How to plan and execute your goals(tasks) for the new year.
There are plenty of articles on the subject and how to accomplish them, but I prefer a simple approach. The words goals or tasks, whichever you prefer to call them, will be what you hope to accomplish over the next year.
Simply put:
1)Make a list.
2)Be realistic.
3)Be financially realistic.
If this is your first year of actually trying to reach your expectations...be realistic. People fail when they set their expectations/goals unrealistically. Note the theme here....let's be realistic.
Side note-->I do applaud those of you, who have always been able to accomplish your goals/tasks. It has not always been easy for me. I think as I have aged, I've realized the beauty in setting goals/tasks for one's self. It gets things done!
My 2015 tasks...in no particular order:
1)Learn to bake bread
2)Learn to ferment
3)Cull and process our non-laying chickens
4)Write a weekly post on the blog-->involve the Mr. on this one
5)Make a barn quilt
6)Design and build a "canning" cabin.....this might have to move up the list. I have so many ideas on this!
7)Take more vacation...really how hard can it be to take allll the vacation days I earn?....I just need to do it!
8)Save more
9)Completely finish reorganizing the house....room by room.
Well, there you have it. It's officially in writing. At any time, I can revisit and tweak as the year progresses.
I feel better now.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
The Holiday's are a-coming!
Time is flying ... wasn't it just Labor Day?
And Thanksgiving went by in a blur. And...yep it seems Christmas will soon here before we know it!
I've been busy making our annual homemade gifts. I seem to be getting better at organizing it all every year(geez after 35 yrs of making homemade gifts.. you would think!)....Any hoo, I did start back in July by picking up craft paper, etc. And over the last several months I have bought a few more things. So my first idea came together quickly--a gift packaging kit to help friends and family create their own homemade goodness. I mass produced the kits and was done in no time. I actually think this may be something I decide to do on a yearly basis.
Side Note--->It bothers me though, to hear people say how busy they are and how they just can't seem to get everything done before the holiday. I think I've decided that these procrastinators have always operated their lives one day behind and are always trying to "catch" up. I can't stress being organized enough.
I once saw a Martha Stewart show where she had the whole month of Nov and Dec planned out....and I thought "Good Grief" who needs that kind of planning. Boy was I wrong. Good planning results in stress free holidays. I should have listened to her when I first started out crafting. But alas, an old dog can learn tricks and I am much happier to execute my projects in a timely manner now.
I make lists, google-search ideas, set limits on how much I can realistically complete and buy supplies on sale and ahead of the demand. If you have given up ever getting to a point where you can achieve a happy medium - don't despair. You can do it, start small and work up. There is time this season to depressurize your lists and come up with reasonably priced gifting. It does not have to be stressful or expensive. Thoughtful gifting is just as important. Don't overspend, set a budget and stay within your boundaries. Trust me ...at the end of the season that alone will decrease the financial stress!
Good Luck this season, get organized and stay on budget!
Happy Holidays to You!
And Thanksgiving went by in a blur. And...yep it seems Christmas will soon here before we know it!
I've been busy making our annual homemade gifts. I seem to be getting better at organizing it all every year(geez after 35 yrs of making homemade gifts.. you would think!)....Any hoo, I did start back in July by picking up craft paper, etc. And over the last several months I have bought a few more things. So my first idea came together quickly--a gift packaging kit to help friends and family create their own homemade goodness. I mass produced the kits and was done in no time. I actually think this may be something I decide to do on a yearly basis.
Side Note--->It bothers me though, to hear people say how busy they are and how they just can't seem to get everything done before the holiday. I think I've decided that these procrastinators have always operated their lives one day behind and are always trying to "catch" up. I can't stress being organized enough.
I once saw a Martha Stewart show where she had the whole month of Nov and Dec planned out....and I thought "Good Grief" who needs that kind of planning. Boy was I wrong. Good planning results in stress free holidays. I should have listened to her when I first started out crafting. But alas, an old dog can learn tricks and I am much happier to execute my projects in a timely manner now.
I make lists, google-search ideas, set limits on how much I can realistically complete and buy supplies on sale and ahead of the demand. If you have given up ever getting to a point where you can achieve a happy medium - don't despair. You can do it, start small and work up. There is time this season to depressurize your lists and come up with reasonably priced gifting. It does not have to be stressful or expensive. Thoughtful gifting is just as important. Don't overspend, set a budget and stay within your boundaries. Trust me ...at the end of the season that alone will decrease the financial stress!
Good Luck this season, get organized and stay on budget!
