Tuesday, January 3, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR & 2011 RECAP

Happy New Year!! I cannot believe it's 2012 already. Wasn't it just yesterday that everyone was freaking out about Y2K??


One of my resolutions this year is to get my blog posts out in a timely manner. So I thought I would start with a recap of 2011. What? All the other bloggers did that last week? Well, cross that resolution off my list. I'll try again next year :)

Source: google.com via Kyle on Pinterest


2011 marked the birth of this little ole blog of mine. To be honest with you, I was completely clueless about blogging when I jumped into this venture (and I'm still pretty clueless). I enjoy writing and thought a blog would be a nice way to document the remodel of our master bathroom. I really didn't give much thought to what I'd blog about after the bathroom was complete.

Luckily, I've had enough hot air to keep going. It hasn't been easy. Being a considerate blogger is very time consuming, and I've tried to keep up with posts and projects and comments and e-mails as much as I can. But, I still have 4 little people who need my attention. There are times when I'm being a "good" blogger and feel that I've failed my family. There are times when I've been a good mom, and feel that I'm failing at my blog.
I can't count the number of times I've tried to write this post over the past few days!

Thankfully, I've got all of you who have welcomed me into the blogging community and provided advice and encouragement along the way. Thank you so much for visiting and supporting me, and leaving comments and e-mails that uplift me. You rock!!

Okay... before I run out of time to finish this post... Here are the Top 5 most-viewed posts of 2011 :






I have to tell you a quick story about this one. I had been blogging for a month and getting a couple of hits a week from my loyal followers, which consisted of my mom, my sister and a few people I paid friends. One night, seemingly out of the blue, I started getting tons of traffic on my blog. And, my followers increased from 10 to 75 in a matter of hours. 

I went to my Stats page and noticed they were coming from Thrifty Decor Chick's blog. She had mentioned my post on her blog and her followers were coming by in droves. It was unreal! I realized at that moment that people ... real people, who didn't know me might actually start reading my blog. It was exciting and scary! Thank you, Sarah :)



I guess y'all love a good home tour as much as I do! I'll be continuing my Friendly Places home tour series this year, and I've got some phenomenal homes to show you.



I love painting furniture (when I can find the time)! Hoping to do more of this in 2012.




So, there you have it. The "2011 Sweet Chaos Readers' Choice" posts! I must tell you that the 6th most-viewed post cracks me up. It was one of my first posts and I never linked it up to any blog parties, so I'm shocked it made it to the Number 6 slot.

The post is titled, The Naked Truth (with pictures). Do you think people are googling something else, and just happen to land on that page? (Mental note: Use provocative titles for future posts.)

Thanks again for joining me in 2011! It truly has been sweet chaos, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll be back soon to share my New Years resolutions with you. Or maybe I won't be back too soon. After all, I am no longer resolved to post in a timely manner :)

HAPPY 2012!! Hope all your wishes come true this year!

13 comments:

  1. Such a cute post! I didn't realize that you had only been blogging for a short time. I really love that bathroom remodel! I feel the same way about how much time to devote to everything. I have a house to run and kids to take care of, so my blog will always come second to that. It is a fun hobby, nothing more. I have to keep that in perspective so I don't stress. As long as you have your priorities right, everything will fall in place the way they are supposed to.

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  2. Loved following you through all of the fun last year and looking forward to more in 2012!

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  3. I am so glad to have found your blog this year. Looking forward to 2012.

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  4. Wishing you and your family a very happy New Year! I can totally relate to the feelings of you describe about failing at the blog thing or the mom thing. I, for one, am very glad that you find the time to blog. I love reading your posts, you are so entertaining and amusing. It is a real gift so don't let it go to waste. x Sharon

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  5. Glad I met you in 2011. I started blogging last year too and I can relate to what you say about juggling and guilt etc. I decided to accept that even if my blog didn't become one of those really successful sites with hundreds of followers, I would just do my best and treat it more like a fun hobby. So much less pressure that way:) God bless x

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  6. I always love visiting your blog and seeing what you're up to! And don't fret about how much time you're devoting to it, we all have real lives too with toilets that need cleaning and undies needing washing! :)

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  7. As you know, I love your blog, and I look forward to many more wonderful posts from you in the year ahead!
    ~ Wendi ~

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  8. I enjoy your blog! Keep writing....your humor and honesty are fun to read!

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  9. You had a wonderful year and I am so glad that we found each other here in blogland! I look forward to more of your creativeness and of course provocative titles that you come up with. ;)
    I hope this year brings you joy, love and happiness!
    xoxox

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  10. Just went through your top six and I only have one word: AMAZING!!!

    So glad I found your blog. Looking forward to following you.

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  11. You have a great blog and I am so glad I found it! Don't feel pressured to blog regularly, let it fit into your life when you can.

    I'm looking forward to seeing what you will be up to in 2012! Keep that great sense of humor!

    XO,
    Jane

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  12. Your home is utterly amazing - and your bathroom is one of the very nicest I've ever seen. So airy and gorgeous!

    Sarahx

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  13. HERE you are! Months ago I was following your gorgeous bathroom renovation … and then somehow I lost you in a “favorites” shuffle. So I’m thrilled to have found “that girl with the awesome master bath” again :o)

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