Wow, it’s the end of 2016 already!? This past year seems like it went so fast, but looking back it also feels like January was forever ago.
This month is actually just over a year since when I first started this blog. I don’t really have a specific start date like so many bloggers do. Instead, I kind of just started blogging not knowing what I was doing. Near the end of 2015, I really got excited about what this blog could be and I started to focus. I had lots of goals and ideas for the new year, so I decided that January 2016 would be my “unofficial” start date for the blog.
I can’t believe that it’s been almost a whole year since then! Today I thought that we could take a little trip down memory lane and look back at the highlights of 2016 – my first year blogging!
The Best of Keys to Inspiration 2016
So, what happened this year on Keys to Inspiration? Let’s start in…
January
In January, I started off the year excited about getting organized. Specifically, organizing our pantry staples. I decided to do an easy craft project using my Cricut Explore to create labels for my new pantry containers. I love how these hand-lettered labels look whenever I open my pantry. They make my organizing heart happy!
In February, I was still on an organizing kick. Staying in the kitchen, which is one of the most utilized spaces in our house, I decided it was time to get some of our drawers in order. I couldn’t find the perfect drawer organizers that I had in my mind, so instead I decided to make my own custom wooden drawer organizers. This post is one of my most popular posts and has been shared all over Pinterest since then.
In March, I started my Cricut Explore Essentials series. This series was focused on teaching some of the basics of Cricut Design Space while doing some fun craft projects! The first project in the series was an easy tutorial for creating your own banners. Apparently, banners are a popular Cricut Explore project, because this tutorial keeps getting repinned all over Pinterest.
In April, I launched a new area of the blog – the Library! The Library is the one-stop location on the blog for all my free printable downloads and project resources. Whenever there’s a freebie on the blog, you can find it in the Library.
Part of launching the Library was filling it with some amazing goodies right off the bat. So, in April I shared 5 fun free wall art printables that were all available in the Library. The Library is exclusive for my insiders (email subscribers) – you can sign up here to get access!
In May, I really started to think about the projects and ideas I had for our home. I quickly became overwhelmed and decided that I needed a plan. The first step in the plan was figuring out what was my home decorating style. This post was all about how I used my favorite social media site – Pinterest – to nail down my style and create a good foundation for all the future home projects.
In June, I really felt like it was time to start adding some decorations to our home. A lot of our rooms were looking bare and plain, so I thought adding some décor would help make it feel a little more like home. The only problem is home decorations can be expensive! This post was all about finding ways to decorate your home on a budget without sacrificing style.
In July, I tackled my very first furniture upgrade project! I found an old and outdated cabinet for $15 at a flea market and decided to give it a total makeover using Fusion Mineral Paint. I love the transformation that this cabinet had, and now it’s one of my favorite pieces in our living room!
In September, we were finally into my favorite season – fall! I did a few fall craft projects, but the most exciting thing that happened was I shared my very first seasonal home tour! My fall home tour turned out better than I expected and I was so happy with how everything was decorated! Psst! Don’t tell anyone, but this is when I started to really feel like a REAL blogger!
In October, I was focused a lot on my Cricut Explore. I mean, it is my absolute favorite crafting tool! I started thinking about all the projects that I could do and wanted to do in the future with my Cricut Explore, and that’s when I wrote this post. Crafting Blanks for your Cricut Explore Projects is another one of my most popular pins on Pinterest. I’m amazed at how my simple little post about some blank items you can decorate using your Cricut Explore got so popular!
In November, I got the amazing opportunity to work with an incredible fellow creative – Jessica from Jessica N Designs. I love her hand-made goodies from her shop. She has so many creative things available that would make the most amazing gifts. I used some of the products from her fall line to create this amazing Thanksgiving Pie bar!
In December, I was busy getting ready for my favorite holiday – Christmas! Christmas is my favorite holiday to decorate for, so I was so excited to get my house all ready for a Christmas Home Tour! I had so much amazing Christmasy inspiration to share with you that I actually split my tour up into two parts – the living room and the kitchen. This was the first Christmas in our new home that I really got to fully decorate for, and I loved every minute of it!
Looking back on this year, I am so amazed at everything that happened here on the blog. It was such an exciting year of growth and learning a whole lot about blogging. I can’t wait for what 2017 will bring!
Thanks for being here with me along the way. You truly are my friends!
My goal is for you and your family to absolutely LOVE the home you live in. I’ll show you how to create a home that looks good, feels good, and functions well!
As a mom, wife, and home blogger, home decor is my passion! I have seen firsthand how my home can impact my family. How our home feels, looks and functions is a critical part of our family’s wellbeing!
How to Make Hand-Lettered Labels for Pantry Containers
DIY Custom Wooden Drawer Organizers
Cricut Explore Essentials: How to Make Gorgeous Banners
5 Fun Free Wall Art Printables
Finding my Home Decorating Style
How to Decorate Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
How I Organize My Meal Planning and Grocery Shopping
Fall Home Tour
Crafting Blanks for your Cricut Explore Projects
Christmas Home Tour 2016 {Part 1 and Part 2}
