The New Year is almost here ... are you looking for a little inspiration to start the year off right? Then check out the 23 Most Popular Posts from Hello Little Home for 2023! You'll find tons of creative + fun ideas in this annual list. From recipes to travel and more, there's something for everyone!
What a year 2023 was! I know I don't spend too much time talking about personal things here on Hello Little Home, but this was a year of ups and downs for me personally, as I dealt with a very annoying (though not super serious, don't worry!) chronic health issue, which required countless doctors appointments, tests, injections, meds, etc. I'm really hoping things improve on this front in 2024. 🤞 On the positive side, the highlight of my year was definitely travel. My husband travels weekly for his job, so he racks up lots of airline, hotel, and credit card points ... which we use for our personal travels, a major job perk!
Visiting our family and friends in Florida and Wisconsin is always a highlight. In addition to those trips, we also spent a long weekend in NYC with my husband's parents, I took a trip to New Mexico with my sister, we traveled to Mexico City with friends for a music festival, and my sister-in-law visited us in Dallas. I also checked off my 50th state in 2023 (South Dakota!), spent an amazing week in Paso Robles, returned to Washington DC (my last trip there was in 9th grade, ha), went to Spring Training in Phoenix, and more.
As far as international travels go, I enjoyed two relaxing beach vacations, one in Grand Cayman and one in Acapulco (just before the hurricane 😢), visited Northern Ireland for the first time (loved it, so much history / natural beauty), spent a few amazing days on the breathtaking Isle of Skye in Scotland, and beat the oppressive Texas summer heat with a vacation to perennially chilly England, spending time in London, Liverpool, and Clitheroe / the Ribble Valley. I'm currently in Spain for Christmas and New Years, and it's been a wonderful way to wrap up the year!
This was also an exciting year for Hello Little Home, which turned 10 in 2023!! 🎉 Can you believe it? It's hard to comprehend that I've been working on this blog for a full decade. Whether you are a new reader or you've been hanging around here for a while, thank you so much for stopping by ... it truly means the world to me!
I have lots of fun new things coming up for you in 2024. But before I get too far ahead of myself, let's take a look back at the recipes, travel guides, and tips that were the most popular in 2023! There are so many great ideas below, and I hope you leave feeling inspired to try something new.
Without further ado / rambling, let's get started ...
23. DIY Yard Games
Who doesn't love a backyard party? Make a few of these DIY Yard Games now, and you'll be totally prepared when the weather warms up this spring!
22. Dark Rum Mojito
This refreshing Dark Rum Mojito is a simple twist on the classic recipe, and it's a great way to experiment with different rums!
21. How to Plan a Big Move
As someone who's made many a cross country move (and lots of local moves), I've got my packing system mastered! If you're planning a big move this year, or a shorter one, make sure to check out these helpful tips and download the FREE printable moving checklist, too.
20. How to Make Overnight Oats
If you're looking for the BEST Overnight Oats Recipe, I've got you covered! This basic recipe is my favorite make ahead breakfast, and it's super easy to customize with different toppings.
19. Exploring the Garden District ... New Orleans Prettiest Neighborhood
Headed to New Orleans this year ... or maybe just dreaming of a trip? Then you'll definitely want to check out the Garden District, my favorite (and the most charming) neighborhood in the city!
18. Spiked Apple Cider
Treat yourself to this delicious Spiked Apple Cider! It's lovely in fall, but don't save it just for those few months. Bonus: you can make it with or without the alcohol so everyone can enjoy it!
17. How to Use Pesto (30 Easy Recipes)
If you're looking for Ways to Use Pesto that go beyond pasta, this article has tons of delicious ideas to try!
16. Spiked Hot Chocolate
Warm up this winter with this scrumptious Spiked Hot Chocolate! So delish, and you can serve it with or without the alcohol, so everyone can enjoy it.
15. Sourdough Stuffing
Calling all carb lovers ... this Sourdough Stuffing has the BEST taste and texture! Save this recipe for the holidays or make it anytime of year.
14. Ranch Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds are the ultimate fall treat, and these Ranch Flavored Seeds are simply delicious (and so easy to make)! BTW ... you can make this recipe with winter squash seeds too, so don't save it just for October / November!
13. 20 Things to Do in Uptown Charlotte
Looking for things to do in Charlotte, NC? This popular city is full of fun activities, whether you're interested in history or Nascar, and this guide covers them all!
