The Nest Summer 2014

from

k

powered by thenest.com

HIP HOME /LIFE HOW TO

summer 2014

20+ ways

to max out your

summer peek inside this DIY star’s home LOVE LIVING LIFE

grilling secrets

you’ve never heard (killer recipes too!)

See the whole issue at TheNest.com/mag

inside

shopping ideas from our friends at

from

contents

summer 4 The Nest Notebook > 6 Pretty Crafty > 12 Deck Out Your Backyard > 14 Throw a Summer Bash > 18 Worth Processing > 22 Master the Grill > 26 Lighten Up! >

42

36 destination: sun, fun & fitness

6

peek inside a designer’s home

sweet, cheap summer dates

32 How Honest Are You With Your Spouse? > 34 Real Couples > 36 Healthy Escapes > 40 Take Back Your Summer > 42 Your Fave Cheap Date Ideas > 44 Petiquette Primer > 46 Celebrate Summer >

26

grilled fruit? yes, please!

Photo Credits: Cover and pp. 6-11: Thayer Allyson Gowdy, prop styling by Miranda Jones, hair and makeup by Lisa Strutz for Abri Balk; p. 3: boxes and travel photo: Shutterstock, drink: Anita Calero, plates: Mark Lund, tacos: Hector Sanchez; p. 4: Glory Albin of glorioustreats.com; p. 5: dining room: courtesy of Birch Lane; burger: Jessica Merchant of howsweeteats.com; pp. 14-16: photography by Levi Brown, styling by Elizabeth Press; food styling by Roscoe Betsill; pp 17: Colin Ericson/Stockfood Creative/Getty Images; pp. 28-31: photography by Anita Calero, Food Styling

by Roscoe Betsill, prop styling by Elizabeth Press; p. 32: Illustration by Andy Martin; pp. 34-35: sandwich, donuts, grill: Shutterstock; pp. 36-37: Getty Images (2); pp. 38-39: Shutterstock (2); p. 40: Botanica/Getty Images; p. 42: Antonis Achilleos; p. 44: Thayer Allyson Gowdy; p. 45: Getty Images

2 The Nest Mag

resources real estate

cocktails

organizing

Moving? Make the job go smoother with genius packing advice >>

Cheers! It’s 5 o’clock (or, you know, 2 p.m. on a summer Friday) >>

Some of the coolest space-saving kitchen gadgets we’ve ever seen >>

decorating

recipes

Doable DIY tips from the pros that’ll transform your home from floor to ceiling (literally!) >>

Delish dishes that’ll keep you cool on the hottest summer days >>

travel Your bucket list of places to see before hopping on the baby train >>

cofounder Carley Roney, @carleyroney

editor in Chief Rebecca Dolgin, @rebdolgin MANAGING EDITOR Kellee Kratzer, @kelleekratzer

art director Meghan Corrigan, @meghantcorrigan

Editorial + Art

Deputy editor associate editor assistant editor, research copy editor

Elizabeth Roehrig, @bethroehrig Rachel Sylvester, @rachelsylves Lauren Daniels, @laurenddaniels Maria Bouselli, @mariacb88

deputy art director Nicolette Berthelot, @nicoberthelot photo director Kristin Giametta, @kristingiametta photo coordinator Gabriella Baetti, @gsbaetti

executive VP, national enterprise group Jennifer Garrett Vp, sales & marketing solutions

Carrie S. Reynolds, carrie@xogrp.com (212) 515-3599 Associate publisher midwest/west Director, advertising & Custom solutions East home director midwest/west retail director Account Strategy Production Manager

Stephanie Nicolet, snicolet@xogrp.com (917) 267-6981 Scott Ashmore, sashmore@xogrp.com (847) 235-2940 Amy Schoenfeld, aschoenfeld@xogrp.com (917) 386-2645 Candice Reggi, creggi@xogrp.com (630) 903-6336 Vanessa Velazquez, vvelazquez@xogrp.com (212) 515-7488 Abby Baird, abaird@xogrp.com (212) 515-7459

Other advertiser inquiries contact National Sales, nationalsales@theknot.com (212) 515-3552 The Nest from The Knot is published by XO Group Inc., 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007. Vol. 1, Issue 28. Copyright © 2014 XO Group Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is forbidden without written permission from the publisher. The Nest from The Knot and TheNest.com are trademarks of XO Group Inc. The Nest is not responsible for the return or loss of, or damage to, unsolicited materials. Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork and other materials for consideration should not send originals, unless specifically requested to do so in writing by The Nest. Manuscripts, artwork and other materials submitted must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope.

summer 2014

3

notebook THE LATEST NEWS & HOW-TOS FROM THENEST.COM

DIY frozen treats

Instead of settling for a plain pint from the grocery store—unless you just want to chill out in the freezer section for a minute—try making your own unique frozen desserts. Click here to check out the recipes for all 31 flavors we gathered (watch your back, Baskin-Robbins!), from peach ice cream to strawberry cheesecake pops to snickerdoodle ice cream sandwiches.

42%

of homeowners want to paint in the next six months.

Sherwin-Williams survey

what’s happening on the nest community boards

If you had to paint your entire house (inside) from top to bottom, where would you start choosing a color plan? junemrs We bought a house last year and did this. We chose a neutral hue for pretty much the entire house. We have lots of white trim and crown molding that pop. Then we brought in more color with area rugs and wall décor. joane2012

Valspar’s Subway Tile

Woodsmoke

Friends told me to make sure the colors flow from one room to the next. So if you can see room B from room A, the paint and décor should work together. The shades can be totally different, but you don’t want the schemes to clash. hoffse

Sherwin-Williams’s Dutch Svelte Sage Tile Blue Distance

4 The Nest Mag

When picking out colors, I looked at magazines for ideas, then bought the little cans and painted samples on the wall to see if we liked them. Personally, I like peachy, country colors rather than plain white. bingbongsmama

Behr’s Coral Dune

Parfait

sea-worthy décor ideas

Maybe you can chalk it up to beach deprivation after this never-ending winter, but we’re seriously loving all things nautical right now. Check out our slideshow of maritime-inspired accessories that’ll get your home in shipshape. ABOVE: Lighthouse tealight holder, $4, TheKnotShop.com

we’re on Instagram!

Curious about what we’re up to when we’re not behind our computers? Follow along on Instagram for daily doses of decorating inspiration, sneak peeks at new home lines, reports from design shows and events—plus fresh ideas for dinner, dessert and more. Follow us @thenest and we’ll #heartyou.

9 delish reasons to go on a burger bender

Not that you needed a reason to indulge, but these juicy, over-the-top burgers from our favorite food bloggers are totally worth the splurge.

Why not start a new end of the week tradition with your guy—burgers-andbeers Fridays—and try out a different combo each week?

click

Check in daily for the latest on the blog at TheNest . com

summer 2014

5

6 The Nest Mag

pretty ope n house

crafty

With its cozy-chic blend of vintage, modern and handmade elements, this artsy couple’s home is 100-percent original.

By Elizabeth Roehrig

christine + evan The couple Christine Schmidt and Evan Gross pack a whole lot of personal style into their 800square-foot San Francisco home. But you’d expect nothing less from this creative pair, who met in art school. Christine was always artistic growing up, and launched her business, Yellow Owl Workshop, with greeting cards that she hand printed in her basement studio. Seven years later, she has her own workshop and a small team of employees to help make her line, which includes rubber stamps, stencil kits and jewelry. Her kits and books take the guesswork out of trying a new craft. “I’m most excited about making things that allow other people to be creative, so they can craft things that are both personal and functional,“ she says. Just like the couple’s inspiring home.

