I’m sure you know that I pretty much can’t sit still. Sitting still is my kryptonite. So for starters, I want to say a BIG thank you to anyone who has been reading this blog for more than 3 years and is STILL reading this blog. Why 3 years? Well, if you’ve been following this blog for awhile now then you know darn well that 2016 was probably the lamest year on record for Mavis Butterfield.
Seriously.
There were times when I just wanted to walk away from blogging, toss my laptop into Puget Sound and curl up into a ball and never type or take another picture again.
I was in a terrible, terrible funk.
The Girl was on the other side of the coast {for a second year in a row}, Monkey Boy was working full time, I had no major home projects to work on, my brother became ill, the HH was stressed out about work, and I was BORED OUT OF MY MIND and everyone around me knew it. For some reason I just kept muddling through one day at a time and didn’t came up for air until around the beginning of November.
That’s was when I decided what I really needed was to get out of the house and do something totally different to get some perspective. So I accepted a seasonal job at a warehouse. And it turned out to be just the kickstart I needed to get back on track mentally. Not only did I learn a lot of new things, it made me want to work smarter, harder for my family and the things {and goals} I am passionate about.
People are fascinating. I don’t know why you are still here, but I am SO GLAD you are. The old Mavis, she’s back. And holy crack people…. I’ve got a oodles of things I want to accomplish in 2017. And no, I did not take my own advice about keeping my list of goals small. 😉
And I am VERY, very excited about it.
My number one goal is to get back to the basics. In my life in general as well as here on the blog. But in order to do that, I can’t go into all the details about each of the goals I’ve set for myself this year.
So, for the time being I have 4 top secret goals… Those ones I won’t be talking about until I’ve accomplished them. But I promise that when I do accomplish one of those goals…. I’ll be filling you in on all the details and the story behind those particular goals. I promise.
In fact I will be writing about those particular goals in real time… but I just won’t be publishing the posts until the time is right. Confusing, I know. But I have my reasons. 😉
To hold myself accountable to the things I want to accomplish this year, I will continue to do a weekly goal update. Personally, I think setting goals are a good thing, and sharing your goals with someone helps keep you on pace and gives you the extra motivation to push through and accomplish what you set out to do in the first place.
So here we go. Are you ready?
My goals for 2017
Get 7- 8 Hours of Sleep Each Night
I get up at 4 am everyday because I am a total psycho. I have tried and tried to sleep in. But I can’t. I blame my mother. Because she doesn’t sleep much either. And The Girl… she noticed she’s not sleeping as much as she used to either. I don’t know if it’s hereditary or what, but I want to TRY to get a little more shut eye this year. I’m just not so sure how I’m going to do that yet. {Any tips you have would be welcomed.}
Make Saving a Priority, Not an Idea
Save. Save. Save. Continue to pay down the mortage, add to our emergency fund and sock away money for my secret goal #4.
Live a little
One thing I really missed last year was my trips to the local thrift store and stopping at garage sales to hunt for bargains. So if I see something I like and truly have a use for, I am going to buy it.
Visit 52 REAL Bakeries
Seriously. When did store bought baked goods start to taste like junk? Bakeries. That’s where the good stuff is at. And I’m going to find 52 of them this year.
Have 1 “no spend” week each month
The idea is that this will help reduce grocery spending, gas, eating out, and shopping in general. I’ve never done this before… and I’m pretty pumped about it. I have no idea if it will help with my overall spending habits… but I’m willing to give it a try.
Start a Line of Rug Hooking Patterns
My goal is to come up with 12 original patterns and have them listed on Etsy by the end of the year. People have been asking me to sell my original designs so they can hook them up for themselves for a while now and I’m finally ready to do that.
Turn My Wool Stash into $2,500.
I have some other projects I want to focus on this year so although I won’t be hooking as much, I still want to keep it up in my spare time and earn a little extra on the side.
Play in The Dirt
Instead of trying to keep up with posting 4-5 times a week over on Dig for Your Dinner this year, I am going to aim for 2 posts a week. My first post is already up.
Purge 250 Items Including Selling Larger Items We No Longer Feel We Need
For instance, the elliptical machine that is sitting in our garage and was only used 4 times last year. Our garage freezer. Say what? Yep. Even though I occasionally get meat in bulk from Zaycon, our eating habits have changed over the past few years and I truly believe we could get by without one {and save on electricity to boot!}. The set of bikes that are hanging on the wall in our garage? Monkey Boy, The HH nor I have even used ours in the last 2 years. The Girl only used hers like 3 times. I’d much rather get rid of the clutter and rent a bike for the day instead.
Last year my goal was to get rid of 1,000 items and we ended up selling/donating over 1188 items. In all honesty, our home it at it’s most minimalistic stage that it has ever been. And I’m loving the fact that our home isn’t stuffed with a bunch of crappity crap. I think finding 250 items to purge is actually going to be a little difficult… but I’m totally up for the challenge.
Learn to Crochet
Master the granny square, and then make a blanket. I had a handmade blanket similar to the one above about 20 years ago and absoultly loved it. {photo credit Fookiewooh}
Dote on My Husband Even More Than I Do Now.
Seriously, is that even possible? Apparently working outside the home for 5 weeks traumatized him. He missed his sunday breakfasts in bed, early morning coffee deliveries, packed lunches and being greeted at the front door with a kiss when he came home from work. Poor, poor fella. It will take years for him to recover. 😉
Lose the Muffin Top. {again}
Okay. So the only jeans in my closet that currently fit are pretty worn out and have been tossed into my painting/yard work stash. What remains are 8 pairs of pants that are at least 1 size too small for me. They are PERFECTLY GOOD pants!!!! Going out and buying more pants would be kind of a waste of money if you ask me. So, what’s a frugal girl to do? Lose the muffin top.
How am I going to do this in a healthy and gradual way? Well, you are going to have to wait until tomorrow to find out. That’s when I’ll be posting about our new grocery budget for the year. All I want to say is this: Maybe you’ve got a Costco sized muffin, maybe you’ve got a mini muffin… whateva. If you want to get rid of it… it’s going to take some time. Relax. Join me. We’ve got 365 days to scratch this baby off our list. 😉
Wear out {most of} the clothing I already own.
I’d like to buy a whole new wardrobe in 2018 {goodbye black shirts… hello ?} So my goal is to not buy any new clothing this year {with one exception. Undergarments}.
Try 52 New Recipes
I feel like I was kind of in a food rut last year. So this is a must.
