My 22 Goals for 2019
Goal #1 — Spend More Time Doing What I Love
Sleeping in {until 6am} and looking out the window as much as possible. đ
Goal #2 — Garden, Garden, Garden
I may not be able to get outside and garden right now but that doesn’t mean I can’t do some planning. Last night I pulled out all the leftover seed packets from last year and began to make a list and map out where next year’s garden will be. I am hoping to have my plans finalized and seeds ordered {and tree varieties chosen} by the end of the week.
Goal #3 — Plant an Orchard
No orchard yet, but my buddy Lisa from Tasmania sent me a calendar so now I get to dream about far away places and gardens that are not covered in snow.
Goal #4 — Gussy Up the Potting Shed
Lucy and I searched the internet this week looking for ideas for potting tables, that counts, right?
Goal #5 — Grow Enough Extra Vegetables, Eggs and Flowers to Earn $1500Â at my little roadside vegetable stand.
Goal #6 — Finish Every Single Unfinished Rug Hooking Project in My Pattern Bin + 10 Things from back Issues of Magazines/Books I’ve Been Meaning to Make.Â
I started the year off with:
- 73 rugs {finished one, now down to 72!}
- 183 hooked flowers {finished 18, now down to 165}
- 10 “things” from back issues of magazines {finished 0}
Goal #7 — Create 12 New Rug Hooking Patterns {with at least half of them being large ones}
This past week I listed my newest pattern “Old Fashioned Tall Tulip” on Etsy. One down, 11 more to go!
Goal #8 — Split and Stack 2 Cords of Wood for Next WinterÂ
Maybe once the snow is gone and the temps are above 50.
Goal #9 — Do Something with the 5,002 Photos on My Phone
Started with 5,002 photos, now down to 3,478 photos.
Goal #10 –Lose the Muffin Top
It’s still there.
Goal #11 — Run, Walk or Crawl a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon
So hey, guess who PARTICIPATED in a 10 on New Year’s Day? Key word there was PARTICIPATED. Yes, I did finish. Sadly and for the first time ever in my entire life…. I finished in LAST PLACE!
Not only was I beat by a 74 year old man {by 18 minutes} I was also smoked by a 9 year old {by 35 minutes!}. It was so sad, it was funny. CLEARLY, I am out of shape {I only managed to slow jog the first 1/4 mile} which I knew, but I guess I didn’t really grasp the concept of HOW OUT OF SHAPE I was in until I strapped a pedometer on to my side yesterday to track my steps.
Yesterday, was a totally ordinary winter’s day around here…. And even though I felt like I was moving around all day, by the time I went to bed, I had only logged 5,052 steps. WOWZA! Aren’t we all supposed to be striving for 10,000 steps a day? My guess is this is why Muffy is back.
Oh well, the good news is there is plenty of room for improvement. đ
Goal #12 — Read or Listen to 26 New Books
This past week I listened to Will’s Red Coat. I figured it was going to be a tearjerker at the end and it was, but I thought the story was a little drawn out in parts. The author did a wonderful job with the story, and I loved hearing it told in his New England accent. It left me wanting to visit Jackson, NH and to visit the spots {flower shop, general store, covered bridge} that the author spoke about and so I think the HH and I will have to head that way this year on one of our date days.
Goal #13 — Try 52 New Recipes.
The HH made another batch of meatballs this week {He totally has the recipe PERFECTED now and I’ll be sharing it soon.}
Goal #14 — Clean Up 52 Old Recipes.
The Girl was craving gingersnaps so this week I decided to bake a batch and take some new photos for my gingersnap recipe post. One recipe down, 51 to go!
Goal #15 — Fill 100 Canning Jars
Nothing to report this week.
Goal #16 — Finish Furnishing Our House
Still no dining room table or things on the wall. But hey, WOOL!
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
For Christmas, my parents sent me my annual $100 gift card to Panera. And for the first time ever, they sent my husband a $100 gift card to the Cracker Barrel. The CRACKER BARREL!!!! How funny is that?
