“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
My goals for 2018
Goal #1 – Write Like No One is Reading.
“Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” ~ Barbara Kingsolver
Goal #2 – Slow Down
Yesterday I sliced oranges and dried them under the wood stove and now I’m trying to decide if I want to use them to make potpourri or a garland for the hearth. Decisions decisions.
Goal #3 – Shop Small
We “shopped small” twice this past week. One of the purchases was a set of beeswax candles from a small husband and wife business in Tonasket, Washington that specializes in handmade brooms and beeswax candles {an interesting combination if you ask me}. A few weeks ago I picked up a pair of tin candle holders at the recycle center for our dining room table. When I spotted the stubby beeswax candles on Etsy, I just knew they’d be the perfect fit for the table. I’ll post a proper picture once I receive them.
Goal # 4 – Have a Designated Meal Prep Day
Thanksgiving is the ultimate meal prep day, isn’t it? 🙂 I think we all got a big fat A last week in the meal prep department. Go team!
Goal #5 – Install a Vegetable Garden Done
To everything there is a season. I don’t know about you, but I am loving this time of rest.
Goal #6 – Clear Land for a Chicken Coop and Future Raised Garden Bed Area Done
The ladies are doing great with the cooler temps and enjoyed warm oatmeal for breakfast on more than one occasion last week. We also added extra pine shavings inside the coop for insulation and they are happily going outside each day to roost. Egg production is down, but that is totally expected for this time of year as we decided not to add any artificial light to their coop {everyone deserves a rest, right?}.
Goal #7 – Grow 500 Pounds of Vegetables Done
I miss all the fresh tomato salads. You can read about my latest gardening escapades HERE. These days though, we are harvesting twigs and snow.
Goal #8 – Hook 100 Rugs Done
I hit the 105 hooked rug mark a few weeks ago and ever since then I have been focused on dyeing wool, moving all my rug hooking supplies downstairs {after the HH kindly suggested it might be a good idea if all my unfinished projects were one place as opposed to strew all over the house}. I have been working on a few pieces though in the evening, but I don’t think I’ll be listing any new hooked rug pieces until the start of the new year.
Goal #9 – Make a Set of Dolls
Working on it. And by that I mean the fabric has been cut out and is still laying on the table ready to be sewn. I did make some buttons out of clay for the dress this week though… so you know, some progress. 😉
Goal #10 – Make a Sampler, Frame it and Hang it on the Wall Done
Goal #11 – Visit 22 Bakeries
No new bakeries this week, but I think we may be headed to Abigail’s Tea Shop soon and I hear they have scones there. If we do go, I’ll be sure and take some pictures for you.
Goal #12 – Start a Collection
Guess who picked up a giant sized BBQ spatula and ornament hanger {?} thing a ma bob this week at the recycle center? That would be me. My husband just rolled his eyes when I hopped in the car with my treasures.
Goal #13 – Read {or listen to} 26 Books Done
This past week I’ve been listening to Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking on audiobook and I love it. All the factual data and how the author breaks down the whole working independently method and why it works so well {and with studies to back it up} are fascinating.
Goal #14 – Try 12 New Canning Recipes
I have my camp stove set up and all my canning equipment in place and will be canning a new savory spread today. If everything goes as planned, I’ll share the recipe.
Last week I shared Cranberry Apple Jam with a Hint of Orange and we have already gone through one jar of the stuff!!! Not only is it the perfect spread for those leftover turkey sandwiches, but we had it on our dinner plates this Thanksgiving instead of regular cranberry sauce. It really is an amazing recipe and I think you should give it a try.
So far this year I’ve canned 11 recipes:
- Cranberry Apple Jam with a Hint of Orange {A must for leftover turkey sandwiches}
- Spiced Christmas Jam
- Apple Cider Butter
- Tomato Sauce
- Carrot Cake Jam
- Cucumber Relish
- Spiced Peach {Crazy good!!!}
- Blueberry Jam {without the mint}
- Pickled Beets {without the funky spices}
- Cherry Almond Jam {freakin’ AWESOME}
- Susan’s Lilac Blossom Jelly
Goal #15 – Secret Holiday Project Done
Last night I added a few lamb ornaments to my Etsy shop. I like the more primitive looking “dirty” lambs and the HH likes the cleaner white fleece look so I made a handful of each. So far this whole “secret” holiday project has been a great experience and I think I may have the HH talked in to taking a pottery class {wheel throwing!} with me. I’m not sure if I have the patience for it, but I’m thinking if he were to take a class with me, I’d have a better chance of sticking it out. We’ll see.
And a big thank you to everyone who has ordered an ornament this year. They have been so much fun to make!
How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2018? How are they coming along?
~Mavis
Read About My 2018 Goals HERE.
Toni says
Good morning.
Thank you for all your updates, I love reading your blog!
May I suggest you use straw in the coop, it is much better at keeping the girls warm!
I also love the blog, fresh eggs daily and I think she is from your neck of the woods.
I think I would hang bananas or mugs from that thing.
Thanks again for your fun blog.
Christa Hayden says
Make a garland for the hearth! You’ll enjoy looking at them more.
Also, make more and outside of the window Lucy likes to look out of, make an area with them hanging on branches and stuff for the local birds. Allison in Maine- Instagram- “fromthegrange” makes a lovely display just outside for the birds so they can eat various things she outs out while she enjoys watching them. I’m sure she will have it up soon as she just made orange garland and pinecone garlands. You’ll like her site. Lots of gardening stuff too.
