A look back at 2018 around Duke Manor Farm

A look back at 2018 around Duke Manor Farm

Happy New Year! I hope you rang in the new year with contentment, optimism and a little bit …or a whole lot of fun.  We certainly did, if you call taking a plunge in the pool at midnight fun! This was our second annual polar plunge on New Years Eve. Honestly a  plunge would be a stretch for me….more like a toe dip but my hubby and kids were full on. 

When I look back at 2018 around Duke Manor Farm it was a year filled with new additions around the farm, a few home projects, a few design projects outside of the blog and most importantly slowing down and seizing the moments. It was the first year since I have been blogging that I took the entire summer off to enjoy my kids during their summer break…it felt so good that I intend to do it again…and again.

Here’s a few highlights ( just in case you missed them throughout the year) that I shared on the blog during 2018.

First project of the Year

Well, I am happy to say that I actually completed the first project of the year. Minor updates were made to our family room. Although not the most complex of projects ( it was more labor intensive)  it got finished. You can read all about that here.

Favorite project of the year

Hands down my favorite project of the year was converting my unused Dining Room into a Piano room. For years I have pondered about the design and functionality of that space and was so happy to see it come together. My rendition on the piano of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star has never sounded so good! You can see the full reveal here.

My Favorite Before and After

No question here, it was my good pals Modern Farmhouse. You all thought so too! It was so exciting to watch the changes of a  1970’s outdated home, transition into a beautiful modern farmhouse. What’s more is the patience and hard work that went into the renovation. You can see the full renovation ( it’s all so good) with the before and after photos : Living Room and Dining Room here,  Kitchen Reveal here,  Entry Way here ,  Exterior here 

New family members

Sadly we lost our beloved Bear in 2018. He was such a gentle giant and provided the extra layer of security around Duke Manor Farm. I always said, when Bear barked I listened. A few months after his passing we were lucky enough to welcome Maddie to the crew. She wasted no time transitioning into the funny farm and has been the most loyal and affectionate dog. In addition we picked up some new ducks , chickens and a kitty named Cheeze-it.  

Oh, and did I mention that a goat followed my husband home from a jog one day. The goat ( the kids named him Jack)  is still here. I am not kidding when I say there is never a dull moment around here.

My DIY  tip for the year

I’d like to think that I passed on many helpful and inspiring tips here on the blog but one area that I get lots and lots of questions about is painting cabinets. I shared some prepping tips when I painted my island blue here. You can also see more of my tips when painting kitchen cabinets here. If you are considering painting your kitchen cabinets white in the new year don’t miss my post here on the pro’s and con’s of painting cabinets white….before you pick up that paint brush.

Personal highlight of 2018 

In 2018 my family watched my mom fight lung cancer. Early in December she was told that her cancer was in remission. We celebrated her and her fight when she visited us at Christmas time. Best. present.ever. My mom will continue her chemo treatments until February. I will keep you posted on her progress.

Although nothing can compare to the joy we feel with this outcome, Duke Manor Farm was published in the summer edition of American Farmhouse Magazine. What a thrill to see the house, property and some of my animals in print.  You can see some of the images here. I have to chuckle because before the magazine hit the newsstand most of the spaces they photographed looked different. I love when that happens!

I’ll be putting a post together for some of my projects that I want to do, and finish up  around here so I will be sharing those soon. As far as resolutions go, I don’t really make those. I just try to live the best life that I can,  being the best person that I can be. What about you, do you make any resolutions?

I hope the new years brings you much warmth, love and enough light to guide your path to a positive destination.

Happy New Year!

grateful

for you