I wasn’t planning to blog until next week, but I’ve been reading all of these recap posts from blog friends and it seemed like fun, so i broke my rule. I approached this as just a way to highlight some of my favorite projects and moments from this past year, but looking through the posts was really good for me.
I’m a forward-thinker – always staring ahead and rarely looking back. I’ve always been that way, ever since I can remember. It’s not a bad trait, but it doesn’t allow me to look at what I’ve done. When you’re constantly thinking about all that you have to do or would like to do, you don’t tend to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished. And being detail oriented doesn’t always allow me to see the big picture. In the wake of a house filled with projects, seeing what was done in a year brought me to a pause today and gave me some peace and clarity about the road ahead.
So, let’s look back on this year. For those of you who have been with me from the beginning, I can’t thank you enough. Your support through the ups and downs has meant more than you’ll ever know. And for those of you who are newer around here, I hope you might enjoy something you may have missed before.
January started out with some highs and lows, but this crawlspace Micah and I turned into a kid’s playroom was great fun for all (well, maybe not Micah’s back).
The end of the month brought an incredible missions trip to the Dominican Republic.
This thrift store art DIY scored me a contestant spot in Creating with the Stars and Better Homes & Gardens named The Makerista one of 2014’s Top 5 Decorating blogs (that still feels crazy to type.)
My partner, Michael, and I lasted 2 rounds in Creating with the Stars, but I have to say that the project I was eliminated for was one of my favorites this year.
Our master bedroom got a refresh.
And our master bath got a renovation just in time for a magazine to come and shoot our home.
We sold our first home quickly (but not without some humility first).
And spent the next 6 months living in a cabin. That too brought humility.
While in the cabin, we poured ourselves into the idea of building a home: having custom plans made (which are for sale if you are interested) and dealing with enough issues that caused us to walk away.
We celebrated some girls’ birthdays with a strawberry theme and Xander’s laboratory was fun too.
September was filled with lots of things, but a highlight was definitely spending my birthday in one of my favorite cities with Nate Berkus and Eddie Ross.
I picked up some more photography knowledge during a morning shoot with some friends…
and helped photograph the most beautiful wedding.
I designed my first wedding invitations.
And moonlighted as a wedding florist with this simple fall arrangement.
Helping put together my friend, Laura’s, living room was definitely a design highlight.
Meagan Claire says
I just want to say: It's crazy amazing that you ended up with the house you looked at and loved so many months ago. Perfect! That would be such a huge sign for me. I can imagine the feel of HOME that you must get inside. My husband and I looked to buy two years ago, but we're still in a sad little rental while I wait for kismet. I know it will come, and the wait will make it more sweet.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Meagan! You're so right, the wait can be hard but the result is great and it's amazing how you sometimes see why you had to wait after the fact. Praying something comes along quickly for you all!
Ashley Brown says
Wow! What a year you had! I love your new house I truly think it was meant to be! Happy new year!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for coming along with us, Ashley! Happy new year to you, too!
Megan // Honey We're Home says
I thought I'd read every post but I missed those gorgeous wedding invitations. So pretty! I didn't realize it was 6 months in the cabin either. Wishing you all the best in 2015!
Maggie | The Spiffy Company says
So many great projects! You continually amaze me! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve in 2015! 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, you're too kind, Maggie!
Ruthie - Refashionably Late says
Thanks for being an inspiration to me as I learn to blog! I can't wait to see what you do you with your new home in 2015! Hope all is well!
katie gavigan says
Need to say that I'm SO THRILLED to have found your blog (again) recently! Many of my favorite blogs from a few years ago have shifted (for various reasons), and yours definitely fills a void…and inspires me to keep at it. Thanks for the honest voice you provide!
Megan | Honey We're Home says
I just came across this post again. Your HAIR!!!! I missed you in NYC. Hope the stars align for 2017!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha. I missed you too! Glad I got to keep up through social media, but wish I could have been there with you!