Review of Projects Completed in 2013

Looking back over the past year, I can see that we actually accomplished quite a bit. Sometimes I get frustrated about how many things that there are left to do, so it is good to remind myself of all that we have done. You can check out our complete project list to see everything that has been done as well as what is left to be finished. Here I am going to review the biggest projects as well as my favorites. I decided to make it a top ten list. Without further ado here are my top ten projects of 2013.

Number ten is a project that has not been completed, but cleaning out our basement and turning it into a functional space is a big one on my list. I was ashamed at the hoarder’s look we had going on when I wrote “My Big Dirty Secret,” and it has been nice to be able to move around there.

At number nine, removing this hideous pricker bush may not have made a huge visual impact in our yard, but it was important to me. That thing was my nemesis, and I am thrilled to have defeated him. Update: Douglas is upset that I am taking all of the credit. I must admit that he did the work while I merely snapped pictures.

Next on the list at number eight is another project from the yard. In June we installed a rain barrel. It helps us conserve water and makes it easy to be green.

Number seven involved cleaning and beautifying the medicine cabinet, a project that did not take much time or money but made a big difference. I smile every time I open the cabinet.

Starting to make most of our personal hygiene and cleaning products was important for me. It is healthier and saves us money. What could be better than that? This is project number six on the list.

Installing my Skinny Sally pull out drawer beside the stove makes number five on the list and has improved our kitchen storage. Walking into our kitchen you would not even know that it is there, but it makes a difference to me!

I love my drum turned side table enough to make it project number four. It was a fun project and is a distinct item that is often commented on. I even dressed it up for Christmas.

Coming in at number three was a project that required no work for us, but cost us a LOT of money. In March we replaced every single window in our house. It was something that we could have done ourselves, but it would have taken us months and might have caused a divorce. It made me much happier to have a couple of guys running around my house for two days and then enjoy brand new, properly installed windows.

Number two was the installation of my wall of wine crates that has been popular with my house guests and blog readers as well as Douglas and me. I had those crates for five years before I finally found the ideal place for them, but they really are perfect.

Without a doubt, the number one project of the year was tiling our kitchen floor. This project took longer than we expected and had me in tears several times, but it turned out beautifully, and I am so proud of the both of us for accomplishing it.

There you have my favorite projects of the year. Did I leave forget anything that you would have put on the list? What have been your favorites?

Happy Homemaking!