Yada yada yada, a few days ago we went to Cracker Barrel for pancakes and they were delicious. And now we are trying to figure out how to make the gift card last as long as possible {we are shooting for 5 visits total!}
Goal #18 — Take One Adult Education ClassÂ
I found a spoon making class! Doesn’t that sound fun? The only problem is the class is two hours away and in the evenings and I don’t like to drive at night. đ
Goal #19 — Secret {for now} Holiday ProjectÂ
Waiting for delivery of the main components.
Goal #20 — Create 12 Wowie Zowie Party Platters
Since the only thing we are buying at the grocery store in January is milk, this goal will have to wait until next month.
Goal #21 — Visit 12 General Stores
We are hoping to visit one next week!
Goal #22 — Compete with Carole….. Get on My Front Door Game On
I didn’t want to risk being gobbled up by the gang of wild turkeys foraging on our front lawn this week so I’ll have to wait a few days before I get started on my January front door bling. đ
How about YOU? What are your goals for 2019? If you told us about them HERE, check in! We want to know how you are doing. Because seriously, it’s so much easier to get those goals checked off your list when you have people rooting for you! đ
♥ Mavis
You can read more about my 22 goals for 2019 HERE.
Srephaniez says
Do you have Habitat for Humanity Reuseit stores? I find they have great furnishings to purchase. Most need some touching up at a minimum but everything is well priced and proceeds go to a wonderful cause.
Katherine says
Facebook Marketplace is a good place to shop and sell furniture.
As of today I have 73 items ready to go to Goodwill. I want to remove 500 things from our home this year by giving away or selling.
Diana says
Really like this idea.
I think I will adopt it too.
Stacey says
Regarding the muffin top goal, me too! Weight gain creep has happened over the last few years and is at a high. Cracker Barrel is my favorite restaurant, so I guess it’s good I don’t have one where I live!
April Sazama says
Does Carole across the street know you are competing with you ? I don’t miss the Amazon products. I have never ordered anything anyway.
Mavis Butterfield says
Nope. đ đ đ
carolyn says
I put my goals on instagram, but thank you, Mavis, for the inspiration.
Kari says
I vote for making a front door decoration that includes some turkey feathers đ Nothing beats using every part of your harvest!
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes!
Pat Gaston says
Turkeys in your front yard …how cool !
Mama Cook says
Cracker Barrel!!!! Every holiday theoughout the year I send my Dad a gift card. About a week later he calls me and tells me what heâs eating: âHavinâ me some eggs, sausage, fried apples, bicuits and gravy – did you know thems is never endinâ , eat as much as you want!â It makes me laugh! This year we gave our son who is staiined in NC a gift card for his b-day, âNever Endinâ Biscuits and Gravyâ should fill a Marine!
Still need to finalize my goals! Always spurred on by yours!
Mavis Butterfield says
It’s too bad there isn’t a Cracker Barrel closer to Mrs. HB. I think of her every time we go in one because the clothing is totally her style!!! And you know, candles and knick knacks galore. đ
Katie says
The Washington Post restaurant critic, Tom Sietsema, did a story on chain restaurants a few years ago. He reviewed 10 of them (Applebees, Olive Garden, Outback, etc.) and ranked Cracker Barrel as #1. Heâs right. The food is good, and a lifesaver when youâre driving on a cross-country trip via an interstate. You can find them at the exit everywhere.
Helen in Meridian says
I think they have books on tape to rent and drop at the next Cracker Barrel for truck drivers and people on the go. Love looking at all the gifty doo dahs too. They are great source for Americana the month before the 4th of July.
LaToya says
Cracker Barrel lunch specials are usually like $5.99. Not as cheap, but their pecan-crusted catfish is soooo good.
One of my goals is a gigantic weight loss goal this year. And I’m down 4 pounds since Wednesday. It’s a start ….
Mavis Butterfield says
I had no idea there were “lunch specials.” I’ll look next time. Good job on the 4 pounds! I’m down a whopping 4 ounces.
Rebecca in MD says
Here’s my goal check-in for WK 1 of 52:
1. Learn to sew
I got out my sewing machine and my husband asked me to show him how to use it to hem some pajama pants. He took over and hemmed 2 pairs of pajama pants and 2 pairs of his sweat pants. Maybe he is the tailor in the family? I am not abandoning this goal, however.
