I know things have been a bit quiet around here, with no new content, but since time seems to
fly faster each year, it’s been fun to slow down and take a look back. In the world of endless To Do Lists, the things we accomplished are
easy to forget.
I struggle to write these Personal Highlight posts, because they always feel 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 leap year…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 2014,
as well as the projects you made popular…along with some geeky
by-the-numbers stuff. Basically all the good stuff that made 2014 grand
for our family, all in one spot! If we don’t share DNA, you might want
to skip it!
We loved the island so much, we went back in August for two weeks. Unfortunately, sadder circumstances sent us to Southern California for a long weekend, but I learned so much about forgiveness on that trip.
House Beautiful and Good Housekeeping both loved my How to Hide Pesky Lamp Cords.
American Profile featured my DIY Pinecone Wreaths on our front doors.
I hosted a Home Depot Garden Party, and even got my face on a poster!
I filmed a video about my blogging experiences for one of my favorite blog networks. Funny enough, most of your comments were about my lack of accent! I was on my best behavior that day…the true Texas twang comes out after a glass (or two) of wine.
As did our backyard, with the latest Home Depot Patio Style Challenge.
Nate Berkus called (or his people did, if we’re splitting hairs), and I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
Back-to-School Style | Mother’s Day Tea | Family Picnic in the Park
Travel Style with Sole Society
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…
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 more views than any others in 2014.
It’s fun for me to see who you are, and where you’re coming from. According to Google Analytics, most Hi Sugarplum readers:
tablet/phone to read.
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 each day.
Last year also brought a breath of fresh air around here, with a new blog design.
I try to stay transparent on this blog, so I opened up with a few personal posts like where the name of the blog came from, my first born turning 13, and my new mantra on life.
Also, how I met my Mister, a picture of my giant pregnant belly, and 25 things I learned about myself on a rustic island for 10 days.
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!!! God has blessed me more than I could have ever imagined, and I’m beyond humbled by your friendship, support and kind words.
Your encouragement makes me excited to share each
project, and continue doing what I love so much. Starting this blog was the best whim I’ve ever acted on, and I
can’t wait to see what’s next. This year has already started with a bang, and I’m excited to share all the ideas and projects with you. I pray 2015 is your best yet, lovebugs!
What a fun look back, Cassie! Love the variety of posts that you do — never gets old to pop over. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
xo Heidi
As a fairly new reader, I loved reading this and getting to know you better. What a sweet girl you are and kudos to a really terrific year!
Such awesome opportunities Cassie! So fun following along. Congrats on a great year and Happy New Year!
such an awesome year! and no ur not tooting your own horn – but I totally get what you're saying. people don't understand me either when I tell them some of my closest friends are people I've never face to face met, but hope to someday. but I think it makes your get deeper honestly – or at least that's my opinion. I too cant wait for 2015 to get moving.
Hey Cassie! I came over from either Sheaffer or Shay over a year ago and have been a regular reader ever since. I love you Texas girls I have Tx cousins) and feel like I know you well. I'm a bit older 🙂 than all of you (grandmother of 7) but young women energize me. I'd love to have you all over for dinner or to just hang out and share life. Just wanted you to know I'm here. You touch a lot of lives and bless many every day!
what a wonderful year!! so happy for you 🙂 🙂 love reading along and i cant wait to see what 2015 brings xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Great wrap up! I enjoy it all !! Proud to say I follow you! 🙂
Your blog is one of my favorites! You so consistently write great posts. I am looking forward to this year!
Cassie, I love your blog and my favorite aspect of your blog is that you feel like an old friend that I've known for years! You've inspired me to be more bold in decorating my house and even venturing out of my comfort fashion zone to wear, dare I say it, more patterns. I'll definitely be reading in 2015 and wish you and your family a wonderful year full of love, laughter and happiness!
What a great year full of wonderful opportunities! I love following your blog and look forward to what's to come! Congratulations on all the acknowledgments, you totally deserve it!
Okay, okay… I'm totally a lurker. I'll explain the 3 minute blog visit. It's all I can eke out between loads of laundry and wiping the 3 littles' smears of stuff off all my surfaces. Read fast. Pin to outfit shopping wishlist. Wipe smears. Drink coffee. Fold laundry.
Love your blog for the 3 minutes of grownup time. Thanks for letting me craft and decorate vicariously through your blog, and for teaching me that stripes go with plaids and dots.
How did I miss the Izea video? So adorbs. Way to kill it in 2014, friend. Can't wait to see your 2015! xo
You have so much to be proud of….you have found your niche in the world and God obviously gave you the talent to succeed in this venue and you actually took a chance and followed the plan! Love your blog and your adorable sense of style both in your home and with what you wear. Happy New Year!
You flaunt your gorgeous awesome self! Your blog is wonderful, Cassie. It's great looking back at the previous year and remembering all the great things that you've done. Keep it up and I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for you.
Love your blog and can't wait to see what's in store for this year!
Ok…seriously….how did I never know I could actually REPLY to a comment through email?!! Duh! But now that I've read your No Reply Blogger post I get it…and I'm super annoyed by those I have not been able to respond to!!
Congrats on all fronts Cassie! You are such a sweetheart.
What a year, girl! Great great recap. Can't wait to see all that you do in 2015!
I have just realised that I could be considered a "lurker" because I have never commented on your blog. I live in Bendigo, which is country Victoria Australia and have been following your blog for about 18 months. I always enjoy seeing what you are up to and thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the good work and good luck with your exciting year ahead. Sharyn
Your blog is like summer, full of sunshine and happiness! May 2015 be your best year yet!
What an awesome round-up! Congrats on all these amazing achievements – looking forward to what you come up with in 2015!
Guess I´m in the "lurker" category as well, but I love your blog and all of your fabulous ideas. Wish I could go Target, Home Depot etc shopping here in Denmark, but I try to find alternatives 🙂 Thank you for sharing, can´t wait to see what you´ll share in 2015. Charlotte
I always love these posts! It is so much fun to see all that happens in a single year. And what a year you have had! Glad I was a tiny part of it, I heart you my friend!
What an amazing year!!! I enjoy your blog so much and you deserve all the great things that have come your way! Here's to 2015!
I love this! I really enjoyed reading your blog last year! I cannot wait for all of the 2015 posts!
Wow, what a year!! Makes me wonder what I've been doing with all my time! 😉 lol! You definitely are very talented and beautiful and deserve every bit of all your blessings. Happy New Year!
You've had a fantastic year – glad I could watch it all from the sidelines. Hope 2015 brings you even more happiness and success.
What an amazing year you had Cassie! I'm so glad I got to meet you this summer! You're beautiful inside and out! 🙂
Hi Girl-
I'm just catching up on your blog since the holidays. This post made me cry! I'm so proud/happy for your. You're blog is fantastic and it has all been a joy to watch. I have a feeling this year is going to be even more amazing. YEAH for a new house and magazine shoots! xx