Sup, friends. I had So. Much. Fun. writing this post! After a great year, there really is nothing better than looking back at all the blog posts we created (over 700 ???!!) and try to narrow it down to 25 of my favorites. Not an easy task. I could have easily did my top 100, but I'll keep it reasonable for you instead!
Here are twenty-five of my favorite posts from 2014, in no particular order. It's really random. Enjoy!
1. My favorite Sister Style of the year. I love how the photos turned out, and loved that we made this shoot into an excuse to visit our grandmother even more!
2. On Young Industries (Part 1): Blogging. I enjoyed working on this post because it caused me to reflect on what we do for a living and why more than I ever had before. I sometimes go back and re-read it when I'm feeling down on blogging. There is a lot of negative commentary circulating about blogging, but I think it's important to stay focused and realize that this young industry is ours to shape. As bloggers, we're all responsible for where it goes next, so let's make it great! (High fives, fist bumps, etc.)
3. I shared my super simple tips for editing bright and sharp iPhone photos.
4. One of our big projects in 2014 was renovating the house that we use as our workplace. The kitchen before/after tour and video tour are two posts I am super proud of. I learned so, so, so much from this house project. It was an incredible learning experience, and I'll definitely repeat the concrete countertop DIY and the floor to ceiling subway tile in another kitchen in the future!
5. My favorite craft that I made this year was this set of geometric wool felt pillows. They're super bright and fun, and they're currently living in my office!
6. While I'm on the topic of room makeovers, I am so pleased with how our studio living room turned out. You can see before & after photos here. That light fixture has my heart (but so does the couch… and the chairs… and the rug… ).
7. One of my favorite less traditional makeovers was the workshop (located behind our studio house). It started out as less than a garage, more like a ready-to-be-demolished-creepy-shed and now it's a bright, nice workspace! I'd say it wins the award for "most improved".
8. This mirror. It was a labor of love, but it adds so much to my office!
9. Rachel had a bunch of killer posts this year despite her husband's deployment, a new baby, and a cross-country move. (Lady's crazy. Go Rachel!) She created a super inspiring weaving series. This post was my favorite!
10. This woven chair is incredible, right? One of my favorite projects for sure!
11. Mandi did an incredible kitchen renovation for just a couple thousand dollars. The difference is night & day! You can read the whole story here.
12. And I loved this dish inspired by Kelly Wearstler. It's so cute and quirky. I still want to make one!
13. I had a couple favorite "Josh projects" this year. It was hard to narrow it down between this super useful bench and this incredible coffee table.
14. This circle shelf is something I want for my own home. It's so pretty!
15. Laura went all out with the Palm Springs "Gingerbread" House, and it's definitely one of my favorite posts of the year. I mean, look at the pool! It's epic.
16. The marbled clay ring dish wins the award for most "made" project by our readers. We've seen TONS of them on Instagram every day for the past couple months. I've said it before, but one of our biggest goals here at ABM is to create projects that are useful and that you'll actually make. Seeing you use our DIYs and recipes is a highpoint of what we do!
17. Who knew plastic fish bowls could be so beautiful? I loved this creative project and am lucky enough to have these hanging in my office today.
18. Moving on to a few of the yummiest treats. We sample a lot of treats at the studio. Sometimes toooo many treats. This Thai Tea Frappe was one of the yummiest things I taste tested this year.
19. And this Creamy Apple & Kale Salad was incredible! I know, it's just kale, but I swear to you it's something special. You should definitely make it for dinner.
20. Trey wrote a great post called Sponsored Posts this year. It includes some funny stories about our adventures in advertising, but mostly just really solid advice. If you haven't read it yet, give it a read. If you like that post, chances are you will love our e-course Blog Life. Trey also writes some sessions in Blog Life on building and pricing an advertising program that are honestly some of the best info you'll find anywhere on this subject.
