My 14 Goals for 2020
Goal #1 – Take Full Advantage of Having My Husband Home 24/7
Although we didn’t do anything super exciting this past week {no date days or adventures} we did tear up the kitchen, install a couple light fixtures and make a trip to Home Depot. š Lets just say I am looking forward to getting the house done so I can get back to my favorite things… hooking and gardening.
Goal #2 – Take Better Care of Myself.Ā
Caffeine. I’ve been getting headaches the past few weeks… good ones, the ones you can’t get rid of with Tylenol. And although I drink a lot less caffeine than I used to {I was down to just 1 caffeinated tea in the morning and one in the afternoon} I read online that as you get older, you can become more sensitive to caffeine. And I think that’s happening to me.
And so this past week I’ve been s-l-o-w-l-y cutting back on my intake. Right now I’m down to about 1/4 of caffeinated tea + 1 cup of decaf in the morning and the same in the afternoon and the headaches are becoming fewer. Getting older is weird.
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 Pottery{The electrician came out and installed an outlet for the kiln!}January 19th – 25th – Paintand Make Shades for the lime green room {that will soon be white}January 26th – January 31st –Finish up new offerings for my February 7th Etsy Shop update. {I just have one more rug to go}- 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.Ā
Well, I was able to get two shades sewn yesterday, but not up on the wall. So I’ll have the HH put the hardware on them {he doesn’t trust me with the staple gun} and hang them up today. Then all that’s left are the other SIX windows in that room. š
Goal #5 – Master Bedroom Make Over
I’m planning on working on the bedroom makeover in late February {after the sun room is finished}.
Goal #6 – Kitchen Update
Still need to:
- Repair drywall, put up tile
- Install new hinges on all cabinets {they have been ordered}
- 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 goes {the HH want’s to get rid of it, I’m indifferent to it}
- Decide if we should get a rubbed bronze facet for the sink or keep the polished nickle one {which is really nice and in great shape and does everything really need to be so matchy matchy?}
Goal #7 – Install Vegetable Garden
Hoping that enough snow melts over the next two days along the fence so I can get out there and measure how wide I want the new green bean and sunflower bed to be. I plan on having the HH build a few proper trellises this spring along one side of the fence for a more refined looking garden space.
The cool part about being on a 1/3 acre city lot is that it’s much easier to install a more refined looking garden over the course of one summer, than it is if we were on a bigger lot. At least I think so anyway.
Goal #8 – Explore More of MaineĀ
On the radar for exploring Maine this month:
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Lincolnville Center General Store in Lincolnville, Maine
- Wallace’s Market in Friendship, Maine
- Port Clyde, Saint George Maine
- Find a good {non-chain} quilting store {any suggestions?}
Goal #9 – Host Some Sort of Get Together
Hopefully before Spring! The glass for the coffee table arrived and we have a house plant now so that’s a plus. š Also, I think I found a bench for that nook in the sun room. An upholstered chair would be too big for the space {I’ve already tried} but maybe a bench with a cushion {for Lucy} and a plant shelf above.
What do you think about this one? It’s simple, classic, and I think it would go with the rest of the house. And, I like the idea of a plant on the end of the bench too.
Goal #10 – Read/Listen to 12 Books
I got caught up on How I Built This with Guy Raz podcasts and really enjoyed the story of the brothers who founded the Life is Good t-shirt company. I liked it so much I listened to it twice!
Goal #11 – Learn A New Skill or Craft
Still haven’t found the right class yet.
Goal #12 – Visit 12Ā Museums, Historical Homes or Botanical Gardens {and bakeries too!}
January
- Maine Maritime Museum
- Maine Mineral and Gem Museum
- The Island MarketĀ
- Cafe DiCocoa
- Hungry Hollow Country Store
Goal # 13 – Reach 5,000 Etsy Sales by the End of The YearĀ
As of this morning, I have made 2,978 sales on Etsy. That’s up from 2804 on January 1st. This past week I was able to put together two new tug hooking kits for my Etsy shop Folk Tulip and Folk Art Sunflower. I’ll be adding this month’s collection of finished pieces when I do my once a month Etsy shop update on Friday, February 7th at 6pm.
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 a little this week. Hopefully though once the kitchen is done, we’ll be able to get the freezer stuffed with meals before May {gardening season}.
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
Kim says
I vote YES on that bench. Excellent choice, Mavis!!!
Jamie B. says
I suggest Alewives Fabrics . Have you been to Camp Wool in Kennebunk ? (I’m in NH, on the Maine side ) I haven’t been to either place but they are on my field trip list.
Mavis Butterfield says
Love Camp Wool! Thanks for the Alewives Fabrics suggestion!
Heather says
We just moved up to the MidCoast from Kennebunk a year and a half ago….there are a bunch of fun places up here!
