New Block: Snowball

I feel I'm doing well enough with my goal of a block a month in 2016 to call it a BOM. How exciting! I know I'm only 2 months in but I feel confident! I used this tutorial to make my first Snowball Blocks.  

Actually, I made four of them! Since I don't measure, they all came out slightly different. I like the effect for this larger block, but I think I have the hang of making them a bit more uniform in the future.  These are made with fabric from my stash, so I'm counting this post as part of my Year Of The Stash. My fabric count hasn't changed much since my last post on it. 

Fabric Added in February So Far: 0
Fabric Added Year to Date: 5 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Month So Far: approximately 1/4 yard
Fabric Used year to Date: Approx. 3 1/4 yards

I've been tempted a few times to look and possibly buy on line, but I'm fighting those urges! Since I'm working hard to finish some well started quilts, I haven't had the chance to use too much stash up, but I hope this will change soon. 

Here are the two blocks from my personal BOM side by side. I'm trying to use a bit of a theme in the fabrics. We'll see how that works as the blocks add up. 

I'm also linking up with Kathy for some Slow Sunday Stitching. 

On My Mind on Friday Morning

Since last installment, I found some interesting Tarot Decks. (one two three)
A new Beatrix Potter book!!
#howihandquilt is a great quilting hashtag!
An interesting article about one of my all time favorite TV shows. 
Elvis! (see below)

Recently Researching: You may have noticed a distinct lack of blogging last week. This is in part due to the creature above. Elvis has come to live with us for a few months. He's lived in Brooklyn all his life and now he's thrown in with four crazy cats by the beach. It could make a good buddy movie... So far it's only been a few days, and things are going well. There's been some hissing, a few swats, but mostly everyone is just keeping their distance. It's all pretty remarkable, especially considering Elvis is 22 years old!!

Here's my question for you today: Does anyone have advise for taking care of a very elderly cat? I would love it if we could get him to put on a little weight while he's here. He's so skinny! 
He's very mobile and pretty spry. He doesn't seem to want to play too much. Understandable. I wonder if there's anything I can do to help his stay be more enjoyable. I'd be grateful for any advise or suggestions!

Something New: Winter Citrus

Now, I know eating citrus in the Winter isn't anything new, really. But it's new to me! 

All Summer I ate so much fruit and I felt so great! When Fall and Winter came, I thought fruit season was over for me. How wrong I was!

I've been eating grapefruits, oranges, and all sorts of smaller citrus (What even is the difference between tangelos, tangerines, clementines, satsumas, etc...?) and it's doing my body good.

I try to buy USA grown, organic fruits, but if anyone knows anything else I should keep a look out for, please let me, know. 

Anyone else starting new eating routines?

OMG February Goal

So, I totally failed my first OMG goal. I didn't finish the quilt I was hoping to. 

But you know what they say; try, try again! So I'll make it my February goal, as well. 

OMG, I will finish this quilt!! I'm linking up with Red Letter Quilts.

Since it might be the last ever WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced, I'm also linking up over there. Best of luck, Lee!

January in Review

One month down. 
What an interesting month it's been!

Snow storms, a host of visitors, new jobs, new work, new places, too!  

1) Stormy beach. 2) Mad sky. 3) Confused roses. 4) Black and white parks.  

The first day of the new year, we made sure to visit the beach. Early this month we filled our house with new plants, and snuggled under quilts. We saw some watchercats and baby showers, and had some day visitors from out of town.  

1) Some of our sea glass collection. 2) Shifting light on the boardwalk. 3) New plants and noms. 4) more collections.  

1) Boardwalk #watchercat. 2) Our first bottle stopper (found in December but now displayed). 3) Piles of cats and... 4) ...cats in piles. 

Throughout the month we worked on the house, had a scare our heat was out, and shoveled our first snow! Walking around in a big storm was so fun. Snow on the beach is a weird and wonderful thing. 

1) Suspicious shopdog. 2) Brick colored porchcat. 3) Sunbathed porchcat. 4) Cozy shopdog. 

I got a lot of good quilting done this month and it was wonderful. I started up in a lot of quilty community join-ups and I hope I can keep up with them! I kept up pretty well with blogging in January, which made me happy!

1) Quilting in bed with cats. 2) Yellow bellies. 3) Stacks. 4) Color inspiration? 

1) Big, bad, kitty. 2) Out and about in NJ. 3) #myfavoritetrucksofasburypark 4) Just the ears. 

