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.
Melinda
Great choices.
I wish Blobbing was what it used to be.
I keep trying because I am stubborn and don't want
to give my little blog up.
Maybe a comeback will happen in 2017.
Happy New Year!
M : )
Pat Miller
Have not been with you very long, but you are a " keeper" for me! I LOVE your decorating ideas! It seems as if everything in my home has a story...as does yours! Someone's story, anyway! I love using vintage and recycling. Most of the treasures in my home are from my mom, and it puts a tear in my eye every time I explain them to my friends and visitors. We need to save the planet AND our vintage treasures for our children and grandchildren is what I say!
Keep up the good work...and a happy new year to you and your family!
Amy | Stow and TellU
Although FB and I haven't broken up completely, we're kinda taking a break, for the same reason. Ugh, there were days there, where my stomach turned just thinking about clicking on.
Your Christmas porch was absolute favorite Holiday porch of the year. I did very minimal Christmas decorating this year, but I did make a winter porch pot inspired by yours, so thank you for that fabulous idea and all of the others you've shared for 2016!!
Happy New Year and here's to great DIY for 2017!
Ginger
Pam, as usual, your blog is a bright spot on the blight that is, soon to be was, 2016. And Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds? Come on!!! As a fellow Ohioan, all you do translates perfectly and I love all your ideas! Keep it coming!! And maybe all your readers can get together at the Country Living Fair this year and exchange our ideas! And our purchases!! Keep it coming and Happy 2017!!
Maria Brittis
You have the best recipes, i love the bread recipe, I just got a bread maker and will be making some for 2017
Maria
Jeanie Emmert
You sure had some incredible projects! I am such a fan of your blog (and your wonderful sense of humor!). Happy New Year! Pinned
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!
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!
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!