Mel says
I was going to nix my goal of sewing reusable gift bags and save it for next year, but I actually started it this past week on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve made about a dozen bags so far (I bought the fabric on sale last year), and they are turning out great. I don’t know if I’ll make as many as we’ll ultimately need by the end of the year, but I’m off to a good start. My long-term plan is to have tons of them in all different sizes so we don’t need to use any paper and can afford to give some away. I also want to make some in birthday and maybe Easter fabric as well.
RBH says
Great idea. I might be doing the same thing. Thank you.
Mel says
Absolutely! I recommend not making them drawstring as it takes a bit longer to sew the casing and doesn’t tie as tightly. I’ve been sewing twill tape ribbon into the seam on one side of each bag so it has a built in tie, and you just gather the top edges of the bag and tie a bow around to close it. It ties a bit tighter, and it also gives them the sort of classic look of Santa’s bag.
Lissa says
Loved my hedgehog Mavis. Packaged so sweetly. My daughter will be so thrilled with hit. Thank you
Mavis Butterfield says
I was hoping someone would buy one for their child who has a pet hedgehog. 🙂 I hope she likes it.
Tami Lewis says
You amaze me, with all you know and do!
I wanted to tell you somethjng I just learned about oatmeal and chickens. It is bad for them because it causes them not to be able to absorb nutrients from their food. I just learned this and I have had chickens for 10 years! Here’s a link to a great blog all about chickens.
What do you think? https://pin.it/swoy4fozdkl7v43x
Paula says
Consider buying a homemade broom. I have one and love it! I purchase them as a housewarming gift. My original broom was bought at “Foxfire” in Georgia. The woman making them grew the broom corn and forged for the handles. It’s like the BMW of brooms!
Mavis Butterfield says
We have the perfect wall space in the kitchen for one and I was going to try and see if I could find a local artist at a craft fair who makes one this summer. If not, I’ll probably go back and buy one of theirs along with the dustpan. I LOVE the fact that they live pretty far out from a big city and that they are able to have a home based business. I don’t know why, but I just love that part of the story.
Lisa says
When I pulled up the site to check out the handmade brooms, at first I thought that was your picture on the site. You and the broom making lady could pass as relatives…maybe even sisters!
Sue says
Thank you for thinking of your secret project, I can’t wait for the gifts to be opened and can tell them Mavis made those. I love the candy canes for grandchildren, the herb markers to be put in gifts for gardeners, and the big chickens for my sister, the crazy chicken lady who worries about her brew like they are her children. I love them all and the little surprises in each box. Love that you love what you do that’s what’s important.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thank you Sue. 🙂
Karin C says
Morning from Falkland BC, the ornament holder is actually for 3 small frames, I have the same and it would have had 3 small wooden frames with eye hooks used to hand the frames from.
Lea Ann H says
Loved seeing the candles from Tonasket. I was raised in the area (and will soon be moving back home). Lots of great artisans on the area. I’m sure going to enjoy visiting them again at farmers market and local fairs. 🙂
Patty P says
I read Quiet by Cain last year and really enjoyed it. As an introvert and a teacher, I really gleaned a lot of information from the book. This text, plus a few others (texts and articles) that I have read have helped me put new perspective into my teaching practices for both my introverts and extroverts. Another book that I read (I think it was mentioned in Cain’s book) is the Introvert’s Way by Sophia Dembling.
So glad that you are enjoying the winter! It was in the 40’s here today (NY) so I did some outside chores (including cleaning up in the chicken coop a bit) before we get down into deep freeze again! It’s so funny that after single digits, the 40’s are like a heat wave!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thank you Patty P, I’ll look it up.
Sue says
Among the many things I enjoy about your blog, are the book recommendations. I’m very particular about what interests me enough to give it my time, and yet I’ve read/listened to many books from your mentions and really enjoyed them. I guess we have some interests in common!
One funny thing about “Quiet” — I’m a member of three different libraries on Overdrive and on all three, the ebook is currently available while there is a waiting list for the audiobook version. My conclusion: introverts like to listen while they do other stuff, rather than read at the computer. It’s sure true for me!
Laura T. says
I can’t believe it’s week 47! Time sure flies! I find myself looking forward to see what goodies you picked up at the recycling center! I was walking across a parking lot yesterday & stopped in my tracks! There was a dental floss pick thingie laying there! Guess who I thought of?
Mavis Butterfield says
THAT IS HILARIOUS!!!!!!
Denise W. says
Hi Mavis! Those dehydrated orange slices make super cute ornaments for a kitchen tree. Just put an ornament hanger under the rind and hang them on the tree.
Gigi says
What’s usually in your tomato salad? We make Greek salad in our house. Tomato, onion, cucumber, kalamata olives, feta and sometimes capers tossed in olive oil and vinegar and sea salt.
Mavis Butterfield says
Usually just tomatoes and Ken’s Italian dressing. Super simple. Your salad sounds wonderful.
Gigi says
I forgot to mention, dip bread in all the juices at the end! Best part. Here’s a link to it and variations. She also hassome great vegetarian meals. https://www.olivetomato.com/authentic-greek-salad/
Mel W. says
That metal thingy looks like a banana tree to me. I loved the Susan Can book. Very affirming for this introvert. And made me re-think some of my teaching practice too.
Sirah says
I LOVED taking a throwing class. Hopefully you will too. Merry Christmas