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"A portrait of my babies, once a week, every week."

Bijou - She finally mastered Papa's old go-cart all by herself.

Remy -  All his clothes are getting too small as he grows before my very eyes.

Steph x

Joining in with the beautiful Jodi.

walks with Enid

I found an old box of my childhood treasures the other day. Baa Baa the sheep, my gem collection and a tower of well thumbed Enid Blyton books. Fondly I recall memories of burnished halls and thatched barns. Of plum cakes, brown bread and butter, and treacle. Such beautifully descriptive texts telling tales of simple days; simple lives.

And so I created a new (and already much loved) ritual with Bijou. Each night after our family story time we tuck Remy into bed and I snuggle under the covers with my girl and read to her. We wander under cherry trees in full blossom,wipe eggs clean for market and we crank heavy wooden butter churns and marvel at the resulting pale yellow.

Housework and sibling squabbles are forgotten as she and I walk hand in hand into a world of innocence, gentleness and simplicity.A world that I know so well but one I am delighted to be exploring again with my wide eyed girl.  By lamp light, tucked under woollen blankets we quietly walk together; just my honey girl, Enid and me.

Steph x

reflecting

connecting -  In the daily to and fro of raising a toddler and a school aged poppet I've found it harder to indulge myself with baby thoughts throughout the day. Come evening when all is quiet in the house I draw a deep, warm bath, light candles and turn my awareness inwards. Buoyant and relaxed I have found the perfect place to watch this new life squirm about within and connect with my thoughts.  I follow with a slow, tender belly massage using an organic coconut oil and then head to bed. 

nourishing -  We've been quite literally through the wringer with nasty end of Winter germs.  Chicken broth with tiny cubes of vegies have become an at least once a day meal; sometimes there's ramen noodles, sometimes rice. Always, there is plenty of garlic and a grating of warming ginger. 

reading -  Spring is the perfect time for picnics and I've got a long list of cakes from Love, Bake, Nourish  that I'm eager to make (and eat!). Tell me, do you read cook books like novels too? 

creating -  Finding inspiration here I've have begun the momentous task of collating (and finally printing) family photographs. Poor little Remy doesn't even have a baby album!

nurturing -  Sandals are beckoning as the weather turns warmer and Winter toes are not looking their best. While I am still able to reach them I am giving my feet a good slather with a homemade sugar scrub and then adding some vibrant colour. 

listening - I'm waking earlier lately and rather than jumping straight out of bed and getting the day started I'm listening to morning bird song as the sun comes up. Welcome Spring!


Steph x