It’s been an absolute blast growing my blog in 2016!  What started out as a renovation and home blog has slowly morphed into a food and gardening blog as well.  I call it “Prairie Lifestyle” and I’m sticking with it.  Here’s what you’ve loved over the past year.

(Want your best nine squares of 2016?  You can get yours at www.2016bestnine.com.  You can follow my feed here.)

Most Commented on Post

Far and away, the most commented on post was the great shelf colour debate.  Not only did you comment on the blog, but many of you who know me in real-life texted me or told me your opinion as well.  The winner?  Grey.  Have I painted them all yet?  No.  *hangs head in shame*

Best Post on Facebook

You went crazy for my Aunt Sandy’s Almond Roca Recipe, and with good reason!!  Easy to make, delicious, and a crowd pleaser. . . who wouldn’t want to make this recipe.  A giant thank you to Andrea, Naomi, Toni, and Sandy for sharing their recipes.  It was my most successful blogging series yet.  I’ll definitely be doing this again next year.

The Instagram Post that a Famous Person Liked

Unless you’re a die-hard HGTV addict, you may not know this person.  However, Courtney from Design by Novogratz liked my Instagram post about three months into my blogging journey.  I totally fan-girled and it gave me the boost I needed to keep pressing on.  (Building an Instagram following is super slow going at first.  Let’s face it, my first 10 posts or so were TERRIBLE.)

The First Recipe Somebody Actually Made

Thank you Audi Lou for actually making my recipe and saying it was good.  🙂  You can get the recipe for Zucchini Tomato Bacon Quiche here.

The Surprise Hit Across all Platforms

Maybe it was the preschooler and baby that made an appearance, but the post on How to Make Crab Apple Juice did well on the blog, Facebook, and Pinterest.  It was one of the most fun posts I’ve worked on so far.

Most Talked About Post in Real Life

Our house’s curb appeal was even more hideous than I thought.  You let me know immediately how much better the blue front door made everything.  When I took my son trick or treating this Halloween, almost every neighbour commented on what an improvement the blue door was.  Glad to keep my neighbours happy!

What does the future hold?  My sister-in-law is getting married this spring, so expect posts about the wedding preparations.  I’ll also be hosting a baby shower for a friend, expanding my garden, and FINALLY getting back to the renovations.  (Dominic’s room is going to be wild!!)  I also love this whole food-blogging thing, so expect more recipes.

Is there anything you’d like to see me write about?  Let me know in the comments, I’m always open to suggestions!