House & Home

I would naturally gravitate toward a Duchess Peony scented candle any day of the week, but take that scent and use it to conjure the idea of a Powder Room with it, and consider me sold.

This is how I discovered LAFCO House & Home Candles over the weekend, and I am not sure how I ever lived without them.

Conceptualized with the purpose, "A Candle for Every Room and A Candle for Every Home," you can imagine my enthusiasm exploring such virtual spaces as: Boudoir, Kitchen, Guest Room, and Country House.

Each soy based candle is displayed in a well-weighted, art glass vessel. Although the price point may be considered on the high-side by some ($60 each), I can promise you these candles are worth their weight in gold. The size is very generous - 16 oz. compared to a 6.7 oz. standard Diptyque candle at the same price - and guarantees 90-hours of burn time.

My top three favorites? Ranch House, Patio, and Music Room.

xx JN

Homespun for the Holidays

If you're looking for some festive ways to deck the halls, check out some of these fabulous, and simple, DIY craft ideas. Make sure to click on the link below each photo for complete instructions.

Something for the tree:

 Button Tree Ornament via Modern Minerals

Something for the entry:

Holiday Ice Lantern via Oh My! Creative

Something for the table:

 Peppermint Holiday Carnations via Karin Lidbeck-Brent

Something for the mantle:

Vintage Style Putz House via Retro Renovation

Something for the front door:

Yarn Ball Door Wreath via Country Living

Tis the season!

xx JN

Print Aid NYC

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I discovered Print Aid NYC yesterday afternoon, and am so grateful to have happened upon this artists' collective for a dear cause: Hurricane Sandy recovery.

Artists were asked to respond to the theme: light, and each piece is sold in limited editions of 50, with 100% of the proceeds given to the Mayor's Fund for Hurricane Relief here in New York.

Creative genius for the greater good ... truly the definition of art in my opinion.

Stay informed: make sure to view all of the available prints, and follow Print Aid NYC on Twitter and Facebook.

xx JN

Mom's Little Vase

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While growing up in the South, gift-giving was an anytime occurrence. There need not be a specific occasion, holiday, or poignant moment. In fact, these opportunities were referred to as giving a "happy" to someone - merely for the sake of spreading joy! Granted, the season of gift-giving is upon us, but isn't it a great feeling to receive something on any ol' day of the year?

Well, I just received a "happy" of the most lovely bud vase, known as Mom's Little Vase. I must tell you it has quickly became one of my favorite things! It should come as no surprise that it came from one of my favorite gift-giving spots, Uncommon Goods. To begin with, this piece has immense character based on its petite size, and takes up minimal space in my Brooklyn apartment. The fact I can proudly display one of the many hand-picked treasures Lyla gives me delights me to no end ... not to mention the idea I can cut the perfect bloom for it! For anyone who comes to our home, there is nothing uncommon about my love of flowers. Let's just say this vase is reason enough to want to keep them displayed at all times!

It is said that good things come in small packages, and this little gem does not disappoint. Handmade by artist Jill Henrietta Davis, each vase varies slightly from the other. I am not exaggerating when I say that this is that piece you stock up on and give to everyone. (Can we say stocking stuffers, my lovelies?!)

So, who are you going to give a "happy" to?

xx JN

Delicious City Prints

I just discovered these Delicious City Prints by Roni Lagin, and I must admit I wish I had enough wall space in our Brooklyn apartment to display them all! The series highlights several cities both here in the US and abroad:

Considering our family vacation to the Carolina coast is a mere week away, I must admit this poster has me all the more enticed ... I'm considering it a culinary preview!

Check out all the cities represented here.

xx JN

Father's Day Fun!

Celebrating Dad on Father's Day may sometimes be tricky when it comes to gift-giving. If Dad doesn't golf, doesn't grill or doesn't have a "traditional" hobby, you may be coming up short with what to give him this year!

Here are some fabulous DIY ideas with the kids in mind that will make Dad feel as special as he truly is!

Art from the Heart

Who doesn't love art? And when it comes from your very own kids, is there even a question? Whether you choose to do this scrappy self-portrait or watercolor silhouette, Dad gets an original masterpiece! As much as I love photography, I also couldn't help but love the "D-A-D" photo triptych. What a wonderful way to capture your child or children at any age.

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Details for Dad's Desk

Whether Dad works at an office, or has one at home, you cannot go wrong with any of these personalized touches to add to his space: the note cube, coasters or pot are great for kids to design at any age.

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Presentation is Everything

No matter the gift, you can equally personalize the presentation! Try your hand at these adorable paper airplane cards or have the kids make their very own wrapping paper. 

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I'm quite confident Dad's going to be the first one to fly his paper airplane card across the room ... after all, aren't Dads the biggest kids of all?

xx JN

DEAN & DELUCA

One of my guilty pleasures is taking a stroll through DEAN & DELUCA. Not only can you get a lobster tail to go (complete with lemon wedge & cocktail sauce), but also you will find it hard to resist some of these delectable temptations:

 

 

 

 

 

DEAN & DELUCA offers their signature staples for purchase online (ummmmm, their gift baskets are epic), making them a fabulous gifting resource. 

Talk about my happy place!

xx JN

Mad About Gadabout

The first time I laid eyes on these divine note cards from Gadabout, I immediately fell in love. Each design can be personalized with either a monogram or full name, and are sold in sets of 25. These whimsical, charming and chic designs, each penned by the ever-talented Hanna Brooks Nation,  continue to speak volumes to yours truly:

"Out and About"

"Panache" (Delightfully Dishy's absolute favorite)

"Creole"

"Sitting Pretty"

"LBD"

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I must admit, the mere description of the paper is what sent this lover of stationery to my knees:

"Note cards measure 5 x 7, and are weighted at 130lb. Envelopes fold to a square flap and are weighted at 100lb. Flat printed and vellum finished, cards and envelopes are crisp and clean to the touch. Each set is carefully tucked into a clear snap pouch, printed with the company’s signature orange. Perfect for notes on the go or from your desk at home."

Talk about a gift not only for the recipient ... but also for the sender! I am firmly convinced these Gadabout note cards are what make handwritten notes an art!

xx JN

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Everything's Coming Up Roses!

How lucky is the month of June? With the rose as its signature flower, I felt simply inspired to share some of my most favorite rose-themed essentials :

Jo Malone's Red Roses Cologne

English Country Garden Roses

Rose Macarons - my favorite are at Mille-Feuille

Birth Month Flower Necklaces

Chanel Rose Exuberant Nail Colour

Forest Hatter Scarf, Roses

Smith's Rosebud Salve in a Tube

With these delights, clearly you will take some time to stop and smell the roses, my lovelies!

xx JN