My 14 Goals for 2020
Goal #1 – Take Full Advantage of Having My Husband Home 24/7
Date day this week consisted of the great pie adventure and a long walk on the beach collecting shells. Razor clams are my favorite ones to collect, but they can be hard to find. I have a super cool {at least I think so} sea shell project in the works and so at least once a week we’re down on the beach hunting for shells.
Goal #2 – Take Better Care of Myself.
I cut out the caffeine and I am feeling so much better! I haven’t had a headache in a week now. 1 cup of decaf in the morning and the same in the afternoon is what I’m down too. I’m not a big fan of herbal teas but I do like the sweet and spicy blend from Good Earth Teas during the winter months. Earl Grey though, it’s still my favorite.
Goal #3 – Get Organized
In an effort to get more organized, I have decided to have “theme weeks” for the next 6 weeks in hopes it will help keep me on track, and so far it’s working!
January 12th -18th – Hooking and PotteryJanuary 19th – 25th – Paintand Make Shades for the sunroom {6 left to make}January 26th – January 31st – Finish up new offerings for my February 7th Etsy Shop update.February 1st – 7th – Dye Wool- February 8th – 14th – Kitchen Backsplash and
Fixtures - February 15th – Hooking and Pottery
Goal #4 – Get Proper Window Coverings on All Our Windows.
Well, I must not of calculated correctly because I have just enough fabric to finish the 6 windows in the sunroom and that’s it. I thought I had ordered enough fabric to make the shades for our bedroom too, but apparently not. Oh well, I suppose as long as all the shades are lined with the same fabric, they’ll all look the same from the outside.
Goal #5 – Master Bedroom Make Over
I’m planning on working on the bedroom makeover in late February {after the sun room is finished, but this may get pushed back to early March because I’ve been spending a lot of time reorganizing the basement this month, which is something I wasn’t planning on doing until April. I’m not going to worry about it though, because as long as everything gets done before gardening season, that’s all that matters.
Goal #6 – Kitchen Update
The HH installed the last of the knobs last night {and what a chore that was!} and has promised to get cracking on the drywall and tile this week. He better, because I am tired of the kitchen being a huge mess.
Still need to:
- Repair drywall, put up tile
Install new hinges on all cabinets- Swap out the 3 can lights that don’t match the other 2}
- Paint walls {I’m waiting until the backsplash is up to decide on color}
Decide if the chalkboard stays or goesSTAYS!Decide if we should get a rubbed bronze facet for the sink orkeep the polished nickle one
Goal #7 – Install Vegetable Garden
Yesterday I planted 36 artichoke seeds, 36 English lavender starts, 2 dozen Jiffy peat plugs of purple coneflower and today I’ll be starting rosemary seeds. I had such amazing luck with the English lavender last year at our old house, I wanted to be sure to grow it again here. I’ll do a proper garden post next week with a plot map. 🙂
Goal #8 – Explore More of Maine
On the radar for exploring Maine this month:
- Bar Harbor, Maine {moved to March}
- Lincolnville Center General Store in Lincolnville, Maine {moved to March}
- Wallace’s Market in Friendship, Maine
- Port Clyde, Saint George Maine
- Find a good {non-chain} quilting store {thank you for all your suggestions
- Harpswell, Maine and Bailey Island
Goal #9 – Host Some Sort of Get Together
Hopefully before Spring!
Goal #10 – Read/Listen to 12 Books
I picked up a few books at the library yesterday, but didn’t grab any novels.
- Smitten Kitchen Every Day: Triumphant and Unfussy New Favorites
- Natural Color: Vibrant Plant Dye Projects for Your Home and Wardrobe
- The New Bungalow Kitchen
- Container Gardening by Stephanie Donaldson
Goal #11 – Learn A New Skill or Craft
Still haven’t found the right class yet.
