Anticipating 2021 & A Look Back at 2020
Looking back at 2020, pivoting on home improvement projects, what recipes came out of the kitchen, and looking ahead to 2021.
Now that 2020 is nearing an end, and it’s time to reflect back on everything this year has thrown at us, it’s really hard to know where to start! I think all of us would agree that this has been a challenging and difficult year. We’ve had to practice patience and perseverance. We have had to make changes and adaptations to our way of life in order to stay safe. We’ve missed our families, learned how to order groceries, become proficient (sort of) at FaceTime and Zoom, and somehow dealt with the fear and anxiety that comes as a result of a worldwide pandemic. (At the end of the post, three of my best blogging friends are sharing their thoughts too. More on that later.)
Even though there were many dark days in 2020, there were also happy times and accomplishments. Those are the things I am going to focus on today. Personally, I have much to be grateful for. My family is healthy and thriving. My kids have been working from home since March, and everyone has managed to stay safe. We planned very careful visits, and were able to spend time together. Although I have missed him terribly, my dad is healthy and still going strong. We keep in touch by talking every day, which is not enough, but I’m grateful for it all the same.
Thanks to all of you, this blog has kept me busy and occupied, which in itself, is a huge blessing. Last year at this time, I added a new tag line to my blog title that read “where simple is best.” It is staying right where it is for 2021, and I plan to explore and share more ideas for simple living. Coming your way will be easy ideas for keeping your homes and gardens refreshed, without breaking the bank. If there is anything in particular you would like me to cover, please leave me a comment, or send an email to ann@onsuttonplace.com. I may not be able to swing some of the requests, but I would like to address as many as possible. I feel as though we all are kindred spirits, and I would love to know how I can help.
BATHROOM RENOVATIONS
Even though I believe that simple really is best, sometimes big projects are necessary. I began 2020 determined to finally begin a kitchen remodel. I just knew this was going to be the year! But…like many things planned for 2020, that didn’t happen. We instead completely gutted and remodeled our two upstairs bathrooms, which were honestly much worse than the kitchen. To read how it all came about, and then came together, click the boxed link below.
2 Farmhouse Inspired Bathroom Renovations
So, once again, I am optimistic that 2021 is the year we will tackle the kitchen. It’s been delayed or put off so many times that at this point, I absolutely cannot say it will happen for sure. I am hopeful though!
YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES
Making and photographing the recipes I share here are two of my favorite things about writing this blog. For 2021, I want to make more dinners for two, and more side dishes, including salads. There will, of course, be desserts as well! Here are your favorite recipes for 2020:
- Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
- Rustic Skillet Bread Recipe
- Easy Beer Bread
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Old English Cream Cheese Appetizer
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021
I am going to adopt the same attitude I had last year in regards to goals. I’m going to leave the goal-setting for another year, and just get through 2021 the best I can. Switching gears, and changing direction, became almost second nature to many of us this year, so I imagine the same will be true for 2021.
Although not actually a goal for next year, I plan to share more basic decorating ideas here on the blog. Information you can use every day, and ideas that anyone can do. I will still be decorating for the seasons, and putzing around in the garden. You will be seeing the same old spaces, but with fresh and easy updates.
There is something else that I want to tell you, and it’s very difficult. I’ve thought and thought about it, and have come to the conclusion that I just have to come right out and say it. So here goes…
If you have lost someone you love this year, because of COVID or any other reason, I am so very sorry. I am not able to find the words to adequately share my feelings…but I hope you know that where ever you are, you are in my prayers every day. God bless you, and know that the OSP family is thinking about you.
Thank You
One last thing. I hope you all know how thankful I am for your visits to this blog. I am so grateful for your patience with the annoying ads, your support of my affiliate links, and the time you spend here. I know your time is limited, and I don’t take it for granted. While some bloggers concentrate on social media, I have chosen to put my blog first. My email list is growing, and I love creating content that’s attainable and affordable. I value your friendship, and look forward to all that’s waiting in 2021.
With that, I would like to send you along to see what my friends are sharing.
