LIFE LIVING LOVE thenest.com powered by fromk organize your life clever ideas for your kitchen, entryway and more! (time to ditch that futon!) 9 things you need by the time you’re 30 surprisingly easy- to-make meals (perfect for company) fall 2013 INSIDE shopping ideas from our friends at
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LIFELIV
ING
LOV
E
thenest.com powered by
fromk
organize your lifeclever ideas for your kitchen, entryway and more!
(time to ditch
that futon!)
9 things you need by the time you’re 30
surprisingly easy- to-make meals(perfect for company)
4Photo Credits: cover: Ellen Silverman; p. 3: living room: Ellen Silverman, shelves: Mark Lund, money jar, boxes: Shutterstock; pp. 4–5, 8–9: David A. Land; pp. 6–7: Ellen Silverman; pp. 10–11: opener and all paint: Anita Calero, styling by Elizabeth Press, blanket, fabric swatch: Jeff Harris, journal, plate, mixer: Antonis Achilleos, bird: Alex Cao, bedroom: Mark Lund, vases, lamp: Ellen Silverman, water: Shutterstock, chair: Ed Reeve/ Getty Images; p. 12: frame, vase: Jeff Harris, rug, soap, lamp: Antonis Achilleos, china: Kang Kim, room: Red Cover, cable knit, starfish: Shutterstock, swatch: Nicholas Eveleigh/Getty Images; p. 13: fabric swatch: Jeff Harris, paper: Pig Pen Studio, pendant: Mark Lund, cherries: Stockfood, alarm clock: Getty Images, Popsicle, monogram, glass: Antonis Achilleos, chair (bottom right), fabric: Shutterstock, lantern: Veer; p. 14: napkin, fabric: Jeff Harris, bamboo, lamp, plate, bottles, wallpaper: Antonis Achilleos, room: Mark Lund, basket: Mark Viker, grass: Shutterstock; p. 15: plate, scarf, swatches, vase: Jeff Harris, mitten: Veer, slate: Gary Ombler/Getty Images, ribbon: Pig Pen Studio; p. 16: towels, swatches, blender, door pull: Jeff Harris, chair, doors, teapot: Red Cover/Getty Images, chick: Shutterstock, plate, stool: Mark Lund, lemon: Stockfood; p. 17: chocolate: Stockfood, room: Jim Franco, rug, pillow (bottom right), paint can: Antonis Achilleos, pinecone: Shutterstock, bowls: William Andrew/Getty Images; p. 18, from top: Nicole Hill Gerulat, Ellen Silverman; p. 20: headshot: Annie Marshall; p. 22: headshot: Matt Charley; pp. 24–25: Anita Calero, prop styling by Elizabeth Press, food styling by Roscoe Betsill; pp. 26–29: Antonis Achilleos, food styling by Matt Vohr, prop styling by Anna Beckman, illustrations by Jason Lee; p. 32: Ellen Silverman; p. 33: art: Mark Lund, business cards: Thinkstock, books, tools: Shutterstock; pp. 34–35: ice cream cone, headphones: Shutterstock; pp. 36–37: Shutterstock; p. 38: Thinkstock; p. 39: Shutterstock; p. 40: clockwise from top: Istockphoto (5), Veer, Getty Images, Alamy, Istockphoto (2)
Use our foolproof décor tricks to
organize your space
2 The Nest Mag
fallcontents
from
Get inspired by our color boards
10
Explore these destinations
together
36 4 Easy Organizing Tricks > 10 Prepare to Paint > 18 Q&A: Remake Your Pad for Fall > 20 Dinners That Dazzle > 24 How to Pick the Perfect Produce > 26 Insider’s Guide to Beer > 30 Kitchen Tools We Love > 32 Things Everyone Should Have by 30 > 34 Real Couples > 36 Trips For Two > 40 Your Baby Clock > 42 Budget Worksheets >
Editorial + Art site director Heather Morgan Shott, @highchairtimes editorial assistant Rachel Sylvester, @rachelsylves assistant editor, research Lauren Daniels, @laurenddaniels copy editor Maria Bouselli, @mariacb88
photo editor Kristin Giametta, @kristingiametta assistant art director Alice Stevens, @alicerstevens junior designer Ashley Castro, @ashleycastro27 photo coordinator Gabriella Baetti, @gsbaetti
executive vp, national enterprise groupdenise favorule
easy organizing tricksNo more excuses! It’s time to finally get that clutter under control with these simple tidy-up ideas for your kitchen, living room and beyond. By Heather Morgan Shott
fall 2013 5
install open shelves in your kitchenTurn extra wall space above your kitchen counter into prime storage space. Group dishes in different colors and patterns together to jazz up your décor (and get rid of the mess!).
