I started this little blog 3 years ago on March 8, 2011. What I knew about blogs and blogging back then could have fit on my thumb, oh wait, my pinky finger. All I knew is that I wanted to share my love of design with other like-minded people. I knew that many of the people around me, didn’t get me. They thought I was different in a likable sort of way, but still different. Maybe they even thought I was a little over the top.
When I decided to start a blog, I didn’t ever consider any name other than Cedar Hill. After all that is the name of our Round Top farm. I thought the blog would revolve around the farm, but I blog just as much about our city house too. (That’s actually the neighbor’s barn in the distance.)
One of my very first projects was this linen cover for the daybed on my back porch at the farm, click here. My daybed made the rounds in blogland, and sort of ‘put Cedar Hill on the map.’
My next big move, was my very first chalk paint project.
I painted this table and chairs with ASCP in Louis Blue, click here.
Oh yeah, I thought I was all that and a bag of chips, but still I had a lot to learn (and I’m still learning.) I did all kinds of posts, food posts, travel posts, design and project posts. Fast forward to Fall of 2012, when we began construction on my dream home, and then I had lots of posts on our new house.
Recognize our living room?
How about now?
How about the kitchen?
I chronicled the construction here and here.
Then we finally moved in August 2013.
I gave a tour of the new kitchen just 4 days after moving in. It was ‘cray-cray’!! You can see it here.
This blog has taken over my life. It must be fed all the time. I get over 7,000 emails a month, and yes a lot of that is junk, but still.
So why do I blog?
Because I love it.
Because it is a part of who I am.
Because I can’t imagine not doing it.
It’s like a having a brand new baby that requires constant care, yet you can’t imagine your life without him or her.
Although I have never worked so hard for so little money, it makes me happy. I wake up happy every day. It has provided me opportunities that I never imagined I would have. I get emails from brands that I want to work with, magazines that want to showcase my house or my photography, requests for design help, or photography work, and the BEST kind of emails, which are from readers who write to say ‘thank you’ or ask a question. Life is good. None of this would have ever happened without Cedar Hill Farmhouse (the blog) or you.
Speaking of magazines, I just wrote an article for Celebrating Everyday Life magazine. You can find out more about it, here. This article is about a mystery illness I had when I was in my 20’s, and what helped me make it through the long, lonely days.
I’ve made many, many changes to my blog over the years, including changes to the header, logo, and the format, and even the name (from Cedar Hill Ranch to Cedar Hill Farmhouse) but one thing has remained the same, my dedication to bring you the very best I can in design and DIY. I hope you leave here encouraged and blessed after each visit, with some ideas for your home. I know I am a better person for serving you.
Thank you for the 3 years of joy you have brought me, here’s to many more years of a beautiful friendship. I would love to hear from you; you can email me any time. You just replace the ‘(at)’ with ‘@’ and the ‘(dot)’ with a ‘.’ anita(at)cedarhillfarmhouse(dot)com
Congratulations, Anita, on your 3-year milestone. I enjoy your blog and your association with the Scoop-sponsored link party.
Lovely Post! Happy Anniversary!
-Alison-
Anita,
I am still falling head~over~hills in L O V E with your blog,dear friend!
I adore the changes, subtle. . .and so inviting!
Your home decor is elegantly showcased! Your photography is exquisite!!!
You inspire me to strive to improve my photos each time I post a blog!
Your continued blog friendship is a blessing in my life.
Three years and counting. . .
May the Cedar Hill journey continue!
Fondly,
Pat
Thank you for starting the blog and consistently blogging unique and useful content. I found your blog through the Joss & Main site just recently, and I have already found much inspiration through what I have read. The story of how you began all this was inspirational in itself and gives me hope that after I have had enough of teaching college English, I may be able to go back to creating decorative arts. Please keep on blogging…
Well congrats on the 3 years! I always enjoy the views and words on your blog, thank you so much for putting the love and caring you put into your online home. Have a great day. 🙂
Happy Anniversary!!! I love snooping around your blog to get new fresh ideas for our own home and our clients. Thanks for the creativity you post… keep up the good work!
