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12 Goals for the New Year

My 22 Goals for 2019 – Week 40 of 52

By Mavis Butterfield on - 39 Comments

My 22 Goals for 2019


Goal #1 — Spend More Time Doing What I Love

It was another great week here in New England. Miss Lucy got plenty of walks in {the woods, the beach and around town} and we are starting to feel a little more settled. I’d say about 80%-85% of the boxes have been unpacked and now it’s just a matter of tackling a long list of {pretty simple} projects to make this place feel like our own.

Goal #2 — Garden, Garden, Garden

Last week we dug a new flower border and planted 900 spring flower bulbs {400 tulip and 500 muscari} from Van Engelen Wholesale Bulb Company. This week the goal is to get the rest of the plants in {boxwoods, hydrangea, hibiscus and arborvitae} in and mulched before packing up the gardening tools until next spring. It feels good to be playing outside again, WITHOUT being bitten. 😉

Goal #3 — Plant an Orchard {Calling it Quits on this one.}

I didn’t snap a picture but with all the cooler evening temps we’ve been having {and they’ll only get lower from here} we had to bring Miss Lemon inside for the winter. Luckily though there is a small little sun room type area in the house where I’ll be able to keep her {and some other houseplants once we settle in a bit more and get that area painted}.

Goal #4 — Gussy Up the Potting Shed Done!

Goal #5 — Grow Enough Extra Vegetables, Eggs and Flowers to Earn $1500 at my little roadside vegetable stand.

It was totally my intention to grow a ton of fruits and vegetables to sell at the farm-stand when I made my list of goals for 2019 last winter, but then we moved. So, that whole goal was sort of a bust. The new peeps wanted the vegetable stand, and we were happy to leave it for them since it was made specifically to match the front of the house, so hopefully the tradition will continue. 🙂

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. 

I was able to finish 2 make do’s and a pillow and upload them to my Etsy shop last week plus get about 90% of the Halloween runner I’ve been working on done {hopefully I can get it finished tonight}. Next week I’ll work on a special order pillow, and then I’ll work on my big top secret holiday projects before making a few Christmas pieces.

  • 73 rugs in my pattern bin {now down to 32}
  • 183 hooked flowers {finished 133, now down to 51}
  • 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} DONE!

So far this year I’ve added 12 new rug hooking patterns and 13 beginner rug hooking kits to my Etsy shop.

New rug hooking patterns I’ve created and added to My Etsy Shop this year:

Rug Hooking Kits

Goal #8 — Split and Stack 2 Cords of Wood for Next Winter 

All that firewood! We sold it. 😉

Goal #9 — Do Something with the 5,002 Photos on My Phone

Current number of photos on phone is 12 million.

Goal #10 –Lose the Muffin Top

This past week I walked around town collecting pastries, hot tea and chestnuts.

Goal #11 — Run, Walk or Crawl a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon

I thought I had signed up for a half marathon but apparently I only signed up for the 5K and when I noticed my mistake, the Smashing Pumpkin half marathon in Freeport, ME was already sold out! I am so mad at myself. I have been a bit flighty what with everything going on, but now what?

I even walked 8.5 miles one day last week in preparation. Maybe I’ll just save myself the entry fee and make my own bib and walk my own marathon with local bakeries as the pit stops instead of water stations. That would be fun.

Goal #12 — Read or Listen to 26 New Books {18 down, 8 to go}

I downloaded Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal yesterday and so far so good!

Currently on the request list:

Books I’ve Read or Listened to So Far This Year:

Goal #13 — Try 52 New Recipes.

25 down, 29 recipes to go. Last week the HH made Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese. I have two new recipes for him to try this week. 😉

Goal #14 — Clean Up 52 Old Recipes on the Blog

9 down, 44 to go. I’ll get crackin’ once fall {and cooler temps} come around.

Goal #15 — Fill 100 Canning Jars 48 down, 52 to go.

So far this year I’ve I canned:

Goal #16 — Finish Furnishing Our House

Yesterday I worked on filling holes in the bathrooms so today I’ll be able to paint. Then it will be up to the HH to install a towel rack, mirror and other odd bits. The whole house needs window coverings and after looking up prices on custom roman shades {$300-$500 per window!!!} I’ve decided to make my own. For the ENTIRE house.

