My list of goals and resolutions for 2011 included trying new things in 2011. Instead of leaving it as an open-ended idea, I've decided that it will be a lot easier if I have a list of things that I want to try out in the new year:
1. Make homemade jelly :: My kids could live off of PB & J's, and I want to make homemade grape jelly (minus the high-fructose corn syrup!)
2. Sew a pillowcase dress for Piper :: I'm hardly even a novice seamstress, but I have a sewing machine that should be put to use. Pillowcase dresses are so adorable, and I want to make one in time for Piper to wear for her 2nd birthday in July. I'll be using this site to learn how to make a pillowcase dress.
3. Start using a daily planner :: planning our days is key to finding a workable daily routine for Haiden, Piper and I.
4. Make homemade granola :: My husband loves granola and Haiden and Piper love nearly everything that goes into it. I think most of the ingredients are already in my grocery stockpile, so it shouldn't be too tough to get this done.
5. Switch to the Envelope System for budgeting :: Our only debt is our mortgage, but we use and pay our credit card off every month. The rewards are nice, but switching to a cash budget will help track our spending and also help us save more. (If anyone knows of any cute envelope wallets or some other way to make the system neat and portable, please share a link or brand name in the comments!)
6. Eat from the Pantry for a Month :: Our grocery stockpile is very rounded-out right now, and a month of no grocery shopping is in order! This is an excellent way to save money for a month and make sure we're staying on top of our food “inventory”.
7. Sew a trucks and cars quilt for Haiden :: Haiden has been saying that he really wants a blanket with cars. My first thought was that I should ask one of my talented family members to make one for him! After thinking it over, I thought I could make it either before of after I attempt to make a pillowcase dress for Piper.
8. Become a Sneaky Chef :: Neither Haiden nor Piper are friends with any vegetables except corn. They eat plenty of fruit, but I want them to get some variety. I know some parents don't believe in “sneaking” vegetables into other foods, but, honestly, I'm tired of preparing foods that they won't even try! I need a new approach, and I'm hoping this one works. I'll also be checking out the contents of Deceptively Delicious for more ideas.
9. Organize the toys :: We use our main living area as a playroom, and we're drowning in toys. I believe it's possible to find a toy storage system that's will blend with our decor. I just have to figure it out!
10. Make Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day :: I've had this amazing cookbook for a few years, and I haven't done anything with it. My sister recently informed me that the author of the book frequently hosts artisan bread classes near my home in Minneapolis, so I just might take in a class to get the ball rolling. Even if I don't take the class, I'll definitely be trying out this bread-baking method.
So, do you think it's doable? Do you have any goals or new things you want to try in 2011?
Molly says
I like your ideas for the new year. There are some really cute budget wallets on etsy. I would love to do cash budget too, but I like the credit card rewards! Pillowcase dresses are so cute and super easy to make too!
Marybeth Hamilton says
Thanks, Molly. I’ll have to search for “budget wallets” on Etsy. I didn’t know what to look for before today!
Melissa says
Yes, I think your list is definitely achievable! It inspires me to make a list of goals for 2011, as well! I also live in the Twin Cities, and the 5 minute bread class sounds great! I found some creative and attractive toy storage solutions on babycheapskate.com a few months ago. Thanks for sharing your money-saving tips!
jennifer says
Try Prudent Baby (blog) for ideas for a blanket for your son. They have a lot of tutorials that are easy and fun. I recently made my son a duvet cover and it was not nearly as hard as I thought! I’m going to try some of their other simpler blankets for my son and for baby gifts. Look at Riley Blake (designer) for cute cars material online. Waaay cuter than the stuff in stores.
Marybeth Hamilton says
Thanks for the tips, Jennifer! The quilt is definitely going to be low-budget. I’m afraid to spend too much on fabric when I’m most likely going to mess it up 🙂
Mary says
Thirty-One Gifts has some cute storage options for toys
http://www.mythirtyone.com/mgmg
Tracy says
We just started a cash budget system this month too. I use colored paper clips in my regular wallet to keep each category’s cash organized. It’s been working well so far, and having to count out the cash definitely helps me spend less!
Kristy says
There is a template on this website to make the envelopes. You can just go to the craft store and buy some scrap book paper and laminate it too to make it last even longer!
enhttp://kelleighratzlaff.com/featured/free-envelope-template-and-a-tutorial/
Marybeth Hamilton says
Thanks, Kristy!
Cristy M. says
Ikea has a WONDERFUL bookcase series called EXPEDIT that is extremely sturdy and can be mounted to the wall, plus it can be configured in many arrangements to fit your space. Ikea also sells fabric or wicker bins that fit perfectly in them to corral all the small things. It really changed our lives. We are completely organized with all of our daughter’s toys, books and stuffed animals now!
Marybeth Hamilton says
Cristy, thanks so much for the tip! I’ve actually been looking at the selection of EXPEDIT bookcases and I think it’s exactly what I’m looking for!
Deni says
The Artisan Bread in Five basic boule is very easy. It really makes you feel like a successful baker. Go for it!