1. This post, A Miracle Inside the Aurora Shooting: One Victim’s Story, is just amazing. It’s definitely worth the read.

2. Last week, I purchased this printable from katygirl Designs for the new nursery.  Isn’t it sweet?  One of my favorite verses and bonus point! All proceeds go to Hope 4 Sudan.

3. Another really interesting article: 1940s Housewife showed how to tame high grocery prices.  A thought provoking quote from her now-grown daughter: “I am distressed by the things now, living to get things as opposed to living to enjoy life…”

4. New breakfast recipes to add to the to-try list: Gluten-Free Baked Oatmeal Casserole and Peanut Butter Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies.  

5. How cute is this little packaging idea using cupcake wrappers?

6. I love the texture and the colors of this original painting from Angela Cox.  Abstract and just so cool!

7. A new book I cannot wait to read: The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared.

8. Food for thought provided by Mother Teresa: “You and I, we are the Church, no? We have to share with our people. Suffering today is because people are hoarding, not giving, not sharing. Jesus made it very clear. Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do it to me.  Give a glass of water, you give it to me. Receive a little child, you receive me.” 

1. I loved and appreciated the brutal honesty of Jenny’s Project Health post from last week.  As I quickly approach the heaviest weight I’ve ever been (albeit while pregnant, but still a little scary!), I want to make less excuses and more plans for my health once this little one is born.  I’m sure I’ll share more here on the blog when that time comes…I’ll need the accountability!  

2. I love this colorful map of the United States and it’s a free printable to boot!  I think it would look darling blown up in a kids’ room or possibly a playroom?  Keeping this idea stored away for our new house!

3. This recipe for homemade teething biscuits is such a great way to use up all of the baby cereal that we never seem to finish when my babies start solid foods!  I think they would make a darling 1st birthday favor too (for a bunch of little attendees)…wouldn’t they be so sweet cut in a themed cookie cutter and packaged in something like these bags?     

4. An amazing story: Pregnant Woman Nurses Abandoned Infant to Save Her Life.

5. Need a good idea to encourage your children to help around the house?  Taping a square to the floor will definitely be a challenge to get my boys to sweep!  Chores = fun!

6. Did you see this boys’ room over on Young House Love?  So many good ideas there…it makes me so excited to be able to design a brand new room for my kids!

7. A new take on an old classic: Ham and Cheese Crepes.

8. I almost laughed out loud as I read this post from the Nester.  Every time I wash our master bedroom sheets, I notice the bare box spring and think: “Man! I need to do something about that!” …to which I promptly forget about it!  Nester’s solution to purchase a simple sheet set (use the fitted sheet for the box spring and the flat for pillows, etc) is GENIUS.  

9. (A BONUS this week!) Inspired by Grace’s closet clean-out, I decided to take a good look at my own wardrobe and weed out a few unworn things.  My selling site of choice is usually ebay, but this time I’m trying out a new one called Threadflip.  Anyone have any experience with it or positive/negative reviews?  You can find my “closet” here.      

1. The temperatures in Central Virginia are out of this world hot…same with you?  My kids are getting a little stir-crazy from staying in the house most days, so I’m thinking to change it up a little by introducing Giant Ice Cube Awesomeness!

2. Speaking of beating the heat, check out this list of 11 Ways to Survive the Summer While Pregnant. I’m really liking the idea of carrying a spritz bottle around!  

3. A really cute DIY idea: Shadow Box Jewelry Holder from the ever-creative Martha.  I like that it helps with clutter control as well as a way to actually see all the pieces you own!    

4. Did you read Cori’s post on thoughts on becoming a mother for the 4th time?  I couldn’t have said it better myself.  My favorite part:  “So now, when I lay in bed at night and feel this 4th baby moving around inside of me, I know how much more having another child means than just welcoming a new baby girl.  It means another spirit, with a will, a personality, and a unique potential to leave her mark on the world.  And I don’t feel anything like that harried mother I pictured all those years ago.  I feel grateful.“

5. Let’s talk food.  This summer we are on a mission to eat as simply we as we can.  I ran across this site dedicated to $50 weekly menus for a family of four.  Is it even possible??  I’m still sifting through all of the ideas, but I do like that she includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.  I’ll be sure to let you know what I find!  

6. Need an idea for DVD storage instead of keeping all of those cases?  I LOVE the look of these binders…so customizable and easy!

7. How cute is this Tiny Envelopes Card from Lemon Drop Papers?  I’ve got lots of ideas for something similar to put in my Project Life book.

8. Did you see the eye candy in the craft show post on Oh Hello Friend?  Can’t wait to have a few spare minutes to check out those vendors!  