corral silverware with traysTo keep things neat (and safe), place sharp knives in their own area. Arrange butter knives, forks and spoons that you use every day in the center. Slide chopsticks and plastic spoons underneath.
use hooks for an uncluttered entryHang your coats and hoodies right by the door: You’ll have what you need when you need it. Store boots underneath and help them keep their shape by stuffing them with rolled-up magazines. When it rains, put wet shoes on a cookie sheet to keep your floor dry.
store bulk items in glass jarsDitch ugly cardboard boxes and packaging and store items like lightbulbs and pasta in pretty clear-glass jars. Add labels to spices, flour, sugar and other items that could easily get mixed up. >
clear solution This one-gallon glass jar will hold just about anything—and it’s easy to see what’s inside. Storage jar, $10, BedBathandBeyond . com
getting boxyThese wooden boxes are great for organizing silverware, tiny tools and even accessories. Bamboo boxes, from $5, BedBathandBeyond . com
hanging around Organize your coats, shoes and bags with this nifty shelf that you can hang anywhere. Safavieh Alice wall shelf, $130, BedBathandBeyond . com
keep kitchen essentials in a central spot Save time by stashing spices, utensils and pasta close to the stove. With a wall shelf and see-through storage containers, you’ll always have easy access to everything you need while cooking dinner. cut the clutter in your workspace Keep your creative juices flowing while you’re working at home with a well-organized office. Mix functional boxes and bowls with a few pieces that inspire you. And don’t forget the importance of great lighting in your workspace!
box up and label your belongingsStick your knickknacks in boxes that are pretty enough to leave in plain sight, or small enough to slide under your bed. Keep it all straight with DIY labels made from gift tags and leftover ribbon.
pick shelves that do double dutyBackless shelves are a great way to store books and decorative objects that match your living room décor. Another benefit? You can use them to break up one large living area into two different rooms—an ideal way to maximize loft space. >
paint drawers for a colorful storage solution With this creative organizing idea, your kid won’t have any excuses for a messy room. Tuck books, toys—you name it!—out of sight for a space that’s relaxing and restful. Paint cupboards in bright, fun colors that help make cleanup time fun.
install hanging shelves in your kitchenKeep your kitchen counters tidy by mounting shelves with glass doors above your sink. You’ll know right where your plates and cups are when you need them, and you’ll free up under-the-counter space for larger gadgets, like that stand mixer and food processor.
make an easy diy magazine rack Are your favorite mags piling up? Check out this simple organizer made from a super-cheap pegboard and stretchy cords with hooks. In addition to your old mags, this is a great way to corral umbrellas, old books and even sunglasses. [n]
paint You’ve got the buckets and the natural bristle paintbrushes. Heck, you’ve even got a roller. Ready to paint? Not so fast! First, take a look at our color guide and mood boards compiled from Nesties’ top-rated shades to help get you inspired. By Krissy Tiglias
click [ Get more inspiring room ideas at The Nest . com/galleries ]
I only have $50 to spend
on my bedroom. help!
I like the idea of adding color, but don’t
want to commit to something long-term
like painting or buying a major purchase such
as bedding, drapes or a rug. Any suggestions?
What about metallIcs?
We’ve heard brass Is hot...
What’s the best way to add patterns to my existing décor?
What’s a fresh Way to decorate With black and White?
How can I make thrift store finds look new?
You don’t have to spend big to freshen up your space, says Jordan Reid of Ramshackle Glam. Make your bed look luxe with faux-fur pillows. Deck your nightstand with fall blooms in a colorful glass vase. Frame and hang an inexpensive print.
Punch up your pad with a few colorful objects, suggests interior designer Julie Thigpen: Fill an orange bowl with apples for a DIY centerpiece; add a knit throw in deep raspberry to your sofa; or line your mantel with rust-colored candles.
It is—and brass accessories will add warmth and dimension to your space, Anderson says. Look for decorative bowls, vases, candlesticks and picture frames to add a vintage touch to your dining room or living room. Bring the trend into your home office with a pretty brass paperweight or pencil sharpener. [n]
Pair one pattern with a solid color, or mix and match contrasting patterns, recommends Jamin Mills, cocreator of the blog The Handmade Home. For fall, situate a chair with a tribal pattern next to a jewel-toned accent wall. Or dress up your sofa with a classic plaid throw (your dad’s old tartan will work!) and pillows with modern geometric designs.
A black-and-white room looks polished and elegant—just be sure to use different textures and patterns to liven up the space. Be on trend this season with stripes, says Katie Anderson of design blog Modern Eve. Look for vases, wall art, tablecloths and even bedding with variegated stripes, diagonals or other linear motifs in black-and-white.
Reinvent chairs and shelves with spray paint, Thigpen advises. Stick with solid colors that match your décor, especially if you already have a lot of prints in your room. “Your space will look fresh and seasonal, not ‘themey’ or overdone,” she explains.
dinners that dazzle Tired of all the takeout? Dig in to these fresh meal ideas for fall,
served up by food bloggers we love. Edited by Heather Morgan Shott
Strip the thyme leaves from stems, then chop the thyme and sage. Roughly chop the walnuts.4 In a skillet, heat 1½ Tbl. olive oil. Add the leeks and sauté about 4 minutes. Set aside. Meanwhile, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat. Set aside.5 Once the quinoa is cooked, stir in the leeks, thyme and sage; season with salt and pepper.6 After removing the squash from the oven, spoon the quinoa mixture into each half. Top with toasted walnuts. Serve immediately.
directions1 Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut each squash in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Drizzle ½ Tbl. olive oil on the flesh of each squash half and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves flesh-side down on a baking sheet and roast until slightly browned and easily pierced with a fork (20 to 35 minutes). 2 While the squash roasts, cook the quinoa in a saucepan according to package instructions.3 Meanwhile, remove the stems from the leeks. Halve leeks lengthwise and dice. Rinse thoroughly.
ingredientsServeS 4 2 large acorn squash 3½ Tbl. olive oil (divided) Kosher salt Fresh ground pepper 1½ cups quinoa (white,
red or mixed) 1 lb. leeks ¼ cup fresh thyme ¼ cup fresh sage ½ cup walnuts
crispy quinoaingredientsMakeS about 2½ cupS ½ cup almonds ¾ cup uncooked quinoa ½ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) ½ tsp. kosher salt 2 Tbl. olive oil ¼ cup honey ½ cup golden raisins
directions1 Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2 Chop almonds and combine them with quinoa, pumpkin seeds and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in olive oil and honey. Spread onto a baking sheet.3 Bake for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add raisins and let cool 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container. >
directions1 If desired, make the Crispy Quinoa for the garnish (recipe and directions right). Set aside when finished. 2 Roast the squash: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Brush with olive oil and season with kosher salt. Roast until tender (30 to 45 minutes). Puree.3 Finely mince 2 shallots. In a large stockpot, add 1½ Tbl. olive oil. Add the shallots and sauté 2 to 3 minutes until softened. 4 Stir in curry powder, garam masala, cumin and cayenne to coat the shallots. Then, add the squash puree, broth and 1 tsp. kosher salt. Simmer for several minutes.5 Stir in coconut milk. Taste and season.6 Top with chopped cilantro, a drizzle of coconut milk and Crispy Quinoa.