At the end of the month we had a longer term visit, we were able to explore some new places, have a few adventures. 

Much like December, January went at a lovely pace...we saw some Winter, and we settled in. I could stand a few more months like this...

WIP 1/31/16 + OMG First Month

I'm still working on this quilt despite wanting to have it finished by today. 

I'm working with a clear poly thread. It's hard!! Has anyone else used this for hand quilting? I'd love to hear some people's thoughts. 

This project was my first goal for OMG (One Monthly Goal), so unfortunately that's a fail for me. I will roll this goal over for OMG Month Two. 

Even though there are a quite a few more days to go on this one, I'll try to get a big chunk of hand quilting done today. For all the Slow Sunday Stitching I want to do today, I'm linking up with Kathy's Quilts. 

On My Mind on Friday Morning

Are you sick of hearing about my 2016 goals yet? I'm still going strong thinking of ideas and methods and things I want to try. Here are 3 blocks (one, two, three) I'm eager to sew to fulfill my goal of one new quilt block per month. 
I have been thinking of the tarot a lot so far this year. This post pushed me over the edge... now I need to find my deck. (another good post here and a easy spread here)
Here's another interesting post about simplifying life in 2016. There are some interesting points here: 1, 5, 6, and 15 are key this year, I think. 
This article on house hold foods that can be used as cleaners is right up my alley. 
Speaking of lemons, I've been drinking a lot of hot water, either with or without lemon. Keeps me warm and hydrated!

On My Mind Update: 
Right after I asked for dutch oven recipes, I saw this post by Reading My Tea Leaves which led me to this post. So I also tried the mac and cheese recipe. The results were... iffy. 
I know it's my fault bc I didn't have the correct pasta and don't really measure. I also think my oven and I are still getting to know each other. This mac and cheese came out more like cheesy pasta, and it was a little dry. The final results were still edible, but barely resembled the original. I would definitely try this recipe again, with a closer attention to detail. 

Have you made any casseroles or bakes this Winter? If you feel inspired to try this recipe, let me know!

Zoo at Home, Zoo Abroad: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, LA, USA, is located on the harbor front and very close to the French Quarter. Both times I've visited NOLA, I've stayed on Frenchman Street because it's centrally located and easy to walk to many attractions. Both times I visited the Aquarium. (You can read about my last visit here). There's a trolley that goes along the waterfront starting at Frenchman Street and easily drops you off right behind the aquarium. 

This aquarium isn't huge, but it has some really great exhibits. I particularly like the Carribbean tunnel where the tank is on all sides and above of the viewer and the Mississippi River section that has bayou birds, gators, and fishes. 

All the usual creatures are there, including penguins, eels, frogs and otters. There's a imax theater and cafeteria, although I've never visited those. 

My absolute favorite part is a little hard to find as it's not on the main path and one has to walk through the cafeteria to get to it. Parakeet Pointe is a little arboretum and bird cage that extends out of the main building into the open air and over the entrance of the aquarium. It's really fun to be around hundreds of flying, speaking, budgies of all bright colors. On our last trip we even saw a small hawk spying on them from outside the cage. He was trying hard to figure out how to make one of these parakeets, that were outside but still behind bars, his lunch. 

The Audubon Aquarium of Americas also has the hallmark of all good aquariums... Jellies!! 

I highly recommend this aquarium but also suggest you also visit the Audubon Insectarium which is just a few blocks away. If you like bugs, it will blow your mind!
Next time we visit I also hope to visit the Audubon Zoo!

New Block: Candy, a Shoofly Variation

I might have made a shoofly block before, I cant recall. But when I saw Luna Lovequilts version of this Candy shoofly variation I decided I needed to try it.  

I checked out Blossom Heart Quilts for the Modern HST QAL that this block came from and it looks interesting. I don't think I'm going to join, but I will definitely keep my eye on the QAL for block inspiration!
I used all fabric from my stash for this block. This was all new geometric patterned fabric that I got for xmas. I'm counting this as a post for Year of the Stash.
Here's some stats for my buying and usage so far:
Fabric Added in January So Far: 5 1/2 yards (I bought 4 yards for a backing and borders of a quilt I'm working on, and then some bits and bobs I thought were nice!)
Fabric Added Year to Date: 5 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Month So Far: approximately 3 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: Approx. 3 yards

I'm also linking this hand sewn block up with Kathy's Quilts and Slow Sunday Stitching. 

Deeply Nourished

One of my goals for 2016 is to read more. It was a goal in 2015, as well. 

The last book I read in 2015 was a little different than the others I've recorded. It's a cookbook! I came across it an event at The New School of Monmouth County. Deeply Nourished is by Rebeckah Allocco and Judith Alfano. 

Deeply Nourished is a cookbook with 21 simple and healthy recipes many of which are vegetarian or vegan. It also contains short essays from each author on how food and health relate to their religious and spiritual beliefs. The subtitle of this cookbook is "Stories of Food, Faith, and Life at the Table". These essays discuss subjects ranging from the connection between food and faith, sustainability and localness, seasonal eating and beliefs, favorite meals or techniques, and more. Each essay somehow relates to the authors spiritual journey and connection to cooking and food. Each essay has a quote at the beginning from the bible, the Buddha, religions, cooks, or philosophers. The recipes that follow are either directly connected to the writings, or are connected more loosely though season, memory, or emotion.  

Now, I'm not religious at all and although I am interested in all religion, I wouldn't necessarily pick up a non-reference book that had religious overtones. I do hold a belief system rooted in community, family, sustainability, simplicity, nourishment, pleasure and kindness. Since the profits went to The New School of Monmouth County and the recipes and essays looks interesting, I was intrigued to read this book even though it was not in my usual wheelhouse.
I thoroughly enjoyed Deeply Nourished! 
The essays were not overwhelmingly religious, but more spiritual in nature. The themes discussed could fall under many religions or belief systems including my own, having to do with family, community, nourishment of the body and soul, as well as Faith. What I enjoyed most were the glimpses of the daily life that the authors provided. It was interesting to read the connections to food these women have and how they felt that connection to be deeply spiritual.  
I really liked that authors chose recipes that are dear to their hearts, simple to execute, and largely vegetarian. Having a mostly land-meat-free diet (I eat fish and so would not call myself a vegetarian), I have found it surprisingly difficult to find recipes that I am inspired by. There are many recipes in this book that I'm eager to try! The one recipe that I have tried, Oven Roasted Salmon with Tomatoes and Capers, I've already made multiple times. Since these meals are seasonal some will have to wait until the ingredients are available. While others, like a kale and Brussels sprouts salad, I can't wait to test out. 

I would recommend this book to people looking for some new meals to try, especially if they eat vegetarian, or for those who enjoy reading about the spiritual journey. Anyone who regularly reads cook books will enjoy this one, i'm sure!     

The New School of Monmouth County is an alternative-education school that I attended for about 5 years growing up. It's also where one of the authors, Rebeckah Allocco went to school and now teaches. Judith Alfano is a writer and food educator. Visit their website, nourishingpaths.com and buy the book on Amazon or itunes. 

Basting Party

Time for another basting party. 

Now that that's finished time to get Slow Sunday Stitching. I'm linking up with Kathy's Quilts and plan to spend as much time as I can today under one of these. 

On My Mind on Friday Morning

It's really Winter and I've been binge watching a bunch of new shows... while I wait for some current shows to start up after the mid season break (1, 2, 3). 
Still kicking myself for not getting my hand poked tattoo from @nobrasnoparents before leaving Brooklyn. Hopefully she'll have room for me one day when I visit. 
I keep reading and re reading this decluttering article from Reading My Tea Leaves. Maybe something will sink in...
Speaking of wasting time and watching tv I thought this article and lists of hidden netflix categories was cool. 
Our poor shclafflera tree was almost killed in the move, we were worried it wouldn't make it. But we are seeing some amazing new shoots!!

Recently Researching:
Two xmases ago I got not one, but two dutch ovens. The other day, I used one for the first time. Terrible, I know. I made a pretty tasty veggie chili. I looked at a bunch of recipes but basically made it up as I went along. 
I chopped an onion, some garlic, a red pepper, a green pepper, a few carrots and celery stalks and sauteed them all together with some olive oil until the onions were starting to get translucent. I put in about a teaspoon of cayenne, chili powder, and turmeric as well as salt and pepper. I let these spices cook in the oil for a few seconds. Then I added 1 can of drained black beans and one can of drained kidney beans. I added one large can of crushed tomatoes. I would have put chopped or whole peeled tomatoes, but I only had crushed. I put all this is the oven or about 40 minutes, checking on it and stirring occasionally. I think it turned out pretty well. I might have added fresh hot peppers and more spices but my household doesn't like things too spicy.  
I served the chili over spiced rice, with cheddar cheese and a side salad. But I might have also serve this over egg noodles with steamed veggies, or as taco salad. I would make loaded nachos out of the left overs and freeze any left overs for another day.  

