The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

April 17, 2018

No.109: What Makes You Feel Alive? A Health Manifesto

I lost myself a bit this winter, but I’m determined to bring her back.

It all started in January when I injured a muscle in my hip. Unable to run, I wallowed, comforting myself in winter hibernation. Cozy afternoons reading, curled up under blankets in front of the fire, became my new normal. At the same time, my fertility struggled to return and my hormones were in chaos. The scale, for lots of reasons, crept up and up and up.

And then…spring arrived. There’s nothing like temperatures in the 70’s, when the bulky sweaters are shed and you have to stare that unfamiliar body in the face. I looked in the full-length mirror at myself – looking tired and sorta flabby – and wondered, Where did I go? What happened to me?

It’s more than just the number on the scale. It’s the slow burn of aging, the way my body doesn’t work in the way I think it should. It’s the wear and tear of six consecutive pregnancies without a significant break between them. It’s the nagging feeling that while I’m happy with so many things in my life, there’s one little piece that doesn’t feel quite right.

In the quiet, the thought came to me like a whisper: What makes you feel alive? And without any hesitation, I knew the answer.

Running.
Running makes me feel alive.

So last week, I tied on my sneakers and got on the treadmill for the first time in three months. I started at barely a jog, feeling every step. I was clunky and slow. My running shorts were just a wee too snug. More than one part of me jiggled and my lower back ached. But it felt SO good. Afterward, big, ugly tears mingled with my shower water. I felt proud of myself. I felt strong. In a rare moment of self-love, I made a manifesto of sorts and am recording it here because I’m sure I’ll need the reminder.

Here’s to loving ourselves as we are, while having the courage to make positive changes too.

MY HEALTH MANIFESTO

I am more than just the number on the scale.

I will fill myself with lots of good, nutrient-filled food. And a little of the “not-so-nutritious” is okay too. It doesn’t have to be either/or.

I will focus on movement, in whatever way it materializes. Preferably a run, but sometimes laps around the yard or dancing in the kitchen.
I will prioritize my mental health. Sleep comes first and can cure much. A little time away can do wonders too. I am not a bad wife or mother for needing both.
I will stay in my lane. No comparing myself to others who may be further in their goals than I am. We don’t all have to take the same path to get to success.

Perfectionism has no place in my wellness – I will do what I can, when I can. And that’s enough.

taken last October after a long run

freshly showered, no makeup, wrinkles, happy

April 16, 2018

No.108: Intentions for the End of April

I took an unintentional, but much needed internet break last week. It was a week full of family and weekday sleepovers and play dates – so many good things! Because of all the extras, I had to scrap my never ending to-do list and stick to the essentials. Sometimes life forces my hand a bit, telling me sternly, “Lady, you need to check yourself. You can’t do it all and that’s okay.” I’m always grateful for that reminder to slow down. Especially when I refuse to do it on my own.

INTENTIONS FOR THE END OF APRIL

Habit of the Month: Thoroughness
start running at least three times a week – movement is the goal, not paces or miles
try making bulletproof coffee
choose a baby gift for my cousin’s shower
buy a baptism gift for a friend
buy tiny hooks
string lights throughout the back porch (100LT #61)
do a science experiment with Sophie
make dentist appointments
print photographs off of old hard drive
finally finish December Daily 2017 album
finish another book that I’ve only partially finished
pick a date for a field trip
recommit to weaning P – make a plan and stay strong!
start dreaming and sketching our garden for next year

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!

~~switch car seats around~~ (5 out of 6 were happy about the change, so pretty good odds, hah)
take out clothes to spring/summer and pack away winter (half done!)
fix the dryer hose
~~start a deep cleaning of the house~~ (I’m using this checklist – thank you for sharing, Jessica!)
~~finalize plans for~~ front walkway ~~and flower beds~~ (the estimate was waaay more than we had budgeted, so we’ve decided to just do the flower beds for now)
string lights throughout the back porch (we need to pick up tiny hooks first)
~~install curtain rods and hang curtains in the dining room~~
make dentist appointments (need to sync with Mark’s schedule)
print photographs off of old hard drive for my December Daily album
~~mail another batch of postcards~~ (I still have some room left on the list – sign up here!)

return to a few half-finished books and finish them (finished In This House of Brede, but then started and finished two new ones…oops!)
~~research safe sunscreens that actually work~~ (trying Bare Republic – thanks for the recommendation, Catherine!)
~~bake a loaf of whole wheat bread~~
~~make a batch of granola~~
learn how to make baguettes
~~find a local milk provider~~ (did the research, now to figure out how to budget it!)