indian-spiced squash soup with crispy quinoa
squash soupingredientsServeS 6 5 cups puree of any squash (about a 4 lb. whole squash) Olive oil Kosher salt 2 shallots 2 Tbl. curry powder 1 Tbl. garam masala 1 tsp. cumin ½ to ¾ tsp. cayenne 1 qt. vegetable broth 1 cup coconut milk Fresh cilantro (optional)
directions 1 Cook pasta in a large pot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.2 In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once sizzling, whisk in flour and stir to create a roux. Cook until golden and bubbly (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add milk, rosemary and pinch of red-pepper flakes. Stir constantly and increase the heat, if necessary, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken (5 to 6 minutes).3 Add goat cheese, pumpkin, cinnamon and ¼ tsp. salt and season with pepper. Whisk until smooth and thickened into a sauce. Season with more salt (don’t be shy) and pepper. Add cooked pasta to pan and toss. Remove from heat. Top with a sprinkle of finely chopped rosemary, red-pepper flakes and Parmesan. Serve immediately.
ingredientsServeS 2-4 ½ lb. (8 oz.) whole wheat fettuccine or linguine 1 Tbl. unsalted butter 1 Tbl. flour 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced 2 cups low-fat milk ½ tsp. finely chopped rosemary, plus more for sprinkling on top Red-pepper flakes 3 oz. goat cheese, cut
into big chunks 1 cup pumpkin puree 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Shaved Parmesan
directions 1 In a 4- to 6-quart pot, sauté the onion, red peppers, butternut squash and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat. Stir the ingredients every few minutes so they cook evenly.2 Once the onion turns translucent, reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in spices, bay leaf, chipotle, tomatoes, beans and broth. Cover and let simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. 3 While the chili finishes cooking, whip up the crispy corn tortilla strips. Slice the tortillas into thin 2-inch-long strips.
In a skillet, cook the tortilla strips with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle with salt. Stir and continue cooking until the tortilla strips are crispy and golden (4 to 7 minutes). Remove tortilla strips from skillet and drain on a paper-towel-covered plate. 4 Season the chili with salt and serve topped with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, red-pepper flakes and cilantro. [n]
ingredientsServeS 4–6 1 medium red onion, chopped 2 red bell peppers, chopped 1 peeled butternut squash, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbl. olive oil 1 Tbl. chili powder 1 tsp. ground cumin ½ Tbl. chopped chipotle in adobo ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon 1 bay leaf 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes 4 cups cooked black beans 2 cups vegetable broth 3 corn tortillas, for crispy tortilla strips Ground sea salt 2 avocados, diced Red-pepper flakes Fresh cilantro (optional)
butternut squash chipotle chili with avocado
spice it up keep your favorite seasonings organized with this handy caddy. Cole & Mason 20-jar spice rack, $70, bedbathandbeyond . com
the perfect blend Whip up your favorite fruit smoothies! kitchenAid 5-speed, 56-ounce blender, $100, bedbathandbeyond . com
soup's on Simmer your favorite stews and chili in this nonstick pot. Anolon Advanced 7.5-quart wide stockpot, $60, bedbathandbeyond . com
your kitchen wish listSet yourself up with the right tools from
promotion
click [ Get more delish meal ideas at The Nest . com/dinner ]
brussels sprouts should be no larger than the size of a golf ball
how to pick the perfect...Think all the produce at your market is in its prime? You shouldn’t! Follow these handy shortcuts and you’ll be chowing down on the season’s best fruits and veggies in no time. By Ellie Martin Cliffe
leektake it Grab one with straight, dark green leaves and a firm, light green stalk.leave it Watch out for discoloration, wilting, cracks and bruising.
brussels sproutstake it Search for a vibrant green color, tightly closed leaves and a compact shape.leave it It’s past its prime if you see wilted or torn leaves, squishy spots or discoloration.
24 The Nest Mag
the thinner a pomegranate’s skin, the better
pomegranatetake it Choose a bulky fruit that has ruby-red, smooth, rubbery skin.leave it Blemishes could mean it’s rotting from the inside (ick!).
tangerinetake it Be on the lookout for one with a deep orange, glossy peel and an attached stem and leaves.leave it Put it back if the skin looks dull or it feels light for its size.
squash take it It should feel heavy for its size, have a picture-perfect stem and a hard, dull rind.leave it Soft areas + leakage (gross, huh?) + dark spots = rotten.
grapefruittake it Find one with heft that gives a little when squeezed. Sniff away: It should smell slightly sweet—even through the skin.leave it Soft spots, a blemished peel and wrinkles are all signs that it’s too old to eat.
