The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

{deals} My First Order with OKL

You know how much I window shop at One Kings Lane, right?  I probably check the site at least once a week, always finding something I love.  So when OKL contacted me with a store credit to try out the shopping experience, I couldn’t say yes fast enough!  

Making a decision was hard.  So hard.  I finally decided on a white ceramic jar.  Check out the pictures to see:

Isn’t the packaging great?  Loved the simple kraft paper with the Thank You sticker.

The jar is white and ceramic.  I love the unique design on the lid…isn’t it interesting?  It reminded me of a stained glass window.  This jar is very versatile and I can already see it being used in a number of ways: in the living room as a catch-all for keys, on my dresser for jewelry, purely as decoration on a stack of books…

Right now, I thought it was safest (away from my children – it is ceramic afterall!) in my bathroom to hold makeup.  Roomy enough to hold all of my essentials! 

So now I can definitively say that One Kings Lane is a great site, start to finish!  If you’re interested, be sure to sign up!

**I was awarded a store credit to try out OKL, but the experience and opinions are all my own!**

{link list} 5.16.12 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. We’ve finished PreK, but the boys still ask to “do school” on nearly a daily basis.  I’m thinking of incorporating a special craft time 2-3x a week to hold them over until the fall.  This activity using Harry the Dirty Dog looks really fun.  Playing in dirt and then eating bone-shaped cookies?  They’d be all about that!    

2. After a very thorough cleaning out of my closet, I realized I am in dire need of new sandals.  I like these, but my cheapo self cringes at the price. 

3. I am still plugging away in my current book, but am already looking to my next choice.  Right now it’s between Ellis Island: A Novel and Angel Sister.  Have you read either one?

4. I’m always looking for creative gifts for kids.  This DIY Detective Kit would definitely be a hit with the boys in this house!  I like that the kit could totally work for girls too, though.  Did you ever read Cam Jansen growing up?

5. Oh, if only I had the time to do this beautiful embroidery!  If you’ve read this blog for even a short amount of time, you know how much I admire Mother Teresa.  Maybe I’ll get the itch to start it this summer.

6. New recipes on my to-try list: Cheddar Baked Chicken and Mexican Chicken Soup.

7. It was providence that I was watching this video on Young House Love’s blog last night.  Mark has been complaining about needing a haircut for a week now, but hates shelling out the money.  When he turned to me and said, “Hey! You should try to cut mine!”, I was skeptical (read: terrified I was going to really mess up).  But I followed the directions and verdict: he loves it!   

8. Quote of the week: “To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common – this is my symphony.” -William Henry Channing

{recording life} Project Life: Week Nineteen

Back again with another week of Project Life!  This week, I found I had hardly taken my camera out and had very little photos to work with.  Definitely a challenge, but I was pleasantly surprised that I still had enough stories to fill the slots.  So much to tell in this little home of ours!  (Please forgive the pictures.  We’ve had rainy weather, so no natural lighting this week.)

Left side.  I used a few pictures taken with my phone to correspond with little notes I wrote to each of the boys.  In the notes, I kept it real: I talked about the good and the struggles.  I think we’ll all look back on them and laugh someday.  Also included a quote that I found hastily written down on scratch paper.  I thought PL was a better way to keep it: “You are raising tomorrow’s men. Make warriors not wimps.”

Right side.  One new feature that I really liked was including recipe cards for a meal we loved (the chicken and zucchini chips mentioned here).  I used two of these printable cards, which I loved since I could type right on the cards before printing.  Then I added tabs and slipped them in the pocket. So easy.   

Be sure to check out The Mom Creative for even more PL ideas! 

{i want to remember} – 5/14/12

Memories from Mother’s Day 2012:

I WANT TO REMEMBER… waking up to two excited big boys bounding in my room.  They were full of hugs and proudly announced that they had cleaned their room all on their own.  And then I had the early morning privilege of witnessing a full. out. brawl.  Some things never change, not even for Mother’s Day.

I WANT TO REMEMBER… my breakfast: breakfast burritos.  My husband is a master cook, I tell you.  They were delicious.

I WANT TO REMEMBER… making it through the majority of Mass with very well-behaved children.  I was feeling proud and even a little braggy, until J wasn’t allowed to color in M’s coloring book and had a full. out. tantrum right there in the pew.  Hello walk of shame to the back of the church.

I WANT TO REMEMBER… meeting my mom, dad and siblings at the restaurant for a yummy Italian lunch.  I will never forget the look of pure joy on M’s face as he enjoyed his spaghetti and meatballs.  Apparently that is a rare delicacy in our home and he couldn’t get enough. 

I WANT TO REMEMBER… a wonderful gift: a childless afternoon, browsing through the antique stores downtown with my mom.  It was amazing and relaxing.  And it ended with icecream.  Does it get better than that?

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how much I love this vocation – the good, the bad and the ugly.  I am so, so blessed.   

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