Welcome friends!
I’ve been doing this project recap party for a few years now and it is always fun to look back and see what I’ve accomplished for the year. I actually thought I might not have much to share this year, given the fact that 2011 was a train-wreck of a year for me in so many ways. But, I did a few things around my parent’s house and my sis’s as well. It was fun to be productive and get some things accomplished. If you want to check out what I accomplished in 2010, you can check out last year’s post. I am bummed that all the links are gone from last year’s party, not sure what happened, except that Inlinkz was making some changes around that time and I can’t find the party code anymore. Oh well….
With the upside down period of moving from Birmingham back to Atlanta, I settled in at my parents in April and in May we got the opportunity to make over their back porch, which had never been touched in a decorative way. It was fun to see this space transform into a useful and peaceful place to be. Now, it’s my new office and I love sitting out here.
Here’s the really ugly before state. I wanted to be sure to capture it as it was. And this pic says it all.
Here’s the After! I know, you’re breathing a sigh of relief with me now. We have enjoyed this space SO much and it has added a new room onto the house. Porches rock!!
Also, in May, I helped my friend, Vicki, make over a thriftstore table that we scored in Port St. Joe. It went from blah and dated….
To pretty and cottagey in a beautiful creamy white paint.
We then moved into my bathroom at my parents’ house and did a complete overhaul on the 1970’s bathroom that was in dire need of an update. First thing that came up was the old mauve carpet and down went these pretty Allure vinyl plank flooring
On the walls, I added my famous beadboard wallpaper which I am still in love with. I have it in my own online shop now!
So, we went from this….. to this…..
And we we completely transformed that 70’s bathroom into a nice new space, with a few key changes.
Another thriftstore find in Port St. Joe with my friend, Vicki, we made this ho-hum lamp over too.
And it turned into a cute coastal inspired lamp for its new life.
And the biggest project of the year was my sister’s bedroom makeover.
We stenciled the feature wall in this really cool Moorish stencil. And the room went from the 1990’s…
Definitely needing an update.
To a beautiful modern glam master bedroom suite. That was a fun one!
So, that was my year! How was yours? 🙂
I’m truly trusting and praying that 2012 is a much better year for me. I’m in such a better state of mind than I was a year ago at this time and I’m so glad to be through the worst of all the life changers this year. In fact, I’m downright optimistic. There are a lot of foreclosure houses on the market in our area right now and I expect that 2012 will still have many available. We’ve already taken a few drive-bys and look-sees at a few of them, just to see what is out there.
So, I fully expect that this time NEXT year, I’ll be in a fixer-upper house. I’m saving every penny I can and hopefully will find something for less than $70K that I can fix up and make my own. My dad is completely on board with it and since he did renovations years ago on rental homes and also did a lot of work on my first house, he still has the building and fixing bug and would enjoy helping on a project like this. So, that is what is happening with me! I couldn’t be happier in anticipating the possibility of getting a fixer-upper. If I could find the perfect one, it would be a 60’s or 70’s brick ranch with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, existing hardwood floors in a decent neighborhood. We will see what comes along in my price range and of course, y’all will be the first to hear when it happens. Just thinking about it makes me smile really BIG!
It’s time for you to share your projects too, so feel free to link up and let everyone else know about the party as well. You can use the button or just do a link back.
Christa @ BrownSugarToast says
Thanks so much for the fun party!!! I would have to say my fave before and after from this year was definitely the birth of my son!! 🙂
Shannon at madiganmade says
It’s a lot of fun looking back over the past year… That back porch is now so inviting!
Thanks for hosting! Happy New Year!
Erin @ Two Story Cottage says
Thanks for the party, Rhoda! My projects were on the sparse side this year too – we moved ( a good thing) which made things crazy and then I had a lot of health issues with my son the first half of the year. Things are looking SO much better for me and I’m glad that they are the same for you. You had quite possibly the “worst year ever” so I’m glad you can be in such a good place! Can’t wait to follow you on the fixer upper journey. If anyone can do it, it is you! Oh, and I must thank you for getting me up early this morning- I now have a quiet house to enjoy coffee & maybe a little bit of Pinterest before starting the day. Best wishes in 2012. 🙂
Pat@BPM says
Hi Rhoda
Loved seeing your projects for 2011. Your sister’s bedroom is amazing!!
