Every year, by God’s grace, I am learning to be a better writer, designer, photographer. Looking back on my posts this year, I also see how much room I have to grow and explore. I’m excited for the challenge in the coming year! These are the most-read House Mix posts of 2016:

1. Feeding a family on a tight budget

I’ve been experimenting, studying and learning how to lower our grocery budget and it’s working! My monthly budget is at least $200 less than I was spending two years ago, and even with one more kid, our pantry is fuller and we eat healthier.

2. DIY ruler growth chart

Get instructions for how I made this kids’ growth chart with my home printer and minimal supplies in under two hours.

3. How to make a succulent centerpiece

Here is how to build a succulent centerpiece that will last for months. Ours is now a year old! These naturally water-retaining plants do not like too much water, so drainage is very important. Get the step-by-step instructions.

4. Clean house schedule and playlist

The key for my cleaning motivation (besides a cup of joe) is a good playlist. My latest one’s got the whole family shaking their derrieres. Now the boys say they need some tunes to help them pick up the play room! I promise you’ll like it. This post also has a cleaning schedule ideas and printables. Let’s do it!

5. On going from two kids to three

And all of this changing is only intensifying as the baby of the family gets older. She’s napping less, eating more and demanding more of my time. The craziness of three little ones is just now sinking in, 10 months later. Here are the main practical ways I have adjusted going from two to three kids.

6. The week I changed the way I parent

The boys are three and five years old. I have shown them love with my whole heart during their short time on this earth, but I’ve also let them rule my emotions. I have let them get the better of my temper, lost control, yelled and acted like a child myself more times than I can count. But something has changed.

7. Kids chore chart to earn money

My five year old is starting to learn the value of a dollar. Ok, he doesn’t realize the value, but he has figured out that it can buy him things! I’ve known this time was coming and my wheels have been turning on how to allow him to earn money, but stay clear that some chores we do just because we are a member of the family. Printable chart included.

8. Our Christmas budget

Not every Christmas is the same. Some years cost less, some cost more. This year ours costs less and we plan on giving more. We’ve decided to budget Christmas expenses at $325 for this family of five. This includes decor, kids’ crafts, presents, cards, wrapping supplies, everything except the kids’ Christmas pajamas (which I bought on sale last month). Here’s how we did it.

9. Stenciled nursery with pom pom canopy

Clara’s room got a makeover! I added a playful stencil on the back wall and a dreamy white pom pom canopy, along with some other details. It changed the look completely.

10. Navy blue bedroom and home office

I finally figured out what to put in these gold frames in the guest bedroom/office and I’m calling it done! I put this room together on the very cheap with some hand-me-down furniture, spray paint and art from my own printer.

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When I looked up the Top Ten, I was surprised some of these made the list. I’m also surprised when posts I wrote a year or more ago suddenly pick up popularity. Most of my traffic is driven by Pinterest, so sometimes I’ll see an influx readers for a random post I thought was dead in the water.

These are older House Mix posts just now making some popularity on Pinterest:

1. 1. Third trimester checklist (31.4K pins)

1. 1. Pom-pom curtains and curtain tricks you might not know (5.6K pins)

1. 1. Healthy pregnancy snacks (2.2K pins)

1. 1. How to make baby food in 45 minutes a week and save 50 percent (2.1K pins)

1. Potty training 101 (1K pins)

My highest pinned article ever is how I simplified and organized my house with 175K pins. It’s still one of my most read articles today. I’m not sure I’ll ever top that one, but I’ll sure try!

Sometimes blogging can feel like writing to the wind. I LOVE to hear from you! Whether you have an idea, suggestion, or story you’d like to share, please leave a comment! The interaction makes it all worth it. Please connect with me on Instagram or Facebook too!

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2017! xoxo