My 6 year old when she was itty-bitty modeling the first scarf I knit
I'm totally stealing this from my good friend Amanda over at
HippieMommy. :) It's a list of 12 sets of 12 to accomplish in 2012. I loved the idea because I thought it would be easy to break down my list into monthly chunks and then it wouldn't feel so overwhelming. I was also hoping it would keep me on track with a few goals for myself in the New Year. So without further ado...
1. Start and finish 12 knitting projects.
I love to knit. I started knitting a few years ago (after much eye-rolling and scoffing at other knitters over the years) and fell in love with the craft. I'm a very slow knitter and get bogged down when I face something new. I end up putting off projects and not doing as much as I'd like. So start and finish 12 projects. Maybe my kids will finally get the hats they've been begging me for.
2. Use 12 skeins of yarn from my stash.
I don't buy a ton of yarn, but I'm starting to accumulate a bit of a stash. Sometimes I forget to check my stash before buying something new. 12 skeins used up would make room for lots of new yarn for sure!
3. Work on 12 crochet projects.
I just started learning to crochet. I'm pretty sure I'll always be a knitter who knows a little crochet. But, I think the best way to get better is to practice. And judging from my first dishcloth that is unintentionally not square, I need a lot of practice.
4. Complete 12 sewing projects.
I also love to sew. Actually, I'm kind of an ADD crafter. LOL I like to do lots of different things. But, I'd love to see 12 sewing projects started and finished. Maybe I'll finally tackle making myself a new purse. It's been on my to-do list for quite awhile.
5. Read 12 classics.
I need to get back into the habit of reading more than just Facebook status updates.
6. Read 12 non-fiction books.
Again, back in the habit of reading...
7. Get rid of 12 garbage bags full of stuff.
We have way too much stuff in our house (and shed and garage) right now. I've embraced the ideals of simple living but am having a hard time putting them into practice. I think the biggest obstacle right now is our clutter. We are planning on moving in the next couple of months, so this really needs to happen quickly. But, I'm hoping to keep up the decluttering after we move as well.
8. 12 Green Smoothies a month.
After the gluttony of the last month, I'm ready to turn things around again. The kids and I love green smoothies. I use baby spinach, a banana, some frozen fruit and a little water. It's about the only way to get greens into my kids. The problem is that usually they drink it all and I don't get any. So, for the new year I will drink them with the kids.
9. 12 Vegan Dinners.
I'm not planning on going vegan anytime soon. There is so much conflicting evidence on the benefits (or not) of eating different diets. I'm pretty happy with where we are headed as a family - more whole foods, less junk, less sugar (well, except for the last month). However, I love the idea of the almighty vegetable taking center stage for a meal. I think limiting myself to an only vegan dinner at least once a month will help me think try a few new things.
10. 12 hikes with the kids and maybe even the obnoxious pup.
I've always wanted to be the kind of family that hikes together. It just hasn't happened as of yet. So, at least one hike a month and I don't care if it's super easy. We just need to get outside!
11. Help the kids with 12 art or craft projects.
They seriously bug me ALL THE TIME to do crafts. Well, not the oldest so much anymore, but definitely my 6 year old and 8 year old. And although I hate to admit it, I don't often facilitate it for them. So, at least one new craft or art project a month.
12. 12 fun mail packages just because.
I saw over on the GiversLog the fun packages she has put together all under 13 oz. If they are under 13 oz., they can be mailed first class postage which makes it really inexpensive. And who doesn't love to get stuff in the mail? I think this will be a super fun project and hopefully cheer up some friends and family. (I'm also thinking of using several of GiversLog's ideas as gifts for my nieces' and nephews' birthdays.)
Yay! I love this. I really love that I can break it down monthly to keep on track. So that's 1 knitting project, 1 skein of yarn, 1 crochet project, 1 sewing project, 1 classic, 1 non-fiction book, 1 bag of stuff donated, 12 green smoothies, 1 vegan dinner, 1 hike, 1 kid's craft project and 1 fun mail package a month. Totally doable. Happy 2012!