The living room While the furniture is minimalist—a cleanlined sofa and modern glass tables—the accessories don’t hold back. Patterns, faux fur and lots of artwork round out the room’s mix. The mid-century storage unit, a Craigslist find, secretly holds Christine’s office supplies and Evan’s records, and the Kilim rug hides a lot too.

“With two dogs and a baby, I appreciate a busy rug!” she says.

The trophy lamp and pennant pillows are from her collaboration with Schoolhouse Electric. >

summer 2014

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living

The nursery Christine was working on her latest book, Yellow Owl’s Little Prints (which features DIY gifts and décor for kids), while pregnant with Emmy, now two. “I was thinking of heirlooms that could be treasured after their use was done,” she explains. Emmy’s room definitely reflects that.

Almost everything is handmade, including the mobile, a project from the book. Christine gave the room a global spin, effortlessly blending more traditional kid-friendly items with maps, flags and ethnic textiles, like the antique Kilim rug and an Indian embroidered valance.

The kitchen “I often work from home—I actually concentrate better by myself,” Christine says. She takes advantage of the room’s “bonkers morning light” to work on her projects, including the latest product in development: a DIY shibori dyeing kit. The periodic table (it originally hung in a local high school) and the letter board are more Craigslist and eBay scores. >

spring 2014

9

living The bedroom Since the room has only one window, the couple stuck with a serene white palette and used mirrors to amp up the light. Christine then layered in texture and painted gray faux panels to add visual interest.

(She mapped the lines in pencil, then painted them without tape for a looser feel.) During a period when she was drawing lots of knots, she crafted this oversize one out of giant piping.

10 The Nest Mag

The entry A bureau and a coat rack make the foyer—really just an extension of the living room—more functional. The blue striped flag ties into the living room’s color scheme and makes a graphic backdrop for the grouping of plants, each in its own handmade pot.

The backyard The family likes to read and hang out on the cozy deck off the kitchen, and their border collie mixes, Clementine and Calvin, often join them. In their yard, there’s a lemon tree and a little kitchen garden with lettuce plants, herbs and vegetables. Even the couple’s houseplants seem to like the outdoor area. ”I’m always overwatering them, but when I bring them out here, they come back to life,” Christine says. [n]

click [ Scope out more couples’ homes at TheNest .com ] summer 2014

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living

1 tiled table

time 4 HOURS | COST LESS THAN $100

With just a few home center basics—stock lumber, paint and mosaic tile sheets—you can create a totally custom table for your patio. See the step-by-step process at Centsational Girl.

weekend projects

deck out your

backyard We’ve got five easy ways to spruce up your outdoor space— without going on a major spending spree.

(Seriously, your credit card will thank you later.)

By Elizabeth Roehrig

12 The Nest Mag

2

3

freebie alert: ask at big-box stores if you can snag their pallets

4

5

2 concrete fire pit

4 painted rug

The secret to crafting this gel-fueled mini fire bowl— two extra-large punch or mixing bowls that serve as molds for the concrete. Find the details at Man Made.

Add bold, modern stripes to an inexpensive outdoor rug with masking tape and spray paint—or try a more complicated design with a stencil and a roller.

See the easy how-tos at Design Improvised.

Time about 3 hours | Cost $40

3 pallet daybed Time 2 hours | Cost less than $50

Don’t drop hundreds for boring seating: This chic little daybed is made up of two repurposed pallets and a crib mattress covered with outdoor fabric.

Get the instructions at Wonderfully Made By Leslie.

click

time 3 hours | Cost $40

See more outdoor makeover ideas at TheNest.com

5 simple hammock time 1 hour | Cost less than $20

Sure, off-the-rack hammocks can be comfy, but cute?

Not so much. Learn how to make your own with just a pretty sheet and sturdy cord at Going Home to Roost. summer 2014

13

living

Big Night In

throw a summer bash

Ready for a rager? Or maybe just a fantastic dinner with a few friends? Here’s how to throw a hot par-tay without breaking a sweat! By Lauren A. Greene

tgif happy hour your VIP list Invite the coworkers you’ve been wanting to get to know better, or break the ice with those cool neighbors down the street—drinks and appetizers never last more than a few hours, so there’s no pressure to go beyond small talk. party poopers Leave off the boss or uptight neighbors—you deserve a night to get a little sloppy, and they don’t need to see that. And speaking of sloppy—go ahead and leave out that pal who gets bar-brawl rowdy after throwing back one too many.

signature drink Shots of tequila, anyone?

Or maybe margaritas on the rocks? Unpack that party-ready blender and show off your best drink-slinging skills. Don’t forget the paper umbrellas. the grub Bite-size munchies are a happy hour necessity. Think baby crab cakes, taquitos, guac and chips or spicy mixed nuts.

Drag your butt to the warehouse club to stock up on provisions—the frozen aisle has some pretty impressive appetizers, so make it easy on yourself (because you won’t feel like cooking after work on Friday!). party trick Umm, beer pong. ‘Nuff said!

list]

[pl“aHayppy”

a r re b y Ph

12 The Nest Mag

l ia m ll Wil

s

promotion

party time Find these entertaining essentials at

downhome bbq your VIP list Take advantage of the casual backyard vibe to catch up with your long lost, new-parent friends.

Invite them with their babies in tow, and hey, why not (well-behaved) pets too. party poopers Vegans (duh!) and girls and guys who think they’re grill masters. This isn’t Top Chef, thank you very much.

signature drink Get down and dirty with old school beer in a can—think Natty Light and PBR. Put a bunch in a wheelbarrow with ice, and park it in the party zone. the grub A grilled feast of hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken, of course!

Set out a variety of condiments and summery side dishes, and let everyone go to town.

party trick Turn your driveway into a drive-in. Rent a projector (check online for rentals in your area), and screen your favorite movie on a white sheet pinned to the garage. Set up rows of chairs, throw down some comfy pillows, then pass around the popcorn and roll the film! >

[playlist]

“Howlin’ for You”

by The Black Keys

cool drinks DIY flavored soda and seltzer is delish on its own—and for cocktails. Source Metal Edition starter kit, $130, SodaStream, BedBathandBeyond.com

brunch master Cook up pancakes or sandwiches for a crowd. Double burner griddle, $50, Anolon Advanced, BedBathandBeyond.com

more party must-haves

solar lanterns citronella candles beverage tub shatterproof glasses melamine dishes summer 2014

13

living

couple’s dinner party your VIP list Your couple BFF and their cool couple friends you secretly want to be friends with too. party poopers Mr. Braggy and his wife, Mrs. Bossy— no one wants to be lectured all evening long!

signature drink White sangria is fruity and refreshing—perfect for a midsummer night’s soiree.

Leave bottles of white wine on the table for guests who prefer the minimalist route. the grub A romantic alfresco meal calls for a bit of exoticism. Whether it’s Indian, Moroccan or Thai, order up a few of your favorite dishes from a local

restaurant and serve them on pretty plates—it will save you time and money, and nobody will know the difference. Plus, ethnic dishes are often affordable and perfect for sharing with friends. party trick Pull out a fun game like Apples to Apples or Cards Against Humanity—it’s a great way to break the ice.

