Nesting Newbies | Cooking, Entertaining, & Decorating How-To » Endnotes

I’ll Never Be All Grown-Up

jodimurphy — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:31:22 +0000

By Jodi Murphy

I’ve been thinking about being a mother lately. You see, my life is about to change…my baby girl is going to graduate from college! It marks an end and a new beginning for her…and me. My daughter Molly describes it best: “It’s both exciting and terrifying!”

I woke up this morning and remembered a card that my mother sent to me after my son, Jonathan (my first!), was born. It’s been tucked away in a dusty file cabinet in our attic for 25 years, and it took me less than two minutes to find it! Could it be that I was meant to read and reflect on its meaning once again? She enclosed a poem from an unknown author with the handwritten message…”Jodi, This poem says it all for me. Love, Mom.”

I’d like to share the poem AND the one I was inspired to write immediately after reading it, and sent back to her in response…

A POEM TO MY GROWN-UP CHILD
Author: Unknown

My hands were busy through the day
I didn’t have much time to play
The little games you asked me to
I didn’t have much time for you.
I’d wash your clothes, I’d sew and cook,
But when you’d bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun or fears
I’d say “A little later dear.”
I’d tuck you in all safe at night
And hear your prayers, turn out the light
Then tiptoe softly out the door
I wish I’d stayed a minute more.

For life is short, the years rush past.
And little ones grow up so fast.
No longer are they at your side,
Their precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play.
No good-night kiss, no prayers to hear,
That all belonged to yester-year.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.

A POEM FROM A GROWN-UP CHILD TO HER MOTHER
by Jodi Murphy

When I was little we used to play
Together laughing almost every day.
But more than that, I’ll always remember,
is how you loved me oh so tender.
You’d cook, you’d clean, you’d care, you’d cuddle.
You were always there when I got into trouble.
In my heart, I knew you were the best.
It was hard to tell you, so I hoped you’d guess.

Well now I’m older and on my own.
To be together, we usually use the phone.
But my being grown, with responsibility
is sometimes harder than I make it seem.
I feel secure, and strong and free
and I really am who I want to be.
But I need you more now
Than I needed you then.
I need your love, your support, and I need a friend.
So if you think you’re not busy
and have nothing to do,
There’s a grown-up little girl
just waiting for you…

Hugs to all the moms out there…enjoy every precious moment of motherhood’s amazing journey. It’s both exciting and terrifying. : )

*I downloaded The Happiness Project onto my Kindle. Have you seen it? Author Gretchen Ruben takes us on her year long journey to discover what makes her happy and then do more of it! Her book makes me happy…and so does her blog.

**We just released Nesting Newbies Magazine, Issue No. 5. There’s a whole lotta happy inside it too!

Issue No. 5 Bluebird BagWin Blissliving Home Bedding Worth $1,197! (Ends 5/27/2011)

jodimurphy — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:20:24 +0000

In anticipation of our magazine, Issue No. 5…just days away from being published (Woo hoo!)…We’re jumping the gun and launching our next Bluebird Bag contest today! And this swag bag has a twist…it’s exclusively from Blissliving Home.

We love, love, LOVE “London Calling”—Blissliving Home’s spring 2011 collection! It’s such a delightfully chic nod to an innovative city of charm and cheekiness, traditions and trends. Enter our exclusive Blissliving Bluebird Bag contest and you may experience a British bedding invasion…

Winner takes all…

London (F/Q) Duvet Set
$275

Mayfair Putty Flat and Fitted Queen Sheets + Standard Pillowcases (2)
$217

Legend Euro Shams (3)
$285

Jack Multi Pillow
$85

Victoria Mint Pillow
$75

Soho Tangerine Pillow
$65

Jubilee Multi Pillow
$85

Tate Charcoal/White Throw
$110

CLICK HERE TO ENTER! CONTEST ENDS 5/27/2011
CONTEST ALSO FEATURED IN NESTING NEWBIES MAGAZINE, ISSUE NO. 5…PUBLISHED SOON!

