Top 10 of '11

Happy New Years Eve! One of my favorite house related things to do at the end of the year is to look back at all that we've accomplished, and then to anticipate all those good ideas that WILL be accomplished this time next year :) It's rather exciting.

I am so thankful for a husband who has good taste and likes doing projects with me. I'm even more thankful (and undeserving) of a grace-giving and merciful God who has provided a home to be my creative outlet, and for using house projects to teach me much about contentment, stewardship, and joy in His provision. Who knew? I love that He orchestrates teachable moments where I'd least expect them :)

And on that note, here are my favorite projects for 2011, starting with my most favorite (or favoritest :)

1. Entryway Board and Batten

It makes our entryway feel twice as big, and gives it three times as much style:) Leo also loves that the window blinds are now gone so he can bark at squirrels/people/trash blowing by/absolutely nothing.

2. Painting the Railing

This was a very close second. Much (blood?) sweat, and tears (and hand cramps) went into this one. It really brightens up our main living area!

3. Photography

I know this isn't a house project, but it's become a new hobby of mine! And isn't that couple darn cute together?

4. New Office

Transforming the "armpit of the house" gives the basement almost twice the living space- woohoo! (Ack- never took updated photos!)

5. DIY Subway Art

I love this artwork! I also love that it was super cheap :) This project may strike again in the basement- I'm eyeballing an empty spot on the wall that looks like it needs some filling up.

6. Open Kitchen Shelving

We had 30 doors in our kitchen, and something had to give. Now there's 28.

7. DIY Cloche Pedestal

This might be a weird pick, but I still love this little thing to death. I also may have picked this because it was the first time I got my newfangled DSLR camera to photograph the lighting properly. But just maybe.

8. Bathroom Vanity Makeover

One can of paint can make a world of a difference in updating a bathroom!

9. Faux Fall Branches

This pick cements my mild fixation with trees/branches/leaves. I need to branch out.

10. Magnetic Bulletin Board

Rounding out the pack, this guy makes a lively and useful addition to our new office. 

11. And just for fun, let's throw in Homemade Strawberry Freezer Jam (just because of the copious and staggering amounts of sugar, and because I felt very much like Martha Stewart/The Pioneer Woman while I made it).

Happy (almost!) New Years!