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Digging my new digs, and reflecting on 2014

December 14, 2014 By Emily 70 Comments

Well hello! You made it! Welcome to my new home.

I’ve only just moved in, but it already feels like home. Welcome to emhawkerblog. It’s been a big journey over three years, and as you can see, it started in an (aesthetically) ugly place. I’m very happy to be here now!

Blog-header-evolution

I’m not sure what to say. Big welcome speech? Big post outlining the reasons for the move? More about me, me, meeeeeee?!

Nah.

I will ask you to do a few things if you’re a long-term fan. Or a first-time visitor who’d like to stick around. If you follow this blog in a reader, please update your follow to the URL http://emhawker.com.au. If you follow on Facebook, you don’t have to do anything except be aware that my page name will change from You learn something new every day to Emily Hawker – emhawkerblog on Boxing Day (at approximately 4:23am AEST). And if you subscribed by email over at YLSNED, please do it again here. Just over there on the right. Then I’ll keep hitting your inbox regularly.

But enough of that. No big speeches and carry-on.

Let’s look back at 2014 instead. The bloggy year in review. In reverse. My greatest hits of 2014 as ‘voted’ for by your visits, comments and shares.

—

DECEMBER

Guess what? This is my only post for December! This one right here, the one you’re reading at the moment, wins by default. To quote Homer Simpson, the two sweetest words in the English language. De-Fault! De-Fault!

NOVEMBER

My most shared post of November (and second of the entire year) was my attempt at fancy-schmancy literature in the form of Because I fucking said, the unofficial sequel to bestsellers Go the Fuck to Sleep and You Have to Fucking Eat. If you’re a publisher, I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss launching the book.

OCTOBER

In October, Eden Riley of Edenland fame launched the first annual international lip-sync awards. It’s an ode to her brother Cam. He killed himself last year and it’s BULLSHIT. (Pardon my language. I don’t usually swear around here. Except in November. Ha. But what other word can you use?)

So in October, I decided to enter the first annual international lip-sync awards with Tribute (to the greatest lip-sync in the world) (with the help of proxy Kyle, pictured below). And I was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Laughter is positive, right?

This is not the greatest song in the world, no - this is just a lip-sync.

SEPTEMBER

September was a busy bloggy month. I came back from the ProBlogger conference at the end of August recharged, refreshed and really keen to blog my little heart out. I rewrote a song, interviewed my toddler, wrote about my dreams for my children and told an epic tale of my chocolate addiction.

But it was a post about fashion of all things that saw my reader numbers grow, thanks in no small part to Nikki from Styling You sharing it with her community. September’s top post was Why I participate in #everydaystyle. (And yes, I still tag all my #everydaystyle pics with #notafashionblogger!)

Early days playing along with #everydaystyle.

AUGUST

In August, I opened up about what it’s like to live in fear of My worst critic. And the response made me both happy and sad: happy that I wasn’t alone; sad that others experience this kind of criticism too.

JULY

July’s posts had a very strong ‘woe is me, everyone’s sick and boohoohoo WAAH’ theme. I complained, I moaned, and I rewrote some song lyrics about needing to get out of the house. But it was finding the beauty in the moments of sickness that people responded to. Here’s Beautiful moments part one (words).

JUNE

Okay. Do up your seatbelts, everyone. Here’s my biggest post of the YEAR. Visits and shares were phenomenal. And are still going. Have a read (and a sing) of We didn’t start the mummy wars. (And in 2015, you just might see a video clip. Oh crap, I’ve put it in writing. Now I have to do it, right?)

And please forgive the formatting. I’m getting around to fixing it all up post-blog move.

MAY

May proved that even when your blog is generally positive and family-focused, an occasional rant can work wonders. I wrote about My career – or perhaps, more correctly, my current lack thereof and some people’s need to pass comment on it – and it seems I touched a nerve.

APRIL

It’s back to the songbook (and back to some negativity and whiiiiiining) in April with You had a bad day. (Although – spoiler alert – there just may be a silver lining at the end. And in my defense, I had my right arm in a sling for most of April, and my husband threw his back out. And did I mention that our youngest wasn’t yet walking? Or sleeping through the night? What? I’m whiiiiiining again? Sorry.)