21. One of the first posts I wrote in 2014 was How to Stock a Bar Cart. This post gives suggestions for how to build an at home liquor collection starting at a $50 budget. I had a lot of fun working on this post. At home mixology is one of my favorite subjects/hobbies!
22. Speaking of cocktails, the most delicious recipe I wrote this year was for a Toasted Coconut Margarita! It's a treat. I wish I had one right now!
23. If you're looking for a super easy cocktail, try this Strawberry Grapefruit Mimosa. I'm going through a mimosa phase this year. It's one of my favorite drinks at the moment. Perfect for sharing at a small party too!
24. And I finally wrote a giant post all about mocktails. Read this to learn to turn pretty much any drink into a non-alcoholic treat. It's easier than you think. I make mocktails at basically every single party or event for my non-drinking and pregnant pals!
25. And I'll finish this list out with my favorite photo shoot of the year. It was such a fun day when we did this shoot, and I love having photos like this with my sister for our granny archives.
And a couple honorable mentions! My Space To Learn, Costa Rica Snapshots, Costa Rica Video, Jolly Rancher Vodka, Gold Cheese Labels, How to Make a Chipboard Album. I could go on and on.
Thanks for following ABM in 2014! We're inspired and pumped up to start 2015. It's going to be an amazing year!
What were your favorite posts of 2014? What would you love to see more of in 2015? xx. Elsie
54 Comments
Aww, this makes me so happy. I would be hard pressed to pick out my favorite 25 posts you guys did in 2014, so I have no idea how you did it! This definitely reminds me that I need to try making that thai tea frappe though. And I gotta say that kale and apple salad killed it. Someone in the comments recommended I try massaging my kale, which worked great!
Thanks for all you guys do 🙂
Cat
http://oddlylovely.com
some of my faves were laura’s healthy recipes!
also, just curious but are you going to provide a summary of the feedback you received from your survey? how will you be using it?
It’s been a very full and exciting year for you guys. I’ve loved following along. And as a request, more travel posts! I loved your travel videos so much, and that’s something I’d personally love to improve on.
Stellar job this year everyone at ABM!!!!
Hi Elsie,
I have to agree with you on the 25 most favourite posts – I loved them all actually. I cannot even narrow it down – but I loved all the recipe posts and the sister style as well as really loved the Home Studio before and after tours. Also let us not forget your bloody mary posts, enjoyed making each one lol.
It has been an incredible year of reading and supporting you guys! Have two of your books under the tree for peeps.
Merry Christmas to you and the team, and your families and wishing you the very best for 2015!
Great post(s)! 🙂
Pay with Polka Dots
It feels impossible to choose a favorite post (because I check back here SO often). But I loved each and every volume of Casual Friday, the ABM book club, Laura’s healthy recipes, Emma’s not-so-healthy (but SO good) recipes, the addition of Scrapbook Sundays (<3!!!!), and your pictures from Costa Rica... I know that doesn't exactly narrow it down.
I wrote you the LONGEST comment of all time in your survey, but what I would like to see more of in 2015: "A day in the life" for each of your authors, the return of your "At Home With" series (perhaps it could become a fashion/style version: "In Style With"... Okay. The name needs some work), more "Casual Friday" posts, a vintage-inspired clothing line... (Am I going overboard yet? Ha...)
The truth is... ABM is awesome just as it is too.
xoxo,
Kristina
I love them all! 🙂
Xo
You guys are amazing, and your blog inspires millions everyday! Love it and thanks!
http://www.loveludy.com/
great posts!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
You narrowed it down from 700 posts?! Wow – great job!
My favourites were the before and after home series, and the recent Palm Springs “Gingerbread” house series! I was one of the people who made the clay bowls recently 🙂
M – Mocha and Moccasins
Great minds think alike! I have a post for Monday about my favorite posts from the year. So many great diy projects that you all covered. xoxo *erica*
I personally enjoy peaking in at the rest of your awesome team every once in a while as they complete projects.
