“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
Remember those desks I started refinishing 2 weeks ago? We’ll I’m almost done! I’ll share the pictures when I get them finished {hopefully in the next few days}.
Goal #3 – Shop Small
While the HH and I were at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show we picked up 3 bags loose leaf tea from Nil Organic Tea for The Girl. I love being able to hand my money over directly to the owner of the company and the person who personally blended the tea. What made this purchase even better was when I got home I looked up their website and Instagram page and noticed they just bought a home…. and used the tag #thehousethatteabought. Small business are awesome, and being able to make a living doing something you love, well, that’s pretty rad if you ask me.
Goal # 4 – Have a Designated Meal Prep Day
So really, we all know the whole designated day of meal prep won’t come into fruition until we are on the east coast but hey, a week of mozzarella sticks, corn, french fries, sun dried tomatoes and ham sounds pretty good don’t you think? 😉 I think they may also be 2 hamburger patties in there as well. Cleaning out the freezer… good times.
Goal #5 – Install a Vegetable Garden
Well, there’s nothing I can do until I’m officially in my new garden space but I can sure plan for it. If you still needs seeds, Botanical Interests is offering free shipping on any size order right now. And if you are looking for a new tomato to grow this year, try Sun Gold. It’s our favorite cherry tomato variety.
Also, check out this movable garden box from Eldergrow. Isn’t snazzy? The HH and I spotted this display at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show last week and I think it’s perfect for peeps with mobility issues.
Goal #6 – Clear Land for a Chicken Coop and Future Raised Garden Bed Area
I was looking for a project to keep my hands busy on for the 3,000 mile drive and well, what started out as a 26″ x 30 rug for in front of my new kitchen sink has turned into a 24″ x 60″ double chicken rug. I hooked the feet and chicken combs this past week and I think I’ll start on the outer half circle border next.
Goal #7 – Grow 500 Pounds of Vegetables
A few weeks ago I shared my plans for my 2018 vegetable garden. Now all I can do is wait until we get over there and the ground thaws to get started.
Goal #8 – Hook 100 Rugs
13 down, 87 to go. This past week I made a Hooked Rug Valentine’s Heart Pillow and just love the way it turned out. If I aim for finishing 2 rugs a week I should hit my goal of 100 rugs by the end of the year. Some weeks I have more time, others, not so much. And that’s okay, because really, some projects take more time than others.
Goal #9 – Make a Set of Dolls
I think I’m going to save the doll making goal for later this fall/winter so I have a something to work on when the weather outside is too chilly to garden.
Goal #10 – Make a Sampler, Frame it and Hang it on the Wall
Well it may not be a traditional cross stitch {clearly} but I am making some serious progress on my primitive school girl sampler. I just couldn’t handle the whole counting stitches thing {or see the teeny tiny holes in fabric} even with that hands free magnifying glass.
Goal #11 – Visit 22 Bakeries
The HH drove me all the way over to Coyle’s Bakeshop for a lemon tart and THEY DIDN’T HAVE ANY…. I was so disappointed. I guess I should have called first. I do have a list a bakeries to check out in Bozeman and Billings, Montana as well as Fargo, North Dakota for our road trip across the US though so I’m confident we will be able to add to our list of bakeries this year.
If anybody knows of a great bakery in St Cloud or Minneapolis, Minnesota or around Eau Clair or Madison, Wisconsin please let me know.
Goal #12 – Start a Collection
I been to busy packing and cleaning to make my way to an antique store to look for wooden butter molds or spoons. I’m not worried though, it will happen.
Goal #13 – Read {or listen to} 26 Books
I have about an hour and a half left of Founding Gardeners by Andrea Wulf to listen to and let me tell you Bob, I have LOVED learning about how the gardens at Monticello, Mount Vernon and Montpelier came together. Plus, having been to all three of those places, makes the story, even better.
Goal #14 – Try 12 New Canning Recipes
Not this past week, but I am hoping to make something special in February. If not, I’m sure I’ll have no problem finding new canning recipes this summer.
Goal #15 – Secret {for now} Holiday Project
I’ve been wanting to do this for YEARS…. and this year, I’m going for it. I am still in the research/planning stages for this project and have a found a class in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that I an hoping to take later this year to learn more about my project. 😉 But that’s all I’m going to say for now.
How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2018? How are they coming along?
~Mavis
Read About My 2018 Goals HERE.
Sarah says
Eau Claire is in Wisconsin lol. As you drive through my great state, you must stop at a grocery store and buy a Kringle. They are amazing and pretty much a Wisconsin thing. My personal favorite is almond, but raspberry is pretty good too. As for Madison there are plenty of bakeries to choose from. If you want to have sandwiches in the car, I suggest buying a loaf of Angelic sprouted grain bread. Again made right here. Good luck on your move and I hope you live WI as much as I do. BTW I did live in Marysville for 6 years and loved it
Ashley says
OK, so I’ve lived in WI my whole life and don’t know anyone who has ever eaten a kringle, lol! I see them at the grocery store and know that we are famous for them, but I’ve never seen them outside the store.
