The Nest Winter 2011

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SWEEEET! Vanilla Bake Shop owners share their insider tips for baking like a pro LOVE LIVING LIFE

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get ! inspired

easy ways to make over your walls

the nest from

contents

winter

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how to pull off a delicious, stress-free holiday fete

21

XX X 4

the perfect homemade holiday treats

36

five island escapes that’ll make you feel (and act!) like newlyweds again

4 Sweets for the Holidays >

10 Holiday Gift Guide (Under $50!) > 14 5 Slow-Cooker Meals >

21 Your Survival Guide to Holiday Entertaining >

28 Q&A: How to...Get Domestic >

30 How to Understand Your Spouse > 33 Real Couples >

35 The Nest Blogger Network >

36 Your Honeymoon: Take Two! > 42 8 Easy Ways to Transform Your Walls >

42

50 How Long Will It Last? > 55 Want More? >

wow-worthy wall treatments

photo credits cover, pp. 4, 6–8: David Tsay; pp. 14–18: Yvonne Duivenvoorden/Chronicle Books; p. 21–26: Antonis Achilleos; p. 30: Shutterstock; p. 33: tool: Levi Brown, cinnamon

bun: Cinnabon; p. 36: Mark Lewis/The Image Bank/Getty Images; p. 37: Jamaica: Sergio Pitamitz/Corbis Edge/Corbis, Atlantis: Macduff Everton/Comet/Corbis; p. 38: top: Gavin Hellier/Taxi/Getty Images; p. 39: beach: Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototravel/Corbis, cathedral: Dea/G. Sosio/De Agostini Picture Library/Getty Images; p. 40: waterfront: Chris A. Crumley/Alamy; pp. 42–49: Mark Lund; p. 50: dollar bill: Shutterstock; p. 53: broken oven: Thinkstock; p. 54: Shutterstock

sweets for the holidays The owners of Vanilla Bake Shop share a few signature secrets for the perfect homemade holiday gifts.

“

My best marriage advice is to carve out time for each other no matter what. We spend 20 hours a day together, but having ‘us’ time to enjoy is hard to come by.

“

4 The Nest Mag

the couple Amy and Jeremy Berman, the wife-and-husband team behind successful California bakery Vanilla Bake Shop, met in 2003 while working at E! Entertainment network. They fell in love and left the entertainment industry to start a catering business out of their kitchen. Amy became a pastry chef and Jeremy attended law school, and the business took off. With an expanding family and company (their second store opened in September), this busy duo found some time to share a few of their trademark holiday treats.

2003

Amy & Jeremy meet!

2011

They move to Manhattan Beach

2005

“I do!” They get hitched on July 8

start here!

2005

2010

Culinary school graduation!

It’s a boy!

2011

Store No. 2 opens in Century City >

2005

Amy’s first wedding cake!

2007

Vanilla Bake Shop opens in Santa Monica

Treat yourself to a box of bite-size sweets— bow included! Cupcake Babies, $44 for box of 24, VanillaBakeShop.com WINTER 2012

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“

We have a baking staff around the clock,” says Amy. “So most of my time is spent being a catering manager. I plan wedding cake designs and come up with dessert menus by working closely with brides and grooms.

“

6 The Nest Mag

triple berry shortcake icebox dessert

One of Vanilla Bake Shop’s must-try items. ingredients pound cake fresh whipped cream vanilla custard or pudding fresh berries chocolate

directions 1. Make or buy a pound cake. Arrange a few slices in a circle at the base of a jar. This is the first layer.

2. Mix a little fresh whipped cream with some vanilla custard or pudding, and spoon a 1-inch layer over the pound cake.

3. Add a layer of fresh strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, and top that with a layer of fresh whipped cream.

4. Sprinkle a thin layer of white- and milk-chocolate crumbles. (Use a zester to make the crumbles.) Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the jar, ending with whipped cream and chocolate crumbles. Chill 2 hours before serving.

amy’s holiday baking tips SPLURGE ON PACKAGING “We invested a lot of our money into the look of our place, down to the menus, labels and packaging. It’s worth every penny because it’s part of the product people are buying.

You want them to leave with the best impression possible.”

CHOOSE AN ENTICING FLAVOR “The name of our catering company, Amy’s Baby Cakes, was too similar to another bakery’s name, so we dropped it. In culinary school, I heard a chef say that the most universally loved flavor in the world is vanilla, so we knew it would work.”

ALWAYS USE THE BEST INGREDIENTS “You will taste the difference every time. Our cupcakes have real Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans in them. It’s more expensive, but I wouldn’t want to eat them any other way. Definite game changer.” > WINTER 2012

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“

how to frost a cupcake like a pro

I’m in charge of the distribution, supplies and finances,” says Jeremy. “The hardest part of the job is customer service. We want to make people happy.

1 Begin with an ultra-creamy frosting. We use a blowtorch on the sides of our metal mixing bowl when mixing the frosting so that it heats a little. This creates a velvetysmooth texture that pipes really well and melts in your mouth.

2 Use a piping bag. We pipe all our cupcakes with a round No. 4 piping tip.

It’s prettier than frosting by hand with a spatula.

3 For the perfect cake-to-frosting ratio, pipe three large swirls of buttercream.

tip

sely Watch clo n’t o d s o y ou ! overbake

spicy gingersnap cookies ingredients 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ tsp. baking soda ¾ tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. ground ginger, or more to taste ½ tsp. ground cloves ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. cayenne pepper 8 Tbl. (1 stick) cool unsalted butter, cut into pieces ½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling 1 cup light brown sugar, packed ⅓ cup molasses (not blackstrap) ¼ cup egg whites (from about 2 eggs)

directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Combine the flour, baking soda and spices in a mixing bowl and set aside.

3. Cream the butter until smooth and fluffy in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer). Add the sugars and mix. Add the molasses and mix.

4. Add the egg whites in 2 batches, mixing to combine after each addition.

5. Add the dry ingredients from step 2 in 3 batches, mixing to combine after each addition, to form the dough.

6. Place some granulated sugar on a plate.

Roll the dough into ¾-inch balls and then roll each ball in the sugar until fully coated.

Transfer to parchment-lined cookie sheets, leaving 1 inch of space between cookies.

7. Bake until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks and store in an airtight container.

click [ to get more delicious dessert recipes ]

Holiday gift tag label pack, $5 for set of 8, Paper-Source.com

Half-gallon glass jar with lid, $10, CrateandBarrel.com Red polka-dot waxed tissue, $5 for 20 sheets, containerstore.com Numerical stoneware appetizer plates, $12 for set of 4, Target.com

pretty presentation Give your edible holiday gifts the five-star treatment.

