Happy New Year, everybody! How is it going? We have had a nice long respite here in Boxford, MA after Christmas. We are enjoying being home and taking it easy, although we have taken a road trip or two over the past eight days. It's been great!
Personally, this has been an up and down year for me. My mom passed away in May after years of suffering from dementia but, our beautiful baby grandson James was born in June! That was a blessing of blessings. There have been family hardships this year, as well. We are hoping they will be resolved in a wonderful way in 2025. Trials and tribulations of life seem to be unavoidable but, it is nice to have friends with whom to share the journey.
Today I am looking back at my blog and seeing which posts you all seemed to like the most. This information gives me a head's up for next year and helps me decide what to write about and share.
Top Five Posts of 2024
#5 Making a Dried Orange Slice Garland
I was thrilled to see that you guys liked this post. I had so much fun making the garland and I loved the vignette it created in the entry of my home. I have read that dried orange slices can last two years if stored correctly. As I take down the Christmas decorations, I will decide if I will test this theory
or not :).
Please click onto the #5 title to read the whole post.
#4 Valentine Rice Krispie Hearts
Making these Valentine hearts made me smile. I seem to really enjoy Valentine's Day and the decorations and yummy things that accompany it. We don't really do anything overly special on Valentine's Day as a rule but, I love the theme of the holiday anyway. I love the colors too! Thanks so much for stopping by to read this post in February and making it in the top 5.
#3 A Transistional Thanksgiving Flower Arrangement--Sort Of~
This post was an experiment on my part, one that did work out pretty well. I was happy you enjoyed coming by to check it out in November and beyond. After I removed the flowers and the bow in this arrangement after Thanksgiving, I added in red and white flowers and a Christmas themed bow. I posted about that, as well, but that post didn't make it into the Top 5. I think the arrangement lasted into the middle of December, which proved to me that the experiment was worth a try. I had a lovely centerpiece on the table for almost a month. Next year I will use a glass or ceramic container to make the arrangement in because the plastic liner of this one ended up blowing a hole in it. Otherwise, I think the arrangement would have lasted even longer. Click above to read the whole story.
This post was written just a few weeks ago so, I am thrilled that it hit the top five posts already. Christmas decorating has been such a big part of my life for so long that it came naturally to share a few tips on the subject. Hopefully, they will help a few people with their decorating next year. You can always re-read it next December :).
I am shocked and touched that this was the #1 post for 2024. It brings me confidence and encouragement to continue doing floral design and all the silly other things I do throughout the year. The goal in doing the things I enjoy and am interested in is to bring a little fun and joy into the world. Nothing big deal, of course, most likely in small measure but worth it, nonetheless.
Thank you again for the support you bring me throughout the year by showing interest in this blog. Please continue to drop by. It is truly appreciated.
In the weeks to come I will be sharing the one New Year's resolution I wish to keep and, also, how to decorate after Christmas with twinkle lights.
Hope to see you there!
