“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” – Melody Beattie
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If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be where I am today:
- Blogging online for 10 years! {Today marks 10 years, HOLY COW MAN!}
- Living in New England, in my dream home.
- Married, for 24 years {this summer will be 25!}
- Doing something I LOVE {rug hooking, pottery, gardening} and making a side income from it.
- Content.
If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be where I am today, I would have BELIEVED YOU. I wouldn’t have known exactly how I would have gotten there, but I would have believed that it was possible. If there was something out there I really wanted, I would have gone for it. I would have made a plan and worked everyday to reach it.
Never EVER be afraid to set goals. It’s how you get from point A to point B. Dream Big. Hold yourself accountable. Make it happen. DO NOT GIVE UP. Do you hear me?
DO. NOT. GIVE. UP.
“Mavis, I would love to see a post on the nuts and bolts of how you set goals (sorry if you’ve already done this and I missed it). I set goals every year, but every year I struggle with sticking to my list. I wonder if I’m including too many things I feel like I should be doing rather than things I want to do.
I realize that publicly stating your goals goes a long way to holding you accountable, but you do seem super successful in actually meeting those goals, so I’m curious about your process — how do you balance what makes your final list? Thanks for any input!” ~OregonGuest
I wrote a blog post about How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions a few years ago {you can find it HERE} but honestly, I just GO FOR IT. I dream big, I plan big, and I make it happen. Maybe that sounds over confident. Maybe it’s just my personality type. Maybe it’s not really about the goal I set for myself as much as it is being able to tick the box when I accomplish the thing I set out to do. I wish it was something more profound than that. But it isn’t.
My 22 Goals for 2019
My 22 Goals for 2019
Goal #1 — Spend More Time Doing What I Love
No more daily deal posts. Well, except a few on Saturdays in the weekly highlights post. But if an extraordinary deal like 16 ounces of vanilla extract for $14 comes along again, I’ll be sure and tell you about it. No longer typing up daily deals will mean I can turn my full attention to cleaning up some things on the back end of the blog that need my attention before gardening season hits.
It’s not like I want to make any sweeping changes with the blog, it’s just…. I don’t know, it’s time to live more in the moment. Life, it’s so short, and at the end of the week, I don’t want to look back and know that I spent 10 hours of it posting online deals. I want to spend my early morning hours a little more leisurely, feeding the chickens, playing with Lucy or working on art projects.
Goal #2 — Garden, Garden, Garden
If last summer here in New England taught me anything, it was that I really needed to be outside working in the garden at the crack of dawn before the heat and humidity {and BLACK FLIES} hit rather than inside posting deals during the early morning hours.
Although I spent a lot of time in my garden last year, most of it was spent fighting off ticks and mosquitoes, digging new garden beds, and playing catch up. I feel like I didn’t get to actually do much of the fun stuff. This year, I want to do the fun stuff. Like….
Goal #3 — Plant an Orchard
Apples, Pears and Plums. I have no idea where we are going to put the trees yet, but I’d like at least 6 healthy and well placed fruit trees in the ground by the end of spring.
Goal #4 — Gussy Up the Potting Shed
This is a picture of me standing in our potting shed last March right after we moved in. And this is exactly what it still looks like today. I’m not sure why I never got around to getting the shed organized {or a potting bench or a fresh layer of pea gravel in there for that matter} but I’d like to have this space in tip top shape before the beginning of the OUTDOOR gardening season. Which I think will be around the middle of April or so.
Goal #5 — Grow Enough Extra Vegetables, Eggs and Flowers to Earn $1500 at my little roadside vegetable stand.
Why $1,500? I figure $1,500 will be enough to cover all my garden supplies/improvements/trees and fund our date night budget for the entire year. You can’t win if you don’t play, right? So I might as well aim high. 🙂
Goal #6 — Finish Every Single Unfinished Rug Hooking Project in My Pattern Bin
Seriously. This is the year I finish all the rug hooking projects I started but set aside for whatever reason {a few in the bin are like 10 years old!}. That would mean I need to hook not only 73 rugs {with I think at least HALF of them being on the larger size} but the 183 hooked flowers I already have drawn out as well.
Plus, last year I bought a couple of pattern books and magazines with the intention of making the stuff I saw on the pages that made me want to buy the book in the first place! I think there are about 10 projects within those pages I’d like to get done this year as well.
Goal #7 — Create 12 New Rug Hooking Patterns {with at least half of them being large ones}
Pretty self explanatory. Most likely won’t happen until I get goal #6 done though.
Goal #8 — Split and Stack 2 Cords of Wood for Next Winter
We already have 3 cords of oak working it’s magic for next year. Let’s see if we can harvest 2 more cords from our backyard and get them split and stacked before the end of Spring.
Goal #9 — Do Something with the 5,002 Photos on My Phone
C’mon now, do I really need the 5,002 photos sitting on my phone? Do I want them floating through the universe in some sort of cloud? No, no I don’t. So the plan is pretty simple… Do something with every single photo that is sitting on my phone from before January 1st, 2019. Delete, print, share or whatever…. I just don’t need that kind of baggage anymore.
Goal #10 –Lose the Muffin Top
{Third times a charm?} I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older, slowing down or just ate one thousand too many extra portions this past year but pretty much the only pants that fit me are the two pairs of ridiculously faded and stained boot cut jeans I can’t bear to part with {which happen to be the PERFECT CUT for my body too. I just wish boot cut jeans were still in style!}.
If I could just fit in to my OLD PANTS…. I wouldn’t have to buy any new clothes. AND… AND I’d feel just a teeny tiny better about myself. You know, kind of like I’ve gotten my self control back or something. I want to fit into the same size pants {and be able to button them up!} that I wore when I started this blog. Is that too much to ask?
Goal #11 — Run, Walk or Crawl a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon
Let’s face it, the holidays and winter lead to overeating {and it was totally worth the four bags of mint truffles I ate!} but like most people, I need some motivation to keep moving until it’s time to get outside and garden 24/7 so even though I’m totally not a runner {I used to be more of the fast walker, jog for 60 seconds and then fast walk again type} I have decided to walk/run/crawl a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon this year.
Ideally, it would be nice to spread those races out over the next 365 days, but I have a feeling I might have them all knocked out by June just to get them over with {seriously, who wants to do a marathon in the middle of summer around here!?}. I like the idea of running, but the reality is, I’d rather work out in the garden for 12 hours then run for 12 minutes. But that muffin top…. If I don’t move, it’s not going to either.
Goal #12 — Read or Listen to 26 New Books
Pretty self explanatory.
Goal #13 — Try 52 New Recipes.
Once a week, that shouldn’t be too hard, right? Side note: When I say TRY 52 New Recipes… that totally doesn’t mean I’ll be making all 52 new recipes…. C’mon people, that’s what husbands who work from home are for!! Bahahaha. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Also, I’d like {my husband} to learn how to make a few of my favorite French pastries. Lemon tart, lime curd tart, plum tarts whatever I can find in the Thomas Keller Bouchon Bakery book he gave me for Christmas. After seeing me oogle over it at the 1690 House Bakeshop a few weeks ago, he thought it would make a wonderful gift. In hindsight I think he would have hit the delete button on his amazon cart if he had known he’d be the one doing all the baking.