Check out Alwives Fabrics in Damariscotta on your way up to Lincolnville…Great little quilting/fiber store.
Also, the Port Clyde general store has a really cute eat in bar area with great food!
St. George River cafe in Warren (not too far from Lincolnville) is a great place to get food as well.
Carolyn says
I agree with Kim – that bench is lovely. Also, I have the same problem (really bad headaches and shaking – absolutely from the caffeine) when I drink black teas, so I switched to green and haven’t had the problem since.
Mel says
I love the bench, and that’s so funny about caffeine. I already got so I couldn’t stand coffee after a certain point in the day, and just recently I haven’t been able to drink more than 1 cup (instead of 2). It’s like it just shut off one day.
1. HEALTH: I got back to running this week after a 10 day chest cold, have kept up with hydration and skincare, am halfway to my weight loss goal (just holiday weight), and scheduled another doctors appointment/checkup I’m behind on (so 1 done, 2 scheduled, 2-3 more to schedule).
2. HOLIDAYS: I still plan to learn to carve springerle cookie molds to give as gifts, but I’m slowly chipping away at reorganizing holiday stuff for now. Just 2-3 more bins, I think, but they may wait until summer.
3. COOKING: I haven’t made brioche, spice mixes, or sous vide yogurt yet.
4. HOUSEWORK: Deep cleaning is planned for Spring Break, but I caught up on laundry folding yesterday after being sick. Still need to reupholster our ottoman.
5. SEWING: Yesterday I made Valentine’s gift bags (just need to hem) and learned to sew zippers and zipper pouches. I also sewed one skirt and finished one ongoing project. So, that leaves finishing 2 ongoing projects, sewing carrot gift bags for Easter, making a Christmas stocking for our cat, making a new kind of reusable wrapping paper, and make my own pajama pants pattern.
6. DIGITAL STUFF: I’ve read 1.5 of 2 Kindle books. Still need to organize photos and Pinterest boards.
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes! Totally like it shut off one day too for me. So weird.
Marcia says
Cute bench.
Headaches are weird. I’ve also noticed an increased sensitivity to caffeine. But also heat. If I run in the heat, I’m guaranteed to get a massive migraine. Not just a little headache like before. A 3 tylenol/ lie in a dark room one. Guess what I had yesterday.
I’ve been sticking to my new moisturizer routine. Trying to lose my muffy. Spending more kid time. Cooking more.
My theme for this week is.. chill out. Husband traveling the full week and I’ve got a full time job and two kids. So…food prep, dog walks, and lowered expectations.
Lesa Glines says
I donāt know about quilt shops in Maine but Iāve been to a great one in Portsmouth NH. https://portsmouthfabric.com/
Linda Practical Parsimony says
Caffeine caused my son to switch to Sprite. I had to give up caffeine due to lack of sleep. I now drink Caffeine Free Coke.
Rita says
If you like the bench seat you should get it! Are you going to make a quilt sometime? Here is a link to the independent quilt shops in Maine.
https://mainequilts.org/quilt-shops-in-maine/
Mavis Butterfield says
Jackpot!!! Thanks Rita. I think I might make one next winter. I already have a pattern I really love, but it’s sort of complicated and will have to wait until the house is totally done, but I love it. š
Cathy Fraser says
I might have missed it, but have you had a post with pictures and pattern you are using to make your window coverings?
Mavis Butterfield says
This is the video I used. It’s great!
suzanne says
Love the bench! Its very open/airy should keep the cubby from feeling heavy. What about an old trunk on the back wall to set your plant on for wool storage. You know, one that you get from “a dead persons estate” lol. Sorry about the headaches. Do/did you have to remove the beadboard trim to get the last few tiles off that back wall?
Mavis Butterfield says
No, he didn’t have to remove the trim. š
Jill K says
I had to give up caffeine over two years ago due to A-Fib but before that I was a 4-5 cup a day coffee drinker and it never bothered me. Helped my asthma actually. Rarely had headaches until that 10 year peri-menopause stage of life. Boy am I glad that is over. Freezed dried de-caf is not too bad…after one gets use to it.
Maybe if you started to write silly love notes on the chalkboard the HH would change his mind;-)
P.S. Are you staying hydrated? Lack of water can cause headaches too.
OregonGuest says
Mavis, I have to say your goal to take better care of yourself has been really thought-provoking for me, so I’m stealing it for myself this year. I always take care of everyone else and their needs first and give myself the leftovers (if there are any) in all areas of my life, so much so that I’m not really sure that I do much of anything for myself at all anymore — I feel like I’m losing myself in my overwhelming generosity toward others. Wow, can’t believe I said that out loud. Anyway, I’m glad you wrote about that goal, because it really spurred me to consider some changes I need to make in my own life. By the way, I love that houseplant, and the bench is stunning!
