The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

{reminder} Try Again

This is so true for Mamma’s, don’t you think?  I’ve had a tough week so far.  A sick baby who has decided tantrums are the way to go (hello, 1-years-old!) and two big boys who think sleeping is unnecessary (hello, 5am wakeup calls!) have created one zombie-like Mamma.  I have lost my patience.  My dinners have been less than stellar.  And all of those grand plans for reading around the Christmas tree and days filled with cooking and crafts?  Um, hasn’t happened this week!  

Weeks like these leave me with two choices: wallow in my failure as a mother or vow to do better tomorrow.  And while I’ll admit it is not easy, I’m doing my best to do the latter.  

Back to more fun gift ideas tomorrow!  

{christmas} Family Gifts from C&B

Christmas gifts can quickly become pricey, especially if there are lots of people to buy for.  One option is to forgo the individual gifts and do a family gift instead.  Here are a couple of ideas I found through Crate & Barrel:

“The Cookie Kit”
Cookie Jar: 24.95  Cookie Mix: 5.95
You can make this as simple or complex as you like.  Fun additions could be: cookie cutters, colorful spatulas, sprinkles or frosting.
“Movie Lovers Kit”
Air Popcorn Maker: $39.95  3 Popcorn Seasonings: $7.95
Fun additions: a popcorn bowl, boxes of candy, and a favorite movie.

{christmas} Gift Ideas Under $20

Christmas is just 13 days away!  Are you done your shopping yet?  Need a few ideas?  All this week on the Big White Farmhouse, I’ll be showcasing great last minute gifts for everyone left on your list!  Today is all about affordable options, $20 or less.

Maze Towel by PataPri – $7
This towel is made in Japan, but there are many different options for kitchen towels out there.  Perfect for the baker or cook, I would add a wooden spoon and my favorite Christmas recipe.

This is a really good idea for gifts you’d like to do in multiples (girlfriends, teachers, etc).  Take one of the soaps and wrap together with a dish daisy…so cute.  And you’ll be able to keep one of the soaps for yourself 🙂
A cute little gift for coworkers or teachers.  Also makes a nice stocking stuffer!

{home} Master Bedroom Revealed!

If you’ve been reading this blog from the beginning, you know that I have had a master bedroom makeover in the works for a while now.  I’ve made inspiration boards, worked on two different projects for the gallery wall…I even made it an official “to do” on my 27th Year List.
So when my cousin decided to fly down to celebrate baby J’s birthday this past weekend, I knew the timing was right.  We had amazing luck at Homegoods and Lowes, finding great pieces at really great prices!  And in 48 hours, we were able to transform my room from blah to a cozy retreat with no toys allowed!  
The before (taken last spring I think?  Pardon the general clutter and baby stuff…it makes the after shot look that much better):
And the afters:     

I love this little corner of the room because it holds items that are dear to us.  The rocking chair came from my husband’s childhood home and the quilt is one that was made for us by my grandmother.  So much family history in that little spot.
The only project left to do is to install the gallery wall on the left wall (you can see the frames on the floor in the picture above), which I hope to accomplish this weekend, so check back to see the results.  🙂

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