The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

{recording life} My Life List

I feel like I’ve been talking about my life list for months now, even sharing my brainstorming process here, here and here.  Today I thought I would share a portion…maybe it will inspire you?  I’d love to hear what things you have on your life list too!   
1. See all 50 states
2. Go on an Alaskan cruise
3. Ride the Amtrak
4. Visit every NFL stadium and see a game
5. Run a race (5K, 10K, and anything with my Dad)
6. Go paint-balling
7. Go camping as a family
8. Learn how to make my own cleaning supplies
9. Complete a total gut renovation project (bathroom or kitchen?)
10. Plant a garden and keep it alive all season!
11. Attend a Saturday Night Live show
12. Attend the opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympics
13. See Cirque du Soleil
14. Make homemade ice cream
15. Make every recipe from a single cookbook, like Julie & Julia
16. Support 100 Mammas in their Small Businesses
17. Donate my hair to Locks for Love
18. Learn how to shoot in manual
19. Have our family pictures done by a professional photographer
20. Write down all of the kids’ birth stories
21. Make a piece of clothing using a pattern
22. Learn how to knit
23. Build a treehouse in the backyard
24. Buy stock
25. Donate blood
26. Buy a dress for over $100 and not feel guilty about it
27. Read every book on my “College Bound Booklist”
28. See a show on Broadway
29. Read the Bible in one year
30. Run a successful home decor business
31. Open a brick-and-mortar retail location in New England
32. Take the kids boating and tubing
33. Make tie-dye shirts
34. Learn floral arranging
35. Coach or help assist a middle school softball team
36. Take cooking classes with my husband
37. Start a scholarship
38. Learn how to flyfish with Dad
39. Take my boys (and husband!) to Fenway Park
40. Organize a getaway trip with my cousins
41. Learn how to make candles
42. Go horseback riding
43. Purchase an old home and completely renovate it
44. Visit Mount Rushmore
45. Learn how to can food
46. Make pasta from scratch
47. Give in 100 different ways (at least!)
48. Drive down Route 66
49. Own a bulldog
50. Make every recipe I’ve pinned on my Pinterest board

{wishlist} Summertime Maternity Wear for the Budget-Conscious Mamma

It’s that time of year again!  This past weekend, I worked on getting everyone’s winter clothes packed away and our summer gear organized.  I tackled my closet last and as I brought all of my pregnancy clothes to the front, I realized…I have very little to wear!  After three previous pregnancies, most of my clothing has had it.  Stretched out, peeling and um…too small (where did the time go when I was 22-years-old and in a size 0/2??). 
After a quick second of feeling sorry for myself that I’m only halfway through my pregnancy and already feeling like a house, I pulled myself together and off to the web I went.  And as much as I wish I could drop money on clothing from HATCH or Loft Maternity or a great pair of designer jeans, my frugal self (not to mention my budget!) just won’t allow for it.  Here are a few budget-friendly options that caught my eye:   

1. Braided-Yoke Jersey Tank from Old Navy
3. Liz Lange for Target Sleeveless Knit Dress
5. Smocked Mexicali Skirt from Old Navy 

Any other affordable maternity clothes out there?  I know different stores are creating their own lines all the time, so if you have a favorite, please share!

{link list} 6.13.12 Edition

I love link lists.
There’s nothing better than word of mouth, so when a blogger recommends a
recipe, a new shop or a great read, I am all about it! Here are a few things
I’ve come across this week…

1. Since becoming a mom, I’ve become a big fan of the tote bag.  Loved this round-up on 6th Street Design School…the shape of #8 is perfect for the car and #16 makes an awesome beach bag.  Be sure to check out all of the options!

2.  Do you have a problem with soap scum like me?  I’m getting desperate for a good solution, so I’m anxious to try this recipe.

3. One of my 2012 goals was to become less dependent on the Internet and make the time to connect with family and friends through good ol’ snail mail.  Needless to say, we’re halfway through the year and I’m failing miserably!  This party confetti mix is so fun, it may be just what I need to get started! 

4.  Craft idea for the boys: Tissue Box Dinosaur Feet! 

5. My family went to Disneyland when I was a kid.  And while it was loads of fun, one of my fondest memories had nothing to do with the rides and everything to do with CHURROS!  These Baked Cheater Churros are definitely on my “must make soon” list!

6. Window shopping for our Little Miss has been so fun!  My latest find are these adorable BabyLit board books – on my wishlist are Pride & Prejudice and Alice in Wonderland.

7. Came across this list of money-saving tips via the wonder that is Pinterest.  Lots of ideas and more good ones in the comments.  If you’re looking to save a few bucks this summer, be sure to take a look.

8. Are you on Goodreads?  I love how easy it is to keep my “to-read” lists organized.  If you’re on, be sure to find me here so we can be friends! 

{in the kitchen} Easy Peach Cobbler

Apparently, I’m a sucker for any dessert that fits in a 8″ square pan and includes fruit (exhibits A and B).  But nothing says summer like a cobbler, right? After a crazy, pregnant “I need peach cobbler right now!” moment, I scoured the web for an easy recipe, but nothing seemed easy enough.  Until this one!  One warning, in case you are particular about cobblers: this recipe makes a more cakey version.  I happen to love it that way, but you may have a different opinion. 

Ingredients:
8 fresh peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced into thin wedges (I used six, didn’t peel and cut into small chunks instead.  I’m a rebel.) 
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons cornstarch (I didn’t have any, so omitted.  Still tasted great)
————
Topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup boiling water


————
Mix together: 3 tablespoons sugar & 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, 1/4 cup  sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly, and pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.               
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend in butter with a pastry blender (or just your fingers), until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in water until just combined.

4. Remove peaches from oven, and drop spoonfuls of topping over them. Sprinkle entire cobbler with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake until topping is golden, about 30 minutes. (It may just be my oven, but my cobbler was golden brown in half the time, about 13-15 minutes.) 

Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla icecream! 

Original recipe found here. 

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