2011: The House of Smiths – A Year in Review
Can you even believe that 2012 is almost here!? I feel like this past year has been a whirlwind of crazy-awesomeness! We’ve had so much going on around our house, with the blog and Cason’s new job, that I feel like time has just flown right by! How is it that some days seem to NEVER end, but then when you look back on an entire year… you can’t believe that 365 of them have passed so quickly?
I wanted to do a little recap of some of our favorite and YOUR favorite posts from 2012! We went through our posts from this past year, and along with a little breakdown for you of what we were up to, we gathered our most popular projects and listed them here for any of you who may have missed them!
We started off our year with one of our most popular posts, believe it or not...
A simple quick tutorial on how to change your blogger.com settings so that I can respond to your comments that I love so much! Because let’s get real… asking a question about a project or specific decoration in a comment and then having NO WAY for me to respond back… is just plain ol’ silly.
🙂
February flew in and love was in the air! We decorated and crafted up some new Valentines Decorating Ideas and shared them with everyone!
March was an EXTRA exciting month around the Smith house! I was contacted to see if my girls wanted to attend a little tea party at the Plaza Hotel in New York with Miss Kelly and Electrolux, to support an amazing cause.
One of our favorite blogging related experiences, to date. SUCH a fun opportunity. I quickly started realizing how much of an impact blogging and social media have in the world!
After arriving home, we didn’t waste anytime getting back to work. We started the next month off with an easy, inexpensive Painted Chevron Rug Tutorial. Thanks to one of my best-bloggin’-friends Jen from Tatertots and Jello, and her obsession with all things chevron… our rugs turned out fabulously!
We were so happy with our new aqua rug, that we decided to scatter the happy color throughout, with a massive Gallery wall using IKEA picture frames and some easy tips and tricks. Shortly after, our personalized Address Subway art was born…
Our next project, to complete our living room ensemble was our Console Table Makeover with bright yellow lamps to boot!…
For the month following, we shifted gears and got started on our master bathroom renovation…
who knew THIS project would go straight into 2012!? LOL. Probably because we spent too much time messing around with the camera taking silly pictures then actually WORKING… oh well. ha!
In true House of Smiths fashion, we got sidetracked and wandered out into the kitchen to do a little summer decorating…
🙂
…but in the end, it was just way too nice to work inside, so we headed outdoors to spruce up the yard!
With the Summer months in full swing, blogging conferences started up, and I was a traveling fool!
Having WAY too much fun at EVO with tons of inspiring women…
then off to meet and hang out with new friends in San Diego at the Blogher conference, all while honing in on blogging skills, networking and finding out the best ways to survive the fast-paced world of social media.
Quickly after returning home we were approached by a local production studio here in Utah about shooting some fun new shows. All dealing with projects, tips, tricks and topics frequently seen on our blog! We loved the idea of being able to present our readers with another great option to connect with us, so the plans for shooting 12 episodes in the fall were announced!
Whew! At this point, we were feeling a bit overwhelmed… but incredibly blessed. Crafting and creating new things always helps me regain a bit of perspective, so I whipped up a little Stenciled Cake Stand as I prepared for Aubrielle’s 4yr old birthday party…
A need for a stylish way to store coats, gloves, hats and other random winter-type items came to head as the days got chillier, so we constructed a few DIY vintage wood crates…
(that will also be incorporated into a big new project in 2012!)
In September I was jet setting to Minnesota to join in on all the fun at The Creative Connection Event, as a social media corespondent. Learned a TON and had the chance to rub shoulders with some truly talented people.
October started out with a re-purposed little aqua striped table for that ‘awkward space’ between our kitchen and living room…
and with gobs of sleepless nights and massive amounts of help and support from Cason and my brother… we officially launched our new House of Smiths vinyl design shop!!!
But October couldn’t leave without a bang! Aubrielle turned 4, and we found ourselves knee deep in tulle, pink, and all things girly, as we threw an epic Fairy Ballerina Party for that sweet, spunky kiddo.
After an even MORE epic “after-party-clean-up”… we did a quick switcha-roo from pinks and polka dots, to pumpkins and turkeys! Thanksgiving decorating was in full swing!
But as we all know, it doesn’t last long… December approached rapidly as we geared up for the holidays, with a little Christmas crafting and present wrapping.
YEOW!
Do you see what I mean now!? We wouldn’t have changed a THING… but needless to say, things were QUITE busy around here in 2011. We have currently been getting a bit more organized for the new year with our latest Magnetic Organizational board tutorial…
the great toy purge, and yet AGAIN… the good ol’ garage organization and clean up routine.
(so we can actually FIND our tools again, for the next set of upcoming projects)
Thank you SO MUCH for all of the support that you’ve given our blog and for coming along on our family’s DIY adventures! We sincerely consider all of our readers some of our closest friends, and hope that all of YOU have a productive, happy and safe New Year!
If you haven’t been around ‘the house’ for very long, you can also check out our 2010, year in review post! Lots of room makeovers in the beginning stages and additional projects too!
