpmAu8TS_spQGlqd20mP/s1600-h/Ryobi-Haven%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Ryobi-Haven" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBIFrNsG1qltFgkfbuaQxD0IR6We750Gy2yvSTLo212XLYTPYsAUPwziDfajF2nB9-BUNnK3Zn1UATfboGdH12Kt-SaDSan5OugO3ZtneMfYVaBeaX8T9RG5vCudvtaM69TtNpd-eJryl/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Ryobi-Haven" width="500" /></a> Yeah. They know how to throw a party. Need a party planner? Ask them. ;) I couldn’t imagine making this happen without these ladies every year: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkq1-m0z7OIi_Kqhz7cyz04_Uk49Gls7lNLYDein1lD-JrrXe-vsbFYVQpDQzxj-zDD7vtypPLLs6Vcz0CJWlT7OM61dqAl4B8coOHhIp0CDt5SmFGLClmsJeN6fDTcbNBX-6m8jQQdE3/s1600-h/image_11%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Haven Conference" border="0" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl2km1vZtWkrKQr9tQKmXR2G8xOb7jF7hA-QFRZuKESqKLZZSXGp-kc4npFDYKbLAk34ZlNdppJ1kDJE-h17y-FwXXsqYNUSF29vmXwsLve6iwHuk8qCs8PbfmA8GUSUr8950BagV-b_A/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Haven Conference" width="500" /></a> (L to R: <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com" target="_blank">Beth</a>, <a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com" target="_blank">Chris</a>, Kristin (our awesome event planner!), <a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com" target="_blank">Traci</a>, me, <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com" target="_blank">Rhoda</a>) It is still funny to me that some of my closest friends are ones I only see once or twice year. But those rare times are so incredibly special. We’re already making tweaks for next year and then we’ll take a little break before planning starts again for 2015 this fall. Whew! This year we kicked off a special initiative in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Next Saturday, July 26, will be “Hands of Haven” day:  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jNIL_xszh-M/U8k9SrRpGzI/AAAAAAAApTQ/WUIlcc7CUFg/s1600-h/Hands-of-Haven-Logo-small%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Hands of Haven" border="0" height="536" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TOnFYqUfi5o/U8k9TggEUgI/AAAAAAAApTY/-SOS7Em2PeQ/Hands-of-Haven-Logo-small_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Hands of Haven" width="500" /></a> The conference has donated towards a build that day and Atlanta-based bloggers will be onsite, but we want bloggers and readers from all over the country to join in! If you’d like to donate to our effort click <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=vZQ9Z7mCUFkecKWqwF8pW47b8cwHLeGRJ3HDLQVBBnMj-uTxeW8Jbcu-whS&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d5402c249c5a2cfd4a145d37ec05e9a5e" target="_blank">here</a> or to purchase a HoH t-shirt you can click <a href="https://www.bonfirefunds.com/hands-of-haven?utm_source=intercom&utm_medium=lifecyclemail&utm_campaign=4launchsuccess" target="_blank">here</a>. We started selling them at the conference but wanted to make sure everyone could purchase. On the 26th we encourage everyone to join in on build in your community, shop a ReStore or just donate some household items to one. We’ll continue the spirit into September as well if you can’t make next Saturday! Make sure to tag #handsofhaven if you join in in any way. Have a wonderful weekend all!

Haven 2014

Hello all! Wow, this week went crazy fast. Only one more month of summer for us – I’m not ready for it to end yet. :( Last week I was away...

8:29 AM

A love letter

Hey all! I hope you had a lovely week! Anything fun planned for tonight? We’re just planning on pizza at home but I’m looking forward to a relaxing night with no plans! Sometimes I just want to take a minute to say thank you here on the blog and I thought today was as good as any. Sharing the love and all. :) I so appreciate those of you who come back every day or once a week, a month or whatever. I am truly honored and humbled that you choose to do so. My six year anniversary of blogging is coming up in a couple months and I’ve been thinking about it a LOT lately. I can still say without a doubt that blogging still brings me great joy. This is the best “job” I’ve ever had and I can’t thank you enough for helping to make it happen. You know when someone asks you what you want to be doing in ten years? This is my answer – exactly what I’m doing right now. I truly, completely love it. Yes, there are days when there is stress, but those are far and few between (and usually due to my procrastination) and as I’ve always said, it’s the best stress I’ve ever had. So again, I just wanted to pause for a bit send out a heartfelt thank you to all of you who read here, comment, email or communicate on Facebook, Instagram or whatever. It really means the world to me. That is all – just feeling all squishy today I guess. :) I appreciate you and never want to lose sight of the fact that I couldn’t do this without you. Have a LOVELY Valentine’s Day and a happy, safe weekend. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7tSHRcsLPKM/Uv4tpZqqZnI/AAAAAAAAlKM/gKu54Rgx1bc/s1600-h/valentine%252520dwight%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Dwight Valentine meme :)" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mdpw4GQFduA/Uv4tqdUo-8I/AAAAAAAAlKU/YQqPTaE1rdc/valentine%252520dwight_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Dwight Valentine meme :)" width="450" /></a>

A love letter

Hey all! I hope you had a lovely week! Anything fun planned for tonight? We’re just planning on pizza at home but I’m looking forward to a r...

6:52 AM

Blogger App

Yes, there is an App for Blogger and here I am trying it out.  In the past I've wanted to compose posts on my I Pad when I was travelling and couldn't.  Last week I saw an ad and decided to give it a try.  This is an in process review. <div> </div><div>So far so good. The interface is simple , but so are the text options. </div><div> </div><div> Can't do much that is fancy with just Bold and Italics and underline.  Also clumsy when you have to select and apply these options.  Not to mention how I hate one finger pecking to compose!</div><div> </div><div>Let's try adding a photo from my camera roll.  You  have some options for photos with screen shots, actual photos taken with I Pad or downloaded  from camera.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxM8GMB3IbgI6g2_dHoUWgk5yJyC64BMQn8dvRI9uzbQgLqVpF7PsrVbcIBx9gYiVfBtoOh53N2JvKcr4G25mLuQT7wvp2tbs0qFlX0N6_H0DraO2oa56beXihG_MFQj6IPpnq-Gqd5gb/s640/blogger-image--1908843273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxM8GMB3IbgI6g2_dHoUWgk5yJyC64BMQn8dvRI9uzbQgLqVpF7PsrVbcIBx9gYiVfBtoOh53N2JvKcr4G25mLuQT7wvp2tbs0qFlX0N6_H0DraO2oa56beXihG_MFQj6IPpnq-Gqd5gb/s400/blogger-image--1908843273.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> </div><div>When you read the reviews they are less than stellar with a long list of complaints.  My take: Can't include video or links, can't add photo captions or photo properties.  Nowhere to add label tags. So much for basic SEO.  </div><div> </div><div>So..... Good for a short, simple post with photos while you are on the fly.  I am wondering if I can go back in on my computer and add captions, tags etc. after the fact.  Now to post this....   The only thing I see is Done.  Here goes.  New comment....  You can add labels and go back to the text. Let's try again.</div><div> Addendum. Published easily and you can go back and edit online after the fact to change things a bit e.g. Size of photo, add captions and properties. </div>

Blogger App

Yes, there is an App for Blogger and here I am trying it out. In the past I've wanted to compose posts on my I Pad when I was travellin...

3:13 PM

Top ten pins

Hey all! Well, our winter break turned into three weeks – another day off school today! We got more snow last night and the roads were crap so I’m glad they canceled again. We’ll hit 40 today and I can already hear the snow falling off the roof (SO loud). I’m ready to see the ground again! I’ll be back to normal posting next week for sure – they won’t go up quite as late in the day! :) So are you (still) a Pinterest fan? It’s kind of lost it’s dazzle to me – I still use it but it became a bit overwhelming. Just a lot of STUFF and overstimulation I guess. I do use it a lot to search for specific DIY/decorating things though – probably more than Google now. It’s just not not the obsession it once was for me. So I was interested when my blog friend <a href="http://www.320sycamoreblog.com">Melissa</a> recently shared how to look up my most popular pins for any time period, say in the past year. (Go to analytics, set your time frame, acquisition, all referrals, Pinterest.) It was fascinating to see, especially since so many of them didn’t have great photos. I know the perfect shot will be pinned more, but many of these weren’t all that great so I thought that was cool. My tenth most popular pin for 2013 was this one for my black doors in the basement: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8MQ4iITcKPA/UtA6gjyxQLI/AAAAAAAAkK4/40ig8Y4dO7M/s1600-h/black%252520doors%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="black interior doors" border="0" height="562" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CE7xpU6MYD4/UtA6hh_4fFI/AAAAAAAAkLA/obGw3Xa8A3s/black%252520doors_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="black interior doors" width="400" /></a> I don’t see the black door trend going anywhere soon. At least I hope not cause I love it. :) You can see the post for the how-to <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/01/black-interior-doors-in-basement.html">here</a>. This one is a great example of a random picture that seemed to pique people’s interest: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rGwSS_sQGlI/UtA6iRz3aKI/AAAAAAAAkLI/E3xT2-3LmyU/s1600-h/spray%252520paint%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spray paint lamps" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XfGw5CDzXmw/UtA6jIvi_WI/AAAAAAAAkLQ/iyzepVCDBoU/spray%252520paint_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="spray paint lamps" width="267" /></a> That photo is a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/03/its-spray-paint-party.html">Goodwill lamp I spray painted</a> and I think it’s funny that a shot like this would bring so much interest. Just goes to show it doesn’t need to be perfect. :) One of my favorite projects ever, my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-wood-planked-wall.html">$50 wood planked wall</a> was number seven: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MS0pb9pWmEg/UtA6j7C__WI/AAAAAAAAkLY/FtIa1tSd1ms/s1600-h/wall%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY wood planked wall " border="0" height="525" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-slg6FNhSJvU/UtA6kslkIJI/AAAAAAAAkLg/5Pb52WApuX0/wall_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY wood planked wall " width="350" /></a> It was so easy and we get compliments on it every time someone sees it. Check out <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-this-will-be-easy-curse.html">the update</a> I made to it recently. :) Here’s one that surprised me too – a shot of my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/11/reindeer-games.html">glittery reindeer</a> in process: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2KwIPBrxXMk/UtA6lViUj1I/AAAAAAAAkLo/GQxnzxoyeRM/s1600-h/reindeer%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="reindeer" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PpB_6ld0t1o/UtA6mMssA6I/AAAAAAAAkLw/Fr-rCPQjAOc/reindeer_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="reindeer" width="500" /></a> It’s funny because like most of these pins, I got more traffic than actual pins by far. (High pins doesn’t always mean high traffic and vice versa.) This only had 83 repins but brought in a lot of traffic – I think people were probably like, what in the world is that? :) This one did not surprise me – it’s actually one of my most popular posts I’ve ever done. I shared my ideas on <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/04/above-cabinets.html">decorating above the kitchen cabinets