Serena & Lily’s Art Bazaar!Begins Friday, February 25

jodimurphy — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:31:38 +0000

Serena & Lily, the eponymous linens and home decor company, is curating an on-line art-only bazaar on Friday, February 25, 2010. Over 90 works will be sold over a six day period and pieces will fly out the door on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices will range from $125 to $3,200. Here’s your chance to pick up an original piece of art!

Sneak a peek…

Mark the date and click here to head over to the Serena & Lily Bazaar!

Join Lea and Jodi at Design San Francisco!

jodimurphy — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:33:20 +0000

It’s time for Design San Francisco, the annual event for Design Professionals hosted by the San Francisco Design Center. From February 2 through February 4th, there will be keynote presentations, seminars and panel discussions on a variety of design topics.

Chef Lea McIntosh will be making a guest appearance in the Christopher Peacock Showroom on Wednesday, February 2 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM…come and work side-by-side with her and she’ll teach you one of her fabulous recipes!

Jodi Murphy will be on a panel with Crystal Gentilello (Rue Magazine), Sarah Lonsdale (Remodelista) and Heidi Gerpheide (California Homes) in the A. Rudin Showroom on February 3 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM…come and chat with her and the other distinguished panelists about digital media.

Here are the official details…

See the entire line up for Design San Francisco.

Hammocks & High Tea 50% Off Sale!

jodimurphy — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:59:33 +0000

50% off on some of our favorite things? You’ve got our attention! Select Hammocks & High Tea goodies are half off during their Winter Clearance Sale! Pillows (originally $160) are now priced at $80, while tea towels (normally $20) are $12. Limited quantities are available, so shop before we beat you to them : ).

Linden Tea Towel in Plum

More on sale at Hammocks & High Tea.

Niki McNeill’s Last Minute Gift Guide

jodimurphy — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:45:39 +0000

If you’re anything like me, finding time to shop for the perfect gift is always a challenge. My strategy is to have a few things on hand that are great gifts for almost anyone, so I’m always prepared. Since you’re reading Nesting Newbies blog I know that you love nesting as much as I do, so above you’ll find last minute gift ideas “For the Nest”!

1. Add a luxurious aroma to someone’s home with a Jo Malone candle. 2. For the Twitter fanatic who keeps a neat desk, this magnetic paper clip holder is absolutely adorable. 3. Your favorite interior designer will love these miniatures of classic chairs! 4. Store things in style with a chic & modern shelf system from CB2. 5. Foodies can never have enough dinnerware, and these bright bowls from Anthropologie are perfect for their homemade soups. 6. Your eco-friendly friend will adore this gorgeous pillow made with green materials. 7. Keep your loved one’s flowers looking great all year long with this svelte vase. Tip: Fill it with candy cans and tie a bow on it! 8. And for the vintage glamazon in your life, grab this art deco metallic pillow!

Photo by Leah & Mark

Niki’s Lavish Experience!

jodimurphy — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:43:45 +0000

I had an amazing time this weekend networking and learning with lifestyle bloggers from around the country at Lavish! Unconference. It definitely inspired me to ask myself why I blog and how I can improve. Here are 5 themes that I took away from the conference that every blogger can benefit from!

Most of the attendees of Lavish! were young women and they all came so well put together. As I navigated through the posh Mansion on Peachtree hotel, I was wowed time after time by how poised my peers are. As bloggers, we spend much of our time alone behind a computer, but that’s no excuse not to put your best face AND foot forward when you step out!

In every session I attended, the presenters stressed the necessity of original content. Even if it is as small as a tip that you share or a single photograph that captures a project in progress, it’s important that it be YOURS and not a copy. The internet is so saturated with blogs; make sure you give your readers a reason to come back to yours!

