O Christmas Tree

I have had my very own Christmas tree since I was a young girl. It started with a very small tabletop tree loaded with miniature ornaments, and as time went on, it evolved into a 6' tree ... just in my room!

When I went to college, the tree and my ornament collection came with me. Talk about a treasure! Then, when I got married, Jim & I started with a tree full of ornaments, all while adding our own to it year after year.

After our first move to New York back in 2002, we lost all of our Christmas trimmings (among other things), and had to start from scratch. Needless to say, we were devastated. I actually went for 3-years completely banning the mere idea of a tree ...to the point where I didn't even look forward to the holidays. It wasn't until 2004, when Lyla was born, that I succumbed to the intervention orchestrated by Jim & my mom to start a new tree so we could establish new family memories.

In other words, it was time for me to get over it!

Through the years since, our family Christmas tree has become something I cannot wait to put up. In fact, having a child completely changed my holiday perspective. Trust me when I say, there are few people who have more holiday cheer than our Lyla. She is such a creature of traditions, and when I say the day after Thanksgiving is the day we deck the halls, let it go on record that at 9AM we are on our way to storage to get everything out!

This year, we had the bittersweet opportunity to add ornaments to Team Newman's tree after receiving ones from both my brother's collection and my Nana's. I cannot tell you how special our tree is for us this Christmas season. I must admit, I had no idea how meaningful it would be to have both of them represented in multiple ways on the tree. Just another visual reminder to keep their spirits in the forefront. And the stories they conjure in just a single glance.

For as hard as it is to go into Christmas this year without these two loved ones, I feel equally comforted. Rest assured it won't be easy, but on Christmas morning, I will celebrate them both when we turn on the lights and wait for Lyla to get up and see what Santa has brought her.

Memories are made in these moments! I'm curious to hear about the stories your tree tells ... it's your turn!

xx JN

Just a little snap of the tree - of course Jimmo has a Starbucks ornament collection!

My brother's first Christmas ornament - and the year I became a big sister!

There's really no place like home, is there?

Some of my Nana's ornaments - two of which engraved for her by students. She was an incredible teacher!

New ornament given to me by Mom this year. "The ones we love never truly leave us." Certainly poignant this year.

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

Easter & Spring Craft Ideas!

Thanks to Pinterest, I have been finding some really sweet craft ideas for this weekend's festivities! Spring is certainly in the air, and I think these ideas are too much fun to resist.

Over at Roy Joy, check out the most adorable idea for upcycling egg cartons, shells, potting soil, etc:

Karin Lidbeck's fabulous creativity is evident in her simple (and easy) Easter egg decorating tutorial ... must admit, the speckled eggs are my favorite!

This Easter egg garland made out of paint chips is flawless ... 

How about this wreath made out of scrap fabric? I mean ... how fun!

And last but certainly not least, Martha Stewart Living breaks down how to make use of the infamous chocolate bunny!

Which one will you try first?!

xo JN

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'Tis the Gift to be Gifting: Puppy Chow

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Don't let the name fool you, lovelies ... this treat ain't for puppies!

Known in some parts of the country as Muddy Buddies, I was first introduced to this out-of-this-world treat by my friend (and stylist) Amy Keller.

I've since made it on my own and packaged it for my annual holiday homemade-edible-tasty-treat gift boxes. Let's just say I'm glad I only allow myself to have it once a year because it is addictive. Truly a crowd pleaser!

Puppy Chow

1/2 cup butter  (1 stick) 
3/4 cup peanut butter 
1 bag chocolate chips 
1 (12 oz.) box Chex Cereal (corn or rice) 
3 cups powdered sugar 
1 paper grocery bag or gallon size Ziploc bag 

In a large stockpot melt the butter, peanut butter and chocolate chips together. Stir. Add the box of Chex and stir to coat.  

Place powdered sugar in grocery or Ziploc bag. Pour in cereal mixture and shake until all pieces are coated.

Enjoy!

xx JN

'Tis the Gift to be Gifting: Peanut Blossoms

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Cannot make enough of these little treats this week: pleasing co-workers, friends, family and fashionistas all week long. Super easy recipe with uber-incredible results! Box in 1/2 lb. boxes (typically will hold 6-cookies per box) and tie with holiday-inspired raffia or ribbon bows. (I love the 1/2 lb. boxes with the clear opening so you can see how adorable they are!) This specific recipe has been in my family since I was a wee-one.

Peanut Blossoms

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 large egg

1 teaspoon good vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup granulated sugar, set aside

48 milk chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, butter and peanut butter in a large bowl or stand mixer. Beat at medium speed until light and fluffy (about 1-2 mins). Add egg, vanilla, and salt; continue beating until well mixed (1-2 mins). Add flour and baking soda. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (1 to 2 mins).

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. (Trust me, just when you think your dough ball is too small, it’s probably just perfect!) Roll each ball in the 1/4 cup sugar. Place 2-inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. 

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until very lightly golden brown. Immediately press 1 unwrapped chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets, cool completely on wire racks.

Makes 4 dozen cookies ... and creates as many happy faces!

xx JN

Mulled Cider with Winter Spices

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Simply love this mulled cider recipe originally featured in Bon Appetit in 1998.

Mulled Cider with Winter Spices
12 cups apple cider (I prefer freshly pressed cider which you can typically by at the grocery store, supplied by your local orchard)

1/4 cup orange juice
Peel (orange part only) from 1 orange, cut into strips
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon (packed) brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole cloves
2 whole allspice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups applejack or regular brandy (optional)

Mix first 10 ingredients in large saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer mixture 30 minutes to blend flavors. Strain mulled cider into mugs. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and citrus peel. Serve cider, passing brandy separately, if desired.

Promise it will be a crowd-pleaser! 
xx JN

'Tis the Gift to be Gifting: Perfect Hot Cocoa

Feeling overwhelmed with what to give someone this holiday season? Maybe the time has come to think outside the (big) box (stores) and get back to the basics: homemade, consumable gifts. Over the next few days, I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes that make great gifts ... not to mention they are a joy to make!

The chill was officially in the air today in New York City, so if you're thinking of ways to warm up from the inside out, you might want to try this recipe that makes enough for you and your friends! You can divide this recipe into four pint-sized jars and couple with another tasty treat as well! xx JN

A Very Vintage Christmas

Stop what you are doing and take note, lovelies: you must purchase the new David Ian: Vintage Christmas CD immediately. This playlist is a lovely mix of nostalgic favorites and contemporary classics. With ingenuity behind each track, Mr. Ian's innovative jazz arrangements are fresh yet timeless, and you will be left humming your favorite titles with new zest.  I promise you this will be the first album you choose to listen to this season whether you're trimming the tree, sitting by the fire, or setting the table before your favorite friends come over for some holiday cheer! xx JN