My favorite posts tend to be DIY-related and on a smaller scale. I understand that small DIYs are sort of a dime a dozen, but ABM projects are so well edited/curated and very much reflect your personal styles (which I love). They just *click* well with so many of your readers in a not-so-contrived way.
Not that you need my ideas! It’s amazing what you have done in turning your blog into a huge business. Can’t wait to see what’s ahead in 2015 🙂
You are awesome!I am reading all your posts since 2012 and you are the best! New “Casual Friday” posts and advices for business are my favourite!
Love the kitchen one
X Willemijn Sofie
Amsterdam So Fashion
Great recap! Wow, 700 posts in one year is quite a feat!
I agree with Jill! The traveling stuff was so cool. It would be really neat to hear more about traveling with a lower budget too. I know you guys are doing really well, but I am curious how to do similar trips with a tighter (fresh our of college) budget without sacrificing the neat local things that make your trips look so fun 🙂
My favorite post is the Giant Skillet Brownie, I’ve already made it 3 times since it was posted!
I love this blog so much and have referenced it regularly for the past 3 years for recipes and tutorials and just keeping up with you all. It would be neat to see some more personal stuff brought back. Maybe checking in with your house, Elsie, to see what has stayed and what has changed. I loved seeing Sarah and Josh’s nursery for their little girl. I am also excited to learn more about the process you are going through for the Habitat House. Some more pet posts would be kind of fun too.
Love. Them. All. Some of my most favorite are Sister Style and home tours!!! Keep those coming! :))
So many fabulous posts! You ladies are incredibly talented.
I really loved the hairstyle roundup, especially because it includes styles for medium hair, as well!
I would love to see more home decor DIY for people who are in a rental and cannot do major paint jobs or renovations – the gallery wall are fabulous, for instance, you gave it such a fun twist with the pops of color!
Yes! Always massage your kale (SO much yummier!).
Thanks so much for reading Cat! I really appreciate it!
-Elsie
Hi Stephanie,
We might do that! We have already analyzed the data and learned a lot. The biggest takeaway we learned is that our readership is growing up with us, which we loved! Each year more readers own homes, have children and your interests are evolving with ours! I love that. :))
-Elsie
We would love to do more travel posts! That’s definitely an area we have in mind for the future. 😀
-Elsie
Thanks so much for your feedback and requests Kristina!!
-Elsie
Hi Karli! I will definitely share more of my house soon. We are almost finished with our last room and I feel like I can do a full home tour (maybe in video?) sometime this year! Eeeek!!!
a mess of beautiful! cannot wait for 2015 to unfold on this blog.
xx
You literally just made my day! I had NO IDEA you had written a post on mocktails, and I couldn’t be more grateful! I don’t drink, so parties and girls nights = Diet Coke for yours truly. Not very fun, to say the least. Maybe consider a ‘virgin’ variation at the bottom of your cocktail posts? YAY! I also can’t wait to read the posts on blogging, advertising & iPhone photos (can you tell I’m a newbie?) Thanks for the recaps… always love these posts! xo hil
SO MANY wonderful posts! I love everything you’ve made and shared this past year!
Each and every single post was amazing!
yes! please bring back the “at home with” series. it inspires me to work on my home a little bit at a time. the casual friday posts are amazing. i get to feel like i’m working right next to you. your clothing always inspires me to stay fashionable, so i would love a clothing line.
I love your roundup posts! As I’m scrolling down them, I always get excited and mentally point my finger at the screen when I see a post I’ve read earlier in the year, and I also love seeing posts that I’ve missed, such as on young industries and how to stock a bar cart -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Absolutely love your blog and still have so much more to read as I am only new here. Wonderful stories and beautiful photography. Thank you for your inspiration!
I love the kitchen tour!