Happy Anniversary Anita. Love your style and blog and I wish you many more years with fabulous ideas.
Congratulations Anita !!! I love your blog and seeing your beautiful home. Wishing you all the best and many more blogging years.
That might be why you blog, but all those things are also why I read Cedar Hill Farmhouse!
Wow! Congratulations on 3 years of blogging! I thought you had been blogging a lot longer. You certainly seem to know what your doing, like a seasoned blogger. I love reading your blogs. They are truly inspiring. I have been playing with the idea of starting a blog myself. Just not sure how to start. Any suggestions?
Congratulations on three years. You have a beautiful home, a beautiful blog and are a beautiful person. I am very thankful to know you and call you friend. Thank you for sharing your talents and for being a blessing in so many ways.
I found your blog a couple of months ago and so glad I did. I love your house and really enjoy your post. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations on 3 years of blogging. Your site inspires me each time I visit.
Thank you, Charlene
I read your blog daily. It’s one of my favorites. I love your style too. Happy 3 yr anniversary!
I am a new subscriber and found you on your third blog anniversary. I am so pleased that I did and I look forward to following your posts.
-Ginene
Anita, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I love looking at your beautiful pictures and appreciate how much you have shared with us. Your blog has a wonderful, friendly feeling that is so motivating. Thank you.
Congratulations Anita! Quite the accomplishment 🙂 One of the first blogs I found and followed! Still one of my must reads.
Hugs, and here’s to many, many more.
Happy 3 years, Anita! You’ve come a long way, and no doubt still have good things coming to you.
-Revi
I have to tell you that it is because of your blog, and a couple others that I regularly follow, that I was inspired to finally start my own. It’s been 6 months now and I have fallen in love with my ‘baby’ 🙂 Like you said it is such a learning process but so much dang fun! And I’ve meant so many sweet and talented ‘friends’ in blog land! My goals are to take pictures as exquisite as yours some day…might help if I actually had a camera lol. I’m currently using my phone. And to achieve the sense of charm and class that your blog conveys 🙂
Thanks for always inspiring!!
Cindy
Thanks for sharing such a positive post. I’m almost at my 1st year mark … but have been undecided as to continue or not. Perhaps I’ll stay with it a little longer.
Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary! I’ve enjoyed your blog over the years and I love your style.
Though I don’t know you, I feel like we’re friends – the “voice” of your blog is just that way. Thank you for sharing your life with your readers.
Congratulations! I have been following your blog for some time and I really enjoy it a lot. Yes, usually in silence, may be because of my poor English. I understand when I read it but have some diffuculties when I try to write…haha.
Besos from Argentina!
Silvina
Your blog is one of my favorites. Congratulations on three years!
Congratulations, Anita! I don’t comment often, but I do enjoy your blog and your style. All the best from here.
I so enjoy your blog Anita! Thank you for the photos and stories you share. They are always enjoyable and inspiring.
Happy Anniversary, Anita. I’m happy you decided to start Cedar Hill Farmhouse and that you continue to share your inspiration.
Congratulations, Anita! Your blog was one of the first I came across when I discovered blogland and have loved it ever since. Thank you for all your inspiration.~~Angela
So many different reasons for why we blog. Your posts, I’m sure, have inspired so many people who are looking for ideas. Your sense of style is warm and appealing which is likely a reflection of you.
I just started blogging last summer. I started because the plans were ready for our dream home and I wanted to document the build. I have connected with some amazing women who too are building homes. (One in Australia, one in South Africa, and one in the isle of Skye). We are already planning on traveling one day to visit each other’s new homes. I never imagined how fun and eye opening blogging would be.
I found your blog not long ago, it was while I was looking for MFCH. (One of my fav blogs). And I am so looking forward to following you. I love your photo’s. H
I know Im a little late but Happy Anniversary. Great post. I love it.