Holiday Decoratifs, $13 for set of 3, CrateandBarrel.com

Baker’s twine, $8, Paper-Source.com [n]

click [ to get more DIY tips and tricks ] WINTER 2012

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r e d n u 50! holiday $ gift guide Treat your besties, relatives or even yourself with these thoughtful and stylish gifts under the tree.

golden touch She’ll keep holiday treats fresh in this gnome cookie jar. $50 (use code: NEST),

for her

1

2

CursiveNewYork.com

skull & bones Perk up her morning routine with an edgy mug. $12, SpoonSisters.com

5

dock it She can keep this on her bedside table. Phone dock, $48, JonathanAdler.com

3

10 The Nest Mag

beauty treatment Ten pint-size pick-me-ups will get her through the holidays. Happiness kit, $17, LoveandToast.com

chain letter Get her a goeswith-everything necklace. Melania Trump chain, $50, QVC.com

6

pretty pom-pom This fur hat will keep her warm and stylish on cold nights. Albertus Swanepoel for Target hat, $20, Target.com

Click here to get more gift ideas for the ladies!

for him

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tie one on He’ll look dapper in this hipster bow tie.

Chattahoochee bow tie, $50 (use code: THENEST), CollaredGreens.com

plaid bunch It’s the perfect time to upgrade him from his current scarf. Scotch plaid scarves, $40 each, LLBean.com

mail order Get him hard-to-find microbrews delivered right to his doorstep. $34 per month,

AmazingClubs.com

10

kick start This organic spice jar comes with a felt mustache. You’re welcome. $10, MasGuapo.com

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break time This white mug will blend in with the rest, but only he’ll know its secret game.

Maze Cafe, $15, ThinkGeek.com >

Click here to find more guys’ gifts!

WINTER 2012

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for the in-laws

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green thumb Come summer, this notepad will be handy at the farmers market. Notepad, $8, KnockKnockStuff.com

coffee mates Pick up this smart stack for the ’rents before you head home. Yedi Coffee and Tea 4 Two, $40, BedBathandBeyond.com

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tasty bites Here’s a gift that’s perfect for sharing.

Polar Bear Paw gift set, $20, Sees.com

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cheers!

Toast with Tiffany glass.

Double oldfashioned glasses, $12 each,

17

low tech Just the right size for your mother-in-law’s purse.

Address book, $10, ContainerStore.com

Store.MetMuseum.org frosty Simply unscrew the head to refill again and again.

Snowman pepper mill, $45, SpoonSisters.com

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door décor Cook with these fragrant bay leaves all year long.

Bay leaf with chilies swag, $32, Bambeco.com

Click here to get more in-law gifts!

12 The Nest Mag

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splurges these were too good to pass up!

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black is back Stomp through the snow and rain in a classic boot you’ll have forever. $95, LLBean.com

20 little piggy This ceramic jar comes packed with Vosges bacon chocolate. $98, JonathanAdler.com

21

book club Watch TV or read a book on this pocket-size device. Kindle Fire, $199, Amazon.com

big ben Tortoiseshell can be dressed up or down. Nixon The Time Teller acetate watch, $150, Bloomingdales.com

23

roll the dice Give this handsome box set to a game enthusiast.

Vintage Edition Monopoly, $149, RestorationHardware.com

24

bag it The color-blocked leather is super-soft.

Morgan It Girl, $259 (use code: GetNested!), Elezar.com [n]

click [ to find more great décor ideas on our Nest Obsessed blog ] WINTER 2012

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5 slow-cooker meals Pop everything in your slow cooker in the a.m. and you won’t be stuck in the kitchen when guests arrive for dinner!

parmigiano pumpkin soup with frizzled prosciutto PREP 10 minutes

3 to 4 hours on high, 6 to 8 hours on low

ingredients 2 Tbl. extra-virgin olive oil 2 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into strips 1 large onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 (28-oz.) can pumpkin 2 qt. vegetable or chicken broth ⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg 1 tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. ground white pepper ½ cup cream ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, freshly grated 2 Tbl. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

All recipes use a 5- to 6-quart cooker— you’ll have leftovers for the week!

14 The Nest Mag

directions 1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add prosciutto and sauté until crisp. Set aside.

2. Reduce heat to medium, add onion and sauté until tender (3 minutes). Add garlic. Stir in pumpkin, broth, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Transfer to slow cooker, cover and cook 3 to 4 hours on high, or 6 to 8 hours on low.

3. Stir in cream and cheese, and cover 5 minutes. Stir in parsley. Ladle into bowls and garnish with frizzled prosciutto.

Click here to find more yummy soups!

tunisian lamb tagine with toasted almonds and couscous PREP 20 minutes

3 to 4 hours on high, 6 to 8 hours on low

ingredients 2 lb. lamb cubes Kosher salt 3 Tbl. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 5 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 ½-inch chunks 2 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch-thick slices 2 onions, cut into 1-inch cubes 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbl. ground cumin 1 Tbl. ground coriander ½ tsp. ground allspice 1 ½ cups beef broth 1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice 1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick 1 dried red chili pepper ¼ cup ground toasted almonds Juice and finely grated zest of ½ lemon 1 package instant couscous ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped directions 1. Season lamb liberally with salt. Heat 2 Tbl. olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown lamb lightly in batches, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer each batch to a slow cooker after it’s browned.

2. Add 1 Tbl. oil to skillet. Sauté parsnips, sweet potatoes, celery and onions until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander and allspice. Cook until vegetables are coated, about 1 minute. Transfer mixture to cooker.

3. Add beef broth to skillet and heat until boiling, scraping any stuck browned bits off the pan; pour into cooker.

To get more delicious lamb meals, click here!

You can also make this recipe with beef if you’re not into lamb. NEST SHANNON

4. Add tomatoes, black pepper, cinnamon stick and chili pepper to cooker. Cover and cook 3 to 4 hours on high, or 6 to 8 hours on low, until fork-tender. Mix together toasted almonds, lemon juice and zest in a small bowl.

5. When stew is done, remove cinnamon stick and chili pepper. Stir in almond mixture and cook on high until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes.

