Tuesday, December 28, 2010

"Let's start at the very beginning

A very good place to start.
When you read you begin with A B C.
When you sing, you begin with Do Re Mi."
(from Sound of Music)
When you Blog you begin with, oh dear me!
Couldn't I see?

I don't know about you, but when I first started blogging back in July, I was not the most....ahem...gifted in the photography department. I'm not really much better now but at least I finally know how to edit my pictures!
So, my retrospect of projects from this last year will be selective in order to spare you.

We moved into our home 2 1/2 years ago and most of our larger projects were done in that first year. Wallpaper removal, painting, patching holes in doors and walls, tree removal that lifted up the entire yard. You get the idea!
This year was more about the fun stuff. Faucets and light fixtures and all of the little details that start making a house feel more like a home. Let's look back...

My first project I photographed for my blog was transforming our deck into a more inviting space for enjoying those lazy days of summer.





Our other outdoor projects included adding pavers to this little area in the front


and a raised bed garden in the back. That little lattice fencing you see in the rear of the photo is covering our air conditioning unit. It just didn't "Go" with my design plans, you know?


Turning inside, I finally managed to get this beautiful painting, done by my father-in-law, framed with molding and hung with 2 shutters on either side to create a "faux window" in my daughter's room.


I also discovered that spray paint is my new best friend and I sprayed my old brass bars on my fireplaces this lovely shade of copper.



I made new pillows for the family room sofa.


And in a "miracle of miracles" moment, actually painted our front door. In that post I said that the "Welcome" mat was actually a big fat liar because the door used to be so hideous it made people want to turn back around and head home!

We did some updating in our master bathroom




Including replacing faucets and,

Putting in new window treatments.



One of the most fun things to me about this blogging experience has been working up the courage to try new things.
Playing with centerpieces was just not something I felt confident in doing B.B. (Before Blogging)!


And if you had told me a few months ago that I would be participating in "Cloche Parties" I would have said,
"What's a Cloche?"


"Ohhhhh....they're those little cake stand looking things with the dome on top!"

There were many other projects, both little and small, but I think that the biggest blessing to me has been connecting with all of you. You have truly been a huge blessing and encouragement to me!
Someone said that "bloggy friends" are the best kind of friends because they only ever compliment you and say nice things.

I don't think that is entirely true but it has been nice to be on the receiving end of such support! But with many of you, the friendship has gone so far beyond DIY projects and Tablescapes. You have shared your hearts and your life experiences and that has been the biggest surprise to me this year!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming along on this journey with me and I look forward to what 2011 holds for all of us.
I'm pretty sure Spray Paint will be involved!

Linking to
Miss Kim's Boring to Better Party
Miss Rhoda's Top Projects of 2010
Whassup Wednesday
Feathered Nest Friday

39 comments:

An Oasis in the Desert said...

I'm so happy to be the first to make a comment on your lovely post. You are one of the very first wonderful ladies who made a comment & became a follower of my blog. I was so shocked that anyone would be interested at all, so I thank you most sincerely. This whole blogging thing has been such a great experience. I, too, have found new confidence in decorating, photography (I did say confidence, not great skills), & simply expressing myself with the written words. I truly do consider you a friend, Vanessa, even though we will probably never meet in person. But, who knows, right?
CAS

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

I've enjoyed reading your blog-- and I can say to you-- congratulations! at least you completed so projects. I took a 6 month hiatus from blogging and knocked out some debt-- however, I didn't get very many projects finished. Hmmm... Your house looks so complete. Whatever will you find to blog about in the coming year?
Me? I've got a list a mile long.

I'll keep reading- thanks for sharing!

Pat
corninmycoffee-pot.blogspot.com

Chrissy said...

Hi Vanessa, I just found your blog and have just started a blog myself. I hope I can post about as many great projects as you have in a short time.
Thanks for sharing.

DanielleisNesting said...

I love everything you've done! Can't wait to see the projects that you have planned for next year!

Honey at 2805 said...

Loved this post and your projects. You certainly gave voice to all I'm feeling right now. (Remeber, my cloche was standing on it's head...sometimes the way I feel).

I have not posted in several days. Our electricity went out Christmas Eve Day, came on, went off, etc., until it went off. Utility company here in the rain and dark about 8:00 PM. Christmas Day about 10 AM - off again. This time new meter. Same problem Sunday nite, Monday. But finally, today (fingers crossed) up and running again! Yea!

I'm looking forward to all of your posts in the New Year! Your bloggy friend, Honey

Vintage Gal said...

I love your post today. The pictures are wonderful! Thank you for sharing..I have just found your blog and have become a follower. I just started a blog in November of this year and ahem I know the pictures pose a challenge, but hopefully one that I am up to. Please stop by and let me know how I am doing!
(((Hugs)))

La said...

Today's post is fantastic and I couldn't agree more. I have tried so many new things in the past 7 months, including holding a tarantula, so I could share it with my blogging friends.

I'm looking forward to seeing what 2011 will bring to my blog and my friends' blogs. I will be right here with you Vanessa, and I'm ready for some fun! La

Kathy said...

I can still rememeber when you photographed your deck -I thought Oh I would love to have an ice tea and sit and chat on that deck -Hard to believe you just started blogging and photography -you just do it all so well

Jane said...

I love the look-back at all of your wonderful projects. You really did an excellent job!

Jane

Pamela said...

Oh how I loved finding you Vanessa and looking at all of your projects! Can't wait to see what you do in the new year. I need to go and make my highlight posts as well. As for the light, we were charged for 4 hrs of use. It involved two levels of scaffolding and then an 8 ft ladder as well as an 8 ft extension ladder that Nana was on to help hold the fixture for Papa. Papa said that the actual thought of having to change it out was far worse than the actual project itself so go for it girl!!