2. Finish two work in process craft projects â pom-pom wreath and cross-stitch pillow cases (these have been sitting around for more than a year!)
Finished the design on one of the pillow cases and started the second one.
3. Make at least 3 homemade Christmas gifts (pillow cases will be one of those)
Nothing to add here.
4. Lose 40 pounds by eating healthier and exercising more
Down 2 pounds this week. Got in a couple of 50 minute walks on the Ma & Pa Trail and making better food choices.
5. Travel to Ireland
This trip is booked for the end of May 2019.
6. Spend a week at the beach with Grandsons
This trip is booked for July 2019.
7. Garden, garden, garden, and in general spend more time outside
The seed catalogs are arriving. I have outlined a tentative planting guide for the raised beds. My son gave me a gift card to a local nursery, and I’m looking forward to using it this spring. I’ll be starting some seeds indoors beginning in March.
Mable says
My husband is the seamster in our family. He even makes some of my clothes, our curtains, and mends. His mother made sure all five sons knew how to sew and cook, “in case they don’t get married.” I love it!
Rebecca in MD says
Wow that is fabulous about your husband’s sewing. What a good mother-in-law to teach her sons sewing skills!
Mavis Butterfield says
What part of Ireland?
Rebecca in MD says
For my Ireland trip I am spending:
3 days Dublin with visits to Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, Phoenix Park, St. Patricks’s Cathedral, Guiness Storehouse
1 day Galway , visit to Galway Cathedral, Kylemore Abbey, and a Connemara excursion to the National Park
2 nights Killarney with visits to Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park
1 night Waterford with visits to Blarney Castle, Waterford Crystal showroom, Blarney Woollen Mills
1 night Kilkenny and visit to Kilkenny Castle
Mavis Butterfield says
The Guinness beef stew is a must at the Guinness Storehouse. If you like tea, Bewley’s on Grafton Street is a great spot.
Kilkenny Castle is beautiful! We stayed at a place called Butler’s Court in Kilkenny and it was central to everything.
I am jealous! Have fun.
Mel says
Most of my goals are sewing-related at this point (might add a couple more later if I can), so I just inventoried supplies to see what I need to complete my projects. Some of the fabric I need is still out of stock, so I haven’t really been able to move forward on those projects, but I’ve been sewing some baby gifts for friends while I wait on that and considering some other possible goals if I have time and energy left.
Lynn Y says
You need a trail cam!
Mavis Butterfield says
I agree. The HH is looking into one. Although you know “research” could take months…
Deborah says
Just curious, what is a ‘keeping room’? I’m in the Midwest and am not familiar with this.
Ginger says
I don’t know what the heck it is, either, Deborah! =)
Mavis Butterfield says
Basically a room off the kitchen where there is a large fireplace. We have our kitchen table in the space but I think it would be cool to have a rocking chair and a smaller {square table} in the spot for a more cozy feel.
Deb says
A keeping room traditionally was the warmest room in the house (particularly during New England winters!) and had a bed set up in it for sick or injured people, childbirth, and the elderly and dying. It was warm, close to food and water (water had to be heated on the fire for bathing and cleaning up) and the goodwife was close by if the patient needed her.
suzanne says
Congratulations on running a 10k. I’m afraid to even strap on a pedometer. How about taking a wood working class You could build your own potting bench and tables.
Mavis Butterfield says
I’ve been trying to talk the HH into taking a chair making class! I just don’t think I have the patience for woodworking. Spoon carving though, maybe.
Teri says
Great accomplishment on the 10 K Mavis — you go girl!!
That muffin top will be gone before you know it and those old pants will fit perfect! Happy New Year!
Nancy D says
Your house photo in the snow…It should be on a calender, a puzzle, a Christmas card or a travel brochure. Soooo beautiful and peaceful looking. Also a big thumbs up on the 10k! Once again, you’re my hero Mavis!
Lynne says
Mavis, where do you find classes in things like spoon-making and other ‘craft’ skills? I’ve been interested in learning to (re)upholster and do some woodworking, but have no idea where something like that is taught. I’d welcome any suggestions as to where to find classes like that.
Congratulations on even attempting, let alone finishing, a 10K. I am in awe.
Teckla says
One of your best bets for those type of classes is your local Junior (Community) College. Also, drop in to any local art/photography/craft/Home Depot/Lowes, etc. and ask questions about any classes that they offer, or sponsor, or know about. The more contacts you make, the more information you will garner. Sometimes, local or state fairs can provide information. And if your interest is in home arts, such as bread making, canning, gardening, etc., your local Home Extension office may have information on classes. Let all your friends know, as well, to keep their eyes open on your behalf. And Google for information about your interests in your area. Best of luck!
Lynne says
Thank you for the excellent suggestions! I haven’t seen anything hands-on in the offerings at the local community college and these are good ideas to reach beyond that.
E in Upstate NY says
Lynne, the US Govt produced lots of how-to pamphlets over the years. One used to be able to order them at nominal cost. Now I find them in antique/junk stores. Their how-to reupholster and how-to make your own slip covers are still relevant even with the 1950s era pics.
Mavis, you may be interested in the how-to make your own braided rugs one. Believe that they are now available by down load. Unfortunately, don’t know the link to find them.
Mavis Butterfield says
Local colleges, and art centers always seem to be hosting classes. Those are good places to start.
Lynne says
I’ll look into arts centers. Hadn’t thought of that! Thanks.
Gigi says
Most of those class types will bi in the NON-credit division. Those classes are usually only a few sessions long. If they donât have anything, you can call the non-credit division and request a course. It may take a semester for them to line someone up.
Libby says
I LOVE Lisa-from-Tasmania’s updates. Can she send in a post soon?
Gail C. says
You can keep up with Lisa’s life on her blog http://www.headintheclouds-feetinthedirt.com
samantha surovec says
Lisa has her own blog too, head in the clouds, feet in the dirt. She posts pretty regularly, and has AWESOME photos, which are in the calendar she gave to Mavis. You should check it out.
Stephanie says
I love these weekly update posts. You inspire me to keep working towards all the things I want to do, so thank you!
10,000 steps doesn’t *seem* like a lot, but yeah, they can be surprisingly hard to do. I’ve made it a few times since I started keeping track the day after Christmas (thanks for the step counter watch, Mom!), but far too often, I top out at between 8-9,000. On the days where I’m cleaning like a madwoman, THAT’s when I get closer, and now that my son will be back in school starting tomorrow, I’m guessing I’ll get there on a more regular basis. Wishing you luck as well!!!
Mavis Butterfield says
I am hoping that when summer hits there will be more steps. If I get desperate, I may even mow the lawn this summer.
Bec B. says
Mav, I love that you’ve nicknamed your muffin top. The nickname for mine isn’t terribly ladylike and since this is a seemingly family friendly site, I think I’ll keep it to myself.
I created a list of 19 things Iâd like to get done this year (you can read all of them by clicking on my name), but a few of the big ones plus updates are:
â Focus on healthy daily habits: yoga, water, fruit and veggies, and activity: we were on a road trip this past week and I didn’t get in as many steps or veggies as I’d like. I signed up for three yoga classes this week and guzzled about a gallon of water this morning so I’m trying to get back on track
â Get dog barking and door behavior under control: I emailed a trainer before the holidays and finally heard back a few days ago. I think I’m going to go ahead and pay for a few sessions, but want to read through his Yelp comments again before I get out my credit card.
â Get dressed up and go on a date once a month (with my husband): I think we’re going to go to a symphony or concert next month which is not something we would normally do at all, so I’m really excited about that! We just need to figure out something to do this month.
â Makeover master bathroom: the paint samples on the wall are still mocking me.
â Fashion makeover: A camping road trip did not lead to any high fashion moments for me.
â Spend less time on my phone: I cringed when I got the iPhone ping this morning for my weekly usage. I was riding shotgun all week, which lead to a lot more time wasted on my phone.