6. Prepare instant couscous according to package instructions, cover, remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Serve stew on a bed of couscous and sprinkle with chopped parsley. > WINTER 2012

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slow-cooked chicken dinner PREP 20 minutes

3 to 4 hours on high, 5 to 6 hours on low

ingredients ALL-PURPOSE SPICE RUB

CHICKEN

1 Tbl. light brown sugar 1 Tbl. kosher salt 1 tsp. dried thyme 1 tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. ground dried sage 1 tsp. paprika ½ tsp. coarsely ground black pepper ½ tsp. dried rosemary, crushed ½ tsp. garlic powder

¼ cup All-Purpose Spice Rub ⅓ cup flour 2 each of chicken drumsticks, thighs and breast halves with wings (6 to 7 lb. total) 1 ½ lb. medium golden or red skin potatoes, quartered 2 Tbl. vegetable oil, divided 1 large onion, cut into chunks 24 baby carrots

directions 1. Mix all ingredients for spice rub together in a small bowl; then add flour. Remove skin from chicken (except the wings). Coat chicken in seasoned flour mixture; reserve the flour.

2. Boil potatoes in several quarts of lightly salted water for 5 minutes; drain and place in the bottom of slow cooker.

3. Heat 1 Tbl. vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on both sides, about 4 minutes per side, and transfer to a plate; set aside.

4. Add remaining oil to skillet.

Add onion, carrots and celery, and sauté until lightly browned (5 minutes).

Add reserved seasoned

4 celery ribs, cut into ¾-inch lengths ½ cup dry white wine 2 cups chicken broth 3 Tbl. instant mashed potato flakes 2 Tbl. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

flour and stir until veggies are coated.

Add wine and bring to a boil. Add chicken broth and simmer until slightly thickened; pour into cooker.

5. Add meat to cooker and cook, covered, 3 to 4 hours on high, or 5 to 6 hours on low. A meat thermometer should register 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.

6. Remove chicken to a platter and surround with potatoes and veggies; keep warm. Turn cooker up to high, stir in mashed potato flakes and continue stirring until gravy thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Stir in parsley; then spoon mixture over chicken.

Click here to check out more chicken dinner meals 16 The Nest Mag

A 3-pound piece of brisket isn’t easy to find, so be prepared to buy more. You’ll just have more leftovers! NEST REBECCA

68%

braised sweet-and-sour brisket PREP 20 minutes

4 to 6 hours on high, 8 to 10 hours on low

ingredients 3-lb. beef brisket, excess fat trimmed Kosher salt Coarsely ground black pepper 2 Tbl. vegetable oil, divided 2 large onions, chopped 6 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch coins 4 celery ribs, cut into ½-inch-thick slices 4 garlic cloves, minced 6 Tbl. cider vinegar ¼ cup dark brown sugar ½ cup ketchup 1 ½ cups beef broth

of Nesti a slow co es own ok here to se er. Click e of our fav some orites !

directions 1. Season brisket liberally with kosher salt and pepper.

Heat 1 Tbl. oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown brisket on both sides, about 5 minutes per side, starting fatty side down. Transfer to slow cooker.

2. Add 1 Tbl. oil to skillet. Add onions, carrots and celery, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup and broth. Bring to a boil.

3. Pour over brisket, cover and cook 4 to 6 hours on high, or 8 to 10 hours on low, until meat is very tender.

4. Transfer brisket to a cutting board and skim fat from the surface of the juices. Cut brisket across the grain in ¼inch-thick slices. Arrange slices so they overlap on a large platter. Surround meat with vegetables and spoon on sauce to moisten; then serve remaining sauce on the side. >

Get other slow-cooker meals: Click here!

WINTER 2012

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salmon slow-cooked with herbs PREP 10 minutes

2 ½ to 3 hours on low

ingredients 2 Tbl. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 lb. small Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into thin slices 1 medium onion, halved and cut into thin slices 2 celery ribs, cut into thin slices 2-lb. farm-raised salmon fillet (wild salmon dries out in a slow cooker) ½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste ¼ tsp. coarsely ground black pepper, plus more to taste ½ cup dry white wine 1 cup hot water 2 Tbl. fresh herbs, chopped, such as parsley, dill or tarragon 2 Tbl. butter

directions 1. Drizzle bottom of a slow cooker with 1 Tbl. olive oil.

Layer potatoes, onion and celery over the bottom. Place a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil lengthwise across cooker and press down so it covers the vegetables and sides of the pot, and so the ends of the foil extend over the rim at each end of the pot.

2. Season flesh side of salmon with salt and pepper.

Heat remaining 1 Tbl. olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Brown flesh side of salmon in oil, about 2 minutes.

Place salmon, skin side down, on top of foil.

3. Add wine to pan and heat to boiling. Stir in water and pour over salmon. Cover cooker and cook on low 2 ½ to 3 hours, until the salmon flakes when gently pressed.

4. Lift salmon from pot with foil and transfer to a platter.

Arrange vegetables around fish. Pour liquid from cooker into a skillet, add herbs and boil 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and swirl in butter. Add salt and pepper to taste; pour sauce over fish and vegetables. [n] All recipes courtesy of Art of the Slow Cooker by Andrew Schloss

Squeeze a few slices of lemon over the salmon for some extra flavor. It tastes great with the dill in the sauce. NEST TIA

Love seafood? Click here to find other dinner recipes!

18 The Nest Mag

egg tested

Mother Nature approved.

Good for you. Good for the planet. GreenGourmet® Cookware from Cuisinart combines the performance you expect with the eco-friendly features you want! The exclusive ceramica nonstick cooking surface is free of petroleum; that means there is no PTFE or PFOA present.

Our stay-cool handles are crafted of 70% recycled stainless steel and are really cool to the touch. Treat your food and the planet right – Mother Nature will approve!

Our packaging is 100% recycled and printed with soy ink.

www.cuisinart.com www.facebook.com/cuisinart Bed Bath & Beyond • Macy’s Chefs • Amazon

cuisinart.com/scan

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for your anniversary?

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leather cotton

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thenest.com/anniversaries

your

survival

guide to

holiday

entertaining Whether you’re hosting your family, his clan or (gulp!) both of them for dinner, print out our handy primer for pulling off a delicious, stress-free fete, from cocktails to cleanup.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONIS ACHILLEOS STYLING BY GINA PROVENZANO FOOD STYLING BY ROSCOE BETSILL WINTER 2012

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help! how do I handle

my crazy family?

Put the most difficult person near you or your husband so one of you can monitor them. n Raise convo topics such as current events, movies and hobbies, and steer clear of politics, war, death, gossip and health problems. n If two of your in-laws start squabbling, jump in and offer to switch seats with one of them.