Mavis Butterfield says
Good for you for saying it out loud! We need to take care of ourselves… so we can take care of them.
HollyG says
A simple idea for you mismatched can lights (our were broken). We found some retrofit led bulbs from Cree at HD. They come with their own trim kit. You just take the old trim kit off, screw the fitting with a wire into the place the bulb was, open the metal flanges on the trim/bulb assembly and push them into place. They were under $16 here in the PNW and saved us hundreds of dollars.
sam hagins says
The older I get (71), the less caffeine effects me.
Joely says
I too became very sensitive to caffeine in my early 40s-headaches, palpitations, anxiety- symptoms I never had previously. Once stopping caffeinated coffee they all went away; I have one decaf coffee a day and feel soooo much better.
tia in boise says
Wrote out how I was doing on goals last week and then hit the wrong button and it all disappeared so just let it be….I have not been doing great. Was sick, uber-busy at work–and this Monday and Tuesday are high-stress days (taking 40+ kids up on the mountain for Snow School and then my formal observation—I think life will calm down on Wednesday, and I can get back to focusing on myself.
Of my 20 goals for 2020, these are the only ones that I’ve recently worked on:
7. Go on 20 dates with DH–gone on 4—hoping that not all 20 of them will be food-related…
16. Classroom: Stay focused and leave by 4:00 each day–done pretty well here–but have allowed myself some grace when big projects come up. (Last week was 1,000th day of school for my 5th graders, and I had a few meetings that threw my schedule off)
17. Stop swearing–haven’t completely stopped but made great gains.
19. Track found money and items–up to $.17
Ann says
You could move the kitchen chalkboard to the inside of an upper cupboard door.
Randini says
years ago in Colorado, I worked with a few folks from Bar Harbor. I can still hear how they said the name “BAA HAH BAA” Not an ‘r’ enunciated in the whole thing. they spoke highly of the place.
Laura says
No one has commented on your ORB vs polished nickel faucet, so I will! I redid my kitchen 13 years ago when everyone was doing SS pulls (which I don’t like). I loved the ORB with my cherry cabinetry so did that for the hardware. I did polished nickel for the faucet because, back then, it was REALLY hard to find ORB faucets at all, at any price. I have had it for 13 years and love it. I find that it works well with SS appliances, so my suggestion is to keep it. You can always change your mind later if you think it doesn’t look good, but hey, if it works well and looks good, keep it!
Elaine says
Hi Mavis!
I have no idea how old you are but headaches are more common as us lucky ladies begin entering menopause. I never used to get headaches and now I get wicked migraines. But I only drink tea and water (and the occasional beer) so I’m not giving up the tea. I have my headache routine but mostly I just deal with it. I figure life is short, have the tea! Good luck!
Ellen vonSchrott says
Mavis, just wondering if you could reference pattern/how you are making your window shades. They look beautiful and I really could use some here. I also love the look of that bench with the plant.
Mavis Butterfield says
This is the video I used to make the shades. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3VW44HvdfM
Granny B says
As for the faucet not matching, I have a brushed nickel in my kitchen with all bronze knobs and hinges. Love it. I hate a dirty faucet and the houses we looked at that had a bronze faucet were always showing lime spots and buildup and eventually the finish starts coming off when cleaning. You wonāt have that problem with the brushed nickel.
Also I love the bench but it needs arms for leaning on while looking out the window and loving the view!!
Patti says
Since my last goal report, I have tried a bunch of new recipes including your Baked Potato Soup. I took it to church today for our youth’s Souper Bowl Sunday and left it to be reheated before serving, if needed. Well, they just turned on the gas burner of a commercial cooktop and left it. Not only was the soup burned, my pan is, too. I am very unhappy because that soup is a winner and the pan is one of my faves.
Theresa Vondra says
What kind of house plant is on the coffee table with the new glass? I really, really like it. Love your blog as always and I love seeing what is going on in your life.
Mavis Butterfield says
Crispy wave. I found it at Home Depot in the plant section.
Judi Y. says
LOVE the bench!!!!!
Jane says
Absolutely go for the bench! It is a perfect choice and will look great in your sunroom cubby.
Jane says
Sorry about the beginning comment. I was interrupted and it appeared
Melissa Mobley says
About the faucet, I agree with the other posters. Keep the brushed nickel faucet if you like it!
Carol says
Sewing By the Sea in Trenton, Maine is wonderful. Youāll pass by it on your way to Bar Harbor. I always stop for fabric there on my visits to MDI.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thank you!
Tammy says
LOVE THE BENCH!! Is there a link for it or did you find it in an antique shop in Maine? (i hope not, i really need a non fabric bench)
We feel your pain. 5 months into a complete kitchen reno and NO SINK is awful. Crockpot liners help keep the mess at bay! and we are installing stainless steel sink with Brushed Nickel faucet and all our other hardware is ORB. it’s a good look, so keep the lovely faucet you have it you like it.