Read 52 Books
I loved always having a book on my nightstand last year. So I’m doing it again.
Give Back to 12 Different Organizations in My Community
Each month my mom and I will select one organization in our community and find a way to give that organization $100 {in purchased goods}. So for instance, let’s say one month we choose to donate to a local animal shelter. We would contact the shelter and find out what items they are in most need of. We would then go out and purchase those items and then donate them to that particular organization.
My mom and I are both really excited about this one {and especially excited for the organization we have already selected for January}.
And then, there’s those top secret goals we’re not talking about yet.
- Secret Goal #1
- Secret Goal #2
- Secret Goal #3
- Secret Goal #4
So that’s it. Those are MY goals for this year. All 20 of them.
But wait. Here’s a few more from the peeps who live here:
The Girl Who Thinks She’s a Bird
Finish college one semester early {so she can pocket the money to help fund her “Gap Year.”} The kid is clever, what can I say?
Qualify for the 2018 Boston Marathon {she needs a time of 3:35 to “qualify” but more like a 3:25 to actually get in}. With very few long distance runs {14-22 miles each} she ran a full marathon last fall and was about 20 minutes shy of the qualifying time. So after talking with an older friend who has run Boston 5 times, she has a new training schedule and is excited to try again.
Fun Fact: If you were to click on Shalane Flanagan’s page on Wikipedia, you’d find the above photo of Shalane nearing the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. If you look all the way to the right of that photo, you’ll find The Girl and I in the background.
Monkey Boy
Learn Another Skill at His Job and get a raise.
Save Up for a New {used} Vehicle.
The HH
Take All His Paid Vacation Days This Year.
Seriously. I have no idea what his problem is.
Lucy
Stop Lunging Towards Cars.
She tend to get upset if a vehicle doesn’t stop to give her a cookie. Particularly white vans/trucks/suv’s and mail trucks.
So there you have it. Those are our goals for 2017. What do you think? Do YOU have any goals for 2017? If you do, I’d LOVE to hear about them.
~Mavis
Julie says
For the bakery, since you’re close to Seattle you HAVE to try La Parisienne on 4th close by the Space Needle. It’s owned by French people, everything that they have is amazing!!! You won’t be disappointed!!
Started to crochet last month, I love it, and it’s not too hard I’m sure you’ll have fun!!
Jessica says
1. Between all the members of this house, we will remove 1000 items from the house. This does not count as everyday household garbage. These items will be items that could be potentially donated or sold. I think I will NOT count items that I throw away. This will make it a bit more challenging. (I totally stole this idea from another blog, but I LOVED the concept!)
2. My goal is to have a yard sale this spring and make a little extra moula to put towards either the vacation, bills, Christmas, or home projects.
3. This will be a big goal to accomplish! I plan on organizing the garage. I had it looking okay, but then the “boomerang daughter” moved back home and there went that garage again. It WILL get done this year…complete with shelves and such for storage!
4. The garden. This is THE year I will get the garden established and actually benefit from its bounty.
5. Travel to Finland for $1000 (not counting the plane ticket). I am traveling to Finland this summer with my dad, stepmom, and sister. The tickets are paid for already so the goal is to have the rest of the trip costing only $1000. This includes passport, luggage, and any other costs, like spending money while there, etc. This is totally doable, especially since we will be spending time with family. I originally wanted to have $1000 just for spending but I think I am going to include the cost of the passport and luggage too. Now, if I can score gift cards to help defray the cost, that is a bonus to the $1000.
6. I plan to pay off heating cooling systems by the end of the year. This “should” be an easy goal to accomplish.
7. Ok, this may just be the goal I list EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR until it happens. I plan to lose 50 lbs this year and if I do not lose 50lbs, I will be happy to be able to shop in the “regular” sizes again.
8. Since we have been doing Christmas debt free for the past few years already, this year’s Christmas goal is to have all presents bought or made by December for under $500. This does NOT count my husband’s gift because I ALWAYS spend more than I should on him and him on me. Bonus points if the gifts are wrapped before December as well!
9. I plan to keep the grocery bill under $600 a month. I would REALLY like to keep it under $500 a month, but with my husband, that is just setting me up for failure.
10. Work on some craft projects I have been putting off but want to complete. Mainly the cross stitch squares my mom started when she was alive. I’d love to complete them and make the quilt she was planning to make.
Mrs. C. says
Wow, Mavis, you inspire me! I have been doing the 52 new recipes for two years, and this year will be my third. It is a fantastic way to discover new recipes and get them in the rotation.
Exercise and eat right again. Lose the massive muffin top, which may take me 1.5-2 years, realistically, but I have to start sometime. We set up a small home gym to help with that. (This is ine of my two biggest goals).
Clean, organize and purge Every. Single. Room. This is my other biggest goal.
Finally get my chickens.
Save $$$.
I, too had crocheting and a granny smith square blanket in my list!
Have more fun. All we do latel is stress, work, and worry.
Paint a few rooms.
Some secret goals.
Take up piano again.
Pippi says
I’ve been reading your blog since you were ‘jumping off the processed food chain one box at a time’ Love your blog, funk and all.
eliz says
Mavis, you are cool. Love your goals. Looking forward to your wardrobe posts. I’ve been wearing out everything in my closet for years and really dislike clothes shopping. I live in the boonies where nobody sees me and there are no opportunities for shopping, except online, so I could really use some tips.
Mrs. C. says
I think you, Mavis and I are three of a kind. I have a bunch of nice clothing and accessories from my career days, and I plan on selling them. I live on a farm now, and I am more interested in muck boots!
Margaret Hudgins says
I’m with you Eliz. I too live in the boonies. I retired nearly 8 years ago, and have bought not much new since. My beloved husband of 36 years passed away this past year also, and I have had a terrible time digging myself out from under the sorrow. I joined Weight Watchers on-line today (gotta do something ’bout that large muffin top), but am not sure how the on-line thing works. To make a loooong story short, I too could use some help on how to get my life back. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you and your blog Mavis.
Margie from the boonies
eliz says
Do you exercise Margaret? I love running and it really helps me keep a calm mind, elevates mood, keeps weight down. Doesn’t have to be running, walking or something else daily is great. Just what works for me, I don’t do well without it. I had to stop running for most of last year because I herniated a disc in my back and couldn’t even sit for months because of sciatica. So glad to be back running and feeling better. Good luck, hope 2017 is a better year for you!
