Well, friends, let me officially wish you Happy New Year! If you’ve been following IBC for a while now, you know It’s always a bit of a challenge for me to return to blogging after the holidays. I try to give myself a short break this time of year, but that often makes it harder to get back into the swing of things.
However, after sharing a few 2016 recaps and a new playlist, I think I’m about ready to put my work cap back on, pull out my camera, and create exciting new content for IBC. Woot. Woot!
Most years January is a fairly quiet month for me, but this year is just the opposite. This week some folks from Better Homes & Gardens are coming to my house (Yes, I’m freaking out.) They’re going to shoot my home for the 2017 issue of their Christmas Ideas magazine. So, even though I was on a little “break,” I really wasn’t.
I’ve actually been busy redecorating my home for Christmas. While some things are similar to my 2016 Christmas decor, I did change up all three trees, switch around color schemes, wrap dozens of fake presents, bake delicious things, etc. I also completed a couple back-burner projects that were long overdue – my guest bedroom and bathroom. And because I’m weird, I touched up some paint, cleaned every room (with the help of my mom. Thanks, Mom!), and threw away / donated a bunch of “stuff.”
Although it’s been a stressful couple of weeks, it actually couldn’t have come at a better time. The upcoming photoshoot has forced me to do some essential cleaning, decluttering, and finishing of projects. So, “YAY!”
After BHG’s visit, I’m headed to NYC for a few days with my friends at HomeGoods. As a blogger for their Design Happy blog, I’ve been invited to a blogger day to learn about home trends, blogging tips, and lots of other fun stuff. And I get to hang out with some fellow blogger friends, so that’s always a treat.
Then, shortly after I return from NYC, I’m going on another Carnival Cruise! I’ve been working with Carnival Cruise lines for a few years now, and they have invited me to continue the collaboration in 2017. My mom is going along with me again on this cruise (She accompanied me on my first one.) We’ll be sailing on the Carnival Vista (their newest ship) through the Caribbean. Given that it’s the dead of winter here in PA, we couldn’t be more excited!
As you can see it’s going to be a busy month. I’m also planning to keep things moving here on IBC amidst all of this, so there will be new recipes, decorating ideas, and other good things.
Speaking of what’s coming on IBC, I’m thinking about doing Breakfast Week again for a few days this month. Who doesn’t love some delicious breakfast inspiration? As you may have noticed, last year I totally neglected my “A Year of…” series, but I’m hoping to bring it back this year. You might remember that in previous years we had A Year of Yeast, A Year of Pie, and A Year of the Skillet. I think I’ve finally settled on a theme for 2017. Here are a few hints: It’s one of my favorite foods, but I’ve never made it from scratch. Plus, there are almost endless recipe ideas. Stay tuned!
I think that’s about it for news from around here. As I continue to put together a posting schedule and new ideas to share, please let me know in the comments below if there’s anything you’d like to see here on IBC. I love hearing your ideas. Many time they spark creative things for me to share.
Have a fabulous week!
Congrats on the BHG feature!! So deserved! With much of the same thing around the interwebs, your unique and colorful style is so inspiring. The time and love you put into this beautiful space shows :). I can’t wait to see what you have in store for the coming year!