Spring Nature Table

I've wanted to create a nature table for some time now. I love the idea of celebrating the seasons with the kids, taking the time to reflect on the passage of time, and closely observing nature and all it offers every day. But, living in a seriously tiny house I just couldn't figure out where it could be. Then I read a suggestion to put it on top of a piano and thought...that I can do!

Our little spring nature table:

My favorite part of the nature table is being able to use some really special items. I have a number of beautiful embroidered napkins and tea towels that were my grandmothers. I will never forget the day my mom and I were going through some of her things and seeing all the exquisite linens. I could not bare to see them go. The reality is that I have never used any of them. But I love knowing that they are there. I knew they would be just perfect as the base for the spring nature table.

This one is Cooper's favorite. He said that it was perfect for Spring.

Such a sweet matching yellow and blue set.

Can you get over how adorable that little flower is?

The detail, the beauty...amazing.

I also used two figurines that were Erik's mother's. The Beatrix Potter bunnies are just perfect. They eventually will be displayed in Ellery's room, but with her so little and her dresser working as her changing table, they presently live on a display shelf safely inside her closet. But not now! It's so nice to be able to see them every day.

Cooper and I will be adding to the table throughout spring. Watch for updates!

How I like to Eat

Simply.

Tuna salad. Fresh baked bread. Spinach salad with olive oil, a tiny bit of red wine vinegar, kosher salt and ground pepper. Lovely.

On Being Dairy Free

Tomorrow marks a big day. I get to try reintroducing dairy to my diet. I haven't had an ounce of dairy in five months, and limited amounts the month before. I've spent a whole lot of time reading labels and being amazed at how hard it can be to find bread that doesn't contain milk.

It's ironic in some ways that I've been dairy free. I am a serious dairy lover. One of the first things I loved about Erik was that he loves cheese as much as I do. (Sorry Erik, it's true.) I've always had milk with dinner, even through college. Erik and I have been known to have cheese parties for dinner. When hearing of breastfeeding moms giving up dairy due to their baby's sensitivity or allergy I have exclaimed..."oh I could never do that!"

The further irony is that I'm not really very excited about bringing dairy back into my diet. Now, don't get me wrong. After we know Ellery has outgrown her sensitivity I will be all over an entire wheel of brie. And I will feel very lucky to not have to worry about everything that Ellery eats. I'm fairly certain she is going to do just fine. But, I have to admit that I have found some benefits of being off dairy. The biggest one is I feel lighter and can not remember the last time I had that "I can't eat another bite" feeling. I get full, but I don't have that heavy full feeling. There are times I feel like I can't even get full, which is frustrating  since nursing an 11 month old burns a whole lot of calories.  I feel like I have more energy, despite still being far from a full night's sleep. I feel healthy and vibrant. And, all that baby weight...gone and then some with no effort. Not bad.

I don't know if all the benefits are from eliminating dairy. But I do think that there is a connection. I am going to eat dairy tomorrow. I'm starting slow, with some yogurt every day and see how Ellery does. I am not going to give up dairy. I still love cheese even though I haven't had it in months. I am going to eat dairy in moderation though, probably for the rest of my life. It just feels good, and it just feels right. Sometimes what seems like the hardest thing ends up being a gift after all, a gift in different possibilities.

Oh, the plans I have for you

Meet my new friend.

I'm slowly learning how she works. I have lots of plans for her. I'm ignoring the fact that Home Ec. was my lowest grade in middle school. (For the record, it was a B. I turned in an assignment late because I missed the last few days before Christmas break to go to California.)

Stay tuned for some greatness!