[ play

list]

“Cra z

by B y for Y o es t Coa u” st

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by Avic

ii

chilled-out clambake your VIP list Make it a family affair— catch up with the ‘rents, siblings and cousins casually over cracked crab. party poopers Guests with seafood allergies. Sorry, but a mid-party trip to the emergency room is a definite downer! signature drink Toast to the last days of summer with Old Bay Bloody Marys (OldBay.com). This coastal seasoning gives the drink extra-zestiness and pairs perfectly with the New England theme.

click

Find party-ready punches at TheNest.com

14 The Nest Mag

the grub For a classic clambake, go for clams, lobster, sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes. Since you can’t dig a hole and make a fire pit in your yard, it’s really a clamboil. Prepare the food ahead of time in a huge pot in your kitchen—click here for our super-easy recipe. party trick Make like the New England elite and host a civilized afternoon of lawn games. Rent (or buy) a croquet set, lawn bowling or horseshoes, and challenge mom and dad to a friendly match. [n]

feeling a little nosy?

take a peek at how other couples live at TheNest.com/hometours

living promotion

instant expe rt

worth processing

go-to gadget

Find the perfect processor at

With its sleek stainless steel blades and touch pad controls, it’d be a shame to leave your food processor tucked away in a cupboard. Learn how to take this handy appliance out for a spin. By Davida Sidrane Hogan

what a whiz It shreds, slices, chops and even kneads dough. 9-cup food processor, $150, KitchenAid, BedBathandBeyond.com

how to turn it into a dessert Blend the smoothie even more, and then drizzle it over sliced pound cake for an impressive dinner-party treat.

18 The Nest Mag

use up the leftovers

how to beginner

berry mango smoothie

Spread the leftover dip on chicken cutlets and broil them until cooked through.

ingredients Serves 4

1 ½ ripe bananas, broken into 4 pieces 1 cup of strawberries, hulled and quartered ½ pt. blueberries ½ lb. frozen mango 1 cup orange peach mango juice or orange juice

directions 1 Put the bananas, strawberries, blueberries and frozen mango (in that order) into the food processor bowl. Pulse the fruit to chop, using 10 long pulses. Process until smooth, about 30 seconds.

2 With the processor running, pour the juice through the small feed tube until well blended, about an additional 45 seconds.

Serve immediately.

Intermediate

artichoke and herb yogurt dip ingredients serves 4

1 oz. Parmesan, cut into ½-in. cubes 2 Tbl. fresh mint ¼ cup fresh basil ¼ cup fresh parsley 2 jars (12-oz.) artichoke hearts, drained 16 oz. plain low-fat yogurt ½ tsp. lemon zest ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper ¼ tsp. kosher salt ⅛ tsp. freshly ground nutmeg

directions 1 Process the Parmesan until finely chopped; remove from the food processor work bowl and reserve.

2 Add the fresh herbs to the work bowl; pulse to chop, about five pulses. Add remaining ingredients, including reserved Parmesan; pulse five times to combine, then process until all ingredients are incorporated.

3 Allow dip to rest at least two hours in refrigerator for flavors to develop. Don’t forget to remove from refrigerator a half hour before serving for optimal dipping. > summer 2014

19

living

how to choose a really good tomato Pick vine-ripened (not hot house) tomatoes for this recipe—they have a better flavor—and look for ones that are firm to the touch and have a deep red color.

expert

gazpacho ingredients

directions

Serves 4

1 Reserve one cup of tomatoes on the vine, half of the cucumbers, half of the yellow peppers and a quarter of the red onion.

2 Combine the remaining tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow peppers and onion with the grape tomatoes, garlic cloves, jalapeño pepper and cilantro in the food processor work bowl. Pulse to chop, about 25 pulses. Add the paprika, sherry vinegar, bread, cumin, salt, pepper and sugar. Process ingredients for 2 minutes; add the olive oil during the last 10 seconds through the small feed tube.

Remove the soup base and push it through a fine mesh strainer; continue to press juice through the strainer, using a spatula or the bottom of a ladle, until the mixture is very dry.

3 Pulse reserved vegetables six to eight times to roughly chop. Add chopped veggies to the strained broth. Taste and adjust the seasonings accordingly; serve. [n]

2 lbs. ripe tomatoes on the vine, cut into 1-in. pieces, divided 12 oz. English cucumber, cut into 1-in. pieces, divided 2 yellow peppers, cut into 1-in. pieces, divided 1 large red onion, cut into 1-in. pieces, divided 4 cups grape tomatoes 3 garlic cloves 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and cut into 1-in. pieces ½ cup fresh cilantro ¾ tsp. paprika ⅓ cup sherry vinegar 2 slices white bread 1 tsp. ground cumin 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper ½ Tbl. granulated sugar ⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil

click 20 The Nest Mag

[

­]

Score even more easy-to-make recipes at TheNest.com

dishes you’ll want to make—and Pin—now!

From entertaining tips to planning daily bites, The Nest weekly recipe newsletter will make you a cooking diva.

Subscribe at TheNest.com

living

master the grill instant expe rt

How to choose the most badass barbecue— plus essential grilling tips.

34 The Nest Mag 22

gas, charcoal or electric? for a convenient crowd-pleaser…go gas

for barbecue addicts on a budget…go charcoal

for small spaces and indoor grilling…go electric

Gas grills are easy to start, they preheat quickly and you can cook for a group in no time. Cleaning is simple too, as is maintaining constant temps for perfect barbecue chicken, steak or veggies.

The big bummer? Durable, high-quality gas grills don’t come cheap, and unless your grill is rigged to run on natural gas, you have to refill the propane tank periodically.

If you want to spend smart, stretch your dollars with a charcoal grill. It’s not a big sacrifice—the classic, smoky flavor you get from cooking with charcoal is the whole point of grilling in the first place!

There is a catch: Charcoal grilling is timeconsuming (it takes up to 30 minutes to get it lit and ready for meat), and in most cases, you have to clean out the ash after every use.

An electric grill makes sense if outdoor cooking isn’t an option for you because of weather, lack of space or if you want a low-maintenance way to get those char lines on burgers, steak, fish and so on.

The drawback? Your meat won’t have that smoky flavor or a true sear, meaning these grills aren’t your best bet for real barbecue favorites like ribs or pulled pork.

grill q&a

Answers to your most basic barbecue questions.

Can I use cooking spray on a grill?

Yes, you can and should, particularly if you have rusty or nonstick grates. Basic cooking spray is totally fine to use, but skip the faux butter flavor and go with the plain kind.

If you’re worried about out-of-control flames shooting up when you spray, don’t. In reality, the flare-up (yes, there will be a slight one) is so minimal that unless you lean over the grate with your face two inches away, you’re unlikely to have an issue.

What kind of charcoal should I buy?

Not all charcoal is created equal. You might think those quick-starting briquettes are the best option because they’re in uniform little cubes, but they actually contain binders—additives and chemicals that build up inside your grill and taint the taste of your food.

Instead, go for natural lump charcoal. It’s made of real hardwood chunks and imparts a nice smoky flavor to meat, fish or anything else you toss on the grill.

How do I know if my old gas grill is still safe to use?

Before you turn on the tank valve for the first time this season, inspect all of the tube connections to make sure they’re each intact and corrosion free.

