Top 10 Referrals of 2012

While 2012 will always be the year of huge loss for me, something amazing occurred after Marlon died – an incredible outpouring of love and support. I have saved every single comment and email of condolence that came in and at some future time I will print them all off.

The online community is just that – a community. I honestly don’t think I could make it through those dark days without you, my readers, and some of my blog friends. I was fortunate to develop friendships with a number of bloggers. Many are on the list below. Some I’ve met in person, some I haven’t, but they are still very, very important to me and a huge blessing in my life.

When I went through my referral stats to find the top ten, it warmed my heart to see these gals. These bloggers don’t even realize that they play such an important role in my life, online and off. It’s just who they are and what they do that makes each one of them special.

#1 – Centsational Girl

I’ve followed Centsational Girl ever since I started blogging but was fortunate to meet Kate in person last spring. She’s genuine and sincere and lovely, just like her blog.

 

#2 – Saved by Love Creations

I haven’t met Johnnie from Saved by Love Creations in person yet, but she’s one person I can’t wait to meet at SNAP in 2013. Johnnie’s blog is full of inspiring projects and she frequently compiles the most fabulous round ups of 50+ ideas.

 

#3 – The Graphics Fairy

I haven’t met Karen, the Graphics Fairy, in person either but I know when I do it’ll feel as if I’ve known her all my life. That’s how it feels when we chat on the phone or on a G+ Hangout. It’s hard to believe we just “met” after Marlon died, and yet, I can’t imagine life without her now.

Have you ever met anyone like that? Who feels like you’ve known them your entire life?

#4 – Attempting Aloha

I met Charlie from Attempting Aloha last year when a group of us did an organizational series. Well, Charlie hit it out of the park with her post on 50+ Organizational Idea for Kid Spaces. From that one post that she wrote, Attempting Aloha is my #4 referral for 2012.

Bloggers and the internet never cease to amaze me.

#5 – Mod Podge Rocks

At #5 is my dear, sweet friend, Amy of Mod Podge Rocks! I met Amy the night before Marlon got sick and we tried to figure out when we first ‘met’ online, and couldn’t remember. No matter. Amy has taught me more about being a craft/DIY blogger than anyone I know. Not to mention she’s a really good friend.

If you ever have any questions about the wonderful product we love called “Mod Podge” I guarantee, Amy has the answer. Along with adorable projects to ‘podge too!

#6 – Thrifty Décor Chick

I have to admit that I was surprised to see Thrifty Décor Chick as a top referral. Oh, don’t get me wrong – I adore Sarah and TDC and would love to meet her in person this year. Like at Haven, maybe? #dreamcometrue

I can only imagine that the referrals are coming from her link parties. Which goes to show that many readers still check out projects at link parties. I need to get back to joining some parties. Well, at least Sarah’s for sure!

#7 – Funky Junk Interiors

Who knew junk could be so popular? Apparently Donna at Funky Junk Interiors, that’s who. Donna is another blogger I’m honored to call “friend” and, again, I honestly don’t know how we first connected. But I’m so glad we did.

If you’ve never visited Funky Junk Interiors, don’t let the title fool you. Her blog is about oh-so much more than junk. I’m not kidding. You can get lost for hours if you poke around a bit.

Trust me on that.

#8 – The Lettered Cottage

The Lettered Cottage is another blog that is fabulous and I’m pretty confident that Layla has no clue who I am. So how does her blog wind up as a top referring source to Just Paint It? Her link parties. Ah-mazing. She only does 3-4 a year, I believe, but wowza are her parties something. Great ideas and, obviously, great traffic.

 

#9 – Pretty Handy Girl

I could feature posts by Pretty Handy Girl at least once a week, if not more. Brittany writes the most incredible tutorials. And I mean for EVERYthing. Trust me, I don’t plan on using serious power tools, but I still read her tutorials. Know why? Because she exudes confidence to her readers and makes me feel like I could use one if I wanted to.

Brittany became my BFF this year and I am so lucky to ‘claim’ her as my bestie. She’s the type of friend that doesn’t ‘hover’ but checks on me if she hasn’t heard from me (online). She let’s me talk and talk and talk whenever I need to. Just life a best friend in real life. Funny thing is, we haven’t met irl.

If I had to give one reason why I want to go to a blog conference in 2013, it’d be just so I could meet Brittany in person.

#10 – Today’s Creative Blog

Today’s Creative Blog rounds out my top referrals, which makes me happy. Kim has been an online friend for a long time. It was fun to find someone I had so much in common with – she used to teach dance, like me, and now teaches fitness classes, like me.

Of course, TCB is substantially larger than my blog but that has never affected our friendship. (Oh, believe me, there are bloggers where the disparity of blog sizes does affect relationships. But not Kim.)

If you’d ever like to find new and interesting creative blogs, just head over to Kim’s. She features a different one every single day.

 

So those are my Top 10 referring sites for 2012. You know, this is the first time I’ve written a post like this and I’m so glad I did. It’s kind of my way of counting my blog blessings.

Of course, you know you, as my readers, top that blessing list though, don’t you?

Happy New Year, my friends. May 2013 be so abundantly filled with love & light that we all find joy in sharing that love & light.

Colleen

about Colleen

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner