The Nest

Tuesday, December 04, 2007 5:51 PM

Gorgeous green gifts

This year “green” seems to be the big buzzword in holiday gifts—great news for the planet, and for those of us who are trying to keep our shopping eco-conscious.  Only problem is that some of the green options out there aren’t as beautiful or indulgent as what your friends or loved ones are probably hoping to get from you (you probably know the fugly type of stuff I’m talking about). Luckily, I’ve been able to scope out some green gifts that are eco-friendly and totally chic. A few of the things on my shopping list (I hope my relatives aren’t reading . . ): 

For my sister: This chic, flattering wrap cardigan (above) made of 100% organic cotton, from Barney’s Co-op (and the organic Earnest Sewn jeans are a possibility for my husband).

For my girlfriends (and myself): Limited edition holiday makeup palettes from Josie Maran—a new cosmetics line that’s totally free of harmful chemicals, and way more glam than any of the other eco-makeup out there.

For my mom:  Like most moms of a certain age, she’s all about comfortable shoes, so I’m gifting her with a pair of Tom’s.  She’ll love that every time you buy a pair of these stylishly simple slippers an underprivileged child is given a pair for free.

For my dad: Since he loves to chef up juicy meat dishes, I think he’ll be into a TruBamboo meat cutting board, made from sustainable bamboo.

For my daughter: A hip modern dollhouse, made out of recycled wood, from Plan Toys. Though I’m worried that she’s still a little young for a dollhouse, so I may get her this kitchen from Oompa instead—the wood isn’t recycled, but at least it’s not made of plastic!

As for where I’ll buy it all, I wrote a couple weeks ago about how great it is if you can shop locally, but it turns out that that’s only really true if the products you’re buying are actually made locally.  I just read on Ideal Bite that if what you’re buying is getting shipped from another state or country, it’s more eco-friendly to purchase it online than to drive to a store. Ecommerce warehouses use 1/16th of the energy that retails store do, and even overnight sipping uses 40% less fuel than the typical car trip to the mall.  So save yourself stress while going easy on the planet and buy as much as you can from the comfort of your desk.

Monday, December 03, 2007 12:13 PM

The Perfect Holiday Cookie

Butter. Shortbread. Gingerbread. Who doesn't love holiday cookie-baking-time? I look forward to perfecting the stars, the little men, and the trees. My guy looks forward to when I mess up (he just loves that raw cookie dough!). Last year I had one of those grueling affairs with the batter and the tools. I just couldn't get anything right. So this year I've decided to spend a little more on modern cookie cutters from momastore.org. Made of plastic and guaranteed for the perfect form and release. (I will let you know what I think.) Do you have any cookie baking secrets to share? Please send because this baker is in need of a major comeback year.

Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:16 PM

Tree-Trimming Party Tips

I want to have a tree-trimming party in December, but have never hosted one before. I need your help! Here are my questions:

1. Do you decorate the tree ahead of time, and then just add the ornaments that guests bring? Or do you decorate it all together? I think I would prefer to have it done, so my friends could hang out and relax. But it also sounds fun to have an activity.

2. Do people know what a tree-trimming party is? Or do I have to spell it out in the invite to bring an ornament? Speaking of, I fell in love with these uber-preppy but adorable Lilly Pulitzer shift dresses (see the ornaments). They don't quite match my other decor, but I like an eclectic holiday look. (Hint hint to my friends...)

3. I want it to be a casual, open house brunch. Do you think I need to give a specific end time?

4. What are some easy, menu ideas? I've got the drinks down -- my favorite champagne punch and seasonal sangria (click here for the recipe). Please share your recipes -- especially ones that can be prepared ahead of time. December is such hectic month, I want this to be as low-key as possible.

Thanks!

 

Tuesday, November 27, 2007 2:38 PM

Hip for the Holidays

We've decided that this holiday season will be devoted to adding that extra
special personal touch. Maybe a little more time spent gift-hunting for his family and mine. Actual effort spend on the holiday cards. And a little extra punch in making our home feel just right.
    
My guy and I are starting with the mantel. Stockings are a must-have in our household and we fell in love with the funky picks (Check them out at HableConstruction.com). Not only do they have cool designs, but the website lets you get a sneak peek at how your oversized socks will look hanging side by side before you buy. I think we’re sold on Burgundy Flaming Guitar for him, Ivory Pink Poppy for me and, of course, Avocado Dog Bones for the pup.

What traditions will you do this year to make the holidays special?

Monday, November 26, 2007 3:27 PM

How Do You Hit The Road?

This holiday season, my wife and I have been (and will be) doing a lot of driving. Highways, highways, more highways. Thanksgiving was in Buffalo 6 hours away and Christmas will be, too. The New Years celebration we’re going to will be in Vermont 5 hours away. So basically that means my feet will be asleep and my legs in folding-chair mode for a total of sixteen hours and counting.

While these car trips are a great bonding experience and a chance to catch up as a couple, sometimes they can get exhausting. Listening to music helps, but how many times can you play Dave Matthews, Coldplay, and Kanye? We need new ways to entertain ourselves during long drives. No more alphabet and license plate game, either.

We’ve taken to bringing a crossword along and trying to solve it aloud as well as a funny magazine for the passenger to read to the driver…including the latest on Brangelina. But I’m running out of ideas, so save me from interstate insanity.

How do you keep yourselves (and spouse) entertained during long drives?

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 11:21 AM

Meet The Parents (Again)

The first time you spend the holidays with your mate's parents? In one word, stressful! Doing it on Thanksgiving, when you also may be traveling, meeting the entire extended family, and being a guest in someone's house for the weekend can only add to the pressure. (Okay, deep breath here…)

This is the first Thanksgiving my guy will be spending with my family and needless to say, I'm getting hives. Talk about family-overload! I've already done the initial prep on what to expect - Uncle Jack will grill him on everything from his job to the kind of oil he puts in his car, Aunt Lea will force-feed him turkey until she's determined he's full, and the ever-increasing amount of cousins will run around the house screaming at the top of their lungs.

Should be a relaxing evening.

I've already perused the site for any info that could help - and had a good laugh over 6 OMG Moments and How to Deal (check it out.)

I'd love to hear about your about your own first holiday experience plus any tips you might have on how to make this a painless trip. Tell me!

Happy Thanksgiving Nesties!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007 6:25 PM

The Perfect Time Waster

This holiday season, if long lines and schedule delays have you waiting, break out a pad and pencil and get doodling. You may think I’m crazy, but it’ll make time fly and is a funny game to play with your spouse. Here’s how it works: After you scribble, flip through this cool book (check it out at restorationhardware.com) to decode your doodle. It gives you the inside scoop on what over 100 common scribbles really mean.

That weird cat or spider web your significant other makes? Well, I’ll leave it to you to discover what it means. It’s also a funny game to break out at cocktail parties, plane rides, family gatherings, and can even work as a random coworker gift for all those parties coming up. Just be warned: You may learn more than you want to about your fellow Picassos!
 
What token gifts are you planning to give for the holidays?