The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

{inspire me} Volume One


ETSY SHOP.
One of my goals this year is to sew a dress for my Little Miss.  After a little research, I think I’ll be purchasing my pattern from Little Lizard King.  She has great reviews!  I still haven’t decided, but my favorites are this, this and this. 

ON MY TO-DO LIST.
This post on cleaning up your Pinterest boards lit a fire under my behind.  I’m joining in the #cleanupyourpinterest revolution…you should too! 

TUTORIAL.
Have you ever seen a ticker tape quilt?  Amazing, right?  I love that it can use the tiniest scrap and create something that is one-of-a-kind.  But wow…I just don’t think I have the patience, though this tutorial for the same effect on canvas may convert me!

MUST READ.
Julie’s post called “The Itchy Sweater” was beautifully written and I know it will be so helpful for other mammas struggling in the same area.  Further proof that you should never judge when you’re out and about.  Be sure to check out her follow-up post for a resource list.

PHOTOGRAPHY.
I’m participating in a 365 Project with A Beautiful Mess.  Since 2013 will be the first year in our new home, I’d love to document the process of making it our own.  Not sure I can keep the pace, but I’m sure going to try!  You can follow along with me on my Instagram feed.   

BOOK.
I’ve heard good things about The Light Between Oceans: A Novel…have you read it?  I think it may be next on my list. 

{etsy finds} A Fresh Start: 2013 Calendar Roundup

1. From 1canoe2: I love how these letterpress calendar cards sit in a wooden stump!  The perfect desk calendar.  $26
2. From Sacred & Profane Designs: The simplicity of this printable monthly calendar really appeals to me. $8.50
3. From Letter C Design: I love the size of this kraft calendar booklet…small enough to put in your bag!  $14.50
4. From Monkey Mind Design: The size and colors of this patterned calendar are so fun! $12

{intention 2013} January’s Goals

January will be about…

  • HEALTH.  Losing the baby weight.  Focusing more on health than the number on the scale.  Easing into eating less processed foods and more fresh ingredients.  Getting active and finding an exercise routine that works. 
  • PLANNING.  Working on a post-holiday routine that works for every member of this family.  Figuring out how to add a few fun extras into our homeschooling week. 
  • CREATIVITY.  For both me and the kids.  Simple crafts, home improvement projects and more!

My Word for 2013: Intention


Happy New Year, friends!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are entering 2013 energized.  I’ve missed this blog so much and I’m so happy to be back!

As much as I’d like to smile and tell you that life has been perfect around here…well, I’d be lying.  Adjusting to life with four children has been very different than I expected.  I was prepared for the sleepless nights, the extra laundry and even the colic.  It was all the rest that threw me for a big loop. 

For awhile, I struggled with the idea that I was just a big, huge failure.  My house was full of clutter.  I was doing the bare minimum with homeschooling (certainly no extra fun stuff!).  I was behind on chores.  I wasn’t losing any weight and my clothes were all too tight.  My kids were watching too much TV.  We ate out way too much.

To summarize: handling a newborn was a piece of cake.  Juggling everything else?  Failure with a capital F.

I’m almost embarrassed to admit that it took about three months for me to learn to give myself some grace.  Instead of constantly beating myself up for being inadequate, I ‘ve started to celebrate the small victories of every day.  It really was a Christmas miracle, since I’m definitely my own worst critic!  And while I’m still nowhere near “Super Mom” status, I feel like I’m back on track.  I feel like I’m closer to being the kind of mom I know I can be. 

This time in my life has taught me a valuable lesson: if you really want something, you have to work for it.  This can be for everything from making dinner, to desiring an organized home, to starting a new business.  You have to prioritize the time, money and resources.  You have to commit.  Instead of living in a cloud of “somedays” and “maybes”, you have to dig deep and follow through.

That’s what I want for 2013: to live an intentional life.  I want to be intentional with my family, my home and my dreams.  I plan on using this space here on the Big White Farmhouse to document this new adventure.  I hope you’ll come along!

Here’s to a new year of being more of who God created us to be.

The Lettered Cottage

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