I’ll be around to visit folks over the next few days. The grands are here at the lake to celebrate Christmas this week.:-)
Scribbler says
Thanks so much for hosting this party again. It was a good exercise to go back and see what we’ve done this year, maybe pat ourselves on the back a little, yes?
All the best to you in the coming year, and I hope you find that house you want very soon. I have been where you are now, and I completely understand.
ETS
brandi says
Hi Rhoda! I enjoyed seeing the projects you featured. The stenciled wall is gorgeous! Wishing you the best in 2012 and all the years to come! Thank you for hosting!
Confessions of a Plate Addict says
Great re-dos, Rhoda! Love the changes in your sister’s bedroom especially. I hope you can find a house and get started with those make-overs in 2012! Happy house hunting!…hugs…Debbie
Debbie Refresh Restyle says
Rhoda, Thanks for hosting. Your sisters room is my favorite! I love all your makeovers and can’t wait to meet you at Haven 2012! I am looking forward to your 2012 adventures and I hope that you find the perfect home to make your own. Love your positive outlook!
Debbie
Marianne@Songbird says
Hi Rhoda,
I made it 🙂 your best projects of the year post is becoming a tradition on my blog too, and you are so right it feels good to look back on a year and focus on the good and the accomplished. I am always surprised myself to see how much got done. I think I am going to do another post tonight and link that up too.
Have a good close to this year and may 2012 be your best year yet.
Wendy says
Thank you for hosting. It is a favorite party, I enjoy going back and looking at everyone’s project review for the year. I am going to pin your stenciling post…it is exactly what I was looking for the girls room! Thank you and wishing you all the best for the new year!
Wendy
Michelle @ Ten June says
Rhoda, you had so many great projects this year! Even though things got topsy turvy at the beginning, you pulled through and took 2011 by the horns and made it yours : ) You should be proud. Still loving the bedroom redo- such a dramatic difference! Cheers to a fabulous 2012 for us all!! Thanks for hosting : )
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Thank you for hosting, Rhoda! 🙂 I can’t decide if the porch makeover or the bedroom makeover was my favorite. This is such a fun party!
debbiedoos says
You had some fabulous projects Rhoda! I love the stenciling, one of my favs. Thanks for hosting your great party. Happy New Year to you!
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
Thanks for hosting, Rhoda! It’s so much fun seeing everyone’s top projects for the year. My favorite project of yours was your sister’s bedroom. The redo was amazing! I hope you find your fixer-upper soon. Warm wishes for a fabulous 2012 for you!
TheLady says
Thank you for posting this past year, as difficult as I’m sure it must have been. You’ve shown just how to make lemonade out of lemons when life throws a curveball. I wish you the best in 2012.
Barbara @diyHomeStagingTips.com says
Rhoda — Here is wishing you the best year ever. With your happy, grateful attitude and can-do spirit, I know that all your resolutions will come to life!
I especially wish you good luck in your house hunt. What could be more exciting? Just this week I blogged about how I learned real estate investing to pull myself up by the bootstraps. I don’t like to self-promote, but because you might relate, here goes …
http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/12/setting-goals-six-steps-that-get.html
Happy New Year from another reader who won’t miss a post of yours in 2012.
Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says
Hi Rhoda–I so much adore your sister’s bedroom wall. It’s so inspiring. It looks both chic and relaxing.
Upscale Downhome says
I loved the transformation of your sister’s room! Good luck on your search for a new home. What a fun process! Can’t wait to follow along…
Gloria @Potentially Beautiful says
You had some great projects in your parents’ and sister’s home this year. I think we may be seeing some projects from your new home in the 2012 recap!