Top 16 for 2016: Most Popular Posts of the Year

I’ve been taking a breather from the blog and social media in general for the past couple months, but as I brainstorm the direction I want to take FOXYOXIE.com in the new year, it’s always fun to reflect on the most-read content from the blog.

Below are the most-read posts in all of 2016. Considering that this is generally a home decor and lifestyle blog, I’m always surprised by the variety of topics when I do year-end reviews like this, but it does provide the perfect opportunity to find out just what sort of topics interest you the most!

So, without further ado, the top 16 for 2016:

No. 16  |  The Art of Being a Lady: God’s Definition of Femininity

Although “The Art of Being a Lady” series has been paused for quite some time, it continues to be some of my most-read articles ever. Discovering what it means to be a woman of God in today’s modern society is a topic near and dear to my heart, but for whatever reason, I’ve stopped sharing about it. Is this something you’d like to see more of in the future? I would love to hear your thoughts!

No. 15  |  10 Interesting Facts About Barcelona

One of my most-read travel posts happens to be one where I’m not a big fan of the destination. Ironic, right? Truth be told, I would definitely give Barcelona a second chance if I was presented with the opportunity.

No. 14  |  4 Secrets of Successful Freelancing

Speaking of opportunities, a couple of years ago I got to work with Hewlett-Packard on introducing their newest HP x360. In the post I also shared advice on what it’s like to freelance full-time. I also took readers on a tour of my studio – one of the first (and most popular) home decor posts I ever published.

No. 13  |  Simple Pleasures: Putting on Lipstick

Another amazing brand collaboration – this time with Burt’s Bees – where I explored the connection between lipstick and femininity.

No. 12  |  The Art of Being a Lady: Personality Test

Another favorite from “The Art of Being a Lady” series, this post analyzed how knowing your personality type helps you understand why you act the way you do. After about 10 years of re-taking the personality test and getting “INFJ” I recently got “INTJ” – which is interesting and just may become a topic of discussion in a later post.

No. 11  |  California Road Trip: Best Stops Along Highway One

For our three-year wedding anniversary, the husband and I made a 10-day road trip up the coast from California – from San Diego to Napa Valley – and although I have yet to share the full details of all our stops (I’m terrible at publishing content post-vacation!), the overview post is one of reader favorites. You can also read in more detail about Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Beach, Hollywood, Laguna Beach, La Jolla, San Diego, and El Matador State Beach. As for the stops I have yet to publish, which of the following are you most curious about: Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, Monterey, San Francisco, or Napa Valley?

No. 10  |  12 Tips for Buying IKEA Kitchen Cabinets

It comes as no surprise that some of my most-read house renovation-related posts are about our IKEA kitchen. It was, quite possibly, one of the most stressful rooms we designed and renovated in our 1930 bungalow. To see more of our renovation, check out the full “Our Bungalow Renovation” series.

No. 9  |  The Art of Being a Lady: How to Attract the Man of Your Dreams

Another reader favorite from “The Art of Being a Lady” series, this post always surprises me with its popularity because it was more of rant than anything else – which makes me think maybe I should explore the idea of re-writing the series with a little more thought. I’m curious to see how many of you are interested in this topic – I just may re-instate the series in 2017!

No. 8  |  14 Tips for Assembling and Installing IKEA Kitchen Cabinets

Just a tad bit more popular than the previously mentioned IKEA kitchen post, this article offers advice for the nightmare that is IKEA furniture assembly. To see the latest progress on our kitchen, check out the following posts:

• How To Tile a Kitchen Backsplash: DIY Tutorial
• Change Your Rug, Change Your Room: Dining Room Progress
• Home Renovation Progress Report: Kitchen Updates

No. 7  |  The Art of Being a Lady: Getting Along with Other Women

This installment of “The Art of Being a Lady” was a personal one. I miss being so open and vulnerable with you all… With each “TABL” article that makes the top 16 list, I’m more and more tempted to begin the series again.

No. 6  |  One Room Challenge, Week 6: Living Room Tour

This design project was quite possibly one of my personal favorites, ever. You can read about the entire brainstorming, planning, designing and execution process here.

The next One Room Challenge starts in April, and I can’t wait to unveil which room I’ll be working on! Any guesses? Here’s a hint.

No. 5  |  Most Amazing Living Wall and Vertical Garden Ideas

One of the first exterior projects I have planned for our bungalow is a living green wall, more than likely involving a pergola on our yet non-existent deck. In this post, I rounded up some of my favorite ideas – and it just so happens to be the fifth most-read post on the blog.

No. 4  |  15 Best Fireplace Ideas

Is it any surprise that one of my favorite features of our 1930’s bungalow is the fireplace? In this post, I rounded up some of my favorite fireplace makeovers as I brainstormed what to do with ours.

To see the latest progress on ours, check out our 2016 Winter Home Tour or the One Room Challenge Reveal.

No. 3  |  Where to Print Digital Files and Instant Downloads Purchased on Etsy

Although I haven’t blogged about it recently, I have an itsy-bitsy Etsy shop full of fun prints, stationery, custom designs and other paper goodies.

One day I had the brilliant idea to combine the many, many frequently-asked questions about purchasing and printing digital files into one helpful guide, and it continues to be one of my most-read articles today.

No. 2  |  How to Travel Europe on a Budget

Back in 2013, six months after getting married, the husband and I quit our jobs, sold most of our belongings and put the rest in storage in order to travel Europe. It was, by far, the best time of my life, so it comes as no surprise that the second most-read article on FOXYOXIE.com is about this topic.

You can read in more details about the following destinations: Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Porto, Lisbon, Cabo da Roca, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, Rome, Venice, Dubrovnik, Milan, Paris, and Stockholm.

No. 1  |  The Art of Being a Lady: 10 Ways to Feel More Feminine

Finally, the most-read article of all time, by a landslide, is yet another installment of “The Art of Being a Lady”.

That, ladies and gentlemen, concludes our list of the most-read articles in 2016!

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your friendship and that you continue reading what I have to share. All your comments and support mean the world to me!

Cheers to an incredible 2017!