A quick way to check for a leak is to rub soapy water on the gas tube—if it starts bubbling, air is leaking out and the tube needs to be replaced. But if your grill has a rusty interior or is dangerously wobbly, it may be time for you to invest in a new model. >

BTU

Know these terms before you buy.

what it is It may sound like a university, but it’s really the amount of heat energy a gas grill’s burners kick out. Grills typically range from 15,000 to 60,000 BTUs. But more isn’t always better: The smaller the grill’s cooking area, the fewer BTUs needed.

tip carry a refrigerator magnet when you’re grill shopping—if it doesn’t stick, you know you’re dealing with heavy-gauge stainless steel (the best material for burners and grill grates)

infrared burner

what it is A burner built inside a ceramic brick or tile covered with holes. Because ceramic gets hotter faster and stays hot longer, this premium feature burner is made for searing foods like hamburgers and steak at high temperatures to get a browned crust.

convection

side burner

what it is Heat transfer that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. Some high-end grills are equipped with fans that circulate air, but manufacturers also tout it as a “feature” because it sounds good; simply closing the lid of the grill will create convection.

what it is A separate burner set outside of the grill. It holds pots, saucepans and skillets, so you can whip up your secret sauce, boil corn or sauté some veggies while your dinner is on the grill. This feature can up the price of a grill by $100 or more.

summer 2014

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living

cleanup crew

Don’t toss those burgers on a grimy grill.

Here’s how to get your BBQ clean enough to, um, eat off of—and keep it that way.

rust buster

Charcoal ash that gets wet can cause your grill to rust, so clean out ash remnants after every use.

cook off the gunk

scrape it into shape

do a routine clean

Fire up your grill (on a high setting for gas grills), and allow the heat to cook everything on the surface for about 10 to 15 minutes—it’s the most effective way to remove any remnants of mystery meat. Then use a long-handled wire brush to de-gunk the grate once it’s hot.

There’s really no special technique here; just scrub back and forth until your grate looks (almost) new.

Once the grill has cooled, tackle cleaning it on the inside. Use a grill brush to loosen up old charcoal bits or caked-on grease in the “cooking box” (the area beneath the grate). Scrape off grit from the grease pan and burner tubes, and remove with a damp cloth. For charcoal grills, remove all the ash from the inside (scoop it out with a trowel), and then wipe the interior clean with a damp rag.

Once your grill is grime free, keep it in top shape by spending a few minutes cleaning up after every use. It’s easy: After a cookout, while the grill is still hot, scrape the cooking surface with a stainless steel brush or a wool pad until all of the food remnants are gone. Don’t have either on hand? Half of an onion will do the trick (but wear gloves so you don’t get burned by the grate while you’re cleaning). [n]

done? rare

click 24 The Nest Mag

medium rare

[­Find delish BBQ recipes at TheNest.com]

medium

medium well (also the USDA-recommended temperature for ground meat)

well done

ready to nest? click to buy now!

Stressed over decorating? Don’t be! With tons of photos and how-tos, The Nest Home Design Handbook will help you: Kill the clutter

n

Make a small space look bigger

n

Hang pictures properly

n

Choose the right paint color

n

Blend his and her furniture

n

Design like a pro

n

[

Here to take the guesswork out of decorating is The Nest Home Design Handbook, complete with worksheets for room layouts, hiring help, DIY guides and web resources to get you on track to creating a stylish living space.

Clarkson Potter/Publishers

]

ClarksonPotter.com

living

lighten up! m ea ls for t wo

Fire up the grill for these fresh, flavorful— and healthy—recipes from two of your favorite cooking show hosts.

(We swear you won’t even miss the burgers and dogs.)

1 The Nest Mag

kelsey nixon

The host of Cooking Channel’s Kelsey’s Essentials breaks down recipes into easy-tofollow steps on her show and in her new book, Kitchen Confidence.

grilled fruit ingredients serves 6

½ (5- to 6-lb.) seedless watermelon 1 pineapple 2 mangoes Grated zest and juice of 1 lime Vegetable oil, for brushing 2 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. coarse sea salt, plus more for serving (optional) Lime wedges, for serving 18 skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes)

directions 1 Remove the rind of the watermelon, the skin and eyes of the pineapple, and the peels and pits of the mangoes and discard. Split the pineapple in quarters lengthwise and cut out and discard the hard core. Cut all the fruit into 1-inch cubes and thread them onto the skewers. Put the skewers in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add the lime juice, toss gently and seal.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2 Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

3 Transfer the skewers from the plastic bag to a baking sheet.

Brush the fruit with oil and put the skewers on the grill. Grill the fruit on both sides until grill marks appear and it begins to caramelize, 6 to 8 minutes total.

Transfer to a serving platter.

4 In a small bowl, combine the lime zest, chili powder and sea salt.

Sprinkle the seasoning over the grilled fruit. Serve with lime wedges and additional sea salt, if desired.

grilled veggie panzanella ingredients serves 6

Cooking spray (optional) 1 loaf French bread, cut on an angle into 1-inch-thick slices ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing and drizzling Kosher salt and cracked black pepper 1 yellow squash, cut on an angle into ¾-inch-thick slices 1 small zucchini, cut on an angle into ¾-inch-thick slices 1 orange bell pepper, cut into quarters 8 oz. heirloom cherry tomatoes ½ cup red wine vinegar ½ tsp. Dijon mustard 1 garlic clove, grated 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch dices 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

directions 1 Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using an outdoor grill, coat a grill basket with cooking spray and put it on the grill.

2 Brush both sides of the bread with oil and

season with salt and pepper. Grill until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes per side. When cool enough to handle, cut or tear into 1-inch cubes.

3 In a large bowl, combine the squash, zucchini and bell pepper. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat. Grill, flipping once, until the vegetables have grill marks and are softened and caramelized, 6 to 8 minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut the squash, zucchini and pepper into 1-inch pieces and transfer to another large bowl. Add the tomatoes to the first bowl, drizzle with a little more oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill (if outdoors, use the grill basket) until charred and caramelized, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes to the grilled vegetables.

4 In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, mustard and garlic. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the ½ cup oil and whisk until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

5 Add the toasted bread and mozzarella to the bowl of vegetables. Drizzle in the vinaigrette, add the torn basil leaves and toss well. Let stand for 10 minutes. > summer 2014

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chef’s secret

fresh chutney and a tandoori-style marinade give grilled chicken an indian twist

28 The Nest Mag

giada de laurentiis In her latest book, Giada’s Feel Good Food, the Food Network star shares the recipes and personal lifestyle tips that help her stay fit and healthy.

grilled chicken cutlets with fresh apple-mango chutney ingredients

directions

Serves 4

1 For the chicken: In a glass baking dish, whisk together the yogurt, apple juice concentrate, vinegar, garam masala, salt and pepper until combined. Add the chicken and turn to coat.

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.

2 For the chutney: In a medium bowl, stir together the vinegar, apricot preserves, jalapeño, mustard, hot sauce, salt, pepper, cloves and ginger until blended. Mix in the apple, mango and chopped mint. Let stand for up to 30 minutes before serving, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

3 Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Spray the grill lightly with vegetable oil cooking spray.

4 Put the chicken cutlets (still coated with marinade) on the grill. Grill until cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to plates, serving 2 pieces per person, and let rest for 5 minutes.