Well intended gifts. They have a way of coming back to bite you. 😉
Goal #14 — Clean Up 52 Old Recipes.
Go though 52 of my favorite recipes on the blog and clean up the text and take new photos. Would you believe some of my favorite recipes on the blog don’t even have pictures, or some were written in the infancy of this blog and the pictures are super small or like, really, really bad? Gag me with a spoon!
Goal #15 — Fill 100 Canning Jars
Will I have something other than jam recipes this year? Only time will tell. 😉
Goal #16 — Finish Furnishing Our House
Things I’d like to acquire:
- Coffee table for the family room
- Console, cupboard or sideboard for the one and only tv in our house which is in the family room. I could totally live without a television, but my husband says the tv stays.
- Long rectangular table for the craft room.
- Table for the formal dining room that nobody will ever sit in.
- A wing back chair for the family room.
- I’d also like to decorate the mantel in the keeping room as well as put up some sort of decoration above the other 3 fireplaces in the house. I’m not one for a lot of things on the walls, but it would be nice to throw up a little pilgrim bling on the plaster.
Goal #17 – 52 Dates with the HH
If we can swing it, I’d really like to take advantage of the Bank of America “Museums on Us” program this year and visit at least 12 museums {for free!}. My goal is to keep track of all the places we go, how much we spent and any other interesting tidbits and share them all with you at the end of the year.
For most of our marriage, the only time we’d ever go and do anything {just the two of us} was a few days each summer when the HH had to go to a destination meeting for work {that spouses were encouraged to join them on}. It was a free vacation, so that part was nice, but we were surround by people from his work. So even though we’ve been married for over 20 years, it’s only been the past few months that we’ve really been able to do a bunch of things together. And I want to keep that momentum going.
Goal #18 — Take One Adult Education Class
Wheel throwing, painting, basketry, broom making? Who knows…. I’ll know it when I find it.
Goal #19 — Secret {for now} Holiday Project
It’s totally different from last years project and my goal is to make exactly 100 of them by September 1st.
Goal #20 — Create 12 Wowie Zowie Party Platters
Up my pickety bits game. Salami, cheese, and a few slices of fruit are fine and dandy, but all you have to do is look to social media {or even my friend JJ’s Christmas Eve feast!} to know tossing a few Good and Plenty candies in a cup and calling it dinner is lacking some serious pizzazz in the pickety bits arena.
Goal #21 — Visit 12 General Stores
I am IN LOVE with the general stores here in New England and I MUST FIND MORE!
Goal #22 — Compete with Carole….. Get on My Front Door Game On
My neighbor Carole, I don’t know how old she is {maybe 70?} but that woman not only has a flair for decorating, but she has a wreath or door decoration for EVERY week of the year. It’s pure bananas I tell you and I find myself looking out the dining room window and across the street practically every day to see what new thing she has put out.
Living across from Carole is like living in an I SPY book but without the clues of what to look for at the bottom of the page!!!
So basically, I want to get my front door game on and create 12 door decorations, one for each month of the year. Decorating your front door is totally a thing here, and I need to step it up a notch so we’re not the slacker house on the street.
So there you have it. Those are my crazy daisy goals for 2019.
And so now it’s YOUR TURN!!!
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“I think it would be neat to have your readers join you and post/update their goals each week in the comments. I have made my goal list for next year for the first time and am looking forward to accomplishing it since there will be a lot of changes as we move again in February to the country.” ~ Christa
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How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2019? If so, we’d LOVE to not only hear about the goals you’ve set for this year, but for you to check in and let us know how you are doing on them throughout the year. Because seriously, it’s so much easier to get those goals checked off your list when you have people rooting for you.
H A P P Y N E W Y E A R ! ! ! ! !
♥ Mavis
P.S. I just wanted to add that I think you’re pretty awesome for showing up here everyday {or every other day, or once a week or how ever often you pop by}. If it wasn’t for you and your support, and the community we’ve built together, I probably wouldn’t still be here yakking away. So THANK YOU. Thank you for another wonderful year. I hope this crazy little blog brings you joy.
Peace Out Girl Scout.
Ani says
At age 60, I bought a motorcycle, So, I’m going to put on my big gurl helmet and learn to ride.
I’m taking a jewelry making class at the Art College, where I am the Health Center nurse. I’ll learn to cut metal, set cabachons, make chain.
In May, I’m going on a 10 day Mediterranean cruise, stopping in Rome, Italy, Croatia, and the Greek isles.
It’s going to be a fun year!
Melanie Considine says
I like your ideas! This inspires me to get creative.
Rebecca in MD says
Ani, I love your goals. I am 61, so I am particularly impressed with your goal to learn to ride a motorcycle. I hope you will give us updates and let us know how you enjoy your Mediterranean cruise!
Wendy Clark says
I LOVE following your goals each week!
Judy T says
I’m starting my New Year by walking the Best Friends 10k relay in Allentown, PA today. First time ever doing something like this!
Christym says
I like that you include so many fun Goals. That’s what I’ve been missing. When you make fun goals, it’s easier to get the harder goals done.
Mrs. C. says
I am still refining my goal list, but yours told me that I need to add a lot more fun items. Hmmmmm……
Coleen says
Happy New Year, Mavis! I’m not a goal setter, but I do love following your goals and the progress you make.
Kara says
This might be my favorite of your goals list yet! Looking forward to future posts already.
My husband and I moved from western NY to South Carolina in March. One of my goals is to get back there at least two times a year, get comfortable with flying again and stop making excuses about not doing it! Goal 2- figure out this new growing zone and weird southern soil!
Thanks for inspiring me Mavis!
Marcia says
That is an insanely long list.
I’m not sure if I set goals last year. Aside from a grocery budget. I ran a lot last year though and did really well (for me) until I tripped and fell. Just started up again.
I agree with you on the boot cut jeans. They are the best.
This year I think my goals will be small. A couple of running goals. More weight lifting. Same grocery budget.
Karen says
Yes, looks like a very long list of Goals that will require some bookkeeping, but Good Luck and Happy New Year!
Bobbie says
My goal this year is to love myself! That means doing things that are kind to my mind and body- exercising, treating myself to things I enjoy more,
eating things that make my body feels it’s best, etc. My other goal is to learn how to make my own soap!
Julia Park Tracey says
I have a couple of “make soap” books/stuff if you would like it. Email me? julia.editrix@gmail.com. I’d be happy to pass it on.
Marsha says
I’m so glad you’re still blogging! It’s been so much fun following your journey (since 2011)! This year, I’m finishing one art project per month. I have a problem with starting things, but not following through. I’m also going to have 3 months of food storage by the end of the year. My third goal is to grow/raise 75% of our food by the end of the year.
Carrie says
1. Build a bigger chicken coop with a storage hatch.
2. Write a budget every month and check in with it often to stay on track (I’m using Everydollar).
3. Travel to a new place.
4. Limit personal spending to $500/year. This includes clothes, shoes, haircuts, cosmetics, gadgets. In 2018 I thought I could get away with $300/year on these items but I ended up needing to replace some work clothes and shoes and I broke my cell phone and needed to replace it. I spent almost $700. I’m confident that I won’t need to replace as many items this year.
