Happy Friday, friends! I know things have been a bit quiet around here, but since time seems to fly faster each year, it’s been fun to slow down and look back at what we accomplished. In the world of endless To Do Lists, those things are easy to forget.
I struggled with this post, because every approach seemed so ‘Hey! Hey! Look at Me!! Aren’t I Fab?!’ But I often have to remind myself that this blog is my happy place…my own personal scrapbook and life’s chronicle…of not only what we do to our home, but what happens to the people in our home.
That said, the majority of the amazing opportunities that come my way, are because of you guys…and your support of this little blog. I can’t thank you enough for popping in every day, week, month, or full-moon…whenever it is, I’m thrilled you stopped by! Even the lurkers…I know you’re there!
So this post is a combination of my own personal highlights from 2013, as well as the projects you made popular…along with some geeky by-the-numbers stuff. Basically all the good stuff that made 2013 grand for our family, all in one spot! If we don’t share DNA, you might want to skip it!
TRAVELS…
I started blogging as a creative outlet, and had no idea of the friendships that would come from it. Now, some of my very closest friends are bloggers I’ve met online…many of whom I’ve never met in person! Last year I was invited to speak at the Haven Conference…which was extremely flattering…but also gave me the opportunity to finally cross the virtual-friend-line with so many.
I also flew to New York, courtesy of Lowes Home Improvement, for some great Christmas inspiration, and more blogger-friend time.
All the budget DIYing paid off, and Mr. Sugarplum and I saved up for an amazing 10 days in Venice, Burano, and Florence. It was eventful getting there….but so worth it. I just realized I never posted about our favorite leg of the trip, Cinque Terre…so that’s coming up soon!
We spent Spring Break exploring the Texas Hill Country, and the kids and I made our annual road-trip to Tennessee….time with these special people is always a highlight.
And we spent a glorious week in Galveston, with no friends or electronics. I didn’t post about the trip this year, but you can see what makes it so special in this post.
RECOGNITIONS…
Better Homes & Garden featured our Kitchen in their special publication, Kitchen & Bath Makeovers…I may have shown everyone in the check-out line.
The Dallas Morning News tapped me to create 5 Fabulous Washi Projects.
And Craft 1*2*3 featured our Mummy Lights in their Fall issue, and more fun projects with plastic animals in their Spring issue.
COLLABORATIONS…
Our backyard got a much-needed makeover, courtesy of the Home Depot Patio Challenge.
And Pottery Barn helped us get the party started with their Summer Sips Cocktail Challenge.
Command Hooks are one of the best things to happen to homeowners, so it was a breeze to create projects for them. For some crazy reason, Haagen-Daz selected us as brand ambassadors, and we got to spend 3 months making amazing memories, not to mention eating the best ice cream. Ever.
And when Martha Stewart calls, you say ‘Yes ma’am, whatever you want, ma’am!’
MOST COMMENTS…
I’m fortunate to have a full-time job, so this blog can remain my pure joy and hobby. I write for myself, but I love the interaction with you, and comments are the best way (make sure you’re not a no-reply blogger!) Every time I hit ‘publish’ on a post I wonder what you’ll think, and am always surprised by your response. I can’t believe how much you had to say about these posts…
MOST VIEWED…
Some posts take on a life of their own, and I really have no idea why one project resonates more than another…but these posts received 25 times more views than my average posts.
And then there was that time Young House Love linked their readers over here for Sherry’s {20 Questions} post…I think my blog almost broke that day.
MOST POPULAR OUTFIT INSPIRATIONS….
As horribly awkward and uncomfortable as it is for me to take outfit pics (with my son as the photographer, no less!), they still remain one of my favorite posts to create. These seemed to be your favorites…
MOST POPULAR RECIPE…
I’m not so much a cooker, as I am a preparer. So the recipes I post here aren’t earth-shattering…but they are easy, and yummy. Which is all I’m looking for! I had a ball putting together my daughter’s Rainbow Art Party, and you guys really liked her cake.
NUMBERS…
It’s fun for me to see who you are, and where you’re coming from. According to Google Analytics, most Hi Sugarplum readers:
More than half of you are referred here from other sites…so thank you to these amazing bloggers who so generously share my projects and include me in their blogrolls. Without them and Pinterest, I’d likely be writing to just my mom and aunt each day.