Linda Sand says
At Cracker Barrel I order the roast beef with three sides then put half of it in a go box before I start eating. It’s like getting an unadvertised twofer. Or you could order that with an extra plate and share it with hubby to stretch your visits a bit further.
Kim says
Don’t you want to hang some of your hooked rugs above your fireplaces? They are so beautiful! Did you ever hang the one you worked on in the car moving east?
Love the photo of your home in the snow!!!!!!!
Just when I was about to say I didn’t miss the ads, low and behold, I subscribed to a magazine yesterday since it was such a steal.
Your goals are very fun to follow.
Mavis Butterfield says
I’m really weird about the stuff I make…. For me, it’s about making it, not so much keeping it. Weird, I know. And that garden magazine is a good one! đ
Lynda Kling says
I do NOT like ginger snaps, but I’ve found my horses LOVE them!!!! Will try your recipe on them…..
Can you explain what you used for your kiln project? What kind of kiln and clay??
Mavis Butterfield says
It’s a Skutt kiln and I use red clay.
Lynda Rees Kling says
Thank you!!!
Amy Owen says
Will there be a package of “complimentary” items from you mom this year? I just love those posts. They are my favorite.
Mavis Butterfield says
She sent a small box. Just a few packets of tea and some Clinique freebies. đ
Amy Owen says
Oh, that’s too bad!
BrendaP says
Oh we should have taken up a collection for the postage of the freebies box as that box is always hilarious to see what syour mother has collected. It just doesnât seem right for you not to have it!
Margery Erckert says
I make my goal list in August each year when the new school year starts, with a time of review in January. All I can say it is a good thing I didn’t make blogging more one of those goals.
1. Read one non- fiction book per month : only managed one book so far, thinking i will really need to work on this just need to figure out what I want to read about.
2. Monthly date with Husband, this I am doing better on but will say that we did take our 12 year old along on our anniversary dinner in August but have fit in some breakfast dates alone and did a overnight trip just the two of us in December.
3.Weekly game night : hit and miss, and I am going to go get the table cleared so that we can do a game night today.
4. Try a new recipe each week : Have tried some new things but not as often as once a week, but a have added to this goal and will check out a new cook book each week and try something new. This past week we had fried chicken tacos from a pioneer Women Cookbook and will try something from a Mary Berry cookbook this week.
5. Fall Garden- this just didn’t happen, so we are moving on to this years garden. Seed catalogs ordered, spot found for starting plants in the house and this week ordering grow light and maybe some seeds need to work on planting dates as everything here in the midwest is a whole month earlier then NY and the summers are hotter and dryer.
6. De Clutter – working hard on it, want to be done with the inside of the house by May.
7. Loose some weight- well the good news on this one I still weigh the same I did 4 years ago.
8. Learn a new skill – I am watching for the local places to post spring soap making classes if none of them work i will have to look a may be learning from you tube.
9. Reduce Trash- this one is coming along our recycling is always more full then the trash, need to compost more, and work on ways to reduce the amount to trash we make in the first place, this week I did move all the shopping bags back into the vehicles.
10. Financial goal- working hard toward it, adding a spending freeze to it unless an item is on the “List”
11. Adding to the list in Jan- No Getting on Facebook until 2:30 in the afternoon.
Christa Hayden says
Week 1 of 52- Jan 6th:
1. Establish our farm- modern farmhouse is coming along, water and electric went to the gardens, tile went in and they have started interior painting, wood floors get stained next week
2. Decide upon side hustles for farm money- pondering selling artwork, teaching online students in China, selling future produce and canned goods
3. Build a chicken coop- bought the same plans as Mavis but want to double the size for more chickens
4. Establish my bee/butterfly garden- I think I lost one of my two beehives, as there was no activity today. I will open it next weekend to check since I didnât have my bee suit with me today.