5. Not sure how I want to quantify this goal but I need to eat more veggies.
Danielle says
For #5, maybe “5 servings a day” or something like that. Or 30 servings a week.
Rebecca in MD says
I really like your personal spending goal. Last year I started a spreadsheet where I tracked non-grocery expenditures each month to get a better idea of where I was spending money. I would also like to reduce my personal expenditures.
Carrie says
Hey Rebecca! I read The Year of Less by Cait Flanders and was inspired to cut back on all those personal expenses. I had a few slip-ups; I noticed when I was bored I would shop. I’m still trying to find a hobby to replace that but going for a walk when wanting to shop helped. I also did a major purge and donated 6 bags of clothes that I wasn’t wearing and items that didn’t bring me joy (I also read Marie Kondo’s The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy for inspiration). I am really trying to minimize the stuff in my home/life and pay off my mortgage early.
Kathy says
I’m still defining my goals today. But I do know that this year I am going to make 62 look fabulous. First, on my 62nd birhday, on January 19, I am getting a small tattoo on my ankle. First tattoo ever.
Mel says
Looking forward to following another year! I’m especially interested in the front door decorations as I think some of ours could use an update.
I had a rough fall health-wise where I’m not sure what I’ll be able to accomplish goal-wise in a year, so I’m starting small for now and maybe adding more or adjusting later. I’ve been able to sew pretty reliably, so I’m starting with sewing goals. So, my goals are to:
1. Sew a Christmas tree skirt.
2. Finish one quilt and make one other one.
3. Sew myself some insulated and waterproof snowpants. I’ve never had great luck finding snowpants that fit me right, and I had to return the last two pairs I bought. It dawned on me yesterday I could probably just sew the darn things, so I’m going to try when the fabric I want is back in stock.
4. Add some more goals or adjust these when I know better what I’m up to. I hope it’s the former and not the latter. 😉
Cecile says
HAPPY NEW YEAR Mavis, HH, The Girl & Monkey Boy out west!
I eagerly awaited this post and couldn’t enjoy my morning coffee without it!
A couple ideas and a thought I’d like to share. You mention that you want to get a table for your formal dinning room “that no one will sit at” why? Why not make the room into something you will actually use? If something doesn’t have a purpose why keep it? Make it into a library room or an office or something, but if you aren’t using it for a dinning room why waste the money on a table you don’t need?
You say you want to take a class, well by the sound of it you have an instructor right across the street and I bet Carol would absolutely LOVE to show you how she does her door decorations! I also bet she would love the company!
Lastly, I don’t remember seeing on the blog a tour of the new house! We’ve seen your out buildings, we’ve seen your work room, your sitting room and I think that’s about it! Could we have a tour after you’ve made it a year in the new house ‘to see what you’ve done with the place’?
I am sure 2019 is going to be an exciting year for you and your adventures!
Danielle says
Before and after photos would be a fun way to start 2020! 😉
Rynda Gregory says
I agree, and wanted to request the same, but was afraid it might be an invasion of privacy??? In any case, I would like to see a tour of the property! It looks like just enough space to breath, yet you’re still in an actual neighborhood. 🙂
Jennifer Meyer says
I LOVE this idea! So many old people are lonely especially if family is far away. Having neighbors become a family of sorts is so special to them.
Cathy lynch says
Love your blog, enjoy getting up eating breakfast and seeing what your up too.
News flash on getting older , carbohydrates are not our friend. I thought you had an increadable metabolism and could eat anything and never gain weight. You look great , and have lost the muffin in the past it will fall off again.
Look up older style Plum trees , they had some that were just for jams. Raintree nursery sells them. The color of the jam is like a Dickens novel. And crabapples add flavor to jelly and cider. The flowers on the French crabapple is worth the price and Bees love it. Happy new year. All the best.
Taryn says
I love your blog and your goals! Last year my only goal was to make a new recipe every week. I made 71 new recipes, very fun! This year I want to:
1. Finally pay off my student loans.
2. Toss it Tuesdays—10 items every Tuesday donated, recycled, or tossed.
3. Try a new canning recipe each season.
4. Pick a new ingredient each month and cook with it.
5. Come up with a signature dessert.
Happy New Year!
Danielle says
Last night my sister in law made us something called Brown Sugar Cake with a warm glaze drizzled on….. omg. If that was her signature dessert … wow!
Taryn says
That sounds delicious!
Pj says
Love the Toss it Tuesday idea! I me cluttering this year, too!
Katie says
I like your Toss it Tuesday idea! I may add that to my list.
Elaine McCarty says
I’m another fan of your Toss it Tuesday goal! OK, you may notice I’m replying in JUNE, but hey, better late than never, right?
Taryn says
It feels so good to declutter any time of the year!
Kimberly B Weatherington says
Congratulations on your completing your 1st decade on the blog!! Your blog is my #1 blog. I appreciate your influence.
May 2019 be outstanding Mavis!!!
Now, to work out a few goals so I can participate in this thread…
Amanda says
I have a few different goals, but my top two are:
1. Pass on life skills to my kids; how to cook, how to see on a button, how to grocery shop, etc
2. Love myself. No more talking or thinking bad about myself!
Hawaii Planner says
I have a huge list of goals for 2019, but a few to list here.
1) Make $3k in sidehustle
2) Keep my clothing shopping to $250
3) Get rid of all photo/digital clutter & make photo books (similar to your photo goals)
4) 365 workouts
5) Run another half marathon, and improve my time
6) Make a Christmas craft/learn a new skill
7) Write/journal
Julia Park Tracey says
I love your #1 goal — I should add a specific money goal for my side gigs. I’d also like to start selling on eBay/Craigslist — I’m good at finding vintage stuff and I’d like to make some money at it.
What’s your side gig? I freelance write, write books and poetry (successfully), and we run a rental cabin (AirBnB). We had a good year our first year on AIrBnB. Hoping to surpass it this year.
Jennifer says
Do you sell your completed rug hooking projects? I saw a chicken one in there…..
Veronica Vatter says
I literally signed up for the emails for the daily deals! I’m bummed. I mean you do you, but I’m not going to be reading the emails as much.
Mavis Butterfield says
I will still be posting some deals every Saturday in my weekly highlights post. Hopefully you’ll see something there. 🙂
Alice says
I don’t think I ever used (bought) any of the daily deals UNTIL the vanilla one appeared. I live on the west coast and was so afraid it would be too late for me. Holy cow (to use one of your expressions) I was on that in an instant. I only ordered two ( wanted more) and was in such a rush I even forgot to use my newly gifted Amazon card! Thank you so much!
OregonGuest says
Thanks, Mavis! We’re all given the same 24 hours each day, and though I work full-time, I need to be honest with myself and recognize I’m not spending my non-work hours particularly well (ha, reminds me of my 4th grade report card that included a “Conduct” grade where the teacher wrote that I didn’t “spend time profitably”). Thanks for the push! (and I’m in LOVE with your orchard idea!!)
Indio says
Happy New year!!
Wow… I think this is your longest list since I’ve been following you.
I’ve got 16 fruit trees and they mostly feed the squirrels, who get to the fruit before I do. If you want large selection of trees with established root balls, check out Home Depot in very early Spring. I’ve bought some online but they haven’t done as well as the HD trees. Also, I didn’t want them to take a decade to mature so buying 3-4 year old trees worked out for me. I learned to graft branches on to the different trees so I made my own fruit cocktail trees.