Rebekah U says
Margie – I just want to encourage you. You can totally lose the weight. I have lost 81 pounds since December 15, 2015. I did all 81 by watching what I put in my mouth, and by wearing a fitbit. For me, the weight loss is all about making every bite count, not cheating on myself, weighing every day, and telling someone else your weight daily. Blessings to you this year!
Marcia says
I used Weight Watchers online to lose weight 2x. Once in 2002, and once in 2007-08 (after my first child).
For me, however, I found that it didn’t work after 40. I tried 2 more times around then (before and after my second kid).
WW is often changing their program, though, and perhaps I was trying it during a time when it wasn’t as effective.
I use a different plan now (21 day fix). Seems to work. Who knows – may have to change it up again once menopause hits.
Christym says
I’m always excited to read your goals and see you accomplish them. I like the bakery goal! I never thought to include fun things. Going to make some goals over the next few days.
Brian says
I’m a new fan of your blog. Thank you for inspiring me to make goals for the new year
Stephanie says
Hands down, this is my favorite blog!!
Another Stephanie says
Mine, too! I’ve been following for years- started reading for gardening tips and stayed for the stories. Love the goals and weekly updates. Thanks Mavis!
Laura says
Welcome back Mavis! Long time reader here, and I agree that last year was a little bit “off” from your prior years. I have hung in there though, because you continue to crack me up often enough to keep me coming back. I have missed your recipes and original posts. Last year felt like a lot of re-posts and less original content. Not that that is a bad thing, but I am excited to know that more original posts are on their way. That will be awesome!
I am trying to figure out my future as well, so it is always informative to see how someone else tackles that. Still have all three kids at home, but I feel like my talents are not being fully utilized. Not in a financial position to volunteer as we need the money, but not sure where to go as a 17 year SAHM who has only volunteered for the past 10+ years. Scary and exciting at the same time!
Patty P says
I learned to crochet on youtube (even after my mother tried to teach me years ago). I think it’s awesome to be able to back the video up to look at confusing stitches as many times as you need. Two of my favorite channels: Clare from Australia ( I could listen to her videos all day long, her voice is so calming)– https://www.youtube.com/user/bobwilson123 and The Crochet Crowd out of Canada– https://www.youtube.com/user/mikeyssmail . I couldn’t crochet at all before (well, besides a mile long chain of single crochet), but have learned SO much from these two channels. Good luck!
Rebecca says
Hi Patti,
Thanks for sharing these YouTube links on crocheting!
Linda says
Mavis, Thank you so much for sharing your goals and for your honesty! You inspire me and help keep me focused on my goals. My goals for 2017 are to pay off our mortgage (early!) and keep improving my strength and fitness. I have specific strategies for these goals in place to hold myself accountable. Here’s to a fantastic 2017!
Kathie S. says
I’m glad you are back to feeling like the old you. I’ve been with you for years now and still love you.
I’m bound and determined to purge the house this year. Tons of stuff to get rid of and make the house less cluttered. Also, going to finally paint the interior and kitchen cabinets. I let the garden slide last year but I feel super motivated to get it rolling this year.
Best of luck to you & your family with your goals for 2017.
Rho says
Mavis, you are super cool (you were in 2016, too)
I love your blog and I want to be like you when I grow up
LAS says
I’m glad you didn’t quit blogging! I just started reading here regularly in the last few months and love your blog. Good luck to all of your exciting plans for 2017!
Debbie says
What’s up with the East Coast house—or did I miss that news……..
Mavis Butterfield says
It’s still there. I just haven’t talked about it lately.
Marcia says
As usual I LOVE LOVE your lists. A few things…
1. Sleep. I don’t sleep well either, and generally wake up at 4, 4:30 every day whether I want to or not. But I do go to bed at 9:15. I also suffer from insomnia where I’m awake for an hour or two in the middle of the night.
2. Muffin top. I’d like to lose those last five pounds. Not sure if it’s going to happen.
Anyway, the above two are related. I’m a few years older than you are (46), and finally went to my doc for my first annual physical since I was pregnant five years ago. I mentioned the insomnia. He told me that it’s a typical symptom of perimenopause. He also said that 60% of women experience symptoms but only 2% of marathon runners. Now, I’m not going to run a marathon (my joints can’t take it), and I already work out a lot. Essentially, he said women have a lot of adrenaline, and it’s hard for us to turn our brains off. (Plus fading estrogen doesn’t help – messes with seratonin). Marathon runners burn up the excess adrenaline and experience fewer symptoms.
So, some regular hardcore exercise might help both things. I am training to walk/run a half marathon. A 2 min run/ 3 min walk or vice versa doesn’t hurt that much.
Food wise, it’s always a toss up to me. I’ve had the most success losing weight when reducing carbs to 2-3 one-half cup servings a day. But I don’t like eating that much meat. And carbs are cheap. I’m constantly tweaking.
3. Crochet. Crochet is also good (like knitting) for stress reduction. I’ve been doing a lot lately. It’s easy, you’ll love it. And check out this crazy blog for inspiration. He’s local to me and his wife teaches at my son’s elementary school.
http://www.yarnbomber.com/
Jennifer says
Good goals! We have similar ideas 🙂 I always try to make ten.
1. Lose 52 pounds
2. Learn to crochet
3. Repair and paint one room every two months (minus bathrooms and kitchen).
4. Learn masonry
5. Get the permaculture part of our garden going (fruit trees, rhubarb, prickly pear, mimosa, berry bushes, and beneficial weeds), and plant a loofah plant because I think it sounds fun.
6. Cut out excess added sugar (we’ve done food coloring, so that helps)
7. Learn to use my sewing machine and table saw without being nervous (I’m a lefty, the machines are not)
8. Cut our possessions (as I redo that room) by 50%…I will put things back in the order of importance until the room is finished. Evaluate what is left, then either relocate, rehome, or recycle what remains.
9.Repair the walls and pave my courtyard (see masonry) with as much reclaimed or free material as possible. Part 1 of a two year goal.
10. Teach our dogs to stay, be quiet, and hold.
Brenda says
Love your blog been reading it for more than 3 years too. Super excited to read it again this new year! You are super inspirational. I miss the comedy you used to do with the old neighbors like girly girl and Francisco and the garden being on this blog too. Happy new year. Can’t wait to read all of your adventures this year.
tia in boise says
Mavis, I’m glad that you are still blogging and working on your “new attitude”. (I’m not very observant and hadn’t noticed your funk.) I have been following your blog since spring of 2012. (I had to do a little research to find the time period–it was when you left you Monday gig at another blog.)