1. These baseball cupcakes are super cute and easy enough that I can show the boys and let them at it.  Thinking this will be a fun activity sometime soon.

2. I’ve been on a big organizing kick the past few weeks.  Finally tackled ALL of the boys’ outgrown clothes (from newborn to size 5!) and they are currently stored in a bunch of mis-matched plastic totes.  I’ll probably switch to this cost-effective solution once we move to our new house.

3. I loved this article about the “Nine Nanas”… a great reminder that goodness is still alive and well in this world!  My favorite quote from one of the Nanas: “We want people to know that someone out there cares enough to do something. We want to make sure that happiness happens.”  How inspiring.

4. Moving is stressful with so much to remember and think about!  This binder is genius and I will definitely be making one soon.

5. Did you see the Pottery Barn-eque American flag that Melissa did over at 320 Sycamore? LOVE. 

6. We tried this super easy recipe for a homemade Rotisserie Chicken last weekend.  Big hit with my husband!  Perfect for summer since there is no need to turn on the oven…goodness knows it’s hot enough already!

7. New recipes to try soon: Skinny Poolside Dip and Turkey Ranch Club Wraps.  Yum!

8. A new shop you must check out: Threads from Ashley at The Shine Project!  Their mission is incredible: “Threads is a cause driven business that changes the future of at risk youth. They come from various backgrounds, but all have one thing in common, they want to break the cycle. By employing them, we instill values of self reliance and hard work. They are paid fair wages for the bracelets they make, and in turn are able to pay their way through school. Many of Threads employees are first generation college students. They dream of becoming nurses, broadcasters, writers and engineers. Your purchase will directly impact a student. Even beyond financial support, your belief in them is a symbol of hope and trust that they can achieve what for so long seemed impossible. By purchasing Threads you are wearing more than just a bracelet, you are wearing change.”

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. Well summer is officially here!  And when temperatures are scorching, I think ice cream is in order.  Wouldn’t a neighborhood ice cream social be a fun summer party?  I loved this ice-cream shaped pinata and be sure to scroll to the end to see a great list of sundae topping ideas.  

2. Need an easy idea for dinner tonight?  I made these Lasagna Roll-Ups last week from Natalie’s blog…delish!  

3. These printable coupons are really fun.  I think they’d be useful for behavioral motivators around here…now to figure out how to implement it.

4. Laura at Bits of Splendor is launching Project Hope, a ministry for families that have lost  babies through miscarriage.  Her goal is to make 100 memory boxes and she needs our help!  Here is the post with the list of needs…maybe you can donate something?

5. I loved this etsy roundup of little girl headbands!  Do any of you Mammas have a favorite source for bows and other hair accessories?

6. This idea for liquid sidewalk chalk looks like something my boys would love.  I’m curious though if it would stain?  Not sure my husband would be very happy to come home to a Candy Land looking sidewalk!  

7. Came across this book, Cleaning House: A Mom’s Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement and I’m curious to read it.  Love this quote from the author: “Here’s to seeing what can happen when we tell our kids, ‘I believe in you, and I’m going to prove it by putting you to work.'”


8. tastes orangey is an etsy store I found carrying original paintings and prints by Clare Elsaesser.  I was really drawn to her paintings with water…must be summer, I guess!  Married to the Sea, Long Walk, and Island are my favorites.  Oh! And if you order by July 29th, you can get 15% off with her Honeymoon Sale (use the code HONEYMOON)!

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. Have you seen these YouTube videos from Everyday Food?  Sarah Carey is adorable and I love all of the dinner ideas…I’m thinking my husband would love to come home to a Southwest Steak Salad!  I just signed up for the daily video recipe too. 

2. DIY to do for my Little Miss, in all my spare time (hah!): Quilted Patchwork Bibs…so cute!

3. Do you read Laura’s blog at Show Me a Day?  I just recently found her and have been catching up through the archives.  This post was so good and applicable to a lot of the blogworld.  Definitely a must read.

4. Another new-to-me blog: Amy at Maker Mama!  Her post, Five Things You Should Always Buy at the Thrift Store, is really intriguing.  I rarely get to the thrift store these days, but I didn’t realize how much I was missing!

5. So I’m more than halfway through my pregnancy and I decided I probably should focus a little more on health and fitness and a little less on chocolate.  I’ve been working out using the Complete Pregnancy Fitness with Erin O’Brien DVD and for me, it’s great.  Everybody has an opinion about workout DVDs, but I like that this one uses “equipment” in the living room (aka the sofa, coffee table and a chair) and she’s not too annoying.  Frankly, I’ll do anything to make delivery better and postpartum weight-loss faster!

