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.
Martina says
Rhoda your makeovers are always so inspiring! Thanks for hosting this fun party!! Happy New Year! Martina
Courtney says
Thanks for hosting Rhoda!! 🙂
Mary says
I am amazed that this is my 3rd year joining your party Rhoda!! So much time has passed and way too fast but we are still getting some projects accomplished in spite of it!
Thank you for hosting and for all the inspiration you have brought through your blog throughout the years!
bee blessed
mary
Cyndia Montgomery says
Rhoda,
I am putting a lot of hope into 2012 being a much better year too! So many have lost so much this year; homes, jobs, loved ones. We have had our own, certainly, but the saddest for us has been a dear friend experiencing a spinal cord injury and seeing his family’s whole life change.
Rhoda, you give me hope though. Your strength and perserverence this year has been amazing to watch. Like a true Southern woman, I’m sure you have shed your tears in private, then straightened your shoulders and plunged into doing what needed doing to survive, and yes, thrive. May 2012 bring you your lovely little rancher and the life that you want and so richly deserve.
Jane @ The Borrowed Abode says
Wow! How did I miss your makeover of your parents’ back porch? What a great transformation. Here’s hoping that 2012 is an absolutely fantastic year for you – you deserve it!!
selina@CreativeJuicesDecor says
your sister’s room makeover is just SOOOO gorgeous! thanks for the party and don’t forget to ask your tech guy (if it isn’t you!) if they can make it so if you commented once, the name email etc will show up automatically the next time we comment. 🙂
Rhoda says
Hey, Selina, I did ask my tech guy and he doesn’t know any changes I can make for that either. So, I have no idea if there is a way to do it. When I go & comment on other WP blogs, I always have to sign in again and again too, so I’m not sure if others have a way to do that either. if anyone knows, I’d love to hear it! anyone, is there a way to set a WP blog so that commenters only have to sign in once? I would think too it would be some sort of cookies set on each person’s computer?? I have no idea, some of this is beyond me!
ColleenwithMurals&More says
Thanks for hosting, Rhoda! I can honestly say one of my greatest blessings in 2011 was meeting you! Here’s hoping 2012 is full of good things – including our own houses! ♥
Rhoda says
Thank you, Colleen! So great to meet you too. Looking forward to a fun new year and yes, a fixer-upper house. If you are looking too, I wish you the best.
Brooke @ Spruce Your Nest says
All of your makeovers look great! I love your new office, it looks so peaceful!
Thanks for hosting!
Anne says
Rhoda, Thank you for hosting! I’ve read your blog for years and finally took the plunge into the blogging fun in September. How fun to have the opportunity to share my favorite projects of 2011 on YOUR blog. I wish you all the best in the new year!!!
Ceekay says
Thanks for the party! This should give me ideas for next year!!
Sarah says
Wow- lots to look at! 🙂 I loved your parents bathroom re-do. Do you have any tips or links on how to frame out the mirror? would love to do that in my kids bathroom.
Rhoda says
Hi Sarah, thanks and I do have a tutorial that I did in my old house, framing out those boring mirrors. The one in my parent’s bath from Mirror Mates, but you can DIY one yourself that is pretty snazzy.
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/framing-those-boring-mirrors/
Richella @ Imparting Grace says
Rhoda, 2011 has been a challenging year for me, but my year pales in comparison to yours! So many of us love and appreciate you. We join in praying for wonderful 2012 for you. Every blessing to you and your precious family.
Shelley @ Calypso In The Country says
I love all your projects! Wishing you a great 2012! Thanks for hosting!
melissa*320 sycamore says
What a year you’ve had, Rhoda! Good luck with your house hunting~can’t wait to see what happens. Holiday greetings to you!! 🙂
Maureen says
I can’t imagine how I didn’t find your site before this! Of course, I have joined. I’ve been where you are and I know nothing lasts forever – neither good nor bad. I really believe it’s all part of a bigger picture and we will, someday, understand it all. I’m glad you are bravely marching into 2012!
Rosemary says
What a great opportunity to look back. Thanks for hosting this party Rhoda. Good luck with your house search. I’ll be doing the same. You’ve had a very productive year, and I wish you all the best in the coming year.
Jean Tepper says
Best news of this post was that you have been looking for a place of your own and might find something in 2012. I am wishing for the very best to you and I know there is something out there which you would love to own.
You are the best example of “How Blogging Saved My Life!” (Title for your book, perhaps?)
Happy New Year.