“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
My goals for 2018
Goal #1 – Write Like No One is Reading.
“Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” ~ Barbara Kingsolver
Working it!
Goal #2 – Slow Down
Did you earn any luxury beauty credits from Amazon last month when you were ordering Christmas presents? Well I earned a whopping $5 in credits and redeemed them for 2 hydrating face masks. The verdict? They were pretty lame. If I’m going to put something on my face and leave it on for 30 minutes I want a little more excitement than my skin feeling soft and cool for 5 minutes afterwards.
I want to PEEL something off … like dead skin or something. Anyone know of a really good face mask that makes you feel like you got your money’s worth {that you can peel off}?
Goal #3 – Shop Small
Ordered 3 pairs of dog booties from a small ski shop in Montana. They make the booties in house one little paw protector at a time. No giant factory… and I LOVE that. I’ll share some pictures once they arrive.
Goal # 4 – Have a Designated Meal Prep Day
I was going for 2 days of meal prep this week and still ended up cooking over a period of 3 days. It would probably help if I didn’t have 160 yards of wool to cut and dye so I am still remaining hopeful that I can get my meal prep down to just one days a week once things calm down.
Goal #5 – Install a Vegetable Garden
I really need to sit down and map out a garden plan for this year so I have a game plan when spring rolls around and it’s time to start digging up the yard. I’m hoping to receive a list of all the plants and shrubs from the current owners of the home we are buying on the east coast soon. Which, I think will really help.
Also, I need to research which varieties of strawberries grow well in the Northeast. Here in the Seattle/Tacoma area I’ve always grown Tri-Star strawberries with a lot of success, but I’m not sure if those will be hardy enough for the harsh winters back east. Does anyone have a favorite they know does well?
Goal #6 – Clear Land for a Chicken Coop and Future Raised Garden Bed Area
Have you seen the new Chickens Magazine in the stores? That sweet husband of mine stuck a copy in my Christmas stocking this year and WOW… what a fun magazine to read. I think I may have to subscribe to this one. We already ordered out chicks for the new place and plan on using our Eglu to start things off but I’m going to have the HH build us a larger coop
Goal #7 – Grow 500 Pounds of Vegetables
I was hoping to put together a list of seeds to order last week but wasn’t able to get a round to it, so hopefully I can get that done this week.
Goal #8 – Hook 100 Rugs
8 down, 92 to go! I just listed 8 hooked rugs in my Etsy shop this morning and have another 5 in various stages on the bookcase I am going to try and get done by the end of the week {all Valentine’s}. Then, I’ll start working on a few Easter pieces. Being a hooker is fun. You should totally try it.
Goal #9 – Make a Set of Dolls
Although not high on my priorities right now, I am hoping to make a set later this year.
Goal #10 – Make a Sampler, Frame it and Hang it on the Wall
What if I told you it took me like 45 minutes to get this far. SERIOUSLY… how do people do this? I know I need to have 39 little x’s but don’t even know how many stitches I have done!!! MUST.BY MAGNIFYING GLASS TO CONTINUE. At this rate, this is going to take me all year to finish. Holy smokes.
Goal #11 – Visit 22 Bakeries
Thank you for all your suggestions on bakeries in Montana! I have them written down on my road trip map. Now I am looking for bakeries along interstate 94 in the North Dakota area. Does anyone know of a good bakery in Bismark or Fargo? 😉
Goal #12 – Start a Collection
I’ve decided on wooden spoons and butter molds. I was going to try and collect yellowware but I’ve decided not to now because of a secret project I’ll be working on later this year. Butter molds I’ll probably find in antique stores {unless I get lucky and happen upon some at a yard sale this summer} but wooden spoons I think I’d like to try and collect some from peeps who actually carve the spoons themselves. We’ll see.
Goal #13 – Read {or listen to} 26 Books
I love cookbooks that tell stories and New England Farmgirl does just that. I especially love all her suggestions for farm stands and other spots of interest in the Northeast region. I haven’t made my way though the entire book yet but so far so good.
Goal #14 – Try 12 New Canning Recipes
Bacon onion jam! I’ll get the recipe posted this week.
Goal #15 – Secret {for now} Holiday Project
I’ve been wanting to do this for YEARS…. and this year, I’m going for it. 😉
How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2018? How are they coming along?
~Mavis
Read About My 2018 Goals HERE.
