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winter

5 The Nest Notebook >

6 Your First Married Holidays > 8 What You Can Do (In a Minute) >

Tons of holiday decorating ideas

30 Yummy treats party guests will love

10 Real Couples > 12 Are You a Dirty Fighter? > 14 Q& A: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Girl to Do? > 16 California Cool > 22 Holiday Decorating Tips Under $10 > 28 Blender Girl > 30 10 Party Pleasers > 36 Chop, Chop! > 38 Cook This, in That > 44 Q& A: Get Ready for Holiday Guests Pronto > 46 Winter Escapes (Under $1,000) > 52 How to Be a Good Auntie or Uncle > 54 Checklists >

46 Trips youâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ve got to take this winter

Photo Credits: cover: Mark Lund, prop styling by Alexis Givens; p. 3: living room: Ellen Silverman, shelves: Mark Lund, money jar, boxes: Shutterstock; p. 5: tree: Kelly Moore Clark; presents: minted.com; p. 6: Getty Images; p. 11: football, strawberries: Shutterstock; p. 12: Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images; p. 15: phone: Shutterstock, party: Alexandra Rowley; pp. 16-20: David Tsay, prop styling by Shannon Ray for Aubri Balk, fashion styling by Lisa Moir for Artist Untied, hair and makeup by Yvette Swallow for Aubri Balk; pp. 22-26: Mark Lund, prop styling by Alexis Givens; p. 28: Susan Sitt; pp. 30-35: Yunhee Kim, food styling by Stephana Bottom, prop styling by Alexis Givens; pp. 36-37: Antonis Achilleos, prop styling by Ariana Salvato, food styling by Suzette Kaminski; pp. 38-43: Tara Donne, food styling by Maggie Ruggiero, prop styling by Kim Ficaro; p. 44: Anita Calero, food styling by Roscoe Betsill, prop styling by Elizabeth Press; p. 45: clockwise from top right: Nicole Hill Gerulat (2), Antonis Achilleos; pp. 46-47: Getty Images; p. 48: Thinkstock; p. 49: Getty Images; p. 50: Shutterstock; p. 51: Thinkstock; p. 52: baby: Alamy, diapers: Shutterstock, food: Antonis Achilleos

2 The Nest Mag

resources home tours

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organizing

Feeling nosy? See how other couples live—and steal ideas for your pad >>

Put away extra cash for your summer vacay! Get secrets for saving $1,000 >>

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decorating

recipes

home buying

Reinvent your space over the weekend! We deliver 36 DIY decorating tips that work >>

Always ordering in? Get better-than-takeout meal ideas for busy nights >>

Find out what it’s really like to buy your own place from first-time homeowners >>

cofounder Carley Roney, @carleyroney editor in Chief Rebecca Dolgin, @rebdolgin MANAGING EDITOR Kellee Kratzer, @kelleekratzer

Editorial + Art

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Alexis Givens Rachel Sylvester, @rachelsylves Lauren Daniels, @laurenddaniels Maria Bouselli, @mariacb88 Kristin Giametta, @kristingiametta Shana Sobel Alice Stevens, @alicerstevens Ashley Castro, @ashleycastro27 Gabriella Baetti, @gsbaetti

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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

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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 26. Copyright © 2013 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.

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Search for savory dinners, sweet desserts and tasty cocktails what’s hot around the web at TheNest . com/recipes The Shop That Channels Your Inner Wes Anderson from POPSUGAR HOME

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4 The Nest Mag

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COMMUNITY relationship advice money matters share recipes discuss current events meet local newlyweds make a countdown ticker see all chat boards ANNIVERSARY IDEAS first anniversary second anniversary third anniversary fourth anniversary fifth anniversary

get inspired!

notebook â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s What New Yearyou resolution do our secretly wish y er significant oth would make?

glam tree Kelly Moore Clark, blogger and owner of KellyMooreBag.com, made this glittering creation from branches in her backyard that she spray painted white. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing what a little creativity and a few cans of spray paint can do!

To cut his hair. SAR19

to Be more dedicated t paying off his studen loan debt. ALYSSAAMES

any To stop playing so m up t video games! To ge not ld or w e and explore th ! ld or just the virtual w RAYSTEPH814

wow-worthy wrapping present perfection This custom gift wrap is sure to make even the grinchiest-grinch smile on Christmas morning. $3 per sheet, Minted.com [n]

add your own photos and text click [ Get more wrapping ideas at TheNest .com ] winter 2013

love

u s yo

t s r i f r you olidays h d e i marr 10 t

one s no hing

tell

on you ay seas shared the d li o h arried ou’ve t e first m ent—even if y organ Shot h T : g M in r h r e t f e dif ath the Here’s ether really is ’s how. By He g e r o t e te .H celebra ies for years it iv t s fe

6 The Nest Mag

You won’t go hungry; everyone has been spending the day cooking, so you’ll feel obligated to indulge everywhere you go. “I couldn’t believe how full I was by the end of the day! We had to go to parties at both my parents’ house and his parents’ house to make everyone happy.” Tiffany F.

Your husband, not you, may buy your sister’s present; you’re not two

separate families anymore, so divvy up that to-do list. “He bought at least half of the Christmas presents we had on our list— even the ones for my family.” Erin B.

}

You may end up doing most of the work (at least this year). “My husband was utterly clueless about how much work goes into wrapping gifts and cooking.” carole s.

Splitting the holidays between two families? It’s probably time to sharpen those negotiating skills. “I was surprised how both sets of parents were so unwilling to share us with the new in-laws. It was a calculated battle so that the divided hours were considered ‘fair.’” ann s.

8 You may learn something new, like she (or he) is obsessed with holiday greetings. “Creating the perfect Christmas card is a full-time project.

You might be on the receiving end of some unexpected (and unwanted) gifts. “My mother-in-law gave me a toilet brush and plunger, along with a furry toilet seat cover!” debora w.

The things that you miss may surprise you. “I was apparently attached to the way my family opens gifts—all at the same time, so it’s noisy and fun. His family goes around in a circle and opens each gift one-by-one while everyone else watches. It’s so much pressure!” Poppy S.

6 You’ll most likely see a new side of his (or her) family. “For the first time, I saw people in his family have the kind of drunken conflicts that only come up during the holidays! Erin M.

Matt R.

Sure, the holidays are a happy time—but that doesn’t mean you’ll be full of Christmas cheer. “I thought it would be no big deal to go to his parents’ house instead of my parents’ house for Christmas, but I felt a little sad being away from the home that I’ve always associated with the holiday.” Elena M.

Experiencing new traditions could feel awkward. “My family is very laid-back—we open presents in our pajamas and lounge around watching movies and eating takeout. Hers is very strict about traditions—they have a formal dinner and always go to church. It was a culture shock for me the first time I experienced the holidays at my in-laws.” Jason O. [n]

click [ Find ways to avoid holiday drama at TheNest .com ] winter 2013

love

turn off the tap when you brush your teeth

what you

drop off a delicious hot meal for an elderly neighbor

go online and donate to your favorite cause

can

(in a minute)

The Arinella sisters chat about combining family and business for the greater good. By Alexis Givens

shop locally owned businesses and let your community shine

turn down the heat in your home one degree

8 The Nest Mag

Jessica and Alicia Arinella are sisters on a mission. These dynamic gals started What You Can Do (WYCD) to teach people how to change the world one minute at a time. Together, they’ve partnered with nearly 100 nonprofit organizations to highlight the power of collective change. We chatted with these hardworking ladies to find out more about saving the world, working together and putting family first.

Q What is WYCD? jessica What You Can Do is a web

and television series that shows people how to help with the world’s most pressing environmental and social concerns in just one minute. Q Why did you start it? jessica I created WYCD as a response

to our mother’s death from cancer. For me, losing her was a profoundly shattering experience and I found myself recalibrating my place in the world. I was just so tired of feeling powerless. alicia When Jess approached me with this project, I thought it was a great way to get out and combine the two passions in my life— film and social good.

Q What’s the best thing about working with family? jessica Realizing the respect and

Q What does family mean to you? jessica Family and friends really are the

admiration I have for them. It’s so lovely to see people you love shine, and watching their creativity, talent and ingenuity makes me proud every day. alicia The fantastic thing about working together is we have a reference for what we’re talking about. We bounce ideas off each other all the time, even when we’re not in the office. Having this ability to communicate so well makes everything flow more smoothly, allows us to finish ahead of schedule and save money. Can you tell I’m the producer and she’s the creator?

most important thing in my life—thankfully, my sister and I are both. alicia It’s hard to define, but in the simplest terms it’s everything. They have always been my best friends, my colleagues, my confidantes and my support. I would be lost without them. We’ve been through a lot together over the years—a lot of heartache, and a lot of success. I’m grateful to them in ways I could never express.

