The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

October 8, 2013

{giving} Putting Poverty to Bed with Two Little Fish

When it comes to decorating my home, I’m always drawn to things that have a story. Sophie’s nursery is full of these things: the framed cross-stitch that her godmother made, a quilt lovingly stitched by her great-grandmother…they all have a story that I cannot wait to tell her someday. So when I stumbled across Two Little Fish, I knew we needed to have a piece of that story too.

Founded by Nicole Roswarski, Two Little Fish creates one-of-a-kind bedding sets using a combination of domestic fabric and fabric made in Ghana, Africa. Nicole’s mission is beautiful and inspiring. She gives 100% of the profit away! The African fabric is purchased directly from the artisans and then the proceeds from the bedding sets go toward a mattress for an AIDS orphan in South Africa. Your purchase will help to do great things in the world!

Even if you aren’t in the market for new bedding, check out her new line of crib blankets! The colors and designs are vibrant, fun and modern. Sophie received the purple ivy and I just adore it. The blanket is lightweight, yet cozy with its flannel backing. I love that the size is substantial enough for smaller babies, but could still be a lovey as Sophie grows.

Be sure to check out the Two Little Fish shop for the current selection of custom bedding options. Christmas is right around the corner! You can also find them on Instagram (@twolittlefishinc). If you’re quick, you may be able to catch the end of the instaSALE and snag a crib blanket for 30% off!

**I was given a discount on the blanket in exchange for a post, but all opinions are mine**

October 4, 2013

{around here} Week of 9.30.13

This week flew by!

Week one of Eat in October was successful and dare I admit, easy. I planned dinners exclusively from the cookbook, Against All Grain, and they were all delicious. I’m hoping with week two, I can stretch our grocery budget a bit more.

After a few weeks of perfect fall weather, the temps have risen to the 80’s. The boys have been wearing shorts and t-shirts! We all seem to be getting sick in one way or another and I blame the back and forth temperatures.

The response to the second round of the Penpal Circles has been so great. We’re up to 40 new ladies already! I’ve been getting a head start on addressing envelopes and plan on shopping for the welcome packet “extras” this weekend.

I struggled through my runs this week, but got ’em done. Sometimes you just have to push through the mind games and run anyway.

During this morning’s run, I listened to a podcast that interviewed Emily Freeman and wow. So heart-stirring. I’m still processing it. If you listen to it, let me know! I’d love to compare notes. 🙂

Favorite moment of the week: on our way to soccer practice, J fell asleep. I loaded him into the stroller and he slept for a good 30 minutes by the field. All of a sudden, I watched him open his eyes, look around sleepily and then belly laugh like he’d heard the funniest joke. It was the kind of laugh that makes you chuckle yourself. I’m not sure what he had been dreaming, but what a way to wake up! My mamma heart was full.

Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend, friends!

October 2, 2013

{friendship} Sign-ups for the Penpal Circles are Open!

I had such a wonderful response to the first round of Penpal Circles that I’m opening sign-ups again! I’d love for you to join in this fun opportunity to meet other women around the country (and the world!). The details are explained below:

The purpose of a Penpal Circle is to create long-term relationships with a group of women through the written word. My hope is that this project will be an opportunity to grow community, to bring us together and learn from one another. And getting letters in the mail is pretty exciting too! 🙂

This is how it works:
+ Participants will be put into groups of four in a circle.
+ All participants will receive a welcome packet from me, explaining the process and the names/addresses of your circle members. Expect a few goodies inside as well! 🙂
+ Your welcome packet will explain who to write to first. For the first round, pairs will be made so everyone receives mail. Afterwards, you are free to write to whomever you wish as often as you like! A good rule of thumb is that you send out one letter whenever you receive one. But if you’d like to write to the entire circle, feel free!
+ Large gifts in every letter are not necessary. The purpose of the Penpal Circle is to create community through the written word. Your words are enough! If you’d like to send a little something along with your letter, that is entirely up to you, but not a requirement!

A few other things to note:
+ Sign-ups will be open from Wednesday, October 2nd to Friday, October 11, 2013. After that point, I won’t be able to accept anyone until after Christmas.
+ While this was created with Mammas in mind, you do not have to be a Mamma to participate. We have so much to learn from women from all walks of life!
+ Your confidentiality is incredibly important to me. I will keep your information safe. That said, by signing up, you are also agreeing to keeping your circle members information safe as well.
+ Please spread the word! I would be forever grateful if you would share the project with your friends and blog readers 🙂

I’d love to have you join me! Please sign-up below!

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October 1, 2013

{intention 2013} October’s Goals

October will be about…

NOURISHMENT. Seeing meal preparation as a gift to my family instead of a chore. Creating dinners that get us closer to our goals. Trying new recipes and adapting old favorites.
STRETCHING. Stretching myself to try something new. Stretching our grocery budget and creating meals with what we have. Incorporating stretching after my runs.
CELEBRATION. Birthdays and Halloween are coming, but little things should be celebrated too. Scheduling new family traditions and fall activities.

{my word for 2013: Intention}

{my intentions for January, February, March, and September}