The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

September 22, 2011

{etsy finds} Adorable Gift Tags from Fresh Lemon Blossoms

It’s time to talk about packaging! Last year during the holidays, I challenged myself not to buy anything new – I made myself use up my stash of old wrapping paper and ribbons. It was so hard to do as I looked longingly at all the beautiful aisles of paper and trims in the stores, but I’m loving the decision now! This year, I can start fresh!

I stumbled upon the shop, Fresh Lemon Blossoms, and immediately loved her gift tags. Take a peek at some of my favorites:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

I love all of the little details, especially the glitter! Wouldn’t they look awesome paired with just solid wrapping (or kraft paper!)? Shop here.

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P.S. I’ve had a little Gift Giving series in the works here at the Big White Farmhouse and I’m excited to say that it’s ready to go! So be sure to come back all next week for lots of handmade gifts ideas for everyone on your list!

September 21, 2011

{reminder} My Life Goals

I love this print and am definitely putting it on my wishlist! You can find it here.

September 20, 2011

{ramblings} On Motherhood

Motherhood gets such a bad rap in today’s society. In an age that is so self-serving, the thought of putting someone else’s needs before your own is just…well, crazy! But I’m here to tell you that motherhood is the most worthwhile job you’ll ever have.

Don’t get me wrong…staying home with your babies isn’t always sunshine and roses. There are definitely fussy days, grouchy days, downright “I’m counting the minutes until bedtime” days. But if you seek with eyes searching for the good, I promise you that you will always find something. Maybe it’s that your little one hugged you for no reason. Or you went a day with no sibling bickering, or they all took naps at the same time! Maybe one of your babies made you laugh so hard, and you couldn’t believe something so funny came from someone so small!

Motherhood is a wonderful gift and I think that instead of grumbling about everything we’re “giving up” by having children, we should embrace all that this new adventure has to offer.

Fellow mammas (and fellow future mammas!), please know that you have a friend praying for you, rooting for you and challenging you to be the best mother you can be.
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A link that has helped and inspired me:
Ann Voskamp’s free printable of 10 Points for Joyful Parenting. I actually have it printed out and taped to my kitchen cabinet right now. My two favorites: “Today, the moment when I am most repelled by a child’s behavior, that is my sign to draw the very closest to that child.” and “Today I will laugh!….I will create a culture of JOY!” Such wise, wise words and ones I definitely want to incorporate more in my life as a mother.

September 19, 2011

{in the kitchen} Another Cooking “Experience” with the Boys

Cooking with my kids isn’t just cooking, it’s definitely an experience. After the apple cake day, I should have learned my lesson, but oh no! Wild and crazy Mamma did it again!

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Last weekend, when my dad came over, I made him No Bake Vanilla Cake Batter Chocolate Truffles for his “Sweet Treat of the Month”. (That was my birthday gift this year to the man who has everything…I make him a special sweet every month, package nicely and send it his way. It’s been a great way to try out some new recipes!)

M was dying to help, but I ended up waiting until after he went to bed to make them and he was pretty disappointed. So, in another one of my “Hey! Let’s change things up and be spontaneous!” moods, I surprised him with a second round of chocolate truffles. To say they were excited would be an understatement!

And OH. MY. WORD. Another cooking experience for the books. I couldn’t help but laugh and take pictures of this craziness.

Look at that concentration!

M was in chocolate dipping heaven, while D (who hates all things messy) sat there and immediately ate his hard work. They weren’t pretty, but they tasted pretty good!

Here’s the original post with a much prettier picture: