The Wellness Question

What does wellness mean to you? 

For the last several months, I've been exploring that very question. For me, it's all of the above ... but what I know beyond a shadow of a doubt is that it begins from the inside out.

Well-Feathered Nest

I did not fully appreciate that sentiment until I had a family of three + a pooch in a quaint, 2-br apartment in New York City! With a tendency to be fairly anal retentive about my personal living space (alright, completely), I am always evaluating and re-evaluating what stays in and what goes out.

Spring is here - for me, the moment I can open the windows again means it's time to clean every nook and cranny of our apartment! With four distinct seasons and limited closet space, I automatically do the wardrobe switcharoo at then end of every winter and summer.  But there are also a few other things that happen as well:

Clean Those Windows

Yes, this means I pull a proverbial Spiderman and hoist myself out the window and onto the fire escape with a bucket of 1-part vinegar to 2-parts hot water, a sponge, and paper towels. The screens come off and are scrubbed down in the shower (yes, a full bath/shower scrubdown commences afterwards!) and the windows look divine when they are done.

Bring it to the Floor

Sorry, kids, but unless you mop every single week, your floors will need some extra TLC a couple of times a year! I take the opportunity to scour the floors, the grout and and wipe down the baseboards, too!

• Hardwood & Ceramic Tile: Murphy's Oil Soap will leave a gorgeous shine without a sticky residue. It really does do a beautiful job on both hardwood and faux wood flooring as well as tile.
• Grout: make a paste of water + Ajax, get a heavy duty scrub brush and a toothbrush and work in sections. You don't want the paste to dry, so after you've scrubbed the grout back to life, take a wet sponge and rinse the area. This combo works far better than any grout cleaner I've used, and it has serious staying power. You'll find that doing this once a year (barring a major disaster involving red wine or marinara sauce) will keep your grout clean and bright. Your biceps will enjoy the process as well as your quads from all of the up and down!
• Baseboards: If you haven't already vacuumed them, you can also take a dryer sheet and wipe them along the edge where the baseboard meets the wall. You'll be amazed how much better they look after this process! 

The Fridge

Take the time to go through your fridge and purge those mysterious leftovers, expired pickles and anything else that you can't recognize! I like to remove the shelves and the drawers and give them a good scrubbing. It always amazes me what a difference it makes. Also, use this time to replace your water filters and baking soda, too!

Flip the Mattress

If you're like me and you're changing outer linens seasonally, it's a great time to flip the mattress after the good ol' linen strip down! It's also a good time to vacuum up at the headboard where you usually can't get to ... you will more than likely find that spring has sprung with more than a fair share of dust bunnies!

Shake it Out, Baby

Now's the time to take down the curtains and fluff up the rugs by shaking everything out, as well as a good time to either wash or replace your outer shower curtain and liner. If you're windows are curtain-free, dust those blinds!

Virtually Speaking

In this day and age, it's probable that what we lack in actual closet space we make up for in virtual memory! 

• Go through your Contact List.
• Clean off space on your iPhone or other device by removing unused apps and extraneous photos. Create new playlists.
• Organize your Inbox.
• Clean up your Desktop.
• Purge the DVR.

Spot Clean

Now's the time to pick up a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and spot clean the walls for scuff marks as you go along. You'll love how much better the walls look!

Filter This

After all that dusting, cleaning, scrubbing, purging, fluffing and organizing, don't forget to change your air filters! Nothing like having a dust-free home until the air kicks on! This is also the time to change your filters on your humidifiers and air purifiers, too. 

Have your own tips you'd like to share? Make sure to comment below!

xx JN

Spring Forward

Call it Daylight Savings Time, or the fact that open toed shoes are just around the corner, but if ever there was a time I find myself deep in thought over change and renewal, it's at the beginning of Spring.

As of late, I have come to realize that often times the people around us don't like it when the word (or the act of) change enters the equation. Quite possibly because for many, people equate change with a negative idea: abandonment, ridicule, moving on, leaving, isolation, frustration, etc.

When Spring is blooming in the air, though, change is seemingly viewed in a positive light: evolution, growth, blossoming, newness, freshness, wonderment ...