Oma Blaise Ford from Better Homes & Gardens magazine and Jillian St. Charles from HGTV.com did a great seminar on the perspective of print and tv on the blog world. They realize that although some traditional media outlets are a little behind in embracing bloggers, most are well aware of their awesome potential. Case in point, Emily Henderson, a blogger and the latest HGTV Design Star winner; she had the two key ingredients for a great blogger! Not only does she consistently create fantastic original content, she IS her own brand.

People come to your blog for you! No matter what your subject matter is, they trust your taste and love your writing style. The best way to create a loyal blog community is to express your unique voice confidently. Share as much as you feel comfortable sharing about your life and career and you will establish yourself as a viable source for your niche.

Erica of Design Blahg and Nicole of Sketch 42 did a great seminar on how tools can aide you in your blogging. Anyone that blogs knows that it takes a tremendous amount of research, planning and work to get posts completed and uploaded on a consistent bases. There are many sources out there to make this process a bit lighter so that you can focus on what your passionate about, the content!

If you have any questions or would like to know more about Lavish! please visit the website! Feel free to contact me too.

Happy Blogging!

Niki McNeill

Gift Guide 2010: ZOKU-licious from Williams-Sonoma

jodimurphy — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:06:19 +0000

For most, winter’s chill means warm soup or hot chocolate…but we’re thinking ICE POPS! Williams-Sonoma has some cool (and exclusive) offerings you’ll want to check out…

Zoku Quick Pop Maker – $49.95
Make customized frozen treats in as little as 7 minutes!

Zoku Quick Pop Tool Kit – $19.95
Quick pop tools for those who enjoy being creative in the kitchen.

Zoku Quick Pop Storage Case – $19.95
Set of 6 Zoku Quick Pop Sticks – $11.95

Ice Pops Cookbook – $15.95
40 recipes for making Zoku-licious frozen treats.

All images are courtesy of Williams-Sonoma.

Meet Emily, Issue No. 4 Bluebird Bag Winner

jodimurphy — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:39:19 +0000

Presents galore came early this holiday season for Emily Perry, the winner of Nesting Newbies’ Issue No. 4 Bluebird Bag contest! Her gifts arrived in a series of shipments (spreading out the cheer!)…the first arriving before Thanksgiving and the last just a few weeks before Christmas.

We’re busy little elves here at Nesting Newbies working on Issue No. 5…and a new Bluebird Bag. Stay tuned for more updates…oh, and another contest announcement that’s only days away!

What did Emily win? Check it out…

Handcrafted Flower*Pendant
dkdesignshawaii.com
(It’s already hanging in her guest bedroom!)

Malibu Wave Quilt (Twin)
pineconehill.com

Handmade Ling Blue Lucite Ice Bucket
iomoi.com

Five European Pillow Shams
saffronmarigold.com

How to Grill: The Complete Illustrated Book of Barbecue Techniques
by Steven Raichlen
amazon.com

The Green Home: A Sunset Design Guide
by Bridget Biscotti Bradley
amazon.com

Palmetto Pouch
blisslivinghome.com

One Dozen Sweet Sticks™
tastyclouds.com

$100 Gift Certificate
erincondren.com

Wisteria Glass Cup & Carrier
wisteria.com

Chilewich® Basketweave Table Runner
surlatable.com

Gift Guide 2010: Indulgent & Fat-Free…For the Tree

jodimurphy — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:55:57 +0000

Chef Lea McIntosh spotted culinary hand-painted glass ornaments from Germany and Poland in the Sur la Table catalog. What a perfect little present to bring to a gift exchange, or bundle an ornament with its “real deal” for an extra surprise for the foodie lover on your list.

It’s no surprise that Lea picked these as her favorites:

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries…the only way to eat fruit : ).

Garlic…a Chef Lea cooking staple.

Blue Cheese…A Chef Lea obsession.

Chocolate Cupcake…Do we really have to explain this one?

Discover all of the ornaments at surlatable.com