I’m back, friends. Did you miss me? After a fun, relaxing week off from blogland, to spend some much needed quality time with my family, I’m ready to get back into the swing of things!

Looking back, 2012 was quite a year for me. I started my blog, only to have it screw up on me. I also started my Handmade Parties to Go shop, and then pulled the plug on it.

I started to settle into my new life in California as a stay-at-home mom – which has to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But, I do like the fact that it has allowed me to start crafting again – something I love to do and am looking forward to continuing this year.

The hubby and I went on a much needed work trip/vacation to Las Vegas, where we attended the Scentsy Family Convention and then hung out for a few extra days.

I also shared our family’s struggles with you, including learning to adjust to the expensive cost of living in California, having to take Goose out of preschool, my sister-in-law’s fight with cancer (which, I’m happy to say, she is now an official CANCER SURVIVOR!) and Monkey’s diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder.

And, I had several excited things happening on the blog, including my weekly Style Report for Sugar and Dots and the addition of my linky party, Handmade Happy Hour.

Which brings us to today – New Year’s Day. January 1, 2013. I’m not one for resolutions, simply because there are always so many things that I can need to work on. I simply just strive to be a better person with each new year than the last.

But, if I had to choose some blog resolutions they would be: to become more organized, and to post more recipes and crafts for you. Which brings us to the first Handmade Happy Hour linky party of the year! I’m looking forward to seeing what you have been up to!

A few reminders before linking up for this weeks’ Handmade Happy Hour Linky Party:

• You must link to the actual craft, recipe, tutorial, DIY project, etc., NOT your blog address or shop
• Please do not link to a giveaway (or a post with an active giveaway) on your blog
• Comment love is always appreciated, so head over to your favorite link-up ideas and show them some love (it’s also a great way to meet new people and make new friends!)
• You don’t have to post my button anywhere, but it is available if you would like

<div align=”center”><a href=”http://polkadotsandlemonade.com” title=”Polka Dots and Lemonade”><img src=”http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q507/srsaunders777/HandmadeHappyHour.jpg” alt=”Polka Dots and Lemonade” style=”border:none;” /></a></div>

• If you do link up a project (or 2 or 3!) I do ask that you please follow this blog via email, RSS feed, or hellocotton

I would love it if you shared the Handmade Happy Hour with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or even your own blog. That just means more views for your creativity!

Come back next week to check out a new feature! Also, I am looking for guest bloggers, so contact me if you are interested!