The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

July 6, 2012

{chit chat} Short-Term Sacrifices: Saving Money to Accomplish our Dreams

Source: dangshefine.stockphotosweb.com via Sara on Pinterest

“If you want something bad enough, you can usually find a way.” – Money Saving Mom

Dreams are a funny thing, don’t you think? For our family, our dreams include my husband’s new job (which requires us to move) and me starting a new online business. Both are important to us and I am convinced that they are answers to years and years of prayer. BUT…isn’t there always a but?…our dreams don’t come without a price.

My boutique needs start-up funds to get us running and the whole house-selling/moving/new-home-buying adventure requires money too! So this summer, we’re committing to making some short-term sacrifices to achieve our goals. I see it as a challenge to be creative with stretching our money, and you know I love a challenge!

Here are a few ways we’re trying to stretch our dollar – I’d love to hear your ideas too!

Put the thermostat up a few degrees.

I don’t know if it’s the same where you live, but my local power company is crazy expensive! To try to fight those costs, we keep the thermostat around 77-78 degrees. It’s a little warm, but we stay comfortable with ceiling fans and smaller fans in the bedrooms.

Cut out cable TV.

We actually did this a few years ago, but it’s worth mentioning. With resources available online like Hulu and Netflix, we still see our favorite shows and really haven’t missed all of the additional channels. Not to mention the extra time we have instead of sitting in front of the TV!

Make simple meals from scratch and limit fast food/restaurants.
While all of those delicious meals on my Pinterest board are enticing, we’re focusing on simple foods that can stretch. I’m also really intrigued by this Summertime Pantry Challenge…I’m thinking that may be a good way to use up some items in the back of the pantry!

Sell unwanted items on Craigslist or ebay.

Part of the fun of moving preparation is going through all of our things. No use in moving something we don’t really want, right? I’ve created an area for CL/ebay possibilities and will tackle selling them soon.

Take free “field trips”.

I love to take my kids on new adventures but sometimes that can get pricey! Right now, we’re taking “field trips” that are free: new parks and trips to the beach.

July 4, 2012

{link list} 7.4.12 Edition

1. These baseball cupcakes are super cute and easy enough that I can show the boys and let them at it. Thinking this will be a fun activity sometime soon.

2. I’ve been on a big organizing kick the past few weeks. Finally tackled ALL of the boys’ outgrown clothes (from newborn to size 5!) and they are currently stored in a bunch of mis-matched plastic totes. I’ll probably switch to this cost-effective solution once we move to our new house.

3. I loved this article about the “Nine Nanas”… a great reminder that goodness is still alive and well in this world! My favorite quote from one of the Nanas: “We want people to know that someone out there cares enough to do something. We want to make sure that happiness happens.” How inspiring.

4. Moving is stressful with so much to remember and think about! This binder is genius and I will definitely be making one soon.

5. Did you see the Pottery Barn-eque American flag that Melissa did over at 320 Sycamore? LOVE.

6. We tried this super easy recipe for a homemade Rotisserie Chicken last weekend. Big hit with my husband! Perfect for summer since there is no need to turn on the oven…goodness knows it’s hot enough already!

7. New recipes to try soon: Skinny Poolside Dip and Turkey Ranch Club Wraps. Yum!

8. A new shop you must check out: Threads from Ashley at The Shine Project! Their mission is incredible: “Threads is a cause driven business that changes the future of at risk youth. They come from various backgrounds, but all have one thing in common, they want to break the cycle. By employing them, we instill values of self reliance and hard work. They are paid fair wages for the bracelets they make, and in turn are able to pay their way through school. Many of Threads employees are first generation college students. They dream of becoming nurses, broadcasters, writers and engineers. Your purchase will directly impact a student. Even beyond financial support, your belief in them is a symbol of hope and trust that they can achieve what for so long seemed impossible. By purchasing Threads you are wearing more than just a bracelet, you are wearing change.”

July 3, 2012

{read along} Mitten Strings for God: Enchantment

Food for thought:
“Somehow, in our hurry to steer our children toward accomplishment and independence, we seem to have forgotten what childhood is all about. Preoccupied with managing their lives, and our own, it is so easy to lose sight of our children–their tenderness and innocence, their joyousness, their capacity for wonder, their hunger for enchantment. A touch of magic can reawaken the childlike spirit in all of us, allowing us to revisit, for a time, the secret realm of childhood.” –page 119

July 2, 2012

{entertaining} Last-Minute Fourth of July Ideas

Happy Monday, friends! Can you believe it is July already? Have any fun plans for the week? We are keeping it low-key around here, but I thought I’d make a roundup of a few fun ideas anyway. I’ll host a fun Fourth of July party one of these years 🙂

1. I liked the layered look of this red, white and blue tablescape. Definitely a fun idea if you were having a more formal meal.

2. Chocolate dipped pretzels would make a super cute party favor. Put a few in a long plastic bag (they have tons of options at places like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby), tie with a ribbon and done!

3. Having a night-time gathering? Tealights in bottles (maybe Mason jars?) make great luminaries.

4. These Berry Sundaes are quick to prepare and nutritious too!

5. Need a decoration idea? These star medallions are cute and will be easy to reuse year after year.

6. Quick and easy snack idea while you’re waiting for the fireworks: red licorice wrapped in colorful paper.