So how is it we are ready to run through the streets with joy when the buds appear on the trees, but when the people in our lives are changing, we want to assume the worst? And furthermore, even mock, ridicule, or even step away from them?

This has happened to me recently, albeit in subtle ways, with some people in my life. I am now at a point where I can step away from it and acknowledge that it isn't personal, but it can still be tricky to navigate. It's easy to fall back in to old tape with people who have known us the longest. And it's equally easy to respond by pointing the finger out of frustration.

What if - when those moments happen - when those we love are trying to keep us in the same place - we actually respond differently?

For me, it has been a huge impetus for changes in dynamics over the course of the last year. I remember rattling on about how frustrated I was over a certain situation with a recurring pattern of behavior - and how "no matter what I do, it just always comes down to the same reaction."

That was when the question was posed back to me, "Well, how would they respond if you didn't respond the way you always have? What would that look like?"

Giving a situation or a relationship a new response comes from a place of love and respect - not only for the other side, but for ourselves. If you're feeling like you're stuck in a pattern and not sure what to do next, stop for a moment and think about how you can react or respond in a new, fresh way. In as much as we are sometimes able to "predict" what someone else is going to do or say, the same goes in reverse. I will admit it may not always be easy - and yes, the unknown of what the new reaction or response may feel scary - but it's worth it.

We have to allow those around us to rise to the occasion and exceed our expectations. When we do not, we are literally stopping the hopes of any evolution within the relationship - quite possibly because at the root of it, we are equally afraid of losing control of the reaction (remember, most people find change as a negative). Expecting perfection is one thing - I'm talking about an expectation that when we enter a situation with the best of intentions - and respond accordingly - the dynamics can change.

It's a lovely, wonderful surprise to see any relationship evolve past the status quo. In fact, dare I say, it is powerful beyond measure. Yes, it is quite possible for someone else to "get it" before we do! If that weren't the case, what's the point of learning from each other? Aren't we all striving to learn the same fundamental life lessons? But as I tell my 8-1/2 year old every day when she's frustrated at her division problems, we all learn things on a different time table.

When you look back over the course of your life thus far, what has spoken to you more: people who have supported you through the process of change, or people who have judged you?

Which person are you going to be?

xx JN

They Deserve a Vote

If you were tuned in to President Obama's State of the Union last night, I think we would all agree that one moment was particularly full of emotion:

Mr. Newman & I were both choked up (this is an issue we are passionate about to begin with), and then it occurred to me, "What in our lives deserves a vote?"

That idea doesn't automatically equate to a "yes" vote. The vote very well may be a "no." However, to vote requires action - it is about standing up and showing up. Exercising your voice. Being heard. Standing strong. Believing in something.

In as much as our politics deserve politicians who take action on behalf of the people they represent, we, too, must take action on behalf of the betterment of our own lives.

After all, indifference serves no one. Maybe that means putting the chips down and voting "yes" to take better care of ourselves. Perhaps we need to vote "no" on allowing negative energy in to our lives.

I'm making my ballot - are you?

xx JN

Truth & Love | 2013 Edition

There's a running joke between my soul-sister, Anne and I, that our daily texts and online chats could be a reality show of their very own. First of all, they translate verbatim as to how we talk in person. Let's just say it's a gift we both have - and it's hysterical.

We've always referred to our convos (in person, on the phone, via text or online) as "Truth & Love," because I'm confident that aside from Jimmo, no one can quite put me in my place better than Anne! (As a stubborn, strong-willed, determined Virgo, I mean that as the highest compliment.) So, hell, if we can't chat on the phone, then by god, we're going to tell it like it is online or via text - I mean, have you embraced Emoji as if they were hieroglyphics?!

While I was in Arizona for Pop's funeral, I was up in my tree one afternoon bordering on the brink of feeling sorry for myself. The emotional weight of everything that had happened was building, and my body was telling me that it was time to take it down a notch. So, I reached out to Anne and she came back with some affirmations I needed to take note of - hence why they are now listed in my "Reminders" on my phone!

As I spoke about last year, I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions. But, in looking ahead to what this year has to offer, (as well as what I was happy to have left within the 365 days of what is now known as last year) I share with you Anne's personalized list of affirmations she sent me via text - ones that helped this gal get out of her tree and back on the ground:

Whatever I need to know is revealed to me, and whatever I need comes to me in Divine right order.