22 The Nest Mag

se

ca at rd in sa g re ch ke a y! rt Pl ac e

n

pour the perfect cocktail !

help! my family’s getting drunk Buzzed guests are happy guests, but you’ll avoid disaster with this fake-out: n Up the amount of Dubonnet to 1 ½ oz., decrease the vodka to 1 oz. and then add ½ oz. club soda. Vodka is 100-proof, while Dubonnet is 36-proof, so guests won’t get hammered—or even know the difference. >

holiday thyme 1 oz. Dubonnet Rouge (you can find it at liquor stores for about $13) 2 oz. vodka Sprig of fresh thyme Squeeze of lemon juice Lemon slice, for garnish

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the Dubonnet, vodka, thyme sprig and fresh lemon juice.

2. Shake vigorously. Pour into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.

3. Garnish with a lemon slice. Enjoy!

WINTER 2012

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cook & carve a turkey cooking PREP Wash and pat dry a 12- to 14-lb. turkey and place it in a nonstick roasting pan. Rub the outside of the turkey generously with butter and sprinkle it with sea salt and cracked black pepper.

ROAST Preheat your

oven to 350°F. Cook the turkey for 12 to 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches 160°F in the thickest part of the breast.

Remove and let rest 30 minutes.

click here for our awesome corn bread stuffing recipe carving 1. Carve the breast loose in one piece.

Repeat this same technique on the opposite breast. Hey, no nibbling!

24 The Nest Mag

2. Place breasts on a flat surface and carve into ½-inch-thick slices so each piece has a ½-inch edge of crispy skin.

cr sp a ic sa nbe y uc rr e y

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click here to check out the full recipe!

s y side yumm serve

log on

Got leftovers?

Click here to get 7 days of delish recipes!

WINTER 2012

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have a sweet ending sweet apple tart 6 Fuji apples ½ cup caramel topping 1 18-inch frozen puff pastry

6 oz. butter 6 oz. sugar 6 oz. flour

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. 2. Peel, core and slice the apples, and toss with the caramel topping.

3. Line a shallow baking pan with parchment paper and the frozen puff pastry.

4. Arrange the apple-caramel mixture on the pastry.

5. Combine cold butter, sugar and flour until crumbly, and sprinkle it onto the apple mixture.

6. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Cut into slices and serve à la mode.

!

we added butter pecan ice cream!

help! how do I deal with this mess?

Allot for leftovers before the meal by putting out containers, and avoid a potential avalanche by making fridge space for each course. n Red food stains? Blot red wine with a paper towel; then blot with a mix of three parts baking soda to one part water. For cranberry sauce, stretch the stained fabric over a sink and pour boiling water directly through the spot. [n] n

Nestperts: ALEXANDRA GUARNASCHELLI, Food Network star and executive chef at Butter and The Darby in NYC (dinner menu); ANTHONY AMOROSO, executive chef at Seablue at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ (dessert); and DONATELLA ARPAIA, Food Network star and entertaining expert and restaurateur

26 The Nest Mag

click [ to get more holiday ideas ]

ready to nest?

new from thenest.com

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

Kill the clutter

Make a small space look bigger

n

Hang pictures properly

n

Choose the right paint color

n

Blend his and her furniture

n

n

[

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

how to... get domestic

I’m hosting holiday dinner and want to make things easy. What’s a simple and stylish way to fold a napkin when setting the table? MRS.KIMBERLY784 This is super-easy and will make you look like a hosting pro!

includes a shopping list! step 1 Fold the napkin horizontally.

Knock Knock coupon organizer, $14, ModCloth.com

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ORGANIZE MY COUPONS? MELISSASUE81 Our clever organizational expert, Crystal Paine of MoneySavingMom.com, had this to share: First, start small.

Think: 10 to 15 coupons max.

You’re not going to figure out the best system if you overwhelm yourself with coupons! Second, keep it simple and try a small organizer to start out. Finally, come up with categories that fit your lifestyle and shopping style.

28 The Nest Mag

step 2 Fold the top half down two inches. And repeat.

We use loyalty cards, which give us coupons for the products we typically shop for!

KRYSTAWHITECAP

step 3 Now fold the sides back and under two inches. Repeat twice more so you have a tall rectangle and a front pocket for your flatware.

Violà! (For a look at the finished napkin, turn to page 22.)

Flamenco shower curtain, $118, Anthropologie.com

My bathroom needs a new look.

Any ideas? THE_JEN626

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A NEW SLOW COOKER? LIVELOVEEAT

Stephanie O’Dea, author of Make It Fast, Cook It Slow, suggests going with a programmable model, which means the cooker switches over to a “warm” setting after the cook time has elapsed.

BKLYN777 “It keeps the food hot and ready-to-eat for an additional 12 hours!” she says.

O’Dea recommends a six-quart slow cooker for most families. Cooking All-Clad Deluxe slow cooker, for two? You can use a $280, Williams-Sonoma.com smaller unit—but there won’t be as many leftovers!

“We love to use furniture or finishes that wouldn’t typically be used in a bathroom, like retrofitting a vintage chest as the sink vanity or using a flea market mirror to replace a medicine cabinet,” say Sasha Adler and Lauren Gold, design directors from Nate Berkus Associates. Another way to update is with interesting textiles. Hang a shower curtain with ruffles or a roller shade made out of bamboo.

Paint some type of pattern on the walls: stripes, chevron, trellis.

It will make the space look more put-together.

PERUVIAN GIRL

A shut-down timer, a removable liner and portability are the top features in my book!

What’s the best way to hand-wash clothes? I don’t want to ruin my stuff! MRSPINKPEONY When in doubt, use cold water to fill your sink, says laundry guru and Biz Stain Fighter spokeswoman Catherine Hartman. Add about ⅛ cup of detergent or mild soap (even hand soap will do!). Knead the clothing with your hands to loosen dirt; then drain the sink and rinse the garments until the water is clear and soap-free. Wring the clothing gently and lay it flat to dry. [n]

Delicate Wash, $8, TheLaundress.com

I actually use baby shampoo—it’s cheap, it’s mild, and it smells good! FEEDMYPUPPY7 WINTER 2012

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how to understand your spouse Sure, you’re a tight twosome—but when it comes to tackling life issues, here’s how to make sense of male and female behavior.

THE SITUATION

money

When the family bank account runs dry, she can’t help stressing over how she’ll keep the household going, so she vents... to you.