Thank you for sharing your goals with us–wow–I think I counted 15 (public goals, anyway)! I had been thinking that publishing goals is a great way to make yourself accountable for them (and then you went and blogged that in your “how to keep resolutions” post! I post on a teachers’ bulletin board and decided to ask others if they wanted to do yearly goals–I’ll be starting a weekly thread for everyone to share their successes and frustrations for all to encourage each other. I hope it’s well-received!
My goals for the year:
1. Complete 1 house project a week–dust all the blinds, organize my jewelry cabinet….I think giving myself a week to do an unpleasant task will help break down the monotony! (I hope to get husband involved, as well.)
2. Exercise everyday. I thought about making a goal of # days/week or minutes a week, but settled on this. So if I’m super-busy, a couple walks around the block will cut it. (And I know that if I aim for a little exercise, I might do more once I’m in the thick of it.)
3. Grade and enter all assignments by Sunday night. I would like to go into the next work week without any paperwork hanging over my head.
4. Start each day with purpose. This will entail getting to bed earlier, waking up excited to get something done, doing some quick calisthenics, and putting on a brave face and smile. (It’s so easy to be a debbie downer; I’d like to work on being happier and looking like I love my job, which I do.)
5. Be more social. My husband and I have become homebodies. Due to finances, we don’t get out much, and our house is rarely tidy, so we don’t have friends over. Years ago we belonged to a monthly travelling Bunko group which no longer meets–I miss that camaraderie. I want to work on keeping the house tidier so we can have friends over–for potluck game night or other low-cost activities. I’ll also be working on finding low-cost activities we can do in the community with friends. (My hope is to do something once a month—which doesn’t sound like much but is SOOO much more than we do currently.) We have awesome friends–we need to spend more time with them!
Good luck, everyone, with your goals!
ann in E. oregon says
Thanks for keeping your blog going, Mavis. Much of what you post informs, motives or educates me. So many of your recipes are favorites in our home and I have enjoyed so many books and good on-line deals. Interestingly, my 11-yr. old daughter and I “learned” to crochet just a few months ago and and most of our family and friends received crocheted hats and/or dishcloths for Christmas. We are super excited to go on to bigger projects. Like Patty P. we “learned” by watching You Tube videos. It’s sooooo much easier than trying to read the patterns and there great projects and wonderful, different kinds of yarn and crochet hooks out there! We have really enjoyed learning and creating. 🙂
I am so glad you are selling your rug patterns. I have been seriously considering trying hug hooking. I know you’ve talked a lot on your blog about how you do your rug hooking, but could you consider a series on the ins and outs of rug hooking? It would be great to have a place on your blog were a person could go to get step-by-step instructions, material list, etc. 🙂
I really look forward to your goals and tagging along as your track your progress! 🙂
Kelli says
Your goals inspire me (and overwhelm me a bit), I think I need to shake some things up , thank you!
I have a question, you mentioned quite a while ago that you would write about The Girl and the change in where she was going to college. Did I miss that?
Debbie in Alaska says
Appreciate the more personal blog post and your openness about your funk. So happy for you that you feel like you’ve got your groove back. Very excited to read and follow your adventures in 2017!
My goals are a little less pragamatic. I want to be kinder and gentler this year. And practice listening with more patience. I do also want to continue to “lighten my load” so to speak and reduce my body weight by about 20 lbs to make dancing easier. You leap much higher when you have less weight to lift into the air 🙂
And less impulse buying on Amazon and at Fred Meyer (limited options in Alaska) if it’s not going to truly benefit me (practically or because i’ll really enjoy it).
Happy New Year!
Beth says
Keep on going! You are an inspiration! I love your blog! I, to, need to lose the “muffin top” and a bit more as I have been diagnosed with Pre- diabetes. I know I have needed to for a little bit now but this has been a bit of a wake-up call per request of my son and his own demons. As far as reading goes, I have a list of 5 books right now on my list. The first one is rather thick, so we’ll see. I too need to start crocheting more. I took a class on it and know I can do it, just a matter of doing it. I will try and work on my garden when the time arises.
Heather says
I’ve been reading for a long time and your goals always inspire me. I made a long list this year as well.
1. Complete 12 5k races.
2. Make time for 24 family hikes/snowshoe outings
3. Go to the gym 2 days a week at least
4. Meditate 5 times a week
5. Read 12 new books
6. Work on my hand lettering
7. Learn to play guitar
8. Follow one year to an organized home book (to get the house finally in order!)
9. Have family game night once a week
10. Save money – I am going to pick one area a month to focus on. January is going to be groceries and household items
Amy says
For goal #8 take a look at Marie Kondo’s book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, it’s a real game changer 🙂 I found it to be an easy read and super encouraging. Best of luck and hard work to you!
Angela D. says
I’m reading the same book. I think I might actually be ready to make the BIG CHANGE and “tidy up.” (I come from a family of hoarders/pack rats. I think it’s ingrained in my personality and way of thinking.) In the last couple of years I believe I’ve been slowly coming around to the suggestion the author repeatedly makes about possessions: keep what sparks joy and discard or donate the rest. Make no mistake: I WANT to continue collecting lovely things… I just don’t have any more room to store or display my stuff. It feels like I’m drowning…suffocating….so, its time for a big change. Wish me luck!
Carol Berg says
Angela, recognizing you have a tendency to “accumulate” things, and deciding you want to begin paring down your “accumulation,” are two hurdles you’ve already overcome in your war with clutter. Good luck with “tidying up!!” It sounds as if you are well on your way to achieving your goal!!
Nicola says
I love your blog and your goals are really inspiring!!! I’m so sorry that 2016 was such a challenging year for your family, with the loss of your brother. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2017 and I hope it bring you joy. Thank you for blogging and inspiring me to make changes in my own life.
Pattie says
Mavis more power to you ! I’m excited for you in 2017 …Thanks for sharing your life and goals and you have made me do a 52 week To Do List my husband an I pick a project to do weekly together … Our goal this year is to make our land pay for its self in food , heat and hopefully electricity. .. Our Splurge is a commercial greenhouse and I too have some hidden hopes and dreams to fulfill in 2017 …You started this movement kudos . I look forward to your postings and blogs this year .
Sharon says
Mavis, you are totally inspiring, even on your funky days, so please keep blogging! I’ve been waiting to see what goals you’ve set for the new year, and may borrow a few for myself (that no spend week is enormously appealing). Thanks for all you do!