I trust the process of life to take care of me.

The will of God will not take you where the grace of God can't protect you.

I am perfect health.

I am supported by the Universe.

Life loves me and it is safe for me to love myself.

I am energized and renewed.

I am shaping 2013 with these affirmations. Yes, do I plan to juice more, be diligent about x, y and z, make the gym an even bigger priority, read more books and write more handwritten letters ... of course! But the aforementioned won't come naturally without a whole, complete me. All of those "to-do's" and "resolutions" are just a trap for failure if the real work doesn't continue and evolve on the inside.

At least, that's my belief.

And, finally, I read this earlier in the week, and it, too, has stuck with me. The loss of life and loved ones in 2012 really, really, really brought this into focus:

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of life, getting back up is living.

 Now ain't that the truth?!

Cheers for 2013! Most importantly, here's to an even better, happier, more peaceful life living inside of you!

xx JN

Donning My Smock

I received this card today from a friend, and he could not have chosen one more apropos! I almost wish it were my holiday card for the year, specifically because it sums up 2012 perfectly. 2012 felt like a blank canvas, and quickly became more colorful than I could have imagined.

As many of you know, I started out the year losing my only brother, Adam. That experience in and of itself is traumatic, let alone all of the trauma that surrounded his death and the 20+ years of pain his addiction caused. The mere change in dynamics within my immediate family was therapy-worthy, and that's exactly where I have spent the last 10-months. I have been learning to look at the world using a different set of filters, and giving myself the permission to not only be vulnerable, but to acknowledge it, feel it, live it, and embrace it. That, in and of itself, has been a blessing - although, certainly one that came at an awful cost.

And while dwelling on blessings, I had the great privilege to debut with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra  2-1/2-weeks ago. It was a fabulous weekend, and nothing could have reminded me more that my life's work is, yes, to use my voice in all of its capacities - through writing, through speaking ... and most importantly, through singing.

Prepared for the holidays and full of cheer, I found out on my layover while traveling home from Indiana that my Nana had taken an unexpected turn and was not expected to live through the end of 2012. A mere 48-hours later, she passed away at home in her bed. She was 88-years old, and one of the great loves of my life. We shared an incredibly special bond, and I am still not sure what it is going to be like to not write her Christmas card this year. Life without her is a mystery, yet I am deeply comforted by the truth that I have the privilege of carrying her with me.

I hope you understand why at various points throughout the year I have stepped away from Delightfully Dishy. I refuse to put on a front, yet in the midst of some of the incredibly painful moments, I wasn't ready to share the pain with you - so I chose to not say anything at all. However, that pain is a very real part of my personal truth. No outfit, item, tip, or recipe can make it disappear. It doesn't envelop or overshadow the blessings and joys that continue to fall in between, but it is a part nonetheless. Considering this blog is devoted to lifestyle, which as I've shared before starts with (in my opinion) living your personal truth, then I do feel I have done a disservice by not talking about how tough things have been this year.

As we draw closer to the Christmas holiday and to the New Year, I urge each of you to take into account what really matters. There aren't enough words to describe how that has been the theme of my year. Whether it's the personal issues I've faced, or the tragedies we as a country have faced together, it seems to keep coming back to this: family matters, personal truth is imperative, living out your dreams is necessary, and the power of unconditional love can change the world - even if it starts with having unconditional love for yourself.

Alright, lovelies, now go and get your smock on! I'll meet you back here shortly!

xx JN

When the Sun Comes Out

A Hurricane. An Election. A Snowstorm. And some real life in between.

Welcome to the last 2-weeks.

As much as it is necessary to "get back to normal," I find myself feeling very guilty in trying to do so. Just this morning, it took the image on the front page of the NY Times as I stood online for my morning fill-up: there lies Breezy Point amid massive destruction. Or the story of my friend still without heat & hot water. How about the knowledge that the holidays are fast approaching those who have lost everything? Maybe it's the idea that some people I love are so distraught over the outcome of the election - how can that be? We saw women, equality and our President take the majority! I'm rejoicing, yet others I know are convinced the world is coming to an end.

Is this "normal" now?

I can't help but think about Thanksgiving next week, and all that entails. The feast, the family, the gratitude. I must admit I can't get too fixated on the "details" this go around: if the napkins aren't folded perfectly, and the table setting isn't something that's Instagram-worthy, that's okay. Because the people who sit around the table are the most important part. Being with each other. With a roof over our heads. Hot water coming out of the tap. There is nothing like a national disaster alongside a great political outcome to break it down to what really matters, right? I'm in no way advocating to abandon the holidays, or to not rejoice in what we have - quite the contrary! What I am saying is how relevant and necessary it is to acknowledge our brothers & sisters as we do so. It's about holding both things in our hands at the same time: gratitude and empathy, thankfulness and humility. We owe that to those who are suffering - no matter who or where they are.

I have returned here with so much to share, and will continue to hold outfits, recipes, and the "perfect" stocking stuffers in the same hand as this overwhelming feeling that it is a blessing and gift to even have the opportunity to write about them. To experience them. To even have the clothing that Amy can style and Jim can photograph. Moving forward, it is of equal importance for me to share more of my own life's day-to-day that goes far beyond the things I can take photographs of.

After all, I founded this blog to talk about life + style ... and the only reason I can fully enjoy where I am today is because of a whole bunch of real life in between. It's been colorful to say the least, and I hope you'll join me as we talk about mine and yours a whole lot more!

xx JN

Break, Bruise, or Bounce?

It really isn't an urban myth that women congregate in bathrooms. We do. And aside from talking stall-to-stall (which I can't deal with, ps), when you have multiple women washing their hands, fluffing their hair and applying lipstick in front of each other, conversations are bound to break out.

So while having one of those "in public" moments while washing my hands, fluffing (well, I say scrunching) the curls and checking to see if my Tom Ford needed another swipe, this fierce African-American woman says to me, "Those jeans actually fit you!"

Imagine my surprise at the opening line to that convo!

Without missing a beat, we begin chatting like old high school girlfriends, discussing the evolution of denim for those of us in the curvy persuasion. She, too, is wearing denim and says, "Now, look. These fit everywhere but here," referring to "the gap" in the back. And then, she looks me dead in the eye and says, "Not everyone is flat. I'm real, and I have curves. At least I won't break when I fall ... I might bruise, or even bounce, but I won't break."

And that is when I immediately burst into hysterics! Here we were, drying our hands in the restroom, kibitzing over the fit of our clothing, swapping shopping stories, and we both laughed. Like, out loud, validating, high-five laughter!

As we said our goodbyes she says, "You know, I was told recently to smile at a stranger at least once a day to help brighten the world." Lord, she brightened my day!

I walked away with three thoughts: 1. never underestimate the power of validation, 2. never underestimate the power of well-fitting denim, and 3. do you break, bruise, or bounce when you fall down?

xx JN

Styling it Forward

When I first reached out to my stylist, I admitted to her that I had absolutely no idea how to dress casually.  I had adopted the philosophy that once you find an outfit that works for you, you copy it and wear it every way possible. That "uniform" consisted of dark wash denim, a white oxford, and a black blazer. For work, that meant some sort of a suit (i.e. anything with a blazer). For stage, I hauled out the diva gowns. But for play ... wait, what?

I tried cargo pants, double-knit v-neck tops and platform flip-flops. I tried workout clothes. I resorted to a variation on my pajamas. That's when I finally realized, I needed help because I did not understand. When I was "on," I had an idea of what worked - and felt very different about myself in a positive way. But when it was time to be "casual," "out and about," or "everyday Jenn," I hadn't a clue. To make matters worse, what I did choose was the exact opposite of what looked flattering on my (very) hourglass shape. Non-tailored, slouchy, double knit, cropped cargo does not a flattering look make on this lady! So I hid in my house in the middle of the desert.

For a series of gigs I had on the East Coast during the summer of 2008 (which would ultimately lead to our move back to New York), I worked up the nerve to actually ask for the help. (Remember, I'm a Virgo. We don't do that well!) My girlfriend Amy happily came to my aid. She explained to me the basic fundamentals of dressing for my shape, the staples I needed in my closet, and the danger zone of pieces that just were not going to work on my body. She talked me through as we went rack-by-rack while she picked out looks that worked for my body. And good heavens did I buck her! "You want me to wear that?" "Uhhhhhhh ... I have to belt this?" "I can't just wear that with a blazer?" "Aren't dresses just for being dressy?" Those were some of my more common responses. 