Regarding muffin tops, have you looked into coolsculpting? I did it on love handles because I hate workouts in heat and humidity. It was definitely worth the money.
Now I should start thinking about my goals for the year. Good luck with yours.
Julia Park-Tracey says
Was it expensive, and was it painful (cool sculpting)? I’m intrigued.
Tracy Tidwell says
Great set of goals. Thanks for not posting deals. Excess spending just might be solved by this!
Anita says
I agree Tracy! It doesn’t bother me at all if she doesn’t post them.
Tracy W says
Happy New Year!
I completely understand you leaving behind your daily deals and doing something more constructive with your time now that you’re in a different stage of your life, but for my own selfish reasons they will be missed. Can you give me some direction on how you found such a diverse list everyday? I’ll gladly put in my own work each morning and no I’m not a blogger, just learning how to dig on my own.
I look forward to your goals each year, it’s one of my favorites!
Sandy says
I’m fairly sure that Amazon will send you the daily deals. I get an email with the deals of the day…you just have to go on Amazon and search for the email sign up.
Carrie says
Go to Amazon.com at the top under the search bar click on “Today’s Deals”.
Pam Favorite says
Boot cut jeans are out of style? Oh no, guess I’m just an out of style kind of gal. 🙂
Since you ran a quote of Barbara Kingsolver and you love cheese I would have thought that one of your goals would have been to make some of your own cheese. I may just try that this year!
Happy New Year to all.
Mavis Butterfield says
Mrs. HB and I have made mozzarella together and it was super fun!
Brianna says
I am with you on the photo goal! Our movers broke all of our photo albums by packing my husbands reloading supplies in the same box with no packing paper. Every binding was ripped apart. I pulled all of the photos last year and the them in a bin, now I have to sort them and while I am at it I might as well tackle the years of digital pictures we have. One of my kids needed a photo for school of him at a certain age….and I couldn’t find one! It’s a big project, but a good winter one and I hope to finally put it at rest by the end of the year!
I look forward to reading all of your goal updates throughout the year. You are admirably ambitious.
Nancy D says
Happy New Year! Thank you for your pep talk Mavis! I write quotes and challenges on my bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker. Today I will write- “Do. Not. Give. Up.” (I love the inspirational quotes you post! They are my morning fuel!) Last year I did ALOT of decluttering. (i watched many different styles on YouTube videos and chose the method that worked best for me. The Konmari method is my favorite.) Understanding the difference between decluttering versus organizing and implementing it into my life has been so fulfilling! My husband and I go to coffee at the beginning of the year and write our goals for the year. I will use many of your suggestions to make our list!
Naomi says
I love reading your goals and the updates! Hope you don’t mind, but I’ve borrowed the idea for my blog. All credit was given, and if you get a minute, maybe take a look? Have a great day!
Lana P says
Naomi,
What’s your blog?
I’m not Mavis but I’d love to read it.
Lana
Chris M says
I smiled when I saw your goal to finish your hooking WIPs. On my list for 2019 is to finish my knitting/crocheting WIPs. I’ve been reorganizing and decluttering my space. Every time I find one, I put it in a tub so they’re all together. I also have a goal to create some photo books and read! I think you’re wise to refocus your blog and I enjoy the posts much more than the daily deals … please spend your time doing what you need to do! Happy New Year.
Linda Anderson says
This is a very well-written post. I’ve been following you for years, and I daresay, this is your best post to date! You are very inspiring, and I truly admire you in that you actually follow your dreams. Great example for the rest of us Thanks for all you do-
Rynda Gregory says
Mavis,
I also enjoy reading your goals for each year. Great motivation!
My goals for 2019 are:
1) Walk or hike 20+ miles/week. That is beyond my regular walking around work, the house or garden.
2) Travel out of the US with family. With an 18 and 15 year old, we’d like to be with the kids as they experience this for the first time. It’s actually a first for all of us.
3) Go camping! Simple I know, but we haven’t gone real camping in 2 years. I miss it.
4) Move vegetable garden to front yard. Neighbor’s trees in back are so tall now, there are only 4 -5 hours/day of direct sunlight on the garden.
5) Build fence around front garden to keep deer out.
6) Declutter Kitchen. Wow – so much stuff gets shoved in the back of cabinets. It’s crazy!
7) Declutter pine room (family room). We have kids games from when they were 5 – 7. It’s time for them to go!
8) Start vegetables from seed – I’ve tried this with mediocre effort the last few years. This needs real attention this year.
9) Plant fruit trees and berry bushes in permanent location – they’ve been in pots for about 2 years now.
10) Fit into pants I wore when I trained and ran a marathon in 2010. They are about 2 sizes too small for me. Yikes!
That’s what I have for now. Since I now work part time, I hope these goals help me focus more on family, and taking a page from your book Mavis- slow down a bit to enjoy it all!
Peace –
Rebecca in MD says
Really like your goals, Rynda. Regarding starting vegetables from seed, I highly recommend using grow lights like these: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Light-System-Stand-Fixture/dp/B0001XLSGQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1546370122&sr=8-3&keywords=grow+light+hydrofarm
And I have had excellent success using these grow plugs: https://parkseed.com/park-bio-dome-seed-starter/c/bio-dome/
Both have proved very reliable and easy for me. Here in Maryland I start my vegetable plants at the end of March and my plants are nice and big for planting in May around Mother’s Day. I usually move the plants to bigger pots (cow pots are wonderful) as they get big. The seed plugs can be planted directly in the cow pots, and the cow pots can be planted directly in the garden. https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0024E0TBA/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all&qid=1546370368&sr=8-3
I’m not affiliated with any of these sources, just trying to help out a fellow gardener!
Rynda Gregory says
Rebecca –
These are great resources. I think I may get the lights. My old set up needs an update. I’ll keep you posted! Thanks again.
Rebecca in MD says
Happy New Year Mavis and fellow blog readers. Your 2019 goals are awesome.
I love the idea of sharing goals and progress through your blog. Invitation accepted! Here are my goals, which are much more modest than yours, but I think a good start for me.
1. Learn to sew
2. Finish two work in process craft projects – pom-pom wreath and cross-stitch pillow cases (these have been sitting around for more than a year!)
3. Make at least 3 homemade Christmas gifts (pillow cases will be one of those)
4. Lose 40 pounds by eating healthier and exercising more
5. Travel to Ireland (trip already booked)
6. Spend a week at the beach with Grandsons (Air BNB already booked)
7. Garden, garden, garden, and in general spend more time outside
I’m looking forward to sharing my progress with everyone.
Mavis, is there a way you could allow your readers to share photographs as attachments when posting replies on your blog? It would be so nice to see pictures of completed projects, for instance.
Mel says
I’m also in MD, and learning to sew was one of my goals in 2017. I recommend it! I hope you like it as much as I do.
PattiCinCO says
Love your blog and it’s one of the first I read as soon as an get to work. Our goals are all about saving money to spend on House wants/needs..and to pay off my 401K loan we took out for the down payment.