blood orangetake it This should be heavy, firm and smooth to the touch.leave it Don’t buy it if it feels spongy when you (gently!) squeeze. [n]
fall 2013 25
click [Get fresh, healthy recipes at TheNest . com/smarteats ]
use a well-chilled glass (pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes) to keep beer cold longer.
insider’s guide to
beerAced Funnel 101, Keg
Tapping and Intro to Beer Pong in college? Time to take your
suds knowledge to the next level.By Riann Smith
26 The Nest Mag
okay, so I know that beer doesn’t just go from grain to bottle—but how is it actually made?Check out the four-step process to see how breweries make that magic liquid:mashing Brewers add a generic grain (often malted barley) to hot water in a steel vat or oak barrel. Then, they use special instruments to mash the barley (think mashing a potato), which takes one to two hours. The point is to convert the carbs (aka barley) into sugar. boiling The mixture—now called “sweet wort”—is put into a copper vat and boiled for an hour or longer. Boiling it causes excess water to evaporate and the liquid ends up with a syrupy texture and a concentrated sweetness. hopping Hops (a flower cone from the hop plant that looks like a green pinecone) are added to balance the liquid’s sweetness and bitterness and to bring out the aroma. Some breweries add another step to the process: They move this “hopped wort” to an airtight vat filled with fresh hops called a “hop back.” This enhances flavor and aroma and doesn’t let them escape, helping make the beer taste even more complex.fermenting Once the hopped wort has cooled, yeast is added, which creates bubbles and turns it into alcohol (aka beer). Fermenting can be done a couple of times and takes anywhere from weeks to months.
what are the most popular beers? Beers are generally categorized in two types based on how they’re fermented:ale This kind of beer goes through the fermentation process at higher tempera-tures (65 to 75 degrees) than lager because brewers use a type of yeast that floats at the top of the tank and produces a foam. Ales have a quick brewing process—while they can be aged, they’re often ready to bottle within a month. Ales are full-bodied, sweet and fruity with a typically stronger, more bitter hop flavor than lagers. Pale, red, brown (like English ale) and stout (which can taste like coffee, chocolate or, yep, even oatmeal) are just a few varieties in the ale family, which all have distinct flavors and colors.lager Fermented at lower temperatures (46 to 55 degrees) than ale, lagers use a slower-acting type of yeast that settles at the bottom of the tank, giving it a smooth, mellow flavor. “Lager” is the German word for “storage,” and the brew needs to age in this cool environment for a few months. The darker the lager (determined by how long its malted grain was roasted), the more complex its flavor will be. Pale lager originated in Germany and has become one of the most popular beers in the world. Amber lager is a North American variety with a strong, malty taste.
pairing food and wine can get complicated…is it the same for beer? Not at all! The one rule of beer and food pairing is refreshingly simple: Lighter beers call for lighter foods (grilled fish, chicken, salad) and darker beers complement richer foods (red meat, cheeses, even chocolate). So what are you supposed to drink when you’re at a bar or cocktail party after work and there are no real snack options in sight? Follow this mantra: When you sip sans food, keep it light. Even if you like the taste and richness of traditionally heavier beers, drinking ’em alone is a meal in itself and you may feel instant “beer bloat” by the time you slide off your bar stool. >
fall 2013 27
step 1 Tip the glass at a 45-degree angle; then
begin pouring your beer of choice. Aim the liquid toward the middle slope inside the glass.
pour like a proEven if you’re drinking from a plastic cup, you’ll get better-tasting beer with a proper pour. Here’s how:
step 2 As the glass fills from one-half to two-thirds full,
slowly tip the glass upright and pour the rest into the center. You’ll get a thick foam or “head” on the beer, which enhances the look, aroma and flavor.
step 3 While you pour the last drops, make sure the head begins
an inch (at most) below the top of the glass. Pour slow and steady—especially if it’s a stout—or you’ll get too much of a good thing.