However, I instinctively trusted her. And I had good reason - she had the know-how, the experience, and was getting ready for her own move to New York to continue her career in fashion. So, I listened. I stepped outside my comfort zone ... and in all truth, the process really did change my life.

I would like to believe in my very new age, self-help way that it shouldn't matter what we wear. We should just be these incredible spiritual beings having a human experience, and all of the love & light that comes from that way of being is enough.

Maybe in a perfect world.

However, changing what I put on my body back in 2008 helped me put the bat down. I no longer felt dumpy in my clothing, even though at the time I was struggling with my weight. I distinctly remember Amy saying to me:

"Jenn Newman. I can dress you at any size. Stop worrying about that. Your shape is your shape, and I will put you in clothing that looks amazing on you no matter what." 

That was the turning point.

4-1/2 years later, a cross-country move, life-changing circumstances, and everything in between, that sassy strawberry blonde girl I met years ago while working together at Coach has dressed me for all of it. When I landed back in the City in January 2009, I knew I could get up every morning and go get 'em because I wasn't worried about how I looked. Which translated to feeling great. Which translated to wanting to take even better care of myself. Which translated to eating well, lessening the need to "cover myself up" with too much makeup and over-sized clothing. I actually discovered something: my true self is worth taking care of on the outside, too!

Over the last several weeks, we (Amy, my photographer & I) have given you a glimpse of how Amy continues to style me. My hope is that even just one lady can put the bat down, stop hating her body type, or take the time to invest in learning how to dress for her true self. This curvy mama will tell you: just be you - but - why not be the best version of yourself?! It will mean some changes, yes. It will mean some cost. And it will mean having someone help you. But the end result, I promise, you will actually feel.


After all ... you are worth it!

xx JN

Getting Juicy!

A few months ago, Team Newman invested in a juicer - a Cuisinart 1000W 5-Speed Juice Extractor to be exact! It pretty much changed our world. Green drinks (and juicing in general) is definitely on-trend these days ... but there's good reason for buying into it: juicing aids in alkalizing pH levels, boosts immunity, helps with weight loss and fights fatigue. This is my favorite recipe, and I always find this drink refreshing and delicious!

Team Newman's Green Drink

4-6 large kale leaves (with stalks)

3-5 romaine leaves (with stalks)

1 cucumber (peeled)

2 stalks celery

1 large handful of parsley (flat leaf or curly, stems included)

1 lemon (halved)

1 large green apple (halved)

1" piece of fresh ginger (unpeeled)

Process each of the ingredients through your juicer on the suggested speed (consult your owner's manual if necessary). Produces approximately 24-32 ounces of fresh juice (depending on your juicer). Juice should be enjoyed immediately, or sealed in mason jars (or other airtight storage glasses) for no more than 24-hours to preserve best nutritional value!

Happy juicing, and happy health!
xx JN

Wise Words for the Weekend

{ image via tumblr }

If you embrace that statement as truth, are you pleased with your creation? Or is it time for some alterations?

xx JN

Mother's Day Weekend

My best girl.

Mother's Day weekend officially commenced when I received the handmade gift from my girl that she made at school: her hand print in plaster ... painted in rainbow colors! In her almost 8-years, that is my first hand-print-in-the-plaster gift, so needless to say, I was beside myself.

This year, as we honored all mothers, I was in continuous thought over my own. This was her first Mother's Day without my brother. So as a sibling, daughter and fellow mother, I was taken aback by the overwhelming emotions of it all. The wonderful news was that my little nephew ended up being with Grandma this weekend - so she got to wake up to his precious face (which is the spitting image of my brother's at that age). In the balance of life, we held both feelings in our hands: sadness & joy.

And this year, it reminded me that there are certain things in this world that are infinitely true: I will always be Lyla's mom, I will always be Annette's daughter, and I will always be Adam's sister. It's somewhat amazing how much of life can and will change, but those three things are for always.

Let's just say I gave my girl even more kisses than normal, held her even longer, trying to soak up all of yesterday's sweet nuances. Each night as I tuck her in I whisper, "I couldn't ask for a better girl."

And last night, the greatest gift I received on Mother's Day, "And I couldn't ask for a better mom."

xx JN

Monday Mantra: Be You

"When you don't show up as who you are, people fall in love with who you aren't."

-- Iyanla Vanzant

Oh, my lovelies. If that isn't the truth, I don't know what is!

Right now as I process so much of my past after losing my brother, I am constantly reminded of how easy it is to be trapped in the story we create for ourselves because we are afraid of  becoming and existing in the greatness of our true self. Of all the fears we conjure and rely upon, living in the greatness and overcoming the lies of inadequacy (because after all, we are not inadequate) is far more scary than the blame game ... or the fear factor.

Who would you be if you took away all of the limitations you put on yourself? Do you not feel the warmth of the light that shines when you close your eyes and put yourself in that mind space? That space where you know without a shadow of a doubt that who you are is limitless.

I urge you to live within that vision this week. To tell the truth about yourself to those you encounter. To not apologize for who you are.

For me, that means getting up each morning knowing that what I do each workday serves as a vehicle toward my goals, my vision. I recently said that I am driving a proverbial energy-efficient vehicle so that I can use the energy saved towards what I ultimately know I was put on this earth to do. And that is, to use my voice. I use my voice here as I write, as I prepare for my work on stage, when I perform, as I contemplate my next CD, as I work on the outline for my book. However, I am learning that when I am not doing those things, I must embody that vision in all that I do. Because when I do not, I am not living my truth. And that's a quick ride to Scary Town when we turn away from our truth.

Shed the limitations. Feel the power within you. And remember, who you are is revolutionary. I promise you that. If you can put yourself in that mind space every morning this week, your life's-a-gonna-change, lovelies. Because after all, the Universe says yes - so allow it to say yes to your truth.

xx JN

Thought for You

While LG whizzed back and forth on her scooter, I happened to notice this lovely wish staring at me.

As we start this beautiful new month of May, consider this my wish for you!

Pass it on!

xx JN

What is Your Soul's Ideal?

As we head into the weekend, my lovelies, I had to share with you an excerpt from the book I'm currently reading, Wishes Fulfilled, by Dr. Wayne Dyer. The following excerpt has officially been starred with red marker as I continue to reflect on and refer to these powerful words:

"The ideal of your soul, the thing that it yearns for, is not more knowledge. It is not interested in comparison, nor winning, nor light, nor ownership, nor even happiness. The ideal of your soul is space, expansion, and immensity, and the one thing it needs more than anything else is to be free to expand, to reach out and embrace the infinite. Why? Because your soul is infinity itself. It has no restrictions or limitations - it resists being fenced in - and when you attempt to contain it with rules and obligations, it is miserable. Your invisible self is extraordinary because it is a fragment of the universal soul, which is infinite. The part of you that knows you have greatness, and is stirred by the idea of you expanding and removing any and all limitations ... this is your new self-concept, one that is inspired by your soul." 

Amazing, right? What is your soul's ideal? What does that mean to you? I would love to hear your thoughts on this ...

Wishing you a beautiful weekend!

xx JN

Coming Out of the Dark

Two months ago, while standing in my living room on a simply gorgeous Sunday afternoon, I received a phone call with news that would change my world as I knew it: my younger brother had passed away at the age of 30 as a result of a drug overdose.

I must admit there is nothing overstated when someone says, "One day at a time," or "One moment at a time." And in the words of my husband, "Grief has no formula." There are good days, not-so-good days, and everything in-between.

Most importantly, I am humbled by the extraordinary outpouring of support from my family, friends and colleagues. Every condolence, thought, prayer, kind word ... it all matters, and truly does make a difference.

With Spring in the air here in New York, I am constantly reminded of the promise of new beginnings. I am grateful for that promise, especially when the tough moments stop me in my tracks, I know from within that it gets better. Day by day. Moment by moment.

To life anew!

xo JN

Sugar and Flour and Migraines ... oh, my!

{ image via Caitlin McGauley }

Choices.
Consequences.
Migraines?

