Happy New Year and the 2015 Best of the Nest

happy new year

happy new year

Happy New Year to all my readers, blogging buddies, family and friends! I am so grateful to have you in my life and and for your support during this third year of my blog. I appreciate you more than you could know!  Thank you!

2015 was a year of super highs and extreme lows. Like many of you, I’m ready for a fresh start, to begin anew and resolve to do some things better, differently or not at all.  It’s going to be a big year for me because I’ll turn 50 in a couple of weeks – yes, 50. Holy moly. My daughter will also graduate from grad school this year (fingers crossed!)

Acting on a kind request from a wonderful reader, I present to you – a roundup of some of the top posts on this blog, in the past year. The posts are drawn from the articles that garnered the most hits and comments. It’s really cool to take a look back to see which posts generated the most views. I had a few in mind that I thought would make the Top 10, but I was surprised to see several that I never considered. First, a couple of Honorable Mention posts who were so very close to making the list:

Strawberry Limoncello Lemonade

Inspired by an amazing trip to Italy with my daughter in 2015, this lemonade is crazy good!

Strawberry Limoncello Lemonade 1

Best Coconut Pound Cake Recipe (with Bonus Lessons!)

The Best Coconut Pound Cake

And the Top 10 Nest Full of New posts of 2015…the Best of the Nest!

10.  The Time the Pioneer Woman Was My Best Friend

This day still doesn’t even seem true in my brain. So amazing (Ree AND the cookbook!)

The Time The Pioneer Woman Was My Best Friend

9.  Fresh Peach Cobbler

I can’t even stand how amazing this cobbler is. Come on summertime!

Peach Cobbler with Cream

8.  Have a Fondue Party at Home

Why not? It’s simple, it’s fun and it’s cheese!

Fondue-Party

7. How to Make Macrame Hangers

This old school project is back and super easy!

Macrame Covered Hangers

6. Homemade Vanilla Extract

This is the best and so easy. My sister and I just started another batch of extract after we used up our supply on holiday treats.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

5. Beer Cheese Soup

This is the yummiest and most decadent soup you’ll eat this season! We’ve been enjoying it for several years (read “football seasons”) and it freezes well, too.

Beer Cheese Soup

4.  Seedless Blackberry Cobbler

Mmmm…more cobbler.

Seedless Blackberry Cobbler

3. The Amazing Burger Round-Up: 16 Fabulous Burgers

There’s no wrong time when it comes to burgers. Summer, winter, rain, wind, snow…doesn’t matter. This post offers 16 yummy burgers, plus sauces and buns.  Don’t miss my post on making the perfect Oven-Baked Fries!

Amazing-burger-round-up

2.  Happy Birthday, Mom!

This one was a surprise. What started as a little note to my Mom on her 70th birthday, has made it’s way to the number 2 spot on my top posts again this year. Moms pretty much rock, right?

Happy Birthday Mom

1. Easter Mason Jar Craft

The top post of 2015 just happens to be the most adorable Easter goodie ever! I’m a big fan of Mason jars and these little cuties were so simple and were a huge hit. Check out the companion centerpiece, too!

Easy Craft - Ball Jar

I’d like to thank you all for hanging out at the Nest this year. You’ve been so inspiring and supportive and I truly appreciate all of your input and suggestions.

I hope that 2016 brings you joy, fulfillment, health, and success. I pray that it is the year we will all act on our dreams, hopes and desires, and that the new year ushers in a more peaceful, stable era.

Happy New Year!