5 Spoon some chutney alongside the chicken.

Garnish with mint sprigs and serve. >

marinade 1 cup plain low-fat (2%) Greek yogurt 2 Tbl. frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed 1 Tbl. apple cider vinegar 2 tsp. garam masala 1 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. ground black pepper 8 (2-oz.) skinless chicken cutlets, each about ¼-inch thick

chutney 3 Tbl. apple cider vinegar 2 Tbl. apricot preserves 1 small red jalapeño chile, seeded, deveined and finely chopped 2 Tbl. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. hot sauce, such as Cholula (optional) ½ tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. ground black pepper ⅛ tsp. ground cloves ⅛ tsp. ground ginger 1 apple, such as Gala, cut into ⅓-inch dices (about 1¼ cups) 1 small mango, peeled and cut into ⅓-inch dices (about 1 cup) ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves, plus some sprigs for garnish Vegetable oil cooking spray

summer 2014

29

living

IP

grilled salmon and pineapple with avocado dressing ingredients Serves 4

2 Tbl. extra-virgin olive oil 1½ tsp. chopped fresh basil leaves, plus some sprigs for garnish 1½ tsp. chopped fresh chives 1 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon leaves, plus some sprigs for garnish ½ tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 4 (4-oz.) salmon fillets with skin, each about 1-inch thick 4 (½-inch-thick) round slices of pineapple, preferably fresh

avocado dressing makes ½ cup

½ avocado, diced 2 Tbl. chopped fresh basil leaves

30 The Nest Mag

1 Tbl. finely chopped fresh chives 1½ tsp. fresh tarragon leaves, finely chopped 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped 1 Tbl. extra-virgin olive oil 1½ tsp. fresh lemon juice ⅛ tsp. anchovy paste ⅛ tsp. kosher salt ⅛ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

directions 1 For the dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Add 2 tablespoons of water and process until smooth.

Cover the dressing and let stand for at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour.

2 Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill.

3 In a small bowl, whisk the oil, chopped

T g if you’reinueasipnple, canned dpry before blot it ing it on putt grill the

basil, chives, chopped tarragon, salt and pepper to blend. Brush the salmon and the pineapple slices with the herb mixture.

4 Put the salmon and the pineapple on the grill. Cook the salmon until barely cooked through and still pink inside, about 4 minutes per side. Grill the pineapple until slightly charred, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

5 Transfer 1 pineapple slice and a piece of salmon to each plate. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the avocado dressing over each piece of fish. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs.

Grilled chicken cutlets, grilled salmon and shrimp and avocado salad recipes reprinted from Giada’s Feel Good Food. Copyright © 2013 by GDL Foods Inc. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House LLC. Grilled fruit and grilled veggie panzanella recipes reprinted from Kitchen Confidence by Kelsey Nixon. Copyright © 2014 by Kelsey’s Kitchen Productions LLC. Published

by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House LLC.

shrimp and avocado salad ingredients

directions

Serves 4

1 For the salad: In a medium bowl, mix together ¼ cup of the olive oil, the soy sauce, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, chives, ½ teaspoon of the salt and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2 Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill.

3 Using a pastry brush, brush the zucchini halves with the remaining oil. Grill until tender, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board. Grill the shrimp until pink and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to the cutting board. When cool enough to handle, cut the zucchini and shrimp into ½-inch pieces.

4 For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, agave, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth.

5 In a medium bowl, combine the zucchini, shrimp and avocado. Add the dressing and gently toss until coated. Using a slotted spoon, spoon the salad into the butter lettuce leaves. [n]

salad ¼ cup plus 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbl. reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 garlic clove, minced Grated zest of 1 large lemon 3 Tbl. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 2 Tbl. chopped fresh chives ¼ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 lb. large shrimp (about 24), peeled and deveined 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise 1 medium avocado, cut into ½-inch pieces

dressing 2 Tbl. extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbl. fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon) 1 Tbl. light agave nectar 1 tsp. Dijon mustard ¼ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 head butter lettuce, separated into leaves

chef’s secret

serve the salad over brown rice or quinoa to make it a main course

click [ Get more healthy dinner ideas at TheNest .com ] summer 2014

31

how honest are you with your spouse? quiz

From finances to foreplay, do you two have a full-disclosure policy?

Take this quiz to find out.

By Hallie Goodman Illustration by Andy Martin

32 The Nest Mag

1

You happen to bump into your most significant ex. That night, you start thinking about your ex as you’re falling asleep. You: a Casually bring it up the next morning, as in, “By the way, I bumped into [blank] yesterday. I said we were married now and ended the conversation quickly.” b Wake up your spouse to tell them what happened and how you can’t stop thinking about it. Once you get it off your chest, you’ll feel much better. c Count sheep like a maniac and then don’t say anything—mentioning the person’s name will only hurt your partner.

2

Before you met your spouse, you had a fair amount of credit card debt. Though you pay on time every month, the balance you racked up isn’t exactly shrinking. You: a Come clean calmly over dinner so you’re on the same page. After all, your credit history will affect your spouse when you make joint purchases, like a house or car.

B Drop the bombshell by putting your credit card statement on their pillow with a note that says: “Pay me! Pay me!”

C Wouldn’t consider mentioning it to your partner—everyone you know is in debt, so what’s the big deal?

3

That “mind-blowing” thing your spouse does in the sack…well, it’s not. Your solution: A Drop some “noise hints” until your spouse busts a new move (translation: total silence peppered with yawns). b Sit up in bed and say, “Hmm...was that supposed to be sexy?”

C Ignore it—what goes on under the covers is just too sensitive to talk about.

4

Your in-laws want to be close.

Really, really close. Recently, they’ve been talking about moving… to your neighborhood. Your reaction? a Keep all your cringing to a minimum (chances are, this idea is even less palatable to your partner). But do absolutely nothing to encourage it.

B Tell your spouse that if it happens, you’ll also be relocating—to an asylum.

C Stuff your feelings and introduce them to a great broker you know.

5

When you swap “fantasy futures,” your spouse describes a place in the country. The thought of abandoning urban life makes you itch. You: a Don’t agree, but don’t rain on your honey’s parade either. Who knows what your taste will be in 10 years?

4 signs your partner is lying A smile without eye crinkling Just

the mouth muscles are moving? What’s coming out: not true.

Rubbing near the temples A sure

sign of anxiety, this should make you a little suspicious.

Lip licking and hard swallowing

These signal “stress overflow” and may point to deception.

Eyes looking to the left Can’t keep eye

contact? There might be some BSing going on in the story.

B Tell ol’ Green Acres to let the dream die.

If you can’t get sushi delivered at 2 a.m., it’s simply too rustic for you. c Say, “That sounds so relaxing!” Then subscribe to Country Living—hey, love means learning to like what they like, right?

6

For your birthday, your partner proudly presents you with an itchy wool sweater you loathe. You: a Express gratitude but don’t go overboard.

You don’t want to give the impression that they scored a home run. Hello, that would have some seriously sad implications for next year’s gift. b Say, ”Hope you kept the receipt!” Why be fake when you could exchange it for something you really want? c Pretend to love it and dutifully don it once a month—at a remote location where nobody knows you and, of course, with a T-shirt underneath so you don’t get hives.

7

You’ve noticed your partner has been avoiding the gym lately and has started to—how can we say this nicely?—pile on the pounds. You: a Make a sideways comment, such as, “Up for a jog, honey?” Maybe your significant other will pick up on your subtle hint (okay, so maybe it’s not so subtle).

B Jokingly poke your spouse’s tummy and do the Pillsbury Doughboy giggle.

C Don’t say a word; after all, you’d be totally devastated if your partner attempted to monitor your weight. You wouldn’t want someone keeping track of how many cronuts you scarfed down.

click

­

Bone up on ways to bond with your guy at TheNest.com

scoring key For every “A” you checked, award yourselves 2 points. For every “B,” 4 points. And “C,” 0 points.

18–28

The Verbal Exploder Your comments cut deeper than Michonne’s katana on The Walking Dead. The next time you feel the desire to say something biting, ask yourself what kind of effect you’ll have on your partner—will it help or make them defensive? Are you just hoping to unburden yourself at their expense? Try softening the blow when you deliver news—trust us, you’ll get far better reception.

11–17

The Diplomat You know the difference between divulging and being destructive. Before you share anything major, you ask yourself, “Would I want to know?” You understand that while you’re not always going to be thrilled with your spouse’s tastes, habits or, ahem, parents, it’s not always necessary to say so.

Some things are best kept to yourself or shared with a trusted pal over martinis.

0–10

The Vault Newsflash: This level of secrecy can really sabotage true intimacy. While the concern you show for your spouse’s feelings is very admirable, you’ve taken your peoplepleasing ways too far. It’s time to give your sweetie a tad more credit for being able to cope. Chances are they won’t crumble if you don’t gush over every gift or see eye to eye on everything. It’s time to come clean.

summer 2014

33

love inside th e ir live s

real hed couples here

Sneak a peek at the lives of these lovebirds.

It’s the one room you shrink from scrubbing. No more! 6 ways to make

By Rachel Sylvester your bathroom a sparkling, sanitary sanctuary. By Alonna Friedman

Kerrisa, 29, and Chad, 29 tx th e wo od la nd s,

Grace, 29, and Arthur, 29 tu cso n, az 2009

status Married July 18, met when Grace How They Met The two

band and was playing a show with her could play one any if e ienc aud asked the up to the lead guitar. Arthur stepped (They were ory. stage and the rest is hist r!) yea a than engaged in less of neurology; he Careers She’s a doctor ical has a background in mechan an online run y the engineering. Together, . blog d foo a and y pan marketing com t dinner dates. “We uen freq and cars rts Spo hobbies from Urbanspoon and Food seek out recommendations Here and Diners, Drive-Ins Network shows You Gotta Eat and Dives,” she says. g Suits. nd their downtime watchin Unwind Time They spe , French lish Eng , ese ton Can ak spe h spouse secrets They bot out with rets them to share sec and Spanish, so it’s easy for Arthur told n’t has ce ping! But Gra the risk of anyone eavesdrop h!). (sh e her story that she’s sharing their love te croissants, Vietnamese cola Cho es sur plea lty gui cakes and cookies sandwiches and all types of pair got married, they’ve the e Sinc me oso Traveling Tw ce, es together, including Fran traveled to 11 different countri c. ubli Italy and the Dominican Rep n, not in a rush to have childre Baby Clock While they’re . nda Uga girl from they do sponsor one boy and to be able to take minilove e’d ”W be y’ll the rs in 10 yea for race car driving or sion pas retirements and pursue our rallying,” Grace says.

these two travel—a lot!

34 TheNest NestMag Mag 1 The 40

status Married March 30, 2013 Careers Chad is a digital media

producer, while Kerrisa is a full-time mom and food blogger.

Current Digs A 1,300-square-foot, threebedroom home How They Met In junior high, when they were both just 14. “Chad wrote me a love note and it was confiscated by the principal!”

They eventually split and moved on to different schools, but rekindled things nearly 10 years later when they were 23.

Young Love They were each others’ first kiss!

Guilty pleasures Kerrisa can’t get enoug h wine or donuts.

Chad is a huge fan of all things covered in gravy. nicknames She calls him pork chop; he calls her doll.

Date Night These newlyweds love watch ing comedies on the couch and planning themed dinner s.

Baby Clock The couple has a baby boy named Knox.

“He was seven months old when we tied the knot and he makes us laugh every single day,” she says.

Daring Diners They love visiting brewe ries and trying crazy foods like fried pig’s ears and choco latecovered bacon.

Talk it Out “We go to counseling together in order to make the best relationship even better,” Kerrisa says. pet peeves He hates when she gets out of the shower dripping wet and climbs back into bed. She hates when he answers a question with yet another question.

Relationship Mantra “We’re best friends and just genuinely love hanging out together,” she says.

In 10 Years “Our boy will be 11...whoa!”

their little guy, Knox

Shannon, 26, and T anner, 24

Nicole, 27, and Keith, 30

fo r t w o rth, tx

Los Angeles

eyard 19, 2013 at a California vin

er status Married Octob lege, Keith’s ole was finishing up col Nic ile Wh t Me y How The eered to help.

on campus and she volunt production was filming nt industry. work in the entertainme h bot Careers These two s great “It’ st. lici pub tion; she’s a He’s in television produc tands the ers und o wh e eon e to som to be able to come hom Nicole says. demands of the business,” becue and TV marathons bar at guilty pleasures Gre Cards, anyone?)

(Shark Tank or House of many from childhood.

Nicknames ”Keith has cool enough to mention!”

However, I don’t have any marriage Celebrating 10 years of In 10 Years they’ll Be r!). rrie more the me with a few children (the tends to be calm, cool th Kei t rac att opposites , well...isn’t. “Let’s just say and collected while Nicole says. it gets interesting!” she and two awesome nephews got y’ve baby clock The n. soo s very plan to give them cousin en the thly afraid of spiders (ev dea ’s She s ret sec use spo TV. on kes ’t even watch sna tiniest ones!), while he can excuse any and ing hik , y love rafting Great Outdoors The rts, so spo g yin pla up w gre h e bot to head to the beach. “W ole says.

Nic le,” er as much as possib we try to work out togeth of course. s, ean Orl w orite travel spot? Ne The Big Easy Their fav d there, Since Keith’s brother live s always “It’ they’ve visited often. the in e tak a great excuse to d— foo and e tur cul amazing ts and jambalaya, gumbo, beigne g!” lon hurricanes—all day

status Married December 10, 2011 careers Tanner is an environmental

health and safety engineer and Shannon is a high school family and consumer science teacher.

How They Met Over three years ago at a Casey Donahew Band concert current Digs A four-bedroom, 1,890-square-foot home in Fort Worth, Texas baby clock ”We plan to start within the next year or so. We want twins!” pet peeves Tanner’s always late, while Shannon’s always in a rush. unwind time They love traveling (especially Caribbean cruises and road trips to Austin or Texas Hill Country), dinner dates and spontaneous drives . hobbies Crafting, photography, cooking, baking and golfing puppy Love The couple gave Dixie, their Golden Retriever, a new sibling! Meg, a German shepherd mix, recently joined the family. spouse secrets Shannon knew they would get married on their first date, a Stoney LaRue concert. “He was just so sweet and caring. I had very specific requirements for my future husband, and he met each one!”

Guilty pleasures She’s a reality TV fanatic, while he loves Mexican food. relationship rule ”Don’t go to bed angry and always say ‘I love you’ before you leave.”

Their Relationship in two Words:

Fun and adventurous

[click]

his guilty meet pleasure their pup, Dixie!

Want to share your love story?

Send your infoto torealcouples@TheNest realcouples@thenest..com Send your info com

fall2014 2013 summer

2 35

healthy

trips for t wo

escapes

Looking for a getaway that offers more of a workout than walking from the pool to a lounge chair? Try one of these four active retreats. By Kristin Koch

the sweat-o-meter level 1 No sweat level 2 A trickle level 3 A stream level 4 A waterfall

rock on Hike the gorgeous red-tinged canyons in southwest Utah, or give rock climbing a try.

1

red mountain resort, ivins, UTAH

Whether you like to get your sweat on at the gym or in the great outdoors, you’ve got it made here. Surrounded by canyons and mountains, and an hour from Zion National Park, this outdoor playground offers hiking, biking, golf, climbing and indoor and outdoor pools.