MARCH

A writing post pops up for the surprise win in March. In People of the past, characters of the future, I wrote about how difficult I find it to craft characters without referencing the people I know. And I decided that it’s not only acceptable to do that, but necessary.

FEBRUARY

Well hey, look at this. Another writing post was popular in February. A little ditty (not about Jack and Diane) that I wrote about Advertising. Once again, please forgive the formatting. It’s on the rather extensive blog tidying to-do list.

JANUARY

The end! We’re at the end! I bet you never thought we’d make it. The year started with a bang, with a rewrite of a song rewrite. Dumb ways to get hurt (the reader remix) was a hit that featured the tumbles and spills of many long-term readers (and in one case, a reader’s husband!). Thanks for enjoying it, and thanks for contributing your tales of injury-prone woe. (And if you haven’t read either of the song rewrites before, you might want to start with Dumb ways to get hurt from November 2013 before you read this reader remix. Forgive the forma… yeah, yeah, you get the drift.)

—

And that’s it! The top reads on emhawkerblog (formerly YLSNED) as voted informally by you.

Thanks for reading along this year, and if you’re here, then thanks for joining me in my new bloggy home, however you managed to find me! Have a look around. Pull up a chair. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back in 2015 with more to entertain you. Let me entertain you… maybe I’ll kick off 2015 with another song rewrite.

 

What were your favourite blog posts of 2014? Share your links here – I’ll need lots of reading over the Christmas and New Year break!

Filed Under: Reflection Tagged With: blogging, year in review

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Comments

  1. Bec Stephens says

    December 14, 2014 at 8:27 pm

    That is hands-down the best EOY round up I’ve read. And clearly I’ve manage to miss one or two of your posts this year so I’m off to catch up now.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:34 am

      Thank you Bec! I hope you enjoyed the reads.

      Reply
  2. Lara @ This Charming Mum says

    December 14, 2014 at 8:30 pm

    Congrats on the move Em. I love the new digs! Well, what a huge year it’s been for you and your blog. I’m so glad I was able to meet you at PB and get a better sense of the woman behind those awesome song rewrites. I’m sure Em Hawker Blog will go from strength to strength in the new year. Meanwhile, I’m gonna watch the lip sync one more time! Love it. 🙂

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:35 am

      Thank you Lara. It was so wonderful to meet you too. And the lip-sync, gah! I still cringe but hey, it was fun too!

      Reply
  3. Renee Wilson says

    December 14, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    Yay! I’m so excited for you. Love the new look blog. It’s much more suited to you. Can’t wait to see what 2015 brings for you x

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:39 am

      Thank you Renee. I loved my pencils, but I agree that this one feels much more like me. Merry Christmas and happy 2015 x

      Reply
  4. Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker says

    December 15, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Love the new location Em.
    I loved your Why I participate in #everydaystyle post. xx

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:41 am

      Thanks Amanda. I never thought I’d participate in something like that, let alone write a post about it, let alone have that post be popular!!

      Reply
  5. Maxabella says

    December 15, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    LOVE the new site, Em – hello 2015! 2014 was a great one for you and it’s ended in quite a bang, x

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:42 am

      Thanks Bron, and thanks for your support this year. Means a lot, and it was SO WONDERFUL to meet you in person! More than once! x

      Reply
  6. Josefa @always Josefa says

    December 16, 2014 at 6:39 am

    Absolutely LOVE the new look! May it be the stepping stone to many more awesome, inspiring adventures in 2015 xx

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:43 am

      Thanks Josefa! Wonderful to meet you, and congrats again on all your blogging success this year. x

      Reply
  7. Lydia C. Lee says

    December 16, 2014 at 6:42 am

    Great wrap up and congrats on the new site – good for you!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:48 am

      Thanks Lydia! Super duper excited.

      Reply
  8. Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:03 am

    Congrats! I hope that 2015 is as fabulous (no, more fabulous!) than this year.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:48 am

      More fabulous sounds great! Thanks Malinda.

      Reply
  9. Renee Wilson says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:19 am

    Stopping in again via #teamIBOT xx

    Reply
  10. Amy @ HandbagMafia says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:28 am

    What an awesome roundup- plenty for me to catch up on here 🙂

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:53 am

      Thanks Amy. Enjoy looking around!

