Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures! This is where we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures.
Hey friends,
I hope you are enjoying these first few days of January! It has turned very cold here, and we are staying indoors as much as possible.
Which is the exact opposite of what happened at the beginning of last week. It was unseasonably warm, and I enjoyed the unexpected warm weather celebrating the end of 2024 and ringing in 2025. We spent the week at our beach cottage with our family but took a break to spend NYE with our N. Myrtle Beach friends. We had a great evening filled with good friends and laughter.
As the new year unfolds, it’s time to wipe the slate clean and look to a new beginning. Analyze what areas we want to change and celebrate what we did right. I’ve been blessed with many successes this year, and your continued support means the world to me. As you will see, I have some changes planned, and I’d also love to hear your ideas.
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Table of contents
- Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
- Adventures I’ve Had This Past Week
- 5 New Year’s Eve Ideas To Celebrate At Home
- 2 Free and Easy Winter Planter Ideas For A Cozy Front Porch
- Easy DIY Candle Centerpiece Made From Reclaimed Wood
- DIY Floral Garland Using Coffee Filters
- Learn How To Make Paper Flowers with Recycled Old Book Pages
- Thrifted Finds
Adventures at the End of the Dirt Road
This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.
While at the beach, I jotted down some ideas and inspiration for the coming year. One of the biggest challenges I face this year is what I want the blog to look like in 2025. I’ve decided it’s time for a new look, and you’ll notice some changes over the next few weeks. Please be patient with me as I implement the updates because I’m sure there will be some glitches. However, I’m excited about the updates and can’t wait to share all my plans with you.
I would also love to hear from you. I’m always open to suggestions and would love to know what you are most interested in seeing in 2025. I have several projects in the works, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a minute to message me or comment on this post. I appreciate all your input and suggestions.
Adventures I’ve Had This Past Week
2 Free and Easy Winter Planter Ideas For A Cozy Front Porch
Is your porch looking a little blah after the holidays? I’m always a little sad to see the Christmas sparkle disappear. However, your porch doesn’t have to suffer from the winter blahs. I can’t wait to share my 2 budget-friendly winter outdoor planter ideas. I love using free foraged natural elements, and filling winter outdoor planters with gathered supplies is an easy and inexpensive way to create a cozy front porch.
Easy DIY Candle Centerpiece Made From Reclaimed Wood
This Easy DIY Candle Centerpiece is so simple to make using reclaimed wood. I’ve included detailed instructions for how to make a multi-candle holder.
DIY Floral Garland Using Coffee Filters
Who knew coffee filters could be so versatile? I was inspired by a floral table garland I saw in Ballard Designs and decided to try duplicating the look. I’ll show you how to turn this inexpensive coffee filter craft into a delicate, paper-flower garland that adds whimsy to tables, mantels, and more. The DIY floral garland can be customized for any occasion, such as weddings, bridal showers, party decorations, etc., for a high-end style decoration. Get ready to unleash your inner artist with this fun and unexpected DIY project.
Learn How To Make Paper Flowers with Recycled Old Book Pages
Have you ever made paper flowers from old book pages? Let me show you how to make paper roses with easy paper-folding techniques. Plus, see options for using other paper to create stunning wreaths and more.
Adventures Off The Dirt Road
Why Didn’t I Think of That?
There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.
There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL
- I’m excited to try Stacy’s idea of starting seeds outdoors during winter.
- I love these Springtime branches Jennifer made with paper.
Thrifted Finds
One big project for the new year is cleaning out and remodeling my workshop. Saying that the space is a disaster is an understatement. I’ve been working from my kitchen island, and the shop has become a dump zone instead of a workspace. I want to make the space more efficient and use it as intended for all my DIY projects.
In true Dirt Road Adventures style, we have searched thrift stores for storage and workspace tables. I wanted a counter-height workspace table and found a great console piece with lots of storage included at our local Habitat Restore.
In addition, I have a unique antique storage chest that requires a base to sit upon. I have been using a very inadequate table that didn’t enhance the antique piece. Over the holidays, we finally found this coffee table with storage drawers. Someone had notched out a tabletop section, so the price was excellent. Since it will be used as a base for another piece, the notched-out area didn’t matter to us. I’ll be painting the piece to coordinate with the antique chest. So win, win!
So stay tuned for the updated pieces and an organized workspace.
Thank you for all your support in 2024, and I look forward to an amazing 2025.
Jan
Sunday 5th of January 2025
Happy New Year, Rachel! I live in the White Mtns of north eastern Arizona at 7000'. We're still waiting for snow here in Pinetop and at the nearby ski resort. Our forest desperately needs the moisture but the 50*-60* days are comfortable.
I so very much enjoy your blog and clever decorating ideas. Good for you for doing a bit of a refresh on your site. Enjoy the typically slow pace of January. Take care for now.
Jan Brown
Rachel
Monday 6th of January 2025
Jan, Wow I'm sure it's beautiful there and hopefully the snow will arrive soon. We are cold and rainy today and later this week we have a chance of snow. Don't think it will happen but maybe. I appreciate your sweet comments and encouragement. Stay tuned.
Andi
Sunday 5th of January 2025
I can't wait to see what the new year brings for you and your creative mind.
Rachel
Monday 6th of January 2025
Andi, Thank you for your sweet encouragement. I look forward to another amazing year and appreciate you for following along.
Diana
Sunday 5th of January 2025
Those paper roses are amazing so much better than real ones for display. I like all the thrifting redo's and easy recipes are a plus. The crafting idea's are a plus.
Rachel
Monday 6th of January 2025
Diana, I'm so glad you are enjoying the thrifting and crafting. I plan to continue to share all of the above. Have the best week and know that I appreciate your input.