At its state-of-the-art wellness center, choose from a huge assortment of fitness classes or sign up for personal training sessions. Just decide what your goal is and pick a package— choose from relaxation, detoxing, boot camp, romance and more. PS: You won’t go hungry thanks to the all-inclusive meals that taste way too good to be healthy, but are. cost Rooms from $200, RedMountainResort.com sweat-o-meter 3

2 paradise found

At Mexico’s Haramara Retreat, you can do sun salutations while gazing at the ocean.

We’ll “om” to that!

haramara retreat, riviera nayarit, mexico For mellow couples looking to chill their minds and get back on the wellness wagon, Haramara offers the perfect mix of sun, surfing, yoga and spa. Between the beautiful beaches and tropical jungles, it’s an ideal setting for kick-starting a health program or just unwinding. This tropical paradise also provides a great backdrop for a romantic getaway. Reconnect with your partner while cuddling up in one of the resort’s luxe

cabanas and watch the sun set as you enjoy delicious local and organic dishes. Plus, you can share plenty of new experiences: In addition to yoga and surfing classes, you can go on a sunset cruise, a snorkeling trip, a whale-watching excursion, a horseback riding trek or even try canopy zip-lining. cost Cabanas from $248, HaramaraRetreat.com sweat-o-meter 2 summer 2014

37

life grape expectations

3

Run past picturesque vineyards, then reward yourself with a tasting of some of Sonoma’s best vinos.

canyon ranch hotel & spa, miami beach, florida

If you’re not really looking to “work out” but don’t want a vacation that’ll make you feel completely lazy, this is the spot for you. Conveniently located just steps from the beach, shops and hottest restaurants and clubs, you can spend your days and nights doing whatever you please. There’s no pressure to break a sweat (though if you do want to work off some of those mai tais, you’ll have access to a top-notch fitness center and can sign up for a health and fitness evaluation). The key to this place is the food—whether you’re snacking by the pool, sharing a romantic dinner for two at its restaurant or taking advantage of room service with breakfast in bed, every meal cooked on site is low-cal, low-fat and full of nutrients. So even if you don’t typically like “healthy food,” you’ll love these options. cost Rooms from $365, CanyonRanch.com/miamibeach sweat-o-meter 1

miami (without) vice At Canyon Ranch,

you’ll get all the perks of a typical beach vacation—minus the weight gain.

38 The Nest Mag

4

wine country trekking, sonoma county, california

This is the trip for runners (and winos!). You’ll go on a five-day journey through beautiful wine country USA, where you’ll end impossibly scenic runs with tastings of some of the world’s best wines. Three of the days include 8 to 13 mile runs (there are less strenuous treks for novice and even non-runners). But we guarantee the

miles will fly by as you cover some of the most visually stunning grounds around. Plus, some pampering will help you get through it—you’ll stay at four plush inns along the way, where you can ease your sore muscles with an array of spa treatments. cost From $1,300 per person, plus wine tasting, WineCountryTrekking.com sweat-o-meter 4

click [ Find more adventurous travel ideas at TheNest .com ] summer 2014

39

life

deal w ith it

take back your

summer!

You envisioned beach days and long weekends—but your calendar is full of chores and events you’d rather not attend.

Here’s how to handle those pesky summer time-snatchers.

By Caitlin Moscatello

the culprit

a sorta-kinda friend’s wedding

the culprit

birthday parties…for one-year-olds

the fix Sure, you were close in college (remember crawling back to

the fix You couldn’t be happier for your pals who’ve taken the baby

the dorm together after doing all those shots?), but for the past few years, you’ve only spoken through your Facebook walls—not exactly the upper crust of social interaction. If you don’t see her being a part of your life going forward, decline and just send a gift. She might be relieved—especially if you were a courtesy invite (no offense).

plunge—you even dragged your hubby to their coed showers and acted interested in the latest breast pump design. (Oh yeah, that model’s so hot right now. Did I mention, we don’t have a baby?)

Thought you were off the hook? Think again! First birthdays are a big deal to parents; and yes, they expect you to join the celebration.

So show up just as the party starts, take a load of pictures and then sneak out after an hour or so (we guarantee they won’t notice).

Share the photos on Instagram, or email them to your friends the next day—it’ll confirm you went (and make you look way awesome).

the culprit

your “wtf’s a summer friday?” boss

the fix The thought of going into the office on a gorgeous July day

makes your stomach turn, while your boss can’t seem to get enough of the place. You’re trying to have a­—oh, what’s the word—life, and she’s scheduling meetings for Friday afternoons. You can’t tell her to take her strategy session and shove it, but you can ask to split up some vacation time into half days so you’re out of there after lunch. the culprit

your fixer-upper

the fix When you bought your home, you actually thought you’d

enjoy spending a happy afternoon painting the shutters. What you didn’t think about was how many days it would take to re-tile the bathroom or that wallpapering a hallway requires the patience of a Buddhist monk (hence the mark on the wall where you threw the glue brush). Reclaim your sunny Saturdays meant for fun, not labor, by only working on outdoor projects that need attention now.

the culprit

you chose your house. But in order to get the look and smell of freshly cut grass, you have to, well, cut the grass. And in case you didn’t get the memo, all that green stuff grows faster in warmer months, meaning you have some serious work ahead of you (fact: it takes about 45 minutes to mow an acre). Cut your mow time in half by swapping each week with your partner. Better yet, ask around to see if there’s a teenager with a summer side biz who’ll do it for you.

Whatever you do, don’t ignore your yard; your neighbors won’t appreciate you killing their curb appeal. You don’t want to be the bad seed on the block, now, do you? [n]

click 40 The Nest Mag

grass

the fix You love the idea of having a yard—it’s part of the reason

[­

­]

Make the most of your summer at TheNest.com

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life

your fave cheap date ideas money matters

Take it outside for summer fun that won’t take a bite out of your budget.

“We ride our bikes, have a small lunch or drinks, then keep on riding along the beach. It’s my favorite thing to do!”

-cloudymeatballs12

"Watching our local minor league baseball team play."

-missmarissa14

“Free plays and concerts by the symphony.”

“Going out for ice cream!”

-doeydo

“Hitting a local park or planting the garden together!”

-brenda l.

“Sitting on my stoop and drinking a campari and soda with my fiancé while people-watching.”

-littlemissnico

-erollis

"The zoo because it’s free, beautiful, well laid out and, well, free!”

“We like to have picnics in the park and walk along the river.”

-gillic

-disneygeek77

“going kayaking.”

-runnergirl86

42 The Nest Mag

click

Join the Nestie community at TheNest.com

­

Because after the wedding, you’ll be married.

The rules—and roles—of marriage have changed, and The Nest Newlywed Handbook is your road map to modern married life guiding you through the ins and outs of being a twosome. Based on the thousands of questions posted weekly on TheNest.com, this manual is filled with the secrets every couple needs to know from those who have lived through it. The easy, fun format includes: • Postwedding to-do lists • Money worksheets • Organizing checklists • In-law advice • Quizzes • Etiquette lessons The Nest Newlywed Handbook From Carley Roney and the Editors of TheNest.com Available wherever books are sold

• Modern rules of romance • Tips on décor and more!

This is the book every bride will need the day after the wedding ... and beyond.

life

furbaby 411

petiquette primer

Sure, you love your dog or cat, but make sure your pals don’t have a panic attack every time they ring your doorbell. By Jennifer Benjamin prep your guests

create a time-out zone

sidetrack your pet

Picture this situation: Your friend walks up to your front door, lifts her finger to ring the doorbell, and before she can even press the button, your 200-pound mastiff barrels his way down the hall straight toward her.