Goal #12 – Visit 12 Museums, Historical Homes or Botanical Gardens {and bakeries too!}
January
- Maine Maritime Museum
- Maine Mineral and Gem Museum
- The Island Market
- Cafe DiCocoa
- Hungry Hollow Country Store
February
Goal # 13 – Reach 5,000 Etsy Sales by the End of The Year
As of this morning, I have made 3029 sales on Etsy. That’s up from 2804 on January 1st. Yee-Haw! I added this Hidden in the Garden rug along with a few other new items {most of which have sold already} to my Etsy shop update on Saturday morning.
I was supposed to list my pieces on Friday but there was an epic ice storm and not only did the internet go out, but the power did too. I have no idea when it came on again but I gave up around 7 pm went to bed. I slept for a whopping 11 hours! It was lovely.
Goal #14 – Once a Month Menu Planning {for 2}
Because the kitchen is all torn up, we had to dip into our freezer meal stash again this week but we also made a few easy meals as well. Hopefully next week the kitchen will be done and the HH will be back in there feeding his poor helpless hungry wife. Bahhhaha.
Have YOU made any goals for this year? If so, DO TELL! We all want to hear about them.
Have a great Sunday everyone,
~Mavis
Mrs. Hillbilly’s Update
Week 6
Beginning 186 today 181 pounds
Beginning belly button circumference 41 today 39 ¼ inches
Looks like I am still stalled. But can still say I still feel better and am less bloated. This stall situation could get me down and if I wasn’t writing this all to you I probably would give up, but I can’t so I won’t. Frustrating though isn’t it! Anyway, I think I know why I am not budging. My stall has to do with a couple of things.
One is that I haven’t been very strict on what I have been eating when I eat. I mean I have been better since starting the intermittent fasting but still not strict. And I really didn’t want to be. I wanted to let it just happen without too much effort so that I could keep it up long term. I honestly thought it would just fall off. But its seems I was mistaken. I may have to make a more concerted effort after all.
This week’s smorgasbord:
Wednesday: For Lunch my favorite Asian chicken salad with yummy dressing and then had it again for dinner.
Thursday: Fast then for dinner ham and bean soup from freezer.
Friday: A banana early in day so broke fast and I don’t know why I did it. Picked HB girl up from college and while waiting ordered honey and habanero wings for lunch. Dinner that night, I just ate leftovers off family’s plates. They had chicken teriyaki.
Saturday: Two hard boiled eggs for lunch. Had a “date “night dinner of shrimp and pork corn soft tacos, chips and salsa and a margarita, which I regretted shortly thereafter. They make my stomach hurt but we were out on a “date” so I felt like I wanted one. Also, way too many calories!!!
Sunday: Took HB girl back to college and ate out for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. They have a Skinny Licious menu. I had the BEST thing ever and I tend to make at home… roasted artichoke, love them! It came with a dipping sauce which consisted probably of low cal mayo and spices. I didn’t care for that too much so will experiment when I make at home. I also had a green salad with avocado and seared tuna. Loved that too.
Then for dinner, which was during the Super Bowl, 6 Wings that HB boy had leftover and spinach dip on 7 Ritz crackers. I know that was bad but it was the Super Bowl after all.
Monday: One 911 sushi roll for lunch, I do like spice. I did ask for “lite” brown rice. Thanks for the tip Janet. For dinner I made Ms. Mavis’ three bean salad ( I added roasted sliced almonds and red pepper) and chicken thighs.
Tuesday: Popcorn for lunch and my beloved quinoa salad with shrimp. I haven’t made this for a while and have missed it. What could my second reason be that I am stalled? I think it may have a lot to do with this, my foot injury. I have not been nearly as active as I am on a normal daily basis.
I mean I walk a lot during my day to day activities during my work day. Sooo not burning as much calories. I do use the recumbent bike and go to physical therapy but I think this is just keeping the status quo. Looking forward to getting back in the swing of things once this foot thing is over.
