Omigosh what a year it has been!

Hello everyone.  By now you may have noticed that I took a mini blogging break since Christmas.  Or maybe you haven’t noticed.  That’s fine too.  I didn’t imagine you sitting on the edge of your seat hitting refresh at circadee.com waiting for project updates or anything.  Although if you were, I really appreciate it (Mom).

Hopefully you took some time to recharge with friends and family as well.  I kind of loved the break actually.  I didn’t do a thing before 9 am and ate lots of sweets.  Yup, but I can’t go on like that forever can I?  And I miss my paint brush.  Like a lot.

So later this week I will get back into the swing of things but in the meantime I’d like to review 2012 here.  I’ve been reflecting on it quite a bit offline this week.

2012 was crazy both personally and business-wise.  I met so many goals and aspirations that I’ve always had.

Projects

Our top project was the pallet wood backsplash and our top referer was Apartment Therapy who posted the project in January.  Yup, they beat out Pinterest as top referer which is surprising.  Maybe I need to work on my pinning tactics from a social media standpoint.  Maybe.

Other top read posts continue to include the now famous mumkin which was actually published the end of 2011.

And my tips on waxing furniture.  I need to write and updated version of this in 2013 for all of you DIYers.

Plus my tips on pinning and pictures took the entry level blog world by storm.  I also need to write a much overdue follow up to this in 2013.  You can see how my goals list is evolving for 2013.

And one of my favorite projects was our penny tile countertop that we did for my niece.  Still love this little project and she plays with her kitchen all of the time!  Success.

Biz Developments

On the business side, I couldn’t be happier.  In 2012 we set out to take Circa Dee from a hobby business to a full time business and we did just that with a lot of blood, sweat and tears.

In June we opened up our little Brick & Mortar shop in the absolutely perfect standalone 2 story building at Center Point Pond.

In July we opened up a second location at the West End Garage in Cape May, NJ.  And in December we doubled our space there which is starting to feel like home!

Circa Dee also became a stockist for Miss Mustard Seed’s milk paint in our area.

And last but certainly not least we were chosen as the next home show designer for the Philadelphia Home Show which will take place the first week of February 2013.  Yup, just over a month away.  Can’t wait to see the room come together and I’m so honored to take on this project!

Personal

2012 was also a big year for us personally.  Ryan and I got engaged in April.  After the summer we began planning our wedding which will take place in Spring 2013.

Our only setback in 2012 was Ryan’s diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis.  However, we’re working on lifestyle changes to combat the disease and keep us both in good health.  And we’re looking for more ways to get involved in finding a cure for MS.

Overall 2012 has been one for the books!  We’ve learned so much.  I am so thankful and can’t wait to see what the next year has in store for us and Circa Dee.  Thanks for coming along for the ride with us!

How about you?  How was 2012?  What are you looking forward to in 2013?

Happy New Year Friends!