From how it’s made to what to pair it with, we have all the answers to your biggest brew q’s.beer 101
So what are some of the best beers in the spectrum from light to dark? We invited a few NYC Nesties to a tasting to find out.
the skinny on light beer if you and your spouse are trying to whittle your abs, light beer may be the way to go. but you could find your-selves throwing back more brews (and calories) overall than if you’d gotten your fill from one or two regulars. and keep in mind: a lighter-colored beer doesn’t necessarily have fewer calories than a darker one. in fact, guinness has less calories than many lighter-hued brews—who knew?
beer tasting time!
28 The Nest Mag
team taste bud: beer judges in action!
pale lager try Stella Artois
pair it with Fresh fish, shellfish nestie taste test “Clean, refreshing taste that goes
with everything—the vanilla of beers!” 315bride not quite pale ale
try Magic Hat #9 pair it with Seasonal
salads, spicy food nestie taste test “Smells
and tastes like apricot…. It’s like my daily serving
of fruit.” meggiednm
american amber lagertry Brooklyn Lager
pair it with Burgers, Latin food nestie taste test “It’s caramel-y with
a softer aftertaste. Great beer all season long.... It’ll warm you up in the
winter.” marknyC09
irish dry stouttry Guinness Extra Stout
pair it with Smoked or grilled meat, barbecue,
shepherd’s pie nestie taste test
“Very smooth, like a chocolaty coffee!
Surprisingly light…. You’d think Guinness would
be heavy.” mrs.koCal [n]
the ideal “head” on a beer is one
inch high
fall 2013 29click [ Find more crowd-pleasing drinks at The Nest . com ]
1
0
the darker the beer, the warmer you can drink it
belgian strong dark ale
try Chimay Red Cap pair it with
Chocolate, smooth cheeses (such as Brie and Gouda)
nestie taste test “For an ale, it has a lot
of taste. It’s heavy and earthy—sip slowly so you enjoy it more.”
up somethin’ great) with these fun finds. By Heather Morgan Shott
30 The Nest Mag
bake like a pro (or just fake it!)
2
3
4
1
fall 2013 31
click [ Love sweets? Get 7 easy treat recipes at The Nest . com/desserts ]
1 Magic Mixer Whip up just about anything with this powerful stand mixer. Bonus: It’s pretty too. $430, KitchenAid.com
2 Kernel Catcher Fake homemade salsa by adding corn—simply slide this gadget down an ear of husked corn to remove kernels (without the mess). $14, Oxo.com 3 Garnish Guru Add flair to your dishes with this tool—its stainless steel grater removes thin strips of lemon and lime rind in one easy motion. $20, Microplane.com
4 Smart Cookie Get perfectly shaped (and sized) cookies, silver-dollar pancakes and muffins without measuring the batter. This nifty gadget does all the work for you. $30, Oxo.com
5 Slick Scrubber Tired of using multiple brushes to clean your veggies? With both hard and soft bristles, this handy tool works just as well on potatoes as it does on mushrooms. $8, Casabella.com
6 Clever Corer Ditch that paring knife! This slick apple corer gets the job done in one simple step. $13, Casabella.com
7 Java Fix Make your own coffeehouse-style drinks without the hassle of frothing milk. This device produces fluffy foam and rich espresso with the press of a button. $599, Cuisinart.com
8 Super Spritzer No need to buy cooking spray—just spritz olive oil into your skillet with this mister. $25, SavoraStyle.com [n]
Whether you’re a starving poet or a driven I-banker, by your third decade there are a few key milestones you should achieve—and, yes, things that you should have. Welcome to adulthood. By Jeff Wilser
time to ditch that futon!
32 The Nest Mag
fall 2013 33
click [ Get smart life advice from The Nest . com ]
set of toolsDrill, screwDriver,
hammer—the basics. You
shoulD also know how
to use them. at 30, it’s
unacceptable to ask Your
DaD to hang a towel rack.
business cardsAnd a professional identity that makes
you proud.
furniture that doesn’t come in a box
It’s hard to feel like a grown-up when your mattress is still on the floor. In our 20s we graduated to steel frames, but by 30, it’s time to get a couch that isn’t a hand-me-down.
home lIbrAry even if You prefer a kinDle, there are certain books
that Deserve to be owneD, treasureD anD reaD over
anD over (but maYbe not, saY, fifty ShadeS of Grey).
lifelong friendsThey’ll be with you
through thick and thin—the kind of friends that will always have your back no
matter what.
a tailorA perfect crisp fit cAn mAke A
$100 bArgAin look like ArmAni.
emergeNcy 12-moNTh saviNgs fuNdFew jobs are “safe.” And by the time you hit 30, you’ll begin scrambling to cover other random expenses—flood damage or (maybe) the bottomless financial pit known as “children.” [n]
material self-confidence
By the time you reach this decade, you should have the confidence (and mind-set) to know you don’t NEED to buy nice things...or to feel guilty or embarrassed when you do.