Christa Hayden says
Love your list! I am so excited to join in this year and follow what everyone else is doing. This is going to be an amazing year.
My 2019 Goals:
1. Establish our farm- I am a Family and Consumer Science teacher (Home Ec) and teach at a Title 1 school. I would like to help feed my students and their families with extra produce I plan to grow. It took me over 2 years to find property we could afford in the right area. We bought 10 acres in 2016, sold our house in 2017, moved to an apartment, and have been building a modern handicap friendly ranch farmhouse for the past year. This is our last house as we plan to retire here in the future. We finally get to move in February. We need to figure out what to do to establish it as a real farm. My dream has come true!
2. Decide upon side hustles for farm money- I have a lot planned for the farm and need some extra dough.
3. Build a chicken coop- I have never had chickens before and I am excited to raise them as pets for eggs.
4. Establish my bee/butterfly garden- there is a garden along the long driveway where I currently have two bee hives. I would like to fence it in, expand the apiary, and begin planting perennial flowers and bushes.
5. Plan the fruit/vegetable/herb garden- behind the house is a large cleared area for this. It also needs to be fenced in.
6. Grow broomcorn and mammoth sunflowers
7. Create a bee lawn on the west side of the house
8. Start a fruit orchard
9. Create a sitting area near the beaver dam- We have a beaver dam along the West side of the property and I love to watch the sunset there and listen to the wildlife.
10. Begin a wish/prayer tree on the path to the beaver dam
11. Water bath can at least 10 items
12. Learn to use the pressure canner
13. Ferment at least 10 items
14. Try at least 10 new recipes
15. Find and make a good Vietnamese beef pho recipe
16. Get new pantry very organized
17. Organize art supplies/paint glass jar lids
18. Hang art on the walls
19. Inventory all my cookbooks so I know what I have
20. Make Christmas ornaments and garland
21. Make potpourri from foraged and garden items
22. Finish at least 2 embroidery projects
23. Make at least three paintings
24. Find furniture for the screened porch
25. Get my Instagram up and running again
Mavis Butterfield says
I want to try broom corn this year too! 🙂
Kari says
To help you reach goal #21:
The town I grew up in has a General Store that has been part of the community since the early 1800’s in one form or anther. http://www.harvardgeneralstore.com/history/ and http://www.harvardgeneralstore.com/
While in town, you can also explore Fruitlands Museum, see the Shaker Lollipop Burying Ground, or attend the annual flea market the first weekend of October.
https://www.harvard.ma.us/discover-harvard
Diane says
My parents have a pear, cherry and plum tree (1 each) in their backyard. They also had an apple, but it was severely damaged in a wind storm. Don’t think it is going to make it as a producing tree anymore…we’ll see.
I wanted to tell you, Mavis about Dad’s plum tree. The variety is called Brooks. It is an oblong blueish-purple plum with yellow flesh. It is a great producer and is oh so tasty. I have no idea where he got it.
Anyway, we eat a bunch every summer as well as can and freeze them. End up donating some and giving to the neighbors. Highly recommend. Makes a great cobbler too!
Happy New Year!
Melissa says
Also check out Tracy Benjamin at her blog http://www.shutterbean.com for epic cheese board ideas!
Lolly says
The last yr has been one of sorrow and pain….and it included me becoming rather hermit-ish through the first seven months of the yr. We started at a new church in Aug/Sept, and really jumped all in….and it’s been so much more busy than what we were used to!!! But while I am out and about most days of the week now….I still hide in my room alot. I struggle with getting out of my room in the mornings, and while I enjoy a 10-20 min nap in the afternoons….I end up staying in my room for about 3 hrs….reading and putzing online. I’d like to let go of “needing” to hide so much. I’d like to start doing things I enjoy again, like sewing (I made a list of things I WANT to work on!!! Plus, I’d love to start making for next Christmas NOW!). I’d like to get outdoors more. I’d like to walk for a bit 1-2 days a week, no kids. I want to finish the two crochet blankets I started the last 15 months….one was for our son that was born still….I haven’t been able to get back to it. I need to lose weight and strengthen my body….I have alot of hip pain that I think is from excess weight and from not enough activity, and also not enough core strength. Dh has a temporary job for a bit that makes considerably more than the job he will go back to, and I don’t want us to be lazy and spend that extra money….I want every extra cent to go into savings. I would love to work more with clay….I had a few short throwing lessons, and I want to take time to play and create!
Last yr my creativity was sucked out of me, but this year I want to plan time to make and create and to enjoy. I enjoy creating, and so I want to make a conscious choice to not be so blah….and choose to DO.
Sheila says
Lolly,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. My heart goes out to you. I hope this year will hold healing and and the ability to feel joy again.
Sheila
Lolly says
Thank you!
Brianna says
Lolly,
I am sorry about your loss, it is not one any mother should have to go through. Look around you perhaps for an infant/prenatal loss support group. You will find like minded individuals who understand your pain and dreams lost and it will help to just talk about it. You can also seek a therapist, but find one who specializes in grief and loss. It is okay to fire therapists until you find one that is a good match. I went through several before I got one who worked well with me. Start with small steps and make a little progress each day. Sometimes it is just getting out of your PJs that day, then by noon the next week, 11am the following week, etc. Little accomplishments each day add up. I know many friends and family have probably allowed you to isolate yourself, most likely because they don’t know how to relate or what to say. It is such a terrible thing associated with grief, but the human nature of others seems to be they pull away from you when you need their companionship most. It is lonely and unfair. Many don’t want to step on your toes or open wounds, but they don’t realize their honest intentions of letting you be isolated doesn’t help and just adds to the feeling of being alone in your grief.
Fresh air is always good, even if you are on autopilot, just breathe and move outside and take in the sights and sounds. Don’t hold it against yourself if you don’t finish the blanket. Realize it is ok to just let it go or save it as is, especially if it represents grief and sadness. Sometimes the brain chemistry gets altered during that blah time and it is ok to tell your Dr. and get a script to get the serotonin back at a normal level, many people do and there is no shame in that. You can find happiness and joy again, just keep moving forward with little steps and you will succeed.
Lolly says
Thanks. We are at the one yr mark right now….our wee one’s (still)birthday is this week. He wasn’t our first loss, and I learned that grief HAS to be walked THROUGH, and cannot be pushed aside or walked around or ignored. It’s been tough, but we have walked through the pain and I feel like I can breathe again. I’m finally on the up side. I still struggle with wanting to hide a bit, and so that is why I am addressing that. I’m having to realize it is a CHOICE I have to make to come out of my room (mostly it’s the afternoon that is hard), and this past week I have struggled with choosing to do so….and it’s been a real reward to come out and to sew a bit….and to see that life is fun then.
Lolly says
Btw, old navy still carries bootcut jeans…I just ordered some! I think kohls has some, but they stopped carrying the ones I’ve worn for the past several yrs that fit me so well.
Gig says
Maybe this will get rolled into the rewriting of recipes. I would scroll past all the deals right to the links to recipes or crafts. I’ve made so many of those. Perhaps we can be your test kitchen. 🙂 Pleae keep those coming.
You can find plenty of bootcut online. I have a long inseam and found that the farm stores often carry the long lengths and bootcut (along with the boots). Try Wrangler.