Q What’s the worst thing about working with family? jessica Sometimes it’s hard working with

people who know you so well as they know when you can do better or when you aren’t giving it your all. There’s no hiding! alicia I hate it when she calls me out on my (to say the PC word) stuff. Sometimes, it’s not fun being the little sister. She knows when I’m throwing a temper tantrum. Q What does a normal day at WYCD look like? jessica It really depends on the day.

Some days we’re planning a campaign with an amazing nonprofit organization we partner with, while other days we’re filming new videos or are busy creating new challenges to highlight the impact of collective change. alicia Lots of emails and phone calls. I’m usually coordinating everyone. It’s a constantly evolving project, which makes it fun. You have a rough outline for each day, but nothing set in stone. It keeps us on our toes, which helps creatively. Q If you had a nickname at work, what would it be? jessica The worrier. alicia The overachiever.

Tell someone else that they really can make a difference in one minute.”

Q How much time do you really spend together? jessica When we’re mid-production, we

can be working 18 hours a day together, and then get dinner afterwards. alicia Not only do we work together, we live less than 10 blocks apart. We take care of each other’s pets; we go to dinners, movies and plays together. We share vacations, so yeah—it adds up to a lot of time. And then, we talk on the phone at least once a day and text every five minutes.

Q What is your favorite WYCD? jessica It’s hard to pick, but I really

love our “Click for your Mama” video that we did to raise 500 free mammograms to help women in need through TheBreastCancerSite.com. It was one of those magical moments where everything came together. alicia We got to work with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Michael J. Fox himself holds a lot of special meaning for me, and oddly connects me to our mother. She and I sat in the movie theater watching Back to the Future 13 times. Getting to promote this organization, in an odd way, has allowed me to work on something with our mom. Q What is the future of WYCD? jessica We’ve got lots of projects in

the works. Next spring, we’ll partner with Rachel’s Challenge, the organization inspired by Columbine victim Rachel Joy Scott, to create our third annual kindness campaign. On a large scale, I would love to see WYCD become a long-format TV show. We would always keep the one-minute action alive, but I would love to expand it and show people how much we could do with an hour, a week or a year! alicia I would love for more people to know about the project. I want it to start a one-minute movement—for the term to become a household name. I want people to know that collectively our one-minute actions can put a dent in issues. Q If people have just one minute, what should they do? jessica Join us at WhatYouCanDo

.com , or find us on Facebook . com / whatyoucando , or follow us on Twitter @whatyoucando. alicia Tell someone else that they really can make a difference in just one minute, and that they can find out ideas on how to help by simply visiting our website and social media pages. [n]

click [ Learn how to deal with family matters at TheNest .com ] winter 2013

love

real couples

Sneak a peek at the lives of these lovebirds. By Rachel Sylvester

Leigh, 24, and Nathan, 25 Ho lt, Mi

Sharon, 28, and Nick, 28 St. ch ar les , Il

status Married August 3, 2013

Careers Nathan’s a certified public accountant; Leigh has

a (super-sweet) gig as a freelance cake designer.

How They Met They dated for nine years, but their beginning is

Stat us Married July 5, 2013 g their senior year of high How They Met One day durin ones left at their lockers last school, when they were the food and cold beer good m, crea Ice Guil ty Plea sure s kids’ soccer and our g chin “Coa Be ’ll They s In 10 Year hosting annual and les basketball teams, living in St. Char e working whil All ds. frien dinner parties for family and .” kfast brea at our own bed-andRela tion ship rule

“Communication is key.” Dog Hou se The newest member of their family? A blue Great Dane puppy named Clyde (aww...) Cou ples Retr eat They’ll soon travel to Hawaii to spend their November honeymoon in Maui. Car eers He’s a beer salesman; she’s a senior wedding specialist. Hobb ies They both keep busy with frisbee golf, weekend flea market hunts and some fun road trips: “We check out restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives wherever we go!” Spou se Secr ets They’re fans of The Bachelor/ Bachelorette!

10 The Nest Mag

unclear: “We can’t remember because it’s been so long! We met in elementary school and grew up in the same neighborhood.” Unwind Time The two spend time relaxing with homemade dinners, movie nights and, of course, wine. Pets The newlyweds have a mini Goldendoodle named Pippa. Relatio nship Rule “No rules—just love!” Pet Peeves She’s stubborn. And instead of being early, he’s always right on time. Spouse secrets Nate hasn’t gone without coffee in three years. Leigh’s guilty of the same thing—but with chocolate. Baby Clock No new family additions for the next couple of years Guilty pleasur es Leigh loves trashy television and sweets, while Nathan’s a fan of the occasional stogie. In 10 Years They’ll Be “Settled into our home with our kids and our dogs” Hobbies They unwind by cooking together, reading and walking their pup. Fantasy Splurge Not buying—but rather building—their own home

she’s a pro at baking wedding cakes

Stephanie, 28, and Justin, 27

Alicia, 25, and Keith, 31

bangor,

chicago heights, il

July 20, 2013 st at us Married y own a ntl rre cu ey Th Dig s ee-bedroom, 1,015-square-foot thr . me ho one-bathroom Fried Oreo es ur as Ple Gu ilt y te-covered sundaes and chocola strawberries a paralegal; Ca re er s Alicia is loader. ad lro rai a is Keith ts to their ren pa re ey’ Th ts Pe hire rks Pit Bull, Gotti, and Yo Terrier, Kyiah. busy on his Ho bb ies He keeps ’s a huge fan she ile wh le, cyc motor me. of decorating their ho was a family ith Ke t Ho w th ey Me met and o tw se the friend when rs ago. began dating four yea e’re just like big Kid s at He ar t “W ether. We’re tog kids when we’re .” ne could ask for the best friends anyo gry!” “Never go to sleep an le Ru hip Re la tio ns cause he’s be s on ati ers nv co ’t finish Pe t Pe ev es He can tting when mi ad e She has a hard tim always busy texting. an argument. she’s wrong during closing the cia fesses up to not Ali ts re Sp ou se Sec rs. de spi of aid afr is Keith bathroom door and rried with children ma y) pil ap (H be ’ll In 10 Ye ar s Th ey they can travel e A timeshare, so Fa nt as y Sp lu rg ver whenever, where the little things— Un wi nd Tim e It’s ir favorite like catching up on the er. shows togeth

their favorite indulgence!

stat us Married May 25, 2013 Digs A 2,300-square-foot four-

bedroom home that dates back to 1910, and a second home in South Carolina. Car eers She’s a full-time blog ger; he’s an engineer at a Fortune 500 com pany. Baby Cloc k “For now, we’re sticking with the ‘practice makes perfect’ plan.” Mar riag e man tra “We’re a team. We have to remind each other of that sometimes, but it’s very important that we support each other wholeheartedly.” Pet Peev es Justin hums anno ying songs that get stuck in her head; Stephani e steals his bathroom towel when he’s not looking. Sou ther n hos pita lity Betw een fried food, college football, monograms and seersucker, these two are huge fans of all things Southern (including bourbon! ). New Kids on The Bloc k Afte r spending a two-week honeymoon in Anguilla, the newlywe ds made a last-minute move from South Carolina to Maine for Justin’s job. Foo d Fana tics From cozy Italian restaurants to biker bars known for their wings, these two love dining at new spots. Pets Macie, a four-year-old lab/Boxer mix

these two are die-hard clemson football fans

In 10 Year s They ’ll Be

“Honestly, who knows? We’ll hopefully have a family, each other and our sense of humor.” [n]

[click]

Want to share your love story? Send your info to realcouples@TheNest . com winter 2013

love

Bet you didn’t know this, but the way you two bicker reveals a ton about your relationship. Take our quiz to discover your fight style, then learn how to duke it out in a healthier way. By Hallie Goodman

You get a little windfall from your tax return (hallelujah!). You’re thinking Paris; he’s thinking a massive flat screen TV. You say: a “Um, I guess a better view of Family Guy trumps the view from the Eiffel Tower. Don’t you think?” b “I’ve only been dreaming of Paris since I was a little girl, but whatever. I love TV. I watch it like once a year. So yay!” c “This is even worse than that time three years ago when you totally screwed up my special birthday dinner for 20.” d “You always ruin everything! We never ever do anything fun!” (Repeat multiple times at top volume until hoarse.)