Meanwhile, he may have trouble sleeping or could develop quite a temper, but he won’t verbalize his stress. He’ll try to fix things.

the compromise Make a plan of action together to trim your monthly budget, especially if one of you is out of work. She’ll be able to see the situation more clearly, and he’ll have the chance to problem solve.

THE SITUATION

trying to conceive

the compromise Look at this time as an opportunity to have lots and lots of sex—seduce each other, try new things, play with toys. You’ll both get what you want without feeling like babymaking machines.

30 The Nest Mag

If your wife has babies on the brain, she may seem possessed.

She may order you into bed like a drill sergeant: “It’s go time, now!”

He still wants to have sex just for the hell of it.

Unfortunately, the pressure to perform night after night may turn him off.

thank this part of the brain for the fact that your guy can’t remember little details!

THE SITUATION

running late

the compromise Explain yourselves—maybe she gets embarrassed when he consistently shows up late, or he feels anxiety when she’s nowhere near ready. Then make a promise: The tardy one gets ready 15 minutes earlier.

Women are empathizers, so when you’re checking the Internet instead of getting in the shower, she’s worried about her friends at the restaurant.

And while you’re busy blowing out your hair or changing outfits, he’s tapping his foot and glancing at his watch, about to lose his mind.

THE SITUATION

annoying friend

Rather than let toxic buddies roll off her back like you do, she’ll endlessly bitch, analyze, rehash and then ask your opinion.

Not only do guys fail to pick up on the same nuanced friendship issues, they tend to brush off their buds’ bad behavior and shrug.

the compromise He needs to listen more while she vents—and she shouldn’t get annoyed when he lets the same issue roll off his back. No yelling, “Can’t you see how much your friend sucks?!” [n] Nestpert: AUDREY NELSON, PhD, communication expert and coauthor of Code Switching: How to Talk So Men Will Listen

click [ to get more relationship advice ] WINTER 2012

31

nothing your

UNDER

tree

YET?

get great

r u o gift ideas y n e v e FOR EVERYONE AT IL thenest.com / holidays

M

real couples Get the scoop on these fabulous duos.

By Samantha Leal

Krishann, 27, & Christopher, 30 CA NO GA PA RK, CA

Jennifer, 28, & Richard, 28 NEW YORK CITY

h HOW TH EY ME T They were bot th interns at a law firm in Seoul, Sou Korea. They’ve been together since 2005 and got married in 2009.

TH EIR DIG S They live in a 700-sq.-ft. studio. (It’s their sixth NYC apartment!)

PET S A Maltese-Yorkie mix named Panda BA BY CL OC K They plan to start expanding their family within the next year. Jennifer jokes, “We’ll probably keep track of our three kids’ schedules via an Excel spreadsheet!”

FUN FACT They were engaged on Friday the 13th!

they love diy projects!

HOW TH EY ME T A mutual friend set them up in 2006. “The night we met, I went home and told my mother I’d just met my future husband,” Krishann says.

They married in 2010.

TH EIR DIG S A 1,400-sq.ft. 1950s “gem” with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths PET S Stella, a pug-shar-pei mix BA BY CLO CK Krishann has one daughter, six-year-old Jalayla. Christopher adopted her in 2011, and they’re thinking about expanding the family.

SO ME TH ING NO BO DY KN OW S Krishann practices dance moves in front of the mirror! [n]

their guilty pleasure: sweets!

click

Want to be featured as a Real Couple? Send your info to

realcouples@TheNest.com WINTER 201 2

33

think we’d leave you

at the

altar?

CHECK OUT

updated daily thenest.com

YOUR NEW HOME FROM

k

the nest blogger network

Our revamped décor blog, Nest Obsessed, features inspiration from the design world’s top bloggers. Meet them! stacey serro

HER DOMAIN As an interior

designer and founder of p-l-a-i-d .com, Stacey helps others channel their design preferences. She even offers a color sketch of an imagined room redo, complete with product recommendations and swatches! Check out her Nestie Virtual Makeovers here.

jamie meares

HER DOMAIN Jamie, who’s

jaime derringer

HER DOMAIN “I created Design

Milk for fun, and it’s become a full-time job—though it’s never felt like one,” says Jaime of her blog (Dog Milk and House Milk are its offspring—and her actual offspring was born in October!).

Jaime has her finger on the pulse of design, so she blogs about her favorite products. Read her column, What I Covet, here.

based in Raleigh, North Carolina, started the blog I Suwannee (southern slang for “I swear”) to chronicle the world as she sees it through her own, colorwashed prism. We asked her to blog about her favorite design trends for, as she says, “yo’self or yo’sofa.” Click to read her column, Fashion Hits Home. [n]

click

Want to be a guest blogger? Email us at

editors@TheNest.com WINTER 201 2

35

you r

hon eym o on: tak

e two

!

After ch ecking o u breakfa t these five isla sts and n sunset d destinations strolls b egin (ag , we say let the ain!). By ch Cemile ampagne Kavoun tzis

OPPOSITE

jammin’ After dinner at the Marley Resort (top), cross the bridge to Atlantis (right). Xanadu meets Vegas at this adult playground!

36 The Nest Mag

s a m a h a b ry. e me style luxu h o s t o 1 porty tw island-

es ssic for th eking cla se

There are two equally sexy sides of the Bahamas: the glitzy, bigger islands like Nassau and the quieter Out Islands like Eleuthera. On the latter, you’ll trade cosmopolitan bars and restaurants for quaint colonial towns and rustic bars.

SPLURGE A boutique

gem, Marley Resort & Spa on Cable Beach in Nassau is the former home of the Marley family (yep, as in Bob!), with 16 rooms inspired by the singer (rooms from $295, MarleyResort.com).

STEAL On Eleuthera, you’ll unwind the

moment you set foot inside The Cove’s serene beachfront cottages (from $245, TheCoveEleuthera.com).

MUST-DOS

Sign up for kiteboarding lessons. It’s windsurfing, waterskiing and surfing all rolled into one—fun! Or simply go kayaking à deux. n Be James Bond high rollers and gamble—or just kick back and peoplewatch—at Atlantis (Atlantis.com). n

natural attraction Want to get wet and wild? Go to YS Falls and jump in the pools or fly high over the water on a zipline canopy ride!

2 jamaica

for the couple looking for an island with an organic feel—and low price tags.

Head to Negril if you’re looking for happening nightlife, stylish resorts and seven miles of powdery white sand. For a more laid-back vibe, check out the south coast of Jamaica, which has a chic castaway look and (blissfully) deserted beaches.