Mavis Butterfield says
Here’s the link to the bench… But wait until Target does an online furniture sale so you can save 15%-20% off. https://www.target.com/p/harwich-high-back-windsor-bench-black-threshold-8482/-/A-54028147
Rebecca Anne says
Mavis,
The bench is beautiful and perfect for your home! Great job finding it!
The faucet is fine to keep in my opinion. (If thereās a way to send you a pic, please let me know.) I have stainless and a muted gold color mixed in my kitchen and it looks great.
Also, I wanted to send you a pic of a book Iām reading from the library called āall points patchworkā by Diane Gilleland. Itās about a technique called English Paper Piecing (EPP) that makes me think of you since you like English-influenced things.
Iām caffeine sensitive too (& have been since approx age 25!), and my favorite tea is Bigelow Earl Grey Decaffinated. Iāve made London fogs with it too and they are delicious. I donāt think you would notice the caffeine missing at all.
Thank you for sharing your life with us! Itās inspiring to read about someoneās REAL life. Not their Instagram-perfect life! Tara Westover (author of Educated) spoke at a graduation about THE UNINSTAGRAMMABLE LIFE. You can look it up and watch it. Itās pretty good and thought provoking. Thanks for taking us on your uninstagrammable life….which IS way more interesting than trying to portray perfection. I like you being real with us…maybe thatās why you have such a following…?
If thereās a way to send pics to you, please can you let me know?
Thank you!!
And Iām excited for your kitchen to come together! Wahoo!!!!!!
No more cooking in the bathroom!
Mavis Butterfield says
Bigelow Earl Grey Decaffeinated is my go to decaffeinated tea too, as I like the black tea WAY better than the herbal ones. I’ll look up the Tara Westover video, thanks! And yes, you can send me pictures at onehundreddollarsamonth @ gmail.com {spaces removed}.
Linda J says
When in the Bar Harbor area, I recommend setting aside a bit of time to explore Southwest Harbor. It’s just down the road, far less touristy / crowded (well, except for that one intersection), and absolutely charming! We had the best lobster rolls at Beal’s and there are options on the menu for non-lobster lovin’ peeps. Be sure to try the cornbread, it’s great!
Amanda says
Hi Mavis, I am a new reader, but really love your blog!
My goals this year include repainting some of the interior of our home (it’s only been 12 years since we did it last…lol!), increasing the size of our garden yet again, and getting in shape! Been exercising for 3 weeks, almost daily and I really do feel better. Loved reading about your emergency storage food challenge from 2015; we were just talking about doing something like this! I love to experiment. š
Regarding caffeine…I started getting migraines about 5 years ago. Never had any before that, so it was shocking to me. I figured out that I’m very sensitive to MSG, yeast extract, and sodium nitrates. But I kept on getting them, and the frequency was increasing, so I read this book called “Heal Your Headache” (very good, BTW), and one of the major triggers listed was caffeine. I was only a cup a day drinker so I didn’t think quitting would do anything. Yeah, well, I was sick as a dog for 3 days when I quit! Couldn’t even go to work. It turned out that was the final thing other than hormone fluctuations and I can’t help that. Now I still get a very very minor one about once a month thanks to hormones, but it is like 99 percent better and I can drive and work in the garden and everything. It’s crazy. Anyway, have a great rest of your week. š
Eliza says
If you are going to Port Clyde, see if you can go on a day when Spruce Point Studio un Tenants Harbor is open – she has opened a little rug hooking/knitting/home goods space by the sea and itās darling! My parents have a place off Port Clyde and itās a lovely area. Marshall Point Light is incredibly beautiful. The Port Clyde general store has unfortunately been taken over by Linda Bean, who has made a habit of putting local family-owned places out of business with her chains, so despite how adorable the market is we try to spend money elsewhere in the area – the local ice cream place just up the hill is spectacular. The Slipway in Thomaston is a fabulous meal though Iām not sure they are open this time of year. My family often heads to Rockland, too, Cafe Miranda is great! And they love the Farnsworth museum though I havenāt been. Other favorite spots of ours on the way up the coast: Damariscotta (and S. Fernaldās for lunch), Moodyās Diner is a canāt-miss esp for pie, Wiscasset, Montsweag flea market (just Saturdays, I think), Botanical Gardens (in boothbay and probably worth an entire day in and of themselves), and my parents love Morseās (I havenāt been yet!)
Enjoy!
Ps Port Clyde is especially lovely in the summer, of course, and the ferry to Monhegan is a wonderful adventure for warmer times. Especially great during bird migration periods if youāre into that.
Pps the Wyeth family of artists have a place in Port Clyde, I think originally belonging to NC Wyeth (?), and I think the Farnsworth has a lot of Wyeth works.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks for all the tips Eliza! š