He’s a complete neat freak. You, not so much. He jokes that when he imagined his dream girl, she

12 The Nest Mag

didn’t come with that Mount Everest pile of clothes on the floor. You: a Feel your neck getting prickly and hot as you fake-laugh off his insult. b Slowly clean up, letting out a dramatic sigh approximately every 20 seconds. c Bring him to the garage to point out the gigantic mess that he made in there. d Give him the number of a cleaning woman who you “think is desperate and single.” Then throw the entire contents of your wardrobe on the floor.

Although you’ve logged lots of hours with his family, you can’t remember the last time he spent any quality time with yours. You: a Don’t press it. No point to make him mad. Silence is golden. b Say, “My sisters keep asking me why you

don’t like them. Isn’t that weird?”

c Tell him, “Darn—I can’t attend that important party with your family after all.” d Start crying until he feels like crap.

The two of you see his very pretty coworker at a bar. He’d say he was friendly; you’d say flirty. At home, you: a Whisper “nothing” each of the 10 times he asks you what’s wrong. b Say, “So…you seemed pretty excited to see that one. Has she gained weight?” c Force him to dissect every word of their brief but highly annoying exchange (like, “Great to see you. Great to see you? What does that mean?!”). d Throw his pillow on the sofa and slam your bedroom door shut. You’re infuriated and ready to brawl.

You get a haircut, and when he sees it, he doesn’t say squat. You: a Stay mum but assume he hates it. b Casually mention that everyone at work just loved your brand-new ’do. c Vow not to compliment him the next time he makes an effort to dress up. d Grab some scissors and threaten to hack it all off. That’ll get his attention!

You both want to see a movie. He suggests catching an educational documentary; you just want to turn your brain off after a long week. You: a Sit on edge through the documentary and come out completely stressed. b Say, “Fine. I mean, what’s more relaxing than a film about Darfur?” c Rattle off every movie he’s ever made

dirty key

you sit through. Then, tell him he owes you those hours of your life back. d Stomp away to the bedroom and start blasting music so he can’t hear the TV.

While you’re spring cleaning (er, snooping), you find a shoe box full of his mementos. Love letters, pictures of exes, the works. You: a Put everything neatly back where you found it and quietly seethe. b Say, “Hon, maybe you should keep your secret love box somewhere safer than the closet. I’d just hate if something were to accidentally happen to it.” c Say, “Remember when I wanted us to celebrate our first-month anniversary, and you said you weren’t a sentimental kind of guy? Now I have proof that you lied.”

= mildly dirty

the avoider

Silent but deadly, you’ll do nearly anything to sidestep a conflict, even if it means negating your own feelings. Call in the Ref News flash: When you say nothing is wrong, you’re giving your partner permission to assume that—you guessed it—nothing is wrong. Sure, being honest about what you want can be a risk. But it’s a lot smaller than you think. If he hurt your feelings, drop a hint. No relationship is perfect, and the sooner you own up to that, the faster you’ll be making up.

mostly Bs

the passive aggressive

You come at everything sideways and avoid taking ownership of the things you “sorta say” through innuendo or a thinly veiled joke. It’s just easier that way.

He went out with the guys Thursday night and gets home at the crack of dawn. You: a Wait up all night and then pretend to be asleep when he stumbles into bed. b Say, “What’s important is that you had a good time with the boys. I love waiting at home for you. No, seriously, I’m just fine with getting three hours of sleep.” c Go out the next night wearing your most scandalous dress. Tell him not to wait up because you are hitting the town. d Flip on the lights and curse him out until it’s time to get ready for work. There will be no sleeping until this fight is done and rehashed several times.

= super-dirty

Call in the Ref Being a passive-aggressive

mostly As

d Do your duty to the environment— toss it all in the recycling bin. Oops.

fighter is a lose-lose tactic. Half the time, your partner doesn’t catch on to your sarcasm, and the other half, you seem bitter. Test the waters by bringing up something he does that bugs you—in a nonaccusatory way. Chances are good that he’ll be responsive—if he’s not, then it’s time to examine the relationship.

mostly Cs

the scorekeeper

In your mind, a fight is never truly over. No detail is too insignificant (or too far in the past) for you to mentally file it away for future ammunition. Call in the Ref Keeping score constantly is all about trying to win—and not really about solving anything. But good relationships are based on lots of compromise, not titfor-tat. If your spouse points out that you made a crazy mess, maybe you did! Suck it up and clean it up. Better yet, say, “You’re

right—can you help me? It’ll make things go so much faster.”

mostly Ds

the escalator

When you see red, he better run for cover. A fight with you means a full-volume freakfest, and there’s never any telling how far you’ll take it. To you, your dramatic antics prove how upset you are. How else will you get him to pay attention? Call in the Ref Your flare-ups tend to be so unpredictable, you’re virtually begging your partner to bury his own anger and become an avoider. But it’s not too late to turn this car around. The key is to delay your explosions. The next time you fight, take an hour-long walk. Once you’ve gotten a little more oxygen flow to your brain, you can approach the topic logically (like, “Okay, maybe he doesn’t want another wife… he just said my closet was messy and I can deal with that.”). [n]

click [ Get more relationship advice from TheNest .com ] Winter 2013

love

what’s a girl to do?

Constant baby nagging, trips without your spouse, dealing with in-laws who won’t stop calling and more.

P eople keep pressuring us about when we’re going to have a baby, and we’re sick of it. What’s the right thing to say back? Fl4lovers When will people realize that this is akin to asking someone when they’ll lose 20 pounds? Deciding whether or not to bring another life into the world is one of the most important—and private—choices that a couple can make. To respond, think short and sweet: “If and when we’re ever pregnant, you’ll be the first to know. Until then, we don’t have much to say on the topic.” Case closed, baby.

tickety tock— is it baby time?

I want to take a trip without my spouse and am feeling guilty. Should I go? Cricket088 First things first: Why are you feeling guilty? Is it because you wouldn’t want him taking a similar trip? Do you suspect he wouldn’t approve of your plans? If the answer is yes, it’s time to rethink your trip. But if you’re just feeling guilty because someone told you newlyweds don’t take solo trips, you feel bad about leaving him or you don’t want to take more than your share of the money pie, then you should let yourself off the hook. You deserve a break! If he’s fine with it, you should be too.

I think it’s healthy for couples to spend some time apart. Absence makes the heart grow fonder! firsttymom 14 The Nest Mag

My husband’s mom calls him all the time (ugh!). How can I get her to stop bugging us? JESS295

For every chit, there’s a chat. In short, your husband does deserve half of the blame. Carve out times that you’ll pledge to send all your calls straight to voicemail. Your guy shouldn’t divulge the details to his mom; he should just return her calls after the “time-out” (she’ll live). You’ll reclaim some precious QT as a couple.

1 1 : 07 rsday 19

December, Thu

12 Missed Calls

MOM

just found out i’m pregnant and i want to share the news with my family. any ideas? anna2029

it’s time for mom to go straight to voicemail

loc k > slid e to un

there’s a bun in the oven!

Well, you definitely came to the right place! Nestie moms-to-be are great at coming up with fun, unique ways to announce the news. Whether they present their parents with a framed print of their ultrasound, casually ask them if they have plans for the due date or email them a digital photo of their positive home pregnancy test, they always manage to give it their own unique spin. For ideas galore, go to TheBump.com . [n]

Every time our friend drives home from one of our parties, she leaves drunk. Do we say something? Yes! It’s completely unacceptable to let friends leave sloshed, no matter what the circumstances. The only way to break the habit is to acknowledge it. Next time you throw a party, shoot them an email or text beforehand saying you’d be happy to have them stay in your guest room so they don’t hit the road after having a few too many. They should get the hint. Or you could also have the numbers of a local cab company on hand and mention it when inviting people, so no one feels singled out at the end of the night. Say, “Transportation will be available for anyone who wants to go a little crazy.” If you don’t want the hassle, only invite that couple for daytime events so you can actually enjoy your party. It’s not your job to play babysitter.

click [ Get answers to your burning questions at TheNest .com ] winter 2013

california ope n house

cool

Business and pleasure really do mix in a Northern California home with a fresh take on modern meets traditional. By Alexis Givens

16 The Nest Mag

chrissy + matt

layered frames let you swap out art on a whim

chrissy’s gallery wall the happy couple met in a bar The couple It’s been a very busy couple of years for Chrissy and Matt. They met in New York City after college and their love story took them on an adventure that led them back to the Bay Area where they were both born and raised. Life and work collided in 2011 when they bought their 1920s house in Piedmont, California. After trying to get some art framed for their new digs, they realized it was outrageously expensive and pretty complicated. With Chrissy’s art background and Matt’s business acumen, they came up with an idea; they set out to make online framing both affordable and user-friendly by creating an e-commerce site. As a result, framed & matted (FramedandMatted.com) was born. With the business up and running, these overachievers started decorating.