Mariana says
I like that you are back to thrift store shopping. Sometimes it is a dollar or two and you can end up with a pretty sweet deal
Sheila says
Love your goals and sense of humor Mavis! Hands down 2016 was the worst year of my 54 years. You just cannot make up the stuff that happened to our family this year! So next year onward and upward! My one goal this year is to focus on my relationship with the Lord instead of all the train wrecks happening around me of which I have no control. He is my peace and shelter in the storm! Happy new year to you and all your readers!
Heather says
Love your blog and your goals! Mine are :
1.Continue to pay extra towards our mortgage principle
2. Eat a salad w every dinner
3. Meal plan all 52 weeks
4. One date a month with husband
5. One date a month with daughter
6. Read two books a month
7. Bake treat/cookies every Sunday
8. Minimum 5k steps daily
9. Purge 2017 items
10. Paint entire interior of home
carrie says
Ooh I am stealing your purge 2017 items!
Bea says
Mavis – you are the highlight of my morning….and have been for years. I’ve enjoyed new recipes, saved tons using your advice, laughed and cried with/for you, eat better by weaning away processed foods like you did, gotten the bug to be crafty again, made a point to recycle everything I could, etc… You inspire me.
I have trouble with goals so I will set more attainable ones so I don’t get discouraged and quit. If I fail, there is nothing wrong with restarting that goal several times as there will be progress forward.
I’ve enjoyed your travels, descriptions and photos. Your mom cracks me up by saving all her freebies for you – that’s a habit I picked up and use the items for donations to a food pantry.
Looking forward to this years blog. Thank you.
Rita says
Happy New Year Mavis. Thank you for your blog. You are just such a cool, down to earth person and it’s a joy to read about your life. All the best to you & yours in 2017!
Marie says
I love reading your blog, your recipes are some of our favorites. Since I hook I’m super excited about you selling your patterns. Lose the muffin top—-right there with you. 2017 should be a great year.
bobbi dougherty says
Love the blog – always. Funk, no funk…whatever. You are da bomb! Annnnd, for the FIRST time in my life, I have made goals. So thanks you. Here is to 2017!
Texas Deborah says
We owe 16 more house payments! Yeah! We’ve been paying more than the minimum payment for several years now. I can’t wait.
I have a few goals this year.
1. Get rid of 100 things we don’t use or need. It’s pretty doable.
2. Read 52 books this year. I read every night! Mostly on my IPad, and free books.
3. Clean out my closet of what I haven’t worn in a year, not counting Church clothes.
Right now, that’s about it. I’ve never done this before, so baby steps for me.
UpstateNYer says
Hi Mavis! I have been following you from the beginning and I still enjoy something from each of your posts – every time. Keep up the good work!
Might I suggest a post? In the last year you wanted to try 52 new recipes. Could you post about the ones you enjoyed and what you have added to your food plans. I am sure others will want to give them a try as well.
Happy New Year from Upstate NY!
Erin says
For the sleep issues, I highly recommend finding a behavioral sleep medicine specialist and get some CBT-I (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) paired with some circadian light therapy. It’s intense, but after years of sleep issues (also a family history here), it’s the only thing that has helped me consistently get good sleep (when I am following it correctly). I never thought I would be able to get the kind of consistent, good sleep that I’ve been able to get since I did the therapy!
Caroline says
I’d totally buy the pattern for your sunflowers!
Ginger says
I love your blog. I anxiously waited for today’s post so I can finish my goals for 2017. I liked your no spend on non essentials last year but I like the no spending for one week a month better. I added it to my list. I already set up a weekly alert on my phone to check my progress. I don’t have a blog to keep me accountable. Hopefully the alerts will help.
My goals:
1. 26 dates with hubby
2. 12 one on one dates with kids
3. 12 family nights
4. Experience 6 new to us activities or restaurants
5. As a family purge 2017 items
6. No spending one week a month
7. Try 26 new recipes
2016 was a rough year. I am looking forward to an amazing fun 2017.
Niki says
Mavis,
I only found your wonderful blog this last year, and I think you’re pretty amazing. You’ve inspired me to finally tackle many odd jobs around the house that I put off for years. Love, love, love your energy and your courage to try new things.
My first ever written goals for the new year:
1. Date with husband (no kids) at least once a month.
2. Exercise at least 3x a week.
3. Fit back into my awesome pre-third-baby wardrobe. (I’m only one size away, but it feels a million miles away.)
4. Practice one piano lesson a week.
5. Focus on fully decluttering and/or detail cleaning a small area or room a week.
6. Research and travel to 4 destinations with the family this year.
7. Play and spend time with my children every single day.
8. Finish remodeling and decorating projects to ye olde house, finally!
9. Maintain friendships by contacting, hosting, entertaining, helping others every week.
10. Smile even more.
Happy and healthy new year to you Mavis!
Sue says
Happy New Year!
I love all the new goals for 2016. Such a fun blog!
Sue says
Ops!!!Goals for 2017!
Mary Neathway says
I stopped making resolutions many years ago…. why bother? But when I read your goal list last year, I thought, “Makes sense” and created my own.. Some things were easier than others, some were financial, some were personal, and most I accomplished or came close to accomplishing. And I felt like a hero! So, this year, I have again made a list- to finish paying off the credit line (last year it was to pay off half the credit line), to exercise 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week, to paint the ensuite , to replace the mattress, to try one new recipe a week and one new flavour/ food item a month (I spent much of my younger years saying, “I don’t like it” when offered something different- time to be an adventurous eater). There are a few more- not to read 52 books a year because I regularly read over 150 and bless the library. 2015 was my funk year- lost two brothers and a father in law, had a sick husband…. last year was a bit better, and I am thinking 2017 will be marvelous. Thanks for the blog- I’ve unsubscribed from many, and though we have little in common (I’m old, lazy, Canadian, definitely not organized), you seem to speak my inner language.
Rebecca says
Mavis, I love your blog and was anxiously anticipating reading your goals for 2017. Your weekly recap on your goals is one of my favorite things to read on the blog.
