Favorite Photos of 2011

I hope you are enjoying these looks back at 2011 (and if you are hating them, I promise this is the last countdown!). Today's list is a very unscientific recap of my favorite photos of the year. Some I've taken on trips, some right here at home.

I definitely feel like Ive become a better photographer this year. Still lots to learn of course but taking lots of photos for Brooklyn Limestone has helped teach me certain techniques and craft a personal style without even realizing it.

Did you have a favorite I missed? Or did you do a similar post on your blog? Please drop me a line or leave a comment - I'd love to see.

Top 20 Posts of 2011

Forgive the repetition but I'm a sucker for year end countdowns. So now that you have seen my 2011 in review, I thought I'd share my most popular posts this year (based on number of views).


Make your Own Dinnerware / DIY Gift Wrap Organizer

No Sew Grommet Drapes / Return to Sender Window Treatment

Souvenir T-shirt Pillow / Sideboard to Worldly Sofa Table

Blue, blue or blue? You Decide. / Naughty or Nice Christmas Tags

Junk Drawer Overhaul / Painted Countertops

Love is Brewing Coffee Invitation / Guide to taking better Travel Photos

How to Change a Light Fixture / Blue in the Parlour Bathroom

Make a Key Catch All Plate / Love Mini Poster Free Download

One Fabulous Fixture /Forget Me Not Reminder Tray

Gallery Wall Unveiled / Shore Bedroom

And in case you were wondering, here are the top 20 most popular posts of all time
Banoffee Pie Recipe ** Make your Own Dinnerware ** DIY Gift Wrap Organizer **
**DIY Vintage Fork Napkin Rings ** Passport Art ** No Sew Grommet Drapes **
Return to Sender Window Treatment ** Master of My Domain ** Finished (for Now) Kitchen
** Souvenir T-shirt Pillow ** Sideboard to Worldly Sofa Table ** Dictionary Art **
Suitcase Cat Bed ** Parlor Bathroom Before and After ** Second Floor Bath Before and After
** DIY Mail Center ** Gallery Wall Tutorial ** Creature Survival Halloween Invitation **
I see dead people ** Our Tree Topper

Did you have another favorite that didnt make the top? Have you shared your post popular posts for the year? I'd love to see - drop me a line or leave a direct link in the comments.

2011 in Review

Gasp! Just five days left before the calendar ticks into 2012. I can hardly believe it. Luckily for me, I have a blog that lets me have a look back on what I kept busy with this year. Since I'm a big fan of year end wrap up posts, I thought it fitting to do a little reflecting with you. What do you say?

The year started in an organizing bang as I kicked off the Junk Drawer Overhaul series along with little group of amazing guests. It only took 3 years but I also managed to finally putting some finishing touches on the parlor bathroom in January.

By February I was spending some free time at our shore place painting the crusty countertops before we took two short trips –the first Costa Rica followed by Barcelona.

In March it was back to the paint brushes to finish off this Worldy Sofa Table I had been working on for a while. Then back to the shore to hang a ginormous gallery wall, install my gorgeous new custom light fixture.

With Spring in the air, I was back home adding a whimsical shade to my little room before we flew to the other side of the world to explore Melbourne, Hamilton Island and Sydney, Australia. And then a last minute trip to gorge myself on waffles in Belgium. Oh yea, I started a new job.

In May, we hosted a Royal Wedding watching party, wondered what to do with my awesome new to me card catalog (still not decided), rode the Cyclone in Coney Island and hacked up some No Sew Grommet Drapes.

Summer was finally here and back we went to the shore to hang drapes and wonder what to do with the sad state of the bedroom. A red and blue party photo shoot I co-styled was finally revealed, I ate a pretty cake, shared one of my favorite spots in NYC.

The dog days of summer were kind of busy. I gave out some inexpert advice on how to plan a trip and take better travel photos before traveling to the Middle East for the first time and experience the beauty of Jordan (1,2) . I finished up the coffee themed invitations and seating chart for a dear friends bridal shower before watching the final NASA shuttle launch with tears in my eyes.

I got my hands dirty with two small DIY projects – a decoupaged glass tray and a key catch all plate before welcoming a new fishy addition to our place. Once my favorite season had arrived, I was overjoyed to share my Halloweens past had been featured in a national magazine, while working on this years festivities including invitations, exterior and the party itself. Also Halloween related, I shared a freebie download, a project on how to make your own dinnerware and a Edgar Allan Poe inspired dinner party theme.

I also managed to squeeze in a few non Halloween activities like my very first trip to Brimfields Antique Market and finishing the little room. Do you think I could go an entire season without a trip? Nope. Off we went to India and had the most amazing time seeing Delhi and Agra (and I haven’t even gotten around to sharing the rest of the trip!). On the house front it was time to go below ground and start to tackle the mystery of the Man Cave. Finally the most wonderful time of the year was upon us which meant lots of little projects like a free naughty or nice gift tags, a DIY gift wrap organizer, a handmade sparkly tree topper and this years merrymints Christmas mail. Phew! What a year! And I left out a ton of stuff. I can go really go on and on if you let me.

Here is to hoping 2012 is as full of as many lovely surprises and adventures as 2011.