      Reply
  11. Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life says

    December 16, 2014 at 8:19 am

    I didn’t start reading blogs until August so I missed your top blog post. I’ve now read We Didn’t Start The Mummy Wars – I love it! Great post! As was this round up one.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:55 am

      Thanks Ingrid, and thanks for heading back to We didn’t start the mummy wars! Glad you enjoyed it. x

      Reply
  12. Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad says

    December 16, 2014 at 11:27 am

    What a big year! And what a way to go out?! Good on you. I’m thinking of doing the big move to a new name. It’s daunting, but I think it needs to happen. I like your banner too x

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:58 am

      I will be following along very closely – very interested in what you’ll change to!

      Reply
  13. JodiGibson (@JFGibsonWriter) says

    December 16, 2014 at 12:14 pm

    What a great year for you Em. Here’s to next year, bigger and better in your brand new space. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 10:59 am

      Thanks Jodi, and merry Christmas to you too! x

      Reply
  14. Sarah from Creating Contentment says

    December 16, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    I am so PROUD of you for tackling this move! It looks so fantastic! I absolutely love it!!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:01 am

      Thank you lovely lady. x

      Reply
  15. EssentiallyJess says

    December 16, 2014 at 2:37 pm

    Love the new digs Em! And what a great year 🙂

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:02 am

      Thanks Jess! Would have been better if I could have met you! Must road trip. x

      Reply
  16. Bec @ The Plumbette says

    December 16, 2014 at 3:44 pm

    What a great round up post. I love your new space and I so reckon next year will be a great one for you! 🙂

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:05 am

      Thanks Bec! Fingers crossed for high heights and big bigness in 2015. (And better use of the English language.)

      Reply
  17. Toni @ Finding Myself Young says

    December 16, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    Oh I love the new blog design! Also just went back and watched your lip sync video – hilarious!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:07 am

      Thanks Toni. Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  18. Danielle L says

    December 16, 2014 at 8:31 pm

    Congrats on the new dig – it looks great and the name is perfect! What a great round up of your incredible writing – here’s to more in 2015!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:07 am

      Thanks Danielle! Yep, I don’t think I’ll ever have to change the name which is convenient! Haha!

      Reply
  19. Tash @ Gift Grapevine says

    December 16, 2014 at 10:37 pm

    Love your new look blog Em – congratulations. As a newbie I have loved discovering your blog over the last 6 months. Thanks for all the laughs and all the posts I could relate to (plus the inspiration to interview my toddler!). Merry Christmas.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:08 am

      Thank you Tash, and thanks for your support this year. I always smile when I see your name in the comments section.

      Reply
  20. Aroha @ Colours of Sunset says

    December 16, 2014 at 10:53 pm

    Love the new place Em! Looks great and I bet it feels very refreshing! Looking forward to following along as always 🙂 -Aroha

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:08 am

      Thanks Aroha. Feels good not to be pigeon-holed into lessons anymore. I just have to be me! Easy!

      Reply
  21. Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says

    December 16, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    Oh Em, I’ll miss you but I LOVE LOVE LOVE this new space. I can’t wait to see what 2015 brings. Here’s to healthy and happiness xx

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:09 am

      Thanks Em. Glad you like it! Health and happiness and big fat hugs back at you!

      Reply
  22. Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life says

    December 17, 2014 at 8:51 am

    I love the new look! 🙂 And I think the timing is perfect…all set for 2015!
    Great wrap up of the year too… 🙂
    Have a great Christmas and an awesome 2015!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:09 am

      That’s it! Ready set ROCK AND ROLL in 2015. Merry Christmas to you and yours, too.

      Reply
  23. Nicole- Champagne and Chips says

    December 17, 2014 at 3:16 pm

    Big year:) I’m still just so impressed at you giving up chocolate. It was lovely to meet you too. Merry Christmas

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:10 am

      You too! I’ve stopped counting days without chocolate. Somewhere around the 75 day mark at the moment. ROCKING.