Now I'm asking you:
Do you have any good veggie recipes for the dutch oven? I see tons of good looking meat recipes, but not many vegetarian ones. I'd love to know if any of my readers know any!!

What's in a Name? - Pantone Colors of the Year 2016

I never knew there was a Pantone Color of the Year until I started quilting again. And I never paid much attention to it until last years furor over Marsala (see here, here, and here). 
This year seems as it will be just as controversial because Pantone picked Rose Quartz and Serenity for 2016. The first time that they have pick two colors, Pantone has this to say about them: 
"As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.
               The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association.In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage."

Already, some people hate it and some people love it (or at least tolerate it). 

I totally disagree on the message that Pantone says that the colors carry. I get that this is a cheerful, optimistic view for how they hope these colors might make the world feel, perhaps heal, and that's what they think consumers will be wanting. My thought is that's a bunch of BS, personally. A nice thought, certainly, but all wrong for 2016. If we are basing the color of the year on the political/social feelings and environment for the year ahead I would have gone with Mean Red (a color I would describe as blacker than blood, the color behind your eyes when you brace yourself after hitting your thumb with a hammer, or the color thumping through you head when you have a case of the "mean reds" [Maybe I should be more hopeful and this year's color should have been Tiffany's Blue]). Consumers are scared, sad and angry. I would have liked to see the Color of the Year reflect that.
Then you have all that stuff about gender exploration, expression and diversity. Pantone is saying that the blurring of gender in fashion and society, and the acceptance of that blur, should be represented by the outdated, singleminded, restrictive, old fashioned, specifically gender binary, "baby" blue and pink? Huh?
This is a tougher issue for me to pick a color to represent. Purple doesn't work, bc that's still buying into the gender binary, which hopefully we have all realized doesn't apply. Rainbow is more traditional but not right for the year ahead (re my thoughts above). I think I might pick Everything Brown, the color you get when you mix all the paint on the palate, the color of earth, where everything and everyone sprouts from. For me, this year, Everything Brown would represent a joining, coming together of all genders, no matter what they are, all peoples, no matter who they are, unity.       

Anyway, enough politics.

As for the colors, I'm right in the middle. I really enjoy Rose Quartz, but I'm not sold on Serenity. To further investigate, I did a little fabric pull. 

I find that for me, it comes down to what they named the colors. I quite like the blue but I bristle at the name "Serenity" for this shade. It is not serene for me. It's too design-y, too paint chip, and not enough ethereal, peaceful, sky and sea, to be Serenity. Something about calling it that makes me not want to see or use it, makes me what to shy away. 
Rose Quartz on the other hand sheds a whole new light on Pink. Being a gem enthusiast, this makes me think of magical beauty, nature, peacefulness, vibrancy and light. This name makes me want to use this color in everything, and find all the other gem named fabrics, too.

Ultimately, I don't see myself using these colors any more or less in the coming year. They will certainly make their way into something, but only bc they are pretty common colors. Anyone out there planning to use these colors (or not use them) now that they have been announced?

Artifacts Uprising Review

Disclaimer: My product reviews are completely unsponsored and unsolicited. The opinions are my own from my own experiences. 

Just the week before xmas, I decided I really wanted to send out new address cards for the xmas/new year season. I've always wanted to try Artifacts Uprising so I thought this would be the perfect time. 

I decided to use two photos I had taken of the wreath on our door. I logged on easily and chose the cards I wanted. I opted for the simple Everyday Photo Cards in size 3.5 x 4.9. It was a little confusing bc although I opted for 20 cards in the quantity section, the editor section only let's you edit 10 at a time. You also have to edit one card at a time, but you can choose 10 different designs, one for each card. I did my first batch of 10 cards all the same photo, the next batch I did 5 and 5. Since I ordered them so close to the holiday, they let me know there was no guarantee I'd get them in time to send for xmas. 

Artifacts Uprising was very quick and the cards arrived with in a week or so! I imagine the wait would be longer if the order were larger. The cards themselves are really lovely, printed on heavy, soft, textured, card stock. The images are crisp and the colors are bright. I love the minimal use of the company logo on the back of each card.  Overall, the quality is very high.
Artifacts Uprising is a little more pricy than some of the other makers out there (each card came to about $1.83) but I will definitely be using them again. I would highly recommend them!