“Hanging frames from the floor to the ceiling in a grid will draw your eye up and make the space feel larger. We placed family pics in large white mats to create a big impact with small images.”

their style As self-proclaimed homebodies, this Cali couple wanted to create a welcoming and comfortable space to casually entertain friends and family. The design process began by scouring the Internet for inspiring rooms. Chrissy took the lead and Matt played what he calls “a pretty big supporting role.” Armed with images of rooms they loved, they invested in neutral furniture pieces that will stand the test of time. Bold colors and graphic patterns are played up in the accessories, allowing them to switch out pieces and color palettes as the house evolves. Fearing the allure of matchymatchy rooms, the house is a constant work in progress. Their rules are buy one piece at a time (no shopping sprees), purchase items you really, really love and make sure the price is right. > winter 2013

living

19th-century Audobon prints play against the office blue

play with scale

Large artwork can transform a space. These traditional Audobon bird prints look ultra-modern when paired together over Chrissy’s desk.

color courage The office was originally a guest bedroom, so Chrissy and Matt figured if they didn’t like the bold blue paint, they wouldn’t have to see it much. Fast-forward and the guest bedroom is now Chrissy’s office and the blue has become her bestie. When they stole the oversized Audobon bird prints from the living room and put them above the desk, the office instantly came together. To keep the peace, she uses the desk and he works in the dining room.

18 The Nest Mag

neutral + color The gray wall in Chrissy and Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s master bedroom serves as the calm in a sea of patterned bedding in bright yellows and corals. But their commitment level to color in the room is low. Changing the bedroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s palette is as easy as switching out the bedding and accessories. The upholstered headboard serves as a cozy place to lean back and read a book, or, in their case, pull out the laptop and work on their budding business. >

sheets are a quick way to experiment with pattern and color

winter 2013

living

a powder room with a healthy dose of flower power

set the scene Small spaces make it easy to play with pattern. The floral powder room (their first project in the house) pops against the neutral vibe of the entryway. Playful touches like a bright orange mirror, a retro butterfly stool and a mod graphic rug set the tone for the rest of the home as soon as you walk in the front door. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all in choosing the right mix of pieces you love. [n]

20 The Nest Mag

click [ Check out other stylish homes at TheNest .com ]

nothing your

under

tree

yet?

get great

r u o gift ideas y n e v e for everyone at laws thenest . com / holidays

in-

living

holiday tips & tricks

decorating tips under $10 38 easy (and cheap) tips, tricks and DIY projects to holiday-up your home. By Alexis Givens

1â&#x20AC;&#x160;

merry & bright Turn a stemmed glass over and use it as a votive holder. The base becomes a terrarium perfect for holiday scenes.

2 trim on a whim Use double-sided tape and ribbon to embellish a lampshade or shelf. 3 love notes Write personal notes to your dinner guests and place them in a small wrapped box on their dinner plate (doubleduty decoration and holiday-love fest). 4 let there be light Wrap Christmas lights around cylinder vases and group a bunch together on a sideboard. 5 post-it panache Use lots of sticky notes to make wreath or tree shapes on anything from the fridge to a wall. 6 foolproof fruit Fresh cranberries spruce up any table, whether theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re floating in a vase or decorating a serving plate.

22 The Nest Mag

deck the walls Experiment with different fonts and print out holiday sayings in colors that match your dĂŠcor. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a gorgeous holiday gallery in a jiffy. >

winter 2013

living

9 polished perfection Raid your nail polish stash and decorate inexpensive bulbs. Simply put a glob of polish on top and let it drip, drip, drip. 10 candy crush Smash candy canes and use frosting to stick the minty pieces to the rim of hot chocolate mugs or fancyschmancy holiday drinks. 11 paper presentation A roll of brown kraft paper can go a long way: Wrap gifts, cut out place mats, make a table runner, stamp it with white paint—be creative! 12 simple gifts Dip candy canes or cookies in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles for an easy-peasy gift.

blingy bulbs Glue beads or place stickers in graphic patterns on ordinary bulbs to give them a wow-factor. Wispy Willow pre-lit slim tree, $225, National Tree Co., Wayfair.com

13 plant revamp Use painter’s tape to make stripes on a terra-cotta pot, then spray paint. When dry, remove the tape, and voila— instant holiday upgrade for your plants. 14 star power Tape a star-shaped collage of family photos on the wall. Use double-stick tape or add some style with washi tape. 15 chair flair Dress up the back of dining chairs with ribbon. It’s as easy as tying a bow. 16 punch drunk Get a paper punch and use all your wrapping paper scraps to make confetti. Add it to your holiday cards or throw it at your New Year’s Eve bash. 17 pretty paint Spray paint mismatched ornaments in a mod color palette.

24 The Nest Mag

hello bow Bows made from wrapping paper are super-sweet additions to any gift. Everybody will “ooh” and “aah.”

chocolate cheer Make your own chocolate bar labels with wrapping paper or a personalized message.

20 wild & woolly A fuzzy ball of yarn can be a multitasker. Wrap it around vases, make pom poms, use it instead of ribbon on gifts, tie it on wineglass stems or hang ornaments and stockings.

22 fancy folds Google some origami holiday decorations and get folding. Use anything from wrapping paper to junk mail to create ornaments, table decorations and gift tags. You might have just found a new hobby.

21 holiday hijinks Wrap a switch plate cover with wrapping paper (you can even add a bow) for a quirky take on decking the halls.

23 jolly jars Clean out a glass jar, remove the label and spray paint the top. Fill with cookies, candy or small wrapped gifts.

24 nature’s bounty Gather branches, leaves, pinecones and acorns and give them a makeover with spray paint and glitter. It’s an easy way to add a wintery feel to a holiday table, make inexpensive ornaments or create embellishments to tie on your gifts. Be sure to bring your finds inside a day or two before you paint them so they’re completely dry and easy to paint. >

winter 2013

living

26 dangling décor Ornaments appear to be floating when hung from a window or ceiling with fishing line.

31 baby face Use picture frames instead of place cards at your holiday table. Baby photos are amazing conversation starters.

35 fa la la la food Line jewelry boxes with wax paper and serve desserts or appetizers right in the box.

27 cookie craving When you’re done baking, hang cookie cutters from ribbon and use them as ornaments or garland.

32 holey plates Paper plates get a new life when you punch holes around the perimeter and weave ribbon around the edges. They’re the perfect no-cleanup appetizer plates.

36 back to school Relive your days as a first grader and cut out paper snowflakes to hang in your windows. Try patterned papers for extra effect.

33 low-maintenance tree Make a 3-D Christmas tree out of wrapped gift or jewelry boxes. Just stack boxes in a pyramid shape for a quick paper tree, no watering required.

37 cheery cabinets If you have glassfront cabinets, hang wrapping paper on the inside against the panes to add instant holiday chutzpah.

34 frostbite Spritz the bottom of a glass vase with white spray paint to give it a frosty look. Great for centerpieces and votives that look like they have a dusting of fresh snow.

