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    Home » End of Year Review

    Top Ten Posts of 2015

    By: Jane · Updated: 19 Feb, '22 · This post may contain affiliate links · 34 Comments

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    Top 10 posts of 2015 from cottage at the crossroads

    As the end of the year draws close, I like to look back over the year to see which posts were the most popular on our blog. So I put together this list of the Top Ten Posts of 2015 so I could share that with you.

    But before I do, I just want to thank all of you readers for taking the time out of your busy day to visit with us. It has always amazed me that people are interested in what we do, grow, or cook here at the Crossroads. We absolutely love your comments and questions, and although we haven't met most of you in real life, we consider you friends.  Now, are you ready to see the posts that most people liked this year?  Here we go with the countdown!

    10.  DIY Wooden Garden Obelisk

    Diy wooden garden obelisk | cottage at the crossroads

    In 10th place is a post that Leo did last year describing how he made several DIY Wooden Garden Obelisks. These trellises are really quite easy to make, and if they aren't just perfect, the mistakes will be hidden as the plants grow on them! All 4 of the ones that Leo made are still standing in our garden today. Visually, they add a lot of interest and give support to vining plants.  I guess a lot of other people thought they were an easy, DIY garden project, too!

    9.  Zesty Bread 'n Butter Pickles

    Zesty bread 'n butter pickles | cottage at the crossroads

    The 9th most visited post was Zesty Bread 'n Butter Pickles. This post was written in June of 2013 as I was trying to do something with a bountiful crop of cucumbers that summer. Adding a little kick to traditional bread 'n butter pickles turned out to be a real winner both traffic wise and taste wise!

    7.  Topsy Turvy Galvanized Buckets

    Topsy turvy galvanized buckets | cottage at the crossroads

    Who knew that when we created these Topsy Turvy Galvanized Buckets back in May of 2013 that they would receive so much attention? I think it was the combination of the beautiful orange flowers against the silver blue of the buckets that was so appealing. And I'm happy to say that the planter is still sitting on our back deck planted with cool season pansies and ornamental cabbages right now. ( Which reminds me that I haven't shown you guys that yet!)

    6.  Homemade Dill Relish

    Homemade dill relish | cottage at the crossroads

    Back in May of 2012, I published this recipe for Homemade Dill Relish and it gathers more steam each summer! It is a darn good recipe especially if people are wanting to get their feet wet with the whole canning process. You can't mess up this one!

    5. Freestanding Deck in our Garden

    An easy to make freestanding deck for your yard or garden | cottage at the crossroads

    When Leo wrote his post Freestanding Deck in Our Garden in early spring of this year, he had no idea it would be so popular. But apparently a lot of people were looking for an easy way to build a deck. His great idea of using landscaping timbers as a base resonated with a lot of readers and pinners on Pinterest, and the deck has become one of our favorite places to sit.

    3.  5 Tips for First Time Vegetable Gardeners

    5 tips for first time vegetable gardeners | cottage at the crossroads

    The post 5 Tips for First Time Vegetable Gardeners has done well since we wrote it. It's full of good advice for any one who's thinking about starting a vegetable garden. It has always been our goal on the blog to encourage people to grow some of their own food.

    2.  Fresh Cucumber Salad Dressing

    Fresh cucumber salad dressing | cottage at the crossroads

    Our second most visited post was Fresh Cucumber Salad Dressing that I published in 2012. The photos are horrible in the post but the recipe sure is a good one!

    So, can you guess which post got the most traffic?

    1.  Homemade Canned Spaghetti Sauce

    Homemade canned spaghetti sauce | cottage at the crossroads

    Ever since I posted this recipe back in the summer of 2013, it has always been our number 1 traffic producer. It doesn't matter if it's summer or winter here, people constantly visit this post. Folks in the Southern Hemisphere will be ready to make the sauce soon since they are having summer right now. It really is mind-boggling to think that people in other parts of the world are reading my recipe and making my canned spaghetti sauce with their freshly harvested tomatoes!

    In just a few days, we begin our 5th year of blogging. What's gonna happen around here at the Crossroads this year??? Stay tuned, and if you're not already a subscriber, just sign up to receive new posts as soon as they are published!

    Here are a few of my yearly top 10 posts packed with crafts, recipes, and garden treasures.