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Kathie S. says
Hi Mavis!
I had good luck with the Seascape variety of strawberries here in CT. I have to replant this year as the voles destroyed my strawberry patch last year. Good luck!
Mrs. C. says
A good resource for berries in the NE is noursefarms dot com. Their website has a lot of care and growing info. Sparkle strawberries have great flavor!
Nancy Frost says
Second the recommendation for Sparkle berries. Amazing flavor and a cinch to freeze whole berries. Grew well for me in Zone 4.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks Mrs. C!
Jill says
My aunt taught me a cross stitch trick. Start with half stiches. Use only your diagonal (all going in the same direction) to count your stitches for each row or grouping. Then go back and cross the diagonal after you’ve counted them. It is easier on your eyes, and you know you are crossing the stitches in the same direction that way.
Mavis Butterfield says
This is a genius idea and I think I am going to pull out my stitches and see if this way works better for me. Thanks!
Mama Cook says
Tee hee! Exactly what I was going to say. I do one color at a time, row by row…half stitch across, half stitch back. It will make your piece look so much nicer. Plus, by doing one color at a time, you end up with a point of reference for your additional stitches. ☺️
C says
On the subject of gardening… have you found any great solutions or resources (preferably organic) for garden problems such as aphids, bean beetles, powdery mildew, etcetera… I would love to hear what you do to cope with these issues! Can’t wait to see your garden this year!
Mel says
I haven’t experimented with treating powdery mildew, but I’ve found Seminole Pumpkin to be pretty resistant to it. That might be one to try if you are looking for a winter squash.
Judy Johnson says
Neem oil spray works for me. It kills insects and powdery mildew. I am not in the Northeast, though.
Mrs. Z says
So do you like the Northeast so much you will be retiring there? I have spent my adult life in PNW but I have always been interested in checking out Northeast. Just wondering as you are leaving PNW.
Rachel says
Sandy’s Donuts!!! (they are in West Fargo or downtown Fargo) They have amazing donuts!!!
Lea says
We used to drive down from Grand Forks for these!
Must stop!
🙂
Lea
Jennifer Meyer says
Is this The Girl That Thinks She’s a Bird doing the face mask with you? Is she engaged?! :O
Mavis Butterfield says
Umm no. I’m pretty sure the HH is convinced she is going to live with us forever. 😉
Connie says
I would get a crossstitchh fabric with larger sqaures. It comes in differentt counts per inch and larger is better for beginners. I used to do counted cross stitch and loved it. Good luck with your sampler.
Connie says
Are you going to learn to do pottery -throw pots ? I took a class once. It is such fun !
Linda says
All the Amish around me grow Honeoye and it’s the one I’ve had the best success with her in central New York.
Kara says
Same here in western NY
Betsy in MN says
I agree on Honeoye. I always have a great crop.
Betsy says
I find it easier to cross stitch without a hoop. That way I can always keep my needle on the “top” by going down and up in one pull.
Maybe try that? It also is just one of those things that you get better with the more you do it – I’m sure rug hooking is the same way. Good luck!
Jj says
Gigi’s Cupcakes in Fargo!
Katie says
It’s expensive, but my favorite skin care product is Real Chemistry’s 3 minute peel. You can feel your skin slough off as you use it, and a little goes a long way. My face feels so soft afterward. Look for coupons from Ulta, or some other way to knock down the price. I received a year-long Birchbox subscription as a gift, and this is the the only product that I’ve insisted on buying.
Em says
Thanks for the suggestion!
Nancy says
Since you’re moving to the ortheast a book you might enjoynis The Blueberry Years by Jim Minick. It’s all about one family’s journey into blueberry farming. It does take place in Virginia but could easily have taken place in New Hampshire or Vermont!
Nancy
Nichole says
Nichole’s Bakery in Fargo. You won’t be disappointed. And I’m not just saying it because we share a name!!
Mavis Butterfield says
They have LEMON TARTS!!!!! I’m sold.
Tracy says
Can’t help you with a face mask, I’m afraid. I don’t even use soap (or any cleanser) on my face, only warm water and a soft terry face cloth. But Albion strawberries are wonderfully large, sweet and are an everbearing variety that bloom/fruit up early and keep going until November in my New Youk zone 6 area. I agree with an earlier poster about Norsefarm berries….great selection, large plants, nice people.
Patti says
I agree Nourse Farm is where to purchase your berry plants. I have ordered from them for years with great success.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thank you!
Kim says
Perhaps you can clear up my confusion….are you digging up the HOA yard for your garden or will you be moved into the mystery house by Spring? You seem really calm for someone who’s moving cross country that soon…
Mavis Butterfield says
New garden in New England. 🙂
Deborah says
On Goal #12, collecting Butter moulds, would you share? I’ve. Ever seen one and would love for hubby to build me one. He has built me a few soap moulds, and a soap box to keep my soap making supplies in.
I collect angels and candles.
Mavis Butterfield says
I’ll be looking for antique butter molds… Yes, I will share photos when I find them.
Tracy says
Macys, I really enjoy your blog and have been a fan since your Albertsons doubler days. I love reading about your goals. I have decided to make one of my goals to be able to earn a trip for free using southwest miles after reading and studying the post about the lady who went to Disney 2x for free. I hope I can do it! My family has always dreamed of seeing the manatees in florida… We live in Wa state
Tracy says
Sorry… mavis got changed to Macys!
Joanne says
I love to cross stitch
When count of fabric is 32 or higher, I stitch over two threads. In effect this makes it 16 stitches instead of 32. Make sure that is not what your directions are calling for. Linen is my favorite material.
Donna says
I love Elizabeth Arden Peel and Reveal revitalizing face mask. Leave it on for 15-20 mins and peel it off. It’s wonderful! Skin is so smooth and Makeup glides on!
Sara says
I like Blaq masks. I do feel like I have to tell you that lots of people think they hurt too much to peel off. There were videos of people crying as they were taking them off. However, if you feel that it’s too painful to peel off, you can just rinse it of with water and some rubbing. I only thought it hurt a little near the eyes and the rest just felt good and satisfying.
Teresa Young says
A cookbook I love is The Amish Cook by Elizabeth Coblentz with Kevin Williams. These are stories and recipes from a syndicated newspaper column gathered in to a book, with beautiful photos. Great descriptions of Amish customs, everyday life and special occasions like weddings and funerals.
Mavis Butterfield says
I agree, great book!
Marcia says
Best bet for strawberries in New England is to google it for your particular location. NY vs CT vs VT vs PA, etc. might all be a bit different. Maybe check a local university if they have an ag track (like Cornell).
Lora says
Seems like your planning something very special for Christmas. Since you are moving east, and if you haven’t gone before, make a trip to Williamsburg.
Elizabeth says
Some people will grid their cross stitch fabric to make it easier to count. Most patterns have 10 x 10 count squares marked on them. You can mark the same 10 x 10 squares on your fabric with water soluble fabric pens. After you finish the cross stitch, the markings should come out when you wash it. If you’re worried about the markings not coming out, you can baste the grid lines on the fabric with a contrasting thread. A quick web search will yield several tutorials.
I also love to look at http://www.crossstitchforum.com. So many helpful hints and the stitchers there are very nice!
Linda Scott Geyer says
I have been using baking soda for years to remove dead skin and clean pores. I remember my doubt when I first heard of it , so I tried it on one hand and was hooked. Great stuff! I put some baking soda in a spice shaker near the shower, not in shower. Keeping the lid dry and able to close keeps soda from lumping in the shaker.
Jeni says
I’ve been interested in rug hooking for awhile but have no idea where to start as a total beginner. Any suggestions on Web sites or books? You use wool for yours, have you ever used any other material? Is it an easier fabric to work with when hooking or just a preference?
I’ve been enjoying your blog since last year!
Mavis Butterfield says
I’ve only ever used wool and I’m not sure I’d ever use anything else.
Books I’d recommend:
Rug Hooker’s Companion by Donna Hrkman
Wide Cut Primitive Rug Hooking by Wendy Miller
Rug Hooking Traditions with Magdalena Briner Eby by Evelyn Lawrence
And of course any book by Maggie Bonanomi is always a treat {although her books are a mix of primitive style rugs, quilts, penny rugs and other needfuls}.
Posts I’ve written about rug hooking: https://www.stage.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/category/rug-hooking/
Hope that helps. 🙂
Sharon says
I clicked on the link for the dog booties and I didn’t see them for sale? How do you buy them?
Mavis Butterfield says
Just call the ski shop. 🙂 The number is on the website. They don’t sell anything online.