Here are a few of my goals for 2017:
1. Cut down on non-essential spending. I plan to not buy any new clothes this year as part of this goal.
2. Lose some weight.
3. Accomplish some sewing projects (I’m a newbie).
4. Reduce food expenditures.
5. Complete some permaculture projects at our new house (we moved last March).
6. Increase garden food harvest (we did get 4 garden beds erected last year) and plant some perennials.
7. Keep calm and carry on at the job until I retire June 30th – – – I am sooooooooo ready for that!
Grammy Sue says
Thanks for keeping your site going even with the bad year and slump you have had. You don’t realize how much you inspire and motivate us and especially how hard we laugh at your antics (intended or not!). I will hold you and your goals in my heart this year along with some of my own.
Catherine says
Go Mavis! I love your blog and have been reading it for 5 years now. You have finally inspired me to set goals for this year, and one of them is your goal from last year: get rid of 1000 things. I’m currently on a weight loss journey, so if some of those “things ” are lbs, I’m going to count them as part of my load lightening! Today I purged 15 things…alas, no lbs yet!
Gina says
Mavis-
Wow! I’m reading all the above and just LOOK at all the peeps you’ve inspired this past year- even if, as you say, it wasn’t the best year for you (or me, ugh!) I seriously don’t follow many people in cyber world but I have followed YOU for quite a while! I love your ideas on how to simplify our lives all the while keeping it real! Don’t stop! EVEN if YOU think you’re being sucky at it, YOU’RE NOT and we need you out here! I have picked up reading every night because of YOU. I have started crocheting again because of YOU. Now…….I have a little MORE than a “muffin top” AGAIN- but if you can work on yours, I can surely work on mine! Keep keepin’ on, girl!
-Gina
Delores says
Your blog is definitely my favorite… I think I’ve been reading for three years, maybe more? How long have you been blogging? Anyway, as one other person said: your posts are the highlight of my mornings — especially since I gave up pinterest and facebook. 😉
I will add some of my goals here. I have a very long list this year of specific SMART goals and habits I want to form.
1) 1 month emergency monetary fund and food supply
2) Health goals: lose 45 pounds, be able to do 25 pushups, 25 sit ups and 100 squats, and run a 5k (be able to, not necessarily do it in an actual race)
3) 1 active family outing each month (e.g. hiking, mini golfing, etc) and 1 date out with my guy each month
4) Make soap 4 times this year, and can something once each month
5) knit a blanket, sweater, and Neibling lace shawl
6) read 12 good books and the bible (by good I mean meaty, not just fluff, though I can read fluff as well)
7) sew a skirt for me, a skirt for my daughter, cushions for our benches, and one other large project
8) eat veg from garden April – Sept, dry herbs, and keep a garden journal
Habits:
1)Health: vitamins, water, sleep, exercise each day
2) Faith: bible, rosary, mental prayer each day
And one more I am trying to be more specific on but am struggling: teaching my children problem solving skills… and teaching myself to let them solve their problems! 😉
I have other things I would like to get done…. but there are only so many hours in a day, so these are my priorities.
Thank you for asking us all about our goals and giving us the space to share them here! 🙂
Keep up your great work! And thank you for not stopping blogging!
Kathy says
Happy New Year, Mavis! Thanks for being real. Thanks for being you. I’m still here, eager to see what adventures you get yourself into this year.
Crochet is something that I picked up a couple years ago. It was during a stage of my life when I was forced to be inactive due to health issues, and I must say that crochet brought me thru that tough time. Good luck with learning it and have fun picking out all types of yarns!
Alison R says
Hi Mavis,
I am sorry that 2016 was a not great year for you.
I wanted to let you know that your blog was pretty much what kept me going after the loss of our daughter in March of 2015. It has taken me to this point (January 2017) to kind of get back to a different new normal. We are raising our three grandchildren (now 2, 5.5 and 9) and are working hard to give them what they need and deserve.
Please don’t ever think that you haven’t made a difference in someone’s life and day!
I wanted to thank you for the help you never knew that you were giving!
Alison <3
Chelsea says
Mavis,
I have been following you since you left the other blog. Loved your posts then and still love them. ❤️ I’m a huge fan of your blog and ideas.
I feel like I was in a rut for most of 2016 as well until I decided for a change. I was working Monday to Friday 8-5 and it was slowly killing my soul. I quit my job to go back to school full time. I’m now rediscovering who I am and what I want to do with my life.
My fiancé and I just bought a house in November. This year I will be transferring my garden from pots to raised garden beds and raising 4 chickens! I’m also contemplating a raspberry patch like you once had.
That looked amazing by the way!
Looking forward to reading about your goals and the secret ones! I love the suspense.Have a great 2017!!!!!
Rhonda says
Check out Attic 24. I recently learned how to crochet and I am currently making two hexagon blankets (not the exact blanket, but very similar to the one on this site). to go on antique twin bed frames.
http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/hexagon-howto.html
Stephanie says
Hi Mavis, I have been reading your blog for more than 3 years but I can’t remember how much longer. I don’t think I’ve ever commented. Too shy! ☺ but I just wanted you to know that I love getting to follow along with your life a little bit. I had started gardening and stumbled across your blog and was hooked. The thing I appreciate the most is how down to earth you are and that you are sharing your life and opion but not trying to make anyone else fit your mold. It’s always refreshing to come and read here. Thanks for sharing with us!
Blessing on your 2017
Stephanie
Tracy L. says
I’ve also been following you since you left that blog. FREAKED out without my Monday’s with Mavis and hunted you down. I don’t always get to read it everyday, and sometimes it’s even weeks. I have to “catch up” read. I might miss out on a deal, but I always benefit from your honesty, sense of humor, recipes, and generally getting me to think about things from a different perspective or knowing there are other OCD wackos like me!! I feel like life is more intentional now and less haphazard. We now have a dog, which I only “thought” about for years. But, after watching you with Lucy, it gave me the push I needed to try it. Can’t imagine our lives without her now. You’ve been an inspiration on so many levels, and I’m so glad you didn’t give up. I would also like to say like others have previously, you have no idea the affect you have on us and the smiles and inspiration you’ve created. Thank you for all your work on this blog.
Cheryl says
I’ve been reading your blog since before you got the east coast house and now that I think about it, the last two years Monkey Boy was in high school…so maybe 3 to 4 years now. It was around 2012-2013 as I was looking for canning recipes back then.
I don’t usually make resolutions or goals, least not in written form. I am a federal employee and money or the lack thereof is an issue much of the time. One of the goals I have been working on for the last year is to get my credit score up, so I can either get a HELOC or just a large loan. Still debating on which I will get or which is more cost effective for me. I have one more payment to go on a loan, then can get the smaller bills tackled before the Discover card bill. (Discover card saved me in 2013, when the federal government was shut down for 3 weeks…now it is the albatross around my neck)
I also have to keep in mind that I am driving an 18 year old truck, so that alone can throw a wrench into my plans. I don’t particularly want a car payment and higher insurance at the moment.
