2015 Year in Review

At the end of each year, I love to look back on the best posts of the year. It’s a great way for me to see what you like to read and I can take a walk down memory lane.

I can’t believe it’s time to do this already. I feel like I just wrote 2014’s post yesterday! The year flew by so fast. 2016 isn’t even here yet and I already feel like it’s moving so fast! 

2015 Year in Review

January

January is all about starting fresh and getting organized which is why I shared a little bit about my hoarding tendencies and how I organize (or try to organize) my home.

Getting Organized When You’re a Hoarder Like Me

February

February was all about Valentine’s Day! Each year, I design Valentines for my kids based on their current obsessions. In 2014, we made Star Wars Valentines complete with light sabers. This year, it was all about Minecraft. I wonder what kind of Valentines I will design for 2016! Stay tuned.

Free Minecraft Printable Valentine’s Day Cards

March

In March, we were on a mission to catch a leprechaun! Every St. Patrick’s Day, we set up a trap and try to lure the leprechaun in with Lucky Charms. So far, we haven’t been able to catch that tricky leprechaun but that won’t stop us from trying each year!

How to Catch a Leprechaun

April

Here comes Peter Cottontail…hopping down the Bunny Trail! Hippity Hoppity Easter’s on it’s way! And to help us celebrate, we hosted an Easter Egg Dyeing Party with our friends. Each child had their own dyeing station and we had a lot of fun! See how we did it!

5 Tips for Hosting an Easter Egg Dyeing Party

May

In May, I reflected on my boys’ births and their stays in the NICU. I participated in a “Dear Mom” blog hop and I wanted to share with new NICU moms that their feelings are my feelings and that there is a whole community of women that understand.

Dear NICU Mom

June

We are lucky to live so close to a major city, Philadelphia. There are so many things to do with the kids and, if I am being honest, we do not take advantage of this like we should. To help me plan more trips to the city, I made a list of Free Things to Do in Philadelphia. 

Free Things to Do in Philadelphia

July

I jumped on the S’Mores bandwagon in July and made the most awesome S’Mores Dip. Like lick the bowl good. Although I don’t suggest that you lick the skillet. That sucker is hot! 

S’Mores Dip

August

In August, I had back to school on my mind. I wanted to make our entry into the new routine smoothly. One of the things we have struggled with in previous years is not having our homework supplies on hand. It was a constant search for pencils, glue sticks, and scissors. Not this year! I put together a Homework Caddy and I am happy to report that it has made homework time a lot easier around here.

Back to School Homework Caddy

September

We all know how much I love coffee and in September I kicked it up a notch with Boozy Iced Coffee. Iced Coffee + S’Mores Liquor = Awesome. Trust me on that one.

Boozy Iced Coffee

October

I totally outdid myself in October. One of my favorite desserts is Apple Pie but, sadly, I am the only one in this house that does. Which means I don’t make it very often. It would be a waste. But I figured out a way to take my love of apple pie and make it smaller with Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies. Proceed with caution!

Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies

November

As parents, we find it hard to have a date night. A night out means that we have to plan it weeks in advance. Even then it’s not a guarantee. To make sure I am ready for the occasion at the drop of the hat, I put together a bag filled with my Date Night Essentials so I can grab and go.

Ultimate Date Night Essentials

December

December is Elf season! He comes. We forget to move him. And then we need to explain that to the kids. To help everyone out, I made a List of Reasons Why Your Elf on the Shelf Didn’t Move. And believe you me, I used quite a few of these this year.

10 Reasons Why Your Elf on the Shelf Didn’t Move

And there you have it! The best blog posts of 2015 from A Grande Life! Hold on to your hats! 2016 is going to be even more awesome.