Online Things
It was a busy week in the online department. I listed a few new batches of wool. I made a video:
I made some really good progress on my giant whale rug this past week and spent way too much time “researching” online. I’ve stayed up WAY too late pretty much every night for the past two weeks {we’re talking midnight – 2am}.
It’s been nuts. Maybe it’s all the Greek yogurt I’ve been eating.
Online Goals for 2025
- Reach 20,000 sales in Etsy shop MavisButterfield {I’m currently at 19,153}
In Stock and Ready to Ship by March 31st{DONE!}- Create 4 new patterns/kits {2 completed so far; Great Black Whale Rug and Pod of Black Whales
- Take all new pictures + videos for Etsy shop {in progress}
Get as much as humanly possible done online January – March of this year.- Stop picking up my phone so much {Doing great with this!}
- Spend less than 3 hours a day online {Not this past week}
- Tidy up the back end of the blog HA HA HA
House Things
I was out on a walk and picked up a free basket that was at the end of someone’s driveway thinking it would be tall enough to hide the dumb pipe in the downstairs bathroom.
I was wrong. 🙁 Which was probably a good thing because the basket wasn’t really my style anyway.
My latest paint by number… Only about 10% more to paint. Then I’ll finally have something to hang on the wall.
House Goals
- Paint The Inside Of The House {including closets!}
- Paint The Interior Window Trim
- Remodel Bathroom #1 {scheduled!}
- Freshen up Bathroom #2 {Just need to install the facet and hang something on the wall}
- Put Stuff On The Walls {working on it}
- Work on “new” Kitchen Game Plan
Garden Things
The first harvest of the season happened. We harvested 1.25 ounces of strawberries from the back deck. Only 364 pounds 14.75 ounces to go until I hit my goal of 365 pounds of homegrown garden goodness.
Let’s hope it will be a bumper year for tomatoes is all I have to say.
Garden Goals
- Grow 365 pounds of food 364 pounds 14.75 ounces to go
Install a side yard {flower} garden{DONE!}Make a Potting Bench{decided I didn’t need one}MakeFIND a Garden Cart to sell flowers/veggies out front{DONE}
Kitchen Things
We went to the kitchen to EAT. I have a feeling no new recipes are coming out of there anytime soon.
- Try 12 new recipes {3 down, 9 to go}
- Fill the canning cupboard
New Recipes I’ve Shared This Year
- Double Chocolate Rye Cookies
- Velveeta Zesty Chili Dip
- Haddock and Corn Chowder
- The Best Way To Freeze Avocados
- Freezing Refried Beans
Travel Things
I’ve been busy planning for not one, not two, but THREE trips I’ll be taking later this year. While I really like the planning process, it’s a lot of work.
Actually I don’t know if I enjoy the planning process so much as I like having a plan. If something better comes up, that’s totally fine. But at least I know I won’t be wasting my vacation time trying to figure out what to do.
Explore more of the great state of Maine
- Go on a painting holiday {BOOKED!}
- Québec City {Accommodations and 1 tour booked!}
- Travel Overseas {All accommodations and 4 events are booked!}
Send the HH on a vacation{He went to NYC!}
Marriage Things
We went out for ice cream, went on a double date with our old neighbors to one of our favorite restaurants {and all ordered the same thing, which was really funny}.
We’ve also been doing a lot more walking lately, which is really good, especially for the HH. The beach is waaaay too crowded these days so we’ve just been walking around town.
I’m still not a total fan of the HOKA shoes and probably won’t get them again. Why is it so hard to find good walking shoes?
I loved my lone peak Altra’s but they are all sold out of the style and color I liked. I can’t stand shopping, it’s such a time suck. Just let me buy 10 of something and be set for the next 5 years.
Marriage Goals
- Keep my husband busy
- Date days
- Walk more
So what have YOU been up to lately? Are you making progress on your goals? Curious minds want to know.
I hope you have a great day!
~Mavis
Mary says
Thank you for hooking me on the Altra sneakers. Bought 2 pairs – the blue with the orange bottoms and green with a light bottom, which show the dirt. My feet love these sneakers for dog walking and bike riding. Are you getting any rides in with your new bike?
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes! Lot’s of rides. My feet love the altra’s too. I just wish they wouldn’t get so dirty so quickly and there was a little more tread on the bottom as they seem to wear out quickly.
Ann says
People who like Altra’s also like Topo’s for the roomy toe box. I’m a Hoka Speedgoat wearer, I couldn’t get used to the the drop on Altra’s. The grip on the Speedgoat is probably too much for walking, although I also walk in them. For years they changed my Hoka model. After many different shoe tries, I ran trail and hiked in Sketcher Trail shoes. I couldn’t find a Hoka or Altra trail substitute. Surprisingly cushy and comfortable. I’m not sure what Sketcher has now and the price was more reasonable. I figured if Meb could wear Sketcher’s it was ok. Lamey Welleham also carries Altra’s.
