Hi Friends! I’ve been very energized by the onset of the new year. I believe that may be pretty much universal, right? Are you still enjoying the surge of excitement that accompanies the onset of a brand new 365 days? Days you can do with what you will.
I use WordPress to host my blog site, and for those who have read my posts for some time, you may remember that my eldest son set the site up for me. We’ve tweaked it a few times but basically, I’ve been very happy with the simple way it functions for me (read: User often technology challenged). Wordpress sends out a report card of sorts each year, or at least they have for the past 3 years. The report gives you the stats for your site with details such as 1) Posting Patterns. I post only once a week most weeks and I usually send out that post on Wednesday, so no news there. 2) Attractions. This is where they tell you your top 5 posts. It turns out my best day this year, as far as views go, was my 500th post. {Thanks for dropping by that day!}. 3) How did they (visitors) find you? Pinterest was the single most referring site. A mixed blessing. Does anyone besides me marvel at the number of hours that can evaporate when visiting that online wonder?
I hope to continue to practice both my writing and photography. Who am I kidding, my photography is awful. But what we practice has to improve, right? Onward and upward in 2015. I’m really looking forward to the year, and to time spent with you, my friends.
If you’re interested, here are the posts that received the most views in 2014:
{Cozy and other adjectives that describe home}
{Cottage Living ~ Moody Cottages}
{Front Yards – alternatives to lawn}
and last but not least…
{Rooms that enjoy a Neutral Palate}
I’ll be back next week with some tips on organizing and weeding out. I’ve mentioned here, more than once, I’m really simplifying my house. I want only what I use and love around me. I no longer need to hold on to random items…more on my perspective next week.
Jayne on Weed Street said:
I remember the Pierre Deux post! And I don’t agree about your photography – the first step to being a better photographer is to be dissatisfied; that only makes you strive to be better! So glad to have found your blog and I am hoping your energy rubs off on this reader! I am also weeding and editing (of course JayneonWEEDstreet should practice all KINDS of weeding!) and one of my resolutions is to stay out of places like Home Goods, because those are the items that are making the most clutter! Reminder to self – only purchase organizing items from Home Goods and the likes of Joss & Main, Wayside, etc! Happy New Year!
Karen B. said:
Jayne, I’ll remind myself as I take photographs this year that with practice comes improvement. I also confess, if I truly wanted to improve I’d make time to practice way more than I do! 🙂 I hear you, I love a “bargain” and am often tempted by consignment store, Home Goods, etc. finds. The truth is the excitement wears off and I sometimes just have one more thing to store. I like your plan, I may adopt it as my own, purchase more organizing aids. Best to you during your little blog break, I look forward to future posts. xo, Karen
On Wed, Jan 7, 2015 at 7:04 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Victoria • Restoring our Victorian said:
Putting all of the holiday stuff away/cleaning/de-messing usually gives me a burst of – WHY DO I HAVE ALL OF THIS CRAP? And tell myself that this is the year I get a personality transplant and get RID of stuff I do not use.
This year is not looking good – already, I have made a giant mess in the back bedroom in a flurry of organizing, and now I can barely stand to go in there.
Now I can tell myself that I’m waiting for your next post to be inspired to finish.
Happy new year!
Karen B. said:
I aim to aid my friends in their procrastination any way I can. Hahaha. I live with a procrastinator…I actually think I am more relaxed for it. I see that putting things off and enjoying the moment is okay. I bet Paul feels the same way about your contribution to his overly orderly instincts. 🙂 Happy New Year, here’s to many more exciting and entertaining posts from you, my friend. Karen
On Wed, Jan 7, 2015 at 7:13 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Dawn said:
It’s going to be another great year here at Garden, Home & Party, Karen! I’m not quite sure how I discovered your blog so many months ago… but I’m really happy that I found you! Looking forward to your organizing tips! ♡
Karen B. said:
Hi Dawn, I know what you mean, I can’t remember where I found the link that led me to your site, but I’m very happy I discovered you and your *always* wonderful posts. I’m working on the organizing post and hope it can offer the tiniest bit of inspiration in the sea of wonderful ideas out there right now. 🙂 Have a great rest of the week. Karen
On Wed, Jan 7, 2015 at 7:59 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
Oh boy, do I need some clutter-clearing inspiration! I have a specific room in mind, and I have to pump myself up to tackle it! Bring it on! 🙂 –D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, I confess, I’m best at this paring down when the mood strikes. I’ve tried to force it when I have time and honestly, I find I can’t pull the trigger on getting rid of stuff. Instead I play the “what if I need it later” game! I like the idea of putting the items in the garage for a time and then taking it to the goodwill. 🙂 Karen
On Wed, Jan 7, 2015 at 6:42 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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beggingforattention said:
like you i am always thrilled for a new year a time i can set ‘reset’ and like you pinterest has me, far too much, but aren’t all addictions?!