Judy Anderson says
You are really missing something. They are divine. We like the them all!
Gigi says
Holy smokes! I love kringles! I’m planning my next trip to Racine just to try out a few of the different Kringle bakeries and have a taste-off!
suzanne says
I love your goals. Is there a back story to the year 1722? I just noticed it on both your rug and sampler. Can’t wait to see them finished.
Melanie says
Mavis,
You have inspired me to set goals and to work toward a much simpler life. Thanks for your honest assessment of your goals each week–I LOVE these posts! While I am motivated by your progress, I frankly need the encouragement from the weeks you DON’T always get something done. 🙂 I need to see evidence that just because I don’t make great strides one week, I don’t need to abandon the whole project. Ha!
I also loved your comments about the Nil Organic Tea company. It’s so heartwarming to see small business owners thrive AND to actually see who you’re doing business with!
Thanks for being you and for all that you do!
Mary G says
I love the chicken rug you are making. Your daughter is still in college, right? Will she keep attending a school in Washington state, or is she skipping the current term and moving out East with you and your husband? I wondered because I know my son is not far into his second term for the year. I envy that you have the time to drive out for your move. When we moved to New England from the Bay Area nearly 18 years ago, we had most of our things trucked out, including our car. The road trip sounds pretty cool.
Mavis Butterfield says
My daughter is finishing up her senior year of college then plans to take a gap year and then go to grad school on the East coast. 🙂
Sara Talbot says
A gap year is such a great idea!!! I hope to see you both doing a lot of traveling during that time!
Tanya says
When in Wisconsin, the norske nook is a great stop for pie, in Madison I recommend Madison sourdough. As well as great bread, the selection of French pastry is wonderful.
E in Upstate NY says
Re your Minneapolis recommendation request, you HAVE to stop at Kramarczuk East European Deli on 215 East Hennepin Ave.
It’s a family run place that includes all in one a bakery [I’m a sucker for poppy seed filling and the choices for that are FABULOUS], a butcher shop [simply fabulous sausage], and an incredible deli. It’s a blend of Czech and Polish food, so the cabbage rolls are fabulous and the pastries are solid middle European. You can eat in or carry out. I’ve done both and haven’t regretted it.
When I’m visiting family, it always includes at least one if not more stops there.
Here’s their website: https://kramarczuks.com/
Emily B. says
I’m 5 minutes from there now. They have fantastic products.
Patty says
I live in the Twin Cities and this is a great place to visit. Stop in with clear nostrils for a-m-a-z-I-n-g smells as you walk through the door!
Chris says
Did you happen to watch CBS Sunday Morning, today? The story about Welsh “lovespoons” made me think of you. Combining your love of travel and new spoon collecting hobby – this might be right up your alley.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tokens-of-love-the-welsh-tradition-of-lovespoons/
Anna says
Amazing craftsmanship and tradition -love it! 🙂
Ashley says
I live in Eau Claire! Unfortunately I can’t really give a good bakery recommendation (i just don’t buy a lot of baked goods)…. I know Sue’s Bake shop has been around for a long time, probably the most popular place around (not crowded/busy though). I can recommend restaurants, ice cream, activities in the area if you need! Please stop and enjoy the town, Eau Claire has become very focused on small businesses and keeping things local, I think you’d really enjoy our downtown.
Sue says
Trader Joe’s carry Kringle’s, available for a short time through out the year. Pumpkin around Thanksgiving and other flavors according the season. Almond is really good.
When available I buy several and freeze, always a hit.
Debbi Atkinson says
Knoephla? You probably know about it as you travel quite a bit, but my hubby and I had never heard of it.
We made a similar trek across the US that you are making only in the opposite direction: from Connecticut to Seattle; once we hit North Dakota we kept seeing signs at mom and pop diners and restaurants that just said “knoephla today” or sometimes “out of knoephla” after seeing more than five signs I had to get out of the car and find out what it was -despite the fact that it about -5 with windchill. It was a yummy cream of potato soup with little dumplings (there are several different ways it is spelled and prepared, it is mostly pronounced nip-fla) ; I definitely recommend it but I’m afraid I couldn’t tell you the name of the place we stopped. It was in or near Fargo. I guess it’s a North Dakota thing. 🙂
Nora says
This is a German thing, western Germany to be precise. Those “little duplings” are Knöpfle – handmade tiny bits of dough, cooked in boiling water. The Name stems from Knopf (German)- button in English. They have to be made fresh – nice you enjoyed them. Probably in North Dakota as German is the second most spoken language there thanks to als the immigrants from Germany.
Lisa says
Hi Mavis,
Here are a few bakeries in Minneapolis, Wuollett is awesome,classic bakery, also Rustica, can’t go wrong with either.
There are lots of others if you have time!
Nanci Fitschen says
In Clearwater MN there is a truckstop and bakery that is very good. It’s a little south of St. Cloud. The Norske Nook in Osseo Wi has pie to die for. It’s just off I 94 a little southeast of Eau Claire. The almond kringles made in WI are very good too. Aldi’s sells them also besides Trader Joe’s. I don’t think any of these places would disappoint. If you happen to get to Red Wing Mn we have the best donuts in MN. Seriously it was voted the best.
