My 14 Goals for 2020
Goal #1 – Take Full Advantage of Having My Husband Home 24/7
Date day this week consisted of 2 long walks on the beach collecting shells and on one of those days we stopped off at a local coffee shop for breakfast. Apparently we do that now. Take long walks. Which is something we never did before we moved here. It’s funny, a few years ago it was tough to even go out twice a year on a “lunch” or “dinner” date with my husband or really even do anything because he was always so busy with work. It just never happened. But now we are doing something at least once a week, usually twice a week. And I think it’s pretty cool.
Goal #2 – Take Better Care of Myself.
Feeling so much better without the caffeine! And getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night too. 🙂
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! Well, except for that little hiccup last week. That put us back a few days.
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 – 21 Hooking and Pottery
Goal #4 – Get Proper Window Coverings on All Our Windows.
I didn’t get to the 6 window treatments in the sunroom this week but Lucy has been sunning herself every chance she gets in there.
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
Well, the good news is all the drywall is now in place and so we can get moving on this kitchen update! The HH has promised to prep the drywall surface today and so that means tomorrow we can lay the tile. FINALLY!!! Fingers crossed there are no emergency dentist appointments or other stuff to slow us down.
On a side note, I really kind of like the teal blue color as a backsplash. If only the floor was a little darker we might go for it, but since we have ZERO interest in re-doing the floors downstairs, I think we’ll stick with a classic white subway tile look instead.
Still need to:
Repair drywall, put up tileInstall 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 {keeping the polished nickle one}
Goal #7 – Install Vegetable Garden
So far a few of the 36 artichoke seeds, none of the 36 English lavender starts, 9 of the 18 Jiffy peat plugs of purple coneflower and 3 of the 18 rosemary seeds I planted are coming up. The English lavender won’t come up for at least another month or so but I think I’m off to a good start.
I don’t know if I told you, but my neighbors have offered me the use of their greenhouse for season {which I am very excited about!} but I still need to go over there and check it out. Hopefully I’ll be able to get over there this week for a look around and to see what I’ll have to work with. Weeeeee!
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 {This week!}
- Port Clyde, Saint George Maine {This week!}
- Find a good {non-chain} quilting store {thank you for all your suggestions} {This week!}
- Harpswell, Maine and Bailey Island
Goal #9 – Host Some Sort of Get Together
Hopefully before Spring!
Goal #10 – Read/Listen to 12 Books
Normally I just borrow books from the library but since we live in Maine now I thought it might be kind of cool to fill the small bookcase in the family room with Maine authors. Several of you recommend the book We Took to the Woods by
Other Books I’ve Picked Up From the Library This Year:
- 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
My neighbor has offered to teach me stained glass! I have a specific project in mind that I want to do and with a little luck, we’ll be able to figure it out.
Goal #12 – Visit 12 Museums, Historical Homes or Botanical Gardens {and bakeries too!}
The neighbor ladies and I took in the Portland Museum of Art Art in Bloom exhibit and lunch in downtown Portland, Maine this week. It was a great outing on a cold and snowy day. 🙂
This word carving, Animal Farm by Bernard Langlais was one of my favorites of the day. I had meant to take more pictures but I guess I was so busying looking at everything that I forgot 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 3067 sales on Etsy. That’s up from 2804 on January 1st. Yee-Haw! I added a few wool bundles to my Etsy shop last week and have started hooking like mad for my next Etsy shop update on Friday, March 7th at 6pm EST. The theme for March is pillows. So far I have 4 finished and my goal is to have a dozen by the update and maybe a few other items.
Goal #14 – Once a Month Menu Planning {for 2}
The kitchen is still a mess {hopefully not for much longer!} So we did have to dip into our freezer meal stash again this week a bit but we also made a few meals as well. The good news is, we have some empty containers now to fill once the kitchen is back in order.
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 7
Beginning 186 today 180 pounds
Beginning belly button circumference 41 today 38 inches
FINALLY, I am on the move again! That is with my journey. I lost a pound and am so happy, putting me at 180 down from 186, Yay!
I have taken a lot of yall’s advice and really watched the carbs. The ones that are hidden in veggies as well as the obvious bread rice and pasta. This week I made a big batch of my favorite quinoa salad and ate it almost every day either for lunch or dinner.
But for Valentine’s day I did splurge. My HB Hubby had to work plus doesn’t believe in celebrating that day.” Every day is Valentine’s day with you he says”, Ha! HB Boy, bless his heart, went to get gas for his truck and came back with my other favorite teriyaki salad and fixin’s for chocolate dipped strawberries. I have raised him right.
I have also been riding the recumbent bike more and have added going to the gym and lifting some weights. Even though that is one of my 2020 goals I haven’t gone because of the boot and crutches. Hence, I feel I am losing more muscle mass in my gimpy leg. I enjoyed the weight lifting and will be going at least three days a week from now on!
Drum roll……. I go back to the doctor on Monday!!!! Can’t wait to hear what he has to say. Still sore and scared to death to walk on my ruptured plantar fascia foot without the beautiful boot and crutches. But at some point, I must if I am to ever work again. HB Hubby is scared that I may never go back! LOL… A girl can only dream! I think he thinks I have another good 10 to 15 years ahead of me. UGH! I would much rather spend all my time in the garden and with the chickens.
Did I tell you we got a new coop? I love it and should have gotten something like this one at the beginning of our chicken adventure 7 years ago. We never used the old one like it was meant to be used. You know the one that you roll around the yard. It is open to the ground and I actually had to crawl through the chicken coop door to get in to clean it. Can you imagine that? I am getting too old for that nonsense!
Can’t wait for next week!
Mrs, Hillbilly
Mel says
1. HEALTH: I’ve increased my runs and kept up with that, hydration, and skincare. All my doctors appointments are scheduled–have completed 3 and have 4 left. I’ve been eating really well and lost another half pound.
2. HOLIDAYS: I did a bit of holiday organization, but the rest of it and the springerle carving needs to wait until summer.
3. COOKING: I haven’t made spice mixes or sous vide yogurt yet, but our grocery store has started selling local milk, so I’m super excited to get to the yogurt and maybe even some cheese. Our chickens are starting to lay eggs, so I used up 8 yesterday to make a double batch of brioche dough. It chilled overnight, and I will bake sub rolls and a sandwich loaf today.
4. HOUSEWORK: Reupholstering our living room ottoman will be this summer and deep cleaning the house will happen over Spring Break. I’ve mostly been on top of laundry folding, but I’m slightly behind now.
5. SEWING: I finished 1 of 3 ongoing projects, made Valentine’s gift bags, finished 1 of 2 skirts, and learned to sew zippered pouches. So, I still need to sew carrot bags for Easter, 1 skirts, a Christmas stocking for our cat, a new kind of reusable wrapping paper, and my own pajama pants pattern. I’m actually making a bunch of extra zippered pouches to donate, so I may skip the second skirt and the pj pants. We’ll see.
6. DIGITAL STUFF: I’ve read 1.5 of two kindle books, and I plan to organize photos and Pinterest boards this summer.
Carrie says
Mavis, I love the teal color too! Your kitchen already looks so much better without the yellow and the new cabinet hardware really makes the cabinets shine. The white subway tile will be a good choice and you can change accent colors of walls, artwork, decor, etc. when trends and tastes change.
Mrs. HB, keep up the good work! I’d love to see your new coop. I had chickens for 5 years and just gave them to a friend along with the coop because we are redoing our yard. I’d like to build a new coop and always looking for ideas!
Ann says
Yes, Mrs. HB, I’d like to see you new coop too.
Ann says
*your new coop
Vicki in Birmingham says
Me too! I’d like to see your new coop!
Also, I must tell you that I am so proud of your hard work and the life changes you are making. Change is rarely easy but usually always beneficial. I think you have what it takes to reach your goal Mrs. HB. I am cheering you on from the sidelines!!
Keep up the good work and I hope your foot gets well soon!
Deborah says
Way to go Mrs HB! Never give up! You are doing great! Good job!
Sherry in Sumner says
Mavis, many years ago I was browsing in a used book store and came across the book We Took To The Woods, which I bought. I loved it. What a tough, adventurous couple they were. Just the other day I saw it on the bookshelf downstairs and thought of you. Am quite sure you will enjoy it.
Carol @ Lake Tapps says
Mavis – you’re looking so cute and happy these days! I love your hair and the fact you’re getting out and about with your group of neighbor ladies. Good job with your Etsy shop items too.
Mrs HB – great job on your losses (lbs and inches)!! And also for working out and lifting weights. I would LOVE your quinoa salad recipe – will you please share it? Hoping your foot is better and you rock it at your doc appt!
My IF journey continues (13# as of last Tues) but I ate reallllly bad the last few days. Val Day dinner we ate a crab each and crunchy bread & loads of butter and then more bread, steak and risotto for dinner last night w/ son & gf. Ugh…. Lol I vow not to eat for a week! Chocolate chia seed pudding for dessert was at least semi healthy and yum. A new fav in our home.
Goals – just to get healthy in 2020. I’ve got 25lbs more to lose for my goal weight. My 40th class reunion is this summer – how did that happen?! In Jan. I finally had the procedures on both feet for ingrown toenails.. I’d been putting it off for years. Not fun but it’s done!! Pretty and pain-free toes for summer. Now to start walking more and thinking of joining a gym.
Another goal is to decorate a bit for each holiday or season. I kept a small tree up after the holidays (thanks to the Shabby Tree) and it currently has a burlap ribbon, burlap fabric “skirt” and heart ornaments. Totally loving it and can’t wait to change out hearts to little green shamrocks.
Happy sunny Sunday from the PNW everyone!
Kara Beth says
Yes! I’m so glad you picked up We Took to the Woods. You will love it. Just remember- the chapters are written as the answer to the question posed as the chapter title so the timeline bounces around. She has a very witty sense of humor.
Sandy says
I love “We Took To The Woods” but I tend to read it with a cup of tea and a look of shock on my face. Hardy doesn’t begin to explain those two. I think that’s the book where they talk about the rotten tooth and going to the dentist. I’m not made of that stuff, I can tell you. But they loved it and I love that they lived their life the way they wanted to do. I applaud it and love reading about people who do live their dreams their way. You might enjoy reading Woodswoman by Anne LaBastille.
tia in boise says
Uggghhhhh….just reporting on what I’ve accomplished has been working, so owning up to ALL the goals and adding notes if anything to report. This long weekend is hopefully the shot in the butt that I need.
1. Organize 20 areas of the house. Not. One. Thing…
2. Pay down 20% of debt on one card. This won’t happen until our roof and fridge are paid off.
3. Cut back on sweets. OOOPS….
4. Soda only on pizza night. getting there…
5. Create and implement cleaning schedule. nope.
6. Set up sewing machine and complete 20 projects. hmmmmm…should probably pick up the machine from Mom’s house.
7. Go on 20 dates with DH. Doing great on this one! went to dinner and movie for Valentine’s Day (5th date) and ran some errands together, picked up dinner, and home for DVD last night (6th date)
8. Lose 20 pounds. Afraid to get on the scale because I probably need to lose 24 pounds now to catch up!
9. Exercise 20 minutes every day. hasn’t happened
10. Make 20 new recipes. not lately….I think I’ve made 3 dishes this year so far…
11. Get rid of (trash or donate) 20 things. HA!
12. Never be without water. Doing great on this one! (at work, anyway)
13. In bed by 11:00 on weeknights. really need to step it up on this one
14. Complete 20 acts of kindness. Completed my second act–created a “bulletin board” of hearts on our classroom door–each day I’ve added a compliment to a few kids–one or two more days and the whole class will be done–and provided them with hearts to write to each other
15. Purchase and use journal–food, exercise, gifts… Was hoping I’d put this together this weekend…
16. Classroom: Stay focused and leave by 4:00 each day. Doing pretty good here, except when field trips, parties, meetings, extra STUFF come up and haven’t beaten myself up over it.
