New Year, New Chapter: A Quick Update

I’ve been carrying this post in my drafts for about a week, imagining a strong start to the year with a carefully planned blog schedule. All the conversations about organizing time and following “steps to success” nudged me toward doing blogging the “right” way — but life had other plans.

I meant to publish a big New Year’s Day wrap-up highlighting a few favorites from last year, like the fun I had repainting my mom’s vintage metal cart,

and being so grateful for our lovely “in-between” rental house and its open-concept living area,

I also wanted to share the recipes from my short series on delicious dinner ideas — a series that turned out to be a half-month affair rather than a full month, but still full of tasty inspiration.

Click here for the list of recipes pictured above.

Looking back, 2016 was an intense year for us — a mix of letting go, saying goodbye, and learning to adapt. We traveled, moved, and went through transitions that stretched us in unexpected ways. We lived with three different addresses and phone numbers in eight months; I still struggle to remember the latest postal code!

It felt like a year filled with scary unknowns, and yet it also became a season where we watched, with gratitude, as opportunities unfolded. My husband found a new job, and I started a fun part-time position at a jewelry store. In one of the wildest real estate markets, we were blessed with a place we can finally call home.

I’ll admit: 2016 was one of the most difficult years I’ve experienced. But now I see it differently — as the year that cleared the way for a fresh chapter. Entering 2017 feels like beginning with a clean slate: a new town, new jobs, and a new house. For me personally, the year starts with an exciting new adventure that I can’t wait to share.

That new venture is the reason I haven’t stuck to my carefully crafted blogging schedule. It’s been busy behind the scenes in a good way — a pretty, hopeful kind of change. I’ll be sharing more details soon, and I’m looking forward to bringing you along for the journey.

If you don’t want to wait for a full blog post, I’ll be doing a Live video on my Facebook page later where I’ll share a sneak peek and some behind-the-scenes moments. For those who like quick updates, that will be the place to catch a preview.

Thanks for sticking around and for your encouragement. I’m excited about what’s ahead and can’t wait to share more — from home projects and recipes to the stories behind this new adventure. Stay tuned; there’s more coming soon.