Penn State Nests

These lovely little nests reside in my parent's backyard. My mom and Jan now own my Nana and Papa's home in State College, PA, and brought with them a few feathered friends.






If you would like to attract some fowl of your own, I suggest planting a few Blue Spruce trees. There are several trees in the yard, but the nests were built exclusively in the Blue Spruces.


As I took photographs of the nests, my comrade, Gracie Strudel, looked on from inside.

Three Christmases in Six Days

Will and I are blessed with three loving and supportive families. So, come Christmas time, we have a full East Coast Holiday tour on our hands.



The Allan's in Washington, D.C., the Coles in Alexandria, Virginia, then we headed up to State College, PA to have our finale celebration with my mom and Jan.



Each home had holiday warmth and charm and each tree had it's own unique style.


One of the best parts of coming home, is getting to hang out with our fury family members. We have a few....




And all the while, we have our trusty traveling companion by our side.



THANK YOU to our wonderful families who gave us three beautiful Christmases. The memories will serve until next year....when we do it all over again!

Our Nest Featured in Apartment Therapy

For an aesthetic addict like me, this is very exciting. Head on over to my latest Threadbanger blog entry to read about Our Home Featured in Apartment Therapy.



Photo by Wendy Hickok

Wintery Mix

When I checked the weather last night, my source said today we would have a "wintery mix". I pictured a handmade cassette tape with snow flakes on it. When we awoke to find a white fluffy blanket of snow throughout our neighborhood, it came clear to me.




If you have a dog, then you know that when it snows they move about on two speeds only.


1) So fast they are a fuzzy blur and 2) A dead stop, slightly shivering.

Pomegranate Place Card Holder

Head on over to Threadbanger to read how to make a Pomegranate Place Card Holder for your holiday table.

Clusters

I love clusters of hung photos, illustrations and old post cards. This is a grouping that hangs in our office.


What are your favorite clusters in your home?

First Snow

Right now New York is having it's first official snow of the season. There was a mini-flurry a couple of weeks ago, but today marks the first official snow!




It was a bit too chilly for Gracie's taste.


It makes me nostalgic for past snow days.





If it's snowing where you live, enjoy!

DIY Branch Holiday Decor

Really rad holiday decor ideas!


Branch ornament displays from Apartment Therapy

Indie Holiday Shopping Guide Part 3

A great choice for holiday shopping is the lovely shop of independent artists and designers, My Bonnie and Clyde.


With art, jewelry, home decor and lovely stationery, this is a fantastic and diverse spot to find gifts.

Decor It Yourself's Holiday Special

The holiday special is in!



Take a look and let me know what you think by leaving a comment here on Nest or over on Threadbanger! Much holiday love to you and yours.

You can see the Coaster How-To over on the Threadbanger blog.

Happy Holidays

My Decor It Yourself Holiday Special debuts tomorrow, so get ready for great gift & decor ideas! Until tomorrow, here are some of my favorite holiday decorations around our home.





Most of the decor I made myself, including the gold graffiti lace tablecloth. Learn how to make your own here!






Be sure to check the Threadbanger blog to learn how to make fabulous recycled garlands for your home.

Winter

It's officially winter, and has been for a couple of weeks now. When I ventured outside this morning Jack Frost didn't just nip at my nose, he straight up bit it.


Ahh, I wish I were Gracie. Then this would be my job all day....

Indie Christmas Shopping Guide Part 2

Duh, #2 is: Etsy.

Etsy Buy Handmade Enderby

Indie Christmas Shopping Guide Part 1

#1- Sidedish


As you hunt and gather the perfect holiday gifts, be sure to check your small shops and independent businesses. There is nothing greener than supporting the little man. One of my favs is Sidedish, run by the most lovely of ladies. With a quirky keen eye, Alison finds the coolest pieces to bring home with you or give as a gift. Like this adorable owl wall hanging. He is fantastic.


This monogrammed bag would be a great gift for a mom, sister or friend.



This serving dish would be perfect for your hostess with the mostest or anyone who appreciates mid-century design.

Check out Sidedish for many more gift options!

Modern Christmas Decor

Here's a mid-century take on holiday decor brought to you by the never-failing and ever-elegant Design*Sponge.

Book Club

Read all about where you can find your nesting bible in my blog entry over on Threadbanger

Cape Tutorial

Today's episode of Threadbanger is a tutorial of my capes hosted by yours truly.

Capes

My new line of capes debuts on today's episode on Threadbanger and in Enderby's shop.


Enderby Designs has gotten a whole revival and is ready for holiday shopping. Mention "Nest" in your order and you will receive $10 off your purchase.

The Holiday Bible

It's time to get out your trusty old Joy of Cooking book for the holiday season. Filled with classic recipes of just about ANY dish, you can put your own organic spin on any of them.


As we prepped for our holiday cocktail party, my bible remained loyally by my side.

Colored Glass

My Nana's collection of colored glass was one of the many elements that made her house a home. My heart sores knowing she left it all to me.


Thank you, sweet Nana. I look at each piece and smile thinking of you.


The pieces looks perfect on Papa's homemade shelf.

Micronerd

One of my gifts to Will for his birthday. Yes, we are big nerds.

Holiday Decor

It's December! Time to get your holiday decor out in your home. Here's a start.


What do you do to make your place more festive? I'd love to see your photos.

Turkey Table

Our first Thanksgiving was absolutely lovely! My girl Sydney and I split the meal between her family of four and Will and I, and the prep went swimmingly. All of the dishes turned out delicious, and Will and I were very proud to open our home for the holiday.


Thanksgiving was the perfect time to use our wedding china and crystal for the first time. It felt so special to serve our meal on the piece that were given to us by friends and family for our nuptials.


And on to tonight, when we have our annual holiday cocktail party to welcome in winter with friends by our sides and champagne in our hands.