Jaime’s beautiful and totally inspiring post from yesterday has me feeling nostalgic. Over seven year of Pretty Prudent (and Prudent Baby!) and so many recipes invented, sewing adventures pursued, and travel trails blazed right here on these pages. Since we have been digging deep in the archives, we’d both like to share our favorite posts from all of our years working on our blog. Ill do mine today and tomorrow Jaime will jump in with her own. So let’s time travel way back to 2009 to start.
2009
Named for my brother-in-law Kevin, who created this recipe, Kevin’s Famous Scones was one of the first recipes that I shared on Pretty Prudent. This recipe made a baked good that always seemed to be more trouble than it was worth into a baked good that is an irresistible family tradition and basically fail-proof.
Oh sweet baby Quinn, now almost 7 herself. Here she models a warm and cozy hooded towel. This project has saved the day when only a handmade baby gift will do. It’s simple and inexpensive to make, and every young family needs a few!
2010
Who knew funny little strands of folded fabric could be so satisfying to make. Jaime tought us all how to make bias tape and it became one of our favorite ways to sew. It’s been a long time since I made some. It might be time to spend a day stocking up.
To celebrate our first Blog-iversary I made a cake and shared how to ice one without rouge crumbs appearing or tears shed. It inspired people to try making a cake just like a real live grown-up. I was so proud.
2011
Our sewing projects are some of our most popular but Jaime’s Layer Cake skirt is one of my personal favorites. I love how it can feature several fabrics in such a pretty bohemian style. It’s a great first sewing project.
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed
Gardening as a family is a passion that Jaime and I share, our post on how to build raised beds (and then how to irrigate them) helped people with just a tiny square of space feel like they could have a garden. Looking back at these babies out in the garden makes my heart swell. I miss those little nuggets!
2012
2012 is when Scarlet turned four and Clare turned five and they were into all things girly and cute. That’s when adorable projects like Heart-Shaped Totes and Cloud pillows started to appear. These projects are adorable, yes, but they are my favorites for the year because they remind me of such a fun and sweet time in our daughter’s lives.
2013
Jammin’ with Jaime: Watermelon Jalapeno Jelly
In the Summer of 2013, in the height of Pretty Prudent Home book writing, Jaime packed her suitcase with jar upon jar of homemade jelly for me to help photograph. Anytime we get to work together in real life, in the same room, is my favorite. This was my favorite flavor of the bunch, it’s amazing on a roasted chicken sandwich. Also, she named the series Jammin’ with Jaime, which will never fail to delight me.
How to Make a Crepe Paper Corsage
As a former Graphic Designer, I love any paper crafts. 2013 is the year I discovered working with French Crepe Paper and never looked back. I love the whimsical idea of making your friends handmade paper corsages for a shower or party.
2014
Clare and I have had some pretty spectacular adventures together and our trip to South Dakota is my favorite. We had a truly special time seeing the classic American and Native sites of this part of the country. I can’t wait to go with the rest of my family, it’s such a wonderful state.
Malibu Barbie Beach Birthday Party
At a time when we were very focused on the book, and not much creative blogging, I popped in to share Quinn’s super cute and super fun Barbie Birthday. I can’t help but read this post and laugh. What a sweet, zany girly-girl I have.
2015
Smorgastarta Swedish Sandwich Cake
Jaime convinced me that I had to try to make a Swedish Sandwich Cake. It combines two of my favorite things, decorating cake and eating cream cheese. This is one of the most delicious foods that I have ever tasted. Word of wisdom, make this for a party, not for a photoshoot. It will end up in your refrigerator where you will proceed to eat a slice for every meal for the next week. It’s that good.
DIY Shibori Heart Hand Warmers
And lastly some heart-shaped hand warmers from Colleen. Such a sweet and thoughtful handmade bit for someone you love, styled impeccably as only Colleen can do.
Here’s to 2016, it’s going to be a year of refreshed creativity and hard work and joy and adventure. We hope to see you around these parts, and maybe even in real life. Happy New Year!