Has anyone else used Artifacts Uprising?   

WIP 1/10/16

I'm trying to get this WIP from top to finish by the end of January.
All my quilts are completely hand pieced, quilted and bound. I never show my piecing stitches, but I'm working hard on improving so here's a peek behind the scenes (seams?).  

I'm working towards my stitches being more like the diagonal line as opposed to the horizontal one. 

One of my quilty goals this year is to get at least one finish done each month. I have specific deadlines for some quilts, and I want to get my production up. Heidi at Red Letter Quilts is hosting a great link up: OMG (One Monthly Goal). 

One thing I really like about OMG is that you can set any quilting goal, not just a finish, to link up with. This link up is all about encouragement to achieve your goal!! This brings me up to 4 link ups for the month, which serves another goal of community involvement!
I'm linking up with OMG today and with Kathy at Kathy Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching. 

The Year Of the Stash

Over at A Quarter Inch from the Edge, The Year of the Stash is happening and I'm joining up!

This is a great link up, as there are really no rules, but it's a neat way to be mindful of what you're quilting with, as well as a way to use more and buy less. 
I decided to participate because "shopping" my extensive stash makes me feel good about what I'm quilting, helps fulfill two goals of my 2016 goals (quilt more, use up/don't buy), means the chances of using reclaimed or recycled fabrics is increased, and helps me declutter so I can actually see what fabrics I have. 
Usually, I can always find something in my stash the fits any bill I might be looking for in any project. So why buy? I guess the answer to that is bc it's fun! And there are so many gorgeous fabrics! I have to admit I went on a bit of a buying frenzy at the end of last year. Ostensibly, I had to buy some things for projects I'm working on, but really, I had enough in my current stash and didn't need to by anything. I'm happy to have all the fabrics I bought, but ultimately I feel worse for buying them, disappointed in myself for collecting more things that I don't need, and a little sad that my current collection of beautiful fabric went unused.

To help me be mindful in The Year of the Stash here is my manifesto:

1) Buy as little new fabric as possible. I won't say buy none. I want to be free to get a great new piece here or there, patron indy quilt shops, or buy backing when needed. I'll buy used, reclaimed, and/or vintage fabric when possible. I pride myself on using these fabrics in my quilts, and need to scoop them up when they preset themselves. But I want to be mindful not to add too much to my stash!
2) Use some used, vintage and/or reclaimed fabrics in all quilts. Last year was the first time I used all new fabric for some quilts and it just didn't feel right. As I said above, I pride myself to use these vintage items, and I need to get back to that. I have such a wonderful collection in my stash, it needs to get out into the world!  
3) Organize as I go. When we moved, I started folding and color coordinating my stash and discovered that I have far too much fabric!! I barely made a dent before I filled up the entire space I'd set aside. I'd like to utilize this space better this year. I want to use up, organize, and consolidate during The Year of the Stash!
4) Sew, sew, sew! One of my goals is to have at least one finish per month, I'd also like to make one new block per month. Sourcing from my stash will help me as I have so many wonderful fabrics at my fingertips! 

And that's it! Simple, right? I'll be posting blogs about my Year of the Stash and linking up regularly at Quarter Inch from the Edge. I hope some of my readers will join in as well! And be sure to check out other quilter's manifestos here. 

2015 Finish Along Q4 Recap + 2016 Finish Along Q1 List

I really enjoyed participating in my first Finish Along in 2015 (Check out all the details for last year here). I didn't get a as much done as I would have liked last year, but it was a nice way to track my progress. I'll be happy to look back at my blog posts in years future. I can't wait to start 2016!

Although technically I missed the cut off to link up my 2015Q4 List, I still made one and completed a finish on my list! I haven't been able to post the quilt I finished bc it's still hasn't been gifted. Since I wasn't able to add to the link up, it didn't really matter. But keep your eye out for that post: coming soon!