      Reply
  24. Twitchy Sharon says

    December 17, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    Simple and effective. Like it a lot!
    Reading back your wrap up and everything sounding so familiar means I see retrospectively what I am a good reader of yours. Which is a good thing, because I like you Em!
    May your new home be a happy one here xx #teamIBOT

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:10 am

      Thanks Sharon! I like you too. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  25. Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says

    December 18, 2014 at 1:02 am

    Awesome roundup, Em! You’ve had a cracker of a year and I love the look of your new house.
    May 2015 be just as fabulous xx

    Reply
  26. Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says

    December 18, 2014 at 1:06 am

    PS, I couldn’t find where to email you hun, but would love if you added your new blog to The Blog Roll. If you would like the questions, let me know x

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:11 am

      Thanks Lisa. May yours rock too! And I’ll email you about the questions – thanks.

      Reply
  27. Tegan says

    December 18, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    Awesome round up! I am still trying to get to grips with the fact that is the end of the year. This year has gone crazy quick.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:12 am

      Thanks Tegan! I was tempted to link to every single post but no, who’s ever going to click through? x

      Reply
  28. Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says

    December 19, 2014 at 7:57 am

    Welcome to your new digs! Love the look.
    Well done.
    Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:12 am

      Thanks Leanne. I love them too. Kelly is a genius.

      Reply
  29. Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum says

    December 19, 2014 at 11:05 am

    I’m a newbie to blogging so am still getting to know the many other bloggers out there and have only just discovered your blog, which looks great by the way! I look forward to reading more in 2015!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:13 am

      Thank you Erika! I hope you like what you find here.

      Reply
  30. ladydaadoo says

    December 19, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    What a fantastic year you’ve had!! I totally love the new digs! It is very fancy and it really suits your style. I’d better update my reader so I don’t miss anything! Have a wonderful Xmas lovely!! xoxox

    Reply
    • Em says

      January 4, 2015 at 8:01 am

      Thanks Lady Daa Doo! So good to have you here again! Hope you had a fab Xmas too. x

      Reply
  31. Kathy - yinyangmother says

    December 19, 2014 at 2:13 pm

    Good on you for making the move to your new place – and putting your name up front and centre. Great collection of posts – you do have the talent for song-writing. Have a great Christmas and a fantastic 2015.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:13 am

      Thanks Kathy. I figured if I used my name, I’d never have to change it again! Unless I change my name, of course. I hear that Princess Consuela Bananahammock is a good name.

      Reply
  32. Deborah says

    December 19, 2014 at 5:07 pm

    LOVE the new look and new home! (And a great round-up!)

    Deborah

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:14 am

      Thanks Deb!

      Reply
  33. Robyn says

    December 19, 2014 at 6:23 pm

    LOVE your new home!! Great year for you. Good on you for remembering all the way back to January!! Merry Christmas to you and yours xxx

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:14 am

      Merry Christmas back your way, Robyn. I’ve had a great year with a few roadblocks, and hopefully 2015 will be another great one.

      Reply
  34. Sonia Life Love Hiccups says

    December 20, 2014 at 12:15 pm

    WHAT a year for you chick, love the round up. Merry Christmas to you and yours and I cant wait to see what awesome things you do on this gorgeous new space of yours in 2015 xx

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:15 am

      Thank you gorgeous. Have enjoyed getting to know your blog too. But not well enough just yet! Merry Christmas.

      Reply
  35. Grace says

    December 21, 2014 at 10:31 am

    Loving your new home, Em! It’s been great getting to know you even better this year – then to even actually meet you IRL…twice! Woot! Can’t wait to see the “We didn’t start the Mummy Wars” video. With bated breath, honey 🙂 x

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 21, 2014 at 11:15 am

      Grace cuddles were the BEST! I might need a back-up singer… want to come down to Melbourne and help me out?! x

      Reply
  36. Zita says

    December 21, 2014 at 9:02 pm

    New website looks great Em!
    I for one love checking out your evrydaystyle on Instagram and often use that same hashtag!
    Great year round up!

    Reply
    • Em says

      January 4, 2015 at 8:02 am

      Thank you Zita. Hooray for all us #notafashionblogger s!

      Reply

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Hi! I’m Emily

I parent. I write. I blog. I play with words and numbers in my head. Constantly. It's crowded in there.

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