Bonus tip: Don’t wear high heels, unless necessary. Stretch your feet daily and wear shoes with support. You don’t want to get plantar fasciitis and definitely don’t want to rupture one!!!!! Recovery sucks!
Hanging in there,
Mrs. Hillbilly
Kim says
Artichokes: I have seen these plants grown mostly for the beautiful flowers and wanted to do the same. However, I have been hesitant b/c, supposedly, they are very invasive. Have you heard that? Are you growing them to eat? Or, for the flowers? Have you grown these before?
As always, I enjoy your blog a ton. (Still bummed about the cute bench not working out.)
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, we have grown them before {and Mrs. HB has them in her garden too} and they are fantastic. I have not known them to be invasive. And we are growing them to eat. 🙂
E in Upstate NY says
Could you be thinking of Jerusalem Artichokes [also known as Sun Chokes]? These are VERY invasive under certain growing conditions. I was given 6 roots, warned and didn’t care. Segway a few years, and they had taken over part of my veggie garden area and the “back-forty.” They are the very last plant to flower in the fall, many people think they are a type of sunflower. The nubby, small sweet potato looking roots are edible. The early Americans were taught to cook them by the Indians. Diabetics may eat all they want as the sugar does not get digested causing the other known issue with them: stomach gas!
Mel says
FOR MAVIS: Have you ever heard of copper enameling? You sprinkle colored metal dust on pieces of copper to make designs and then fire it in a kiln. The metal dust melts and becomes smooth and shiny and holds the design on the copper. Might be a fun class to look into.
FOR MRS. HB: It might help to repeat the phrase “Feedback, not failure”—you’re just learning what does and does not work. I can’t do IF for health reasons, so I don’t know the approach, but it looks like you maybe aren’t eating veggies every day. If so, instead of changing what else you eat per se, would it help to just add veggies? They are filling and might help you reduce portions of what you’d like to eat less of without having to avoid them altogether. Again, not an expert, but it seems like if you try to restrict both what you eat and when you eat, you’ll run into some intense cravings.
My Goals:
1. HEALTH: I increased my run this week, and I’ve been doing well with hydration, etc. and am 60% of the way to my weight loss goal. I also have now scheduled all 7 doctors appointments I was behind on, and I’ve attended 2 of them.
2. HOLIDAYS: Getting to these goals this summer.
3. COOKING: Also probably tackling these goals this summer.
4. HOUSEWORK: Mostly tackling this over Spring Break.
5. SEWING: I finished my Valentine’s gift bags and made two more zipper pouches for practice. I think the Easter bags are next on the list.
6. DIGITAL STUFF: Still have half a Kindle book to read and will likely tackle the Pinterest Boards and photos this summer.
Anne Wiebe says
I’ve done copper enameling long long ago, and it was glass dust, not metal dust, but it was tremendously fun and beautiful. My sister used to make artwork with this, and they are lovely and long lasting. I made little pieces of jewelry, little copper discs that could go on a ring or on a pendant.
Mel says
Yes, that’s correct! I wonder if I was thinking about the copper and wrote metal. I also made jewelry years ago.
Erica says
Love your hair. You look 10 years younger!
Nancy D says
I agree! And what a contented smile! So happy for you enjoying life Mavis!
Pam T says
In your nook, maybe consider a built in bench with sofa cushion. Then add a small metal drink table for your cuppa. Drawers underneath could store a throw and books. Or you could hook with all the natural light. Another project for the HH.
Brianna says
Mrs. HB: I am joining you with the PT. Although my issues are from compounding complications from knee surgery 25 years ago. I really had to swallow my pride to call my Dr. to get a referral for the issue as I figured it was just another ‘old lady’ thing. I just got around to accepting the white hairs I have gotten within the past two years. I never realized 37 could be so rough. Yes, I have been horribly physically active my entire life and I have a ‘workout habit’ and after pounding my body all these years it had decided to do other things. I actually do not put my kids in active sports for the very reason I was pushed though sports as a kid and how it had taken a toll on my adult body. So I am frustrated that I cannot do my proper workouts and favorite routines and I have to lighten things up. Mentally it is harder to accept than physically, it is a real struggle. It is awful when your body rebels against you and your wishes of wanting movement or exercise.
tia in boise says
I have made no progress on my goals (20) the past week….it’s been crazy business at work! (busy craziness?) and I’m trying to not feel down about it–but need to get caught up!
*20 dates with DH–went out for dinner for 4th time (5th?)
*Track found money–I’m up to $.18—and I dreamed that I found 2 pennies!
Mavis Butterfield says
I loved that you dreamed about two pennies! 🙂
Elle says
Mrs HB: fried chicken wings? No. Margarita? No. And if you’re not getting your usual activity calorie burn you need to drop that many calories on top of your dropped regular calorie intake. Tough time for you to drop pounds.
I’m not a KETO believer but hubster and I are on a 6week Code Red adventure. I’m down 12.5# and hubster 10.5# and there has been plenty of cheating. I don’t think we’ve gone a full 7d without a cheat.
The other thing I have noticed now that I am retired and home most of the time? I am very aware of hunger. Some days I only eat once. Rarely do I eat 3 meals.
We both use nuts as snacks. 1 Tbsp satisfies for hours.
Food for thought……
Mrs. HB says
I will have to look up Code Red . Never heard of that adventure before .
Margaret Hudgins says
What is a “code red” adventure? I have stage III kidney disease, so have to be careful (only somewhat at this stage) what I eat. I’ve been reading a bit about Keto, but can’t really figure out how to start; sounds basically like a low carb diet to me, and I doubt I could do that for long cuz I loves my fruits & vegies. Thanks for any information you can help with.
Margie
Marcia says
Yeah, when I really needed to lose weight, and still wanted to go out….I had to make rules. I love Mexican food. I could have chips OR an alcoholic drink, but not both. No fried foods, and only small meals. I couldn’t have my beloved enchiladas with beans a rice. I could have a taco with a side of beans.
It also depends on how often you are eating out. Eating out is an “occasional thing”. I eat out 1 or 2x a month, so I basically eat whatever I want (except I cannot eat wheat anymore and I can’t eat restaurant salads). If I was eating out more often, then I’d HAVE to very carefully keep my calories to 400-500. I basically had to stop treating each meal as if it were my last.
Jennifer says
Just curious as to how you hear your home. I just wondered if you’re affected when the power goes out. We live in the mountains of NC, so 40 mph winds that’s are common, but we haven’t lost power yet. I guess they fortify things here extremely well.
Jennifer says
HEAT!! Stupid spell check!!
Mavis Butterfield says
We heat with oil. We keep the house at a toasty 68 in the day and 66 at night. When the power went out the HH said the thermostat was at 59 degrees when it went back on.
Linda Sand says
MRS HB: Another easy way to diet is to eat mostly meats and veg. Stir fry, veggie omelet, big salad, etc. No weighing or counting. Clean and chop veg as soon as you buy/harvest them and store them in those green bags that help keep them fresh. Pre-cook a bunch of meat and slice/chop some of them. Makes it easy to assemble something when hungry. A hamburger patty on a plate with your favorite toppings with veggies and dip on the side is quick and tasty. I also occasionally bake a potato and top it with meat and veg (chili?) but I try not to do that more than once a week. This system helps me loose 1-2 pounds a week while being totally sedentary.
Mrs H says
I like it !!!!
Leslie says
I like having temp about 62 at night. not sure that’s what it really is upstairs, but i love having lots of blankets. 68 during day would seem too warm to me unless our outside weather was in the low 20s
sandyf says
Happy Sunday all-it is rainy here in Oscar land-so I am sure the “stars” have put-on their waterproof mascara to hard out to the big show this afternoon. I haven’t seen all of the movies nominated but am rooting for Brad Pitt ( I mean-come on, its Brad Pitt)
At home I have knitted 4 new hats for gifts, ordered a tiny home/shed/cabin for my back and cleared the yard for concrete foundation bids. Then electricity, insulation, then haven’t decided on dry wall or wood walls. Such a fun project.