NanaDiana said...

Vanessa- I remember the first time I stumbled across your blog and I felt like I was "home". You have a wonderful way with pictures and ideas and words...it makes me want to return again and again. I love everything you do! Hugs-Diana

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

Since we started close to the same time, I am totally with you!! It has been great and like you I have gotten better at a lot of things. Fellow bloggers have provided encouragement and inspiration. With you, I look forward to 2011 and more projects!

Thanks for the comment on my 12 days of Christmas. A dry tree may not be the best thing to keep up that long so just keep something else out until January 6th! Enjoy!

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

All wonderful projects Vanessa! I especially LOVE your deck and yard! It is gorgeous! Happy New Year!

Debbiedoos said...

Looks to me as though you always did take great pictures. You had some awesome projects this year, all fabulous Vanessa!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Vanessa, I remember each one of these projects. That fireplace makeover is amazing! Thanks so much for joining this week!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Vanessa, Your home and yard are beautiful and great job on all the projects. Your work has really paid off and it is evident the love you put into your home.
Hugs,
Sherry

Melanie said...

What a wonderful post and I feel the same way about you. It goes deeper than us stopping by to get a glimpse into someones house. It the the friendships that I have made. I appreciate all of your support through my move and can't wait for the New Year:)

Your porch is gorgeous. I love all your plants and your yard is lovely.

michelle said...

Vanessa, your posts were beautiful! I love your garden and could sit there all day! You have been such a dear friend and a wonderful inspiration to me and I thank you so much! You are so talented and full of heart and I look forward to the coming year and continuing on this blogging journey with you! God bless you and your family in the new year!

Hugs to you my friend!

Sue said...

Thank you so much for stopping by to visit me. I am impressed with all of your projects completed this year. I am setting goals for next year!
Your deck is lovely and all of your plants are so lush. I think the painting done by your fil is so special and you finished it beautifully. What a keepsake for your daughter.
You have a lovely home and this was a beautiful post.
Happy New Year
Sue

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

I'm still drooling over that bathroom. Gorgeous!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi Vanessa~ Love your recap of the years projects! I think I missed the porch but it is gorgeous and all your pictures look beautiful- the front door was a favorite post of mine!! So glad to have met you this year out in blogland! :)

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Hi lovely,

Those photos look great to me. Were they your early ones? Really? I still cringe a bit when I look back at my early posts too!!

You've been a busy bee this last year - I hope you're managing to find lots of time to reeeeeeeelax with your family this week.

Sarahx

KimMalk said...

Hi Vanessa! The blogging world is lucky to have you - blessings :). Kim

Anonymous said...

HI Vanessa! Oh, I've loved seeing everything you've done!! You're such an inspiration and Happy New Year!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Deborah said...

Look at what you've accomplished in your beautiful home Vanessa!
Beautiful and so inviting!
Im so glad to have connected with you here in blogland..I too have been so blessed by the friendships here...
Deborah xo

Wendy said...

I have enjoyed my visit this morning! You have been busy and accomplished some awesome projects. Happy to follow along and looking forward to see what 2011 holds! Happy New Year.
Wendy

All That Glitters said...

I remember when I saw your post about your back yard! I was in love at first sight! I hope everyone in your family had a wonderful fun Christmas!

Happy new year!
Jennifer

the cape on the corner said...

your outdoor space is amazing, i absolutely love it!

Savannah Granny said...

Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing. I am new also and still learning. I know what you mean about a cloche.
Happy New year, Ginger

The Pleasures of Homemaking said...

I love all your outside projects! I have that same fountain on my screened porch :)

I enjoyed looking at all you've accomplished!

Manuela

Jenny @ DIY Newlyweds said...

Great projects! Your outdoor project has me missing summer :-)

Anita Diaz said...

I certainly used plenty of spray paint today on those branches and pine cones, lol!! I should have had my husband take a photo of me standing in 12 inches of snow in my pjs spray painting! Anyway...I'm so glad you started blogging! I have really enjoyed stopping by and checking in on what you're doing. Thanks for inspiring:-) Happy New Year!!

Ashley said...

All of your projects are great! Your deck is stunning! I cannot wait to see what you'll be working on this year. I am always inspired by your blog.

Green Door Girl said...

I have just browsed through your great blog and read your about me - I love it! As a Southerner (well via Texas, not fully claimed as the Southern, but I live in AL now!) I completely agree with your wants/desires of being Southern! :) I also had to laugh at the comment about coming to the party late and getting your guess jeans with zippers a year late - LOL - I could have so written that! I just started blogging this year and I feel WAY out of the loop - this has been an experience for sure! I didn't even read blogs before I started.
I love your projects this year - they are great - especially the outdoor areas - they are my list of things for 2011!

Jenn - greendoordesigns.blogspot.com

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

It has definitely been one of my blessings to have met you this year. I always enjoy your posts, you are so creative and you are so funny too. I enjoy your sense of humor. It is fun to learn new things and you have definitely learned how to decorate a cloche and to create some gorgeous table tops. I look forward to the new year and seeing more of your creations.


I hope you have a very Blessed New Year. Hugs, Marty

Pam Kessler said...

It's so fun to see all your creative ideas all in one place. Great projects! Can't wait to see what 2011 brings.

Sue@Uniquely Chic said...

Really enjoyed finding and reading your posts. I just love that pic in your previous post of your little guy playing chess. Remind me of my own at that age but now he is 17 and off to college next year :( I laughed at your cloche comment, reminds me of me pre blogging days and I love spray paint to. happy 2011 to you~ Sue

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi Vanessa~ Just stopping back over to say thanks for sharing this at my party and Happy New Year!!! :)