here</a>: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uC3KLtyXrW0/UtA6m59xtPI/AAAAAAAAkL4/Ik_rctC0IJk/s1600-h/cabinets%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decorating above the cabinets" border="0" height="675" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MJEw-0WbFhU/UtA6n7ydIRI/AAAAAAAAkMA/C46W41Jsqsg/cabinets_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="decorating above the cabinets" width="450" /></a>I think it’s a hard spot to work with and obviously others do too! My <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/08/painting-tips-and-laundry-room-walls.html">painting tips post</a>, again with a so not fancy photo, was high up there too: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ThTphNvG-kI/UtA6ooFedXI/AAAAAAAAkMI/jSHEzZwha8k/s1600-h/painting%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="painting tips" border="0" height="445" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xo1xtWmonZQ/UtA6pYV1apI/AAAAAAAAkMQ/xsmFmo-enoc/painting_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="painting tips" width="320" /></a> I use an old mug when I’m painting with a brush – it’s so much easier to carry around than a gallon of paint! This one made me smile – I shared my (easy) <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/07/details-of-deck.html">“summer beer”</a> recipe in a post about our deck and the drink is what was popular on Pinterest: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t0Ib3bP4udg/UtA6p2dZx3I/AAAAAAAAkMY/RVMp2lHqZOc/s1600-h/summer%252520beer%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="summer beer" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u_RbXSbJjmU/UtA6quZmw1I/AAAAAAAAkMg/damdyKB_1bE/summer%252520beer_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="summer beer" width="400" /></a> It is pretty darn good. ;) I thought this was interesting because it was a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/12/crafty-christmas-knock-offs.html">Christmas ornament DIY</a> that wasn’t pinned till late in the year, but it was my third highest for traffic: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-poXWCzIFU3g/UtA6rc0q4sI/AAAAAAAAkMo/2QKchYwUAow/s1600-h/Xmas%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy Christmas ornament craft" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bxzuIrvz57U/UtA6sEhH-4I/AAAAAAAAkMw/Bqee43KhP1s/Xmas_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="easy Christmas ornament craft" width="500" /></a> Like so many of these, the project wasn’t even from this year! Another one along the same lines – an end of the year pin about my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2009/10/almost-free-halloween-decor.html">almost free Halloween decor</a> and it was the second highest pin for traffic: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RfJ-XMMnErc/UtA6s2cUVQI/AAAAAAAAkM4/Z0MzD3Knq3M/s1600-h/halloween%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="easy Halloween ideas" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VMf_Iqd84Uc/UtA6tq9F5qI/AAAAAAAAkNA/9xJdHklTTjI/halloween_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="easy Halloween ideas" width="500" /></a> They really are cheap and easy ideas – file those away for next year. ;) And my highest that brought me the most visits was a photo of our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/08/our-warm-and-cozy-family-room.html">warm and cozy family room</a>: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s4H5QzuSVu0/UtA6uV0H5oI/AAAAAAAAkNI/57_edtHYb9w/s1600-h/family%252520room%252520%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="warm colors family room " border="0" height="667" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kSPZJ18x2uk/UtA6vJt6IoI/AAAAAAAAkNQ/bTOlARQbVP8/family%252520room%252520_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="warm colors family room " width="500" /></a> Our family room doesn’t look anything like that now but I did love it then! The sofas and rug didn’t hold up well at all – this was from three and half years ago. I think a traditional look will always be popular, that’s for sure! It’s classic and cozy – the reason I love it. I just thought these were interesting and had to share. What was crazy was how some of the lowest repinned posts brought in more traffic. And some of mine with way more repins aren’t even close to the top ten for traffic. Are you pinning as much as you used to? Has it lost it’s luster for you? (If you’d like to follow me you can do so <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thriftydecor/">here</a>.) And go ahead and try the summer beer in the winter – it’s allowed. ;)

