2016 was a year to go down in the record books.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times . . .
- It was the year that politics forever ruined Facebook for me. You just can't ever un-see Great-Aunt Mildred's potty mouth rants about her political views. Me, I'd rather go through life with blinders on regarding family and friend's political views, thank you.
- It was the year we lost Prince, George Michael, David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Florence Henderson . . . and the list goes on. It starts to get real when the people we grew up watching on tv and listening to on the radio are dying.
- It was the year that saw so many of my favorite bloggers run over to Instagram and never come back to blogging! I miss you guys! Get back here!
But, there were also good things that happened. Somewhere? Right?
Unfortunately I'm having a hard time coming up with the good things right now, but until I do here are some of my favorite posts from House Of Hawthornes in 2016.
Favorite DIY Projects, Tips & Recipes
DIY Projects
Shopping in the plumbing section at Home Depot has never been more fun.
This little post about jamming evergreens into dirt was featured by a much larger site and ended up being my #1 viewed post of the Christmas season.
And Better Home & Gardens featured this post on their site and got a whole lot of people interested in cutting up lemons.
Lemon & Rosemary Natural Room Scent
My dollhouse turned birdhouse post was one of my favorites this year. If only the birds had loved it as much as I did. (I later made it in a Christmas house.)
Vintage Tin Dollhouse Repurposed Into Birdhouse
Recipes
I made a statement last year that I was going to do more recipe posts, because I LOVED doing the photography for them so much. Here are the two (yes, a whopping 2) that I did this year!
Banana Bread - This Ain't Your Mama's Recipe
Gardening
In this post I showed you both the flowers I chose and how I turned a galvanized tub into a gardening container (hint - it involves power tools).
About this time of year I can not wait for spring to get here, so I occasionally hurry it along a bit. There may be some hammering involved.
How To Force Flowering Branches
Here are my 5 favorites for the late summer garden. When will spring get here again?
5 Favorite Late Summer Flowers
OK, so if you absolutely can't wait for the snow to stop flying, then buy yourself a plant that doesn't need dirt to live. Air plants are sort of footloose and fancy free (as far as plants go).
Yard Saling & Thrifting
I did a series of a few thrifting/yard saling posts this year. I have more on tap for 2017.
40 Yard Sale Tips For Hosting Your Own Sale
Top 5 Things To Look For At Yard Sales This Year
Tips For Shopping Flea Markets, Festivals & Fairs
And one more category for the road . . .
Bitchin' & Moaning
Because if you can't piss off ½ the internet, you're doing it wrong. Apparently, shiplap is a much loved wall covering.
I'm joining Rhoda at Southern Hospitality's Best Of 2016 party today! If you have a minute pop on over and see what other "Bests" happened in 2016. I promise, Great-Aunt Mildred won't be invited to the party.
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
What a wonderful round up! I love the galvanized tub as a planter! If I'm honest (heck, why not?) 2016 was pretty rough for me, too! Happy New Year! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Pam
Happy New Year to you too Marci!
Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc.
Haha, I love your blog so much! There is only one thing we disagree on, shiplap forever! 😉 I basically went on a pinning frenzy lady, so so good! xo Here is to an excellent 2017!
Amy DeCesare
Looks like you found a way to glamorize the past...and make 2016 look like a fabulous year! Thanks for sharing so many wonderful ideas all year, every year!