Happy Holidays to You!
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Catching Up
Oh, doesn't it seem like that once July comes and goes, it's a race to ready everything for fall?
I've been canning and sowing fall seed as the days just click on by. The Broccoli, Brussels and Cauliflower are looking good, save the 12 Broccoli plants that were devoured by an unknown bug. I have never had any issues with insects in the seedling stage so I suppose it was my turn. I don't like it one bit though!
On a side note, I tried making and canning peach butter this year. Oh my, it is so good. While it cooked down for 2 days our house smelled divine. I was ready to break out the Fall decorations, turn on the gas logs and don a sweatshirt. What is it about the smell of cinnamon that makes me think Fall?
I don't really need to be rushing it...as Fall will be here soon enough.
On a second note, the husband is behind on my canning stove, getting my birdhouses put up and making my garden trug. I talked all big about finishing those three projects and that was as far as it got. Yes, talk was cheap. Maybe this winter he will get around to it.
Next up on the our agenda is to complete the cleanup of the front garden and move the bucket garden to the left side beds. It's time to rest those particular beds. We will plant in the right side garden beds for fall.
And on a third side note, I am close to half way on putting up at a minimum of 100 jars of pickled peppers. Yay..we eat the heck out of them. If truth be told I need at least 125.
We are anxiously awaiting egg laying to start with our new 8 hens. Counting down 8 weeks to go. Our others are pretty much free loading. We are going to have to address the "cull" word sooner or later. Maybe winter would be a good time to make it happen?
That catches me up to our current state of affairs. Another trip around the sun is approaching fast!
I've been canning and sowing fall seed as the days just click on by. The Broccoli, Brussels and Cauliflower are looking good, save the 12 Broccoli plants that were devoured by an unknown bug. I have never had any issues with insects in the seedling stage so I suppose it was my turn. I don't like it one bit though!
On a side note, I tried making and canning peach butter this year. Oh my, it is so good. While it cooked down for 2 days our house smelled divine. I was ready to break out the Fall decorations, turn on the gas logs and don a sweatshirt. What is it about the smell of cinnamon that makes me think Fall?
I don't really need to be rushing it...as Fall will be here soon enough.
On a second note, the husband is behind on my canning stove, getting my birdhouses put up and making my garden trug. I talked all big about finishing those three projects and that was as far as it got. Yes, talk was cheap. Maybe this winter he will get around to it.
Next up on the our agenda is to complete the cleanup of the front garden and move the bucket garden to the left side beds. It's time to rest those particular beds. We will plant in the right side garden beds for fall.
And on a third side note, I am close to half way on putting up at a minimum of 100 jars of pickled peppers. Yay..we eat the heck out of them. If truth be told I need at least 125.
We are anxiously awaiting egg laying to start with our new 8 hens. Counting down 8 weeks to go. Our others are pretty much free loading. We are going to have to address the "cull" word sooner or later. Maybe winter would be a good time to make it happen?
That catches me up to our current state of affairs. Another trip around the sun is approaching fast!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Diversifying
We are racing against the clock to get everything planted for our first season crop. We are trying a new hybrid system of the rain gutter system this summer. The new system utilizes 4" PVC pipe instead of the rain gutter. I am hoping it will conserve even more water that the rain gutters.
And of course I still I have my Straw Bale system. I also have our self watering buckets placed strategically throughout the garden and yard. It pays to be diversified since we are prone to Hurricanes. I certainly do not want to lose an entire season of tomatoes if I can help it!
With the latest planted tomatoes I now have 49 plants....good grief! I see lots of salsa and canned tomato sauce in my future. But you know what...it is a good thing. After all, what could be more healthy for us? Our own tomatoes, picked by us, canned by us and to be consumed by us! Plus, I will be able to gift a few jars to my out of town son for his pantry.
On the heels of the first season tomatoes, I have planted an additional 18 which will be ready to plant by June. These will be the plants that I will overwinter hopefully. If time permits I may try to squeeze a third season since we stay so warm into the fall.
It's also hard to believe I will also need to start thinking of what will need to be seeded in July...Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels, Kale, etc to name a few.
And while I dread canning season because it is a lot of work....I have the hugest respect for our Grandma's who canned in the 40's and 50's to feed their families. That said, once you can your own food it is hard to think about buying anything in a can from the store. A great feeling to pass right by them!
It's getting overcast here and perfect to go out and fill up the bird feeders, relax on the porch and enjoy the last of the spring breeze!
Happy Gardening!
