2013 in review…

Amazing how fast this past year has gone by!  I look forward to 2014 to see what may come our way here at Fishtail Cottage.  But for now – I want to share with you Fishtail Cottage’s 2014 year in in review. Please click on any of the photo’s to be taken to the original post.

My son’s Room Reveal was the most viewed post I shared with you all in 2013 ~ I was overwhelmed with the amount of love and kind comments that were given on this project!  This room turned out amazing and fit his personality perfectly!

The second most viewed post was about my dear friend Ashley Trenner who passed in March of 2013 after a courageous battle with Melanoma.  The fact that so many continue to visit her story means that her message continues to grow through others, reading changing their own behavior or sharing her story to help someone they care about.  Ashley’s message was loud and clear – don’t tan!  I hope to see more legislation change in 2014 so that anyone under 18 cannot use a tanning bed… especially here in Washington State.  Ashley also stressed the importance of early detection ~ so if you haven’t had your skin checked in the past twelve months by a dermatologist ~ please do so immediately!

The third post that was most viewed by you was this one. “Week in the garden 7/29/13…”  I am assuming its because of those beautiful Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangeas that were at peak of the season when those photo’s were taken?

The last link I will share that had the most visits by you was the Girls Bathroom Reveal ~ I think we are looking for new ways to update and organize our homes in a simple way that is “real” this room is a favorite of mine too for that very same reason. 

Participating in your link parties and browsing those parties are one of my favorite past times.  I always find so much inspiration visiting! 

I’ve learned to browse big box stores for ideas, but shop from local shops, flea markets and Etsy.  If it’s something I can’t find, I try to make it myself. I am finding fulfillment in surrounding myself with more eclectic pieces that have both history and character mixed in with my home décor. 

Something fun I did this past year, was more crafting…these didn’t make the top most viewed posts, but were definitely some of my favorite accomplishments to look back on! You can be taken to the post by clicking on the photo!

This past year, I introduced blog advertising on my sidebar which has been fun ~ if you are interested in advertising in 2014, please email me! I’ve continued to sell found items in my Etsy Store.  This fall, I put together a 2014 Fishtail Cottage Garden Calendar which turned out beautiful ~ only a few left if you are still looking for the perfect one for your wall at your home or in your office!

Continuing to love Pinterest and Facebook, I recently joined both Instagram and Twitter as well. I am truly enjoying the use of Instagram, but I haven’t quite figured out how to use Twitter…maybe I’ll eventually figure that out.  To be honest, it is a lot to keep up with!

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!  Wishing you a safe and happy rest of the holiday season!  Unbelievable to think there are only 5 more days until 2014! xoxo, tracie

To see where else I am linking to this week – please check my “Cottage Links” label