The Big White Farmhouse | intentional living, little by little

June 24, 2011

{i want to remember} – 6/24/11

Sometimes life gets so busy that I forget to notice and appreciate the little things. Here are some of the things I am loving this week:

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how D always, ALWAYS remembers to say thank you. He will actually repeat it and repeat it until you acknowledge him.

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how J has two teeth at 6 1/2 months old! I just love his little toothy grin!

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how M colors everything in rainbows! He will take each little space in a picture and color it a different color. Sometimes it takes him 15-20 minutes to finish one page, but what an eye for detail and precision. I can only imagine what his future holds with those qualities!

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how both of the big boys’ have taken to wearing baseball caps around the house. They never liked hats when they were babies and have always fussed when forced to wear winter caps. So it’s a big surprise now that they just LOVE their Cowboys & Boston caps!

I WANT TO REMEMBER… how great it felt to sew a little this week. I pulled out my hand sewing and for the first time since J was born, I was able to get a little done! The ideas are flowing and I can’t wait to get a project started! Perhaps a baby quilt?

June 23, 2011

{in the kitchen} Strawberry Cobbler Cake

Oh, how I love strawberry season! We bought a 2lb. container this weekend for $4! $4.00!! That’s a super great price around these parts.

After a quick search on the interwebs, I decided to try this yummy seasonal recipe: Strawberry Cobbler Cake! It’s got all the makings of a cobbler, but just a tad more cakey. How’s that for a description?! It was yummy and the boys gobbled it right up. In fact, M declared it was the best thing he’d ever eaten, which is HUGE, since he is my straight shooter and frequently likes to tell me when things are “disgusting” or “so gross”.

STRAWBERRY COBBLER CAKE
1. Preheat oven to 350. Soften 3/4 cup butter and beat on medium. Add 3/4 cup sugar and continue to mix well. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla, mixing well.
2.Combine 1 1/4 cups flour with 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add to butter mixture, alternately with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
3. Pour into greased 8″ pan. Pour in batter and top with 2-3 cups of strawberries (which have been hulled and sliced in half), cut side down.
4. Make topping: Mix 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup sugar in a small bowl. Cut in 1/4 cup chilled butter. Sprinkle over cobbler. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes! Enjoy!

June 22, 2011

{home} Boys’ Room Inspiration Board

Being a homeowner for the past 5 years, I have found that I go into decorating (or re-decorating) mode in seasons. Sometimes I am full force ahead, while other times I am happy to just enjoy the spaces I’ve created. After the birth of our sweet baby J, I definitely was in the latter season for awhile. Soaking in this new little guy was our first priority and I shifted all those projects to the back burner for awhile.

But now….well now I’ve got the itch again! And first stop on the redecorating train is the big boy’s room. It has always been a work in progress, but I really want to make it much more organized and have a quiet, cozy place for reading.

Here are some of the images that are inspiring me lately:

1. I like the idea of having buckets or some sort of cool storage next to each bunk for books or “guys”. Something each boy can put their treasures in.

2. I’m leaning toward the blue/red/green color scheme. Masculine, but still child-like!

3. I think the boys would LOVE a chalkboard wall. Put from the baseboard to about their full height would be perfect (and trimmed out to look like it was framed!).

4. I love those red READ letters!

5. Framing covers of favorite children’s books is so sweet.

6. I’m thinking of doing plaid quilts for both beds. Purchasing them new would be quite expensive…maybe I should think about making them?

7. I just love this idea of turning a closet into a little reading nook. So cool! I would have loved that growing up!

The challenge for me is: I don’t want to spend a lot of money! With a little creativity, I think I can pull it off! Stay tuned!

June 21, 2011

{giving} Stephanie’s Get Well Box

My sweet cousin Stephanie had surgery a few weeks ago and will be recovering for the next 4-6 weeks. I wanted to send her a little something to lift her spirits and let her know we were thinking of her!

I purchased a few little things for her on etsy and had such a great experience with each of these sellers! I’m recording them here, so I can be sure to return again soon.

25 Rainbow Stripe Straws from HeyYoYo

A little bit about the seller (I love to know the stories of the people I purchase from!): “Hey Yo Yo is Amanda Graff, cupcake baker and glitter duster. My diploma is from The Culinary Institute of America in pastry, but I developed my love of all things crafty while working for Martha Stewart Television as a recipe developer. I’ve currently traded my whisk in for a glue gun and have never been happier.”

“Make Your Own Happy” Print from DUDADAZE

A little about the seller: “Mom of three boys who enjoys creating charming little pieces of art. I am a rubber stamp artist for Sugar Nellie, have various other online shops, and a line of figures, shadow boxes and wall art through Demdaco.”

DIY Mini Altered Notebook Journal Inspiration Kit from PrettyGirl Supplies

A little about the seller: “We work as a team of aunt and niece. We have always been into crafts and are anxious for new found projects and ideas.”

The Packaging: I ran out of tissue paper so I decided I would use a little fabric to wrap up the items instead! Even the fabric has a story: it is from my grandmother’s collection that she has recently passed on to me! I finished it off with some floral ribbon and a note and off it went to Steph!

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A quick recipe that I included in Stephanie’s package: PEACH TEA! This drink is delicious and so refreshing for summer! I like it on its own, but a yummy alternative is to fill your glass with half tea/half lemonade! You can also add a frozen peach to your glass…that’s a fun touch when you’re entertaining!

Pour 4 cups boiling water over 8 teabags. Steep for 4-6 minutes. Remove tea bags. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sugar and then add 4 cups cold water. Stir and chill.

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