You guys. It's almost 2020!!
I'm showing my age here, but I remember everyone freaking the freak out for Y2K. Shelves were bare. You couldn't find water, bread, or beer on any shelves.
My oldest son was born in 2002, so I had to explain the Y2K scare to them. They didn't get what all the fuss was about. To be honest, I didn't either. I figured if there was a problem, it would sort itself out in a day or two.
At the end of the year, I take some time off. This year, I took off two wonderful weeks. I caught up on my Netflix queue, played a lot of games with the kids, saw Frozen 2 with my daughter, and even caught a few naps with Nacho.
I also use this time to reflect up on the year. What worked, what didn't, and what do I need to do next year to improve.
Everything Pretty Top 10 Posts of 2019
If you're a regular reader, you've probably already seen these posts. If you're new, maybe you'll find a great post that you missed.
I use my top 10 of the year posts to see what you all like and what's working. Clearly, DIY recipes are working very well.
These were all posted in 2019. If I did my top 10 of all time, it would likely never change.
2019 was a good year both personally and professionally. We got to go back to Great Wolf this year. The kids always love that trip each year!
Thanks to Mediavine (my ad network for my non-blogger friends), I was able to be choosy on which brands I partnered with. I enjoy the challenge of sponsored posts, but it was nice to have some freedom to say no if it wasn't a good fit.
My family is happy and healthy. Nacho gave us a few scares with the seizures, but he is doing great since the last set a few weeks ago.
My oldest, David, has been accepted to two colleges and we are waiting on the final acceptance in January. He rocked his interview, so I think he will be accepted and be a contender for their highest scholarship award.
My other two kids are loving traditional homeschooling because they have more freedom and control over their education. Both are becoming more independent and really growing in all subjects.
I also want to take a moment to thank you, my readers. This blog allows me to stay home with my kids and teach them while still supporting my family. I thank you for reading, commenting, sharing, and pinning to help me grow.
10. How to Make Unicorn Soap With Melt and Pour Soap
This unicorn soap is my favorite soap of any that I've made in the last 15 years. I love the colors, the glitter, and the unicorns. And it smells amazing too!
9. Bug Repellent Solid Lotion
Succulents were very popular last year! I used my mold to make solid lotions with a bug repellent essential oil blend.
8. Homemade Window and Mirror Cleaner
I got frustrated with natural glass cleaners that didn't work, so I started experimenting and made my own natural glass cleaner recipe. This has arrowroot powder in it, and it works great to cut grease and little spots on mirrors or glass.
7. Dandelion Oil Benefits and Uses
Dandelions have so many benefits for your skin. Learn about dandelion oil benefits and how to use it in DIY beauty recipes.
6. 23 Advanced Melt and Pour Soap Techniques
I looked all over Pinterest to find the best melt and pour techniques for more advanced users.
5. Gardener's Hand Soap Recipe
My hands get so dirty when I'm gardening, so I made this loofah gardener's soap to scrub and really get the dirt and grime off of my hands.
4. Eczema Body Butter
My eczema is finally under control thanks to some DIYs like this eczema body butter with aloe. This is also great for dry skin even if you don't have eczema.
3. How to Make Whipped Soap From Melt and Pour
If the unicorn soap was my favorite soap, this mermaid soap was a close second. I tested and finally got the perfect recipe to make whipped soap from melt and pour soap.
2. Cold and Flu Sinus Relief Shower Steamers
I love these cold and flu shower steamers so much, I always have them on hand. These turn your shower into a huge aromatherapy spa.
1. Orby TV
Sometimes when brands approach me, I worry that they might be too off topic. I posted my Orby TV review because it was relevant to my life living in a rural area with limited options for TV and having slow Internet. At the time, I was frustrated with DirecTV (and frustrated is an understatement!), so I was happy to try it. This post was my most popular post by thousands and thousands of page views, so I'm happy that even though it was off topic, it still helped people make an informed decision.
I wish all of you a happy and healthy new year!
