Four-Year Blog Anniversary and an Important Lesson Learned

Today I celebrate my four-year blogiversary. It’s hard to believe how much has happened since I started this little corner of the internet. Rather than a new DIY tutorial, I want to reflect on the past year—projects completed, life changes, and an important health lesson I learned the hard way.

The year began with a snowy winter that felt almost magical. I also crossed the iconic Brooklyn Bridge off my list—an experience I’ll always remember.

I tried to stay warm by upcycling an old velour blanket into a throw. The idea was solid, but the blanket itself was too worn and fell apart—an honest epic fail. The takeaway: choose sturdy materials if you plan to repurpose them.

Spring arrived and with it the push to finish settling in after our move from Greece to New York in 2017. Rooms needed painting, decorating, and organizing. One of the first reveals was my daughters’ mostly black-and-white bedroom—painted and styled with plenty of their input. A year later it still feels the same, though the bookcases are fuller and a newfound interest in candle making has introduced many more candles into their space.

We also revived a 1970s TV cabinet that had been gathering dust in the foyer. With some time and effort it transformed into a piece I now admire every day. It’s a reminder that old furniture often has hidden potential when given a little love.

That spring we also welcomed a small rescue puppy, Tatou, into our home. Bringing her in changed our household in the best way. Pets can be powerful sources of comfort and routine—exactly what we needed while adjusting to life in a fast-paced city.

Mid-year came a startling health diagnosis: diabetes. My blood glucose reading had been dangerously high, and for a while I felt like a walking time bomb. Looking back, the signs had been there—constant tiredness, persistent hunger, and an overall sluggishness—but I’d ignored them. The diagnosis was a wake-up call.

Once I accepted the situation, I made health my top priority. I stopped eating sweets cold turkey, paid attention to labels, and consulted with a diabetes educator. I monitored my insulin and blood sugar closely, and I started walking everywhere—sometimes with Tatou, sometimes alone.

While my focus was mostly on wellness during the summer, I still shared a few classic project posts. Prioritizing health made it possible for me to regain energy and focus, and that renewed vitality propelled me to tackle more home projects in the fall. I had created a mood board for our tiny master bedroom—which also serves as my craft space and office—and finally moved forward with color and organization.

Becoming organized helped me stay disciplined. My blood glucose dropped, the pounds started to come off, and my energy returned. With this momentum I painted several rooms in quick succession, including the kitchen, dining room, entryway, and living room. For the living room I created an accent wall with a cloudy effect that I still love.

With newfound energy I finished the bedroom and felt more in control of my life. By Christmas my numbers had improved so much that I was taken off insulin—a gift I will never forget. We even braved the cold for a long walk to see the Rockefeller Center tree, feeling healthier and more present than we had in years.

The past year taught me that none of those projects would have happened without that unexpected trip to the doctor. As mothers and caregivers, we often prioritize everyone else’s needs before our own. I fell into that trap and nearly paid the price. Fortunately, my family supported me through the transition to a healthier routine, and many of them adopted better eating habits alongside me.

I don’t claim any miracle—my changes were straightforward: reduce sugar, watch carbohydrates, eat more fruits and vegetables, and walk whenever possible. The result has been life-changing. I feel years younger, I have energy to pursue projects, and I’m grateful for a second chance at healthier living.

Please, if you feel tired or off, get a checkup and have your blood glucose checked. Early detection can make all the difference. This year was a roller coaster, but hitting rock bottom was the push I needed. I celebrate this four-year milestone with a clean bill of health and a renewed sense of purpose—ready for many more projects and family moments ahead.

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More blog anniversaries and past highlights include earlier reflections on the second and third year milestones. Thank you for reading and for being part of this journey. I look forward to sharing more DIY projects, home updates, and life lessons as we move forward.