2012 - A Year of Blogging In Review

Saturday, December 29, 2012

I've shared before,
that 2012 was a tough year for my family in many ways,
but it was also a year of positive growth!

Even in difficult times, blessings are still so evident around you,
ones often taken for granted!

And, joy and reward can be found in trying new things.
"smiles"

Our biggest project of 2012 was remodeling the upper duplex of our Lake House,
and converting it into a rental property.



What we anticipated would be a 2-3 week project turned into 6!
But considering the entire duplex received a major overhaul, the timing wasn't bad.



The remodel was quite a challenge,
 accomplished on a tight budget, 
and involved many items being repurposed.

To read more about the journey,



Little projects also filled the year,
two of which gained attention in the blog'osphere,

adding a monogram to an inexpensive rug.

12 months later, and I can say, ...this rug is holding up well!



And the recovering of a set of Ottomans...



I've long loved to paint....
anything!

When Ashley was a baby, as a stay-at-home mom,
and I occupied my free time (her napping), with paint projects.

Kevin's famous words for the time were,
"he feared he'd come home one day and find Ashley a different color."

This year,
I was introduced to Annie Sloan Chalk Paint,
and Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint.



I've found painting furniture to be therapeutic and a wonderful creative outlet. 

And the pieces I've repaired and repainted have been given new life,
'cause most were destined for the dump.



At the end of March,
I stepped out on a new venture and rented a booth in an antique mall,
and then an additional one in the late summer at another venue.
{I'm hoping that in the early spring, I may add 1-2 more booths to my slate.}

I've been pleased with the sales,
and most of my painted furniture is stock for my booths.

I'm not getting rich by any means from my booths,
but it's a great hobby that has been paying it's way! :)


















As you know from reading my blog, I'm an avid junk collector.
Nothing makes my heart race in excitement like a good yard sale or auction! :)
"The thrill of the hunt!"

This year, I shared many of my second-hand finds,
some that I kept for my home...
including the Waterford pieces found at a local Estate Tag Sale, below.



...and countless others that also went to stock my booths.












My most popular blog posts for 2012 centered around seasonal decorating!

The most viewed Post...
"Be Grateful"  
A Fall Home Tour

{Click HERE} to view



The second most viewed...
My Zebra print and Burlap Decoupaged Pumpkins Project.



And the third most viewed,
My Fall Porch Post...



Other Holiday posts were popular, as well,
including several Valentines ones...






And I did quite a bit of entertaining this past year, which I shared,
 along with recipes, in several posts... 

{A Valentines Party, below}









It seems I'm ending this post full circle,
with a Holiday we will be focusing on soon ...Valentines! 


A friend randomly texted the verse below to me yesterday
and it seems a great way to welcome in the New Year,
 and a blessing hoped for all of you....

"May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you trust in Him,
so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13

Thanks to each of you who read Ramblings of a Southern Girl,
and share in my daily life and adventures!

May you all have JOY, PEACE, and HOPE in the coming year! :)
~Rhonda


___________________________

Linking Post To:
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Saturday Show & Tell @ Cheerios and Lattes
Mop It Up Monday @ I should be mopping the floor
Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Best of 2012 Party @ Diane Rambles
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Wildly Original Linky Party @ I Gotta Create
Cowgirl Up Party @ Cedar Hill Ranch
Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Creatively Tuesday @ The Rustic Pig
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Creative Inspirations @ Embracing Change


25 comments:

  1. Rhonda,
    You are so talented. Congrats on such a wonderful year.

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  2. Wow. I'm so glad that you did this review because, as you know, I had lost you for much of it. Whatever you're doing, you're doing something right. The furniture pieces look amazing. The rental apartment is darling. Hope that it is working out well. Extra income these days is a very good thing. All your sweet projects...just fantastic.

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  3. Such a beautiful and meaningful post. I have truly your talent. your furniture pieces are divine. Thanks for sharing. Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year, Linda

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  4. You have done some beautiful project throughout 2012! I am so glad to have gorgeous blogs like your from which I can draw inspiration!!!!

    Happy New Year; may your year be filled with blessings & joy!

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  5. You've had such a busy productive year. I learn so much from your blog and your beautiful painting. Funny but painting is one of my least favorite things to do (remember it took me two months just to paint Kaje's old room!). You do have an eye for beauty and can bring it out so a piece just sings. May your new year be all you hope and pray it will be.

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  6. It looks like you had a busy and productive year. I too discovered Annie Sloan this year. Miss Mustard Seed isn't carried anywhere close to me, but I would like to try it.

    Happy New Year

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  7. I'm so happy that I found your blog just recently! You are such an inspiration and I am looking forward to the new year following along. Hugs, Gail

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  8. What wonderful projects. I adore your bedroom.

    Have a very Happy New Years!

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  9. What a great 2012! I remember those pumpkins!!! LOL! Thanks for sharing and inspiring!

    Happy happy New Year to you and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

    blessings,
    karianne

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  10. It looks like you had a very productive year...you accomplished alot & made some really fabulous projects! I'm looking forward to seeing what you share in 2013!

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  11. Beautiful projects! I'd love you to link this post to my Best of 2012 Party.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for linking up. I am now following via GFC, Pinterest & FB!

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  12. I am loving all these year in review posts:) What a awesome year you have shared:) I just have to go and check some of them out especially some of your second hand finds:) Thanks so much for the visit:) I am now following via GFC. Can't wait to see what you share this year for Valentines Days (Loved the tablescape from last year)

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  13. Beautiful projects! Looking forward to keep following your blog in 2013. Happy New Year!

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  14. Just discovered your blog and it's great! I'm now following you.

    Happy New Year,
    Julie

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  15. I enjoyed this beautiful review Rhonda.

    Happy New Year!

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  16. A wonderful year in review. Enjoyed this post.
    Joy

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  17. Rhonda, I absolutely love everything you do!!! I LOVE all your furniture redos... they are just beautiful!!! Thanks for the review... now I've got to go back and catch up on the ones I hadn't seen yet!! Love your quote too!! Praying for many blessings this year!! Hugs!!! Claire

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  18. Oh so many wonderful paint projects and your decor posts were all fabulous too. Can't wait for more in 2013. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  19. What a beautiful post! Thanks for stopping by the cottage :) I was happy to come visit. What an exciting year. The lake house looks lovely. Congratulations on you booth. That had to be really exciting!? Best wishes for a wonderful 2013!!

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  20. What beautiful ideas! I would love for you to share then at SHOW-licious Craft Showcase! Our party is hosted every week if you would like to link up!

    http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/2012/12/show-licious-craft-showcase-14.html

    Happy New Year,
    Marti

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  21. Rhonda,
    Enjoyed reading about your review back. You accomplished lots of beautiful projects, &
    You have some beautiful pieces. Your duplex looks so very nice.

    BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR!
    Pat @ Pat's Pink Apron

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  22. You had some wonderful projects, Rhonda! I am hoping to add a booth to my life this year. I love making over things, but don't have the room for it all here, so a booth would be a great outlet for me.

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  23. You were so busy last year...and Talented!! thank you for sharing this at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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