“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
Warm and cozy. Just the way I like it. I think mantel is the perfect spot to display The Girl’s nutcracker collection, don’t you? I’ve been meaning to proof some bread in the little opening in the brick {to the right of the wood stove} but haven’t got around to it. Maybe this week?
Can you imagine, back in colonial times keeping a giant fire going 24/7? How are there any homes still left standing? It’s mind boggling to me.
Goal #3 – Shop Small
The beeswax candles I ordered off Etsy last week arrived and they were everything I hoped they would be. I set two of the candles the little tins I picked up for free at the recycle center last month and added a little holly and bittersweet for a nice festive look.
Goal # 4 – Have a Designated Meal Prep Day
Nope.
Goal #5 – Install a Vegetable Garden Done!
I’d say we have a solid 4 months until we’ll see the garden again. Rest. It’s a good thing. Plus, it will give me plenty of time to get a game plan in place. 😉
Goal #6 – Clear Land for a Chicken Coop and Future Raised Garden Bed Area Done!
Goal #7 – Grow 500 Pounds of Vegetables Done!
We’re looking forward to roasting this Sweet Greek Red squash for dinner this week! There isn’t a whole lot of gardening going on these days {although I did plant some basil in an old tea tin and set it on the kitchen window a few days ago} but you can read about my latest gardening escapades HERE.
Goal #8 – Hook 100 Rugs
So far this year I have finished 105 hooked rugs and currently have 7 that are about half way done {how does that even happen?}. I don’t have any plans to list any new hooked rug pieces in my Etsy shop this year this year, but I’m looking forward to restocking the shelves {so to speak} with new designs in early January.
Goal #9 – Make a Set of Dolls
I haven’t made a set of dolls in years {15?30?} and totally forgot what a long drawn out process making them is. Fingers crossed I can get a set made by the end of the year.
Goal #10 – Make a Sampler, Frame it and Hang it on the Wall Done!
Goal #11 – Visit 22 Bakeries
We haven’t been to any new bakeries lately but I’m always on the lookout. Anyone know of any open air holiday fairs or markets here in New England that are still going strong this late in the season?
Goal #12 – Start a Collection
No new treasures this week.
Goal #13 – Read {or listen to} 26 Books
This past week I listened to The Tattooist of Auschwitz on audiobook and while it was difficult to listen to, I highly recommend the book.
Goal #14 – Try 12 New Canning Recipes
This past week I made a batch of Red Onion Marmalade and the HH and I enjoyed the savory marmalade so much, I think I am going to make another batch to put in the yummy gift boxes we’ll be shipping out to relatives for Christmas. The goal was to try 12 new canning recipes this year and I’ve only got 1 more to go before crossing this one off my list. 🙂
- Red Onion Marmalade
- 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!
This week I pulled a batch of pocket angels and lobsters out of the kiln. I just LOVE the way they turned out and even though Christmas is only a few weeks away, I am having so much fun coming up with new ideas that I just can’t seem. 🙂 Hobbies. They sure keep you busy!
How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2018? How are they coming along?
~Mavis
Read About My 2018 Goals HERE.
Elizabeth Collier says
Thank you for your blog. It’s awesome to read and try out all the wonderful recipes.
Barbara says
Hi Mavis, I love the dining table picture!! The Nutcrackers are perfect for the mantel area! It amazes me all the things you have accomplished this year! Happy holidays to you and your family!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks Barbara, you too!
Mel says
Love the lobsters and nutcrackers! If you don’t have bread to proof, I bet that nook would also be good for softening butter for cookies.
I worked a bit more on my goal of sewing reusable gift bags and made about 8 more. I still need to hem those 8 to finish the edge, and I have a laundry basket full of fabric still to turn into bags. I also realized I should make some bags in stretchy fabric that are the same size and shape as our stockings so that stocking gifts don’t need to be wrapped–just slide the bag in the stocking, fill, and tie the top. I also ordered some wooden gift tags so we can reuse those year after year as well. I had waffled on this goal a bit, but I’m so glad I went for it as I think it will make wrapping so much easier and less wasteful. I love the tradition it starts as well.
Mavis Butterfield says
You are a genius Mel! Totally going to use that space to soften butter.
Margo Miller says
Made your cranberry apple jam yesterday. Kept one and the rest are going to be gifted along with spiced pear jam and apple butter I made. The cranberry jam is delicious. Next time I will add some cinnamon for a little flavor variation. (Tested the cinnamon on the leftover scoop of jam during canning and it was very tasty). Thanks for the recipe.
Sue R. says
Very nice table runner! Etsy purchase or “store bought”?
Mavis Butterfield says
Etsy! 😉 I will post a link next week once the person I purchased the runner from has a chance to update her shop. 🙂
Taryn says
That onion jam is amazing, I just made it last night. So thankful I made a double batch straight away.
Anne says
We visited the oldest house in Sandwich Massachusetts and during the tour they said the number one cause of death for adult women was being burned to death because they worked next to the fire all day long and they wore all those Petticoats and layers of clothing. Not sure if it’s really true.
Mavis Butterfield says
I believe it!!
Torry says
I’ve sewn almost every week this year, which was my goal. Current I have 16 Mug rugs to put binding and they will be finished for Christmas gifts.
I think next year’s goal will be to : 1) Sew every week and 2) finish all of the started and not finished projects. If I do 2., I will have a great start on Christmas gifts.
Most years I start way more than I can finish. This year I scaled back and did ornaments (mini stockings, stuffed with fiberfill) and mug rugs for almost everyone. Okay, I need to get back to sewing.
Cathy says
My bad, I’m on the left coast , I thought it was a red moose . Bwahaha LOL
Patty P says
Thanks for the book recommendation…I put a hold request on the Tattooist of Auschwitz and am 21 in line…must be good! It’s okay, I still have a huge pile I’m working on at the moment. Your weekly goal update is my favorite post of the week! Thanks for sharing!
Mavis Butterfield says
I had to wait a while for it too.
Emily says
Beautiful Christmas decorations! Keep a close eye on your candles as they burn toward the greenery. We had a table fire one year when the candle lit the centerpiece as it burned low. Thank goodness for fire extinguishers!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks Emily!