SPLURGE At Sunset at the

Palms in Negril, you’ll be staying in a luxurious tree-house-style room and eating luscious fruit that’s grown right on the property (all-inclusive rates from $184, SunsetatthePalms.com).

We rode our horses bareback in the ocean!

FAITH & JOHN

STEAL Jakes boutique resort in Treasure Beach

on the southern coast feels like the middle of nowhere—in a good way. Relax by the oceanfront pool, or walk over to the pristine beach next door (from $95, JakesHotel.com).

MUST-DOS

Stop at a roadside grill for jerk chicken.

The dish’s “attitude” comes from a mix of allspice, habanero peppers and thyme. n Swim in a waterfall at YS Falls (YSFalls.com). n Tour the Appleton Estate distillery and sample the rum (AppletonEstate.com). > n

WINTER 2012

37

3 st. lucia

twin peaks See the famous volcanic Pitons on Soufrière Bay. St. Lucia’s local beer is named after them!

for the trendy duo who wants to stay on the “it” island of the Caribbean.

Everyone’s buzzing about St. Lucia’s gorgeous beaches, mountainous landscape and Piton peaks that rival Hawaii’s. Top resorts have cropped up around Rodney Bay in the north and Soufrière in the south.

SPLURGE Built into a hillside looking out

To really see all of St. Lucia, we got a local fisherman to take us out on his boat.

MEGAN & SIMON

over the Pitons, Anse Chastanet Resort’s 49 rooms are decked out in traditional madras fabrics so cool you might be tempted to redo your apartment (from $3,972 per week, AnseChastanet.com).

STEAL At the colorful Coco Palm in Rodney

Bay Village, you’re right near trendy bars and eateries, as well as the gorgeous Reduit Beach. In fact, you’re so close to the sand, the resort will deliver a picnic-basket lunch and wine right to you (from $125, Coco-Resorts.com).

MUST-DOS

Go on a rain-forest tour. Local guides know just where to hike and the perfect places to stop for a swim in a waterfall pool. n Scuba, baby. Sitting at the tip of an underwater volcano, St. Lucia has amazing oceanic scenery (ScubaStLucia.com). n

Order rum drinks on Anse Chastanet’s private beach..

38 The Nest Mag

The Dominican Republic’s Hispanic roots set it apart from much of the Caribbean’s British, Dutch and French colonial vibes.

The island’s main resort areas are Puerto Plata in the north and Punta Cana in the east.

SPLURGE On the northeast coast, the Zoëtry

almost paradise The DR’s Rincón Beach (aka Playa Rincón) is one of the top-rated beaches in the world!

4 dominican republic

for savvy travelers who want to try something off the typical Caribbean path.

Agua Punta Cana feels hidden away, with thatched roofs that blend into the lush landscape. You’ll feel like you’re on a desert island far away from the bigger resorts (from $934, ZoetryResorts.com/agua).

STEAL Staying at Lifestyle Tropical Beach

Resort and Spa in Puerto Plata, you’ll lose the private island feeling—and a chunk of the price tag—but you’ll have direct access to the 1.5-mile Cofresi beach (from $15 per person per night not including airfare, CheapCaribbean.com).

MUST-DOS

Tee off at Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog golf course, which is named for the jagged coral it’s built on (CasadeCampo.com.do). n Explore beautiful Santo Domingo, one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant and historic cities. n Get winded! You’ll find some of the world’s best windsurfing schools here, such as Fanatic Center Cabarete (FanaticCabarete.com). > n

Head to the Cathedral of Santo Domingo (locals call it “Cusco Cathedral”).

Or practice your putt at Teeth of the Dog (right) on Casa de Campo.

WINTER 2012

39

s o c i a ! nd c ooky

aasn’t gh, well, n s k r 5 tuy pair whogehtting enou

e for th

bus

been

A celeb favorite, Turks and Caicos is a hot destination (get down with the local lingo and refer to flight hub Providenciales as “Provo”). The water is so crystal-blue here, you’ll pinch your bikini-clad self.

That is, if you’re even wearing one.

SPLURGE As multimillion-dollar

beachfront resorts in Turks and Caicos go, The Somerset on Grace Bay has tons of VIP touches: an infinity pool, whiteglove service and cool marble flooring (from $280, TheSomerset.com).

Hop a ferry to Grand Turk for a day trip to see the famous ocean wall. Seeing the ocean floor go from 25 feet to almost 7,000 is awe-inspiring.

ALYSIA & DAVID

STEAL The twin resorts Ocean Club and

Ocean Club West on Grace Bay Beach offer a casual Caribbean vibe amid the high-end properties that dominate Provo.

What you give up in marble you’ll gain in chill island ambience (Ocean Club from $289 and Ocean Club West from $309, OceanClubResorts.com).

MUST-DOS

Take a dive and see the awesome marine life of Turks and Caicos (OceanVibes.com). n Deep-sea fishing, anyone? Local Chris Stubbs will take you out for full- and half-day charters so you can reel ’em in (FishingTCI.com). n Treat yourself to a beachside massage. Fabulous resorts come with fabulous spas, so take advantage! [n]

s or t s Tell re n o you’re nd o c e y ou r s n a n d o o m ho n e y y s n a g you ma rks !

V IP p e

n

splish splash Swim a few laps in The Somerset on Grace Bay’s sparkling pool.

click [ to get more travel ideas for two ] 40 The Nest Mag

Happily ever after

starts with Aston.

Leave the rest of the world behind and spend a romantic getaway in a paradise famous for its sensuous spirit, romantic beaches and plumeria scented trade winds. Stay Aston and choose from hotels and condominium resorts on 4 different islands to fit any lifestyle, taste or budget.

Oahu

Maui

Kauai

866.774. 2 924

Big Island

www.astonhotels.com

8

easy ways to transform your walls

BY ERIN HILL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK LUND STYLING BY ALISTAIR TURNBULL SET BUILDING BY RICHARD BALADO

42 The Nest Mag

 

chalkboard

log on

Click here for step -by-s tep instructio ns for these wall desig ns.

In your entryway, apply a coat of magnetic chalkboard paint from Magnamagic (Magnamagic.com).

Draw a supersize calendar so you can stay organized and remember important dates. With a quick wipe, you can turn it into a party prop and greet guests with a welcome message or the menu you’ll be serving that evening for dinner. >

WINTER 2012

43

frames

Have a bunch of mismatched frames?

Use them to fill up an empty wall. First, paint them all the same color (we used Krylon Gloss Black spray paint) and then hang as a collection sans photos. A bold-pink wall (try Benjamin Moore’s Springtime Bloom 2079-40) makes the rich black pop.

paint

Give your walls a pick-me-up with a pair of stripes (we painted a six-inch stripe and a twoinch stripe in fuchsia).

Don’t bother taking shelves down; just paint right over them!

44 The Nest Mag

gallery wall 101 Arrange the frames on the floor before you nail them to the wall. n Make cardboard cutouts in the same sizes as your frames and tape the cutouts to the wall to see how they look before you actually commit to the real thing. n Keep the spacing on the wall equal, with no more than two inches between each frame. n

wallpaper

Jazz up a monochromatic bedroom with graphic wallpaper.

For maximum impact, choose a single wall to cover with the print; the wall behind your bed is ideal. Lean toward linear prints, small florals, thin stripes or geometric patterns. This retro black-and-white design, “Trellis� by Given Campbell for Studio Printworks, adds a punch of old-school glam to a predominantly pink bedroom. >

WINTER 2012

45

letters

For a fresh approach to art, opt for hanging letters. Select one wall (a brightly painted backdrop will highlight the letters), peel the adhesive backing off the letters and let your decorating style guide your design.

Create names or phrases, or for a modern touch, let the shapes drive the placement.

Find similar letters at CraftCuts.com.

46 The Nest Mag

stencils

From elegant florals to funky geometric prints, there’s a stencil that suits every style. You’ll need a stencil, a stenciling brush and paint colors.

Here, we stenciled flowers onto our wall and then used a smaller stencil to fill in accents.

For variation, change your color patterns on some of the stencils.

Our flowers are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Yellow Marigold 2155-30 and Banana Yellow 2022-40 using the Blossom DM13-S stencil ( Stencil-Library.com). >

stenciling 101 Practice on paper before you start. n Have a cloth or paper towels handy for mistakes. n Use professional stenciling brushes that are round with short, stiff bristles. n Before painting, tape the top and bottom of the stencil to the wall. n Dab only a small amount of paint onto the brush. n

Apply the paint with quick, up-and-down strokes. n For detailed painting, tap the end of the brush to the stencil in­stead of brushing. n Work from the outside of the stencil to the inside. n Apply two thin coats. n Repeatedly wash the stencil to avoid unwanted paint marks on the wall. n

WINTER 201 2

47

patchwork wallpaper

This is a great concept if you want to pump up the wow factor with some unexpected texture in a living room. Start with a graphic print as your base and pair it with two complementary designs (so they don’t compete). We picked the floral first and added a more mellow pinstripe and houndstooth within the blue color palette.

wallpaper 101 Always use the glue recommended by the wallpaper manufacturer. n Start at one end and work your way over to the other. If you’re righthanded, start at the left and work right. n Patch holes and sand out large bumps and any wall imperfections before beginning. n Strips should meet at the seam—not overlap. n Cover the entire area of the wallpaper backing with paste to prevent bubbles. n

chair rail

You don’t need a decorative crown molding to create a chair rail—paint can provide a similar effect.

When applying the paint, use a lighter color on top and go darker on the bottom. Here, we used Benjamin Moore’s Blue Bonnet 2050-70 and Florida Keys Blue 2050-40. [n]

click [ to find more easy-decorating ideas ] WINTER 201 2

49

how long will it last?

Do you know how long your dryer will last? Or when a dishwasher is no longer worth fixing? Here are tips and tricks to being a savvy shopper.

Magic Chef, $90, Home Depot .com

e Try thbill dollarst te

microwave Average life span is 8 years.

WHEN TO REPLACE

They’re not a huge investment, so toss your microwave oven right away if the door doesn’t close properly, if you notice any loud noises while in use or if your food isn’t being cooked properly.

50 The Nest Mag

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Choose a model that suits your kitchen, whether it’s a countertop, built-in or over-range style. Then pick your cooking method: convection, which moves air, or sensor, which accesses moisture levels.

HOW TO MAKE IT LAST Keep it

clean! Taking care of this appliance will help it stay in tip-top shape.

Never overload the turntable and be sure to always allow for ample counter space for proper venting.

Open your microwave door, place a dollar bill over the edge and close. If you can pull the dollar out, you need a new appliance.

Don’t put a second fridge in the garage; it will have to work extra hard to keep cool in a hot space.

WHEN TO REPLACE If your

refrigerator

Average life span is 14 years. fridge was purchased in the ’90s, it can cost as much as 50 percent more to operate than current models with Energy Star ratings. Most of them use less electricity than a 60-watt lightbulb!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Think

about your organizational style. Side-by-side units offer storage flexibility and are great for those buying in bulk. Ones with French doors provide the largest fresh food capacity and are useful for those who entertain and want to store large platters of food. Some new models have high-tech features like Wi-Fi-enabled touch screens and smart systems to monitor usage.

HOW TO MAKE IT LAST

Set the temperature too low and it could cost you more to operate because the cooling system gets overworked. To be safe, set it between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees. For extra credit, change the water filter every six months and periodically defrost the freezer. >

clickechkeoruet

t o ch tar.gov EnergyS es in for rebat . your area

Samsung RF4289HARS refrigerator, $3,500, Sears.com

WINTER 2012

51

laundry

Average life span is 12 to 14 years.

WHEN TO REPLACE If it leaks or you find yourself

running each load multiple times, buy a new one.

If your washer is more than eight years old, you could save over 5,000 gallons of water per year if you purchase a new one.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Load-sensing wash cycles

help save on water usage. The latest technology consists of a built-in technician accessed via a phone line—they’ll try to fix problems remotely first.

HOW TO MAKE IT LAST Check your pockets!

Maytag dishwasher, $599, Lowes.com

Gum, pencils, change, nails and jewelry can damage the machine.

front- VS top-loading debate

Front loaders are usually more energy- and waterefficient. Why? They don’t have a center agitator to shake and don’t have to fill to the top with water.

dishwasher

Average life span is 12 years.

smelly washer cleaner, $17, smellywasher.com

WHEN TO REPLACE If the

dishwasher doesn’t drain, isn’t heating up, is clogged or is leaking, it’s time to replace it.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR The

two key factors are Energy Star compliance and finish. New models like GE Profile dishwashers have SmartDispense technology that can hold up to two months of liquid detergent, so all you have to do is fill it with dishes and press start. It will dispense the right amount at the right time.

