You guys, I can’t even believe what I’m about to type, but this month my little ol’ blog is TWO YEARS OLD! It doesn’t seem possible, but it was actually December 13, 2015 when I officially made LVN live to the world. And I just can’t believe that it’s been that long. How did that go by so fast?! This time has been amazing in so many ways, and today I just want to take a few minutes to reflect on it all and celebrate these two years. Because to be really honest, I’m kinda shocked that I’m still here. I mean, when I started LVN I wasn’t sure what would happen. I didn’t know if I’d last two months, let alone two years. I had NO clue what I was doing, I knew basically nothing about blogging, but I fell in love with fixing up our 1980’s home and I wanted to share that journey. I thought this would be a good place to do that, so I went for it. And it was honestly one of the best decision I ever made.
When I sit down and really think about what these past two years, the first word that comes to my mind is grateful. I’m so incredibly grateful to each one of you that visits my blog. I know many of you come by every single time I post something new and I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate that support. There are about a zillion blogs out there, so I’m beyond thankful that you take time out of your day to visit mine. You leave the most supportive and encouraging comments and send me the kindest emails. And it’s been that interaction with all of you keeps me going when I get tired or feel discouraged. Really, I can’t imagine blogging without you guys here every day.
I also can’t help but feel grateful for how far this little blog has come in just two years time. Like I said, I had no clue what I was doing when I started. I had to learn as I went (and I still do!) and there were definitely a lot of growing pains along the way. But above all, I fell in love with blogging in a very unexpected way. This truly has become my happy place. Sure, it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s my creative outlet and I just feel so lucky to have this little place to call my own. The fact that I get to share what I love with all of you as my “job” is simply a dream come true. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to do what I love AND be home with my babies at the same time. I can remember praying that somehow I’d be able to make it work and I give all to glory to God for where LVN is today.
I’ve learned so much over this past year of blogging and it’s been even better than my first year (which I shared thoughts on here). We’ve continued to make lots of progress on our fixer upper, especially with our recent kitchen makeover, and it’s been awesome to share those big projects and other little DIY’s with all of you. But it’s also been really fun to share other things I love, like my favorite chocolate chip banana bread recipe, my go-to skincare routine or this great pair of booties I found recently. And of course that time I shared the birth of little Ava Pearl was pretty epic too. I’ve really enjoyed expanding into new things and it’s made this past year so much fun. I hope to continue doing that in the coming year. But above all, I always want this to be a place where you can come, with a cup of coffee or some delicious treat, and just forget about everything for a few minutes. Whatever yuckiness is happening in the world or if you’re having a hard day, I would hope this blog can be a place where you come and just get away from it all.
I’m so glad that I took that risk two years ago and decided to give this blogging thing a shot. I never could have imagined what this would become, but every day since December 13, 2015 this blog has been a huge blessing in my life in so many ways. This little space is truly a gift from God and you all are a big part of that, so thank you. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for stopping in every day to see what I’m up to. Thank you for putting up with my sarcasm and crazy antics. And thank you for letting me share my life with you. I appreciate it all and I hope you’ve enjoyed these past two years. I can’t wait to see what this next year will bring! xoxo
More posts on blogging:
Overcoming Fear and Starting a Blog
I truly look forward to your post everyday, love your style and everything else you have to share.
God bless the next adventure for LVN.
Thank you so much Debra!!
I look forward to reading your posts Sarah, they always make me feel good. So glad you are here and it has been a wonderful two years!
That’s my goal!!
Sarah, I recently just found your blog and have following every morning, at the this time I was so torn on which way to go with decor of my 1980s remode home. I have had country primitive in a past home. Since the move I wanted “Change” so once again I am starting on a budget with decor due to major repairs such as a pool resurface, AC unit and handler. etc. I have learned so much from your blog “where to buy”, “how to do”, and of course “what looks good” . As I speak for myself and others on your blog we appreciate the time and all your effort. Why do they call it a “BLOG” hummmm couldn’t someone come up with a better name for a social media site… I didn’t even know what a blog was or how it worked. You have educated us in detail how it works, how to use, and how to even make $$ with our own blog. Thank you again Happy Holidays to all! PS I have done so many of your projects and purchased several of the same items for my home..it looks GREAT!
In answering my own question.. I went to “Google” .. What were blogs originally called?