    Top 10 posts of 2017

    Top 10 posts of 2018

    Top 10 posts of 2019

    More End of Year Review

    • Top posts of 2019
      Top Posts of 2019
    • Top 10 posts of 2018 square
      Top 10 Posts of 2018
    • Top 10 posts of 2017 square
      Top 9 Posts of 2017
    • Best of 2016 projects from cottage at the crossroads square
      Best DIY Projects of 2016

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    1. Terri

      January 07, 2016 at 2:53 pm

      Congrats on your 5th year of Blogging.... I so enjoy reading and getting so many wonderful ideas!!! Love... Love the new look btw!!!

      Reply
    2. Kim

      January 06, 2016 at 10:18 pm

      These are great projects...congrats on the 5th year! I'm sure it will be wonderful if it's anything like this year!

      Reply
    3. kristin

      January 05, 2016 at 11:52 pm

      You have completed so many beautiful projects and yummy recipe's love looking back on your year! Happy New year, pinned 🙂 XO

      Reply
    4. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking

      January 05, 2016 at 5:26 pm

      I need to check out your deck post - hoping to build one this year!

      Reply
    5. Mary Beth|Cupcakes and Crinoline

      January 04, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      So many great and delicious posts, Jane! Now, I'm hungry. 😉 Have a wonderful 2016. hugs, mb

      Reply
    6. Jessica

      January 02, 2016 at 10:36 am

      I am definitely trying that cucumber dill dressing! Thanks for sharing your list with us.

      Reply
    7. Shelley

      January 01, 2016 at 8:02 pm

      I am so glad to find your cucumber dressing! My cousin makes a yummy one but she won't share her recipe! Hope your new year is a great one!

      Reply
    8. Kirby Carespodi

      January 01, 2016 at 7:43 pm

      I always love reading your project posts! Happy 2016!

      Reply
    9. Dianne Stewart

      January 01, 2016 at 7:14 pm

      I remember everyone!!! Such great ideas-- you are so talented!!!!

      Reply
    10. Meegan

      January 01, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      Oh my goodness! I want to learn to garden like you! I have the blackest thumb there ever was! Your home and talent are so inspiring.

      Reply
    11. SheilaG @ Plum Doodles

      December 31, 2015 at 8:30 pm

      I love your top 10! The cucumber dressing looks so yummy, and the topsy turvy bucket planter is a long-time favorite. I made pasta sauce this year, too, but ended up freezing it instead of canning.

      Reply
    12. Christy

      December 31, 2015 at 4:48 pm

      Mmmm fresh cucumber dressing and homemade spaghetti sauce?? Wouldn't I love to be your neighbor!! Great top 10! Happy New Year! ????

      Reply
    13. Patti Estep

      December 31, 2015 at 3:08 pm

      Hi Jane,

      I see some familiar posts here and am not at all surprised that they made this Top 10 list as you always have such great posts to share. Happy New Year and best to you, Leo and all the bloggers in 2016!

      Reply
    14. Patty

      December 31, 2015 at 12:41 pm

      I made a topsy turvy planter but I used plastic pots. It is NOT half as nice as yours. I will start looking for pails when Tag Sales start again in Connecticut. I love the way yours looks. In fact I love all of your posts and I use many of them. Happy and Healthy New Year and I so look forward to what you will post next year. Thank you for you post.

      Reply
    15. Sonya

      December 31, 2015 at 11:52 am

      I make your bread & butter pickles every year with cucumbers from my garden. We love them!

      Reply
    16. [email protected]

      December 31, 2015 at 11:03 am

      I loved looking back at your year to see what was popular. You've made me want to make a pumpkin holder and also your cucumber salad dressing. I look forward to what you have in store for 2016!

      Reply
    17. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage

      December 31, 2015 at 10:55 am

      Hi Jane,
      Loved getting to know you and Leo better this past year. Looking forward to new adventures and DIY's on your blog for 2016. Happy New Year.
      Kris

      Reply
    18. Vicki and Jennifer 2 Bees in a Pod

      December 31, 2015 at 9:48 am

      Isn't it fun to take a look back at the year and all that you accomplished? We have enjoyed sharing all of these tours with you. Cheers to a Happy New Year - can't wait to see what 2016 brings!

      Reply
    19. [email protected] Designs

      December 31, 2015 at 9:45 am

      I loved them all Jane!....I think my fav was the Topsy Turvy Galvanized buckets!!!
      Happy New Year to you and Leo!!!...May 2016 be a most wonderful year!!!

      Reply
    20. Kim

      December 31, 2015 at 9:15 am

      Jane, I'm surprised the pond didn't make the cut. That was my favorite project. Wishing y'all a Happy New Year!!

      Reply

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