HOW TO MAKE IT LAST Wash

Kenmore Elite, from $2,385 each, Kmart.com

52 The Nest Mag

only when you have a full load and always pre-scrape dishes to help prevent clogs at the drain. Soft water is easier on machines, so test for hard water and buy water softener if needed. Set your hot water heater between 120 and 125 degrees—any hotter and you’ll flash-dry your dishes.

Average life span of a range is 16 to 19 years.

WHEN TO REPLACE

Double Oven range, from $2,049, KitchenAid.com

stove

If it’s not heating to the proper temperature, have your range checked out.

But if the repair is at least half the price of a new one, buy a new model.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Know your size and what kind of power you’ll need (gas, electric or dualfuel). Usually, the most practical model is an ovenand-cooktop combo.

HOW TO MAKE IT LAST

Clean the burners and drip pans! If you don’t have an auto oven cleaner setting, use a paste of baking soda and water to scrub off dirt and grime.

Nestperts: ERIC KLEINERT, author of Troubleshooting & Repairing Major Appliances; CHRIS HAYWOOD, The Home Depot howto expert; HARRY GRUBBS, Mr. Appliance expert; ASSOCIATION OF HOME APPLIANCE MANUFACTURERS; JULIE EDELMAN, author of The Ultimate Accidental Housewife; and LOWE’S

While the age of an appliance can be a deciding factor, consider its general condition and service history too. It might be worth a small repair!

dishwashers are 85% more efficient

how to get rid of old appliances Read this before you toss it to the curb.

1 Check with your local recycling center for state laws.

Florida requires appliance doors to be removed first!

2 See if your retailer offers any purchase incentives.

3 If it’s still functioning, donate it.

4 Contact your area’s solid waste department and you could get $35 to $50 with a buyback program.

freezers are 25% more efficient Since refrigerators are 108% 199 0...

more efficient

clothes washers are 87% more efficient [n]

click [ to download our guide! ]

WINTER 2012

53

our What’s y favorite ovie? holiday m

EDITOR IN CHIEF Carley Roney EXECUTIVE EDITOR Rebecca Dolgin MANAGING EDITOR Brooke Alovis DEPUTY EDITOR Sarah Newell

“elf”! i love when will ferrell’s character says, “smiling’s my favorite!”

my family has watched “a christmas carol” every year for as long as I can remember

DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Kelly Crook

Editorial + Art

SITE EDITOR ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR RESEARCH EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR IN CHIEF

Kristine Solomon Danielle Lipp Amelia Mularz Samantha Leal Susan Waits

JUNIOR DESIGNER Alice Stevens ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Jaclyn LoRaso

EXECUTIVE VP, NATIONAL ENTERPRISE GROUP

Denise Favorule

VP, SALES & CUSTOM MARKETING SOLUTIONS

Carrie S. Reynolds, carrie@xogrp.com (212) 515-3599 NATIONAL ADVERTISING DIRECTOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC PLANNING & EAST COAST SALES CUSTOM SOLUTIONS SALES DIRECTOR, EASTERN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, MIDWEST MIDWEST MANAGER FASHION DIRECTOR GLOBAL TRAVEL DIRECTOR JEWELRY & FASHION ACCESSORIES DIRECTOR DIRECTOR, HAWAII & ASIA PACIFIC TRAVEL TRAVEL MANAGER, INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTS HOME & LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR CPG & HEALTH MANAGER SOUTHWEST SALES MANAGER EAST COAST JUNIOR MANAGER SALES PLANNERS

without a doubt, “home alone.” the entire house is red, green and white; it’s wild!

EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR ACCOUNT SERVICES DIRECTOR ACCOUNT SERVICES ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, SALES DEVELOPMENT MARKETING MANAGER SENIOR SALES DEVELOPMENT MARKETING MANAGER SALES DEVELOPMENT MARKETING MANAGERS INSIGHTS & ANALYTICS CREATIVE SERVICES

NATIONAL SALES BUSINESS MANAGERS PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

“a christmas story,” hands down. “you’ll shoot your eye out!”

Scott Ashmore, sashmore@xogrp.com (847) 235-2940 Stephanie Nicolet, snicolet@xogrp.com (917) 267-6981 Alecia Fox Dalessio, afox@xogrp.com (212) 219-8555 x1205 Candice Reggi, creggi@xogrp.com (312) 643-8624 Karen Martin, kmartin@xogrp.com (917) 583-9929 Jennifer Davidson, jdavidson@xogrp.com (210) 497-8160 Shri Lildharrie, slildharrie@xogrp.com (212) 515-3576 Rachel Jackson, rjackson@xogrp.com (904) 273-9012 Jena Tanaka Kaneshiro, jkaneshiro@xogrp.com (808) 222-5855 Amy Jarczynski, ajarczynski@xogrp.com (646) 237-5073 Amy Schoenfeld, aschoenfeld@xogrp.com (212) 219-8555 x1152 Kate Buchanan, kbuchanan@xogrp.com (917) 386-2646 Christie Stafford, cstafford@xogrp.com (949) 481-0939 Katie Zito, kzito@xogrp.com (212) 515-3573 Heather Rafferty (Senior Sales Planner), Rita Belitzky, Jacqueline Holzier, Nora Klinck-Shearman, Rachel Lang Charlette Scott, cscott@xogrp.com (212) 219-8555 x1060 Aimee Sommo, asommo@xogrp.com (212) 219-8555 x1072 Abby Baird, Jenna Bruno, Bridget Flynn, Jennifer Hagert, Shieva Latifpour, Gina Riley, Gina Wong Laurie Corson, lcorson@xogrp.com (212) 515-7460 Erin Benza, ebenza@xogrp.com (212) 515-3590 Stephanie Fitzgerald, Savannah Glazer (Freelance) Kristyn Clement, Laura Johnson Lori Richmond (Creative Director), Annie Jacobson, Ringo Lertprecha, Laura Newman, Danielle Pacheco, Lisa Z. Padnes, Sarah Salvatoriello (Associate Art Director) Shannon Gill, Renee Wu Jacalyn Lee, pr@xogrp.com (212) 219-8555 x1013 Stephanie Fraiman, sfraiman@xogrp.com (212) 219-8555 x1228

The Nest from The Knot is published by XO Group Inc., 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007. Vol. 1, Issue 20. Copyright © 2012 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. David Liu, Chief Executive Officer; Carley Roney, Chief Content Officer; Carol Koh Evans, Chief Operating Officer; John Mueller, Chief Financial Officer; Nic Di Iorio, Chief Technology Officer; Jeremy Lechtzin, General Counsel. Please note: All retail prices are approximate. 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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