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

Birthday Wishes

I'm truly smitten with these adorable gift ideas exclusively from Red Envelope. There's something so special about giving a gift that really keeps on giving all year long!

{ image via Red Envelope }

The Year of Seeds set includes: petunias, marigolds, pansies, lobelia, alyssum, zinnias, impatiens, baby's breath, dianthus, cosmos, poppies and sweet peas. I just love the individual pots.

{ image via Red Envelope }

The Year of Wishes set includes 12-unscented candles each with a plaque featuring a wish to focus on, such as joy, love, fun and adventure. Also included are charms for each wish as well as a simple glass tray. 

Wouldn't these just be such a delight to receive?


xx JN

Pancakes!

I grew up thinking that Bisquick was what you needed to have in order to make pancakes.

And then I had breakfast at my sister-in-law's house.

My Sissy is the Queen of Big Breakfast. Not kidding. She can whip up waffles, eggs, sausage, bacon, homemade syrup (yep), and her infamous pancakes in record time without breaking a sweat. Trust me, you want an invitation to her house for breakfast.

Several weeks ago, we decided that breakfast-for-dinner was on the menu, and I pulled out Sissy's pancake recipe. It just so happened I had soy milk in the house. Since my Pumpkin is allergic to dairy and doesn't actually ask for soy milk to drink, I had not been keeping it in the house regularly. Well ... that has changed.

Sissy's Out of this World Pancakes

1 over-filled cup of flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup milk (unflavored soy milk is a perfect dairy substitute)
Dash vanilla
3 shakes of cinnamon

Mix the ingredients together. (ps, the Pampered Chef Classic Batter Bowl I used above really is perfect for this!)

Pour onto a heated griddle pan.

 Once the bubbles start to pop and the edges begin to dull, flip.

Transfer to plates, top with butter (or soy margarine) and syrup, and ...

... enjoy, my loves!

xx JN

Forgive the quality of the pics taken on the go with my Blackberry