And of course I still I have my Straw Bale system. I also have our self watering buckets placed strategically throughout the garden and yard. It pays to be diversified since we are prone to Hurricanes. I certainly do not want to lose an entire season of tomatoes if I can help it!
With the latest planted tomatoes I now have 49 plants....good grief! I see lots of salsa and canned tomato sauce in my future. But you know what...it is a good thing. After all, what could be more healthy for us? Our own tomatoes, picked by us, canned by us and to be consumed by us! Plus, I will be able to gift a few jars to my out of town son for his pantry.
On the heels of the first season tomatoes, I have planted an additional 18 which will be ready to plant by June. These will be the plants that I will overwinter hopefully. If time permits I may try to squeeze a third season since we stay so warm into the fall.
It's also hard to believe I will also need to start thinking of what will need to be seeded in July...Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels, Kale, etc to name a few.
And while I dread canning season because it is a lot of work....I have the hugest respect for our Grandma's who canned in the 40's and 50's to feed their families. That said, once you can your own food it is hard to think about buying anything in a can from the store. A great feeling to pass right by them!
It's getting overcast here and perfect to go out and fill up the bird feeders, relax on the porch and enjoy the last of the spring breeze!
Happy Gardening!
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Springtime Chores
The Farmstead is gearing up for spring and summer planning / planting. We've decided to make couple of changes to the front garden.
We decided in the fall to rest 2 of the raised beds. Thus, I planted a soil builder blend 35% Spring Oats, 33% Field Peas, and 32% Hairy Vetch which will generate biomass and add nitrogen. I have however been undecided on whether to till it under, mulch over it or the like. Then I found the following article and it makes sense to me to just mulch it and forget it.
http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/rcbtoa/training/soil-article2.htm
On a side note...we have all been anxiously awaiting for Spring. I fear the days will be flying by and we will be scrambling to finish up everything by June 1st. I do however, feel pretty good about what we have accomplished so far:
1) Potatoes = Planted.
2) Bale Prep = Almost ready for April 15 plant date. Need 1 more application of blood meal.
3) Broccoli, Cauliflower and Brussels = planted, but very iffy if they will produce before we warm up. Dang it. NOTE to self--> start seedlings in Jan! and hoop the raised beds for early winter protection.
4) 2nd season tomato seedlings = Ready for transplanting.
5) Raised beds amended and ready for transplanting.
To Do's:
1) Flowers --> I didn't plant many last yr. This year I have a couple of small beds that I will be planting. The garden needs color!
2) Order more pepper seeds.
3) Build the 4 PVC gutter garden systems.
4) Prepare 24 buckets for the gutter garden.
5) Order net cups and float valves for gutter garden.
We decided in the fall to rest 2 of the raised beds. Thus, I planted a soil builder blend 35% Spring Oats, 33% Field Peas, and 32% Hairy Vetch which will generate biomass and add nitrogen. I have however been undecided on whether to till it under, mulch over it or the like. Then I found the following article and it makes sense to me to just mulch it and forget it.
http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/rcbtoa/training/soil-article2.htm
On a side note...we have all been anxiously awaiting for Spring. I fear the days will be flying by and we will be scrambling to finish up everything by June 1st. I do however, feel pretty good about what we have accomplished so far:
1) Potatoes = Planted.
2) Bale Prep = Almost ready for April 15 plant date. Need 1 more application of blood meal.
3) Broccoli, Cauliflower and Brussels = planted, but very iffy if they will produce before we warm up. Dang it. NOTE to self--> start seedlings in Jan! and hoop the raised beds for early winter protection.
4) 2nd season tomato seedlings = Ready for transplanting.
5) Raised beds amended and ready for transplanting.
To Do's:
1) Flowers --> I didn't plant many last yr. This year I have a couple of small beds that I will be planting. The garden needs color!
2) Order more pepper seeds.
3) Build the 4 PVC gutter garden systems.
4) Prepare 24 buckets for the gutter garden.
5) Order net cups and float valves for gutter garden.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Reflections 2013
It's been a while since I posted on the ole blog...seems life has gotten in the way and I have become less disciplined to write what is happening in the garden.
But let me see if I can catch up to the present time.
I have gotten the fine art of starting seeds, transplanting and hardening off seedlings down pat. I have been selling my surplus which offset the cost of the seeds, seed starting medium and transplant cells. Basically I got all my plants for free!
What worked really well this year was being diversified in our growing methods.
The raised beds produced over 80 lbs of potatoes. We then planted collards ...and after harvesting the greens we planted peppers in them. Everything did great.