Here's the 2015Q4 list:
1) Finish quilting, bind, and label Quilt for Grandma Doris.
I thought about this project a lot, but I suppose that doesn't really count. 
2) Finish quilting and making, stuff and use, Pillow #1 for a New Secret Project.
Moving put a hold on this one....
3) Start, piece, baste, quilt, bind and label OC/GC Baby Quilt.
Some work got done on this and it'll make the new list. 
4) Piece back, baste, quilt, bind, label Baby Quilt Commission #1.
Finished!
5) Finish piecing front and back, baste, quilt, bind, label, Baby Quilt Commission #2.
Work got done on this and it'll be in the new list, too!
6) Finish piecing front, piece back, baste, quilt, bind Xmas Medallion Quilt. 
I'm not even sure where this quilt is...

On to 2016Q1!

In my goals for this year, I want to get a quilting finish done each month. This won't stop me from making my 2016Q1 list longer than 3 items!

1) Finish piecing, baste, quilt, bind and label OC/GC Baby Quilt. 

I'm gonna try and list these in order in which they need to get done, and this is the first.  

2) Finish piecing the back, baste, quilt, bind, label, Baby Quilt Commission #2

I have some ideas about how I want to quilt this one, so I can't wait to get started. 

3) Finish quilting, bind, and label Quilt for Grandma Doris.

This quilt was on all 4 of my 2015 Finish Along lists. It's time it was really put to bed.  I'd love to have this finished in time for Mother's Day, but I've said that before...

4) Quilt, bind, and label Geometric Gift Quilt. 

This might be my biggest quilt to date and I'm eager to finish it. 

5) Finish quilting, bind, and label Original Mini. 

This one goes way back!

Setting deadlines is another one of my goals this year, so I feel that this is a great list to help me achieve that.
I'm so pleased to be linking up with Debbie at A Quilter's Table this year for the 2016 Finish Along.  This year's FAL is spread over several blogs, but here's where you can find all the details to join. I hope some of my readers will join up and share their progress with Mad Cat Quilts!

PS Here are some stats and links to my 2015 Finish Along:
Out of 15 unique quilts that made it to my 2015 lists I finished 5. One third of my year's goal is a pretty good start, I think!! 
2015 Finish Along
Stormy Friendship
Label Maker
AGAT
Q2
Scrappy Hearts
Q3
Q4
Commissioned Baby Quilt #1 - Post to follow. 

December in Review

2015 is over, can you believe it? What a year it's been!! 

December held holidays and festivities, new experiences, family and friends, and of course, the beach. Which is all one can hope for for any good month, or year!

1) Our yard is rich with friends. 2) The neighboring block is as well! 3) The Stephen Crane house has some permanent residents. 4) A beach friend takes a meal. 

December was unseasonably warm (although, since it was last year too, we might have to call it normally warm), so we were able to continue explore our new home. We were able to meet a lot of our furry or feathered neighbors.

On one occasion we were able to witness one neighbor eat another. Our new backyard provides endless natural entertainment! 

1) A visit to school. 2) A visit to mail. 3) A visit to Deal Lake. 4) A visitor in our backyard. 

We visited friends and family, some well, some ailing. But we saved lots of time for walking around and enjoying the town. The warm weather meant plenty of beach time. We found some unexpected treasure, such as bird wings and bottle stoppers. 

1) Backyard fog. 2) Boardwalk snow. 3) City bus. 4) Front door brush. 

We got down to work, both with with our day jobs and with quilting and sewing. For me, sewing was a priority. I'd love to keep that up in the new year! We did neat new work, as well. In December, we were able to visit The New School of Monmouth County and helped the students learn ancient games like Mancala and Ahmet. 

Mad Cat Quilts had our first giveaway which was fun and educational. I can't wait to have another... I was also able to update the shop, something I hope to do more of this year. 

1) A giveaway. 2) Front. 3) Back. 4) A winner. 

Having some time and space now and in the new year is so exciting, we are already taking advantage of it by making home made wreaths, trying out science experiments and working on lesson plans and pattern making.

The house is still under construction as far as unpacking but in December we made headway on displaying our many collections.  

1) Pink sky at night... 2) Homemade crystals! 3) A mysterious drive. 3) Lost at sea. 

December went at the perfect pace, new adventures were had, but life outside the city isn't nearly as hectic and grueling. Calm, but productive. January 2016, I hope you're just as calm, but I also have big plans for you. Get ready.  

2016 Goals

 I'm so excited for the year ahead and the possibilities it offers! My list of goals for 2016 keeps growing. I don't like to make New Years Resolutions. I don't want to resolve to doing things, I want to aspire to doing them! 