17. Stop swearing. Doing a lot better. (did mention to DH the other day that if people weren’t such morons, this would be a lot easier!)
18. Complete Book Nerd Challenge–50 books. Still haven’t finished ONE book this year! so sad…
19. Track found money and items. up to $.19!
20. Put stuff away once used–each day. school not too bad, but house has gone to **** in a handbasket!
Mavis–I’m so glad you have such lovely neighbors and are doing things with them!
Mavis Butterfield says
Complete Book Nerd Challenge. Don’t worry… I didn’t start until this week!
Vicki in Birmingham says
Mavis, she is right…you DO have great neighbors…loaning you a greenhouse and teaching you to do stained glass? WOW! I am so happy for you to have these opportunities. I also expect they have good neighbors with y’all, Sounds like a win win!
I think I will have to build my own greenhouse if I decide I need one and I will have to search out someone who teaches stained glass classes…but that is OK too. I just think you are fortunate and it always does my heart good to see good things come to or happen to nice people!
Gina says
Both ladies…so inspiring!!!
You are both inspiring me. Mrs. HB…keep it up! You’re doinhg great! Mavis…i am replacing my vanity in my bathroom and next will tackle kitchen cabinets and backsplash! Thanks for the inspiration!
Mrs HIllbilly says
I forgot to mention that today is my birthday ! Ya yay and it is sunny here in the Gig ! Feeling blessed ! Thank you all for your support !
Ann says
Happy Birthday!
Carol at Lake Tapps says
Happiest of birthdays wishes! A sunny February day is a wonderful gift 🙂
Mimi says
I read We Took to the Woods many, many years ago…loved it!
Tom says
Oooh… that beach looks familiar (and my pictures from last October have some of the same houses in the background!). It’s one of our favorites in your part of the world. I do miss the ocean. Thanks for sharing that picture (and your life).
Patti says
2020 Goals
1. Lose Weight – lost 3 pounds since Jan. 1
2. Exercise Every Day /Move More – went to one yoga class, one water fitness class this week
3. Walk 12 Trails in 2020 – none so far
4. Prepare one new recipe each week – made a broccoli salad
5. Sew 12 items or more – none this week
6. Learn to fit a blouse – none this week
7. Knit 5 items or more – knit on one project
8. Learn 1 new knitting skill – none
9. Read 24 Books- Finished “When Breath Becomes Air” by Peter Kalanithi (4th book this year)
10. Read one magazine each week – read one article this week, started another tonight.
11. Read Sunday School Lesson each week – read this week
12. Read through the Bible this year – 4 chapters so far
13. Declutter – worked on two rooms this week for several hours. Made Valentines with craft items and leftover Christmas envelopes.
14. Camp/Travel once a month – went to Hilton Head Island for the weekend.
15. Eat out with “new” friends once a month – asked Hilton Head friends to join us for a meal – a delicious seafood brunch on Sunday
16. Visit one place outside of my town each month – Hilton Head Island
Cass says
Mavis, I use those little peat pots too. I was baffled as to how to label them. So I cut up some old mini blinds for “stakes” and got out the bag of rubber bands from the back of the desk and wrote info on my “stakes” and put them on the outside of the pot, secured with a rubber band. When I had to put them in a bigger pot (cuz I started my stuff way way way too early) I dropped the peat pot into the larger pot and stuck the little mini blind stake into the soil so I didn’t lose any information regarding what I planted (and when)
Cathy says
Made Fully Loaded Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Bars for church potluck- they turned out great! I previously made the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies- also great!! Especially with the freshly cracked walnuts I was given (both recipes)!
Pauletta says
I hope you enjoy the stain glass, I have been working with glass for a long time. It’s one of my favorite hobbies. Just expect t get a few cuts now and then(I always keep band-aids in my work box).
Nancy D says
So happy for your progress Mrs HB! Happy Birthday!