Spring Hiatus

As Spring continues to try and make its appearance here in New York, I continue to try and do the same right here! I must admit I have been far too in the moment to stop and write in these last couple of weeks, but encourage you to also follow my train(s) of thought over on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Above are some photos documenting what I've been up to as of late. Even though we're still grabbing a cardigan before we walk out the door in the morning, Summer is rapidly approaching, isn't it?!

I will be leaving in the coming days for a two-week adventure in China, visiting Shanghai & Beijing during my stay. I cannot wait to explore these ancient cities, climb the Great Wall, tour the Water Villages, hunt for silks, buy pearls and devour some of Shanghai's infamous vintage shops.

Until my return, I wish you the loveliest of Spring-filled days, delicious Memorial Day barbeques with your favorite people, and oodles and oodles of plentiful sunshine: both literally and figuratively!

xox JN

Photos, top to bottom: Tulips in Park Slope / Blooms at Bloomingdale's / A cheery walk through Washington Square Park / The most delicious macarons from bisousciao / Great Gatsby windows at Brooks Brothers / a Saturday afternoon stroll by Bergdorf's / My new Clarisonic Mia 2 - please tell me you're getting one! / My go-to summer handbag (the E/W Willis) from Coach / post-Devachan magic after seeing my girl, Nevilla / The easiest (and uber-delicious) dinner you must make tonight / An afternoon with my favorite girl / BFF's / Devachan magic for my mini-me / Jasmine tea at Jing Fong in Chinatown

Tea Time!

I make no secret about the fact that I drink green tea daily. Yes, daily. Always a huge fan of iced tea, I upped the ante to the green persuasion when I started eating sushi (way) back in my (early) 20's. A ceremonious cup of hot green tea came at the start of every meal, and I grew deeply fond of its flavor and health benefits.

When Brooklyn's first outpost of the Canadian tea retailer, DAVIDsTEA, arrived here in Park Slope, stylist Amy was first to embrace the goodness (lucky lady, it's literally right out her front door). The next thing I know, I receive the following:

So last weekend, while prepping breakfast for her family, I was tickled to get this text message: 

Did I love it? Oh, yes. 

So much so that a stop at DAVIDsTEA was first on the to-do list over the weekend!

The team at DAVIDsTEA gives customer service on par to the deliciousness of their beverages - in other words, they are flawless. The lovely Stephanie took me on the grand tour, first off making my iced matcha with soy & agave:

As I sipped away, Stephanie treated us to a lovely tea overview, complete with tastings and the delight of smelling many of the store's offerings. With flavors ranging from Citron Oolong to Birthday Cake, and Rooibos de Provence to Pink Flamingo, there was not one tea I wasn't ready to try! Even the Little Miss - who has never given tea a thought - could not wait to try her iced Forever Nuts:

Because Mr. Newman's iced Coffee Pu'erh was so unbelievably delicious, we came home with the following treats to get our mornings off right:

The Steeper, David's Perfect Spoon & Coffee Pu'erh

PS, don't worry. DAVIDsTEA makes online ordering a breeze if there's not a retailer near you. Since I do not want any one of you lovelies to feel left out, I decided that this is going to be one of yours. That's right - it's giveaway time!

Please note: the giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to "twicefivemiles" - you are the lucky winner! xx JN

Here's the deal:

1. Go over and "like" Delightfully Dishy's Facebook page (if you're already a "Fan" then share the post on your Facebook wall!)
2. Leave a comment below telling me the DAVIDsTEA flavor you're most intrigued to try.

The lucky winner (chosen at random) will be announced this Thursday!

Why, yes, I'll drink to that!

xx JN

DAVIDsTEA Park Slope: 234 7th Ave at 4th St
Follow DAVIDsTEA on Twitter & "like" them on Facebook!

What's for Breakfast?

When my girlfriend called to tell me some of her family was coming to visit, I couldn't wait to host a meal for them at my home! As the schedule solidified, breakfast emerged as the front runner, so I started menu planning.

Now, the catch was, between the food allergies, preferences, and lifestyles amongst the seven guests, here's what I knew going in:

• 4 cannot eat eggs
• 1 is vegetarian
• 1 is dairy-free
• 1 is gluten-free

How did I come up with a menu?

I decided to serve everything buffet style to keep it simple & relaxed, giving everyone the freedom to pick and choose. 

Second, I stuck with my rule of only cooking two menu items from scratch and preparing/assembling the rest.

Third, I came to the conclusion that not everything served had to be a viable option for every single person.

Here's what I came up with:

Cranberry & Almond Granola Bars (recipe below)
Easy Sticky Buns (recipe below)

Assorted Fresh Bagels
with choice of Vegetable Cream Cheese, Butter & Preserves or Peanut Butter

Hard Boiled Eggs

Fresh Strawberries

Mimosas

Sparkling Water

Coffee/Tea

Complete with New York-themed favors for our out-of-town guests, it was a simply fabulous way to spend a Saturday morning with friends!

Who's next?!

xx JN