The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

December 16, 2011

{christmas} A Link List

Source: unskinnyboppy.blogspot.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Happy Friday! Christmas inspiration is all around the blog world this week, so I thought I would share some links:

Anna from In Honor Of Design made a link-up of packaging ideas. So much inspiration there!
Britt over at Gus+Lula talked about traditions with her new babies (who are adorable, by the way!) I loved her jingle: “Bring some joy, Give a toy, Show our thanks, Share our banks”. I plan on incorporating that more in our Advent next year.
Kirsten at 6th Street Design School came up with an adorable gift for her neighbors. She used fabric yardage, but I think a tea towel would be just as festive!
Looking for a recipe for homemade gingerbread men? Stephanie from barefoot in the kitchen has a yummy looking one that I am dying to try.
Jennifer at JCasa shared a really easy craft to do with the kiddos using washi tape. I love the result..how cute would it be framed for the holidays?

Hope you have a wonderful (and non-stressful) weekend! 9 days until Christmas!

December 15, 2011

{christmas} Gift Ideas for the Men Folk

I don’t know about you, but the (adult) males in my life are the hardest to shop for. Tools? Technology? Sports? So tricky! Here are a few ideas I’ve found online…and bonus! You still have time to order in time for Christmas!

For the techie…

This Charcoal Grey Laptop Sleeve is a great idea for the stylish techie guy in your life. C&B also has a cell phone case in the same fabric.

For the cook…
If your man likes the kitchen or is interested in learning, this is a great gift. How to Cook Everything has great reviews. Another wonderful book I recently bought for my husband (an anniversary present) is Ruhlman’s Twenty: 20 Techniques, 100 Recipes, A Cook’s Manifesto. The French Onion Soup is awesome!

For the coffee addict…
My husband is crazy about coffee. And according to him, the best tasting coffee comes from a French press. This gorgeous pot from Bodum holds 8-cups. I would add in a bag of his favorite coffee (Mark’s pick is Starbucks’ Christmas blend!)

What are you getting for the men in your life this year? Find anything special? Please share in the comments, I know a lot of us would love the ideas and inspiration.
P.S. I heard from this girl that tomorrow, December 16th, is known as “Free Shipping Day” for lots of online stores. Great news for all you last-minute shoppers! You can check out all of the participating stores here.

December 14, 2011

{reminder} Try Again

{source}

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!

December 13, 2011

{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: