My goals for 2017
Get 7- 8 Hours of Sleep Each Night
For 6 days in a row I did a horrible job of getting 7-8 hours of sleep. But then on Saturday, Lucy and I slept in until 8 am and it was wonderful. That dog, she is the BEST snuggle buddy on the planet.
Make Saving a Priority, Not an Idea
When we paid our mortgage payment for September we made an additional 5 principal payments towards our mortgage. Also, the HH cut his own hair this week and the HH and Monkey Boy watched some sort of race on Monkey Boy’s phone.
Also, I’ve decided that I am going to buy Monkey Boy a Wahl Hair Trimming Kit for Christmas. I figure he’s one you tube video away from saving some serious money.
Live a little
In addition to going to afternoon tea on Thursday, I picked up a new {to me} tv stand at the St. Vincent DePaul store in Port Orchard, Washington for $18. {I also ran into OHAM reader Michelle. Hi Michelle!!} I HAVE to do a post on that store. You won’t believe the prices.
Anywho, I don’t actually need a tv stand but I wanted one for staging purposes for the front room {where Lucy’s brown I can see everything that is going on outside because I am Gladys Kravitz couch is}. I was looking for exactly this type of tv stand. We don’t actually use that room, but a normal family probably would and so I need to make it look “inviting” so someone else can imagine themselves using that room. How is that for the absurdity of living in suburbia? Whateva.
Now all I need to do is paint it to match the coffee table in the room and that room is good to go.
Also, I spent $2 on candy at the dollar store. Seriously, have you tried Mary Jane candies? If you like peanut butter, they are freakin’ awesome. You need to find yourself some. I’d pass on that particular brand of black licorice though. It kind of tasted waxy to me.
Visit 52 REAL Bakeries
So. The Girl and I are EXTREMELY excited about the “bakery” we are going to visit this week. Basically getting there and back will be an all day affair and I really hope it lives up the all the hype. Or at least what I imagine it will be in my mind. Stay tuned!
Have 1 “no spend” week each month
Fred Meyer has the 2 pound blocks of Tillamook cheese on sale this week for $4.99 {and I can’t imagine the price going any lower this year} so I’m going to save my “no spend week” for the end of the month. Tillamook, Beacher’s and Dubliner are my favorite brands of cheese and I always try and stock up when I can.
Start a Line of Rug Hooking Patterns
I have 8 rug hooking patterns listed in my Etsy shop, 5 more completed rugs that I need to get patterns printed up for so I can get them listed, and 3 more drawn out but not completed. I’ll get them done, sooner or later.
Turn My Wool Stash into $2,500.
It was another great week and I ended up selling $516.89 worth of goodness in my Etsy shop and Ebay store which brings my total to $7957.01 for the year. Last year I ended up selling $6912.41 worth of my hooked rugs in my Etsy and Ebay stores so I am really pleased with how well I’ve done so far this year. I plan on making at least one more table runner and a couple more pumpkin heads this month.
Purge 250 Items Including Selling Larger Items We No Longer Feel We Need Mission Accomplished
So far this year we’ve purged 264 items. I tried to donate my son’s boots to the thrift store but they threw them in the trash. So now I am going to put some laces in them and see if the men’s shelter in Tacoma wants them.
Learn to Crochet Mission Accomplished
Dote on My Husband Even More Than I Do Now.
So, this is kind of funny. The HH wants to cook AGAIN for the third Sunday in a row. Can you believe that? What’s going on? Honestly, I have no idea. Maybe this year will end with him doting on me! 😉
Lose the Muffin Top. {again} Mission Accomplished
Wear out {most of} the clothing I already own.
Although I am working hard at wearing out the clothing I already own, I am trying to pick up classic things I know I’ll be able to wear over the next few years when I come across them at yard sales of thrift stores. Fashion is not my thing, but I know what I like {which is almost always a solid color}. But when it comes to shoes, I get stuck.
What shoes would you wear with this Black Prana Sweater Dress {that I bought for $5!}. I want to wear it with tights. I have a feeling tights are going to be my new thing. Right now, all I have is a pair of grey tights, but I’m on the lookout for a black pair and some funky patterned ones {anyone know of some good tight brands?}
Anywho… Would you wear this dress with Mary Jane’s or brown boots? I’m kind of thinking the Mary Jane’s. What do YOU think?
Try 52 New Recipes
This past week the HH tried out a Fried Cabbage and Bacon recipe, Mrs. HB and I made some insanely delicious savory scones {I’ll post the recipe on Tuesday and my husband, get this, is going to make YET ANOTHER new dish today. Beef and Broccoli if I’m remembering correctly.
Read 52 Books
Next up on my list is a Debbie Macomber book. Hoopla Digital {free through my library} has 19 of them available. I had never heard of her until we went to her tea house last week. If you are a fan of hers, which one should I read {or rather listen to} first?
Give Back to 12 Different Organizations in My Community
The Boy Scouts were out in full force at the grocery store this weekend selling popcorn. I don’t know about you, but I cannot turn down a Boy or Girl scout selling something. FYI the smallest tin of caramel corn will cost you $10. 😉
January – Donated to Quilts from the Heart in Memory of my brother.
February – Donated to Empty Bowls Fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club.
March – Donated to my daughter’s mentor who was in a horrible car accident.
April – Donated again to my daughter’s mentor who was in a horrible car accident.
May – $100 Tip to a waitress on Mother’s day.
June – Started collecting men’s shirts to donate this winter.
July – Donated to the Chew Dog Rescue
August – Donated to the Houston Flood Relief Fund
September – $100 Tip to our amazing server at The Grey House and bought a tin of caramel corn from a Boy Scout
And then, there’s those top secret goals we’re not talking about yet.
Secret Goal #1Sell East Coast House Mission AccomplishedSecret Goal #2Chickens! Mission Accomplished- Secret Goal #3
- Secret Goal #4
How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2017? How are they coming along?
~Mavis
Read About My 2017 Goals HERE.
Sheila in Alabama says
Cute dress on you. I wouldn’t wear brown boots with a black dress so unless you have a pair of similar boots in black, I say the Mary Janes.
Molly says
agree. the mary janes in black or get black boots. 🙂 you do look adorable!
Melissa says
Just curious when you plan on moving since you’re staging the house. Is the HH on board moving out the the East Coast now?
Anne says
Both shoes look fine but the boots look best.
Mona says
Regarding purging items…..yesterday my 15 year old son and I went through his closet. It was fascinating to me that it went quickly and efficiently. No “oh, but this was on sale when I bought it” or “if I lose 10 pounds this will look great.” I am inspired by his decisiveness and plan to take on my closet today. The wisdom of youth!
Mavis Butterfield says
AWESOME!
Sarah says
if you are looking for some fun prints in leggings, I highly recommend Lularoe. They are the softest and most comfortable pair you will wear. I love the fact that it has a yoga style waistband and not the the thin elastic type. And, no I do not sell them, just love them!
Mavis Butterfield says
Never, in a million years, would I ever wear stretch pants, or pay $25 + shipping for them. I know a lot of people like stretch pants {Mrs. HB included}, but I’m just not into them. They are just are not my thing. Tights though, now I could wear those everyday from fall until late spring.
Jessica says
Do you have a post about losing the muffin top or did I miss it?
Mavis Butterfield says
No, not really other than in my weekly goal updates. Basically, I just cut down on snacking.
Staci says
I’ve been wondering if you worked a full time job in an office, school, etc. what you think your wardrobe might look like? I’m seriously thinking about going with a self imposed “uniform” like black pants, mock turtleneck and danskos for the winter.
Mavis Butterfield says
Ha! Before I read your second sentence I was going to say; Fitted black slacks, crew neck sweaters or turtlenecks and a nice pair of Keens or Dansko’s. HA! You nailed it!
Susan says
One of my work friends did basically that. She loves scarves, so does a black pant, white shirt and scarf every day. The scarf adds color and variety, and says her morning routine is so much easier now.