I switched to a Keto diet after 2 weeks on a no bread/sugar/meat/potato diet and only losing a few pounds. I quickly lost 3 more pounds and am down total of 6 so far. Keto is easy, you can eat like a normal person, down ever feel hungry and actually feel good. Weird diet-don’t suggest it as a long term solution, but needed a quick start to get 10 lbs off. I made a Taco salad, steak salad, hamburger w/o bun, eggs & bacon, Keto peanut butter cups, even a pot roast. It is the easiest diet to follow. Any diet that includes cheese is ok by me.
I am a huge fruit lover-so that part is hard, but I can have berries.
Go Mrs HB-you can do it. Increase activity/decrease calories. Sounds simple I know, it’s not as we age. But you are on the right path.
Mrs. HB says
Two more weeks then out of boot then my activity will get a lot better !
Gloria says
Good weightloss tips in the above comments. My $.02, not the ones Tia dreamed anout, ha!, are more veggies for nutrients and fiber filling, more water, and less fat. Fat is great for you, but it is very easy to consume too many calories from it. I found added cheese, cooking oil, and creamer were my biggest sources. Drink a big glass of water and eat all your veggies (half the plate) at the beginning of the meal. Then 1/4 plate whole grain and 1/4 meat or beans. And as with everything, consistency is key! Make a mistake but dont give up. Get right back to it. I tracked calories and macros for six months which gave me a much better idea of what I was eating and what the foods I consisted of. I learned nuts are mostly fat. Beans are mostly carbs. Bacon is not a protein. It is a fat. It was a good learning experience. You can do it Mrs. HB. Don’t give up!
Ilene says
Mrs. H,
Can i suggest that you track what you are eating with an app like Samsung Health….
I enter what i am planning to eat in the morning and can see how balanced it is and the amount of protein, carbs, vitamins and calories. When I track, i am accountable and rarely deviate, maybe because it is time consuming to change it. When I don’t track, i eat like a drunken sailor. It is a tough process. Keep working on what it takes for you to succeed.
JulieP says
Yes I would definitely agree with tracking everything that goes in your mouth. I use MyFitnessPal it has a huge database covering most foods and drinks, labels or fresh foods. It makes you accountable and teaches you nutrition as it works out your carbs/fats/proteins and all vitamins and minerals. You can do this but what you eat needs more governance. I think clearing leftovers is a no unless it’s plain salad
Jennifer Parsons says
If you haven’t done so, you need to try ordering from Harney & Sons tea. They have so many delicious flavors and types plus a multitude of decaffinated varieties. Vanilla Comadoro is a favorite. High quality & made by a family business – winner, winner chicken dinner! Right now the whole site is 20% off.
Lisa R says
Mavis your hair looks lovely and you look so much happier in Maine I am so glad for you.
Mrs. HB I am on a weight loss journey myself so far after chemo for cancer I have lost 21 lbs. It is HARD! I wanted to mention and this isn’t meant to be a criticism but I noticed that a lot of the meals that you are eating are high in sodium. I wonder if you cut out sodium if it would help. I love Asian flavors myself but notice if I eat too much of them I tend to not lose and feel puffier. I know that the sodium for take out food is off the charts! I have seen some meals at restaurants that one item is more than you need for the day. I know you had mentioned previously about heart disease running in your family and my mom had a heart attack and the doctors one big recommendation was to cut out as much sodium as possible.
I wish you the best of luck on your journey. I have found that decreasing meat and consuming a lot more vegetables(even if I don’t feel like eating them) has helped me feel full and eat much less calories since I am still unable to exercise. Take care and hang in there!