I know this post was a lot of toot-tooting my own horn, but I’m just so grateful for all the friends, opportunities, and most of all, you!!! Your friendship, support and kind words make me excited to share each project. Starting this blog was the best whim I’ve ever acted on, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I’ve got so many ideas and projects to share with you in 2014…until then, happy weekend, lovebugs!
Not tooting your own horn–just being grateful for a really good year! Road trip to Charlotte in 2014!! (I'm serious.)
Girl, that sounds like a plan!! I hope 2014 brings us another opportunity to hook up! xo
Toot on sister … looking forward to 2014 on hi sugarplum!
emma @ {from my little pink couch}
You pulled me out of lurkdom with your pink dining room ceiling. I've been out here in Chicago for AGES reading you tho. I always enjoy it. Thx for the time you take with this blog.
I knew you were there!! 😉 Thank you so much, Sequana!
You had an AWESOME year Cassie! Here's to 2014!! xo Kristin
So glad I found your amazing blog a few years ago! You seriously are the first one I click on in the morning. I am so thankful I got to meet your sweet face this year. So looking forward to seeing what blessings come your way in 2014!! xoxo
Sweet, adorable, buff-armed Amy!! 😉 I KNOW 2014 holds a bounty of blessings for you…can't wait to watch it all unfold!
It's because we love you Cassie! You are a wonderful inspiration and I'm so very happy to have found you.
Okay, you just gave me a throat lump! Thanks so much, Rebecca…and happy new year!
Well deserved! You earned it girlfriend!!!
Tooting is cool when you got something to toot about, and you do it with a lot of grace, Cassie 🙂 I am forever grateful that I found your "little" blog and have enjoyed all of your projects, not to mention that you mentioned me and my tiny blog blew up!! Cheers to 2014!! Xoxo
Yay for new readers!!! Here's hoping 2014 includes more pink rooms!
All so very exciting and certainly well deserved Cassie! I've loved following your inspiring blog 🙂 xoxo
Keep on tooting that horn – you deserve it!
I have had the MOST fun getting to know you this year! I adore every.single.post. You are a girl after my own heart love! I can't wait to see what happens for you in 2014! XOXO
toooot away! haha 🙂 this looks like a great year and i cant wait to see what's in store for 2014! xo
You sure had a heck of a year! That pic of y'all in Central Park is great! That park looked soooo different when I was there last month – covered in snow! Love your blog! Happy 2014!
http://www.styleoyster.blogspot.com
I had the best time following your blog this year Cassie! You are such an inspiration and I can't wait to see what you have in store in 2014. Well deserved tootage 🙂
It's not tooting your own horn – it's being grateful for a wonderful year! Cheers to 2014 – hope we get to meet again!!
Ummm this post rocked and your year ROCKED! Im so so happy for you and all the success coming your way, and so super happy to get to share in your life through Hi Sugarplum! Thank you so much for sharing it and your amazing sense of humor with us. Cant wait for more adventures.
I loved this post! So fun to look back, and it looks like you had a great year!
What a great year you had, Cassie! Many blessings for 2014… look forward to following along!
xo Heidi
Cassie,
I've loved getting to know you and your blog the last couple of months and believe you to be one of the least, ' look at me ' bloggers out there. The sense of humor you bring to your blog makes it all the more human and easy to relate too, it's no wonder so many readers keep coming back every day, week, month. Excited to see what you bring to the table with this new year! xo
If I haven't said this before, you continually amaze me with everything you accomplish and share here on the blog, all while working full time and being a wife and mom. Thank you for sharing your silly side with us and keeping the world full of color and pattern!
I Love EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You had such a great year! You toot that horn! You deserve it!
What a great year! Did you see that your bday party was featured as one of the year's best over at hollywood housewife? I noticed it the other day. Thanks for all of the continued inspiration!
As a serial lurker, I have to say my favorites were the confetti vases, the haircut (so cute!), and your fashion posts. Toot away! You deserve it!!
So proud of you girl. You have oodles of talent and remain genuine and honest and sweet and hilarious even though you're famous now. 🙂 I still love the confetti vase and the haircut rocked. I want to meet Maggie!
Bravo to you for having such a great year. Looks like you had a blast. Congrats! 🙂