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Frustration.
Treximet.
Post-migraine hangover.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Yeah, not so much, friends.

I knew it was time to make a different choice when my 7-1/2 year old said, "Momma, can you pleeeeeeeeeeease not get a migraine today?"

I saw doctors. I kept journals. I had CT-scans.

But I continued to ask, "Why. Is. My. Head. Still. Hurting?"

I must admit I am the type of person who strives to find a balance between holistic medicine and traditional medicine. From my own personal experience, I have truly seen the benefit of both. However, I tend to lean toward the side of holistic when I hear, "I'm not sure what's causing it, but let's try another medication."

This mama is all about identifying the root cause.

Once I began to realize we were starting to embark on a similar medicinal journey with my recurring migraines, I had to wonder if the "garbage in, garbage out" scenario was happening with my body. When the CT of my sinuses came back clean as a whistle, my ENT deemed my migraines were not sinus-triggered. And although I knew there were more avenues to explore, I started to take notice of what I was putting in my body every day. My daily cocktail of Allegra-D, Nexium and now what seemed to be one too many Treximet were on the menu. But what about vitamin intake? Fluids? Am I eating vegetables? Or more over, what am I eating religiously?

Chocolate.
No meat.
Too many refined carbs. (But the Trader Joe's pita chips are GOOD!)
Diet Pepsi.

Yeah, not so much, friends.

I have been down the "no sugar, no flour" path a few different times in my life - always as a holistic solution to a health issue. So I thought, alright ... let's try it again.

January 4th was the last day I consumed refined flour & refined sugar. And turned to leafy greens, tons of veggies, water, green tea, green drinks and good protein.

And not a migraine since.

Choices.
Changes.
Progress.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

xo JN

New Year's Realizations

Pablo Picasso's "Dove with Flowers"

The holidays are over. The New Year is here. A fresh beginning. The next chapter.

I pondered two specific questions (among many others) during my 10-days off: "What has 2011 taught me?" followed with "What do I wish to achieve in 2012?"

I have always found the idea that you start the year with a "resolution" a tad perplexing ... because for me, a resolution comes at the end of a journey, not the beginning of a new one. Granted, I realize it merely boils down to semantics, but nonetheless, I would almost prefer them to be "declarations." After all, aren't the majority of these said declarations abandoned within the first few weeks of the year?

As I spent time contemplating the last 12-months, I was able to see that 2011 was a year about lessons & realizations for me, and with that, I believe that 2012 is about putting them into practice. I have been up in my head since August 2010, choosing to face some important questions in order to move forward from my own self-imposed roadblocks. And I asked millions of them, challenging many of my own beliefs and relationships, while allowing my core to be rattled when the answers did not instantly appear.

Sitting now with 2011 in the rear-view mirror, I am filled with gratitude that the Universe and my loved ones were patient enough with me (and I with myself) as I worked (and talked) a lot of mess out. It takes a village, right?

So, now, in a few words, I share with you some of the realizations I had over the course of the last year, and certainly ones I wish to carry with me into 2012:

Everyone has a voice and someone wants to hear it.
What you say, who you are and what you want matter. 
No one is put on this earth to fail. 
People really do change.
Our biggest challenge may in fact be our greatest blessing.
Expectations are not the same thing as intentions.
Work hard to play even harder.
It can be scary being real.
Nothing starts without action.
When we scatter seeds, we must be open to the possibility that they may sprout and grow in an unexpected place in the garden.

As you peruse your own list, know that you make a difference in the world merely by being you. And anything you do to improve yourself in the coming year, will make the world an even better place.

Here's to a beautiful New Year of 2012!

xo JN

Smitten for Handwritten

{ image via The Savvy Traveller }

As of late, I have kept my journal in my handbag so I can utilize the times I actually do get a seat on the subway to write.

This afternoon provided a great opportunity to spend my time from 4th Avenue to Broadway/Lafayette putting my thoughts on paper - and as I made my way into Manhattan, the gentleman sitting next to me said, "Do you mind my asking what your opinion is on the difference between a journal and a diary?"

I actually had to take a moment. That was not a question I had ever been asked before.

