Reflections on 2025…
Wow— is it just me, or did 2025 totally fly by in a flash?
Growing up, I remember my parents telling me that as I got older, time would move faster. Back then, I didn’t buy it. Every day felt long, sometimes painfully long. How could time possibly speed up when every day still had the same 24 hours?
Now? I get it.
The days are long, and the years are short.
I think about Saturday mornings growing up in the 80's, watching The Jetsons and wondering how flying cars would ever be a real thing. We may not have gotten quite as far in technology as they imagined—but honestly, I’m okay with that. As cool as flying cars might sound, have you seen the way some folks drive? I’m perfectly happy staying grounded.
What I would take, though, is a Rosie. Someone to help with the grocery lists, the cleaning, the dusting… imagine how many more upcycling projects I could squeeze in.
And don’t even get me started on the Foodarackacycle. Dinner made without lifting a finger? Yes, please.
It’s funny how many of those Jetsons “future ideas” feel almost possible now—and maybe that’s part of why time feels like it’s racing. Life just keeps moving, whether we’re ready or not.
Getting more serious as we wrap up 2025…
This year asked for more patience than I expected. More grace. More pauses I didn’t plan on taking.
2025 wasn’t loud for me. It was steady. The kind of year where things quietly shifted instead of dramatically changed. Where progress didn’t always look exciting—and sometimes it looked like standing still long enough to catch my breath.
I spent a lot of time thinking about home this year. Not just the projects or the plans, but what makes a home feel lived in. Comfortable. Real. Some days that meant picking up a paintbrush or reworking something old. Other days it meant letting the mess sit and choosing rest instead.
Both matter.
One thing that became even clearer to me this year is my complicated relationship with social media.
While it can be a great place for ideas and inspiration, it can also make us feel like we’re falling short. Scrolling long enough can make it seem like everyone else has the perfect home, the newest gadgets, six vacations a year, and a life that’s beautifully planned down to the smallest detail.
But that’s not real life.
Real life is messy. Homes have dog hair. Projects get started, paused, and sometimes picked back up a year later, or sometimes never. Plans change. People struggle. No one has everything figured out—no matter how polished things look online.
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, Why doesn’t my life look like that?—I want you to know you’re not alone. And I want you to remember that much of what we see on social media is only a small, carefully chosen slice of someone’s life.
When I decided to start blogging, I knew I wasn’t going to be the “perfect” blogger. I was going to be me. And I’m not sorry for that.
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| Yep, gray hairs, hat, buns, and a goofy smile on my face, just me... also, I am not a fan of selfies. |
Our home is lived in. I don’t always stop mid-project to make everything look picture-perfect. Sometimes I work at a slower pace. Sometimes I create on a whim. I run this blog on a wing and a prayer—not a perfectly mapped-out plan.
I’m also not here to sell you things you don’t need. I truly appreciate when affiliate links are used because they help keep this blog going, but they are never required. This space exists because I love recreating, reusing, and sharing ideas that save things from the landfill and give them new life.
Looking ahead to 2026, my hope is simple.
I want to keep creating. I want to keep saving more “trash” from becoming trash. And I want to keep sharing ideas from this quirky brain of mine, exactly as they come—humor, imperfections, and all. I really want to see this kitchen finished too.
I’ve even been tossing around the idea of a new series where you ask me what you can do with something you already have, and I come up with ways to reuse or remake it right here on the blog.
No perfection. No pressure. Just creativity, resourcefulness, and real life.
I’m grateful—for this space, for the stories, for the chance to keep showing up as myself. If you’ve been here for one post or many, thank you for being part of it.
Here’s to 2026. No flying cars required. 💛
Before we head into 2026…
I wanted to share a few projects from this year that really stood out — not just because they were popular, but because they reflect the kind of creativity and resourcefulness I truly care about here at Vintage Style Gal. These posts made me smile, taught me things, and hopefully inspired some of you along the way too.
1. DIY Easter Basket Idea
This spring project was all about bringing charm and simplicity together. I was a little surprised it was our number one read in 2025.
2. DIY Frame Repair and Painted Mat
A reminder that sometimes the best design isn’t about fancy new things — it’s about breathing new life into something your husband finds in the alley. This one was a bucket list checked off my list.
3. Transform Old Frames with Rub ’n Buff
A little metallic magic goes a long way! I loved showing how old frames can feel luxe with just a touch of Rub ’n Buff. This one was such a fun, satisfying makeover.
4. DIY Cupboard Door Makeover (Vintage Style)
Tired cupboard door turned charming and character-filled — this post was a great mix of design inspiration and practical transformation. It’s a project that added a bit of character to our hallway.
5. DIY Storage Box from a Dishwasher Pod Container
Sometimes inspiration strikes in the most unexpected places — like a dishwasher pod container! I loved turning something that would’ve been thrown away into something genuinely useful.
Cara
