12 Favorite Posts From My First Year Blogging
Reminiscing on these past 12 months of writing has been such a joy. I can’t believe it’s been a year! There have been highs and lows and unpredictable circumstances, but I’m proud of every step I have taken and lessons I have learned. So, in honor of this exciting year I decided to choose one of my favorite blog posts from each month (September 2019-September 2020). It was no easy task, as I have love for each post. Regardless, here are my 12 Favorite Posts From My First Year Blogging.
1. Top 7 Must-See Places in Israel
My first blog post will always have a special place in my heart, and not just because it was all about our trip to Israel. Although, that is reason enough. My favorite part about writing this particular blog was remembering all the things I learned in the Holy Land. We were in a different time zone without frequent internet connection, which made it easy to detach and focus on what God had in store. Every square mile of Israel is steeped in history. If you ever have the opportunity to go, I highly recommend making the trip.
2. Swedish Christmas Traditions and Decorations
Last year I decided to investigate more traditions and decorations that reflect my heritage. I come from a proud, large, boisterous Swedish family, and I wanted my home to reflect not only my own style but where I come from. Learning about different Scandinavian traditions was one of the best parts of the holiday season, and I can’t wait to continue some of those traditions this year with our own little family.
3. 28 Things I Have Learned in 28 Years
In December I turned 28 years old, so I decided to write down all the things I have learned in the last 28 years. Truth be told 28 years is not a lot, I still have (God willing) decades of learning ahead of me, but I thought this post might be good for posterity. I spent so many hours crafting this post and stayed up late on my birthday hoping to post it on the day. However, I didn’t feel 100% confident in the quality of the content and ultimately waited a day to post. I’m glad I did, because this is quite possibly my favorite post of 2019.
4. 8 Delicious Eats and Treats Near Tampa Florida
Eating my way around Tampa Florida while my husband worked was incredible. There are so many delicious foods in and around Tampa that I couldn’t try them all, but I chose the best of the best. Also, the people in Tampa were so nice! I was surprised, because it is a large city. Usually that means the people are less kind. Anyway, what I loved most about creating this post was learning how to take better photos of food. I’m still working on my photography skills.
5. Hygge Home Tips: How to Clear the Clutter From Your Closets
Clearing the clutter from my mother’s closets was one of the great joys of my life. I love the challenge of organizing. Some people see piles of random stuff, I see a puzzle that needs to be solved. The best part? So many people loved and were inspired by this post! That’s all a girl can ask for. I spend hours and hours each week curating new content, so when people actually enjoy all that hard work it makes me so happy. Also, physical labor went into this blog post as well, so all the effort was not in vain.
6. 25 Helpful Tips for Your Trip to Universal Orlando
Speaking of posts I am proud of, this one may have taken the most time. That’s because I not only toured Universal and accumulated 25 helpful tips, but I created a booklet of instructions to go with the post. It was a hefty task I was happy to do. I was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the park the first time we went to Universal. If I had better prepared for that first trip I might have had even more fun, which is my hope for anyone reading this post. Being prepared on vacation only frees you to actually enjoy the vacation itself.
7. Hygge & Holy Spirit: A 15 Day Devotion Download
In the last 12 months I have curated several different Devotion Downloads that I hope have inspired and encouraged people in their relationship with God. Hygge & the Holy Spirit is only one example of these devotions. Each and every page was written with love, care and prayer. I’m hoping to make a few more for the new year, so stay tuned.
8. 5 Benefits of a Hygge Hike
The COVID quarantine introduced me to so many new hobbies, including hiking. It’s so depressing to be stuck indoors all the time, especially when I work from home alone. My husband and I took it upon ourselves to find all sorts of hiking trails in Kansas to explore at a safe social distance. Some of my favorites are only a few miles away. Who knew? There are many benefits to spending time outside in nature, so if you are an indoor person I highly recommend exploring what’s right outside your back door.
9. The Ultimate Kansas State University Bucket List
My Alma Mater is Kansas State University, and I could not have been more proud to create this Ultimate Bucket List. Manhattan is one of the best cities in the world in my opinion, so if you haven’t been you should add this post to your own bucket list. Also, if you attended K-State or lived in Manhattan and did not complete this Bucket List then shame on you! Go back right this minute and enjoy your time in the Little Apple to the fullest.
10. 7 Ways to Appreciate People and Say Thank You
What I love most about this post from July is that it was a good reminder to me to remain thankful. The pandemic has me feeling so pessimistic and disappointed most days. But in spite of what is going on in the world I have a lot to be thankful for, even if it’s as simple as this cold cup of water I am currently enjoying. I also have many people to be thankful for and it’s important to let people know how much you appreciate them. We could all use a little positivity.
11. 5 Reasons You Need to Slow Down
My blogging journey started when I found myself in a season of burnout. I felt as though I was missing the point. I was busy all the time, but accomplishing nothing. Well, when I say nothing I mean that I felt as though I was not making an impact or following what God has for me. Does that make sense? I couldn’t live that way any more, and I wrote this post in August to encourage others to slow down as I have these past 12 months.
12. 12 Things I Learned in the First Two Trimesters of Pregnancy
The 12 Things I Learned in the First Two Trimesters of Pregnancy is my final favorite blog post. I can’t believe I am already in the third trimester and we get to meet our sweet girl so soon! We are already so in love. I’m sure I will have all sorts of baby-related posts for next year, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.
Thank you for taking the time to read the 12 Favorite Posts From My First Year Blogging. Be sure to subscribe for updates on new content, and check out other posts such as:
28 Things I have Learned in 28 Years
6 Books You Should Definitely Re-Read in 2020
Nature and The Bible: Learning About God Through His Creation
When You are Deeply Tired on the Inside
As always, if you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message me on Instagram. Follow @bestillandhygge on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and subscribe below for new content every week.
Love Always,