I’m a little nervous, but I think after a little trial and error, I should be able to make the window coverings for around the $50 per window mark. We’ll see. If you’ve made your own roman shades before, I’d love any advice you can offer up.

Goal #17 – 52 Dates with the HH {31 down, 21 to go}

2 dates last week! One involved a bagpiper. {I’ll tell you more about it tomorrow.}

Goal #18 — Take One Adult Education Class Done {I’ve taken 3!}

  1. I’m keeping the first class I took with my neighbor top secret for now {Mel know’s what it is though} 😉
  2. Spoon Carving Class with Heather.
  3. Mini pottery lesson {I loved it! and now I want to sign up for a full class}

Goal #19 — Secret {for now} Holiday Project

The big reveal will be on Friday, November 1st.

Goal #20 — Create 12 Wowie Zowie Party Platters

6 down, 6 to go.

Goal #21 — Visit 12 General Stores

9 down 3 to go.

I have a new general store to tell you about… and they sell Grapenut ice cream! I’ll do a proper post with pictures later in the week.

So far this year we’ve visited:

Goal #22 — Compete with Carole….. Get on My Front Door Game On

Hello fall! I cannot believe how many people around me have their front porches decorated. Keeping up with the neighbors is going to be a bit of a challenge and I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to do for Christmas yet, but I suppose I’ve still got some time to think about it. But for now, at least I have some pumpkins and Indian corn out so I don’t look like a total slacker.

Would you be interested in a front door post? There are so many cool displays around town that I think it might be fun to feature some on the blog. Let me know what you think.

Front Door Bling I’ve Made So Far This Year to Compete with Carole:

  • Late January : Valentine Heart
  • Late February : Shamrock
  • Late March : Giant Carrot
  • May: White wave petunia hanging basket
  • June/July: Tin Star and Flag Bunting
  • August : Sunflower
  • September: Indian corn and pumpkins

**************

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! 🙂

Have a great day everyone,

♥ Mavis

You can read more about my 22 goals for 2019 HERE.

Have a Great Day!

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Comments

  1. Mary3M says

    I always wished that you posted Carole’s front door decorations. Did she ‘out decorate’ Mrs. HB (whose decorating was so over the top – LOVE IT). It would be nice to see pictures of your new ‘hometown’ – downtown as well as house decorating. Bet they go over the top with Christmas. I realized that this is your 5th house since I started following you – in less than 10 years. More power to you!!!!! Have you considered plantation shutters for the front of your house – great to let in the light, crisp and clean lines and you won’t have to hang curtains and mess up the pristine walls. Very New England!! HH is a SAINT!!!!!

    Reply

  2. Diana says

    Yippeee! Another sneak peek at the house! I love those tantalizing little pics you post, lol. Gather up your pumpkins and gourds at the top around the big pumpkin to make a better grouping with more impact. The little ones on each step kind of get lost. Check out the YouTube channel ‘Garden Answer’. She is ALL gardening and has a fabulous sense of style. And yes, I’d love to see a post or two of the front porches from your neighborhood…

    Your idea for a half marathon sounds MUCH better than any other I’ve heard.

    Next time you go on a walk, you should bring one of your baskets with you so you can gather as you go..

    Grapenut ice cream. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm….. lol…

    Love the ‘new’ posts. You sound so much happier. Your enthusiasm and excitement help to incentivize me to get stuff done…

    When you get the roman blinds finished, I think you should do a post on the instructions. You know, for those of us who would love to do it, but don’t have a clue…lol..

    Reply

    • Maxine says

      I second ‘Garden Answer’on YouTube.

      Bagpipes indoors? They’re so loud? Lovely, but too loud for indoors?

      Can you do the 5k twice or just slide in with the 10k-ers?

      Love the peeks of the new house too.

      Reply

  4. Mel says

    My friend made her own Roman blinds using this tutorial that modifies cheap slat blinds, and it came out really well. http://objectivehome.blogspot.com/2012/02/easy-no-sew-roman-blinds-for-450.html

    If I were making them using that method, I think I’d attach the fabric with velcro or something instead of glue so that they could be washed.

    Fall seems to be a better time for sewing for me. I knocked out three non-goal projects in the past couple of weeks. I’m now turning my attention back to my original goal of sewing a Christmas tree skirt. I’m ironing all the fabric today. If all goes well, I still may knock out the quilt I started and maybe some matching pillow shams.