For a split second, she thinks that he actually could come right through the door and knock her completely off her feet.

While Fido’s greeting is perfectly normal to you, your guests will be taken off guard, so you’ll need to warn them ahead of time about your pet’s personality. Find out in advance if your friends are comfortable with an animal that loves to lick (er, kiss) or tends to bark at new people.

If your dog or cat is even the tiniest bit aggressive, fearful of strangers, or requires a lot of attention, don’t take any chances—put them in another room. You might feel sad that they’re missing out, but you’ll feel a whole lot worse if Frisky bites or scratches one of your guests. And if your friends’ kids are in tow? Fugghedaboudit.

To get your cat or dog used to their new “quiet time” area, confine them in there for an hour here and there in the days leading up to your party or event. Provide toys and water, and play with them a bit so it doesn’t seem like a punishment. Hey, your pet might even prefer this new spot.

A great bottle of pinot noir and stimulating conversation will keep your guests entertained, but it’s not so simple when it comes to pets. Your dog or cat has his own methods of entertainment and is most likely thinking, “Ooooh, some shiny patent leather shoes for me to chew on!” or, “Sniff, sniff—is that cheese?” or, “That lady looks really nice—I’m going to go lay my head in her crotch and stick my tail up her nose.”

That’s why you’ve got to give them toys that are way more exciting than all of the new people. For dogs, hold off on giving them dinner; instead, you can stuff chew toys like the Kong or Busy Buddy or even a hollowed-out

“ woof! I want a yummy rawhide treat now! but your friend’s new leather clutch looks tasty too...”

44 The Nest Mag

bone with some frozen kibble, peanut butter, or soft food. They’ll spend most of the night trying to dig their yummy treats out of their toys instead of harassing your guests.

As for cats, they’re usually not quite as social and may actually prefer to be away from all of the action. Take her into the bedroom, give her some catnip (if she’s into that), bring out toys that she only gets when guests are there, and turn on the TV.

be the enforcer Yeah, it’s real cute when your friend feeds your dog pieces of his filet mignon from the table. But it’s not so cute when, following the party, your pup goes all Oliver Twist on you, begging for food every time you sit down. Or your other friend might think it’s great to wrestle with your dog—then, two days later, while you’re doing a yoga DVD, Banjo decides it would be fun to jump on you and knock you over.

See, the “just this one time” concept is lost on your pooch. Once you start feeding them

from the table or letting them jump up, they think, “Aweeeeesome!” and it’ll take additional training to break the habit and get them back on track.

Still, you don’t want to alienate friends who are just trying to have fun. And you do want your pet to have some fun too. So give your guests specific things to do with your pet that won’t trigger any future bad behaviors.

For example, hint that the filet mignon stays on the table, but then hand guests some treats and have them practice a trick or two with your dog, whether it’s shake, roll over or turn in place (good doggie!). [n] Nestperts: Andrea Arden, pet expert and professional dog trainer; Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified animal behavior consultant and author of Think Like a Cat

down, daisy!

A hyperactive pet is a dinner-party buzzkill. Try these yap-reducers:

No-bark gadget

This small device emits a high-pitched sound (only audible to dogs) that stops the yapping at the push of a button.

Bark Genie handheld bark control, First Alert, $20, BedBath andBeyond.com Mellow-out shirt

Just put this shirt on your pooch and its gentle, soothing pressure will keep him calm.

Thundershirt, $45, BedBathand Beyond.com

43%

quiet-down collar

Developed by an animal trainer, this collar and training system corrects his bad behavior.

The Perfect Dog command collar, $20, BedBathand Beyond.com

have of Nesties ms le pet prob ds n when frie r come ove

cleaning house de-fuzz your couch

No matter how much your friends may enjoy coming over, if they have serious allergic reactions to dogs or cats, you’ll have to suck it up and meet at their place. For those who get itchy-eyed but are willing to brave it, remind them to bring allergy meds so they’re armed with antihistamine before they set foot through the front door. And remember to vacuum all your furniture and floors, which trap hair and dander.

mind the throne

You don’t want to deal with taking your dog out during a dinner party, nor do you want guests gagging in the bathroom from the smell of your litter box. If you have a dog, walk her before the get-together.

If you have a cat, clean out the litter box right before guests come, or consider using the self-cleaning ScoopFree litter box (from $130, BedBathandBeyond.com) that works by sensor.

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Get pet training advice and tips at TheNest.com summer 2014

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rock out

Find a summer music fest near you at Ticketmaster.com.

celebrate summer checklist

an’t think of anything new to do? We’ve got you covered with tons of activities that C make the most of the season, from beginning to end.

may 1 Stock up on beach reads like Save the Date, Jen Doll’s

july 4

Before taking in the fireworks with your crew, host a barbecue.

Go to TheNest.com for a smokin’ menu.

hilarious account of her experiences as a wedding guest.

3 Invite friends over to watch the Kentucky Derby and sip mint juleps. (We’ve got recipes at TheNest.com).

5

Yeah, it’s Monday, but you can still celebrate Cinco de Mayo with chips, pico de gallo and margaritas, si?

16 Scope out spidey-suited Andrew Garfield in The Amazing

12

It’s midsummer and department stores have slashed their swimwear prices. If you haven’t suited up yet, this is prime time to take advantage and buy that two-piece you’ve been eyeing.

14

On Bastille Day, soak in the French vibe at an outdoor café.

Order moules frites and a bottle of wine as you people-watch.

18

Get your Channing Tatum fix with a double feature: new action flick Jupiter Ascending and buddy-cop comedy 22 Jump Street.

Spider-Man 2. (It opens May 2, but you might want to wait ’til the superfan crowds die down.)

Have an afternoon get-together for National Ice Cream Day. 20

18 Challenge your spouse to a heated tennis match in honor

Play bocce and serve these delish ice cream sandwiches.

of USA Tennis Month. Find a court at USTA.com.

26

26 Score points with your in-laws and organize a family picnic at

june 1 It’s officially sandal season: Treat yourself to a spa pedicure in

august 3 In honor of Friendship Day, make a date to catch up

It’s Memorial Day, so finish off the long weekend with a ball game at your local stadium.

a hot color. We’re digging citrusy orange hues this year.

6 Get your cathartic cry on at The Fault in Our Stars, the new flick based on John Green’s best-selling tragic teen love story.

12 The FIFA World Cup starts! It may be a little late to try to

a nearby park or beach.

with your besties at your favorite decadent lunch spot.

(Champagne cocktails? Don’t mind if I do.)

12

Are the only stars you gaze at on TV? Head to a local stargazing spot to see the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.

15

Spend a weekend getaway together at a rustic lakeside cabin or a cute beach cottage. (Find your perfect spot at Airbnb.com.)

see a live match in Brazil, but that doesn’t mean you can’t root for Team USA from home or at a local sports bar.

21

Score tickets to a show at your fave outdoor venue—Lady Gaga, 17

Have you gone the whole summer without enjoying a deluxe brunch outdoors? Visit TheNest.com for morning meal ideas.

21 Finally! It’s the first day of summer, and it’s Saturday.

Fall’s almost here, so amp up your cool-weather wardrobe by hitting the mall. Donate anything you won’t wear again.

28 In honor of the Great American Backyard Campout, fire up your

Toast the end of summer by hosting a neighborhood clambake. (We’ve got the how-tos right here.)

Luke Bryan, Arcade Fire and Justin Timberlake are all on tour.

29

Did somebody say beach day?

grill to make s’mores and snuggle in a sleeping bag for two.

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