What about you? What do you hope to accomplish in the next two weeks?

April 10, 2018

No.107: Homesteading 101 // Make Your Daily Bread (Part Three!)

I live in a farmhouse on five acres in the country. It’s time for this suburban girl to learn a few things!

Welcome to my self-taught Homesteading 101.

Update on Daily Bread Post #1 and Post #2: I’m still baking bread almost every other day! The recipes that start in the bread machine and are then put in bread pans to rise seem to be the easiest to fit into busy weekdays. I keep the more time intensive ones for the weekends. Maybe I’m at a point where I can stop purchasing bread from the grocery store?

Below are three new recipes that I’ve added to the mix:

English Muffin Bread

Thanks for the recommendation, Jen!
Consensus: This one was really good! We liked it even more the next day, toasted with jam.

Irish Soda Bread

I baked this on St. Patrick’s Day for the recommended 45 minutes and while the internal temperature was 190° like the instructions said, the very middle was under-cooked! Yikes. I made it again the following week, added 6 more minutes to the cooking time, and it was perfect.
Consensus: Delicious! Sweet without being too sweet.

Honey Wheat Bread

This was my first attempt at mixing white and whole wheat flours. I started the dough in the bread machine and then separated into two bread pans to rise, but it didn’t rise nearly enough. (I’m thinking there’s not enough gluten?) I tried again as just a single loaf and the result was much better.
Consensus: A really good sandwich bread! We ate it with leftover Easter ham and white cheddar cheese.

Next up: sourdough, french baguettes, and a bread with cheese or herbs mixed in. Share with me your favorite recipes! I’m also thinking it’s time to start another homesteading skill. What should I try next?

April 6, 2018

No.106: Farmhouse to Home // What I Bought (Vol.1)

This post contains affiliate links.

When we moved to the farmhouse last June, we were pretty house-poor. The entire selling and moving process is so expensive and our savings took a big hit. We were thrilled to be in our dream house, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it was frustrating not to be able to dive into improvement projects and furniture buying. There was no floor refinishing or kitchen renovations. There wasn’t even painting! We literally unpacked our things and there they’ve sat for nine months.

Only recently are we finally in a position to begin purchasing things to make this house feel more like us. It’s exciting! And because of the wait, we appreciate each carefully chosen piece just a little bit more. There’s a good life lesson in that, I think.

Below are seven new additions to the farmhouse. I search widely and go for a mix of more expensive, less expensive, vintage and handmade. It takes much more time, but I love the look of a collected home. Linking up with Kelly’s Quick Takes!

1 // WHITEWASHED ROCKING CHAIR
One of the only things we splurged on when we moved in were two rocking chairs for the front porch. We really needed three, but money only stretches so far, hah! We just got the last one we needed and aesthetically, it looks so much better. The chairs are made in the USA, created with eco-friendly materials, really sturdy and comfortable.

2 // ORIGINAL MARIAN ART
I stumbled on Annie’s work on Instagram and knew I needed a piece of her art in my house! I chose one of her original Marian monotypes and it is so stunning in person. I have it framed and ready to hang in my front foyer. (ALSO! Check out her on Instagram for a coupon code, good through tomorrow!)

3 // METAL FRUIT BASKET
I was on the lookout for something to hold fruit on my kitchen island and this metal fruit basket fit the bill. I wavered between two or three tiers, but the smaller one is perfect.

4 // WHITE CURTAINS
I’ve had naked windows in my dining room, just begging for curtains! After searching for awhile, I went with my go-to favorite from Ikea. They are inexpensive and look great!

5 // ZINC FLOWER POT
Have you heard of Freckled Hen Farmhouse? I love Natalie’s store! It was so hard to choose, but I picked a zinc flower pot for my first purchase. It is so cute with that already worn look. I can’t wait to find a new plant to put inside.

6 // CONCRETE PLANTERS
After the addition of my new welcome mat, I wanted something to flank the front door. (It’s totally the home version of “If you give a mouse a cookie,” haha!) I found two 21″ concrete planters and am thinking two bay leaf trees may be fun and unexpected. I’m impatiently waiting for warmer weather to plant them.

7 // IRON DINNER BELL
A few weekends ago, Mark and I joked that we needed a bell to wrangle our children for dinner. when they were all outside. A quick search on etsy and I found this hand forged dinner bell! It just arrived this week and we are all so impressed with the workmanship. My kids love the show, Forged in Fire, and it’s definitely helped us appreciate the work involved.

Have you added anything new to your house lately? I’d love to hear about it!