The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

No.233: Five Favorites for March

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1 // HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S RESTORE
We’re doing a little makeover in Sophie’s room and I’ve been on the lookout for a desk.  I really wanted one that was solid wood, but finding one in our budget was tricky.  On a whim, I popped into our local Restore and oh.my.goodness.  This place is like a home improvement lover’s dream!  They have everything: dressers, tables, lamps, kitchen cabinets, tile, even vintage windows.  The prices are so reasonable and sometimes better than prices I’ve seen at Goodwill!  Sophie picked out her favorite and I can’t wait to paint it white to match the rest of her furniture.  In the meantime, she got right to work with the decorating, hah!


2 // CHEWY.COM
T-12 days before the new puppy arrives!  I’ve been checking the last items off the list by ordering from Chewy and I’m their new biggest fan.  When I comparison shop, the prices seem to always be the same or better and the shipping is crazy fast.  You can also get 3% back through ebates!  Win/win/win.


3 // PARMESAN CRISPS
Spring is in the air and I’m trying to break my winter hibernation habits with some new ones.  Lately, I’ve been eating a big salad everyday for lunch.  Mark found these parmesan crisps for me at the store and I love them!  They give the crunch of croutons without the carbs, but full disclosure: I usually add in both.


4 // PERSON OF INTEREST
When Mark is away on business, I tend to stay up late watching Netflix shows until I can’t keep my eyes open.  #scaredycat  This month, I started watching Person of Interest because it was crime-related without being too too scary.  The first few episodes were decent (I could multi-task while watching it) but by the end of the first season, I was hooked!


5 // SOPHIE’S DETANGLER 
This detangler has been a life-saver this month.  Sophie’s hair tangles easily and there have more than a few tears.  Now she tolerates my brushing with a little less trepidation.  And bonus: there aren’t any weird ingredients.  (I bought mine on Grove Collaborative – that free starter set was just too good to pass up!  You can use my link to get it too!)

No.232: 40 Days of Lenten Soups

As a family, we’re planning to eat a lot of soup during Lent this year.  We have a few exceptions (a rare date night, two of the boys’ feasts days and an occasional Sunday dinner), but the rest of the week will have soup on the menu for dinner.  I’m hoping this simpler menu will help us appreciate the true spirit of Lent.  Below are the soups (and some recipes!) for the first two weeks:

Ash Wednesday: Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup & grocery store baguettes

Thursday: Beef Stew 

INGREDIENTS // 2lb stew beef, onions chopped, celery chopped, carrots peeled and chopped, mini red potatoes, 28oz. can whole tomatoes, 1.5tsp. Italian seasoning, 3 cups beef broth, 2 bay leaves, frozen peas, salt and pepper, and 0.5 cup flour
DIRECTIONS // Lightly brown the stew meat in batches in a large skillet on medium-high heat.  Transfer to a plate and set aside.  Dump tomatoes and their juices into the slow cooker and mash them a little.  Add onions, celery, carrots and potatoes.  (The amounts of these depends on who I’m feeding and how much I have in my refrigerator.  In my house, it’s generally the more, the merrier!)  Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the vegetables and then add beef and drippings.  Pour 2.5 cups beef broth over all, stir quickly, add bay leaves and cover.  Cook on low for 8 hours.  20 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas (about 1 cup) and salt and pepper to taste. In a small bowl, whisk the last 0.5 cup of broth with the flour to make a smooth paste.  Stir into stew and cook until thickened, about 15-20 minutes.  Remove bay leaves and enjoy!

Friday: Broccoli Cheddar Soup & store-bought baguettes

Saturday (Week 89): Mark and I went on a date!  We had burgers and the kids had pizza at their grandparents  

First Sunday of Lent: leftovers

Monday: Chicken Pot Pie Soup & homemade cheddar biscuits

Wednesday: Ember Days. leftovers

Thursday: Clean-Eating Chili & tortilla chips

Friday: Ember Days. Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

INGREDIENTS // 28oz can diced tomatoes with juice, 1 cup each of finely diced celery, carrots and onions, 1tsp. oregano, 1T. basil, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 cup flour, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 1.5 cups warm half and half, salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS // Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil and bay leaf into a slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours.  About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the roux: melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour.  Whisk constantly for 5 minutes.  Slowly stir in 1 cup of hot soup until smooth.  Stir the roux back into the slow cooker, then add Parmesan, warmed half and half and salt and pepper to taste.  Cover and cook on low for another 15-30 minutes until read to serve.

Saturday (Week 90): Ember Days. leftovers

Second Sunday of Lent: Spaghetti and Meatballs (not at all St. Patrick’s Day-appropriate, but one of the kids requested it so on the menu it went!)


Tuesday: J’s feast day! tacos and chocolate chip cookies

How is your Lent going so far?  What is your favorite soup?  I’d love to hear your favorites!

No.231: Intentions for the End of March

The next few weeks are going to be crazy – it’s crunch time before the new puppy comes! 

INTENTIONS FOR THE END OF MARCH

  • complete T25 Alpha Weeks 3 & 4
  • finish Easter baskets
  • get the big boys to the barber and buzz the little ones at home
  • give my split ends a trim (maybe watch a Youtube video or two?)
  • finish buying the last few things before our new puppy arrives
  • puppy proof the first floor 
  • find a vet
  • go through the millions of recipe printouts and organize (part of 100LT #10)
  • organize the junk drawers
  • make a list of spring clothing needs for the kids
  • clean out and vacuum the car
  • paint S’s room (100LT #69)
  • check out the Restore for a dresser and/or desk 
  • get estimates for resealing the driveway

        PREVIOUS INTENTIONS

        If you’re reading on your phone or in a reader, be sure to click over to see what I checked off the list!

        • create a regular routine of working out with D (we’re going to do T25 together!)
        • replace burnt out recessed lighting bulbs in the living room and kitchen
        • declutter and organize the school closet
        • introduce a little Shakespeare into our homeschool (we read Macbeth)
        • plan something art-related to do with the kids
        • play dominoes or cards after dinner as a family
        • go on a date!
        • send a package, just because
        • paint S’s room (100LT #69)
        • start peeking around for a new dresser on yardsale sites or CL (no luck yet)
        • research costs for resealing the driveway (now to get some quotes!)
        • start a compost pile (this blog post was really helpful)
        • bake bread (revisited this post to get back into the routine)

        No.230: Artisan Soaps Around the United States

        This post contains affiliate links.

        I admit ahead of time that this is such a random post, but hear me out!  I’ve recently ordered a few soaps online and have since been fascinated with the entire soap-making process.  I definitely don’t have time to learn the skill right now, so I’m happy to support the little businesses who do.

        Here are three reasons why you should try artisan soap:

        1. Bars of soap seem to last much longer than body wash, so your financial commitment is less in the long-run.
        2. You “miss out” on all the junky ingredients that some of the commercial soaps contain.  Yay for healthier living!
        3. You’re supporting a small business and that money helps them pay their mortgage, keep their farm running or put food on their table.

        I live in Virginia, but you probably don’t, so I went on a little rabbit trail and found soap artisans in 31 different states!  If you have a favorite company in a state I missed, please let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the list.

        ___________________________________

        ALABAMA // Black Sheep Bath Co.
        Specializing in soaps, lotions, bath bombs, scrubs, and Spa Day gift sets

        I love the colorful swirls of these chunky soaps!  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Sunrise

        ALASKA // Glacier Valley Soap Company
        Specializing in all natural soaps made with Alaska spring water
        I really respect the mission of this company.  From the website: “Glacier Valley Soap Company STARTS with the goal of being good for what goes down the drain and ultimately ends up in our drinking water sources and the waters from which we collect our seafood – salmon, halibut, shrimp and other goodies. It’s just an added bonus that the soaps are luxurious, a treat to use, and good for your skin too!”