StatuS Married May 12, 2012How tHey met At a mutual nonprofit event in 2011. “I was wearing a sequined jacket that caught Lance’s eye. A month later, we went on our first date and haven’t looked back since.”Guilty pleaSureS Drinks from Sonic and ice cream conespetS Norma, a three-year-old black lab. “We talk to her like she can understand us, sometimes forgetting she isn’t our actual child.”
nicknameS She calls him Bud; he calls her Babe.aGe Gap There’s only a 25-day age difference between them.HobbieS ”We love making, redoing and rearranging stuff. It keeps us very preoccupied.”marriaGe mantra “We have one of those perfectly imperfect and normal relationships. We try to keep our highs not too high and our lows not too low.”relationSHip rule Always remember you’re on the same team.in 10 yearS, tHey’ll be Living closer to their families with a houseful of kids—all while running their own home décor shop.
baby clock “We can’t wait, but all in good time!”unwind time Long walks, fun drinks and
great conversations
StatuS Married May 22, 2010
diGS A two-bedroom rental in the heart of the city
career She’s a stay-at-home mom and former theater
director; he’s a professional jazz pianist with an album
expected for release this September.
baby clock Their daughter, Everleigh, is 16 months
How tHey met In 1999 while working at Walt Disney World
as undergrads. “We both lived on Seven Dwarfs Lane in
double-wide trailers—no joke. We hit it off and fell in love.”
unwind time They love taking walks, cooking together,
exploring Chicago and tuning
into their favorite shows.
“We’re addicted to Dexter
and Homeland.”love at laSt After meeting
in Florida, the two broke up
only to remain each other’s
“what if.” In 2008, they
finally tried dating long-
distance (and it worked).
HobbieS Travel, holistic
health, cooking and music
tHeir relationSHip in five
wordS or leSS “Amazing
and meant to be!”Guilty pleaSureS ”A glass
of Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc +
Viognier blend—it’s become
our ‘house wine.’ “pet peeveS Abby is a neat freak while
Dan is a fan of creating piles of stuff.
34 The Nest Mag
real couplesSneak a peek at the lives of these lovebirds. By rachel Sylvester
Jordan, 32, and Kendrick, 31TarryTown, ny
StatuS Married August 31, 2008careerS He works at Morgan Stanley; she’s the founding editor of her own lifestyle blog.baby clock Their son was born in October of 2011.nicknameS “We don’t use nicknames! Should we? Is that weird?”unwind time Zombie
movies and the occasional dance breakpetS Lucy, a shih tzu, and Virgil, a Lhasa apsoHow tHey met On Myspace, when Jordan friend requested the band Kendrick played keyboards for. Six weeks after their first date, the two were engaged.HobbieS Jordan knits, reads and gardens; Kendrick records music and reads comic books (he’s even written a book of his own).Joint effort “Each of us tries very hard to understand where the other is coming from. We’re a work in progress, but we’re both very interested in putting in the effort.”
pet peeveS He can’t remember a list of more than two items without her writing it down; she refuses to learn how to use Google Maps.relationSHip rule “Make sure to take turns with the tough stuff and give each other a break when you need it.”Guilty pleaSureS Super-boring dishes off of the Chinese food menu, celebrity gossip magazines, late-night sci-fi movies and buying superhero toys for their son
in 10 yearS tHey’ll be In the same town, making Jordan’s ability to effectively employ Google Maps unnecessary. [n]
Brooke, 24, and Nicholas, 24greenwood, ar
StatuS Married May 12, 2013
diGS A 2,100 square-foot
three-bedroom home
careerS Brooke is a hairstylist
and Nicholas is completing
his engineering degree at the
University of Arkansas.