Top ten pins

Hey all! Well, our winter break turned into three weeks – another day off school today! We got more snow last night and the roads were crap ...

10:23 AM

It was a good one

Hey. Remember me? My name is Sarah and I write a blog. You may have heard of it. I didn’t mean to take so much time away but it was nice! I am now ITCHING to get going on something other than holiday decor, let me tell you. I have a list a mile long (I’ll share soon) that I want to tackle. I’m ready to get my hands dirty again (with something other than Christmas glitter)! I’m also excited about organizing again. Since I <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/11/most-epic-clean-out-ever.html">purged most of the house</a> earlier this year I feel more in control of our STUFF than I ever have. Now I just want to keep it going in 2014 by making the most of each space. But today I’m looking back at 2013 at my biggest projects, according to your responses. I have to start with one I’m most proud of -- mostly because I love it, but also because I’m so dang happy to have it DONE: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhrjuYJJ98LCqhgg02JRkilMQTpdRJpUXlgh34iCW1boGmcdNnlqj7j-5cW6lCyTNwnabidLeJLvDr5JViOSA9SPSqR3nm90bJ11GSPw34Qg-Wz5tzVvv01yg0cvh-NlUXYIJ8gJmFGY/s1600-h/1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wood planked walls" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiTAdD8MAHMNUOI3uxbXZ6pw8GpTgjkNM6LM8QMH5suzMu4B_lnpX01TN1UcbwTiE9Agb1hYIFqDwFa5jv5Bw_LwPsliMRz7p7s6mVL3rcv0TxS-RXrDm4QiPpk0xqGjmeTXBSGAV1YY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wood planked walls" width="500" /></a> The <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/06/powder-room-redo-complete.html">downstairs powder room</a> was a work in progress for about three years. Or more. I lost track a couple years back. I’m SO happy with it now, it was truly worth the wait. I’m slowly but surely (I’m the tortoise of DIY if you couldn't tell) working on redoing our master bedroom. I sold our old bed and so far haven’t even come close to using the money I made from that to redo the space. There were a few popular posts from that room this year, including the new <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-tufted-headboard-tutorial.html">DIY king-sized headboard</a> for less than $100: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCOug7b85JUeuivZEdlIGhQsQMKv_1AEY0cALBoh7TkWIGKz9tk9l5n4pgPRaqM1pS_I0YG3I8QR3_FlqlVw8iM_-X7paRyjXxI2FnmxdqXHZVFq0xApoiSXUACD4kOW10q8sqbUalCQ/s1600-h/IMG_6078%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="diy headboard" border="0" height="745" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioR1OJ_SgqeW7ip3M3OEwhn2Bmaf_b0VszyemUHFaqjchpbxNj-9paqPiacYHzr_pi909ybKh7h7JaS6V0JRqmMHc4Fu3Oz1EzT06VP34R6omqwX_zNM5qpdYSAsHgEvLNj-kzCLyUoYo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="diy headboard" width="503" /></a> And then the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/80s-nightstand-redo.html">80’s nightstand redo</a> that didn’t cost me anything: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65dTh97Mde484eSzkEIWBv033U7e5ioBRHs4teDW_Aqr71Q1Y1sVGZ0Sg62p-Aij1QrrBDRiH5JSM3HfEP8MWKUb7JrcqVh8U6ZWkbX53t7OKRaD0Wt_D_1G2AzbEvMV223FhGh80SVw/s1600-h/80%252527s-nightstand-redo%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="painting over cherry wood" border="0" height="774" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWyqa_EeUDoSD71imrjhHySCguammnj7MEdOmKc-6KqZgegFJrJ0bLnjva4GUQYnMfxSJvMy6xt7Un_9gm-CRik1dp2txuEbT4Hm9cwPPETqosq68gVQ22pU6Dft_u95ExXwi13HbhPw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="painting over cherry wood" width="500" /></a>And finally those <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/09/glossy-navy-blue-love.html">brass