xo
debra
Karen B. said:
So true, Debra. I hope your shopping travels are proving to be worthwhile…I know your stores always seem to have such original treasures. (At least the items you’ve shared make me want to hop on a plane to do some serious shopping! I do enjoy the rebooting that comes with this month. 🙂 xo, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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Karena said:
Karen that last image simply takes my breath away! Thank you for such inspiration!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Karen B. said:
Hi Karena, Thank you for stopping by. I need to revisit your blog. I see you and I comment on some of the same wonderful blog sites. I did like that image with the dark trim…maybe someday in my house I’ll get brave and paint the interior doors or French windows black. xo, Karen
On Fri, Jan 9, 2015 at 7:24 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
How wonderful to re-visit some of your posts — especially the Adieu Pierre Deux post. I enjoyed taking a walk down memory lane as I looked at all the lovely images. Your blog has been such a joyful inspiration to me over the years and I’d feel lost without it. Thank you for being my “go to” source for so many things. I can’t wait for all the treats in store for 2015!
Karen B. said:
Linda, I’m sure you remember that it was your idea for the Pierre Deux post. Any other great ideas, my friend? xo, Karen
On Fri, Jan 9, 2015 at 11:26 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Taylor Greenwalt said:
Hi Karen…If I could stay home long enough I would love to reorganize my home…looking forward to many more post this new year!
Vicki said:
Hi Karen, Hope the New Year is treating you well! I think it’s neat that your most featured posts really show your versatility and appreciation of different designs. Looking forward to some organizing tips!
Karen B. said:
Hi Vicki, How was your holiday with family? I’ve missed your always entertaining posts. I’m not sure everyone will appreciate my organizing tips this year…I’ve been embarked on a somewhat paring down regime. I’ll be interested to see what my readers input is. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 11:38 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Keri | Ivy Clad said:
Happy New Year, Karen! I can see why these were your most popular posts, and not surprisingly, I found something among them to PIN! The front-yard garden alternative– now that’s a beauty.
Thank you for you friendship and your visits to my blog over the past year, despite the erratic posting. I always look forward to hearing from you. I hope the new year is wonderful for you. And I look forward to your organizing tips. Goodness knows, I could use a few right now! 🙂
xo,
Keri
Karen B. said:
Keri, You’ve been missed. I was so happy to see a new post today. I hope 2015 will be a year we can all find peace with. xo, Karen
On Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 4:37 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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mydesignchic said:
So many great posts this year, and yes, we are on the organizing track as always with the start of a new year…can’t wait for your tips!!
Karen B. said:
There have been so many great ideas for storage and for paring down to essentials, especially in the kitchen in blog land. Kitchens seem to burst at the seams with odds and ends that were ‘must-haves’ at the moment of purchase! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 6:16 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Kristy Woodson Harvey said:
Karen, I love seeing your best posts! The “cozy” one is so gorgeous 🙂 That’s what a home should be to me too. I’m so with you on getting rid of everything I don’t use. I never thought it would happen, but I’ve even gotten rid of a bunch of books. I’m not reading them so someone else should get to! Love your perspective! Happy 2015!
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Kristy. It’s felt good to give some things that I don’t use to friends or donate them to others. Books always go to our Friends of the Library, where I’ve even found a gently used book that I want to read! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, speaking of books, I’m sure looking forward to reading yours. xo, Karen
On Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 8:14 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Sharon @ Roses and Rust said:
Happy New year to you! Interesting to see what grabs readers most. The post of mine that has got the most visits of all time is “Bedrooms for Boys” – clearly a lot of moms of boys looking for decorating tips! I hope 2015 will be a good year for you and I look forward to your posts every Wednesday. x Sharon
Karen B. said:
Thanks, Sharon. I recall that post of yours since I have 2 sons, now adults with wives and children of their own. I remember longing for some good ideas when they were young. Your post provided much inspiration, although right now the count on grandchildren is Girls 2 / Boys 0. Hahah. Happy New Year, it’s so nice to know you (blog land speaking, of course). xo, Karen
On Tue, Jan 13, 2015 at 9:54 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Gretchen said:
Karen, looking at your report card is proof that your blog had a very good year in 2014! I hope you are proud of what you’ve created. It brings so much pleasure to so many people.
As you know I’ve had to do some drastic decluttering because of the impending sale of our house. In cleaning closets I discovered things that hadn’t seen the light of day in 20 years! Obviously I didn’t need them anymore! I can really relate to the advice to keep only the things you love. Let’s keep encouraging each other as we go through this process. It can be so rewarding but it’s challenging!
Karen B. said:
It’s a deal! I definitely find its a mindset with me, if I’m not in the right frame of mind I find I give-up very little in the paring down department. We’ll keep encouraging each other, great team plan. xo, Karen
On Wed, Jan 14, 2015 at 10:21 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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