It’s always fun to look back and see what all took place during the last year. 2020 was a really different year. We were all isolated and had to stay apart most of the year. That was really hard, I missed being with family and friends. In the middle of all this, there were still some things we accomplished. We did a few semi-room makeovers and worked in the yard. I shared a few home tours and some DIY Projects. This was also the year of GREAT LOSS. The Covid virus was devastating for me and so many others. As I look back over the last year, here are snippets of both the good and bad.
First Project Of The New Year – New Shades
Our family room and kitchen had dark brown blinds when we bought the house. I hated them, but they weren’t #1 on the priority list to replace. Well, the time finally came and they were replaced with fabulous 2″ white wood blinds. Now both rooms look so much brighter. Great start to the New Year.
With all the Christmas put away, it was fun to clean the house and create a calm and cozy feeling throughout the house. I was thrilled to join a group of ladies to share our Cozy Winter Homes hosted by Amber @ Follow The Yellow Brick Home.
Putting the kitchen and breakfast area back together after Christmas is always a top priority. I want things clean and refreshed – ready to start the new year.
This room had been decorated with soft gray colors, so I decided to spice it up a bit with some brown and rust tones. A change of color is always a quick way to give any room a refresh.
I don’t usually do anything special for Valentines, but last year I thought a pretty table would be fun. So glad I did.
I have been trying to figure out the entrance ever since we moved in. I think this console and painting finally created the look I was wanting. (Later I even swapped out the chair)
Budget Master Bathroom Makeover
Our master bathroom makeover was finally finished. Finishing the vanity made all the difference in this bathroom. Check out the post to find out how it all came together for free.
Our Seasonal Home Tours are my favorite. Spring was a fun one with so many beautiful homes. 30 homes over 5 days.
Setting The Perfect Easter Table
Sharing my step by step tutorial to creating a special tablescape is fun.
This Easter Blog Hop Tour. I always love to join in with my blogging friends to share our decorating ideas.
This was makeover #1,987,562. This room was the hardest to put together. I kept changing things around and nothing seemed right. Now I love how it turned out. The right furniture and a few plants totally changed everything. (you know the saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again)
That console was the final piece to the family room puzzle. Not so sure hubby thought it was a good idea. (See him studying the directions and all the million pieces to put together)
The pool was a priority when we moved in. Immediately after the kitchen renovation, we started on the pool. The plants have all grown and look so pretty. My favorite place to be all summer.
30 wonderful ladies shared their Homes dressed for Summer. Such a fun tour.
I love how this room looks now, it’s one of my favorite rooms.
The love of my life is strolling heaven today – August 13, 2020. This is the day my world forever changed and seemed to end.
As I was trying to pick up the pieces of my life – Linda @ It All Started With Paint took over and hosted the 2020 Fall Home Tours for me. I will never be able to thank her enough.
Fall In The Kitchen Spooky Style
Adding a little Halloween fun for the grands. (Trying to create something that seems normal)
One Thing Changes Everything – Life Today
I share my heart after losing Jim – the good, bad, and ugly.
Thanksgiving Dinner For 2 to 4
I share how to have a fabulous traditional turkey dinner when you are entertaining small. Even a pretty table is shared.
How To Set Up A Hot Chocolate Bar
A Hot Chocolate or Dessert Coffee Bar is such a fun addition to the holidays. Your guests and family will love these little extras.
Our Christmas decor this year was more rustic than usual. It was fun to keep things a little more simple and understated.
My First Christmas In Heaven Prayer
These past four months have been the hardest days of my life. Firsts are always so hard and we have had several. One month after Jim passed was his birthday September 24th, then Thanksgiving, and now Christmas. He has been missed so dearly for each of these occasions. I am trying to create a new normal of some kind. Not the one I would like to have, but the one I have been given. Thank you all for such kind and loving emails. You have made such a difference even if you don’t know it. You have lifted me up with so much love. So many lost a loved one this past year. I am believing this prayer was sent to all of us.
I am hoping and praying that 2021 turns things around so we can get back to the lives we use to live. No more loss and sadness. I am praying for Happiness and Prosperity for everyone.
Always enjoy your decorating ideas. Thank you for sharing about the loss of your husband. Even though we’ve never met, it feels like I know you and I oftened prayed for you and your hubby. Our good friends came down with covid two weeks ago. He is recovering but his lovely wife passed. It’s unbelievable. The disease hit suddenly and she passed within 5 days. We’ve enjoyed so many dinners together and also birthdays. I made her a couple quilts in August for her birthday and I’m glad I was able to make her happy. Kindness has always mattered to me but Nancy passing away has really made me try extra hard not to pass on an opportunity of being kind to someone. Her husband talks daily with my hubby. He needs someone to just listen. His world is forever changed too. I’m praying for a better 2021 for all of us and that we will care more deeply for each other. God bless you Marty.
I have thought of you so often during this year. You have “kept it together” better than most. Having experienced the same, I know how you want to just sleep through these “firsts”, but you have done so well, sharing your feelings and the beauty of your home with all of us. I’ve enjoyed your posts immensely for the last several years. Hoping 2021 is a more positive year for all of us!
Thank you Marty for a stroll through 2020 on your blog and in your life. So sorry for the devastating loss of your beloved husband. And yes, may 2021 be a much better year. As always, I look forward to each and every one of your spectacular blog posts in the new year. Hugs, Jill
Thanks for sharing such intimate details of your life with all of us. You are like family as we enter your home day after day.
We are all keeping you in prayer. Wishing someone Happy New Year doesn’t seem appropriate this year as friends get COVID.
“You never know when the last time will be the last time” We all need to rethink our actions and words.
Wishing you the best for 2021.
Hello! I found your blog today and really enjoyed it, and would like to be on your email list, but I can’t find where to subscribe. Could you please add me? thank you!
I found the subscribe button on an older post!