thrift store lamps</a> that were made over into glossy navy blue goodness: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DIYhlFs3BTVluYLXG5LEkTlzQJcAi_G1v5nUxZ_QdIIqLFo6pnHYfmief3VSFRlOd-fNPHuP8B7HRFYoAwVPVlTrUpxtR5PIWqV_wqHxAQDHxTG5CtVHyH49RnpRIG5zAG8hAU-DgVU/s1600-h/lamp2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spray painting lamps" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjf22Hz7qrWf1WcCXk7v2Pr0xgQJKKozPnNyQE0tfIC18aHtxTZWxGE9AmYqU_fXNUFV-0nWS88uJkcDqldCudLk5aNu1xgshIw0nYocJ9ZqInZVHEFXAjr6DpxcEb1_xfi9nMjcJNbc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="spray painting lamps" width="500" /></a> I have big plans for this room coming soon – I still haven’t even finished painting it yet. :) After a lot of trial and error over the past (nearly) ten years in this house, I’ve finally figured out what works in our yard. In other words – I’ve stopped killing things. Our backyard is coming together as a beautiful oasis for us, and I gave you <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/05/tour-of-our-garden.html">a tour here</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jQLldFHHiDbpVJ2Zoh80qgD9IUOMFZU-FPQoFbbYDzfCd_EUEOWcKcJcd0IiP9524HUx9iHQbML1zw4xUBzDBMkzoYZ4iAKuiQoc4ehjAjsMsGy8JM3O3EKW-diIo2yCjtYGEl4Z1-c/s1600-h/IMG_5598%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="backyard oasis " border="0" height="777" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNzRb7hYFeal2vNvv-nUVY6pY8EOja2m4ikPseFxSFubb3elNkF3fZM4huaWdaCMkHh58DcPFodFQvjhckxosWde-3AVmJ7tSk-Ri6j9Fo0HuqD8R2M-Gxc-hfa82XMhyGK7EU3xajqk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="backyard oasis " width="500" /></a> I was busy in the kitchen this year – some of it I splurged on, like our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/03/splurges.html">new sofa table</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFFAZZTCQ8EMij9Pd9SW5V4Kfj0Yxgd2O1W52lGKxPCQgCkjptIXIgO7DuCt9ropWH8lIs1bVq3xjlqs00zr86Cb-7a4vnVpGB6nZ94b8zv5IEoKqJ3RmyUtu0QjAYTiySn346bOHnEE/s1600-h/IMG_5261%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="long sofa table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwv4O2m_ebOe5cUp_glG_mceAl6o7FztwGOzTa_VJLsNDW7e2-tpcBaqCAZK-zfPguxyV8HSfiY-GssQfY-vXQOmbdU8NhtUkA9CFS-aOEOJ3Rj5Ewh7xxHesfhW1xTKkU3moT_PYr_iw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="long sofa table" width="500" /></a> And some I did myself, like this <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/ikea-table-turned-farmhouse-table.html">IKEA table turned farmhouse table</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMCf8gCyk5XSLdK67Cdexi0eeFrp41lrYUo06RJyO-c6KES56F90BcWahyphenhyphenXkaOV2n8en6G3w530XnqKKn315F46b8nGD6D7J7dUpbwNwx8eXd7AWpSnAB9R3UtsjAVyq6TWf03SF4uxg/s1600-h/IMG_5393%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY farmhouse table" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjFKR6H-GbcLzzqXYtXzFztMLMbTDg1AelDpTLtR2MmfhwuCA3e-40xZ0DStg7TrAnysmzXU_yntMkpShLV-GvH4FHGH_l58mKlFSHs6I4bz-Adyg1OonyN0lYVITpWzKM3vo_q93htY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY farmhouse table" width="500" /></a> The whole nook got a new look with the table and <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/new-kitchen-nook-complete.html">the new light</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbVqJCmuMN2D7pGXY8RgU5qjor9bKQbzz8qJB5HbbsdnOC8xshNFFKIa-YkVJjTWAYMgzPp3bhoFvK0DutKahfevasJY8h-34XUXJzMQ0j__TsEr2kET1750zx0JAx99Nm5y23ulBp0A/s1600-h/home%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bay window kitchen" border="0" height="751" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l5VkJLHZEG6A2L57dCAB7CH3EjBsDSeQ_XX9f6HE8bKAkK4xdsmR3GiKpz99JmcBP88ETDwWr8EGq2EmCRRTVpKVktS98mztryZHnXTv8r-isJGg-WP0UWpEq-nfuqPpGrGr9sc64FM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bay