38 toy joy Inexpensive toys and figurines make great decorations. Spray paint plastic polar bears (ribbon bow tie please!) or glitter train cars for your mantel or holiday table. [n]

28 dessert drama Turn a jar or vase upside down and balance a plate on top for an instant cake or pie stand. 29 happy hanukkah Celebrate the festival of lights by making a menorah out of mismatched candlesticks and votives. 30 ribbon overload Tie ribbons on doorknobs, cabinets, everything!

winter wonderland Steal from your pantry and use sugar or flour as faux snow in vases. Shredded cotton balls work too. Let it snow!

special thanks to Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores for providing fabric, ribbon and craft supplies. joann.com

click [ Find more holiday décor ideas at TheNest .com ] 26 The Nest Mag

ready to nest? click to buy now! Stressed over decorating? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be! With tons of photos and how-tos, The Nest Home Design Handbook will help you: Kill the clutter

Make a small space look bigger

Hang pictures properly

Choose the right paint color

Blend his and her furniture

Design like a pro

[

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 fall 2013 6

living

r e d n ble

regis

try t

o rea

l l if e

girl

othies, t for smo ecipes s ju s a w R r yBlender e blende ought th asters of Health xis Givens h t u o y If le in. Tess M ves. By A think aga s some of her fa re .com sha

tessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new cookbook, the blender girl, is out in april

28 The Nest Mag

creamy roasted butternut squash soup ingredients serves 8

2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed 2 medium carrots, chopped (about 2 cups) 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered (about 1 cup) 1 head of garlic, peeled 4 Tbl. extra-virgin olive oil Celtic sea salt or Himalayan salt 8 cups vegetable broth 1 bunch cilantro, reserve the stems and finely chop the leaves ⅛ cup coconut milk (optional) 2 tsp. fresh ginger, minced

directions

1 Preheat oven to 350°F. 2 Place the squash, carrots, onion and garlic in baking dish with olive oil and a touch of Celtic sea salt. 3 Roast vegetables for 1 hour until tender. In the meantime, heat the broth. 4 Place the cilantro stems in a large saucepan and cover with the hot broth. Allow it to steep while the vegetables roast. 5 Add the roasted vegetables to the saucepan. 6 Add the minced ginger and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, add the coconut milk

and then let cool. 7 Remove the cilantro stems and blend the soup in batches in your blender until thick and creamy, which will be 1 to 2 minutes depending on the power of your blender. 8 Season with salt. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

more blenderrific recipes

sun-dried tomato & red pepper no-bean hummus

homemade asian salad dressing

mexican tomatillo sauce

ingredients

serves 6 to 8

1 cup zucchini, peeled and chopped 1 cup red bell pepper, seeded and chopped ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes 1–1½ Tbl. garlic, finely chopped ½ cup raw tahini ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 Tbl. cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp. Celtic sea salt or Himalayan salt ¼ tsp. paprika (optional) ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional) Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.

1 red chilli, seeded and finely chopped 1 handful cilantro, finely chopped ¼ cup lime juice 2 Tbl. filtered water 1 Tbl. coconut sugar 1 Tbl. fish sauce 1 tsp. wheat-free tamari

10 medium tomatillos (about 1 pound), husked, rinsed and roughly chopped 1½ jalapeños, roughly chopped 1 cup cilantro 2 cloves garlic ½ red Spanish onion 1½ Tbl. fresh lime juice or more to taste ½ tsp. Celtic sea salt or Himalayan salt 1 tsp. cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil

Place all items in the blender and pulse a few times until combined. The dressing will keep in a sealed glass container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. It’s a quick and delicious recipe to perk up any salad.

Throw all the ingredients in the blender and pulse a few times until you achieve a rustic blended consistency. [n]

click [ Discover more easy recipes at TheNest .com ] winter 2013

living

10 party pleasers We asked our fave chefs, foodies and lifestyle gurus for easy to prepare dishes worthy of a holiday bash. By Alexis Givens

30 The Nest Mag

tequila and shrimp are a perfect match

1 crostini bites

Use an extra-creamy ricotta as a base on your crostini. The fresh flavor complements savory and sweet toppings, like roasted peppers or honey, and the rich texture elevates a simple bite to something decadent and memorable. —Sophie Slesinger, Saxelby Cheesemongers, SaxelbyCheese.com

2 feta skewers

Grab a bunch of feta, basil and ripe grape tomatoes to avoid having to chop or prep any ingredients. Skewer and sprinkle with sea salt and a splash of extra-virgin olive oil for a simple-yet-delicious bite-size salad. Easy for you to make, and easy for your guests to eat. —Cheryl Najafi, lifestyle expert, CherylStyle.com

3 tequila shots

Take peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp and submerge them in white tequila, lime and a bit of salt. Let it sit in the fridge for an hour before your party and serve on a bed of ice with lime and cilantro. Each shrimp is like doing a shot of tequila! —Paul Gerard, chef and owner of Exchange Alley, ExchangeAlleyNYC.com >

winter 2013

living

everything is better wrapped in bacon!

4 bacon wraps

Everyone loves bacon, so why not use it as a simple wrap? Roll cooked shrimp, scallops or steamed asparagus in this delectable treat for an unforgettable holiday finger food. —Cindy Barbieri Anschutz, blogger and cookbook author, CindysTable.com

32 The Nest Mag

5 fresh herbs

People are picky when it comes to herbs. Make a pretty arrangement of fresh parsley, cilantro, sage and oregano and place small scissors nearby so people can snip what they like and add to their food. —Danny Seo, author and green lifestyle expert, DannySeo.com

6 luxe veggies

Raw vegetables become fancier when served with a dish of olive oil sprinkled with truffle salt. It only takes a second to set out, yet it tastes utterly luxe. Bonus: Bright vegetables look pretty on any plate. —Jill Donenfeld, founder, Culinistas.com

7 seasonal touches

Add some fresh and seasonal flavors to your classic holiday dishes like rutabaga in mashed potatoes or kale in your stuffing. Acorn and butternut squash are also fun additions to a good holiday spread. Just find the freshest ingredients and use them to pump up your dishes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Becky Rosenthal, blogger, TheVintageMixer.com >

winter 2013

living

8 merry martinis

We keep a few chilled bottles of nonalcoholic lavender martini from Sociale Mocktails handy. It’s great for those guests who want something festive without the booze. They make a delicious mixer with liquor too, and that equals less work for the host! —Steve and Jill McKenzie, owners of Steve McKenzie’s, SteveMcKenzies.com

sugared rims add a festive touch

34 The Nest Mag

you’ve figured out the food, now what? play Music Get your party rockin’ and rollin’ with a playlist that fits the style and mood of your bash. make place cards Put Chatty Kathy next to Silent Sally, and keep that annoying coworker at the other end of the table. buy flowErs Roses from the grocery store (remove that baby’s breath pronto) look fab in simple glass vases. Encourage guests to take home an arrangement at the end of the party. BE A GRACIOUS HOST Don’t let anyone feel lonely or left out. Be sure to make introductions and pick conversation topics that everyone can give their two cents about. pick a theme Whether it’s a New Year’s Eve extravaganza, an ugly sweater bash or a swanky cocktail party, set the tone with the invitation and follow through with a few on-theme decorations.

9 sundae jars

Indulge your guests’ sweet tooth with empty glass mason jars and all the fixings for a sundae bar: chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream, nuts, cherries, whipped cream and other indulgent toppings. Grab a spoon and dig in! —Eden Grinshpan, host of Cooking Channel’s Food Fanatics, CookingChannelTV.com

10 tiny treats

When it comes to holiday treats, opt for mini indulgences that won’t leave guests feeling stuffed to the gills. Serve seasonal custards in tall shot glasses instead of bowls, and bake your favorite festive cakes and pies into bite-size versions. —Jenn Sbranti, Hostess with the Mostess, HWTM.com [n]

click [ Indulge in more holiday recipes at TheNest .com ] winter 2013

living

hed here

chop, chop! basic tr a ining

It’s the one room you shrink from scrubbing. No more! 6 ways to make your bathroom a sparkling, sanitary sanctuary. By Alonna Friedman

chef’s knife It’s a workhorse that can cut through meat and fish or chop up heads of lettuce. A great all-purpose knife.

paring knife Make small cuts with this trusty tool—perfect for peeling and trimming. It minces onions and herbs and cores fruits and veggies too.