Work on Creative Endeavors as Much as Work 
For 2015, I wrote "I have to make my art and sewing a priority in my life and not let working at my job be the only or most urgent thing that drives me". And this past year has taught me that this is a very difficult task. Nearly Impossible. I am excited to carry this goal over and continue to work towards it.  

Quilting
As a way to work towards goal number 1, I need to work more on my craft. Some things I want to work on in this area are to improve my skills, be involved in at least one market, and one show, have a finish every month, and generally make more! 

Blog/Shop/Sales
In 2015, I made great strives in my blogging. I want to keep that up with regular blog posts. Like, really regular! I learned last year that I need take 1 month off from blogging. My slowest time for posts is over the summer. I failed to update shop regularly in 2015. This is something I hope to do. Hopefully that will result in more sales, as I would like to gain practice at selling, packaging, and gathering customers and followers to widen my community. 

Draw More (some).  
To inspire this goal, I've started a secret project. Something that might help this would be to do a drawing a day for a year. 365 drawings might be a weighty goal, but I'm going to try!

Deadlines
I want to learn to set and complete more deadlines for myself.  

House and Home
I want to continue to get better at taking care of my family and our home.  

Exercise/Diet/Cooking
I want to get better at taking care of myself and my health. I'd like to exercise at least 4 times a week. I want to stretch every day. I want to continue to make and eat wonderful and healthy foods. 

Wardrobe/Use Up, Don't Buy
I plan to continue my wardrobe project which I worked on last year. And I want to strive to reduce, reuse, and recycle more in my everyday life. I'd love to be able to not buy anything (besides food, necessities, etc...) for at least 6 months out of the year 2016.  

Community
Now that I've moved, I need to get involved! Step one - get a job I love! I also want to make sure that I stay in touch with my old community, so friends will be a priority this year. 

Read More 
Nuff said. 

I'd love to hear some readers goals for the coming year. Leave them in the comments or show us a link!

2015 Goals Review

In the beginning of 2015, like many years, I set a list of goals for myself. I find that it's a good way to be mindful of some things that I want to work towards accomplishing. Some of these goals were realized, at least in part, some were thought about, mulled over, but none were completely abandoned. The list isn't made to be a worry or a task, it's really just a way for me to keep in mind things that I would like to do, ways that I would like to improve myself. Here is the original post from 2015.  

Below is the list of my 2015 goals and related blog posts:
 

Work on Creative Endeavors as Much as Work - I have to make my art and sewing a priority in my life and not let working at my job be the only or most urgent thing that drives me.
Although this goal doesn't have any distinct posts, I did try to work on it. I hope to carry this over to 2016.

Sewing/Blogging - More sewing and more blogging about it! I want to work on my online shop. I must do one market, or fair. 
One could say this entire blog should make it on this list.
Quilting
Holiday Sale

Take Better Care of My Health and the Health of My Family/Take Better Care of the House - In all the hustle and bustle of work and life this is something I often forget to pay close attention to. I want to always be striving to make a better house for my family and plants and keep us in good health.
I think I made good strives in this direction, especially when the time came to move and adjust to a new environment. There are some areas that are lacking (exercise!!), but hopefully there can be addressed in 2016.
House Plant Goals

Stay in Touch with My Friends - I'm fairly antisocial by nature, but I love my friends and care to make them feel appreciated. 
This goal also doesn't have specific posts, but I felt I made good headway on this, even to the point of sending out holiday cards!

Use Up, Don't Buy -  I need to reduce all things in my life and and make better use of the things I keep. 
This goal was a great way to keep in mind a lifestyle I aim for. 

Wardrobe Makeover - One thing I have far too many of are clothes. I must make my wardrobe more manageable and stop buying clothes!
Wardrobe
Some Little Things
Who Needs This Many...  

Travel when Possible - Always more exploring to be done.
Sea, Sand, and Snow
3 Days in Cape May
2 Days in Alabama
2 Days in New Orleans

Read More - I can only remember reading three books last year (2014). Pitiful. 
A Walk in the Woods
Saturn's Return to New York
Famous Potatoes
Ash in My Mouth...
Woman in the Dark

Move Out of the City - It's time.
I totally did this! 

And the year isn't quite over yet, there's still room to add more posts here...
Some of these goals will carry over to 2016, some may not. I feel confident that I at least touched on every goal in 2015. I hope to achieve the same mindfulness in 2016. 
Please, please share your 2015 goal recaps, or 2016 goal lists in the comments!! I am always grateful to be inspired by your posts!