Teresa M says
You have a gift! You are inspiring in many ways and keep us on our toes. I have recently retired and am taking a college level art class and a bible class. It’s getting me out and doing things I enjoy. Thanks for your blog, keep up the good work and have a Happy New Year.
Gina says
Happy new year
Jennifer says
Happy New Year!!! I love seeing your list of goals and being inspired by them.
I too am heading up for a marathon ( I have a friend who i told if you ever sign up I will do it with you… after ten years of talking she signed up
Gardening… we have a small cookie cutter yard but I believe with careful planning we can grow and can enough for the at least some of the winter and eat fresh veggies all summer
Finish my granny square blanket… kids school colors ( better hurry daughter graduates next year
I love Toss It Tuesday!!! That has been added to my list!
Finally, working on the budget… I feel a bit like Mrs HB and Inam determine to wrangle in the impluse buying and “hoarding of pantry items” Corn syrup anyone I have five unopened bottles.
Thank you for your blig! It has helped me grow as an at home mom wife for the betterI do hope you will continue the crafting/gardening and pantries from your readers… everyone has such wonderful stories to share and they help and inspire so much
Many blessings to everyone.
Sara E Talbot says
Jennifer! Look for a Buy Nothing Group in your area! It might be a great way to give your toss it Tuesday extras to! Even the corn syrup!
Jennifer says
What a great idea I will check it out! Thank you
Mimly says
Hi Mavis,
Good for you for reclaiming the time it took to do daily deals. Life is too darn short — make the most of it (which it sounds like you are doing.) Please do keep posting the occasional picture of Lucy. Although I am not a small dog person, her expressions are so similar to my guys that I invariably smile when I see her.
And, thank you for your goals. You inspired me to finally write mine down today and it’s a good, satisfying, challenging-but-doable list. Includes more discipline — fiscal and physical — learning a new skill, establishing some daily and weekly patterns/habits, and spending more time outside.
Here’s to a great 2019 for all!
Teresa Young says
We will be moving to a new house at the end of April, so my personal goal for the first 4 months of the year is to stay calm & centered – dealing with the bank has me anxious on a daily basis.
After the move, I look forward to:
– exploring restaurants & stores in out closest town – shopping local!
-learning what wildlife we share our land with – deer, turkeys, foxes, snakes, red-tail hawks – what I can do to support them (along with what I shouldn’t do
– nurture the small berry patch & figure out what I need to do to get it to expand
I’ll reevaluate more goals after the move.
Lindsey says
I, for one, am glad to see the end of/minimizing of daily deals. I don’t want to be tempted to spend more money; I usually scrolled through and averted my eyes except for Friday when the Kroger deals were listed and thus reminded me to sign up for them. I would rather read more about what you are doing/making/cooking, as I find that part of your blog much more inspiring. Ten years—WOW!
Rebecca in MD says
Hi Mel,
If you have any recommendations regarding sewing, I am all ears! I have a Brother sewing machine and am looking forward to putting it to good use.
Mel says
I have a Brother as well! I love the machine, but I found the manual was not really written for a beginner, so I looked for YouTube tutorials for things like winding the bobbin and setting everything up. If you ever need to switch the needle or change the foot, cover the bottom of the machine with a sheet of stiff paper–I spent a fun afternoon fishing around inside the machine to get a needle out because the manual didn’t say to cover it.
The first thing I ever made was this: https://www.ehow.com/info_12340439_make-easy-womens-boxer-shorts-with-pattern.html
It’s a very forgiving pattern, and you learn some good basic techniques by making it (using a pattern, zigzag, hemming, elastic waist, etc.). It’s also pretty quick and cheap and results in pajama shorts, which is nice if you wear them. If not, I made some as gifts, and the recipients loved them. I know other people like to start with pillow cases (throw pillow or bed) or drawstring bags, so you could look for tutorials for those if pajamas aren’t your thing or if you want to start with a bit simpler project.
Rebecca in MD says
Thanks so much for these suggestions and tips, Mel. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
Not sure if your Maine libraries do this but in NY you can get free museum passes from the library. Check them out, just like books.
Cass says
I am a late comer to your blog….only 2 years of reading…but you never fail to put a smile on my face.
I haven’t come up with my goals for this year yet. I usually don’t write them down. This year I am going to. You seem to achieve yours using that method.
I have to say I am going to miss your daily deals. I don’t often take advantage of them (in keeping with my goal to cut out unnecessary spending of last year) but many times you have saved me a lot of money by posting things I was looking for or would need in the near future at a discount.
Could you/would you take a moment (or 10 – 20) to tell those of us who will miss them how you locate them? Is there something you search on that yields the bounty of savings? Or do you have a homing device implanted in your brain? A quick paragraph in a blog post would help those of us who are trying to live the good life on a pauper’s budget would be appreciated.
Susan says
I love setting and achieving goals each year! My three goals for the year are:
1. Download podcasts and books to my phone/iPod to listen to in the car. I’ve always been an NPR listener, but even I — a total news junkie — feel burned out and overwhelmed by the news, and I want my commute to be a more meaningful experience. The Atlantic just posted the 50 top podcasts and I’m downloading!
2. Finish interviewing my Mom for her life history. I’ve been working on this for a couple years and am only at 1971 and page 43, yikes! This is the year!
3. Buy 2 professional outfits. Ugh, I hate shopping but really need to stop borrowing my teenaged daughters clothes in desparation.
My family (3 teenage kids) sets a challenge goal and a fun goal every year. With one exception, we’ve been very successful for many years! This year, we will:
1. For fun, go to 6 movies as a family and visit a new town or city each month — to walk around, explore, visit a museum, go for breakfast, walk along the beach/park, etc.
2. For a challenge, we’re doing 12 months of “Adulting” (the oldest is a junior and wants to be more prepared). Each month has a topic, such as budgeting, laundry, meal prep and shopping, mending, auto repair, First Aid, cooking, home repair, etc. My kids love stuff like this, so we’re giving it a go!
Sara E Talbot says
Family goals are an awesome idea!!!! ❤️ I’m going to remember this for when my boys are a little older (they are 2.5 & 1- so they don’t care yet!)
Lillian says
Beautiful picture of your home. Hat should be your Christmas card next year!
Laurie Lewis says
Good luck with your running. 2 years ago my goal was to run a half marathon every month. I unofficially finished that goal. Not official because a tornado cancelled the one in May so my friends did an unofficial one with me. Last year my goal was to run a full marathon. Checked that one off in Chicago in October. The training takes a lot of time, but is so worth it. This year my goal is to run my first and probably only 50k. This will happen on May 6th. After that, my running goal will be to slow down and concentrate on my 10k.
Bec B. says
For those of us (like me!) who have issues with making goals and following through, you might benefit from reading The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. I am an obliger, which means that I tend to complete tasks for work and things external to me, but I tend to put my own stuff on the back burner. I imagine Mavis is an Upholder given how kick tush she is at getting her stuff done. This book was really helpful in learning about myself and structuring my goals for this year in a way that will hopefully help me get them done.