As far as fun goals, I’ve been thinking for the last several years about going to the culinary institute to truly learn how to cook for myself. I have food allergies that I liken to walking through a constantly changing mine field. One day what I eat is fine, the next day the same thing causes huge issues; so I’d like to learn enough that I can feed myself without constantly bouncing off the mines.
The last big issue that I still need to put some thought into resolving is that I have a huge, huge fear of traveling alone and that tends to keep me chained to my house rather than out doing the things that I love. Part of it may be my health, I am hearing impaired…so there is a fear of getting lost. I suspect this one is going to take some creative elbow grease to resolve.
LaToya says
Hi, Miss Mavis –
I’m still here. I read, but don’t comment. Maybe my own funk – heh.
I wake up at 4am every day as well.
Here is what I do to get more zzzzzs …
I go to bed at 10 o’clock every night, and get up at 4 o’clock every morning. That’s 6 hours. From 4-5 I take my shower, my morning pills, check email, social media, and then get back in to bed from 5-7. That’s 2 more hours of sleep for a total of 8 hours of sleep.
Also my hair gets almost dried in that 2-hour window so I don’t have to blow dry it much when I get up for the day.
Happy New Year.
xo
LaToya
Sara says
Also a long time follower- since 2012, I think. I always love following your goal posts! I’m very glad you stuck with writing this year! One of my goals last year was to cut out a bunch of unnecessary emails, but your blog made the cut.
Below are my 2017 goals:
Garage sale/sell on FB/Craigslist as much as possible (there is a small likelihood of moving to another country in the next 1-2 years & if so, it ALL has to go)
Read 52 children’s books to my baby
Read prayer a day with the baby
Make/buy Advent calendar
Complete 5 crafts
Set up prayer room & use it
Buy nothing January
Exercise 150 times
Write in gratitude journal 52 times
Read 10 books
Go “out” on 12 dates with the Hubbs sans baby
Try something new
I have a few *dreams*, but not goals for the new year also. Looking forward to 2017! Nice to hear I’m not the only one who felt in a funk last year!
Oh! Also, a great organization to sponsor with your $100 that is local to you is Serve the Children! http://www.servethechildren.com
Lisa Millar says
Wow Mavis!!! That is a fabulous list (I had to go have a cup of tea and a lie-down after reading all that!!)
lol – Muffin tops!! I feel I have less of a muffin top and more of a pound cake to deal with. 🙂
The only thing on my goals list was to fund a trip to Texas from Tasmania using $$ gleaned from the garden this season. Now I feel I am under achieving! I am a bit inspired to add to the list a bit!
I will love following this goal list of yours through the year.
Crocheting is fun – I knit (basic) then learned some basic crochet and I am loving it. I made several ‘Virus Shawls’ late last year which I learned from this you tube vid… honestly… once you master just a couple of basic stitches, its dead easy and looks rather impressive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj4rCPmXY6k
So what do Kids from the US do for their gap years? Generally the Australian kids take off overseas. I left Australia for 6 months then returned two years later! (It happens lol)
Anyway – time for me to go and work on my goals – thanks for the inspiration as always!!
Sue says
Lisa, I love reading all you do in Tasmania. When Mavis has a post about your farm, it’s a treat.
One of my goals is to learn to knit this year. Wishing you a New Year!!!!!
Lisa Millar says
Hi Sue!! Glad you enjoy the Tasmanian stories! I love it when Mavis puts up a post of mine!
She def. keeps me inspired!
I really enjoy knitting – I don’t do complicated stuff… just small easily finished projects. Its really relaxing!
Have a wonderful New Year!!
Dawn says
Mavis, I have been anxiously awaiting your goal post. Your blog is definitely one of my favorites. I made a list of six goals this year. At the top of the list is completely finishing our new house. My husband and I built our new house primarily on our own. I want all of these little projects done. The rest of my goals can be found on my blog: http://ahomeinthecountry.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017-goals.html
Paige says
Mavis – I love all your families goals! They are very inspirational. We have a few here as well, and we are keeping them under hat until they are accomplished. It’s nice to have something that just belongs to you and then you can share once it’s done. I hope you all have a wonderful year. I’ve been a reader since the start and I so enjoy your blog. Please keep writing! Cheers!
Lisa L says
Mavis, you rock. Thank you for sharing your goals and for updating us on your progress. You are an inspiration. Love to you and Lucy.
Lisa MTB says
Mavis, I have been reading your blog for a few years now and look forward to it every day– some years are just not great years, but you have an amazing attitude. Thanks for writing this blog!
It must be the Year of Crochet. One of my goals is to improve my crochet skills, too. I learned how to knit last year and also took a crochet class, but it didn’t take off as well as the knitting, so I need a refresher (I’ll be looking at those videos another reader posted and I have a couple of books lined up). A relative gifted me a nice set of wooden crochet hooks for Christmas and I have plenty of yarn at home (knitting stash), so maybe by the end of 2017, I’ll be proficient at crochet, too (or at least better).
YES to losing the muffin top and saving more money! I was impressed by your “no unnecessary spending” year and have made that one of my 2017 goals. Savings for me means: 1) more money for home projects and maintenance, as well as larger purchases (a car fairly soon for husband) and 2) higher contributions to retirement accounts.
Happy 2017– hope it’s a great year for all!
Andrea D says
I don’t know if posting links in your comments works or not, but I am going to try. This is the book I purchased a couple years ago to teach myself to crochet. It is wonderful and extremely helpful for beginners. “Teach Yourself to Crochet” by Cecily Keim & Kim P Werker.( https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-VISUALLY-Crochet-Cecily/dp/0470879971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483370134&sr=8-1&keywords=teach+yourself+to+crochet ) Hopefully you could find it in a library.
I don’t comment frequently, but have been following your blog since the beginning. It brings a little sanity and fun to my crazy life and you are my gardening/homekeeping/frugal inspiration. Thank you for sharing yourself and for all the hard work you put into your blog for us- lots of people you’ve never even met.
I don’t make resolutions, and besides financial goals made while working on my budget, I have never written down my goals and made a real effort at follow-through. But this year you have inspired me. I am keeping it small because I want to actually accomplish them.
