The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

{30 days of pinspiration} Day 26: 40 Bags in 40 Days Declutter Challenge

Truth time: we have way too much stuff.  I’m tired of the clutter and the piles and the basement of who-the-heck-knows.  Four kids have made me crave simplicity.  But they’ve also made me, well, tired.  I know the purging process takes work and as much as I’ve desired it, I’ve been too lazy to start.


I’ve heard about bloggers who work on a 40 bags in 40 days Lenten Challenge before, but have never participated.  Until now!  

For whatever reason, her post was just the motivation I needed.  Don’t you love how someone’s words can light a fire in you?  The past five days have been extremely successful.  I’ve worked on our couch tables, the living room toys, a part of my office, and started in on the basement.  Lots and lots of things are headed to Goodwill, I have a pile to sell on eBay, and a couple of items to try on Craigslist.  Simplicity feels so good.  

I’ll be sharing more pictures on Instagram as I go (using Ann Marie’s #40days40bags hashtag). Let me know if you are too, so I can follow!  Simplifying is more fun with support 🙂

{30 days of pinspiration} Day 25: Tissue Paper Pom-Poms

Today’s craft was a spontaneous one.  After perusing my Pinterest boards for ideas to finish out the challenge (1 week to go!), I came across the tissue paper pom-pom.  I’m sure I originally pinned them for a party idea, but what the heck!  I made one just because.


Since it was my first time, and I only had one pack of tissue paper on hand, I looked at a few different sources.  This tutorial from Martha and this Youtube video were particularly helpful.  I didn’t have pipe cleaners or floral wire on hand, so I stole the twisty tie off of the bread and it worked just fine.  


The finished product is so cute!  I hung it up in Baby Girl’s nursery, but I think it would definitely look better in a cluster.  A trip to Target for more tissue paper is in order this weekend!  🙂
    

{30 days of pinspiration} Day 24: Our Chalkboard Wall

We made a chalkboard wall.  I know, I know…this project is so 2012.  I’m always late to the party.  But they’re fun for kids and adults alike and we had the perfect spot, so we painted one anyway.  

The inspiration pictures from my Pinterest boards:  
1.  2.  3.
And here is our version, tucked away in a narrow hallway (hence the weird angle of the photographs):

{30 days of pinspiration} Day 23: Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa


Can you believe it’s Ash Wednesday already?  Lent definitely snuck up on me this year.  So let’s compare notes. Growing up, this was always an interesting topic of conversation with friends and classmates: “What are you giving up this year?”  


This year, my husband and I have decided to give up watching television.  It’s become a mind-numbing routine and we hope to change that.  Instead, we’re going to exercise, play old fashioned board games, and read.  Sounds like we’re 80 years old, but I think it will be a much needed change from the constant technology we surround ourselves with everyday.


As a family, we’re going to read Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa: Prayers, Reflections, and Activities for Families.  I’ve had this book on my Pinterest board for months now and my mom found it in her library for me to borrow.  I’ve only flipped through it, but it seems great.  I’m sure I’ll be back with a full review soon.  

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