I created a list of 19 things I’d like to get done this year (you can read all of them by clicking on my name), but a few of the big ones are:
– Focus on healthy daily habits: yoga, water, fruit and veggies, and activity
– Get dog barking and door behavior under control
– Get dressed up and go on a date once a month (with my husband)
– Makeover master bathroom
– Fashion makeover
– Spend less time on my phone
amy says
2018 was a trying year. We accomplished a goal that was years in the making…only to realize that it was for us. This goal was the life defining type of stuff, so as we shut the door on it, I was left adrift and not quite not knowing where to go next. My 2019 goals reflect that by giving me some easy peasy tasks as well as some longer term items too.
1-read/listen to 100 books. I made it to to 96.5 during 2018, so its time to try for 100. Again.
2. Make mozerella cheese from scratch. just to say I can.
3. Sew new microwave heat packs…its time for replacements
4.Replace the microwave for one that matches the other appliances
5. Paint the main floor bathroom
6. Earn my realtor license
7. Finish the hardscaping of the park strip and front garden beds
8. Finish the family room gallery wall
9. Install a gate on the side of the house
10. Lose a bit more than a muffin top
11. replace the sliding glass doors in the dining room
12. make a cross stitch stocking for the hubby
13. crochet a c2c blanket. I’m afraid of them…time to be brave!
14. Hang the carriage door hardware on the garage
15. Finish the electrical work and insulation in the unfinished basement
16. replace the kitchen faucet
17. paint the kitchen cabinets
18. go camping at least twice
19. paint the home office
20. create and stick to a new schedule that will make the goals achievable!
Teri says
Happy New Year Mavis. Hope you’ll write about the museum’s you visit. I can’t believe you kept those pants for 10 years so I am rooting for you fitting in them just because you still have them 🙂 I think you look fit and trim the way you are kudos on your marathon goal..
SweetSue says
I have the same New Year’s resolution my dad had, to wake up every morning. If you don’t see any comments from me you’ll know I blew it! Seriously, with 8 kids, their spouses and 20 grand kids there’s never a dull moment.
Now back to remodeling the house from ceiling to floor.
Torry says
Last year I had only two goals. I shared one: to sew each week. The other was more under wraps: I wanted to get back to feeling like myself after having triple negative breast cancer and all of the treatments that go with that. I did very well with the sewing one and… not so well with the health one.
This year I will:
1. Still have the goal of sewing each week. (I’m adding here: I want to go back to sewing for a charity here in Tacoma. I once made 500 Barbie gowns for them and I want to do that again.)
2. Use up more of my stash, instead of buying more.
3. Find and finish or undo half-done projects. As a part of that, give away fabric that has worn out its welcome.
4. Walk every day. Every.single.day. No excuses. I’m overweight and out of shape.
5. Try one new recipe every week.
6. Clean more often.
7. Go out with my husband more often…try for once a week.
8. Read more. My husband said that one of the big changes he noticed after treatments was that I didn’t read
as much. Chemo brain is a real thing.
9. Think about retiring. Really think about it.
Torry says
Also, I wanted to tell you about an easy, fun way to decorate your front door. I go to the Dollar Tree and buy a gift bag for the occasion. I put some coordinating tissue in it and hang it from a cup hook on our front door. No worrying about thieves or vandals, as the cost is so minimal.
Elizabeth says
1. Walk 500 miles (I did this last year and it was my favorite goal accomplishment
2. Read two classics or nonfiction books each month (I read way too many fiction books)
3. Take each of my kids on an outing by themselves each month
4. Have two family game nights each month
5. Learn to knit and crochet
6. Have one no spend week each month
7. Buy nothing “new” during the months of January-November (too hard to find all my Christmas gifts used)
8. Complete one home improvement job each month
9. Publish my novel that I wrote during NaNoWriMo last year (lots of editing to do)
Jenn from MA says
I’ve been following your blog for years and loved reading about your adventures! But I’ve never commented before so maybe one of my resolutions should be to stop lurking and start commenting! I believe we are of a similar age and I live in New England as well so I can relate to a lot of what you share with readers. You’ve inspired me to make a list of things to accomplish in 2019. They are 1. Organize my both gardening paraphernalia and my garden itself. My tools, seed starting etc. are spread out between my cellar, garage and husbands tool shed. And although I built several beautiful raised boxes last year my veggie production wasn’t as great as I hoped ( but I think last year the growing season was weird in New England) 2. Get my paperwork at home under control and filed away possibly begin scanning paperwork on to a computer.. 3. Run 1000 miles. 4. Lose 10 lbs. 5. Join a book club- looking at a British mystery book club on Good Reads maybe….6. Learn to play bohemian rhapsody on the piano (my 15 year old son thought that one up!). So excited for 2019! Thanks for the inspiration!
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes, start commenting more should be a goal. 🙂
Jenn from MA says
☺️It’s officially on my list now- thanks!
Marge says
Keep up the great work! I have never read this blog for the bargains (though I have bought several items after seeing them here) I enjoy checking in here every day because of your humor, insight, and creativity. I am excited for the new year and your new goals.
Katie says
I loved reading your goal updates in 2018 and I look forward to 2019! I also loved what you said about just dreaming big and going for it and DOING it. I feel like I often pick small goals because I want to be realistic and I want to know that I’ll easily check off my goals. But is that really accomplishing MUCH? I’ve set goals for this year, but your post has me reevaluating. Are they BIG enough? Should I push myself a little more?
Last year the one goal I really knocked out of the park was my reading goal. I wanted to read 48 books (4 a month). Previously I read about 25-30 if I pushed myself. I read 75 books. Because I realized it was something I loved and was important, so I made the necessary changes to my schedule and habits. It was the best reading year I’ve had yet and I’m not looking back. I upped my goal this year to 60 (I am having a baby in May, so I may not hit 75 again).
In a previous year I followed your idea for saving $1,000 in a year. Last year I was so thankful I had done that haha. I think I want to do it again this year.
PS – I love the new look of your site!
Mavis Butterfield says
75 Books!!!!
Sara E Talbot says
Mavis! Love your blog, pretty much always skip the deals anyway, I’m glad you are focusing on doing what you enjoy!!! Time’s to short for anything else! I’ve written goals along with you the past several years! It’s one of my FAVORITE things about your blog – you are the only blog I follow, this past year I had an electronic purge goal & got rid of all of the rest who I never looked at anyway. 😉
I also request a before/after of your home, if you are willing to share!! We also did a big move this past year (WA- OH), but not for a dream house, for my hubby’s school, and will be moving again this summer, just not sure where yet for medical school!
My 2019 goals:
1. Floss teeth 5x/week when home (~260x/year)
A) Bullet journal calendar
2. Plan a family vacation
3. Find a place to live for 4 YEARS!! ❤️
4. Exercise 3x/week
A) Strength goal: ?
B) 15 dance classes
C) Bike ride 10x
D) Bullet Journal calendar with stickers/Encouragement?!
E) Marco Polo exercises?
F) Use a smaller plate for meals
5. Read/listen to 12 books – one outside of comfort zone, one the Bible.
6. Date Night with B 12x
A) Intentionally dream with B about the future 3x
B) Complete Love Dare challenge
7. Wake up at least 30 min earlier than the boys
A) Complete 4/7 days of BSF homework on time.
B) FB only after productive Bible study in the AM or not at all
8. Investigate dance PT & potential
A) Teach a dance/body workshop
9. Budget 10/12 months
A) Buy nothing (except essentials) 2 weeks/month.