    Reply

  6. Pat says

    Part of your post I was like did they move to town? other parts nope still on the property. Also YouTube has videos for Roman shades I’ll bet !

    Reply

  8. MEM says

    Your Sunday posts are my favorite of the week! I need to do something like this to keep myself accountable. I agree that a post on front porches would be fun. Still curious about exactly where in Maine you are but I understand the need for privacy.

    Reply

  9. Julie says

    Something we’re trying this year is making pumpkin men, like snowmen but with pumpkins. Might be a cute way to stand out in your neighborhood. You could make a bride and groom with an Indian corn bouquet, etc.

    Reply

  10. Rhonda Crapper says

    I have made many Roman blinds. Here are some things I have discovered. I didn’t use instructions, but saw a Roman shade and kind of figured out how to construct it on my own.
    -don’t have your last rod be at the bottom, otherwise your last panel will be pulled up and be exposed to the sunlight when the curtains are open. I am afraid the sun will change the color of the fabric.
    -you can use wide bias tape or ribbon to run small dowel for the rods. Some people suggest putting the rod pockets between the fabric and the liner, but I have found the external pockets better. The dowel does not need to be very think. I think I used 1/4” or smaller on my last shade and it works fine.
    -I love using the blackout fabric at Joann Fabric as a liner.
    -These work best with windows with wide trim within the window, like old wood framed windows. My house they had the original 1895 windows had amazing windows and these blinds were beautiful. Sometimes the curtains curl a bit. One I made for a friend’s bathroom had a bit of a curl and exposed an ever so slight crack, because the edge of the vinyl window has less than 1/2 inch margin of error. If I were to make in again, I would make it for 1/2” wider than the window., so it would hug the edge of the window.
    -I prefer the curtains to be mounted inside the window frame. If they are mounted outside of the frame, there is a gap that can let in light or where people can see in.
    -I use a cheap 1×2 for the mounting wood and have a small eye hook at the top of each rope column as a guide. And one eye hook on the window trim above the cleat and even with the other eye hooks.
    -for the rope columns, I use a rope that is smaller than DMC floss, anything without give is fine. Windows less than 30” only need two rope columns.
    -the rope columns need to be threaded through hoops that are tacked on to the rod pockets on the back. I put the columns about 4-6” from the sides.

    I can’t think of anything else. I don’t have any Roman blinds in my current house, so I can’t take any pictures of what I have done.

    Reply

  12. Lissa says

    The War that Saved My Life is wonderful. So was the sequel and some of her other books. (e.g.Jefferson’s Sons).

    Do the new owners know about the hideous flies? Being able to live in a little town and walk to the beach is my idea of heaven.

    Maybe you should just run the 5K three times 🙂

    I surely love a blue front door. Might have to consider that for our house.

    I have ham butt and navy beans and carrots and onions in the crockpot. Seems to make me think of you!

    I wonder if you’ll get a lot of trick or treaters at the new homestead.

    Reply

  13. Vanessa C says

    YAAAZZZZ to the Front Door post! Always looking for inspiration!!! And, CONGRATS on the new home/ new adventure!

    Reply

    • Molly Tomaszewski says

      the picture posted are deffo buckeyes,
      signed an OHIO Buckeye!
      I have a tree and gather them to dry then string onto necklaces with grey and scarlet beads for the crazy football fans.

      love idea of front doors around town post!!

      Reply

  15. Joyce says

    Mavis,
    We have chestnuts too! I use them to make chestnut biscotti, it’s wonderful.
    I would love a front door post, maybe you could make some pilgrim scarecrows and surround them with pumpkins and mums.

    Sounds like you are much happier, I would be around all of those bakeries. Love me some pastries.
    Joyce in Indiana

    Reply

  16. Teckla says

    Hmmm, 29 new recipes; that’s 2.32 per week. Clean up 44 recipes = 3.52 per week. 52 jars of something to can = 4.16 per week. 6 Wowie Zowie platters = 2 per week. Plus the rest of your goals and everyday life! And there are only 11 Fridays left before Christmas! I’m thinking you are going to be one BUSY lady for the rest of the year, or maybe ditch some of your goals. Moving makes a good excuse, right?

    Reply

  17. Teri says

    Love your front door and porch with the mums! Yes to more photos!! Are you within walking distance of the library? Hope so!