1. Get my photos off my computer and into albums. 11 years worth of photos of 5 kids is a lot of catching up to do.
2. Use my crafting supplies & skills to hand-make most gifts for this year. Maybe even attempt to sell. I am a lover of all things crafty- sewing, crochet, embroidery, paper crafts, etc.- and have tons of supplies that need to be put to good use. Thank goodness for internet ideas for how to use them.
3. Increase my Swagbucks. Last year I earned enough for $50 in Amazon rewards. My goal for this year is $200- this will help in purchasing gifts for those who won’t appreciate handmade.
4. Be more present with my children. I homeschool my 5 kids, so I am with them all the time, but I feel like I don’t make enough time to just enjoy them; we are usually busy with household chores and schoolwork. I want to take more time to bake/cook with them, teach my girls how to sew (they’ve been asking forever), go for walks, shoot baskets, kick a soccer ball. Have fun with them.
Happy New Year, Mavis! Here’s to a brighter year
Ruth says
Goal for 2017:
KEEP UP WITH MY DEAR FRIEND MAVIS BUTTERFIELD!!!
You are such a hoot!
Like the Energizer Bunny, and one of my favorite “human interactions” rolled up in 1 quick fix.
If Mavis can do it, So can I!
Warm Regards to us all in 2017
also:
Work on my own digital patternS ( looks like good$)
Figure out Ebay Auctions, so bad at pricing and researching my vintage, & handmade items ( hate leaving $$ on the table)
Quit playing former Bad Boss and co-worker Horrible Words in my head.
Surround myself with good people, be happy, eat more spinach, do good!
Fry bacon for Lentil Soup recipe!
xoxoxo Happy New Year my friend!
Lynda says
Oh my, Mavis. If 2016 was an “off” year for you, it is truly hard to imagine what your GOOD years look like. You get so much done each day/week/year!
I can’t count how many times you are quoted around the dinner table at my house. “Yup, I got this recipe from Mavis.” “Mavis says this is a great movie.” “Today Mavis painted her trim AND made jam.” And my favorite, “That’s not what Mavis says!!” 😉 You’re my inspirational neighbor.
A new diagnosis of “aggressive breast cancer” took the wind right out of my sails last month, and I wasn’t really planning to plan goals for the year. Then, reading your list, I woke up. Of COURSE I have to set goals!: “2017, As Much as I am Possibly Able, I Will:” keep up a supply of freezer meals; make a list of fun, simple dates and pick one each month to do with my HH; write something every day, even if it’s just a sentence; learn to draw and watercolor (paint); take a walk every day; stick to a sleep/wake schedule of 9pm to 5am (I can’t sleep in); choose a verse each morning to meditate on during the day; with my HH, mentor a young couple in money management; wipe clean the kitchen and bathroom sinks every day; plant carrot, lettuce and snow pea seeds in April; completely replace my old, worn out, ill-fitting wardrobe (the entire thing) by October 1; at the end of treatment take a real vacation with my HH and as many of our kids as can come; and a few more. Pretty basic stuff.
Thank you, Mavis Butterfield!
suzanne says
you go Lynda!!!
Sophia says
First of all, I love your Blog!
I was inspired by your 2016 goal to reduce the “stuff” in your life, so I’ve set a goal to get rid of 1,000 things THIS year. (My husband is THRILLED with this goal as he’s not really a “stuff” lover). That comes to just over 19 items a week, and I’m off to a great start (25 items this week!)
As to your crocheting goal, I think that’s great. I have a granny square blanket that was made by my maternal grandmother many years ago (she’s been gone 25 years) and I use it on my bed whenever it’s cold. It was made using left over yarn colors, so it goes with everything.
I’m looking forward to reading how you (and Lucy) are doing on your 2017 goals!
Happy New Year!
Trish says
Hi Mavis
I love your blog and have loved it since the extreme couponing days; I have made changes based on some things you have talked about such as downsizing our garbage. I look forward to what this new year brings for your blog, I adore Lucy and seeing what she is up to (I have a pug myself) I also love your dig for your dinner page.
Keep up the good work and Happy New Year!
Trish
Brianna says
I love your blog and goals, very inspiring!
I’m not one to set goals, but I know I have a big year ahead of me. I will be moving by myself and my 3 kids during the summer from GA to MT. My husband will be a geographic bachelor until his retirement in spring 2018.
I am trying to be more conscious of my health this year: better and consistent at exercising, food consumption (smart calories, caffeine and sugar reduction), taking myself to all of the recommended annual appointments and being proactive.
I am going to have my kids take swim lessons.
I am going to have a large moving garage sale in May and I cannot wait to lighten the load, I just need to get my right-brained husband to “let go” of his stuff.
I am going to follow through when I give a promise to someone (I told my daughter months ago we would see doll clothes).
I am going to continue to save money with my resources and use it to do house projects on out new house.
I am not going to overshop anymore for my kids wardrobes because the reality is they don’t wear everything and the only thing they ever seem to run out of is underwear.
I am going to be more picky how my time online is spent and stop reading unimportant things and shopping for items I cannot afford or need.
I am going to buy what is on the grocery list and learn not to add things compulsively to my cart and tell my children ‘no’ on a special treat.
I am going to spend more time with my parents since their time left has become limited by health reasons and be thankful for the opportunity to move near them in the summer and encourage my children to build memories with them.
I am going to try to be more organized in many aspects.
FarmGirl says
I have been reading your blog for years and it has inspired me. I have set some goals for 2017 for the first time. I am excited about them.
But you asked about sleep so here is my personal solution:
I used to have trouble falling asleep b/c my brain would just go on and on making lists of things I needed to do. Then a couple of years ago my hippie aunt and uncle came for a visit and she introduced me to lavender oil. I put a few drops on my palms, rub them together, then take three or four deep breaths from my cupped hands and start praying for the people on my prayer list. I never finish. I fall asleep within a few minutes. I do finish those prayers just the next morning. 🙂 It has truly changed my life, my mom’s life, and many other family members. I give it as gifts and tell people about it every chance I get. Good luck! Getting 7-9 hours of sleep a night is also one of my goals for 2017.
Jen@FrugalSteppingStones says
I set 40 goals for myself this year. We have financial ones, like maxing the Roth IRAs and saving for a replacement car for my husband, but I have other ones too. The big one is finishing my master’s degree. I swear I am never going back to school again! I can’t wait until I have time to read for pleasure every week instead of squeezing a book in once a month if I am lucky. I have an afghan I have half-crocheted that needs to be finished too.