10. Complete board books & 3 photo projects, make 2 gifts
11. Finish Canadian Citizenship paperwork
12. Spend intentional time with the boys
A) Date with J 2x
B) Date with L 2x
C) Interactive alphabet with J- 1 letter a week
D) Write in baby books
Sara L says
Yay – getting BSF home work done on time should be a goal for me too – not cramming it in the night before!
LaToya says
Oof. That’s a lot of goals. Plus the other ones I see people posting here.
I’ve never done the goals thing. Just started – and I only have 6 of them.
Good luck to all!
Debbie - MountainMama says
Wow, you’ve got some serious goals going on there, Mavis!!! Ok, I’m totally with you on the muffin top….I definitely overindulged for the past few months and I need to get back on track big time!! I’d also like to stick to my budget…..and possibly up my side hustle game to be able to stash away a little more in my emergency fund. As for my garden, the one perennial bed that was here when I moved in from the previous owners is a NIGHTMARE and really needs to be ripped out/replanted. But it’s a huge job, and I work full time. Maybe I’ll start by digging out one of the three awful rose bushes in there….two have never bloomed, and the other is like a wild bush that should be along the side of the road, not in a perennial bed. It’s a disaster. Here’s to 2019 – happy new year!
Julia Park Tracey says
Oh, I am so glad you are dropping the Daily Deals thing. TBH that was pretty annoying — I really just like to hear about your life, not have this plastic-covered, individual servings of stuff I wouldn’t buy ordinarily…I think it’s a smart move. And the planet thanks you, too (less consumerism is better for the earth).
I really lucked out in joining you last year as you were prepping for your big move, and as a result, I was able to follow you every leg of the journey. You inspire me…to make bigger goals!
Because of you, I started hooking rugs for the first time in 2018, and I love it. Not enough to open an Etsy shop, but I do like the hobby. I adore your rustic Colonial home. Mine is rustic farmhouse, and I’ve had fun with it — but the lines are not right for Colonial stylings. I’ll just enjoy yours. I got hens, coincidentally, about the same week as you did, and my girls are laying well.
I am inspired to visit 12 bakeries this new year, as well as 12 wineries, and 12 new restaurants. We just opened an AirBnB and we should be better about referring guests to places to eat/drink, so it’s on our goal list. That becomes date-night-with-a-reason. I also have fruit trees on my mind — I purchased several last year but they are still in the pots. They need to be planted, ASAP. I have a pomegranate, apricot and apple to plant; last year I planted lime, and we already have a plum, a Eureka lemon, and a “fruit salad” tree. (Look it up!) — ours is all stone fruits.
Happy New Year, my new friend. And thanks for the goodness you’ve shared.
Debra A Beeuwsaert says
GOALS FOR 2019
A) Do 12 no-spend weeks for the year (1 week per month)
B) Clean and waterproof basement walls (do throughout the year)
C) More scratch cooking/baking.
D) Sell more on local FB sell/buy/trade sites, eBay, Tradesy, etc.
E) Spring/summer/fall – go through items in polebarn to sell on-line or possibly some yard sales.
F) Save $350+/month for property taxes and insurances.
G) Plot out garden to grow more food.
H) Grow 250 lbs. of fruits and vegetables.
I) Preserve and can extra food.
J) Save $100+ for living room furniture, bedroom furniture and stove the funds for this will come from my ebay and local FB buy/sell/trade sites. Nothing out of pocket.
K) Read 12 books
L) Lose 25 lbs. (2 lbs./month).
M) Walk more with Kenze (my Brittany) .
Robin Martin says
I just recently read about Back to Eden gardening, have you ever heard of that? I am looking into the possibilities. We currently have 21 chickens and 4 ducks, so we have an amazing source of fertilizer for it! Just need to get the mulch or wood chips. And hubby delivers newspapers!!
Amy says
Hi Mavis! I too only like bootcut jeans. A blogger introduced me to the concept of only buying designer jeans on eBay, as my favorite jeans are 7 for All Mankind. You introduced me to Kut from the Kloth, and my personal rule is to spend $20 or less on any jeans (including shipping), and I’ve had good luck! I know you’re not opposed to pre-loved clothing, so I wanted to pass my tip along!
Mavis Butterfield says
I never thought to buy them used off ebay!!!! Thanks Amy. 🙂
Angell says
I always loved your goals. I find it weird that I get so much enjoyment from reading someone else’s goals. That’s weird right? LOL!!!
I want to comment on the beginning part of your post where you quoted a comment/question. I totally get this person (OregonGuest). I battle with this too.
I had to laugh though when you mentioned your personality. There’s a blog that I have followed for over 11 years and she is very goal oriented. She makes lists, has a whole system and everything. She even has a list of books that she plans to read and actually reads them. She recently posted that she discovered she is an INTJ. So when you linked that personality post link, I said to myself “watch…she’s an INTJ too.” And sure enough…you are lol!!!
That personality is just naturally goal oriented and works with goals written down. I am an INFJ. I am goal oriented as well, but the second I start writing down goals, checking in weekly and all that, it turns into a “have-to” and sucks the joy out of the whole thing. To have accountability, is a huge stresser to this personality.
Every year I make goals and every year I throw them out the window. That list controls me and stresses me out. It’s like it becomes a law…and a joy sucker. So I had to learn to work with my personality and not against it. For example, me and dairy are not on speaking terms…it’s abusive to me…as in it makes my stomach sick and I get rashes lol. Meat makes my varicose veins hurt. Needless to say, I’m learning to go vegan as much as possible. Since this is all new, I have to learn a whole new way of eating. If I made specific goals, they would hurt my progress. It would make me hate it. But, I love reading about it, watching documentaries, blogs, library stuff, podcasts, pinterest and so on. I’m still working on a goal, just not in the traditional way I guess.
The whole point of that ramble is for those who don’t do well with written goals and similar struggles I have. Figure out what works for your personality!
I get jealous of INTJs sometimes, for that specific reason. It’s just natural to them. But I know it doesn’t work for my personality. So instead, I just live through people like you and read what they do lol!!
Stephanie Hughes says
Hi Mavis,
Me again . This is my year. In 2019 I WILL
1. Design 4 quilt patterns.
2. Start an intro to quilting class
3. Hold 4 quarterly classes
4. Earn $300 from side hustle
5. Lose 20 more pounds this year.
6. Stay on a budget.
Marcia HEIN says
Mavis, I love reading your blog each day and your goals are inspiring. Can you tell me what a “keeping room” is? Thanks!
Joan Sullivan says
OMG. I had an opportunity to plant Shiro plum and Pluot trees. Shiros are Japanese yellow plums and pluots are plums crossed with apricots. We had plums the first season and. OMG , they are all of the sweet and none of the tart. It too a couple of years to get a fill Pluot crop. If Shiro plums were the town hero, pluots were the world champions. Holy cow. So Flavorful and sweet. Buying more Flavor Queen pluot trees this year.
You won’t be disappointed and the jam is fantastic. Good luck keeping neighbors away.
Also started work bins a few years ago and winter them in my basement. They eat my food garbage and the vermicompost makes my garden thrive.
Bernice says
Mavis, this is the BEST giveaway ever!!!