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The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

January 15, 2015

{a year of challenges} January is for Learning: the Halfway Point



We are halfway through the January learning challenge!  For those of you who are participating, how are you doing?  What things have you been learning about?  And if you’re new here, welcome!  There is still time to jump in!

This challenge has been really fun for me so far.  I’ve always been a bit of an academic and it’s been refreshing to uncover that hunger for learning again.  The simple exercise of reading everyday has fired me up, inspired me and helped me feel like my brain is still functioning on a decent level.  Making learning a priority, in whatever form, will definitely be a permanent part of my day from now on.  


As a reminder, this was my challenge:

+ Read three books, each from a different genre.
+ Listen to 5 podcasts.
+ Watch 10 Ted talks.
+ Find 3 new blogs that teach me something.

It has been easy for me to fit in the podcasts while I’m doing chores or running on the treadmill.  The kids are usually running around or playing, so it feels like alone time, while still being productive.  I’ve also watched a lot of TED talks and I swear they are like candy; I can’t stop at just one.  I’ve watched 8 already.  


Book reading is a little harder to do during the day, but I’m trying to get in a few pages when I can.  Mark and I have started reading a chapter of our books before watching TV at night, so that helps too.  As of today, I’ve finished one book and am almost through the second.  One more to go!  

I’ll post a record of the podcasts, TED talks, and websites at the end of the month because some are just too good not to share.  
Let’s finish out the month strong, friends!

January 14, 2015

{12 months of kindness} January: A Gift for the Mailman


Inspired by my friend Tab, I am committing to 12 Months of Kindness again in 2015.  Hopefully, I’ll be better about posting each month!  

For January, we decided to tell our mailman how much we appreciate him.  He works SO hard!  Between picking up Big White Farmhouse orders and dropping off Amazon purchases, our mailman gets out of his warm truck a lot for us.  Can you imagine such a job, especially in the winter?  

Brr.

So the kids and I got to work creating a warm care package, which included:

This gift was easy and didn’t cost much to put together.  We found the gloves for $4 and the hand and foot warmers were in the Dollar Spot at Target.  Add in a little cash so he can grab a coffee and you’re done!    

What act of kindness will you do this month?  I’ve created a Pinterest board to help with ideas and inspiration.  Will you join me?  Tell me your Pinterest name in the comments and I can add you as a contributor.  Let’s spread joy this year together.

Follow Ashley {Big White Farmhouse}’s board 12 Months of Kindness: Ideas on Pinterest.

January 13, 2015

{a year of challenges} A Learning Link List

My Secret to Reading a Lot of Books: I like his method for taking notes, especially for nonfiction books.


This art print would be perfect in Sophie’s room.


I just started watching this again on Netflix, so I was excited to find a list of all 339 books referenced in Gilmore Girls.   


This website helps answer the question, “What Should I Read Next?”
  
Do you listen to TED talks?  This worksheet was created for students, but I think it could be fun to fill out for adults as well.


I can’t wait to check out this cookbook, per Kelly’s recommendation.


The Book Fiend: gifts for people who really love books


What way do you learn best?  This infographic is really interesting. I already knew I was a visual learner, but now I think I may be a solitary one too.  

How I Find Time to Read: Modern Mrs. Darcy

Have you watched any good documentaries lately? This one is next on my list.


One more: can you imagine a library like this?!  Amazing.

January 12, 2015

{BWF} Celebrating Our First Birthday at Big White Farmhouse

It is hard to believe that Big White Farmhouse has been in business for an entire year!  It started in 2012 as a crazy dream and while it has been a labor of love, I am so proud of all that has been accomplished so far.

As many of you know, my Great-Gram had a huge impact on my life.  She was a hard-working, compassionate woman with a big smile and a heart of gold.  Gram’s love of family is the inspiration behind Big White Farmhouse.  My hope is that what customers feel most when shopping with us is a sense of community, of family.  We have some exciting things in the works to create more of that in 2015.

I am so thankful for you, my readers, and all of your support and encouragement through the years.  Your virtual high-fives keep Andrea and I going and we are so excited to provide you with even more well-made, heirloom-worthy products in the new year.  

But first…let’s celebrate!



We are giving away one of our gorgeous American Maple recipe boxes on our Facebook page and we’d love for you to enter.  If you’re on Instagram, be sure to check out my page for another fun surprise too!  Both giveaways are open until Saturday, January 17 at midnight, so hop over soon!


Thanks again for following along.  Here’s to a successful Year 2!

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The 10 Year Reading Plan for the Great Books of the Western World

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