Can you believe that it’s 2018 already!? 2017 was definitely a year of growth for this blog. I can’t believe how many projects we worked on for our home and how many blog posts that I wrote!
It’s fun to look back each year and see the progress that we have made. Sometimes it’s easy to forget what things used to look like in our house. But then I look back and think, “I can’t believe that room used to look like that!” So even when I feel like we are slow at doing projects, I look back in posts like this and am reminded of how far we have come.
Also, it’s fun to see this little blog grow. My blog is just over 2 years old now, and it feels like I just started yesterday! This year marked some major milestones with my blog, like traveling to my first ever blogging conference and getting to meet other bloggers in person. This year I actually felt like a “real” blogger — even though my husband reminds me that I AM a real blogger. 🙂
Today I thought that we could take a little trip down memory lane and look back at the highlights of 2017 – my second year blogging!
The Best of Keys to Inspiration 2017
So, what happened this year on Keys to Inspiration? Let’s start in…
January
In January, we started the very beginning of our master bedroom renovation by getting a new bed. Actually, we overhauled the entire bed system to create our “ultimate bed.” That included a new bed frame, new mattress, new smart mattress cover, and eventually all new bedding.
Build Your Ultimate Bed — Our New Bed & Casper Mattress
Build Your Ultimate Bed — Our New Eight – the Smart Mattress Cover
February
In February, we totally changed the look of our living room by building a modern media center using the IKEA BESTA cabinets. We were able to create an amazing storage unit that fits our space exactly. And now, I can’t even imagine the room without it. You can read all about how I designed it in this post and how we choose the modern hardware by reading this post.
How to Design a Modern Media Center using IKEA BESTA Cabinets
Modern Media Center Hardware
March
In March, we tackled the powder room makeover on our main floor. When we first moved into our home, the powder room was a boring basic box. Since it’s the only bathroom on the main floor, it’s also the main guest bathroom. We knew that renovating it needed to be a priority, so we got to work designing and building to create a totally updated space. Now that it’s finished, we couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out! And you, my readers, also loved it! It’s been shared all over Pinterest since then. You can see the full reveal of our Fresh & Modern Powder Room here.
Fresh & Modern Powder Room Reveal
March Bonus Post: I thought I would sneak in one more highlight from March. I switched topics a little to share a behind the scenes story about how I started my blog. If you are interested in starting a blog yourself, check out this post.
How I Started My Blog
April
In April, I decided to expand on my popular Cricut Explore series of posts and share a post all about accessories. Specifically, which Cricut Explore accessories you need with your machine, and which ones will help you with the projects that you want to create. This post has been super popular because I go into detail about all the different accessories that you can buy. I also share which ones I recommended and which ones I don’t, depending on the type of creating you like to do with your Cricut Explore. If you are a Cricut fan, this is definitely a post you will want to check out.
Which Cricut Explore Accessories Do I Need?
May
In May, I jumped right into spring cleaning mode. One of the posts that got the most attention was all about how I organize our French door refrigerator. I shared exactly what zones I have for our food needs and some of my favorite organizing products that you can use in your fridge too.
How to Organize a French Door Refrigerator
June
In June, I launched my very first product! This was designed and created just for my readers who are big Cricut fans, like me! Banner Builder is an all-in-one project toolkit designed to help you create amazing and beautiful banners — the easy way! You can learn more about it here.
Introducing Banner Builder
July
In July, I shared one of my favorite home decor craft projects to date — a DIY faux fern arrangement. There was this pretty faux fern that I was eyeing for our master bedroom makeover. The only problem was that the price was totally outside of our budget. Instead of giving up, I decided to create my own version of the faux plant and ended up with something really great!
DIY Faux Fern Arrangement {for under $25}
August
In August, we make the biggest change to our master bedroom yet — we added a grid board and batten wall. And you guys, this is my favorite thing in our entire house right now. It turned out even better than I could imagine. You’ve probably seen in a few times in some of my Instagram posts, but you can see exactly how we build it (for under $200) in this post.
How to Build a Grid Board and Batten Wall {for under $200}
August Bonus Post: l couldn’t leave out one of the most exciting experiences that I’ve had to date with this whole blogging journey, so here’s another bonus post. At the end of July, I got the change to travel to Atlanta for the Haven Blogging Conference. It was such a fun trip and I got to meet so many of my blogging friends in person. I shared the full recap in this post.
Be Brave — Haven Blogging Conference 2017
September
In September, our home went into full fall mode. As the weather started to cool down, I started to bring out cozier decorations and warmer textures. Fall is my favorite season of the year! I was so excited to participate in a blogger home tour hop – the Fall Decor and Entertaining hop. I shared my home all decorated for fall along with 27 other bloggers.
Simple and Modern Fall Home Tour 2017
October
In October, I shared another fun Cricut Explore project – this time, using iron-on vinyl. Sometimes it’s fun to just sit down and create something beautiful for your home. This pillow project was just that kind of project for me. I love how it turned out and it’s one of my favorite decorations for the fall.
How to Make a Cozy Fall Pillow using the Cricut Explore
November
In November, the blog had a really busy month. I posted a ton to finish up the fall and jump into the Christmas season. This was in preparation for taking December off of blogging to focus on resting, recharging, and spending time with family. Right before Thanksgiving, I shared my favorite tablescape to date – a modern classic Thanksgiving table. I had so much fun playing around with different decorations and putting this together. It really was a great way for me to be creative and try new things.
Modern Classic Thanksgiving Table
December
In December, I actually only posted one blog post. I know, it’s kind of crazy, but that’s because this year I decided to take December off. So, my recap posts for December were mostly posted in November. But since they are Christmas related, I thought these posts fit the best in the month of December.
This year I was honored to participate in 4 different blogger Christmas home tour hops! It was so much fun to share my home with you all and to get to virtually tour all of the other blogger’s homes too.
Simple Christmas Dining Room Tour
It’s a Wonderful House Christmas Home Tour 2017
Colorful Modern Christmas Master Bedroom
Our Traditional Fresh Christmas Tree
Looking back on this year, I’m so grateful for all of the amazing things I’ve gotten to do because of this blog. I loved 2017 and all of the things we did around the house, but I can’t wait for what 2018 will bring! Thanks for being here with me along the way. You truly are my friends!
You had a wonderful year! And yes, you are totally a ‘real blogger’ my friend!