Jamie says
I like the basket!
eliz says
If you like the Altra, maybe look into Topo Athletic shoes.
Julie says
I have one pair of Altra’s and they’re good, but I love Topo’s. I’m on my 4th pair and ready to buy more.
JoAnn Moran says
Hi Mavis,
I’m a long time reader of your blog. I enjoy your posts immensely. Just a suggestion for the pipes. I showed my plumber husband and he wasn’t impressed with the plumbing job. We both think it you paint the pipe the same color as the wall it would really disguise the pipe. My husband says to prime the pipe with something like Kilz first so that the paint sticks. Just an idea. Take care. (Love the house and the lobsters.)
Mavis Butterfield says
I think I’ll try that. 🙂
Peg says
I discovered after I bought my first pair of Altra (online at Sierra) that the style I chose is intended for trail walking/running, which explains why the treads wore down so quickly. But I like them so I found a like new pair on eBay for a very reasonable price. I about destroyed my feet wearing traditional sneakers and high heels during the years I worked at the local courthouse. I did recently buy a new pair of Altra but a different style.
christine says
maybe worth checking poshmark or similar for a pair of lone peak Altras? I feel your pain re: finding the right garment for you and then having to go through the evaluation process AGAIN. Why change something that works??!
christa says
Have you tried secondary markets for the Altra sneakers you really want ? I have had good luck finding specific clothes and shoes that are brand new on eBay or Poshmark.
Mavis Butterfield says
I didn’t think to look there… Thanks!
Katherine says
I heard good things about the Easy Spirit Denise Austin Mel EMOVE walking shoes, so I bought a pair. I love them. They are currently on sale on the Easy Spirit website.
Virginia says
I bought some Brooks shoes per the recommendation of a woman who’s sold shoes at Dick’s for 30 years. Brooks are all she wears, so I thought I would give them a try. I ordered the Ghost 15 and really love them. I have to wear shoes inside during the day or my feet will hurt, so I bought one pair for indoor use and another pair for outdoor use. I personally do not distinguish between running shoes or walking shoes — I just look for shoes that feel good out of the box and have a roomy toe box. Oh, and I recall that Brooks online store has an incredibly generous return policy — you can wear them for quite a while and return them used for a full refund if you don’t like them.
Jennifer Jo says
Whatcha researchin’?
Lynda Rees Kling says
I booked a trip to the UK but since they’re moving to the south coast and have no idea exactly when, I’m not sure where I’ll be going from Heathrow…unplanned can be fun! It’ll be nice to learn a completely different part of the country!
Heather in Nevada says
I would keep a limit to the number of shoes you buy. My brother bought a bunch from Costco probably thinking he wouldn’t need to buy more, but the glue has started to give out and the soles are falling off.
I realize that I need a larger toe box so I will try the brands people suggested.
Mel says
I’m not doing great with my self-care goals, but we had to let our nanny go, so I’m watching our toddler during the day and working at night, so it’s nonstop chaos as I try to keep up with all that on top of activities and house stuff. The plan for July is to catch up on doctors appointments and train a new nanny before I go back to the office in August.
I have completed the goals I had about organizing toys, so organizing art supplies is next. Our toddler’s birthday is also next month, so I’m keeping up with my goal of celebrating holidays (ordered him some gifts, planned a few outings, etc.).
For shoes though, I’ve had good luck with New Balance 990. They come in wide and extra wide widths.
Sue S. says
Awwww your peonies bloomed! Beautiful creamy color. LOL at the strawberries on the scale , oh and I think the basket looks fine – why don’t you use it for a waste basket.
HollyG says
I can’t get used to my Hokas either. I’m shortish (5’4″) with rather large (size 10) Hobbit feet (very wide). When I’m wearing them, my feet feel like I’m wearing huge clown shoes. I used to love the wide toe box with Sauconey, but I don’t think they’re wide anymore. I hate buying shoes.
On a brighter note – we got the garden in late, but are picking kale celery, parsley, mint, strawberries and the garlic should be ready next week.
KC says
Could you hang a matching piece of fabric from the wall behind to drape over the pipe? (which would also cover the smaller pipes…)
Ashley Bananas says
I watched some of your Youtube videos. Great job! Do you talk in any of them?
Mavis Butterfield says
I don’t think so. I don’t like talking craft tutorials. They drive me bonkers.
Ashley Bananas says
Fair enough! I look forward to more.