5. Plan the fruit/vegetable/herb garden- lots of seeds in my online cart; bought Indian pearl millet, milkweed, yellow bee plant, flamingo feather celosia, and broomcorn seeds from Snake River Seeds Cooperative
6. Grow broomcorn and mammoth sunflowers- bought the broomcorn seeds and I think I have mammoth sunflower in storage
7. Create a bee lawn on the west side of the house- need to wait till it warms up a bit
8. Start a fruit orchard- planning what to buy
9. Create a sitting area near the beaver dam
10. Begin a wish/prayer tree on the path to the beaver dam
11. Water bath can at least 10 items- canât wait to make jalapeno cowboy candy again
12. Learn to use the pressure canner
13. Ferment at least 10 items- want to try firecider
14. Try at least 10 new recipes- Made âSmacked cucumber salad with sumac onion and radishesâ but left out the radishes and tore the mint into small pieces. I sliced mini cucumbers from Trader Joes. It was very bright, refreshing and delicious. Must make with the dill, mint, and lemon juice. A keeper for me.
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2018/dec/29/yotam-ottolenghi-tah-chin-cucumber-salad-courgette-walnut-yoghurt-recipe-new-year
15. Find and make a good Vietnamese beef pho recipe- got a pho cookbook for Christmas
16. Get new pantry very organized- wrote a list of how to organize it and what containers to get
17. Organize art supplies/paint glass jar lids- got clear storage boxes at Costco and have been organizing my supplies in them all week
18. Hang art on the walls
19. Inventory all my cookbooks so I know what I have- will do this after they are shelved after we move
20. Make Christmas ornaments and garland- dried pinecones and acorns
21. Make potpourri from foraged and garden items- want to get straw flower seeds for this
22. Finish at least 2 embroidery projects- carried one with me today but didnât touch it
23. Make at least three paintings
24. Find furniture for the screened porch- not sure what to get. Dh wants some kind of couch he can sleep on and I want something that can be easily cleaned
25. Get my Instagram up and running again
CynScotland says
What is jalapeño cowboy candy? Sounds really good!
Christa Hayden says
https://www.foodiewithfamily.com/candied-jalapenos/
Be SURE to wear gloves and next time I am cooking it outdoors on my screened porch with a plug in burner since the oils made us cough in the house.
This is my #1 canning recipe and everyone asks for it when they taste them. I love on cream cheese crackers and on sandwiches and burgers
Lisa says
I love your blog and look forward to each post. This is the year i will make a list. Needed the inspiration thanks from RI
Mavis Butterfield says
And when will we have that list? Set a date. Hop to it. Make those goals happen! We are all rooting for you Lisa.
SandyF says
Hang on to your hat! Will’s Red coat is a tearjerker-but a great one. I hope that yo read his first book…wonderful !!!The author is a joy, and his stories continue(hint-he has new pups-two!) And is working on the next chapter of the dog stories. Enjoy
Lana says
Cracker Barrel has a great $5.99 lunch special everyday. Our fave is meatloaf and mashed potatoes day on Tuesday. Next time you go ask to keep the menu and take it home and study it to find the best deals. Adults can order from the kids menu so we save by getting the 2 pancakes kids meal since we can’t finish three pancakes and why pay for them if you can’t eat that much?
Jenny says
I sooooo want your sunflowers!
Susan from Oahu HI says
I’m in awe that you have so many goals! Mine are pretty short and simple:
1. Finish unpacking (we moved in almost exactly a year ago!). It sounds silly, but moving from 2500 square feet with a garage to 1100 square feet with no garage, it’s been challenging to put things away while making space and moving boxes around. Apparently we didn’t downsize nearly enough. Ah well! At least I know where the local donation centers are!
2. Decide on and start a side gig by the end of March. I’m an information junkie, so learning is not the problem, it’s the deciding and putting into motion. I already have a 40-hour job (plus about two hours commuting per day), but I want to increase our retirement nest egg and maybe transition to a work from home job eventually. None of that is going to happen by wishing, so I need to get going on it.
I love your blog, and the new format. I enjoy looking at your snow!
Torry says
1. Sew each week = Done (I cut out 40 Barbie dresses and plan to sew them this week. Also did hems and repairs for our granddaughter.)
2.Use up stash = Nope But I have decided on my next quilt, so that is good.