    Reply

  18. KC says

    Random note that the cheapest fabric for privacy-but-lets-the-light-through curtains I’ve found has been Joann’s muslin on sale; it’s available in a variety of widths, and three colors (bleached, unbleached, tea-dyed). It is “imperfect” which will either appeal to you (linen-look, ish?) or drive you bonkers, and it tends to wrinkle with plain washing, but can be ironed/starched flat. No good for sun-blocking shades, though! In our east-facing bedroom, we’ve got a layer of the lightweight muslin, then sun-blocking pull-down blinds, then curtains made out of denim to kill most of that last bit of light; the light-blocking stuff goes up after we’re up (which is not when the sun gets up).

    Anyway, so I’d endorse thinking outside the box for fabric options, but wash and iron a sample and fold it up like a roman blind and then let it out again to see how it’ll look after they’ve been pulled up and let down before you definitely pick something.

    Reply

  19. Missy says

    Here is a link to a site that has very detailed instructions on how to make curtains and blinds. https://www.sew-helpful.com/index.php There are very detailed instructions provided, along with some video content as well. I plan on using this site to make my own Roman shades, as the one I previously used was taken down. This site is similar to that site, however.

    Reply

  20. Kim says

    Love your new front porch and decorations. Would LOVE a front door tour around town! Have you found the library yet and do you like it?
    Happy “back to the happy Mavis” season!

    Reply

  21. HollyG says

    Mavis, I’m going to apologize to you and your readers if I’m stating the obvious in this, but we seem to have problems in our area with people trying to eat horse chestnuts thinking that they are sweet chestnuts.

    I could be mistaken, because I’ve only seen horse chestnuts ‘in the wild’, but those look like horse chestnuts rather than sweet chestnuts. The edible chestnut, I believe, has a pointy tip on the nut, the horse chestnut is rounded. I think the leaves of the horse chestnut are palmate, radiating from a central point whereas the sweet chestnut are pinnate, alternating from a common stem. The pod of the sweet chestnut is more hairy than spiky (if that makes sense). Horse chestnuts are good for a game of conkers but dangerous to eat.

    Reply

    • Mavis Butterfield says

      Thanks HollyG! You just saved me a trip to the ER. 🙂 I had no idea. I just googled sweet chestnuts and they do in fact look very different. Thank you.

      Reply

      • Sue R. says

        I have a thing for horse chestnuts 🙂 They are so pretty and feel so smooth in your hand! I always have them around in the autumn and have made some cute decor from them!

        Reply

  25. Diane H says

    Yes! On the front door posts. Yes! You will most certainly be able to make your own roman blinds. I made two last winter and they turned out great. If I can do it you can to. Looking forward to seeing more of the new house.

    Reply

  27. Julia Park Tracey says

    I agree on grouping your pumpkins and such on each side for more impact. I’d also love to see some Maine front doors. That blue is very on trend and really gorgeous. I also like the brass kickplate — a throwback to England-style. Love that style! Keep it shiny! Brasso works well for that and door handles. Your front porch and your street look so adorably New England…congratulations on making a choice that was absolutely right for you.

    Reply

  28. Emily E. says

    Front door post? YES! I love the blue front door! I personally really like how you’ve decorated – it’s symmetrical but I with the size of the front porch and entry, I feel like more pumpkins to one size would take away from the look. I think on a smaller porch it may just look lopsided. Looking forward to more house pics .

    Reply

  31. Marcia says

    I bet you can find another half marathon soon. It seems like fall is a good time for it in the Northeast. If I google “Maine half marathons”, a bunch show up anyway. OTOH, doing your own thing is fun sometimes too. Love that image of the street and houses and falling leaves. I do miss fall in the northeast. My home town has an “Autumn Leaf Festival” every year (it was last week). One of these years I’ll go back for it. Hard though because fall is a super busy time for my kids and school.

    Reply

  32. Cathy says

    Yes, please do a front door post with pics. I love seeing how other people decorate – lets me look for new ideas to incorporate into my decorating.

    Reply

  33. Christy says

    I made my first Roman Shade this summer for my west facing kitchen window and I love it! I followed this tutorial on YouTube, https://youtu.be/g3VW44HvdfM I used black out curtain material as the ‘liner’ and it has dramatically cut down on the heat in the summer when working in the kitchen.
    Have fun decorating the new house!

    Reply

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