Warm & Rainy & Cozy in March

The weather here in Iowa (and most of the midwest) has been scary warm.   Magnolia trees are in full bloom, the grass is now green, and I still have to pinch myself when I walk outside every morning in light blouses.  The past fews days have been rainy.  But the kind of rainy you can't help but love.  Soft, and warm, and the kind that unthaws the earth to make the air smell so pretty.  Here are some things that have me wanting to indulge in this warm weather all the more.

Tea in the Spring is very different from tea in the winter.  I ditch the richly spiced flavors for everything floral - my favorite being a good jasmine tea.  Nothing is more refreshing and just sipping on it makes me happy.  

Fresh flowers are the first thing I need when the weather turns mild.  I love this photo and the simple elegance of putting fresh lilacs from the garden into a simple mason jar.  This also makes me excited for the farmer's markets (I can never leave there without a fresh bouquet.)

I found an article on Gwenyth Paltrow's Easter table settings and instantly wanted to re-create the look for my own dinner party.   It's so simple and so whimsical, and I am literally in love with those blue and white plates (hello, wedding gift ideas!)