We grew tomatoes in self watering buckets, straw bales and our newly set up rain gutter system. For the first time our bale tomatoes did not do well. They got early blight from a cold snap we had early on ..and while the plants themselves looked terrible we were able to harvest some fruit from them. Luckily the self watering buckets and gutter garden kicked in and we were able to harvest lots from them before they too succumbed to the blight. I planted a second season bucket garden and they actually have been producing for us slowly. They are currently in the greenhouse...with probably 50 fruit on them. I am totally stoked we are getting toms in December!!!
I dehydrated quite a bit this season as well. Basil, celery leaf, squash, mushrooms, potatoes, and peppers. I have used them all...and know now I need to step up that way of preserving as well.
I canned way more this summer as well to the tune of:
Over 30 pints of tomato sauce which we have been using for pizza sauce(delicious)and chili.
100 pints of pickled peppers(great in salads, on pizza, and brats).
12 1/2 pints of Blueberry jelly
Need to step of the canning next season as well. Hope to have Kale for canning soon.
So, there you have it ... it was a prosperous summer season.
We'll see what happens with the winter garden. We lost the broccoli to a hard freeze along with the Romaine Lettuce. The Kale and Black seeded Simpson lettuce is holding their own. The strawberries look great!
I have ~ 24 collard plants to plant next week.
Seed starting time in Jan...will be here before you know it!
Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season...here is to us...Happy gardening in 2014!
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But let me see if I can catch up to the present time.
I have gotten the fine art of starting seeds, transplanting and hardening off seedlings down pat. I have been selling my surplus which offset the cost of the seeds, seed starting medium and transplant cells. Basically I got all my plants for free!
What worked really well this year was being diversified in our growing methods.
The raised beds produced over 80 lbs of potatoes. We then planted collards ...and after harvesting the greens we planted peppers in them. Everything did great.
We grew tomatoes in self watering buckets, straw bales and our newly set up rain gutter system. For the first time our bale tomatoes did not do well. They got early blight from a cold snap we had early on ..and while the plants themselves looked terrible we were able to harvest some fruit from them. Luckily the self watering buckets and gutter garden kicked in and we were able to harvest lots from them before they too succumbed to the blight. I planted a second season bucket garden and they actually have been producing for us slowly. They are currently in the greenhouse...with probably 50 fruit on them. I am totally stoked we are getting toms in December!!!
I dehydrated quite a bit this season as well. Basil, celery leaf, squash, mushrooms, potatoes, and peppers. I have used them all...and know now I need to step up that way of preserving as well.
I canned way more this summer as well to the tune of:
Over 30 pints of tomato sauce which we have been using for pizza sauce(delicious)and chili.
100 pints of pickled peppers(great in salads, on pizza, and brats).
12 1/2 pints of Blueberry jelly
Need to step of the canning next season as well. Hope to have Kale for canning soon.
So, there you have it ... it was a prosperous summer season.
We'll see what happens with the winter garden. We lost the broccoli to a hard freeze along with the Romaine Lettuce. The Kale and Black seeded Simpson lettuce is holding their own. The strawberries look great!
I have ~ 24 collard plants to plant next week.
Seed starting time in Jan...will be here before you know it!
Hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season...here is to us...Happy gardening in 2014!
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Saturday, June 15, 2013
Facebook vs The Blog
I have to admit that in my hectic world....short posts can be done quicker on Facebook than here on the ole blog.
For the longest time I blogged and resisted Facebook.
Now I find myself on Facebook....reading other's Facebook pages and reading Blog post's less and less.
Why is that?
Is my attention so that reading from page to page on Facebook is actually easier that going from blog to blog?
Is it because I find most blog post's too long?
Is it just me or are other's losing interest in Blog posts?
Now before I sound all doomsdayie....I still do read blogs. I just pick and choose the ones I do.
Such as Fresh Eggs Daily...love her blog.
I like Young House Love...for inspiration.
But in the scheme of things...I just don't read them like I used too.
Anyone else in the same boat?
For the longest time I blogged and resisted Facebook.
Now I find myself on Facebook....reading other's Facebook pages and reading Blog post's less and less.
Why is that?
Is my attention so that reading from page to page on Facebook is actually easier that going from blog to blog?
Is it because I find most blog post's too long?
Is it just me or are other's losing interest in Blog posts?
Now before I sound all doomsdayie....I still do read blogs. I just pick and choose the ones I do.
Such as Fresh Eggs Daily...love her blog.
I like Young House Love...for inspiration.
But in the scheme of things...I just don't read them like I used too.
Anyone else in the same boat?
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