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

Souper Sunday: Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup

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No matter where I have lived, once the month of October rolls around, I'm ready for homemade soups simmering on the stove. I love a good stock-based soup, and my Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup adds a Mexican flavor to a traditional favorite. 

CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN SOUP

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, diced

1 bunch scallions (white parts + 1/4 of the green tops), diced

1 small can diced green chiles
3 cloves garlic, minced

2 quarts chicken stock
1 small can diced tomatoes (drained)
2-3 cups shredded chicken (1 raw breast = approx. 1 cup shredded)
1/2 tsp cumin
salt and pepper (amount depends on the saltiness of the stock - add according to taste)
3/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Garnish: 

lime wedges
avocado, diced
freshly chopped cilantro & scallions

Directions:

In a large stock pot, sauté the onions and the scallions in olive oil until translucent. Salt and pepper the onions and stir well. Add the green chiles and sauté until well blended. Next, add the garlic and sauté for about 30-seconds. (Tip: as soon as you smell the garlic after it hits the heat, it's time to move to the next step!)

Add the chicken stock and the diced tomatoes. Bring to a slow boil. Add the shredded chicken, cumin and salt and pepper. Allow enough time for the flavors to combine and for the chicken to heat through. About 10-minutes before serving, add the cilantro.

Serve in large soup bowls and top with freshly squeezed lime (just drop the wedge in the bowl after you've juiced it), avocado, and a sprinkling of freshly chopped cilantro & scallions. 

Enjoy! 

xx JN

Tip: If you're in a time crunch, pick up a fresh rotisserie chicken, shred the meat and add it directly to the soup!

All Cheer for Puppy Chow!

A huge thanks to the BuzzFeed Community for featuring my recipe for original Puppy Chow alongside 14 other delicious (and adventurous) varieties! Make sure to take a peek at the article here and check out #1! Now, which of the other 14 will I try next? Hmmm ...

xx JN

Beyond Yoga: Sample Sale!

My lovelies, if you are anywhere near Culver City this weekend, you had best get yourself to the Beyond Yoga sample sale! You know how I feel about Beyond Yoga ... so because I'm here in New York, you must go on my behalf! 

Those of you who can't make it, fear not - there's always much fun to be had online! Can we discuss The Head Turner?! J'adore!

 

xx JN

Time Traveler

Since the last time I was here, I traveled to China and back, my girl transitioned from 3rd to 4th grade, Spring left, Summer arrived, DOMA was struck down, and Mr. Newman & I are experiencing a week of almost odd quiet as our girl went to sleep away camp for the first time.

What continues to go through my mind are those infamous sayings such as:

"Time flies when you're having fun!"

"There's a first time for everything."

Lyla's very first Broadway show

"Time stood still."

 "Summertime, and the livin' is easy"

"Time can't move fast enough!"

"It's about time!"

And ...  time after time, I sure love being right here with you! It's wonderful to be back from spring hiatus, and boy do I love that summer is in full-swing! How have you been spending your time?

xx JN