Betsy in MN says
I was just going to post about the truck stop in Clearwater, MN. It’s called Nelson Bros.
I live close to St. Cloud and would love to have a cup of coffee with you!
Sandy says
OK. Lancaster, Pennsylvania is Quilting Ground Zero. Are you taking a quilting class? If so I will be SO EXCITED! Not to jump the gun or anything but should I be listing quilt and fabric stores along your trip to the East Coast? 🙂
Linda says
Lol! I was guessing basket weaving, but I think you’re right!
Angela says
Come to Groundswell in Saint Paul! It’s a local co-op coffee shop with the best baked goods. Not far from the interstate at all.
Kathie S. says
I don’t know why but I can totally see you having bee hives at the new house. 🙂
Marti says
Right off Interstate 90 in West Salem. Wisconsin is an award winning bakery called Linda’s Salem Bakery. Excellent everything!!
Torry says
I read all of the other comments and no one has answered your question about setting goals! So I will be the first! I decided that, while I love sewing, I don’t do it enough and I hate sewing “under the gun” so to speak. The pressure of needing to get stuff done for the holidays almost ruins the pleasure of sewing. So, my goal was to sew every week (I actually try to sew or do some sewing thing each day.)
To help me meet this goal, I took one of the free calendars that come in the mail and I wrote on each month a few things that I wanted to do in that month. January is always finishing the PJ pants that I make for everyone for Christmas. They try them on, and pin the elastic to where it is comfortable, and we decide on the hem length. Then I try to get them done quickly. Well, this year, I will be cutting them out in June and sewing them over the summer. It says so on the calendar!
It is funny, but putting the things to do up at the top and then, at the bottom, reporting what actually got done is very motivating. I had making the Christmas ornaments written done for a month later in the year, but I already have them cut out. I plan to sew them as I have the color on the sewing machine and wait to stuff them nearer Christmas, so they don’t take up to much space. I got a deal on the fiberfill, so it is already purchased!
I think I’m doing really well at meeting my goal of sewing each week and I’m thrilled to be getting things accomplished! (Today I made 16 bibs.)
Linda says
In Madison,Wi the very best scones we have ever had are at Lazy Janes Cafe on Williamson St. All types of berry ones, but our fav is the lemon creme. For pie ,try Hubbard Street Grilll In Middleton (right next to Madison). It’s a really good diner type restaurant with wonderful pies and carrot cake. Can get all 3 meals there and take pie by the slice to go for the road. Like gooey pecan breakfast rolls? (they call them Morning Buns) Try Willy Street Coop on University (near Hubbard St Grill) You can also get food for the road there from their deli, or cheeses, sandwiches etc and still be close to the freeway. Enjoy!
Emily B. says
What a fun adventure! Safe travels. If you are on a leisurely road trip, dipping down to Mpls will land you with a TON of wonderful bakeries. Patisserie 46 is stupidly delicious, as is Turtle Bread, the Buttered Tin, etc.
If you are keeping to a specific route, and St. Cloud is more your jam, give this place a try. Nothing better than a place that has been family run for 71 years! http://www.coldspringbakery.com
Liz in MN says
In between St. Cloud and Minneapolis is a great little European style bakery. The Swedish Crown bakery in Anoka is small, locally run and has European style baked goods. So yummy. I agree with an earlier post that Kramarczuks is very good, but it is not a small enterprise, and their baked goods aren’t made with natural organic ingredients. Great rye bread for sure!! woullets is good but very commercial. Think expensive wedding cakes.
There is also a tea house in Anoka called The Mad Hatter. Very fun.
Diamond City bakery in Elk River has amazing artisan sourdough and French croissants.
The Wedge Co-op bake house in Minneapolis is pretty awesome in all things. They are the bakery in the BEST food coop n the Twin Cities!
Patty says
In Anoka, Minnesota (just north of the Twin Cities and south of St. Cloud there is a fabulous old fashioned bakery called “Hans Bakery”. The owner has a great life story about how she came to own Hans Bakery after it had been closed for many years. She renovated the bakery and restored the old traditional recipes that had once made it a destination bakery. It now is again and worth the trip to enjoy (think about almond and cream filled beehives, yummo)!
Gigi says
Norske Nook is good in Wisconsin. There are quite a few around. If you don’t mind a little detour, Main Street Cafe in Bloomer ( just north of EC) is so much better. The pies are amazing, food is cheap and there’s the excellent Bloomer Bakery across the street.
As you head toward Chicago (or around it) it might be worthwhile to stop in Racine (SW WI). There are at least 3 Danish Kringle bakeries to compare. Dozens of flavors. (This is in my summer to do list).
Julie Goltermann says
In Wisconsin, I would recommend Clasen’s German Bakery, just outside of Madison. 7610 Donna Drive, Middleton WI 53562, 608-831-2032!