Top Ten Posts of 2013

As we get ready to welcome in the new year, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at 2013.

Judging by the number of views received on all my posts the past twelve months, these were your favorites:

#1 - All American Cottage Tour



Hilltop Cottage
Copyright © 2012 Ross Chapin Architects Used with permission  

I have to say, this may be my favorite post this year, too. It was an honor, and so much fun to feature the wonderful homes of Ross Chapin Architects. It took many hours to pull the post together, but it was worth it. In a real estate world of cookie cutter homes, Chapin's charming cottages are a tribute to American design.



#2 - Baking At A Joyful Cottage - Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Cookies


The popularity of this post tells me that many of you like cookies. I'm right there with you, my friends. If you tried this recipe, I hope it met your expectations.



#3 - Finding A New Writing Space in Our Joyful Cottage


For me this is a bittersweet post to revisit. Right after I published it Dennis and I started talking about selling our sweet cottage in the Rocky Mountains. If you've been following our journey, you know that we sold our cottage in July 2013 and began our search for our next home in Oregon.  (We're still looking.) Our complete top to bottom remodel of the 1926 Colorado cottage was a labor of love. You can read all about it at Remodelaholic, where it was featured.



#4 - More French Cottages



Que tu aimes à gîtes de France comme je le fais?



#5 - Bread Baking at A Joyful Cottage - Honey Wheat Bread

 
Long live the loaf! The greatest invention since sliced bread is more sliced bread.  (I think you must agree with me.)
 
 
 
 

 
 
Oh my, we do love to look at pretty gardens, don't we? I especially like cottage gardens like these, and enjoyed my stroll with you.
 
 
 
 

 
 
My husband brought home a truckload of furniture from a yard sale. One piece which probably originated as a kitchen cupboard became a bookcase for my office/sewing/craft room.
 
 
 
 


Photo owned by Knockahopple Cottage and Tours. Used with Permission

 
It was a privilege to introduce you to Irish American Liam Hughes and his charming guesthouse in County Tipperary, Ireland. Many Americans may dream of owning an Irish cottage, but few will take the plunge that Liam took. We also had a chance to see the beautiful shard jewelry he designs.
 
 
 

 

After we sold our Colorado cottage, we headed farther west for a 5-week tour of Oregon. This post chronicled our return to Colorado in preparation for our move to Oregon in August.



#9 - To Paint Or Not to Paint



I like to paint furniture, but sometimes a piece -- like this chest of drawers -- speaks a different language. As Sue at Serendiptiy Vintage Furnishings says, "Each piece 'tells' me what it wants to be. . ." .  Exactly.



#10 - My $7.29 Table Redo
 
 
 
This was another piece that spoke the language of natural wood. When I got underneath all that yucky black paint I found a really pretty piece. It remains one of my favorite furniture redos.
 
I hope you enjoyed looking back at 2013 with me. It appears that cottages, food, flowers and furniture makeovers rate high on the list of things you like to see. Which suits me just fine, because that's what I like, too.
 
Thank you so much for joining me on my journey. You make it joyful. Your comments encourage me, inspire me, and make me smile. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, the best part of blogging is meeting nice people like you.
 
God bless you in 2014, and please come back on January 1st when I kick off my new month long blog party: Every Room In The House.  
 
Come as you are and bring a friend.
 
Hope to see you then!
 
 Sharing with
 
 
 

14 comments

  1. You had a good year! I loved seeing your posts again.

    Happy New Year!!

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    1. Thanks, Anne. 2013 was a very good year. It's exciting to think what 2014 may bring. Thanks for stopping by. Best wishes to you in the New Year. I know you'll keep inspiring all of us with your creativity and DIY determination. I hope to see your blog linked up here on the Every Room In The House Party that opens January 1. Hugs, Nancy

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  2. Great posts revisited . . . Happy New Year Nancy!

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    1. Thank you, Lynne. Your comments always encourage me. Happy New Year to you, too!

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  3. Nancy, I enjoyed the look back of '2013'! Looking forward to what you will share in '2014'. Then new party sounds fabulous! Can't wait to join!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. And I look forward to seeing what you'll share, my friend. Happy New Year, Jann

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  4. Nancy, I must say that I really enjoyed your look back post! As a new follower, I have not seen many of your past posts, so this was a treat. I think my favorite was your cottage renovation. Wow, you guys did tons of work and it was so very charming~ it must have been very, very hard to leave. I have no doubt that you will find something else to cozy up soon! Happy New Year, my new friend! :) Kim

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    1. Thank you, Kim. As always, your comment is very thoughtful; very sweet. I'm really looking forward to our next home. I'm hoping for a cottage, of course. I like cozy. :)

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  5. Nancy, my dear, is a great pleasure and a delight to be here because you can not imagine how much I am particularly in love with cottage and everything that relates to it. In fact, live in a house that has at least one cottage atemosfera is my biggest dream!
    I am very happy to have found my blog, I'm following, I am also happy to have graced me with your visit so endearing and deeply desire that we are always exchanging visits.
    It will be a blessing to be your friend!
    Be always welcome to My Sweet Home!
    And now I wander through your wonderful blog!
    Kisses and God bless you and your family!
    Happy New Year!

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    1. Karin, I feel the same way. I'm so glad you visited. Your sweet words encourage me. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your blog this next year. May God shower you and your family with blessings in 2014. Hugs, Nancy

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  6. So glad I found you and your 2013 adventures at Common Ground. Happy to be a new follower. Happy 2014.

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    1. Thank you, Betsy, and welcome. I really appreciate your visit and taking the time to leave a comment. So nice of you. God bless.

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  7. Stopping by from Debra at Common Ground, and enjoyed taking the 2013 tour with you. Just started following you on Facebook! Let's keep in touch

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    1. Thanks for introducing yourself, Cathy, and welcome. I'm so glad you left a comment so I can visit you in return. Blessings, Nancy

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Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.