Spring, the Sweet Spring ...

{ image via my Blackberry in Park Slope, Brooklyn }

 

I'm thrilled to have the day off with my biggest girl today. Spring Break for the NYC public schools has officially begun, and I get a long weekend with her before camp starts Monday. (Joy!) I popped out this morning to run an errand and with the sun shining and the birds chirping, I couldn't help but think of Thomas Nashe's words:

"Spring, the sweet spring, is the year's pleasant king,
Then blooms each thing, then maids dance in a ring,
Cold doth not sting, the pretty birds do sing:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

The palm and may make country houses gay,
Lambs frisk and play, the shepherds pipe all day,
And we hear aye birds tune this merry lay:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo!

The fields breathe sweet, the daisies kiss our feet,
Young lovers meet, old wives a-sunning sit,
In every street these tunes our ears do greet:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to witta-woo!"

As we get ready to go out and enjoy this gorgeous day, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the promise of spring - no matter how long the winter ... no matter how dark the days ... life comes back.

xo JN

Amazing Superfood: Kale & Quinoa Cakes

I took a little trip over to Joy the Baker this morning, and lo & behold, two of my favorite super-foods, kale & quinoa, got married! These Kale & Quinoa Cakes are chock full of flavorful ingredients, and are just perfect for those who are gluten-free. Don't these look absolutely delicious? I cannot wait to try my hand at these this weekend!

{ images via Joy the Baker }

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

{ images are from their original authors as referred to above }

Pinterest!

I have happily joined what I would like to refer to as the "visual rabbit hole" of Pinterest ... oh my goodness what a feast for the eyes! I invite you to follow me now so we can share in the abundance of these delightful visual gems! Being the gal who loves a good inspiration board, Pinterest certainly suits my fancy.

What are some of your favorite categories?

xo 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