The Early Years. It’s generally recognized that the first blog was Links.net, created by Justin Hall, while he was a Swarthmore College student in 1994. Of course, at that time they weren’t called blogs, and he just referred to it as his personal homepage. It wasn’t until 1997 that the term “weblog” was coined.
Oh wow, that is so interesting. I never even thought about that. Thanks for sharing!!
Aw Jennifer, thank you for the kind words!! I’m sooooo happy to hear you’ve enjoyed my blog and gotten some ideas for your own home. That’s always been my goal! xoxo
Aww… you are the sweetest and deserve the very best!
Thank you so much Anna! xo
I look forward to reading your blog everyday. I love that you share inspiring posts but also real life ! And I can’t wait to see what the next year brings. I bought my home about 2 years ago and it’s a slow process to decorate and make it my home. I bought a newer home that I’m trying to make look old. I know. Crazy. But you have inspired me in so many ways and I realize now it’s not about doing it all quickly but making it mine. It’s a journey.
Ha! I totally know what you mean about trying to make a new home look old. It can be a tricky thing to bring that farmhouse vibe to a modern home, but I’m sure you’re doing an awesome job. Thanks for being here Kristen!
I love our blog and your “Warm & Cozy” mug as well!
haha thanks Melody, that is from Target!
Happy 2nd Birthday!!!! Thank you for thanking us, but I want to thank you!!! I have always decorated in a country/farmhouse feel, but when I moved about 7 years ago I wanted to go the wood/wrought iron look, you know what….it didn’t work for me. I need the whites, the warm feeling and to be cozy and homey when I am home. So along comes your blog and yes, the walls are now re-painted white, I had cup of cocoa by behr for awhile. The decor is now farmhouse/coastal and I could not be happier. I do alot of do it yourself of course with my handy dandy glue gun and have used chalk paint on a few items with your help. So I do want to thank you and have a blessed day and a wonderful Merry Christmas with your beautiful family and friends.
Love your blog friend,
Tammy
Tammy, that’s so awesome that you’ve adapted your style and home to be what you truly love. Isn’t that the best feeling? When your home just feels like “you”? I’m so happy you found that and I’m honored to have been a small part of it. Thank you for all the support!! xoxo
I am so glad you started your blog because it is my favorite!! I love your DIY’s, your farmhouse style, and your genuine personality. Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary 🙂
Thank you soooooo much Nikki! I always appreciate when you! xoxo
Congratulations on your 2 Year Anniversary LVN! I absolutely love, love, love it! Your blog helped inspire me to start my own blog recently. I’m beyond happy for you! I look forward to all your posts! Happy Holidays and Congratulations!
Oh that makes me so happy to hear you started your own blog Julie!! I wish you the best of luck. Enjoy it and have fun!!
Happy 2nd Sarah! I am so glad you took that risk. 🙂 You are the first blog I check every morning and it is a great start to my day. Love that you share your beautiful space and your thoughts on life. Keep up the great work!
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that Rhonda, thank you so much!! xoxo
Congratulations!! So happy for you! Here is to to many years of success! Kim
Xx
So happy for you, Sarah! You took a huge leap & you succeeded! Wishing you continued success. Kim xx
Thank you so much sweet Kim!
You are one of my inspirations! When I was trying to work up the courage to get back into blogging and wondering if I had anything to offer, I thought of your story and how you were worried too. Thanks for being a happy little spot in the blog world!
Oh yay! That makes me so happy Tara. I’m glad you got back into it–I wish you the best of luck!!
You’re the very first blog I subscribed to via Pinterest and then followed on instagram! And thanks to you, I now follow a few people that I enjoy every single day. Anywho, speaking of treats, I believe when you were pregnant you said about a chocolate brownie something. It sounded really, really good, so I’m wondering if you’ll post a recipe/blog post about it?? 🤞
Thank you for subscribing and following along Corinne, I really appreciate it! And I’m not remembering off the top of my head what brownie recipe I talked about while I was pregnant….I guess I was eating so many they all just blurred together! 🙂
I love reading your blog! I started my own in May of this year and am trying to gain more followers. When would you say you really became “noticed?” Was it through pinning on Instagram? I’m also contemplating putting a few ads on my page, so that it can be a source of income as well (I’m a poor college student lol.)
HI Alyssa! I think Instagram helped me to become more noticed initially, but Pinterest is what grows pageviews for sure. I’d focus your attention there more than any other social media platform if you want to increase pageviews. And definitely get some small ads going, you can do that through Google AdSense, every little bit helps!