36 The Nest Mag

No aspirations (or hope) of getting on Top Chef? It's still time you learned which knives you really need (there are only three), and how to use them. By Tia Albright

serrated knife This large knife with a jagged edge glides through bread, cake and delicate tomatoes. It’s a kitchen essential.

chopping

what it is cutting ingredients into large pieces, from ¼ to ¾ of an inch used for peppers, carrots, potatoes, fennel and other root veggies

1 With a chef's knife, cut off the top of the pepper and slice into the shell. Scoop out the interior.

2 Choke up a bit on the handle for more control. Slice the shell in half and cut it into even strips.

3 Keeping the tip of the knife on the board, chop the shell into pieces.

1 Cut the tomato in half lengthwise through the stem with a serrated knife. Notch out the core.

2 Make ½-inch-thick horizontal slices. Then cut vertically through the slices, making thin strips.

3 Using a pinch-grip (see the box below for technique), cut across the strips for an even dice.

1 Peel the shallot. Using the tip of a paring knife, cut even, vertical slices from root to tip.

2 Taking the knife in a pinch-grip, cut across the shallot at the same width as your previous cuts.

3 Gather the pieces in a pile. Keeping your knife hand steady, use an upand-down motion to chop across the pile, using the knife tip as a pivot point.

dicing

what it is cutting ingredients into uniform blocks, from V to ¼ of an inch uSED for tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, zucchini and eggplant

mincing

what it is finely cutting ingredients to create small, soft pieces at A/af of an inch or smaller USED for shallots, garlic, olives, capers and fresh herbs

Sarah Jay, author of Knives Cooks Love

how do I hold a knife? To get a perfect pinch-grip, move your hand up the handle and place your index finger and thumb on opposite sides of the knife's blade, wrapping your other fingers around the handle. Don’t be scared! You have more control this way.

how can I keep it sharp? Most knives come with honing steels (the long rod that's been sitting in your drawer). Hold the steel upright and drag the blade down it using light pressure. In addition to honing your knives, you should sharpen them every six months to a year.

can I throw it in the dishwasher? Don’t do it! The edges can dull from hitting utensils. Wash the blade with hot water and soap, and dry it with a towel. Letting it air dry causes water spots, which don't just look bad—they can damage the blade. [n]

click [ Get more cutting tips (plus recipes!) at TheNest .com ] winter 2013

living

cooking cl as s

c ook this, in that

Choosing the right cookware for the job is all it takes for fabulous weeknight meals—if only! These easy recipes will get you started.

island citrus chicken the pot

dutch oven ingredients serves 4

4 chicken leg quarters, skinless and each divided into 2 pieces ¼ lb. shallots, peeled and left whole 1 garlic clove, very thinly sliced 2 stalks celery, cut into ½-inch slices 1 bay leaf 4 sprigs fresh thyme 1½ Tbl. maple syrup ½ cup dry white wine 1½ oranges 1½ Tbl. vegetable oil ½ cup hot chicken stock Salt and pepper 1 tsp. cornstarch ¼ cup whipping cream

directions 1 Place the chicken, shallots, garlic, celery, bay leaf, fresh thyme, maple syrup, white wine and the zest of one orange into a Dutch oven; stir, cover and chill overnight. 2 Drain the chicken and vegetables through a colander, reserving the marinade, and pat the chicken dry. 3 Heat the oil in the Dutch oven and brown the chicken and vegetables. 4 Add the marinade and stock, and season well with salt and pepper. 5 Cover and transfer to a 275°F oven for about 2 hours or until done. 6 Squeeze the juice from half an orange; blend with cornstarch and cream in a separate bowl. 7 Transfer the Dutch oven to a burner on low heat; add the blended juice and stir until the sauce is thickened. 8 Top with orange slices and serve. Recipe courtesy of Le Creuset

38 The Nest Mag

delicatessen slow chili

promotion

our pick Cook this hearty dinner in a new nonstick pot. 7.5-quart wide stockpot, $60, Anolon, BedBathandBeyond . com

get it! the pot

stockpot ingredients

directions

serves 2

1 Season the pork and beef with salt and pepper. 2 Heat a pot over high heat. Add oil and then the pork and beef. Cook for 10 minutes until browned. 3 Drain off excess oil and add dried seasonings. 4 Remove meat from the pot and set aside. 5 Add the onion and minced garlic to pot and cook until tender. 6 Add roasted garlic and chipotle en adobo. 7 Add the meat and the rest of the ingredients and cook over a slow simmer for 2 hours, continuously skimming excess fat. 8 Taste and add final seasoning of salt and pepper. 9 Serve with avocado, sour cream, scallion and cheddar. >

½ lb. pork shoulder, diced ½ lb. ground beef Kosher salt and pepper 1½ tsp. oil 1½ tsp. onion powder 1½ tsp. garlic powder 1½ tsp. chipotle powder 1½ tsp. chili powder 1½ tsp. paprika ½ large onion 1 clove garlic, minced 1 clove garlic, roasted 1½ oz. chipotle en adobo, finely chopped ½ cup cooked pinto beans ½ cup cooked kidney beans 1½ cups canned and peeled Italian plum tomatoes ½ cup beef stock 1½ tsp. sriracha hot chili sauce Avocado, sliced (optional) Sour cream (optional) Scallion, thinly sliced (optional) Cheddar, shredded (optional)

beyond the basics Here are a few smart buys you might not think of.

fine wine Drink up with a modern twist on the traditional glass. Wine goblet, $15, Tervis, BedBathandBeyond . com

Recipe courtesy of Chef Michael Ferraro, executive chef at Delicatessen in New York City

promotion

perfect blend A versatile blender for soups & smoothies. 1709 CIA Professional Series blender, $500, Vitamix, BedBathandBeyond . com

all in one Cook and reheat baby food in one machine. Babycook Pro baby food maker, $150, Béaba, BuybuyBaby . com winter 2013

living

classic grilled flank steak

the pot

grill pan ingredients serves 2

¾ lb. flank steak, trimmed marinade ingredients ¼ large yellow onion ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 sprig fresh thyme leaves, chopped 1 sprig fresh rosemary leaves, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ cup vegetable oil, plus more for pan ½ cup dry red wine 1 Tbl. soy sauce 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 bay leaf

directions 1 Mix all of the marinade ingredients together in a heavy, self-sealing plastic bag. 2 Add the flank steak and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. 3 Before cooking the steak, preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat until the rim of the pan is hot to the touch. 4 Brush the grill generously with vegetable oil and allow it to heat for another minute. 5 Place the steak in the pan and cook, turning once, about 4 minutes per side for medium rare. 6 Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes. 7 To serve, slice on the bias into thin strips. Recipe courtesy of Calphalon

40 The Nest Mag

roasted ginger vegetable stir-fry the pot

wok ingredients

directions

serves 4

1 Mix ¾ cup broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, sherry and ginger in medium bowl until smooth. Set aside. 2 Heat oil in a wok or large deep skillet on medium-high heat. Add garlic and cauliflower; stir-fry 1 minute. Add remaining ¼ cup broth; cover and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until cauliflower is tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Add asparagus, bell pepper, snow peas and scallions; stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes or until tender-crisp. 3 Stir broth mixture. Add to wok; stirring constantly, bring to boil on medium heat and boil 1 minute. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. >

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth, divided 1½ tsp. soy sauce 1½ tsp. cornstarch 1½ tsp. sherry 1 tsp. ground roasted ginger 1½ Tbl. oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups cauliflower florets 1 cup thin asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 2-in. pieces ½ red bell pepper, cut into thin strips 2 oz. snow peas, trimmed 2 scallions, cut diagonally into ½-in. pieces (½ cup) Sesame seeds, toasted (optional)

Recipe courtesy of McCormick

winter 2013

living

spanish rice the pot

sauce pot

ingredients

directions

serves 2

1 Sauté the scallions and pepper in olive oil about 3 minutes, shaking the pot as you do. 2 Add rice, shake the pot again and cook until the rice takes on some color. 3 Add the tomatoes, tomato juice, water and seasonings. 4 Cover and cook over low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is pretty much absorbed. 5 Sprinkle with Parmesan or parsley.

2 scallions, finely chopped or cut ½ green pepper, finely chopped ¼ cup olive oil ½ cup rice, either long-grain Carolina or converted ½ cup canned tomatoes (preferably Italian plum tomatoes) ½ cup tomato juice ½ cup water ½ tsp. salt 1½ tsp. chili powder Grated Parmesan (optional) Chopped parsley (optional)

42 The Nest Mag

frittata di ricotta the pot

skillet ingredients serves 4

1 cup (8 oz.) fresh ricotta or store-bought whole-milk ricotta 6 large eggs, lightly beaten ¼ cup pecorino, freshly grated 2 Tbl. flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 1 tsp. kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 Tbl. extra-virgin olive oil 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced

directions 1 Preheat oven to 400°F. 2 If using store-bought ricotta, put it in a sieve set over a bowl for about 30 minutes to allow moisture to drain. Fresh ricotta does not need additional draining.

prep and store

3 In a large bowl, mix the eggs, ricotta, pecorino, parsley, ½ tsp. of salt and several grinds of pepper. 4 Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. 5 Add onion and remaining ½ tsp. salt. 6 Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, but do not brown. 7 Add the egg mixture to the skillet and distribute it evenly. 8 Cook without stirring until the frittata begins to firm, 6 to 7 minutes.