3. Find/ finish half done projects = Started
4. Walk every day = I’m seeing a physical therapist for knee issues, so I’m doing those exercises instead.
5. 1 new recipe, every week = My husband is sick, so no sense in cooking this week. I’ll double up another week.
6. Clean more often = Done this week
7. Going out every week with my husband = He’s sick
8. Read more = This one I have been doing big time! I’m finishing up a book that was written by a man who was a 1 year behind me when we were in high school. He has traveled the world training gymnasts and helping countries get their gymnastic programs up and running. It is a fun read for me, because he writes like he talks, so I “hear” his voice in my head.
9. Think, really think about retiring = I’ve been doing this. And talking with my husband about it.
I am not working this week, so I hope to get more done.
Mavis Butterfield says
Keep up the good work Torry! I too like it when people write how they talk. I feel like their store come alive.
Paula says
Christa,
I love your goal of “Begin a prayer/wish tree on the path to the beaver dam.” I am adding a prayer tree to my list of goals. Thank you!
Christa Hayden says
đ
Elizabeth says
1. Walk 500 miles this year (2 miles this week, I aim for 10 miles a week, but we had a possible flu this week, so I am happy with my pathetic 2 miles)
2. Read two classics or non-fiction books each month (Completed thanks to bed rest! I read Rebecca and How to be a Good Creature. Both were excellent)
3. Have two family game nights each month (One down, one to go)
4. Pay off car loan (Had a no spend week and limited groceries bought, so on a good track)
5. Publish a novel (Hope to start editing chapter one this week)
6. Buy nothing ânewâ this year (nothing new was bought)
7. Complete a home improv project every month (not yet)
8. Have an outing with each kid every month (not yet)
9. Learn to knit and crochet (not yet)
Katie says
My mom put a $50 Cracker Barrel gift card in my stocking this year! I was SO excited. Since we take the kids and order larger items to share with them, we’re hoping to get 2 visits out of it. It’s so good. And now I want pancakes…
Marcia says
Somebody has to be in last place, you know! It’s totally okay. I did a 1/2 marathon in 2017 and I came in 304/322. But a bunch of those people started before me (they had an “early start” category). As far as crossing the finish line goes, I crossed #292 out of 303.
I’ve found that yes, we should get 10,000 steps per day. But I have a desk job. Even on the days that I workout in the morning (weights, HIIT), and go for a 20-25 min walk at lunch (1-1.4 miles), I STILL cannot get much more than 7000 steps, unless I walk laps around the house for an hour.
Also, my Garmin watch doesn’t register cooking or doing dishes as “moving” because it’s not the right movement. I can be cooking and doing dishes for an hour and it will buzz at me to “move”.
zoe says
Mavis, do you add the cost of food on your dates, or your trips to bakeries or to generals stores to your monthly food expense or is that separate? Does birthday or anniversary dinners go towards your food expense?
My husband invites people out for lunch after church or sometimes on the weekend, would YOU count that towards your food expense for the month. I guess I’m asking what is included in your $250 a month and what is not?
Mavis Butterfield says
Things I include in our grocery budget: Food we buy at the grocery store {or elsewhere} to prepare at home.
I do not include toiletries in our grocery budget because we do not eat toiletries. And typically, I will stock up on toiletries and things like dish soap / deodorant etc. once a year simply because I can’t stand running out of something like that, nor do I want to think about it that often. {Maybe I need a post about the method to my madness on that one}.
General stores, eating out and bakeries…. Those come out of our “date day” budget which varies each year from $100- $150 a month now that we are traveling all over for date days.
I think it’s really important to separate things into categories for one simple reason. One is a want {eating out} and one is a need {food from the grocery store}.
Plus I truly believe that toiletries need a category of their own. I know people who spend $100+ a month on personal care products {make up, fancy shampoo, nail polish etc.} and personally, I think it’s nuts. A lot of those same people justify getting their nails and hair done each month too. That is something I just don’t do.
I am going to stop now… this needs to be a post! đ
zoe says
Thanks so much. I have set my yearly budget up using the envelope method, and now I have to go make a few more envelopes. Hahaha. Looking forward to a new post.
Mavis Butterfield says
I’ll try my best Zoe.