Unveiling the Favorites: Our Top 10 Most Popular Blog Posts of 2012
As bloggers, one of the most rewarding aspects of our journey is connecting with you, our amazing readers. Your engagement, your comments, and your shared enthusiasm are the very heart of what we do. That’s why, at the close of 2012, I took a deep dive into our Google Analytics data, not just to discover the top recipes and top DIY projects, but to identify the absolute most-viewed posts across our entire archive. It’s a way of truly understanding what resonates most with you, and frankly, it’s incredibly insightful and fun!
For three and a half years, you’ve been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement, and for that, I am eternally grateful. So, what better way to celebrate our shared journey than by shining a spotlight on the content you loved the most? This analysis helps us tailor future content to your interests, ensuring we continue to bring you valuable, engaging, and inspiring ideas for your home and kitchen.
The results were fascinating! While some articles were definite “no-brainers” – content I fully expected to see at the top – there were also a few delightful surprises that really made me smile. To add a bit of excitement, I’m going to count down the list, starting from #10 and building up to the single most popular post since the blog’s inception. Can you guess which post claimed the coveted top spot? Let’s embark on this nostalgic journey through the most beloved content of 2012, a mix of timeless classics and newfound favorites!
Counting Down Our Readers’ Favorites: The Top 10 Posts of 2012
10. Homemade Moose Munch: A Sweet Holiday Surprise
Kicking off our countdown at number 10 is Homemade Moose Munch. This one was a genuine surprise! I suspect the annual holiday baking frenzy played a significant role in propelling this delicious recipe into the top ten. But honestly, it’s no wonder it soared in popularity. This particular caramel corn recipe is truly exceptional – a perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and utterly addictive. It’s not just a seasonal treat; it’s a go-to for movie nights or any time you crave something sweet and satisfying. If you haven’t tried it yet, I wholeheartedly encourage you to make a batch. I promise you’ll understand its well-deserved popularity!
9. French Styled Bench From Broken Chairs: Creative Upcycling at Its Best
Coming in at number 9, and making an appearance on two of our popular lists this year, is the incredible French Styled Bench From Broken Chairs. This project is a testament to the power of creative upcycling and my husband Brian’s ingenious craftsmanship. Taking what others might see as junk – old, broken chairs – and transforming them into a beautiful, functional, French-inspired bench is nothing short of inspiring. It showcases how a little vision and elbow grease can turn discarded items into cherished pieces of furniture, adding character and charm to any space. It’s a rewarding DIY that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve a high-end look.
8. How to Turn a Dresser into a Vanity: Budget-Friendly Bathroom Renovation
At number 8, we have another fantastic DIY project: How to Turn a Dresser into a Vanity. This tutorial has continued to be a favorite, and for good reason. Our own dresser-turned-vanity remains a beloved fixture in our home, and I’m thrilled that so many of you have found the tutorial helpful for your own projects. It’s an incredibly smart and budget-friendly way to create a unique and custom bathroom vanity that stands out from standard store-bought options. It proves that with a bit of creativity, a thrift store find can become the cornerstone of a stylish and personalized bathroom design, saving you money while adding immense character.
7. How to Roast and Freeze Beets: The Unexpected Practicality Hit
This is where the biggest surprise of the list comes in! Landing at number 7 is How to Roast and Freeze Beets. Honestly, I never would have guessed that the humble beet, and specifically the method for preserving it, would capture so much attention! It seems that many of you were as eager as I was to learn efficient ways to enjoy garden-fresh produce year-round. This post highlights a practical, healthy, and incredibly useful skill for anyone interested in food preservation and making the most of seasonal harvests. It just goes to show that sometimes, the simplest, most practical advice can be the most sought-after and valuable.
6. Classic Caesar Salad Dressing: A Family Staple
Moving on to number 6, we have a true culinary staple: Classic Caesar Salad Dressing. This recipe is not just a blog favorite; it’s a deeply cherished part of our family meals. Given how often I prepare it – it’s practically a weekly occurrence – its popularity doesn’t surprise me in the least. There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly balanced, homemade Caesar dressing. It elevates any salad from ordinary to extraordinary, and knowing you appreciate this classic as much as we do is incredibly gratifying. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted, timeless recipes that bring joy to the dinner table.
5. How I Learned to Love Cast Iron: Embracing Traditional Cookware
At the halfway mark, number 5 is How I Learned to Love Cast Iron. This post explores the journey of mastering cast iron care, and I can tell you, my affection for my cast iron pans has only deepened since I first wrote about it! This isn’t surprising, as cast iron cookware is a fantastic investment, known for its durability, even heating, and versatility. Many home cooks are looking for practical advice on how to properly season and maintain these heirloom pieces. This post clearly struck a chord with those seeking to embrace traditional cooking methods and unlock the full potential of their cast iron collection, making it a valuable resource for anyone passionate about their kitchen tools.
4. Homemade Caramel Apple Dip: A Sweet Family Tradition
Slipping into the number 4 spot is our delectable Homemade Caramel Apple Dip. This post isn’t just about a recipe; it’s about creating memories and fostering family traditions. It features the original, beloved recipe, alongside a lower-sugar version for those looking for a healthier option, and even includes an idea for a fun family apple-tasting night. The combination of a fantastic, easy-to-make dip and the suggestion for a heartwarming family activity makes this post incredibly appealing. It taps into the desire for comforting, homemade treats and shared experiences, especially during the autumn season when apples are abundant. It’s a simple recipe that brings a lot of joy.
3. Brown Kraft Paper Floor Tutorial: A DIY Alternative to Wood Floors
Holding strong at number 3 is the ever-popular Brown Kraft Paper Floor Tutorial. This project has been a consistent powerhouse on the blog for years, so its inclusion on this list is no shocker. What *was* a slight surprise is that it only landed at the third spot, given its long-standing popularity! This innovative DIY offers a beautiful and incredibly affordable alternative to traditional wood floors, making it a dream for budget-conscious renovators. The tutorial, often complemented by its indispensable companion FAQ (which also made the top 2012 DIY list), provides clear, detailed instructions, empowering readers to achieve stunning results. It’s a testament to the fact that ingenuity and accessible materials can create truly impressive home transformations.
2. Best Homemade Ranch Dressing: The Quest for Perfection
Coming in at an astonishing number 2 is our recipe for the Best Homemade Ranch Dressing. This ranking honestly bowls me over! I know firsthand there are countless ranch dressing recipes floating around the internet – I’ve probably tested half of them in my personal quest for the ultimate version. To see our rendition rise so high speaks volumes about its quality and appeal. This isn’t just any ranch; it’s, in my humble opinion, the most flavorful, “ranchiest” ranch dressing you’ll ever make. The fact that so many of you agree, making it a consistent favorite, warms my heart. It’s a foundational “pantry basic” that elevates everything from salads to crudités, proving that homemade truly is best.
1. Soft 100% Whole Wheat Rolls: A Blog Legend is Born
And now, for the grand reveal: the most popular blog post of 2012, and indeed, since the very beginning of the blog, is the recipe for Soft 100% Whole Wheat Rolls! This post, originally from the early days of A Oregon Cottage, experienced a massive resurgence in popularity last year. This new life was largely thanks to Money Saving Mom, who featured them in a couple of her weekly menu plans. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, right before the holiday season in October, leading to an explosion of pins, shares, and comments throughout November and December. I’ve personally made these rolls three times in the last month alone, and I can attest: they are absolutely spectacular. I recall a family member at Thanksgiving telling me she had been thinking about these rolls the entire drive down from Seattle, knowing I’d be bringing them to our celebration. If you haven’t yet tried this recipe, I’m going to go out on a limb and say you really, truly, ought to! They are a game-changer for any meal.
Reflecting on a Year of Engagement and Inspiration
So, there it is – the comprehensive rundown of the top ten most popular posts from the blog’s inception through 2012. Looking at this list, it’s clear that our community values a wonderful mix of practical DIY solutions, delicious homemade recipes, and insightful tips for a more intentional home life. From the surprising popularity of freezing beets to the enduring appeal of our kraft paper floor, each post tells a story of engagement and shared interests.
Were you surprised by any of the entries on this list? Did your personal favorite make it to the top? Perhaps there’s a timeless post you think should have been included? I’d love to hear your thoughts and insights! Please leave a comment below and share your opinions. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to grow and create content that truly resonates with you. Thank you for making 2012 such a memorable year for the blog!