9 Lift the edges with a rubber spatula to check the bottom for doneness. 10 Transfer skillet to oven. Bake until firm, golden and fluffy, about 10 minutes. 11 Serve hot, warm or at room temperature. Cut into wedges to serve. [n] Recipe adapted from My Calabria: Rustic Family Cooking from Italy’s Undiscovered South by Rosetta Costantino with Janet Fletcher. Used with permission of W.W. Norton & Company. © 2010

promotion

Even if you have the right cookware, don't forget these essentials.

baking buddy Recipes get scientific. Measuring cup, $19, Pyrex, BedBathandBeyond . com

mix it up

from freezer to oven Heat and sip soups in this multi-purpose cup. Mug with vent tab lid, $9, CorningWare, BedBathandBeyond . com

Blend right in the bowl. 2-speed hand blender with jar & lid, $40, KitchenAid, BedBathandBeyond . com

click [ Get more delish recipes at TheNest .com ] winter 2013

living

get ready for holiday guests pronto

We’re in the market for a dining room set that can accommodate a crowd for the holidays. Should we go round or stick with a square shape?

Both shapes are great options but will deliver different looks. Small or square rooms work well with round tables while long, narrow rooms call for a rectangle or square. In general, circular tables foster group conversations and have no sharp corners (a plus for small rooms). A standard, 54-inch round table seats up to six people, but to get eight in, you’ll need to go up to 72 inches. A 72-inch long rectangular table seats six comfortably. No matter what the shape, make sure the table fits seamlessly in your space—you need about four feet all around it so you can easily pull out the chairs. Leaf inserts are another good solution if you’re short on space but need to expand the table for guests.

guests chat it up at round tables

too many sharp corners? 44 The Nest Mag

Should I use the lid when making a roast? Also, do disposable roasting pans work as well as regular pans? Good question. Here’s some wise advice: Never assume anything when it comes to cooking in the kitchen (and especially when there are guests involved). Unless stated specifically in the recipe, don’t provide full-lid coverage. Locking in the heat will actually prevent you from achieving that golden-brown crust that’s sure to wow your dinner crowd. As for the disposable debate, although they’re not as thick and sturdy as regular roasting pans, the throwaway versions will step up just fine in any lastminute pinch—and without a glitch!

I want an original idea for displaying our wedding pictures. I was thinking about doing a wall collage. Any tips? Showing off your portraits is a great way to bring a personal element into your décor. Plus, it’s a foolproof conversation-starter. Mix and match frames of different sizes and shapes. Hang a 4" by 6" with an 8" by 12" and put an oval-shaped frame next to a round one. Sound too random for your taste? To keep the look streamlined and clean, stick to one finish for the entire collection of frames and be sure to position them at least two inches apart from each other. But before you whip out the hammer and nails, break out the arts and crafts. Cut paper into the same sizes as your frames. Tape them to the wall to figure out your favorite arrangement, before committing to a particular one. When ready, simply hang the frames and admire your gorgeous wedding wall collage.

Use ledges to display frames. Lean them against the wall so they’re overlapping a bit. veronabrit

Has anyone ever used a comforter that’s a larger size than their bed? My husband hogs the sheets. RDCRLYHR

Ah yes, the common battle over the sheets. Luckily, you’ve already uncovered the most peaceful tactic for dealing with this dilemma. The good news is that going bigger won’t look weird. An extra-large comforter or quilt might give your bed a less structured look but will look oh-socozy. Either way, tell your guy to start sharing—’cause we said so!

MY KITCHEN CABINETS ARE A MESS. HOW CAN I GET THEM ORGANIZED? DO I NEED TO START FROM SCRATCH? Go ahead and empty out your cabinets. It’ll help you see everything. Start setting up little groups according to the way you use things. Rethink your cabinet space—you’ll want your dishes near the dishwasher, pots and pans by the stove and plastic baggies in a drawer under the counter where you prep leftovers and lunches. Keep large serving pieces on the top shelf and plates and bowls can be easily stacked in lower spaces. [n]

click [ Search for more decorating ideas at TheNest .com ] winter 2013

life

winter trips for t wo

escapes

(under $1,000)

It’s official: You get the most vacation days from October through New Year’s. Don’t waste them all visiting your family—try one of these six fun, just-for-you trips. By Sarah Engler

46 The Nest Mag

KEYSTONE, COLORADO

Skip pricey Aspen and Vail and ski your heart out in a Rocky Mountain town about 70 miles west of Denver surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest. stay The Keystone Lodge and Spa boasts six “neighborhoods,” with lodging ranging from standard hotel rooms to townhouses, multiple restaurants, 18 ski lifts, two gondolas and even a mountain concierge to help you plan your days. Splurge at the spa with a couple’s massage, complete with a soak in an infinity pool, champagne and chocolate-covered fruit (from $150, KeystoneResort.com).

crowd-free calm Natural beauty abounds in this Mexican town full of culture and outdoor adventures.

2 todos santos, mexico

This small coastal artist colony on the Pacific coast of the Baja Peninsula is much more beautiful and relaxing than tourist favorites like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. STAY The luxurious (and blissfully adults-only) Rancho Pescadero boasts romantic rooms with unbeatable views of the ocean or the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, free yoga and surfing, delicious local fish and produce, and two miles of almost-empty beaches. Hop on a mountain bike or ATV and venture out to a waterfall in the foothills, hit the ocean for kayaking or snorkeling, or simply take siestas by the pool (from $200, RanchoPescadero.com). > winter 2013

life

3 lake superior, minnesota

This Great Lake is just a four-hour drive north of Minneapolis, and it’s as stunning in the winter as it is in the summer. stay Book a room at the Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior, which was built in 1885 on the lake’s North Shore. Strap on snowshoes, take a dip in the indoor pool or just park it in the lobby’s comfy leather chairs next to a crackling fireplace. The Romance Package

48 The Nest Mag

includes a two-night stay in a fireplaceand whirlpool-equipped room with a private deck—plus champagne and multiple delicious meals in the lakeside dining room. You can also book a massage at the adjacent spa and wellness center. It’s a tad off the beaten path but sure to give you lots of time and space to unplug from real life (Romance Package from $435, LutsenResort.com ).

cold spell Cozy up by the fire or venture outside and feel the chill.

4 negril, jamaica

About an hour from Montego Bay, Negril is known for its turquoise waters and gorgeous beaches. stay Rockhouse, which spans eight acres of tropical gardens on the cliffs of Pristine Cove, is almost too good to be true: free yoga, a garden spa, a massage cabana located on a cliff’s edge— need we go on? Accommodations range from standard rooms to premium villas—all with a thatched roof and private outdoor space (standard rooms from $125, RockhouseHotel.com). >

beach bliss Head down to the cove for snorkeling or explore the nearby reefs in a glass-bottomed boat.

winter 2013

life

city adventures Discover the beauty of Old Montreal by foot.

50 The Nest Mag

MONTREAL, QUEBEC

With its rich food and culture and old-world charm, Montreal feels like France but is oh-so-much closer. stay The St. Paul Hotel is the perfect combination of comfort and cool. The décor combines antiques with sleek contemporary materials and pieces (think: carved stone columns from the early 1900s outside and a freestanding iridescent marble fireplace wall inside). Rooms are decorated in either “earth” or “sky” colors, and huge windows frame views of the downtown skyline and Old Montreal. Take a short walk to the city center, the St. Lawrence River or the breathtaking NotreDame Basilica of Montreal. In the evening, head downstairs to enjoy a meal at the Hambar restaurant (from $202, HotelStPaul.com).

Santa fe, new mexico

This high-desert town offers relatively mild winter temperatures as well as lots of cool art and architecture. stay La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa is close to all the galleries as well as the Georgia Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keeffe Museum, and still has six full acres of room to roam. Many of the casita-style rooms contain local art pieces as well as relaxing fireplaces. You can even take a tour of on-site works with the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own art curator (from $169, LaPosadadeSantaFe.com). [n]

western charm Browse art galleries or head to the mountains for a hike.

click [ Hunt down more travel spots for two at TheNest .com ] winter 2013

life Th e Bum p Zone

how to be a good auntie or uncle (without being annoying)

There’s “hands-on” and then there’s just plain irritating. We found 18 things you should—and shouldn’t—do when someone you love has a baby. By Nina Carbone

do...

i my aunt

don’t...

show up at the hospital with balloons and fresh flowers.

arrive an hour after the baby’s born, madly shooting away with your Canon.

volunteer to babysit.

be surprised or upset if they say no.

pick up baby when he/she’s crying.

expect baby to stop crying.

use hand sanitizer, soap or whatever else Mom asks you to before holding baby.

make a face and go on a rant saying, “It’s no wonder kids have allergies—they’re not exposed to germs anymore.”

change diapers.

complain about it.

remind Mom that she doesn’t have to do it all on her own.

repeat it over and over. She heard you the first time!

plan to visit your newborn niece or nephew on a semi-regular basis.

