Best of 2015: Your (and Our) Favorite Articles of the Year

Every year, one of our rituals is to reflect on the year past, and we publish a roundup of your favorite articles of the year.  (Here's our 2014 list.)  The following articles are our top 5 in terms of both views and shares; the two often go hand-in-hand. At the end, we've included a surprise "editor's choice" -- our team favorite for one of the best features of the year.
It's always interesting to see what trends.  This year it looks like self-care and getting back to the simple basics are on top -- and no surprise, since that's what Plum Deluxe is all about.

1. How to Invest in Yourself

This is a great time of year to be thinking about investments and big choices, so it's terrific that the Plum Deluxe guide on How to Invest in Yourself comes out on top.  Maybe it was our "wheel of life" that did it, or perhaps the plethora of links to inspire you on how to think bigger about living the best life ever.

2. “Surprise” Crunchy Butter Cookies

It's hard to not be intrigued by the words crunchy, butter, and cookies. Throw in a surprise and you can't go wrong -- as our readers found out with this article, a yummy yummy yummy concoction. These cookies are a great activity for a rainy/snowy day over the winter, or for inviting folks over for a decadent treat.

3. The Best Diet You Could Ever Go On

Another timely topic that is on-point this time of year:  dieting.  But this isn't your typical diet, and this is certainly a diet that we all could use this time of year.  Could you cut back in this area of your life?

4. The Ultimate Tea Party Centerpiece: A Showstopper Victoria Sponge

It's classic.  It's vintage, yet moderne.  It's yummy.  It brings people together.  It's a sponge cake -- and Katy's recipe is indeed a showstopper.  Recipes from moms are our favorite, but we hold a very special place for grandmother recipes, so we're very grateful for this one.  Trust us; take the time and whip up a cake.  You won't regret it.

5. Three New Takes on Traditional Tea Sandwiches

Ok, so we balance the old with the new in this tea-party-basics battle.  JC (one of our favorite food photographers that contributes here at Plum Deluxe) freshens things up with these tea sandwich ideas -- and includes a full recipe you can do on your own.  Tea sandwiches are so nice; they hark back to an era of calm conversation and civility, two things I think all of us wouldn't mind having a bit more of.
(And if you have a favorite tea sandwich?  Email us!  We're dying to hear about your recipes.)

Editor's Choice: Awesome Strawberry Hazelnut Salad

We think that salads are totally back en vogue, so this year's editor's choice goes to Nick and his Awesome Strawberry Hazelnut Salad.  Loaded with sweet and savory flavors, we love it for a dinner party, a tea party, or just for dinner!