Reflections on 2013 { + A Happy New Year to You!}

Hello and Happy New Year, dear readers! I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends while I took a bit of an unceremonious blog break to do the same.

The past year has been a tremendous one for me (and for this blog) so, before I can turn my attention fully to 2014, I want to offer a few reflections on the year that just concluded.

2013 started off with a bang when we announced that we had bought (and would quickly move into) our first/forever home in the Philadelphia suburbs. Transitioning to life on the Main Line has been surprisingly easy for Adam and I, especially after having so many friends and family express happiness and joy over our decision. That includes you, sweet readers!

I have been bowled over all year by the constant stream of support, ideas and well-wishes you have left in comment and email form regarding the [often slow] progress we're making on this house. As I've expressed here before, I often find myself fighting the urge to hurry up the renovation/decorating processes.

Yet, you--yes, you--have kept me in check with my unrealistic expectations. Thanks for that.

In spite of all of this, I find myself loving our home--and the evolution of my personal style--more than any space we've lived in before. Our home truly feels like a reflection of us. A little serious, a little fun, a lot cozy.

I snapped a few quiet moments around our house that convince me that we were on the right track in 2013 and that 2014 will only be more beautiful, more cozy, more us.

(all via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

The past year also brought a new endeavor for me: opening an Etsy shop where I sell vintage and handmade wares. It has meant so much that blog friends have shared news of my shop again and again! I have to attribute much of my Etsy shop's success to your support. For that, I am so grateful. 

That being said, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for reading Meet Me in Philadelphia. Blogging has proved to be increasingly enjoyable and rewarding year after year for me and I predict 2014 will be even better. 

Thank you, incredibly supportive blog friends, for providing friendships have transcended the blog world. Wishing you, dear readers, all of the best in the coming year.