6. Found this recipe for Cream Cheese Pancakes on Pinterest…has anyone tried this?  I’m thinking it may be a good alternative to the low-carb breakfast staple of…eggs.  This girl needs a little variety in her life! 

7. Etsy find of the week: Chirp & Bloom!   This onesie and the matching bloomers are on my wishlist, for sure!  And the coin purses would make great gifts too. 

8. For anyone who dabbles in quilting: check out a great way to practice your skills and help a wonderful organization here.

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. Since becoming a mom, I’ve become a big fan of the tote bag.  Loved this round-up on 6th Street Design School…the shape of #8 is perfect for the car and #16 makes an awesome beach bag.  Be sure to check out all of the options!

2.  Do you have a problem with soap scum like me?  I’m getting desperate for a good solution, so I’m anxious to try this recipe.

3. One of my 2012 goals was to become less dependent on the Internet and make the time to connect with family and friends through good ol’ snail mail.  Needless to say, we’re halfway through the year and I’m failing miserably!  This party confetti mix is so fun, it may be just what I need to get started! 

4.  Craft idea for the boys: Tissue Box Dinosaur Feet! 

5. My family went to Disneyland when I was a kid.  And while it was loads of fun, one of my fondest memories had nothing to do with the rides and everything to do with CHURROS!  These Baked Cheater Churros are definitely on my “must make soon” list!

6. Window shopping for our Little Miss has been so fun!  My latest find are these adorable BabyLit board books – on my wishlist are Pride & Prejudice and Alice in Wonderland.

7. Came across this list of money-saving tips via the wonder that is Pinterest.  Lots of ideas and more good ones in the comments.  If you’re looking to save a few bucks this summer, be sure to take a look.

8. Are you on Goodreads?  I love how easy it is to keep my “to-read” lists organized.  If you’re on, be sure to find me here so we can be friends! 

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 love a good board game here at the Big White Farmhouse.  Currently, our favorite game to play with guests is Apples to Apples…soo fun!  My big boys are dying to participate in a game on their level, so I’m thinking of surprising them with Qwirkle or Jenga this summer. 

2. I love the free monthly downloads that Amy offers on her blog, Let’s Explore.  June’s list is awesome: I think we’ll be adding making a joke book and painting with water to our summer camp plans.

3. How cute would this cake pan be for a bumblebee party or baby shower?  The ideas here and here are darling and this invitation?  Too sweet.

4. This dog gate contraption (which would work perfectly as a baby gate!) is genius.  Regular gates are too easy for my little monkeys to climb (ahem…), so I’m thinking this may be a better solution.  Definitely tucking this away for when Baby #4 is on the move.

5. How cute is this baby gift packaging idea?  I have bought from Little Sapling Toys for a gift before and the quality is amazing!     

6. Pregnancy craving of the week: chips and salsa!  Thinking about trying this salsa recipe to change it up a little (and it’d be awesome on tacos too). 

7. More books on my to-read list: My Life in France and 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans. 

8.  It seems like forever since I’ve done any sort of artsy project!  Decorating flour sack dishtowels seems easy and fun…and they’d make adorable gifts too. 

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. Summer temps are here and that means Popsicles in this house!  These fruity ice pops look delicious.  I need to order these ice pop molds ASAP!

2. Imagine if you were forced into isolation during menstruation. No school, no income…no access to hygiene for days. It’s seems so hard to imagine, but unfortunately, this is real life for many women around the globe.  Enter Days for Girls International, whose idea was simple: get washable feminine hygiene kits into the hands of women who would otherwise go without.  DFG is a really neat organization and takes in all sorts of donations.  Be sure to check out their Facebook page too!

3. Looks like shoes are turning out to be a weekly topic!  Check out this very informative article about Comfy Mom-Friendly Shoes.  I think I need a pair of TOMS and (someday when I’m rich) Frye boots. 

4. On my to-try list this week: Chewy Chocolate PB Cookies and Peach Crunch Cake.  Oh yum.

5. Prepare to awe and wow your kids: make gigantic bubbles using sticks and cotton string!  I know my boys would love this!

6. During a late night of insomnia-induced web browsing, I stumbled upon Gap Kids and oh my word, do they have some cute little dresses for baby girls.  I love this one and this one and this one too.  Today is the big ultrasound day, so I don’t have long to wait to see if these will be in my shopping cart! 

7. Drowning in your attempts at becoming a super-mom?  Be sure to read this “Real Chat” post from Anna.  Everything she said was so honest and true.  Definitely a must read, mammas!

8. Etsy find of the week: clothing by Sue Bradbury!  This tank dress is super cute and I think I could pull off this maxi dress even pregnant.  And this hoodie sweatshirt?  So comfy!