window kitchen" width="500" /></a> It works SO much better in this space compared to our old round table and we can easily fit six around it to eat (even without pulling it out). I was craving color earlier this year and tried out one of my very favorite chalk paint colors <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/01/aubusson-blue-in-foyer.html">in our foyer</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAZXyIKwJMQTixFIZ3zvv12aqCsBvLvmXbXHknSpSz9u4Ak0efxDuD4BsxTZDG6fUCw7ZV70ISvRwuYMeSiyd0zaOZRYLewahHTUoz-xR_3HrAQ4L6L0sup7mRxKdRXU943J0taCPElA/s1600-h/IMG_4402_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="aubusson blue" border="0" height="651" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWdfZGhxrhE-qq0oPqlUA14NSZmgei-_60S-6UhilJsbxSebIaiC_Rlv133lpW-PT1AbfkYQxZM69xngOKInC4BzBdeo62m2QsYhKUYpfX2BJuVTOCpSyTUIVx028sN3G-tRIpd3y0tA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="aubusson blue" width="450" /></a> I painted one of my favorite Craigslist dressers with it and it’s such a deep, gorgeous color. LOVE it! Speaking of that beautiful blue -- another bathroom in our house that sat undone forever was completed this year too. I showed you how I installed the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/diy-floating-shelves-bathroom-progress.html">floating wood shelves</a> in our basement bathroom: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYImPABYQ4xeBq9HRT5yVqoXu9YXW4QQDBekrsriVVoMj6cRV8lTZLkMymGl4Aqwi2pBSWPA0SNL0hYZzKFI2Yjnbsen_IW1fy3OTECWS7Ss6CLoRIXXsCyogVt_hZwbMQ5YRSUIoojBI/s1600-h/IMG_5453%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY wood floating shelves" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ELF0SPwUV9KX47sdh78VGQtqJnSTkt8yz88wUJ5mMng1XFtD6JUhitxYTFD1Jce_AHKNRB8xU0wHBSrVh-IUIL2AL3u2aJsVHllvVNxXIeHEGoxwvKxt47hsK8CYZCx-wlP5mw0p0N8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY wood floating shelves" width="500" /></a> And then later on in my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/no-spend-project-review.html">no-spend August</a> I finished up the room and used that chalk paint color again. You can see the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/bright-basement-bathroom-done.html">finished space here</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflx0D7qdWpSPCsMSRkjRAOGEGf8rrgEAPyBOrcQgW8o9ejEbZdb4t9RBF6Gptd4I5RM11cdvY7hqNzLqP-GGWHdTOf_TV7SSn8ZpIm1D-BpRakprwjEAtp5hrgpyssJ8_K3cYZMrDAmM/s1600-h/IMG_6238%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="basement bathroom" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaStV-ijurEgpl2PCi8cM8FTPIIC4IjOjlzsdkfB7C0IYHcdHptLXjlyQIEaF3Cr-EQfRFS4XHojKwr7DOQ5SnfSPcLJ3L3rVVI_UHFbOubNGU1TVkHC5znYBb_5wQvCOVnAF8y1ZBNI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="basement bathroom" width="500" /></a> I made a few simple changes in the family room this year that made a BIG difference. The first was to change out the old dark mirror that was over the fireplace:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhophyphenhyphenckjJoakseN4k5dj4s6tvIQfXaDBWnB8pG7xdP4xhs3eKLrqKkcy9oTfEF1VxeuqWjzmQs9UhLqIqtCwbk8q2jQWiXvdYMunzJtTvmJFkEWmrT0qyLkp8VsbC112AGTXPXbRrqM/s1600-h/IMG_3037_thumb%25255B6%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb4-TZOwkKey5eIwMULVkaFQLIk6qKUd1f_FJwTvC7PiZ9-_lV8iVVLuxay3tQhwW3VleCPMrSdiK_6Dg4FYKpxpPvtYTrIj-SJIuxVzy8s3Z4WGwtvV567Ilvmbw64-d6QAhA2oJeCw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a> To this <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/02/brighten-and-lighten-family-room.html">lighter, brighter one</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl74qd3LVAD7y271K0WWt1I21eFfxTGhgzxuy5LTUTY-fDPRNk7WkgfALAeuoimw0Dkh-v6dGfeICY0efDrt1SaehJ2ISmJt0_vLrWs-cAEE0UfciybfLEgxp9eAAQ7hqzeJQsThPrJQ/s1600-h/decorating-mantel%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="decorating a mantel" border="0" height="728" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBAIfmdYFnGMwjR4t0iJvYy5hCXfbaoSO8hhtsdXhfoCvfJp4t4ncrePg82EzNXvS7si0T7nBwR9SAkBY7R3EgZNjCWARXDdOdWSZEBevHgt9naxtsjNicsQfdL295i364ABCQb09Cm8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="decorating a mantel" width="500" /></a> This mirror is one of the top five things I get asked about – I got it at HomeGoods and still haven’t seen another one like it since! It made a HUGE difference in there. Seriously…big. (You can see more about the fall mantel <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/09/fall-mantel-and-party.html">here</a>.) I saved up and finally found a rug I loved for this space too. It truly <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/11/new-family-room-rug.html">transformed the room</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSROSETeuuS6S0gsFz7WDEFti9s5lsdZNbqkfq_GeEb04TWBWXSpvHT7f-AYsnYfyNSK9WncfbzLohXk6B4mNwfoTmAV5Xh-V-hnXw9BmwwVqIL0mYSihzK_vzT4K_fKu3sk1NaUNT1f8/s1600-h/IMG_7183%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="light family room " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdNmPNnCi4rnvomB6A2Fm91DmOZAAHWPctdz-lQIGhKUWgJcbZSUIGQwFD2qE1DmKkNtf77Npxo_yFtSRT5aQUgopB0ZhOm95KM5C_PzKRdPFsSUdOLvw_2XDACDAodxWSnZOLCGHtfQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="light family room " width="500" /></a>And finally – if you’re like me the last thing you want to see right now is more Christmas stuff, but my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-home-tour.html">holiday home tour</a> was a big one and I appreciated all your sweet comments there so much:   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2wez3zbhVt7j0Ru8ky5zJvNWX0gnTuFV5JBhp4C2i_8-bxKB82Ogq2i0bJK_08kjqrKgVkGZEkUEwPTn8OMu0oPMBzc5j_d9axL0bkfzlLEtXTFJiozJDn17MEC2TcMpQVpZV4qj3Wo/s1600-h/PicMonkey%252520Collage2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="thrifty decor chick christmas" border="0" height="714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR2Ag7Lu7NPPhqzXwRP-LkInUJbjH8zZPL39MxgyJHSdmQ4bTHXWwZCm2YzzhIG6zbb-lZLWCI2K_5Ox0nUVfg_r6-4BPQlVYzsGXUn3mQ0LahypgZTbkheQE7dsOdC04T1awNrrsdj4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="thrifty decor chick christmas" width="500" /></a> As always, the posts that got the most feedback were those that just talk about life, and usually those are my favorites. :) You can read more about our mouse problem and how I dealt with that <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-mouse-story.html">here</a> (I wish I had read something like this before we had the problem), my new favorite place to visit <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/06/my-new-love.html">here</a>, a BIG change in our lives (and the love of my life) <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/05/bittersweet.html">here</a>, giving up my soda addiction <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/03/cold-turkey.html">here</a> and a rousing discussion on the prices at Goodwill <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/05/to-goodwill-or-not.html">here</a>. It was a very good year. Probably one of the best. I am so, SO grateful to do what I do. I have you to thank for that. Thank you for coming back to see what I’m up to, I truly appreciate you and I value the connections I have with so many of you. I’ll be back next week with some DIY and my plans for the new year! Have a great weekend!

It was a good one

Hey. Remember me? My name is Sarah and I write a blog. You may have heard of it. I didn’t mean to take so much time away but it was nice! ...

12:15 PM

Final Kitchen Island Plans