One Hundred Dollars a Month

“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

Goal #2 – Slow Down

Yesterday I sliced oranges and dried them under the wood stove and now I’m trying to decide if I want to use them to make potpourri or a garland for the hearth. Decisions decisions.

Goal #3 – Shop Small

We “shopped small” twice this past week. One of the purchases was a set of beeswax candles from a small husband and wife business in Tonasket, Washington that specializes in handmade brooms and beeswax candles {an interesting combination if you ask me}.  A few weeks ago I picked up a pair of tin candle holders at the recycle center for our dining room table. When I spotted the stubby beeswax candles on Etsy, I just knew they’d be the perfect fit for the table. I’ll post a proper picture once I receive them.

Goal # 4 – Have a Designated Meal Prep Day

Thanksgiving is the ultimate meal prep day, isn’t it? 🙂 I think we all got a big fat A last week in the meal prep department. Go team!

Goal #5 – Install a Vegetable Garden Done

To everything there is a season. I don’t know about you, but I am loving this time of rest.

Goal #6 – Clear Land for a Chicken Coop and Future Raised Garden Bed Area Done

The ladies are doing great with the cooler temps and enjoyed warm oatmeal for breakfast on more than one occasion last week. We also added extra pine shavings inside the coop for insulation and they are happily going outside each day to roost. Egg production is down, but that is totally expected for this time of year as we decided not to add any artificial light to their coop {everyone deserves a rest, right?}.

Goal #7 – Grow 500 Pounds of Vegetables Done

I miss all the fresh tomato salads. You can read about my latest gardening escapades HERE. These days though, we are harvesting twigs and snow.

Goal #8 – Hook 100 Rugs Done

I hit the 105 hooked rug mark a few weeks ago and ever since then I have been focused on dyeing wool, moving all my rug hooking supplies downstairs {after the HH kindly suggested it might be a good idea if all my unfinished projects were one place as opposed to strew all over the house}. I have been working on a few pieces though in the evening, but I don’t think I’ll be listing any new hooked rug pieces until the start of the new year.

Goal #9 – Make a Set of Dolls

Working on it. And by that I mean the fabric has been cut out and is still laying on the table ready to be sewn.  I did make some buttons out of clay for the dress this week though… so you know, some progress. 😉

Goal #10 – Make a Sampler, Frame it and Hang it on the Wall Done

Goal #11 – Visit 22 Bakeries

No new bakeries this week, but I think we may be headed to Abigail’s Tea Shop soon and I hear they have scones there.  If we do go, I’ll be sure and take some pictures for you.

Goal #12 – Start a Collection

Guess who picked up a giant sized BBQ spatula and ornament hanger {?} thing a ma bob this week at the recycle center? That would be me. My husband just rolled his eyes when I hopped in the car with my treasures.

Goal #13 – Read {or listen to} 26 Books Done

This past week I’ve been listening to Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking on audiobook and I love it. All the factual data and how the author breaks down the whole working independently method and why it works so well {and with studies to back it up} are fascinating. 

Goal #14 – Try 12 New Canning Recipes

I have my camp stove set up and all my canning equipment in place and will be canning a new savory spread today. If everything goes as planned, I’ll share the recipe.

Last week I shared Cranberry Apple Jam with a Hint of Orange and we have already gone through one jar of the stuff!!! Not only is it the perfect spread for those leftover turkey sandwiches, but we had it on our dinner plates this Thanksgiving instead of regular cranberry sauce. It really is an amazing recipe and I think you should give it a try.

So far this year I’ve canned 11 recipes:

• Cranberry Apple Jam with a Hint of Orange {A must for leftover turkey sandwiches}
• Spiced Christmas Jam
• Apple Cider Butter
• Tomato Sauce
• Carrot Cake Jam
• Cucumber Relish
• Spiced Peach {Crazy good!!!}
• Blueberry Jam {without the mint}
• Pickled Beets {without the funky spices}
• Cherry Almond Jam {freakin’ AWESOME}
• Susan’s Lilac Blossom Jelly

Goal #15 – Secret Holiday Project Done

Last night I added a few lamb ornaments to my Etsy shop. I like the more primitive looking “dirty” lambs and the HH likes the cleaner white fleece look so I made a handful of each. So far this whole “secret” holiday project has been a great experience and I think I may have the HH talked in to taking a pottery class {wheel throwing!} with me.  I’m not sure if I have the patience for it, but I’m thinking if he were to take a class with me, I’d have a better chance of sticking it out. We’ll see.

And a big thank you to everyone who has ordered an ornament this year. They have been so much fun to make!

How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2018? How are they coming along?

~Mavis

Read About My 2018 Goals HERE.