Life In The Thrifty Lane says
You had an amazing year!! Wishing you a fab 2012;)
Veronica
Unknown says
I. simply. LOVE. your. blog. PERIOD. 🙂
Lindsay says
I love your blog! I love everything you create! I've been dying to make a chevron rug, love your kitchen door that's blue and love all the white in your house! Not to mention your wonderful fairy party you had- wow! Thanks for sharing all of your creative ideas! I'm hooked on reading your blog!
Tanya Frost says
Congratulations and continued success!
Tanya Frost says
Congratulations and continued success!
Rhonda @ home.made. says
That is a fantastic wrap up of your busy year! So happy for your success!
Pieced Pastimes says
You had an amazing 2011 and I look forward to reading all about your 2012 adventures. Wishing you a Very Happy New Year!
Jessica @ FourGenerationsOneRoof says
Wow! YOu guys certainly had a busy, fun and productive year!I love your daughters party & your door board! I need one of those 🙂 Such a beautiful home and family you have. Happy New Year!
Carol-Anne says
It's been a blast watching your blog grow and get better, month after month, year after year! You two deserve all of the success you get, because you obviously work so hard at it! Happy 2012!
Unknown says
Wow what a year! You have done such an amazing job this past year, and I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for you & your family 🙂 Keep it up! I love reading your blog 🙂
Unknown says
Just to let you know Your blog is AWESOME!!! 🙂 Happy 2012 to you and your family!!!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I am always so inspired by what you accomplish! You have so many amazing projects here…I know 2012 will bring fun things too. 🙂
claudia b says
Love the recap, this has quickly become one of my favorite blogs!!!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Wow, you all HAVE been busy little beavers! Your projects are incredible. Your how was so nice before, but jaw-dropping now! Good work!
Kiana N says
You guys are amazing! I get so much inspirations for creating new things in my home from you! Thanks for sharing all of your awesomeness!!!
Unknown says
Love it all! I've been a follower for a while but this post was a great way for me to see a lot of awesome projects for some great inspiration. Your house is just beautiful!
Karlie says
Yay! Loved reading through that post. Fun stuff.
Denissa says
So fun to look back! I was so excited to see the Valentine's projects, now that Christmas is over I can't wait to decorate! Lol
Happy New Year! Looking forward to what is next 🙂
Betsy says
Love you blog. What an inspiration you are to make a house a home. May next year be just as fulfilling for your family.
Julie says
I'm so glad you shared a glimpse at this year. I am a recent follower and am looking forward to seeing what you share in 2012. Happy New Year and many successes!
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
SHelley, so glad I got to meet you in person this year at Blogher, what fun that was! You are so much fun and such a sweet gal. And those projects you have done are pretty awesome too! Looking forward to another fun year of blogging with you. xoxo
Mary Ann Pickett says
You are such an impressive and inspirational woman.
Keep it up…and happy 2012!!!
Emily says
What a fun and fabulous year for you! Can't wait to see what 2012 brings!
Heather @ Glitter and Gloss says
I love this post! Your blog is amazing, and so inspiring! I loved getting to meet you at Creative Estates and hope to see you again at Snap!
Happy New Year!!
Cyndi says
Thank you for the recap, and thanks for writing such a fun blog. Yours is one of my favorites. I can't wait to see what you come up with next! And, you also have the cutest family! Have a happy and loving year.
Cyndi says
Oh, I forgot to mention that I still cannot believe how tiny Kelly Rippa is. Do you think she even weighs 100 pounds? Don't mind me; I'm just jealous. lol
Sunday says
I love your blog, I get so excited to see I have an email from you! I continually am sharing your gallery wall with friends, yours is my favorite. My goal (SOON) is to tackle my pantry and you are my inspiration – hope it turns out at least somewhat like yours!
Monica says
What a fun round up! I have enjoyed reading your blog sooo much this year and can't wait to see what you have in store for 2012. Happy New Year to you and your family and nothing but blessing and continued success for you in 2012! xx, Monica
Jen says
Excited to see what you'll be doing in 2012. I love your creative ideas. Can you tell me what font you used on your Valentine plate for "14" (which is the same for your Halloween stuff too). It's sooo great!
The Bonjour Four says
you are just absolutely amazing! and that video is just awesome! totally loved it!
Nancy@owensolivia says
Happy New Year Shelley!
Unknown says
Wowza, what an amazing year your family had! I found myself holding my breath as I read your year in review… what a fantastic jam packed journey you have had! Congrats to you all! Very very inspiring for a smaller blog, truely!
Best Wishes into the New Year!
xoxo Kim @ tiarasandbowties.blogspot.com
Unknown says
I LOVE your blog! I visit a few times a week. Two questions…where did you get your shutter sidelight for the front door and your kitchen rug in the above After picture.
Anonymous says
Wow! You have been so busy!! How do you keep that smile on your face the whole time? Amazing. Can't wait to see what you do this year!
Megan {Splendid Design} says
I love your blog! You are very talented and I love seeing what you come up with everytime. Thank you for the recap. Happy New Year!
Shelley says
A little bit breath-taking. Such an amazing year in advance. You rock Shelley. 🙂
Shelley says
Wow. A little bit breath-taking! Such a fabulous year in review. You ROCK Shelley. 🙂