2019 – A Fresh Start

Thank you for the kind comments on my last post. It is good to know that when I sweep out the dark corners of my mind, it does not scare everyone away. Also, I appreciate the feedback on the new look for the blog. I am still tweaking things and making changes, so if there is a glaringly annoying problem, please let me know.

Projects & Plans

A few weeks ago, Andy and I prioritized our top five projects individually. Then, we compared lists to see if anything overlapped. Based on that exercise, we created a master list:

• Upstairs and downstairs hallway
• Chimney/Fireplaces
• Refinish floors downstairs
• Front Door (Initially, this was only on my list, but Andy agreed 100%. He forgot about it as he was writing his choices.)

The remaining items on our lists were,

• Drainage – Andy
• Laundry room/Stacy’s Office – Andy
• A’s bedroom – Stacy

During 2019, we will put our project focus on both lists, but the master list contains our top priorities and high-budget items.

Blog Features for 2019

In addition to those projects, this year, there will be two new features on the blog. First, I will begin sharing resources and recipes for my DIY Meal Kit idea (#BHHMealKits). Since I wrote that post in September 2017, it has been the top BHH post of all time. Surprising, right?

For the past 15 months, the DIY meal kit post has just been languishing there without support. This year, starting next week, you can expect new recipes and tips each Monday.

The second new feature on the blog is called A Place For Everything. Perhaps it is just me, but I love to read posts about organization. My favorites are those that offer a peek into drawers and closets. Many people become energized to reorganize when the calendar flips to January 1st, and I am no exception.

A Place For Everything posts will share how I utilize our existing storage, offer creative solutions for trouble areas, and discuss how we manage all of our belongings.

Topical Themes

Throughout the year, there will also be topical themes that will change approximately every 2-3 months. Not every post during that time will relate directly to the subject, but there will be several informative and useful articles to save and share. Also, the podcasts during that time will support the theme. I am still fleshing out the full year, but here is what to look for in the next few months.

2019 Themes

January & February – Old Windows

• Learn to restore or repair a window from start to finish.
• Podcast with guest Steve Quillian from Wood Window Makeover in Tampa, Florida
• Follow along with me in February as I attend Steve’s Historic Homes Workshop weekend in Brooksville, FL. (pending some details that we still need to consider.)

March, April, & May – Planting & Growing

• Building planter boxes
• Transplanting and caring for houseplants
• Native plant landscaping
• Starting garden plants
• The very first (small) BHH vegetable garden

Whew! That is plenty for one year. Let me know what excites you about our 2019 plans, features, and themes. Is there a topic that you would like to know more about in-depth this year? I have not entirely firmed up the rest of the year, and perhaps your ideas will help round out the calendar.

After my bummer of a 2018 post, I am finally feeling excited about the new year. It’s time to move forward get to work.

–Stacy