        ARIZONA // Pie Town Soap Co.
        Specializing in fine handmade soap, natural bath & body and aromatherapy
        I’ve never been to Arizona, but I sure would love to try her line of Sedona soaps, made with Sedona Vortex red earth!

        ARKANSAS //  Cadron Creek Soapworks
        Specializing in handmade olive oil castile soap

        CALIFORNIA // Borden Acres
        Specializing in handmade goat’s milk bath products
        I love how all of the soaps are packaged in 100% compostable seed boxes, so you can plant them and grow flowers!  Such a fun touch.

        CONNECTICUT // Herd Supply Co.
        This company makes cold process soap with a twist: their soaps feature milk from East Friesian and Dorset sheep!  “My dad and I hand milk the sheep every year after the lambs are born and use the milk in all of the soap recipes.”

        FLORIDA // Simple Bliss Bath Co.
        Specializing in handcrafted bath & body products
        I love Jamie’s mix of fun, whimsical bars and more useful, utilitarian ones.  She even has one for babies!

        GEORGIA // Normal Soap Company
        Specializing in natural soap and body products, handmade in Athens, GA

        Kevin and Jessica learned to make soap as a date activity and haven’t looked back since!  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Georgia Peach

        HAWAII // Kopa Kauai
        Specializing in tropically-inspired soaps handmade on Kauai
        Oh my goodness, these soaps are awesome.  She has scents that just scream Hawaii – lychee, mango, papaya passion and more!  I want to order them all.

        IDAHO // Ego Soap Company
        Specializing in natural and handcrafted men’s grooming products
        This soap shop is just for the guys.  I appreciate the care they’ve taken with their products, right down to the packaging.  Adding “Fortitude” to my list for my boys and husband.

        IOWA // Thumbprint Soap
        This shop’s name comes “from the notion that no two bars of soap are exactly the same, just like snowflakes or fingerprints.”  Love that!  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Spanish Fly

        KENTUCKY // Rock Bottom Soap Co.
        Specializing in handmade goat milk soap & natural products
        Amy has been able to put her chemistry minor to work as she tinkers with different scents and soap-making techniques.  Together with her hard-working goats, they create an incredible product.  I love the packaging too!

        LOUISIANA // Sweet Olive Soapworks
        Soapmaking runs in Emily’s family – she learned the tricks of the trade from her grandmother!  Bonus: her packaging is incredible and would make great gifts.

        MAINE // Rocky Top Soap Shop
        Specializing in unscented soaps and balms

        According to Tony, “I use a variety of plant based oils and butters in my formulations. No pre made bases and absolutely no animal fats are used. All the additives are naturally derived and most are edible. The colorants are teas, coffee, botanicals, purees, juices and clays. The exfoliants include things like corn meal and poppy seeds.  There are no fillers, chemicals or preservatives added to any of the soaps. This makes the ingredients lists read more like a recipe for dinner than a chemical concoction you shouldn’t put on your skin.”  Love that!

        MICHIGAN // Little Flower Soap Co.
        Specializing in handmade, natural soap, spa gift sets & shower favors
        We used to carry Holly’s soaps in our Big White Farmhouse shop and they were always a hit!  Her packaging is beautiful.

        MISSOURI // Saco Valley Farm
        Specializing in luxury handmade goat milk soaps, lotion bars & more
        Melissa has a huge selection of scents in her shop – over 30!  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Oatmeal Milk & Honey

        MONTANA // b.simply
        Specializing in handcrafted bath and body products
        Amber set out to create a soap that was “super hydrating and perfect for Montana’s dry climate.”  I love the simplicity of her soaps and can’t wait to try the White Tea & Ginger scent.

