Simple makeovers, easy home decor ideas and flea market style have been the favorite topics on the blog this year!
As I get ready to “shut the door on 2024 and strive to thrive in 2025”, it seems like a good thyme to reflect back on the year and look forward to good things to come in 2025.
A Quick Thank You
Before I get started with the review, I’d like to take the thyme to thank you for following me on my journey!
Mother’s Day Forget Me Not Dough Bowl
Perhaps you originally found my blog via a blog hop, a link party, a Google search or via Hometalk. Regardless of how you started following me, I am so glad you are here! I have a passion for flowers (a former florist) and flour (a former pizzeria owner) and many things in between! Especially rusty and chippy items! Sometimes I describe myself as a Zone 6a girl living in a tropical world! If you are a gardener, you will know what I mean!
I love to share all the things I have learned over the years. Sometimes I tell stories about my life. Other times, I will share a craft or a recipe. I do like to use the word “thyme” instead of “time” in my writing!
If you would like to learn more about my journey, all the details can be found here:
So, grab a mug of hot tea (herbal of course) and get ready for a look back!
Let’s Craft a Caffeine Free Herbal Tea Blend
Now it is thyme to get started on our year in review!
Pictured below is my 6 year old self wishing for a career as an entrepreneur! Little did I know what a journey this would be! From the early days when the business had a more floral/gardening focus as Kim’s Kakes, Kuttings & Kandles Too to Petals & Porch Posts then onto the transition to working with flour at Makin’ Pizza and now where it all comes together at From Farmhouse to Florida, my love of herbs, decorating, flowers, cooking and family is woven throughout.
The Year in Review – The Personal Side
When the year started last January, little did I know that 2024 had an extra challenge or two in store for me. I started the year recovering from having a basal cell skin cancer removed from the top of my ear. January was also spent recovering from pneumonia.
Mid January, my Great Aunt Pauline was put on hospice. We lost her at the end of January. She was just 70 days short of her 106th birthday. The photo of the two of us was taken in February 2023. She was an amazing lady! She was a WW2 veteran, having served in the Navy. You can read about how amazing she was here: Meet My Great Aunt Pauline!
During February, I continued to deal with health challenges surrounding my digestive system. My primary care doctor thought I had gerd. I was simply not feeling right and wasn’t really interested in eating. Which if you know me, you know I love my food! I did manage to muster up the strength to spend the day on the water with two of my friends. We took a boat cruise to Cabbage Key. It was a fun thyme!
In March, I brushed off my floral skills and used faux flowers to create a tropical themed wedding bouquet for a friend’s daughter.
I also went to the grocery store and purchased flowers to use to make bud vases for my Great Aunt’s memorial service. I am really amazed at the quality of the fresh flowers at the local Publix store!
During the first three months of the year, I continued to suffer from lack of appetite. I was losing weight, which I was happy about but that should have been a big clue as to what was really going on with me. The complete story can be found here: Rooted & Established in Love
When I went to the ER that day in early April, I am not sure what I expected them to find but it certainly was not colon cancer. Even now, almost 9 months later, I still struggle to accept the diagnosis. I am able to take the immunotherapy drug, Keytruda instead of chemo. All the signs (blood work, scans) point to it being effective in holding any cancer growth at bay. I have a treatment every three weeks.
In November, I received some disappointing news regarding my potential ostomy reversal. That news really affected my attitude for a number of days. I have since decided not to focus on the fact that the reversal likely won’t happen. I was able to go to a special wound care nurse and receive some additional guidance about the care of the ostomy site. That has helped a lot.
Now that I have covered why I am anxious to close the door on 2024, let’s turn our focus to the business side!
They Say When The Student is Ready, The Teacher Will Appear!
The amazing young woman in the photo with me is KariAnne Wood from Thistlewood Farms. I have followed her blog for several years. Since I had subscribed to her mailing list, I received emails daily. I didn’t always open them… sorry, KariAnne! But one that I received a little over four years ago , really caught my eye. KariAnne was starting a blogging Mastermind group to teach the business of blogging.
It is Harder than it looks, folks!
I soon found out that it is much harder than it looks! There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that most people don’t realize. Between KariAnne’s help and the help of another lady in the group, I finally posted my first post under the From Farmhouse to Florida name on September 2, 2020.
While not as physically grueling as working in the flower shop or sweating next to the 500 degree pizza oven, blogging can be mentally grueling. So much to learn! From Pinterest to Instagram to TikTok and everything in between, many times my head is just spinning! But one of the most important things about blogging is that it is your business and there is room for everyone who wants become a creator/influencer/entrepreneur! Each of us brings something unique to the blogging world!
Your Top Ten Favorite Posts from the Past Year
Easy decorating ideas, simple makeovers and flea market style posts were the most popular topics! To read more about each of the posts, simply click on the title next to the number.
Let’s see which posts you liked the most!
#1 Why Love Isn’t Just For Valentine’s Day
“Love” isn’t just for Valentine’s Day! I enjoy adding touches of love to my decor throughout the year! Would you like to learn more? If so, simply click on the link above!
#2 Can You Chalk Paint Wicker Baskets?
#3 Simple Dough Bowl Arrangement
Looking for a quick way to decorate your dough bowl for the season? A simple hand tied bouquet of faux flowers could be just the solution!
#4 Simple Snowflake Holiday Succulent Centerpiece
If you’re looking for a unique holiday centerpiece idea, why not try incorporating succulents with a hurricane candle holder?
#5 Let’s Give This Wall A Much Needed Makeover!
Are you looking for a relatively easy way to remove wallpaper border? After searching on the internet and with some advice from a friend, I found a way to do it! Well, except for that one unfortunate mishap!
#6 Let’s Add Valentine Accents to Winter Decor
Curious about how to add Valentine accents to your winter decor? Click the link above for a few easy ideas to help you get started!
#7 Let’s Create a Rustic Inspired Autumn Tablescape
A few weathered accent pieces, a variety of textures, some bittersweet and a few minutes of time can result in a stunning Autumn tablescape!
#8 Easy Design Ideas Using Artificial Hydrangeas
Make your space bloom with these easy ideas using artificial hydrangeas! Get creative and add a unique touch of elegance to any room!
#9 What is Brocante Style?
What is brocante style? Brocante style is a French-inspired decorating style that blends vintage and antique pieces into your decor! It can also be referred to as flea market style!
#10 Celebrate the Spirit of Independence Day
Celebrate the Spirit of Independence Day in style with vibrant red, white, and blue decor that will bring a patriotic touch to your home!
As I Get Ready to Open The Door To 2025:
Many years ago, I self published a cookbooklet. I introduced the concept of herbal condiments and dessert herbs.
I had originally planned to work on a new book in 2024. However, my various health challenges zapped most of my energy and a lot of my creativity. I am hopeful that I can resume working on a new book that combines my love of herbs, garden antiques and easy decorating ideas very soon!
great post kimberly! Cheers to a happy and healthy new year!
Thank you, Laura! Same to you!!