12. Danish Puff (Almond Kringle)
This homemade Danish Puff (aka Almond Kringle) is one of my favorite treats! My mom made this recipe all the time when I was a kid, and I still love it (and you will, too).
11. Vegetable Stew
It doesn't get much cozier than this easy Vegetable Stew! This yummy recipe is the perfect thing to make when you're craving comfort food.
10. Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub
Keep your winter skin soft and moisturized with this easy DIY Sugar Scrub! This gentle scrub takes minutes to prepare, and it makes a wonderful gift, too.
9. Mini Cherry Tarts
These Mini Cherry Tarts have been one of Hello Little Home's most popular recipes for years. And for good reason: they're easy to make and totally irresistible!
8. Green Pizza
Calling all veggie lovers ... you have to try this amazing Green Pizza! This easy vegetarian pizza is loaded with veggies, pesto, and feta, and it's another recipe that's been of fan favorite with Hello Little Home readers for years!
7. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge
If you're headed to NYC this year, make sure to take a Brooklyn Bridge Walk! This easy walk is one of the BEST things to do in New York City, and I've covered everything you need to know about it in this helpful guide.
6. Stamped Cookies
How pretty are these Stamped Cookies?! This detailed guide + recipe has all the tips you need for perfect results.
5. Overnight Oats with Yogurt
If you know how to make basic oats (see above), then you'll want to try these Yogurt Overnight Oats next! This recipe makes the creamiest oatmeal ... just add your fave toppings for a super simple breakfast.
4. Sweet Cinnamon Milk Tea
This cozy Cinnamon Milk Tea is the perfect drink for a lazy afternoon, or anytime you want to enjoy a few minutes of me time. So comforting and delicious!
3. How to Make the Perfect Iced Coffee
I consider myself an iced coffee afficionado ... I have a glass every morning, no matter the season! This easy Iced Coffee Recipe has all my best tips (and different methods) for make the best cup.
2. Mixed Berry Mini Trifles
If you're looking for an easy, yet impressive dessert, then you'll love these Individual Trifles! With all the berries, they're a great summer dessert, but you can vary the fruit to make them year round, too.
1. Lemon Olive Oil Dressing
And my most popular post in 2023 was this wonderful Lemon Olive Oil Dressing! If you're looking for a basic vinaigrette that uses minimal ingredients, takes five minutes to make, and is super versatile, then you'll love this bright, sunny dressing. I use it on everything!
Top 10 New Posts from 2023
Brand new posts typically take a while to catch on with Google and Pinterest (my top two traffic sources), which means that none of my top 23 posts were actually written in 2023!
That said, I did share quite a few new recipes, guides, and other ideas in 2023, and the ten posts below were the most popular. Hopefully, some of them will show up in the top 24 next year!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats - These delicious oats are a mouthwatering breakfast treat that's actually good for you!
- Mushroom Crostini - This impressive appetizer feels fancy, but it's actually easy to make. Perfect for mushroom lovers! Tip: My recipe for Crostini (the plain toasts) was also new and super popular this year ... customize them with your favorite toppings.
- Raspberry Freezer Jam - Bookmark this easy recipe, along with this Peach Freezer Jam (which was right behind it in popularity!), for next summer. It's the perfect way to preserve fresh fruit with minimal fuss.
- Fonio Porridge - If you're looking for a unique + healthy breakfast, try this delicious, hot cereal / porridge. It only takes five minutes to make!
- Roasted Grape Tomatoes - These juicy, roasted tomatoes are simply the best. Toss them with pasta, serve over a salad, add them to pizza, and so much more.
- Blueberry Compote - This delightful sauce is takes minutes to make! Serve it over ice cream, crepes, cake, and more.
- Mango Sorbet - So, so delicious!! And did you know that mangoes are in season virtually year round ... make a batch this weekend!
- Coffee Ice Cubes - Have a little extra coffee? Don't throw it out, make these coffee cubes instead! They're perfect for cooling off hot coffee or making fancy coffee drinks and smoothies.
- Munich Christmas Markets - This fun guide will have you planning a trip to Munich before you're even finished reading it!
- Tomato Toast - Bookmark this simple, yet super delicious open-faced sandwich for summer ... you are going to love it!
And that's a wrap on 2023 ... I hope you were inspired by some of these fun ideas! Thank you so much for stopping by Hello Little Home this year!
P.S. Looking for more ideas? Check out my most popular posts from 2013 to 2024 here (and 2019 here)!
