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

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

Simple Gifts for Mom

Mother's Day is Sunday! I'm in love with some of these DIY ideas - they offer not only a sweet sentiment, but the fact they are homemade makes them all the more charming to receive:

The Culinary Creator

We all know fresh herbs offer such depth of flavor in cooking. A small, indoor herb garden with Mom's favorite herbs will not only be beautiful, but will be a true treat when she's cooking (but, please ... take Mom out to eat on Sunday!) You can easily do this yourself with an organic potting soil, a few of her favorites (rosemary, English thyme, Italian parsley and mint are a great start!) and a lovely planter that suits her decor of choice:

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The Inner Aesthetician

If a spa gift certificate is not in your budget this year, treat Mom to some homemade treatments such as these deliciously smelling body scrubs courtesy of Martha Stewart Living:

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The Family Art Curator:

A perfect gift for any age to make! Purchase a simple black frame/white mat combo and you can quickly turn it into a child's masterpiece! Use the mat as a "canvas" and the little ones can decorate it (colored pencils or markers work GREAT!) and then simply sign the bottom right-hand corner "Happy Mother's Day 2012." Frame one of your favorite candids of the kids or grandkids and voila! It also is a great way to start a memory wall and you can make it an annual tradition!

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The Purposeful Poet

Whether she writes for leisure, for gratitude, for therapy ... a homemade journal is sure to be meaningful for Mom:

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No matter what you decide, honoring Mom this weekend will be most meaningful with your own touches and traditions. Remember, it's not about the most fancy or the most expensive ways to celebrate her - it's about the personal sentiment. That's what she'll remember (and love) most.

xx JN

'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: 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

3-Bean Chili

This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years. After many iterations, this is how I prefer it best. Enjoy! xo JN

Jenn's 3-Bean Chili

1 large onion, diced
5-8 cloves fresh garlic, minced (don't be afraid)
1 sm. can diced green chiles
1 quart beef, chicken or vegetable stock
1 lg. can crushed tomatoes
1 reg. can petite diced tomatoes
1 sm. can tomato sauce
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can red kidney beans, drained
1 can small red beans, drained

Seasonings ... this is all about personal preference, and it is so important to season in doses and taste as you go. I eyeball this every time, but here are the approximates:
2-3 Tablespoons chili powder (large handful or two)
1-2 Tablespoons cumin (large handful or two)
2 teaspoons oregano (handful, crushed)
Salt & Pepper to your liking (depending on the saltiness of the stock & tomatoes ... I typically use at least 1 Tablespoon salt & 1 teaspoon pepper)

In a large stockpot or dutch oven (I use one of my large Le Creuset ovens), saute the diced onion in 3 Tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until onions are translucent and just beginning to brown. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, but do not overcook the garlic! Add stock, making sure to scrape any brown bits from the pan. Add the green chiles, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and beans and bring to a low boil. Add all seasonings to taste, adjusting as necessary.* Cover and allow chili to simmer on low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

When ready to serve, offer shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream & crushed corn chips (either tortilla chips or Fritos) as garnish.

* For those wishing to add meat (either ground beef or turkey), brown 1-1/2 lbs. meat in a separate skillet, drain excess fat, and then add to the chili before covering.

What to Make?

So I had these ingredients ...

and with the help of some mayonnaise + kosher salt, I created this:

Quick, easy and delicious!

Red Potato Salad

It's that time of year ... block parties, summer BBQ's, holiday weekends & family reunions. Here's one side-dish that never fails to please - I made it for the family this weekend and wanted to share it with you!

Red Potato Salad
Serves 6 to 8

3 pounds red potatoes
1 cup real mayonnaise (there is no substitute here)
1/4 cup white wine or chicken stock
2 TBS Dijon mustard
2 TBS whole-grain mustard
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced red onion
salt & pepper

Wash the potatoes with the skins on and place in a large stock pot with 2 tablespoons salt. Cover with water.

Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a large colander and cover with a clean, dry kitchen towel. Leave the potatoes to steam for about 15-20 more minutes. They will be tender, but firm.

In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, white wine or stock, Dijon and whole-grain mustard, dill, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Return to the fridge.

Once you are able to handle the potatoes with your hands, cut them into large, bite-sized pieces. Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Chop the celery and red onion and set aside.

Pour a good portion of the dressing over the potatoes. Add the celery and red onion, 2 teaspoons salt and another teaspoon of pepper. Toss the ingredients well, cover and refrigerate. Keep the leftover dressing and use it to moisten the salad before serving.

Eating my words ...

Just when I thought there would never be a day when store-bought guacamole would ever grace my table ...

Last night, in a hurry to get Taco Night ready in time for my Mom's arrival to NYC, I ran through C-Town to get ingredients for homemade guacamole. Trust me loves ... after growing up on fresh guacamole, the store-bought variety has always disgusted me at the mere smell, let alone taste. (Remember the days when you could only purchase store-bought guacamole in the freezer section?? Blech!)

Well. I stand corrected.

Although I will continue to make it fresh when perfectly ripe avocados are available, when in a pinch, I highly recommend Sabra's Classic Guacamole. Sabra is known for their many Hummus varieties and have branched out to include dips & salsas. I went out on a limb because I always buy their yummy, ready-made Hummus when I don't have time to make it from scratch.

For $3.99, it sure was a great alternative to over-ripe avocados at $2 a pop! Let me know when you try it.