“pop by” every day (or sans food for the tired parents!).

try to act normal when your sister-in-law is breastfeeding in front of you.

make up some reason to leave the room or stare at the floor.

say baby’s cute—even if you think she looks like a mini version of an old man.

say she looks just like Grandpa—especially when she does that little baby sneeze.

so ph i a ja cob

lines? We’ve got the top conceiving myths you shouldn’t believe! myth “Saving up”

his sperm for your peak ovulation days will increase your chances of getting pregnant. the real deaL Max sperm counts are seen at around 24- to 48-hour intervals, so “saving up” sperm for the big occasion won’t help your cause much. In fact, it may actually decrease your chances of conceiving. Have sex whenever it feels right to you and get a bit more frisky (think: at least every other day) around ovulation time. myth I’ll get pregnant

if we have sex 14 days after my period. the real deal This is one of the biggest misconceptions! Unless you’ve got a perfect, completely consistent, 28-day cycle (which is so not the norm for most women), you aren’t always most fertile on day 14. How can you tell your most fertile days? Track your common fertility signs, especially the changes in cervical fluids. Myth Don’t move right

what’s in a name?

Last year, the most popular baby names were Sophia for girls and Jacob for boys. Want to check out the popularity of your dream name? Go to SocialSecurity.gov.

click [ Get the scoop on pregnancy at TheBump . com ] 52 The Nest Mag

get pregnant tips Dying to see two pink

after sex—and better yet, tilt your lower body upward to help sperm reach the egg. The real deal There’s absolutely no evidence that shows shifting gravity in your favor will increase your chances of getting pregnant. So after sex, just relax! [n]

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

The Nest Newlywed Handbook From Carley Roney and the Editors of TheNest.com Available wherever books are sold

click to buy now!

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

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

ship it!

holiday gift checklist

Factor in shipping times and costs for faraway friends & relatives.

You have enough to deal with during the mistletoe-and-madness period. Make holiday shopping fun (or at least more manageable) with a gift checklist. Bonus: It’ll help you stay within your budget.

last year’s gift

new gift ideas

budget

spent

Your Mate _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

Mom _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

Dad _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

Mother-in-law _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

Father-in-law _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

Grandma _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

Grandpa _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

Grandma _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

Grandpa _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

Sibling _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

Other _____________________________________ _____________________________________ $____________ $____________

don’t forget! Should you include your mailman, super, plumber or doctor? While some companies have rules (like the post office, whose workers can only accept gifts worth less than $20), it’s thoughtful to give something small and edible like homemade fudge or a bottle of wine.

54 The Nest Mag

Total $____________ $____________

on-the-go

tipping guide

checklist

Check out TipTable .com for a handy tip percentage card to keep in your wallet.

When you find yourself wondering how much to give to various people (and whether to give at all), use these suggestions.

who to tip

everyday tipping

holiday tipping

contracted handyman/ plumber

Professional service providers are not usually tipped

N/A

dog walker/groomer

Only tip the groomer: 15-20% of the bill

For the walker only: up to one week’s fee

doorman

$1-4 when they help you

$20-80

gardener

Nothing on a per-visit basis

Up to the cost of one service

hairstylist /colorist

15-20% of the bill (don’t tip the owner of the salon)

A small gift or cash tip is appropriate

hair washer/dryer

$3-5

Not obligatory, however a small gift or tip is thoughtful

house cleaner

Nothing

The cost of one visit or up to a week’s salary

mail carrier

Nothing

A small gift under $20; no cash

maître d’

If he or she does you a big favor, you can tip $10-20

A small tip or up to $20 if you’re a regular customer

manicurist/pedicurist/waxer

15-20% of the bill

Up to the cost of one session

massage therapist

15-20% of the bill

Up to the cost of one session

personal trainer

Nothing

Up to the cost of one session

superintendent

Nothing on a per-visit basis

$20-80

waiter/waitress

15-20% of the bill (don’t tip the restaurant owner)

Nothing

winter 2013

new year’s to-dos

checklist

Ring in 2014 ready for anything, from trips to tax time, with this easy prep list. Post it on your fridge so you don’t forget! personal S ync up important events and birthdays on each other’s calendars (no missed anniversary excuses!). R eassess your wardrobe and donate unwanted items. (Tip: If you haven’t worn it in the past two years, give it away.) M ake a list of three fabulous goals you’d like to accomplish this year.

home

finance

career

C reate a detailed budget for 2014 at the Th eNest .com / budgeter.

O rganize your at-home filing system and update networking contacts.

S et up a folder for tax-deductible receipts (like donations and big purchases). It’ll be easier to sift through at tax time.

M ake a list of work goals for the new year and meet with your boss to assess.

I f you have any outstanding debt, start a debt management plan with our easy tips at TheNest .com /debt.

U pdate your résumé and references so they’re ready to go if necessary. C lean up your computer desktop for ’14.

O ptimize your banking benefits (adjust to high-interest savings or money market accounts, CDs or mutual funds).

D elete old documents, cookies and Internet history files (they significantly slow down your computer).

M ake a retirement-contribution plan if you don’t have one.

I nstall spyware and firewall systems for protection.

R eplace all of your heater and air-conditioner filters.

R ethink your expenses. (Do you really need that deluxe cable, gym membership or monthly magazine subscription?)

B ack up all files and photos to disks or zip drives in case of an emergency.

S earch for signs of new family members: termites, bugs and vermin (ick!) in your attic, basement, oven, dryer and heater.

heck into new-year deals on cell phone, C cable and Internet plans. It might be time to make a cash-saving switch.

C heck expiration dates on medications and toss anything that’s expired.

C all credit card companies and request lower rates. If you’re denied, shop around for a lower interest card and consider transferring balances.

C lean gutters so excess debris doesn’t attract bugs or weaken your home’s siding come spring. C heck your chimney, roof and basement for active leaks or possible trouble spots.

T urn and flip your mattress. eplace smoke alarm batteries and take R your fire extinguishers to a local firehouse to have them inspected, so you’ll know they’ll still work all year long.

56 The Nest Mag

G et Nesties’ advice on your 2014 finance plan and see how they found ways to save at Th eNest .com / moneymatters.

are you prepped?

38% of Nesties make a to-do list for the new year.

buffet blaster

holiday calorie counter checklist

Eat a healthy snack before the party to avoid gorging on fatty apps.

Overindulging in eggnog and other goodies doesn’t have to force you into a New Year’s Day diet dilemma. Instead, break free from the gym and burn off the calories with one of these fun, holiday-inspired activities.

enjoy the goods food

burn it off calories

activity

calories burned per hour

chocolate coin ........................................ 26

napping (so don’t feel guilty!)................... 61

sugar cookie ........................................... 66

kissing (yes, you can do it under the mistletoe) ................................ 7 1

flute of champagne ................................ 84 gift wrapping............................................. 107 potato pancake ..................................... 100 mingling & socializing.............................143 candy cane ............................................ 110 washing dishes.........................................156 gravy (1 cup) ..........................................121 shopping ...............................................164 stuffing (½ cup) .................................... 177 decking the halls (put up your tree!) ......178 piece of corn bread ............................... 188 baking goodies ...................................... 179 mashed potatoes (1 cup) ...................... 237 building a snowman ..............................250 dark meat turkey (1 cup) .......................262 dancing ................................................. 321 slice of pizza .........................................272 skiing (downhill) .................................. 400 slice of pumpkin pie ..............................316 shoveling snow .....................................405 glass of eggnog .................................... 343 chopping wood ..................................... 428 piece of brisket ..................................... 576 ice skating ........................................... 500 chicken potpie ......................................733 playing flag football .............................. 508

click [ Find more ways to get organized at TheNest . com ] winter 2013

Start nesting at

lyw ew e

and TheNest.com

iv a l

e new hoam must-h ves wineglasses stockpot blender rget ...and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fo

measuring cups hand blender bakeware baby food maker