My goals for 2017
Get 7- 8 Hours of Sleep Each Night
It was a pretty good week for sleep. Part of that might have been because I was raking leaves every other day and who knew that could be so exhausting? Also, I’ve been walking more and I only took one nap. Sometimes I feel like I NEED a nap, and other times I think if I could just make it to bedtime without a little siesta I’d sleep so much better because I’d be so tired. The struggle is real.
Make Saving a Priority, Not an Idea
Christmas gifts. This year I’ve decided to give each of the kids 1 small item and either a gift card or an “experience” type gift. And that’s it. In some ways it really just makes life so much simpler and keeps the focus on just hanging out with each other. And in other ways it’s kind of sad. That whole awkward stage {if I can call it that} when your kids are not little anymore and don’t want for anything really because they already have everything they need. We are half way to an empty nest, and it just feels a little odd.
Moving on, and getting older is a strange business if you ask me.
Live a little
Oh hey… look, there’s only rain in the forecast for 6 out of the next 9 days. Hot Dog! Who wants a house guest? Because if I don’t get out of here soon I am going to go nuts. Grey skies, and rain. Oh Joy.
Visit 52 REAL Bakeries
I feel like I need to squeeze in at least one more bakery this year….
Have 1 “no spend” week each month
This past week I buy anything. Giddy up! That makes me 10 for 11 so far this year.
Start a Line of Rug Hooking Patterns
Any hookers out there? I’ve got 13 of my patterns listed on Etsy and Lucy and I have been working on a few more which I hope to be able to offer in early January. I’m not exactly sure about Lucy’s testing methods, but she’s such a good little helper and has been right by my side during this whole process. 😉
Turn My Wool Stash into $2,500.
This week I sold $356.74 worth of goodness in my Etsy shop which brings my total sales to $12,221.36 for the year. How crazy is that? At the end of the year I’ll tally everything up and let you know the actual profit.
Wouldn’t it be a crazy if I could turn what I love doing {rug hooking} into a real job? Have you ever thought about doing something like that? Turning a side hobby into something full time? I think for so many people {my husband included} it’s hard to grasp the idea of a not having a traditional, 9-5 job. But you know what, things are changing and it seems like more and more people are branching out and starting to do other things to bring in a paycheck. It seems like with the internet, anything is possible these days.
Purge 250 Items Mission Accomplished
I have a stack of books sitting in the car waiting for me to take them to the thrift store. We have officially gone over the 400 items purged mark for this year and I’m pretty happy about that. But seriously now, I don’t think there is anything left to purge! 😉
Learn to Crochet
I tried to love it but it’s not for me. I’m a hooker at heart.
Dote on My Husband Even More Than I Do Now.
My poor husband! He is STILL SICK and I’m hoping last night was the worst of it. He is sooo miserable right now and it’s just awful. Lucy and I slept in another room last night so he could be miserable in peace. I am so thankful we have an extra bed in the house for times like these.
Lose the Muffin Top. {again}
Ahhh Muffy, she’s inching her way back. Naughty, naughty girl! I must STAY STRONG!
Wear out {most of} the clothing I already own.
Life is so much easier when you don’t have to think about what to wear every day. Seriously, it is. As much as I want to dress like a model from a Sundance or REI catalog, I just don’t think I could handle wasting spending my time each day putting outfits together. I don’t know why it’s so draining to me, but it is.
Try 52 New Recipes
I tried a new pie this week! Recipe coming soon.
Read 52 Books
This week I’ve been listening to This I Believe in Hoopla and it’s been pretty good so far. I play it while I’m working online for a little background noise and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE that the essays are read by the authors.
Give Back to 12 Different Organizations in My Community
January – Donated to Quilts from the Heart in Memory of my brother.
February – Donated to Empty Bowls Fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club.
March – Donated to my daughter’s mentor who was in a horrible car accident.
April – Donated again to my daughter’s mentor who was in a horrible car accident.
May – $100 Tip to a waitress on Mother’s day.
June – Started collecting men’s shirts to donate this winter.
July – Donated to the Chew Dog Rescue
August – Donated to the Houston Flood Relief Fund
September – $100 Tip to our amazing server at The Grey House and bought a tin of caramel corn from a Boy Scout
October – I still need to do something.
November –
December –
And then, there’s those top secret goals we’re not talking about yet.
Secret Goal #1Sell East Coast House Mission AccomplishedSecret Goal #2Chickens! Mission Accomplished- Secret Goal #3 Totally working on it!
- Secret Goal #4 Plotting away and my blood pressure has been elevated for like the last week. If I don’t end up having some sort of panic attack or something from the stress of it all, I will be shocked. Gaaaaaaaa! I can hardly stand it. It’s all I think about these days.
How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2017? How are they coming along?
~Mavis
Read About My 2017 Goals HERE.
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Mel says
I finally knocked my last goal off my list yesterday. The goal was to learn how to use all the crafting tools I had piled up. I learned how to use my wood burning tool in January, and I learned to sew in June, and yesterday I learned to use my Dremel to etch glass. I etched a set of glasses for my last handmade gift of the season (another goal), and they turned out far better than I could have hoped. I have the tiniest bit of touch up sewing to do on some other gifts, but they are all done now, and I am oh so relieved.