My first instinct was to think of my Hello Kitty diary that had a lock and key when I was in the first grade. I remember fondly tucking away my "deepest secrets" in that little book ... it had a very special pen that came with it, and I always found it interesting that at the top of each page was a place to jot down the status of the weather.

Writing in a journal seemed far more "grown up" than those days long ago.

What was interesting was the gentleman's take - a journal, to him, was more analytical; a diary, more private and personal.

More importantly, that sweet gentleman said, "I must tell you I am glad to see you putting your thoughts on paper; people just don't write things down anymore. We type. We e-mail. We blog. But no one actually writes by hand. I always loved writing long letters ... but now people just e-mail. There will come a point when people do not know how to actually write things down with a pen and paper. How sad is that? I've always felt that the ink is just an extension of who we are. There is nothing more personal than handwriting your thoughts."

When I got home, I asked Jim his opinion about this new quandry: diary vs. journal - and his reaction was the exact opposite. A journal was about the introspective process we go through on our personal journey; a diary, a written account of the day-to-day.

So it begs the question, do you write your thoughts down in a diary or journal? And if so, what is the difference between the two in your opinion?

xx JN

Baby, It's Cold Inside

The tickle in the nose.

The dry spot in the back of the throat.

That feeling of cotton balls filling your head.

Yep. Cold season.

My symptoms started yesterday morning ... and immediately I broke out my tried and true ultimate cold remedy:

It starts with a good ol' flush of the sinuses with my Ancient Secrets Neti Pot. Do not be afraid. I can fully promise you: it will change your life. The ceramic neti pot is key - do not fall for the plastic knock-offs. Please. Stick with the ceramic and you will sing its praises. Go with the plastic and you might curse my name when you're attempting to flush out the snotties.

Allegra-D. With all the leaves falling and winds-a-blowing, my allergies are already flared up. Allegra-D is my favorite allergy medication of all time. And, yes, my loves, I have tried them ALL. The key is the "D" (aka - decongestant).

Oh, Mucinex. I have been taking Mucinex since the late 90's when it was still by prescription only and named Humibid. Mucinex comes in many forms and compounds over the counter. I'm a fan all around, but, the latest formula just hitting the market is the new Mucinex Fast Max. Awwww yeah! If you need to get instant relief of your symptoms and you don't mind drinking your meds (that are supposed to taste like blue raspberry, but instead taste like wiper fluid), then you should embrace Mucinex Fast Max.

Now that you've downed meds and flushed out your sinuses, take a moment to have a little treat. Nothing will cool that hot feeling in the back of your throat better than some delicious Talenti Gelato. I just so happened to have some Double Dark Chocolate in the freezer, but I am confident that no matter what your flavor persuasion happens to be, you will find a friend in any of Talenti's many gelato and sorbetto flavors. Talenti has it down to a gourmet science, and if I hadn't already had some, it would have been on the "Things to Purchase ASAP Before Cold Craze Takes Over" list my hubby made yesterday morning.

Emergen-C. Miracle in a packet. Remember "Fizzy Lifting Drinks" in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? Yeah, Emergen-C is today's modern version. I am convinced it will cure anything. Drink it, folks. Feeling a little tired from a long day? Drink it. Cold's coming on and you want to nip it? Drink it. Overworked from a day in the garden and feeling uber-thirsty? Drink it. The new-and-improved Raspberry flavor is flawless. (And, yes, I have tried all the flavors.)

Amy's Chunky Tomato Bisque was exactly what the doctor ordered. Now that I'm vegetarian and cannot partake in my husband's infamous homemade chicken soup, I requested Amy's Chunky Tomato Bisque. Colds cannot live in an acidic environment, so it was even more reason to devour this delicious hot soup. Not only are their soups awesome, but you can't go wrong with any of their products!

Now with all of that, lots of rest, and fluids to boot - I woke up feeling better this morning. I will continue to repeat the regiment until there is no sign of a cold remaining!

'Tis the season to stave off what shall not ail you!

xx JN

Note: I am not a medical professional, and my opinions should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. However, as a professional singer, I rely on remedies that are friendly and safe for the voice. If I were prepping for a performance, I would substitute the gelato for sorbet to make it non-dairy to keep from adding any additional phlegm. Always consult your doctor before trying new medications.