The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

July 13, 2012

{home} Getting Ready to Sell: Picking Paint Colors

So today’s post is about updating rooms with paint. I seem to come across this tip all the time! Paint freshens things up, makes spaces feel current and clean, and is a relatively cheap upgrade. In our home, we are focusing on three areas: the master bathroom, the kitchen, and the trimwork…all are in need of a little “refreshment”.

I’m sticking to mostly neutrals, and can I just say that picking a white is HARD! So many undertones! I’ve been staring at these sample charts all week and I think I’ve made my decision, but no promises until I get to the paint counter 🙂

Do you have a favorite neutral color for the kitchen or bathroom? Have a go-to white for trim? Please share in the comments…you just may make my life a whole lot easier! Have a good weekend, friends!

July 12, 2012

{giving} Donate Gently Used Baby Clothing to Loved Twice

I think I mentioned last week that one of the big projects I’ve accomplished so far this summer was going through every piece of my boys’ clothing. Everything…from size newborn on up to what M currently wears! I organized and sifted, tossed the really stained ones and set aside a few for Goodwill.

Around the same time, I began to brainstorm some giving ideas. It’s been awhile since we’ve done some tangible service project in this house and I was trying to come up with an easy idea that could include my kids too.

And then, like God always works in my life, it all fell into place. A couple of years ago, I read about Loved Twice in the newspaper. This organization collects gently used baby clothes (up to 12 months) and basically creates kits with everything a mother will need to clothe her baby for the first year. They then distribute the boxes through social workers to hospitals, shelters and more. An amazing gift for a mother in need, right? This short video sums it up so well:

Fast forward to now and the organization comes to mind again right as I am knee-deep in my children’s outgrown clothing? I knew it was God’s prompting. So I took a look at the clothing with new eyes, picking pieces that would keep a little guy warm in the cool months ahead. A handful of outfits, a few shirts, a couple fleece pajamas…I chose as much as I could stuff in a Flat-Rate shipping box.

The Loved Twice website has a list of prescreened agencies that you can send clothing to, but they also have drop-off locations if you live in the San Francisco area. Be sure to check them out!

July 11, 2012

{link list} 7.11.12 Edition

1. The temperatures in Central Virginia are out of this world hot…same with you? My kids are getting a little stir-crazy from staying in the house most days, so I’m thinking to change it up a little by introducing Giant Ice Cube Awesomeness!

2. Speaking of beating the heat, check out this list of 11 Ways to Survive the Summer While Pregnant. I’m really liking the idea of carrying a spritz bottle around!

3. A really cute DIY idea: Shadow Box Jewelry Holder from the ever-creative Martha. I like that it helps with clutter control as well as a way to actually see all the pieces you own!

4. Did you read Cori’s post on thoughts on becoming a mother for the 4th time? I couldn’t have said it better myself. My favorite part: “So now, when I lay in bed at night and feel this 4th baby moving around inside of me, I know how much more having another child means than just welcoming a new baby girl. It means another spirit, with a will, a personality, and a unique potential to leave her mark on the world. And I don’t feel anything like that harried mother I pictured all those years ago. I feel grateful.“

5. Let’s talk food. This summer we are on a mission to eat as simply we as we can. I ran across this site dedicated to $50 weekly menus for a family of four. Is it even possible?? I’m still sifting through all of the ideas, but I do like that she includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. I’ll be sure to let you know what I find!

6. Need an idea for DVD storage instead of keeping all of those cases? I LOVE the look of these binders…so customizable and easy!

7. How cute is this Tiny Envelopes Card from Lemon Drop Papers? I’ve got lots of ideas for something similar to put in my Project Life book.

8. Did you see the eye candy in the craft show post on Oh Hello Friend? Can’t wait to have a few spare minutes to check out those vendors!

July 9, 2012

{family} Monday’s Musings…

Happy Monday, friends! How was your weekend? Ours was wonderful, but went by much too fast…why is that always the case?

Around the House
We are in full house prep around here! I am trying not to get discouraged or frustrated: as fast as my to-dos are getting checked off, the list just seems to get longer with new things. The weather should hopefully be out of the 100’s next weekend, so I’m looking forward to getting Operation: Curb Appeal started.

From the Kitchen
My husband is just a little obsessed with the show BBQ Pitmasters, so he couldn’t wait to break out the grill this weekend. Ribs and pork were on the menu…his best yet!

Homeschooling
I’ve been working on our lessons plans for Kindergarten and the books have been trickling in. I’m thinking of starting at the beginning of August: I know M is dying to begin and it will give me a head start before our Little Miss is born.

On the Blog
I have lots of ideas for this little blog of mine! I only hope I have the time to make most of them become a reality. Look for some business talk, a summer Mamma Support Swap and even a giveaway in the next few weeks!