Tonya says
Hi Mavis. Both shoes look great. Boots are awesome when it is cold. Regarding Debbie’s books, I love the Cedar Cove series.
I’m dropping my daughter off at college today and I just might lose it. Can you please run your college series from when you dropped your daughter off at college. I need help! Thanks in advance.
P.s. I love all your fun posts. Your sense of humor cracks me up.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thank you! Hang in there. It will get better. After about a month. 🙁 http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/10-ways-to-combat-empty-nest-syndrome/
Molly says
yes the cedar cove series, great easy reads!!
tia in boise says
shoes: I liked both and was going to tell you to wear either, but then saw that the boots were brown. (I know that you can mix brown and black–and gold and silver, but I am just not a “mixer”.) So, Mary-Janes it is. But do get yourself a pair of black boots—at a thrift store, of course.
Fred Meyer: Don’t forget to download the coupon for 8oz Kroger cheese and use it 5 times on Saturday only. We use cheese in just about every meal, so, yep, gotta stockpile whenever the price is good! Shredded cheese freezes very well!
Mavis Butterfield says
Ha! I am not a mixer either! Got the cheese coupon. 🙂 Thanks. Did you see Tillamook 2 pounds loaves are on sale for $4.99 this week?
Pat says
Love all of Debbie Macomber books!
Esther says
Mary Janes with your sweater dress. It’s a cleaner more sophisticated look. . I’ve never liked the heavy look of tall boots with a dress. I’d save the boots for jeans or more casual attire.
Rita says
I like the mary jane shoes — but either looks good. Nice dress! Great score on the entertainment center!
Julie says
I have a similar dress, I wear black tights and flat shoes, not Mary Janes more of a posh loafer in black patent it makes me feel 7 instead of 57 sometimes but I think it’s a good look on me which takes me from office to dinner on occasion. So boots only if black, but preferably Mary Janes!
Missy says
I usually get all my tights at Fred Meyer during their 60-70% off sales. They always have the thick cute ones for a few bucks
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks!
Teckla says
Mary Janes! If you must wear boots (and they should be sleek dress boots) with a straight, dressier black dress, unless you are truly coordinating a black/brown combo overall with additional touches of brown they should be black. However, boots with a straight, dressier, dress just look “clunky” in my opinion. The one thing you definitely did right was model the dress/boot combo with tights. Another look that is even clunkier than boots with the straight dress is the bare gap between boots and dress that is seen way too often. Keep the look consistent and fluid top to toe. Otherwise it looks like the person shrunk several inches, gained about 20# and just threw on the first things they saw in their closet. And this isn’t just my opinion; I’ve actually had friends who lost out on work promotions because of the funky, mismatched, awkward mix of casual/business boot/dress/skirt clothes they wore. (I’d be rich if I had a quarter for every time I saw short cowboy boots with a full gathered skirt!) It’s just not a good look, let alone a professional one. Anyway, just my two cents worth!
Leanna says
I do not work outside of the home but I often wear boots with a dress or skirt and panty hose. I am tall and my legs are long. I find that the peek of skin breaks up the monotony and shortens me.
Delorise says
Had you never had Mary Jane candy before?? I grew up with this candy- what memories you brought back. I will age myself but I remember paying a penny for a piece of Mary Jane candy- yummy candy. I would wear the Mary Jane shoes- it just makes for a more fluid flow- with tights. I would never wear brown boots with a solid black dress- but that is just me. I’m what I guess is now considered old school but I still like coordinating colors. My goal is to not touch our savings which has meant staying on budget and not having any major expenses– so far so good. Fingers crossed for the remainder of the year. Debbie Macomber is a great author- I have read her books for years–haven’t read a boring one yet.
Mavis Butterfield says
Fingers crossed Delorise. And Mary Jane candy has been one of my favorites for about 15 years ago. 🙂 Soooo good.