Sarah, LVN is a bright spot in my day. It really gets me off to a good start, so thank YOU! I love your style and the ideas you share. I celebrate your success and your joy with you!
Aw thank you Barbara, I am so happy to hear that!! I’m so thankful to have you here following along. xoxo
Happy two year anniversary! Cheers to you! What kind words. I too look forward to reading your blog everyday, and maybe someday I’ll have the nerve to start one of my own…..Thank you for all the beautiful pics, and inspiration!
If I can do it, so can you Jen! xoxo
I love your blog and I’m so grateful that I found it! The pictures of your home that I came across online just drew me in. Unlike so many other farmhouse rooms that are just stark and cold, yours are just warm and welcoming. You are so naturally talented and it’s nice that you share that with all of us. I’m lifting a big cup of coffee to many more years of LVN to come!
That’s so kind of you Deedra! I really appreciate that and I’m happy to have you here. Cheers to many more years and more coffee drinking! 🙂
Oh wow!! Two years… what an accomplishment! Congratulations!! Your blog has been, and continues to be, my favorite blog. You provide such inspiration and enjoyment to your readers… I can hardly wait to read your blog each day! Thank you for sharing your home and beautiful family with us each day. You are definitely a blessing to us. Merry Christmas!!
Thank you so much Jenn, such sweet words!! I truly appreciate it and I’m honored to have you here everyday. Bless you! xoxo
Congratulations! I enjoy reading your posts everyday! Hope you will continue to share with us! Have a nice day!
Thank you Lisa. Happy to have you here!!
Happy Anniversary my beautiful soul sister. I have to admit, I’m not easily impressed. In my 63 years on God’s green earth there haven’t been many people that have made the impression you have on me, especially one as young as yourself. Not only is your blog fantastic with wonderful creative ideas and awesome pictures, you are adorable, funny, smart and wacky, which to me is the best combination ever. Don’t ever change. I wish you success for as long as you want it. Love Angela xx
Gracious sakes Angela, that is quite the compliment. Thank you SO much, I can’t even begin to tell you how much that means to me! I’m truly so grateful for all your support and kindness, you always bring a smile to my face with your comments. Thank you, thank you, thank you! xoxo
Happy Anniversary!! I’m so glad I found you. Love the way you make decor so simple for me. I wish you much more years and a Merry Christmas
Aw thanks Mary, that’s always my goal. You know I love simple!
Congratulations!! Well done on two years. Really love your style and you are so inspiring. 🙂
Thank you Lelanie!! xoxo
Your blog just puts some sparkle in my mornings…
Way to go. Look forward to reading your blog. Love your comfy home
Thank you so much Karen!
My favorite blog hands down. Luv that you love the Lord and spend time glorifying Him. Best wishes for a great Christmas.
Diane
Oh wow Diane, that is such a big compliment. Thank you SO much! Honored to have you here following along. xoxo
congratulations on your two year anniversary! i just love reading your blog and seeing what you do with your lovely home. your home is a true home, warm and inviting. love it!
i just noticed the cozy chair that you are sitting in (in the photo above). we are looking for such a comfortable chair; where did you find it?
Thank you Mary! I always want our home to be warm and cozy, so I definitely appreciate that! And you can find that chair here: https://rstyle.me/n/cis4jwb6hgf
Happy Anniversary!! I too, love reading your blog every day, usually for me in the evening after work when I am winding down & I actually have some “me time”. LOL Seriously, I love your style and all your posts! Keep up the great work!
That “me” time is important, no matter what time of day. Thanks so much for being here Sharon!
Sarah a huge congratulations, I love your bright and happy blog and look forward to all your posts and sometimes I get to find time for your Instagram stories too which I love. I want to thank you too…without your positive comments about the blogging world and a few personal emails, I’m not sure I would have taken the plunge and started my own blog. Now I truly understand when you talk about your happy place because I have one too! Thank you for your help, your blog, your fun and wit and long may we all have your blog in our lives!x
Aw thank you SO much Helen, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate those kind words. And I’m so happy you decided to start your own blog too. I really need to pop over there and check it out. I’m sure it’s awesome!!
Sarah, I follow several blogs, but yours is by far my favorite. Love your style, your humor, and your decorating aesthetic. Look forward to reading more. Thanks for all the work you do to keep your readers anticipating the next post, Cynde
oh Cynde, thank you so much! That means the world to me and I’m so happy to have you here following along! xoxo