        NEBRASKA // Wildwood Goat Milk Soap
        Specializing in goat milk soap and Nebraska handcrafted products
        The owners of this shop are a mother-daughter team who were inspired by their family’s generational farm wives.  The goat’s milk that they use for their soaps come from their own Nigerian Dwarf Dairy goats from their farm!  How cool is that?

        NEW HAMPSHIRE // Maple Bee Products
        Specializing in cold processed soaps and more
        Maple Bee’s soaps are so colorful!  Tons of combinations and cute designs, like this Strawberry Milkshake.  Wouldn’t they make great gifts?

        NEW YORK // Gilded Olive Apothecary
        Valerie says, “I fell in love with The Great Gatsby in Mr. DeCarlo’s eighth grade english class. I’ve held a place in my heart for Art Deco and the beautiful styles of the 1920’s ever since.”  These soaps are perfect for someone who loves that literary classic!

        NORTH CAROLINA // Clean Line Soap Company
        Specializing in goat milk soap, buttery bath bombs & more
        I’ve ordered from Clean Line Soap before and had a really great experience.  I can’t wait to try the Honeysuckle scent next.

        NORTH DAKOTA // Kindak Co.
        Specializing in homemade cold process soap & soy wax melts
        With names like Warm Flannel, Prairie Rose, and Off the Grid, these soaps will surely make you feel part of North Dakota too.  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Lake Nights

        OHIO // Blip and Branch
        The owners of Blip And Branch are a husband and wife team!  So many great options; I love this heart-shaped one.

        OREGON // 5R Farm Soap
        Specializing in natural soaps, lotions, and more!
        The story behind the name: “We named the property 5R Farm, after the five chickens that inspired us to make our dream of moving to the country a reality. It wasn’t long before we built a large chicken coop and expanded our chicken flock to 30 chickens, including several roosters. We added bees to the farm in 2013 and added turkeys in 2015. When I’m not making soap, lotion, or candles you can usually find me tending to our growing menagerie, up in the garden, or canning in the kitchen.”

        PENNSYLVANIA // Shady Nook Bee Farms
        Jill sources all of her wax and honey from her own hives!  Favorite scent I’m excited to try: French Green Clay

        RHODE ISLAND // The Blue Sister
        Specializing in vegan artisan soaps and slathers
        “From sandy beaches to lush green campgrounds, from sweet fruit orchards to aromatic gardens, all soaps are artistically designed with both aesthetics and the senses in mind.”  This is exactly the vibe I felt as I scrolled through The Blue Sister’s soaps!

        SOUTH CAROLINA // Old Whaling Company
        Specializing in handmade bar soaps, bath bombs, body butter and scrubs
        I LOVE the packaging of this soap company.  Favorite scent I’m excited to try: Coastal Calm

        TENNESSEE // Free Reign Farm
        Specializing in natural goat milk soap, salves, and wood wick candles
        I loved the story behind this company: “Foster care is all about healing and when a new mom to three foster babies went looking for natural solutions to their skin and allergy problems, she stumbled upon products that changed everything…We are still involved in foster care and our company raises awareness for kids in foster care. We also donate to a foster care support agency and a humanitarian agency supporting kids in need. Partner with us in offering hope to those who need it most!”

        TEXAS // Foster Gardens Bath Co.
        Specializing in handcrafted soap & artisan skincare
        The colors of these soaps are just gorgeous!  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Garden Mint

        VIRGINIA // Wildwood Williamsburg
        “Wildwood Farm is a local small-scale farm started by a young married couple, James & Paige Ewell. Wildwood produces handcrafted goat milk soaps made with its raw goat milk, essential oils, herbs from the Wildwood Farm garden, and beeswax from Wildwood bees.” So cool!

        WASHINGTON // Sweet River Soap Co.
        Specializing in handcrafted goats milk soaps and apothecary
        Soaps made with goat milk are so luxurious.  Favorite scent I can’t wait to try: Black Raspberry Vanilla

         

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