How tHey met In the sixth grade
during band class (they both played
drums). They finally began dating 12
years later, once Nicholas fought his
way out of the friend zone.
baby clock While kids aren’t on
their radar anytime soon, when they
do have children, they plan to stop at one.
nicknameS She calls him Nugget; he calls her Monster.
favorite way to unwind “We don’t remember the last
time we didn’t go somewhere and laugh, but since we both
work so much, it’s also nice to just climb in bed or on the
couch and watch movies before going to sleep.”
relationSHip rule “Remind yourself daily to put your
feelings second. It’s frustrating if you disagree, but if you
think of how you’d feel had the situation been reversed,
you tend to be more understanding and easygoing.”
pet peeveS Despite living together for a year, Nicholas
still leaves the toilet seat up while Brooke is notorious
for complaining “I don’t have anything to wear” as she
stares into a full closet.
petS Lola Johnson, their four-year-old “crabby little pug”
HobbieS They’re big fans of music, shopping, people
watching and the occasional
dance lesson.
[click] Want to share your love story? Send
your info to realcouples@TheNest . comfall 2013 35
trips for twoEscape to one of these dream destinations, from an idyllic beach paradise
to a far-flung getaway for adventure-seekers. By Nancy Rones
kauai, hawaii Why Go On Kauai, you can scope out towering waterfalls, rugged cliffs, traditional towns and 50 miles of stellar beaches. Where to Stay No worries if you’re not great at sharing your patch of sand: The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has its own private 200-yard beach. Play in the ocean or float around in the sand-bottom, saltwater lagoon; honeymooners get a complimentary waterside cabana for a day (from $440, Kauai.Hyatt.com ). What to Do Witness the monumental cliffs jutting off the Na Pali Coast on a boat tour. Trot past secluded beaches on horseback.
Why Go Southern hospitality is very much alive in this vibrant city that delightfully struts its historical past (think: antebellum mansions, plantations and culinary institutions).Where to Stay Low-Country charm is off the charts at the elegant Planters Inn. The four-poster beds, nightly turndowns (with chocolate), free coffee and tea service
in the parlor and super-gracious staff are all proof (from $239, PlantersInn.com ). What to Do Take a private horse and carriage ride around the historic district or, better yet, tour Boone Hall Plantation (where Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds wed). Don’t forget to snap a few photos by the amazing live oaks dripping with Spanish moss ( BooneHallPlantation.com ). >
mérida, mexicoWhy Go Get an authentic feel for Mexico in this colonial-meets-cosmopolitan city on the Yucatán Peninsula (about a four-hour drive from Cancún), where many haciendas and colonial houses have been transformed into affordable hotels. A bonus: Beaches and Mayan ruins are still within reach too.Where to Stay At Casa Lecanda, you’ll sleep in a restored Yucatecan home that has many traditional details, such as clay-
tile floors, along with modern comforts (hello, walk-in rain shower). Unwind at the Wine & Tequila Bar (from $200, including breakfast, CasaLecanda.com ). What to Do Put your cooking skills to the test and take a class at Yucatecan cooking school Los Dos ( Los-Dos.com ). Looking for an adventure? Take a tour of the extraordinary Mayan ruins in Uxmal —just be sure to bring the sunscreen!
click [ Find more exciting adventures at The Nest . com ]
Why Go Do as the hobbits did in this country: Go on an action-packed journey (minus the goblins). Your bull’s-eye is the alpine city of Queenstown, dubbed “the adventure capital of the world.”Where to Stay After your exciting outings, the upscale Matakauri Lodge is the ideal place to zone out. The
serene mountain setting on Lake Wakatipu seems too lovely to be real (from $461, including breakfast and dinner, Matakauri.co.nz ). What to Do Adrenaline junkies will love careening through canyons on a high-speed jet boat or tandem bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge. [n]
budget for your basicsManaging your money wisely means keeping track of your spending—and no, random notes on your iPhone don’t count. We came up with a list of everything you need to create the ultimate budget breakdown.
budget for your extrasHey, big spenda: Those extra purchases add up each month! Keep track of what you’re shelling out for everything from coffee and clothes to Pilates and pizza.