In terms of making money from hobbies, I often consider it (especially after realizing Etsy sells custom house ornaments like the ones I made for our neighbors for $80), but I don’t think I could do it on top of my 9-5.
Mel says
In reading everyone’s responses, I wonder if “The Hobby I’d Turn into Money if I Could” would be a fun series for next year. I like the featured Etsy shops, and this could be similar—but for people who haven’t actually gone into business yet. Might yield some neat money-saving or making tips as well.
Pam says
I love that idea!
Sandy says
I second that! This would be a great idea.
KC says
If you’re ever anywhere near Ballard, try Larsen’s (especially their cardamom bread – yum)(only if you like cardamom, I suppose – but yum!). Beautifully (and deliciously) executed Scandinavian pastries as well.
Stephanie King says
Just south of you, in The Dallas, Oregon, is Sweethearts Bake Shop. It’s a cute little family run home Bakery. You might give it a try!
Teckla says
I think that’s supposed to be The Dalles? On the Columbia River? Dallas, OR is much farther south and west. Typos! They are a nuisance.
Michelle says
We’ve been empty nesters for 3 years now and it’s still weird! They will always be our babies it seems . Like you we’re also trying to get from west to east coast and that’s all I can think about …..
Audra says
This year has been a trial of leaving the 9-5 and combining my hobbies into enough paying work to cover part of our expenses. We saved up ahead of time so I have room to explore opportunities without needing an immediate payback, and I have to say that what has come out of this time has been way better than I had even hoped! Mavis, you’re right that the internet makes things possible nowadays that never would have been in the past! When I was younger I would have never thought that I would have clients in Canada or be inspired by bloggers from all over the country! I can’t wait to hear more about what your secret goals are, btw! 🙂
Joan Blurton says
Are you struggling for charity ideas, or just saving up to reveal the last two? There are gift giving trees, Toys for Tots Etc going on right now that means so much to those with very little.
Diane says
I second KC. Larsen’s bakery in Ballard…YUM!
Paula says
I agree with you about the getting older and kids half in and half out…weird. Think how many hours, days and months we ve spent with our kids our focus…that s a lot of empty space to fill!
Mavis Butterfield says
It is. It is a lot of empty space to fill.
Sandy says
You’re killing me with the Secret Goals!!! I can’t wait to find out what they are.
And yes, I often think of a side gig with my quilting. I’m not sure where to even get started though. Do you just make a bit of inventory and list it on Etsy? Then just replace it as it sells?
I’m listening to Lisa Wingate — her Daily, Texas series. It’s romance, but not icky romance. It’s pressed by Inspirational Books, so it’s a nice story line about the town’s folks.
Mavis Butterfield says
Trust me…. It’s making me CRAZY that I cannot talk about them yet. C R A Z Y As far as Etsy goes, I am going to have a new plan of attack for next year but yes, I got started by making a few things and then listing them. The key for me though was not to get hung up on if something didn’t sell right away {like it did on Ebay for me many moons ago when I would list everything as a 7 day listing}. Slow and steady wins the race. Start small, get into a grove and you will find your way.
Leslie says
Seems like your Etsy shopping went bonkers when you started selling patterns. So interesting! Maybe that’s the niche? Love when people have fun, doing what they enjoy and making a little (or a lot!) of pocket money.
Sandy says
I would love to hear how you do it. Really. I want to try but I need more encouragement and guidance and I’m not too ashamed to admit that! Whenever you explain things you do it in such a way that I can relate to it, so I would find it helpful. If, of course, you would like to share that part of your life. 🙂
Margery says
We will be in a very odd spot next year, out of the 6 kids two live on the East coast, 3 will be in college away from home, leaving one very board 6th grader who thinks mom is no fun. Hoping for a grandchild in the next year.
What is even more weird is talking about goals and budgets for retirement which at the earliest is 9 years but more likely only 12 years away.
Paula says
Well if you figure something out let us know….maybe this could be a new feature in 2018????
Brenda P says
You still may consider more shirts for the donation thing but you may also want to add socks. It is amazing how many homeless do not have socks in the cold. And as for the rain in your area, you may need to donate rain ponchos, raincoats, or even umbrellas along with the shirts!!
Shelle says
If you need ideas for your charitable giving, I think the Little Free Pantry movement would be just up your alley! Like the Little Free Libraries, these adorable doll-sized “houses” (or boxes, or bins, or whatever shape you like) are available to anyone. Instead of holding books, they’re filled with non-perishable food and hygiene items. There are three in our local area and because they’re available 24/7, they’re awesome for families in need between paychecks and food bank distribution days. Your HOA snoopervising committee likely wouldn’t allow it in your neighborhood, but perhaps you could band together with friends in a less-regulated area to build a new one? Or perhaps you could locate the Little Free Pantries in your county and spend a few hours filling them to the gills? (That would also make for a very fun blog post!) The Little Free Pantry movement is very grassroots and it just seems like something you’d really like. Here’s a website with lost of good info: http://www.littlefreepantry.org/
Becky says
I missed the post giving the reason you sold your East Coast house. Is there a change in plans? Love your goal updates. Very inspiring!