One of my favorite things about ABM is the bright, positive atmosphere you provide — both with content & photos. Even reading through your favorites, Elsie, there’s just so much color! I love it. We need more sparkle in a world of smog. That’s what I think anyway. Haha. :] // “http://www.itscarmen.com ▲
Great recap post….you guys are *amazing*……here’s to a beyond-expectations-beyond-brilliant-2015…..and Merry Christmas to you alll!!!!!!
Where did you get your glasses in the last picture?
I’m just joining you all, but what a great first post for getting me hooked! Cant wait to see what you do next year 🙂
Wow! (I still can’t believe it’s the end of the year) I just wanted to thank you guys for all your hard work to create such an amazing blog. I love reading it and getting so much inspiration. I’m excited to see what you guys do next year! 😀
Great round of your favorites…my favs, room makeovers, laura’s ever awesome DIYs, and of course sister style…would love to see more travel posts and photography posts in 2015 along with these..
Happy Holidays!
xo
Hems
agoldentulip.blogspot.com
Wow, you’ve put me into thoughts Elsie! I have so so many favourite posts. I love the DIY ones, when you share personal experience (because that gives us so much courage to go on and dream and dare!). thank you for sharing!!! Merry Christmas from Greece! xo xo
I love your blog…and these posts and photo´s are all just inspiring and gorgeous…Thanks!….About the Kale dish…interesting! We eat ( Dutch people ;-)) a lot of kale in winter, but mostly as a stew kind of dish. Potatoes, kale…and smoked sausage. Then we add maybe Chorizzo or diced bacon, mustard, worcerstersauce, onions or whatever you like in it…it all gets mashed up and bon appetit!…Merry Christmas and keep up the great work! 🙂 Warmly, Esther
I adoooooore DIY !!!!!!!!!
I also loved any of Katie’s Hair how-to’s. (more for naturally curly hair please!!)
And I loved the makeup tutorials with Anna Rose… I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to makeup – so the simple posts were best for me!!
Also – I loved every causual friday post! And the return of the scrapbooking posts! more of that in 2015
<3 keep doing what youre doing ladies - I LOVE IT.
I have to say your outfit post with Skyline Fever’s Dylan tee was my FAVORITE from this year, and I’m so excited to see it was yours too. I know I might be a little biased with him being my husband and all 😉 But it was seriously the raddest photos ever, and I loved that they were taken at your grandmother’s cabin. Thank you for being a constant inspiration. Love you both!
I loved this post! I’m a new reader (it’s only been about three or four months since I fell down the bloglovin’ rabbit hole and found you guys) so this was a great resource. I can’t wait to read them all! I LOVE your cocktails, health recipes and DIY projects.
Would love to see more Lifestyle posts from you!
Love these! And they also my me crave some of that summer sunshine and warmth.
I loved so many of your posts this year but one of my very favorites were the roasted grape and goat cheese crostini and the deep dish bacon spinach quiche recipe. I made both recipes in the last 24 hours and my in laws LOVED them! Thank you for all you do…I can’t wait to see what 2015 brings this space!!!
They’re all such great posts! You guys always inspire me greatly and I hope you guys keep rocking on! Also, I keep on wondering, what do you do with all those DIY products that you guys do in the office? I mean, do you guys use it on a daily basis or give them as gifts or…what happens really? Because sometimes that’s what I think about when I try to DIY stuff or make a recipe.
What a great roundup! It was definitely fun to see what your favorites were compared to mine – definitely a lot of overlap though! Merry Christmas Elsie, Emma, and the whole ABM team!
xx Kathryn
http://www.throughthethicket.ca
My prefered posts are sister style, simple DIY and personal stories. Love u guys!!
I just adore you ladies! I love this post, and have saved it so I can go back and re-read those faves again and again! I am forever inspired in this space;) Thank you!
so fun to see what your favorites are, and to see some that i missed along the way!
http://www.waterlilyshop.com
@waterlilyshop
My favorite was the kitchen remodel in your workspace. I especially liked the subway tiles running up to the ceiling and the shelves in lieu of cabinets. What a night and day difference!