Looking Back on 2013 and Welcoming the New Year!

I can hardly believe that today is the last day of 2013...What an incredible year this has been!

This time last year, I was only a few months into writing You May Be Wandering and had no idea what 2013 would bring. Little did I know that in 2013, I would meet many wonderful new friends (both in the blogging world and in the real world),  discover amazing new places and even start a new business, all because of this blog.

In recognition of the year that is about to end, I thought it would be fun to look back at some of the most popular posts, as well as a few of my favorite posts, from 2013.

In January...I fell in love with Sicily in my favorite post. The most popular post was about renting a vacation home.

In February...My favorite post was when I shared my bucket list for being a tourist in my own city (and I crossed quite a few off that list during the year). Your most popular post  was the chance for you to choose the world's most romantic hotels.

In March...your most popular post and my favorite post were the same - one perfect day in Rome - what could be better!

In April...I spent some time in Charleston, South Carolina for my niece's wedding which was the source of my favorite post, as well as the most popular one of the month from my niece's bridal portrait photo session at Lowndes Grove Plantation.

In May...I was thrilled to be invited to a cooking class at Eataly which resulted in my favorite post of the month - learning to cook risotto from a master AND the chance to meet a blogging friend in "real life" , the lovely Linda, from Calling It Home, made for a memorable night.  All of you especially enjoyed the posts I wrote for Anita of Castles Crowns and Cottages' Simply Irresistible France Link Party.

In June...once again, my favorite was also the most popular post of the month...who can resist lavender fields in Provence?

In July...The most popular post was a taste of the south while my favorite was rooms with a view.

In August...you all loved reading about the new Southern Living Hotel Collection and I enjoyed sharing my chocolate tour of NYC.

In September...I announced my exciting new affiliation with Singer Travel and Virtuoso. While I was traveling in Europe later in the month, I handed off the blog to some of my fellow bloggers for guest posts. The clear fan favorite was Tina from The Enchanted Home's favorite places. I also loved reading about sweets in Dubai from Bobochic and a Napa wine tasting with Mocadeaux.

In October...I really enjoyed sharing quite a few posts about my trip to Europe, but my favorite was our Paris flea market adventure. The most popular post of the month was how to navigate the "not so friendly" skies of air travel these days. It may not have been the prettiest post of the year, but clearly many of you were looking for tips to make your flights more comfortable!

In November...I hosted my first ever "No Passports Required" Link Party, which was the most popular post of the month and also my favorite. It was so much fun to see everyone else's fabulous travel related posts!

In December...The stunning blue and white decorations at the Four Seasons Florence was the most popular post of the month,  while my personal favorite was Christmas in New York. (I was in the city yesterday and it was every bit as pretty as this post!)

Wow...it has been quite a year!! I can't thank all of you enough for your ongoing support, enthusiasm and friendship this year. I am continually blown away by what a remarkable community the blogging world is and I am so grateful to be part of it!

Cheers to 2014! May it be happy, healthy and present you with many new adventures...wherever you may be wandering...

xoxo