Back-In-Time Valentines

The smell of melted crayons filled my kitchen over the weekend, transporting me back 30 years to memories of my own Kindergarten crafts. For two days, I worked alongside my next-generation Kindergartner, peeling, sorting and melting crayons; then pouring them into a heart-shaped ice cube tray (Ikea) to cool. We layered colors, swirled hues together and added glitter. In the end, 38 unique, handmade, heart-shaped crayons were ready to be added to 19 goodie bags.

Working in rotation with the crayon hearts, my gal made old-school Valentines for each of her classmates. Construction paper, doilies, glitter and sequins... why does anyone forgo this time-honored ritual for character-printed, mass-produced little cards? It all took me back in time to those days of early childhood, where glue and glitter and the scent of melted crayons filled my world. It's so fun to get to do it all again!

Simple Delight :: Candlelit Bath

After a particularly bumpy day for my oldest chick, one of my all-time favorite remedies had her smiling from ear to ear. A simple candlelit bath, complete with classical music, brought her back to her senses. I wondered why we hadn't done this before, as she was absolutely swooning over the experience. And then I started to question why I myself haven't indulged in the same treatment lately. Sometimes just the simplest of things bring the greatest of pleasures. -- Have a delightful weekend!

The Magic Tree

Living in Florida, we come to recognize the seasons in different ways than most of the country. And one of the joys of winter here is the sweet goodness of grown-in-your-backyard citrus fruit. I'm blessed to have two fruit trees in my backyard. One is an orange tree that yielded me a full pitcher of aromatic fresh-squeezed juice this morning, with the promise of more to come.

The other tree, well it's magical. Growing low and close to the trunk, are the shiny yellow lemons this tree has produced every year. But this season, there is more... up higher among the branches hang big, round and notably orange-colored lemons. I think these are too big - and not sweet enough - to be the famed Meyer lemon, so they are mystery lemons right now. As an additional bonus this year, right in the middle of the tree, two small, bright green limes appeared. Just two. I told you it is a magic tree.

So what's a girl to do when life hands her magical lemons upon lemons? Lemonade doesn't quite feel right on cool, grey days. But I'm dreaming of ...

Pots de Creme au Citron (Lemon Custard)
Lemon Frittata with Leeks & Goat Cheese
Lemon Chicken with Artichoke Hearts
Lemon Ginger Muffins

What are your favorite lemon recipes? (And any input on the mystery lemons is welcome!)

Warm Play Dough

After the winter break, my littlest chick began attending a new preschool two mornings a week. I was sold on it the minute we walked into the classroom to check it out. It was a very cold morning, especially for us here in the south, and as we started peeling off our layers, the teacher pulled out a tub of homemade play dough. It was purple and sparkly and, best of all, warm! The perfect way to thaw out frozen, little fingers.

That first morning, as I looked around the room, I saw familiar play things... a wooden kitchen, kid-sized musical instruments, play silks and wooden blocks. We stayed for story time, music time and a group snack - which parents alternate bringing and should be whole food based. I knew we belonged there.

The gentle, nurturing Ms. Glenna has pulled out her magical warm play dough many more times. My gal loves how soft and manipulative it is. When I pick her up, she exclaims, "We had warm play dough again!" And she draws out the "again," her voice rising with delight.

I've never had much success with homemade play dough, so I asked for the recipe and we now have our own tub of pink, sparkly dough at home. Both my chicks are enchanted... and so is this Mama Bird.

Sparkly Play Dough

1 c. flour

1/2 c. salt

2 tsp cream of tartar

2 T oil

1 c. water

food coloring (or a natural dye) until desired shade

glitter until desired sparklyness

Mix all ingredients together, cook over medium heat until dough forms, stirring constantly. Dump onto wax paper and knead a bit. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Warm in microwave before each use for a cozy treat.

Hibernating

After a lot of contemplation about taking an official break from A Natural Nester, I'm finding I really miss being here. So, I think I'm about done hibernating. I'm alomost ready to return to this place with a clear focus and a fresh perspective.

In the meantime (while I take care of a couple technical issues), I'd like to share my word of the year. JOY. I intend to find more joy in everyday moments, to express more joy, and to share more joy.

What's yours?

Holiday Memories

This holiday season is a whirlwind of emotion for me, and as Christmas Eve draws near, I feel myself getting more and more discombobulated. I missed the Solstice - it came and went without even a candle lit in its honor on my Winter altar.

In fact, I didn't even realize its passing until I sat down and caught up on my blogs this morning. There are so many beautiful, creative and thoughtful things out in the blogosphere this season. In reading and browsing, I began to lament the opportunities I've missed. So I'm taking a moment to focus on what I have done this season.

We have a lovely tree. I repaired my childhood Christmas Calendar for my children (and the little girl in me) to enjoy. I made two families of wooden little people, small enough to tuck into a little bed of moss in a tin can, for my girls' stockings (photos of these to come later).

I passed out jars of homemade granola in hand-decorated bags (those little trees are made from fern clippings) to teachers and hostesses. I enjoyed a special girls day with my little chicks, baking ginger cookies and painting our toenails in holiday colors.

And so, I remind myself that this is enough. New memories are being created, memories my children will cherish as much as I cherish those of my childhood. I open my heart, letting these new holiday moments intermingle with those of Christmases past. I breathe a little deeper, knowing that although everything is always changing around us, these special memories are frozen in time.

May you have a peaceful holiday full of
timeless memories & never ending joys.

Merry & Sprite

Tuesday nights have recently become craft night at my house. After the little chicks go to bed, I pour a glass of wine, crank up some Christmas tunes and whip out my glue gun. A couple of mama friends have joined me, and it is so lovely to have real, uninterrupted conversation over felt and yarn and paint. These little pinecone elves are what I've been working on. My friend Rose and I each spotted them in Martha Stewart Living and, upon discovering our mutual love-at-first-sight, quickly pooled supplies and got to work. The pink clad ones are for my girls' stockings. The others are making random appearances around my nest. I'm sure a few more will escape on gifts to grace another's home. Not having big plans for these little guys - and therefore no pressure - has been the best part of this craft.