It’s amazing how a week away from blogging feels like a month. But, I sure needed it. We’ve done pretty much NOTHING over the break, and it’s been WONDERFUL. I didn’t turn on my computer for days, I ate whatever I wanted, I finished one book and read another, I sat on the couch almost the entire Christmas day, and then I ate some more. We’ve had late nights, slow mornings, a few meltdowns, and a lot of togetherness (sometimes, maybe a little too much. . .). I’ll slowly be getting back into the swing of things over the next week.
(the aftermath from my favorite five minutes of the year)
For now—and especially for those of you who are new readers—I thought it would be fun to take a quick look back at my favorite posts from the past year:
Converting a closet into the boys’ bathroom
My thoughts on decorating when your kids are little
Updating our kitchen without painting any cabinets
Converting a garage into our den
Celebrating the “survival of the first year”
Creating a reading nook when you don’t really have one
Hanging the kids’ artwork in our stairwell
My favorite Craigslist find of the year
Kids’ rooms ideas from my readers
A simple desk makeover for our bedroom
The challenge of a Clark family photo session
A blue Sharpie and a garden stool makeover
One of my favorite blessings this year
Making IKEA furniture look a lot pricier than it is
Recycling a piece of furniture I almost sold
Hanging a family photo gallery wall
Changing my domain name and a home tour on the blog (at last!)
As always, I’m grateful and humbled that you take time out of your day to read my blog.
Looking forward to what 2014 has in store!
Emily – I enjoyed looking at your blog over this past year. I never even knew these blogs existed until I saw a picture of your family room from your previous house on Pintrest. I have been following you ever since! I have looked at other blogs, and there are a few I follow, but you have a style that I love. I copied some of your ideas and decorations, and someone told me over the holiday that they enjoy how I decorate! I look forward to following your blog this new year and seeing what new and interesting ideas you come up with next!
Thanks, Karen :) Yay for Pinterest!
My favorite this year was your boys’ bathroom…..perfection! Love your budget friendly style on EVERYTHING Emily! ~Kim
What a great year! Your painted armoire and gallery are two of my favorite projects, and I’m hoping to do something similar when I finally tackle my bedroom this year! I love how the “Dream” ornament is shining in the middle of your Christmas Morning mess….that’s what it’s all about! Happy New Year Emily!
Everything is so beautiful! I never comment, but I just had to let you know that your blogs is one of my favorites and I can’t go a day without it. I read all the time, but did I miss a post about the white curtains in your bedroom? I would love to know where you got those along with the black curtain rods. So pretty!
Thanks, Jessica! I didn’t even do a post about those curtains. We just put them up quickly. It’s all from IKEA. We used the same version of the rods and bendable connectors (in black) that we used in the breakfast room.
My 2014 must-do this new year is to travel to an IKEA. Your blog has given me an abundance of decorating inspirations. I thank you and hope the New Year brings more love and joy to your adorable family.
What I admire the most about your blog is that you keep it real. Thanks Emily and Happy New Year.
Such a great year and inspiring round-up Emily. Your blog has always been one of my favorites! Happy New Year to you & the gang!
Happy 2014 to you and your fam Emily!! I hear ya…I am moving very slow and just posted my first post in almost a week…I am still in my eggnog coma…I think my muscles got too relaxed with the holiday gatherings and laziness. I love the changes you have made to your home. Many blessings in 2014 :) xo Kristin
Thanks, Kristin. So glad we got to meet this year :)
Emily, I really can’t remember how I found your website, but once I did, I was hooked! You are so, so creative & seem to be able to do anything & it looks fabulous! And you do all of this while managing five beautiful kids….Kudos to you & I will be following you going forward into 2014…Hope you all have a Happy, Healthy New Year!
Haha. I LOVE that first photo! So fun!
Still love your blog. Any luck getting the type darker? It’s still difficult to read. The grey is pretty, just not enough contrast .
She darkened all the font. Not any better? :)
Good for you for taking some time off. I hope you had a great holiday. I have been following your blog for about a year and I have really enjoyed your posts. Keep up the beautiful work and have a great New Year!
I love your blog and come back daily for inspiration. Your style is impeccable, and the fact that you manage to do projects with a houseful of kids is amazing, but it’s photos like the one on top that make me really love your blog. All the best for 2014!
Thank you, Erin! Much of our house looks like the first picture on most days :)
You had SO many great projects this year Emily! I enjoyed revisiting them. How you accomplish it all with grace and 5 little ones running about is a wonder. Wishing you a wonderful 2014! xo
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. You are real, kind, witty, creative and thoughtful. I love that you share pretty interiors and projects, but always keep a good perspective on life. It obviously shows in your readership and comments that people love that! Congrats on another blogging year down!
Thank you, Carolyn!
can you tell us which Ribba frames you ordered exactly. The sizes are not normal on IKEA site. Your gallery wal has me drooling!
Hi Laurie–I only used two different sizes and painted some of them. Details here:
https://emilyaclark.com/2013/10/hanging-family-photo-gallery-wall-in.html