Helen in Meridian says
I love sacks of Mary Jane’s at Halloween. I end up eating the whole sack. I always thought they had a molasses taste as well as peanut butter. I thought Costco has a good price on 2 or 3 pk of tights. I got a good pr of Dansko clogs at the Goodwill for $6.99 last week.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks Helen! I didn’t know Costco had tights.
Mel says
I used to like tights, but I’ve switched to wearing leggings. I don’t wear just leggings, but I wear them under skirts and dresses like I would tights because they’re warmer, more comfortable, and more durable than tights (no runs). Leggings wouldn’t work as well with Mary Janes, but they work perfectly with calf and ankle boots. I’m not a huge fan of Forever21 in general, but their leggings are awesome. Good color selection, great fit, and long lasting (I’ve had mine for years) for only $4-$6 a pair.
Since one of my goals for the year was to learn to sew, I made a bunch of fall skirts to wear with leggings. The legging/skirt combo is one of my three rotating work “uniforms.”
Mindy says
I wear leggings under long shirts and shortish dresses too. I find they are more comfortable and I find are warmer in winter as well.
Tammy says
I think this dress would look perfect with booties. Buy tights the same color as your booties.
Candice says
Two comments. Any of Debbie’s Christmas books are great. I think I read once that she wrote one each year..a Christmas novel. They are quick read but never had to worry about encountering nasty words. They were uplifting. Also, I remember buying Mary Janes for a penny a piece at the penny candy counter at the local deli growing up. And getting a lot of them in Halloween bags. Really yummy if you’d set a couple (along with Bonomo Turkish Taffy) on the top of the TV console as it warmed them to a lovely soft texture.
MEM says
I wear tights all Fall and Winter-long here in Boston – I buy them at Primark – not expensive and I usually buy 6 pair at a time, always black. I would go with the black Mary Janes with the black dress (and black tights). I always think of the expression “Did you ever feel that the world is a tuxedo and you are a pair of brown shoes?” I think it was the late comedian George Gobel. P.S. I love your description of Lucy’s couch! Made me laugh out loud.
Vania says
About the dress: your Mary Jane’s!!! It would look great if you had some heels…but the boots would totally kill this very feminine dress. What a find!!!!!!
Gigi says
We had that exact same entertainment console circa 2002 and it served us well. Sold it a year ago in Chicagoish. Maybe it made out west.
Emily says
I’ve been following your fashion posts. I’m not a fashionista by any means, but like you I love not having to think too much about my outfits. I wanted to fill you in on my secret: all of my clothes go together. I buy only black accessories (belt, shoes, sandles, coats), black and grey pants, black and grey socks, and a variety of colored tops. For casual wear I do have jeans (which go with everything) and sundresses (complete outfit, no thinking).
Mavis Butterfield says
I love it Emily!
Jenny says
I know many people are not a big fan of wal-mart, but I really like their fleece lined tights. They are warm and I got them on clearance for a dollar. I have had them for a couple of years and they have never run or shown signs of wear. They only come in gray or black though.
Lori says
I LOVE Debbie Macomber books (read them all). I love to read books in order, so go to her website and start at the beginning.
Enjoy!
Lori
michelle says
Hey Mavis it’s Michelle! Thanks for the shout-out and thank you so much for enduring with such grace and kindness while I “geeked out” meeting you! You’ve saved my family so much money and taught me so much through the years that I felt like I was meeting my hero! Awesome find at St. Vincent’s – LOVE that place, you’d be amazed at what you find there and the prices you pay. PS What happened to the jailbird dress? 😉
Mavis Butterfield says
Seriously, the prices there are crazy good! Sadly, the dress was too small. It would have been perfect for gardening out front though. Thanks for saying hello, maybe I’ll see you there again.
Leslie says
Tights! YES. Assets at Target. It’s by SPANX. Their opaque black is very opaque, and super duper durable. I wore one pair literally everyday (yea, kinda gross, right?) to a job that required I wear a skirt everyday. For 3 months, almost every day. I wore Assets regular hose a few times. I swear you will not regret those tights.
Lana Popejoy says
I love Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street series.