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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Best of 2013



I wasn't surprised to see that my Top 5 Posts of 2013 is almost identical to my Top 5 Posts of all time (see my sidebar). The only exception is my DIY Kitchen Table (Part 1) post that I published in December 2012. Even though I have been blogging since May 2012, I didn't really figure out how to really blog and network in the blogosphere until December 2012.

I started linking up at link parties and really socializing with other bloggers in December 2012. I have made my best bloggy friendships around this time as well.

As you may or may not know, I got really into posting monthly goals and recaps this year. I do have a yearly goal and recap post that I will be sharing with you next. For now, here is my Best of 2013.

Top 5 Posts of 2013

5. How I made my Blogger Blog my own


For my one year blogiversary, I made the move from WordPress.com to Blogpsot.com. Earlier in 2013, I had an epiphany that I am a hobby blogger and I have no intentions of trying to make this a full time gig.

My original goal was to move from Wordpress.com to Wordpress.org {which seems like the logical route}. This, however, costs money. And since I am only a hobby blogger, I decided that I really wanted to keep my blog on the cheap. Thus, I decided that blogspot.com is the proper place for my blog. {Although I could see myself with a domain that is hosted by Blogger.}

I found that I really prefer Blogger to WordPress anyways. I love being able to dive into the code and figure things out. There is a great Blogger community out there with tutorials and themes.


4. Thoughts on Bridal Wear (on a budget)


In September, we set a date for getting married! Yay!!!! I can't wait!!!

This, of course, started a new blog series for planning our wedding. This post initially was pretty quiet, but in December I saw a spike in stats and it quickly rose up into the Top 5. Of course, a spike in stats for me is pretty modest for this modest little blog o’ mine. I won't even bore you with the numbers. :P


3. DIY Vintage Comic Book Wall Art


I really love how this DIY art piece turned out. This was made for my guest room which is frequented by my stepson. My stepson LOVES Spider-man. Although, he now is much more into Batman, so I just might have to add a vintage Batman comic to the room. :)


2. Upgrading My Photography with a DIY Light Box


It is funny. The main plan of this DIY Light Box was to take better pictures of my jewelry. BUT I kind of quit doing jewelry in early 2013 and really haven't used it much since. Don't worry, I'm going to reboot my jewelry making in 2014. :)


1. How to Embed Rafflecopter in a WordPress.com Hosted Site


I really love how much attention this post has gotten. I absolutely LOVE getting comments from folks who have found this post useful. I was so frustrated with wordpress.com, which is why I moved to Blogspot.com. This post goes over a hack I discovered that lets you embed Rafflecopter, even though you shouldn't be able to. Woot!


Top Commented on Post of 2013

A Crafters Dream Group Giveaway


This post got 75 comments {with no replies from me!}, which makes it the most commented on post of 2013. Of course, it was a giveaway that required you to comment on the post. It also represents my first blog giveaway. I made this heart pendant for the giveaway which was in the month of February. I LOVED how it turned out.


The second top commented on post, just an fyi, is How to Embed Rafflecopter in a WordPress.com Hosted Site with 51 comments! {Although roughly half of those comments might be my replies.} So it is both #1 post of 2013 and also the #1 commented on post without being a requirement of a giveaway. :) I imagine it will eventually out perform the giveaway post, since it is still getting commented on, whereas the giveaway post is dormant.

My Favorite Posts of 2013

Man! I just couldn't narrow it down to just one post. So I picked three!

1. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies


I got my DSLR camera in February, so when I posted my Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies, this was perhaps the first post that I was really happy with how the pictures turned out.

They just look so yummy! And guess what? They were!


2. Mini Egg Cups


I also really liked my Mini Egg Cups because I actually had someone make them and give me props! Woot! Check out Baked Ham and Egg "Cups" by JoAnn of Sweet Pepper Rose. It just tickled me that someone actually found inspiration from my post!


3. Why I moved from Wordpress.com to Blogspot.com


Another favorite is Why I moved from Wordpress.com to Blogspot.com. I like this one because of how many people responded in agreement! They thought they were the only ones who had decided on Blogger over Wordpress. You aren't alone!

So there is my Best of 2013. Can’t wait to see what 2014 brings. I’ll be posting on my yearly goals soon, so stay tuned!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful and safe New Years celebration! I'm staying home with a cold and relaxing after flying home from visiting the in-laws.

Cheers!

7 comments:

  1. What a great year you've had, my friend! I'm so glad I found your blog and have gotten to know you this year! I look forward to seeing what's to come in 2014 for your blog! And I'm popping over right now to check out the Spiderman art...my boys would LOVE that! Have a wonderful weekend, Bethany!!

    ~Abby =)

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    1. Thanks, Abby! I'm so glad we are bloggy buddies. You have been such a cheerleader for me and my little blog. :) I'm so happy to have your friendship through 2014. Hugs to you! :D

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  2. Such a fantastic year, Bethany! It made me smile to see so many of my personal faves, including all the posts you did on your transition to Blogger (which I think was oh so wise on your part). You've always been so helpful to other bloggers, myself included (I remember when you taught me that simple yet brilliant trick of formatting pictures in a blog draft and then grabbing the code from there to add to a sidebar widget!). And I cannot WAIT to see what this new year holds for you...both bloggy-wise and personal life wise! Major hugs coming your way from me to you!

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