Nest Trust Falls

Heather, Beth, Donald, Lauren, and I went on a little field trip the other day for some team bonding. Beth's son Max came along too. I would say he was our MVP of the outing. What is day of team building without doing some trust falls or even a ropes course? Even though I was hopeful, none of this happened. But we did have a great time. Take a peak....

{read more on Beth's new blog, Hello, Splendor}

Lauren and Donald's scary faces

Playing with baby Maxton

Me and Max strolling around

Beth and Max

Glam Grown-up Business Cards

There's a lot to love about my new job as the assistant buyer and manager at Nest, but to be honest, the most exciting part for me so far has been receiving my gorgeous, custom designed, hand-letterpressed business cards from Bell 'Invito. I love to pass them out, because everyone who gets one stops to comment on the beautiful ink color and texture of the paper. If you would like some custom calling cards of your very own, (c'mon, you know you're jealous!) contact me at the store to place an order! Graduation gifts anyone?

Novel Idea's For Mother's Day

Flowers For The Home

Modernism Rediscovered

Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations

For more gift idea's, shop our Mother's Day section on Nestdallas.com

Italian Invasion: Behind the Scenes, Part I

Thursday night we debuted, along with the Italian Trade Commission, four Italian artists and a host of exclusive Made in Italy products.

So much of the past 5 days was blog-worthy–

I have to break it up into parts...

Since Mauro's work is taken down Wednesday, I'll start there.

Mauro's work is considered Belle Arte by the Italian government. We are only allowed to keep it until he returns with it in hand to Italy this week. His mastery over this dying technique is something you must see in person.

You will find machine-made replicas in tourist shops, but Tacconi's unique skill is sought after by a discerning clientele,

from celebrities to royalty.

Seeing it in person is an opportunity not to be missed.

Tacconi is one of only 2 artists who have had their work exhibited at the Ufizzi museum in Florence while they are will living.

If you look closely, you will see that there is no "mortar" or joining material seen from the front of his pieces. They are perfectly filed and joined together to create this painting-like Florentine Mosaic.

He, Robbie, and Tiziano worked hard to hang a show in 6 hours on Wednesday, that was scheduled to have at least 3 days of prep time.

We hadn't planned for a volcano to delay flights for the art and artists–by days. Once they finally made it across the pond, late Wednesday, it was all hands on deck.

The show was fantastic. All three artists have such differing styles, it's nice to hang a show that has a bit of something for everyone. Mauro Tacconi,

Tiziano Bonanni, and Robbie Shackelford all were in attendance for mingling with the guests.

On a personal note, there are plenty of times that holding the title of store owner is not something so glamorous; but this past weekend, getting to host highly accomplished artists for a little vacation time in Dallas, was a memory for the books–and it reminded me of why I love what I do. There will be more of that posted throughout the week.

Italian Art Event This Thursday At NEST!

Join Nest and The Italian Trade Commission as we kick off our two week Italian Event! Thursday night, you are invited to attend our loft gallery opening featuring the artwork of:

Tiziano Bonnani

Fabrizio Ferrari

Robbie Shackelford

Mauro Tacconi

Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and mingle with the artists! Oh yes, there will be gelato!

Thursday April, 22 

from 6:00 p.m.-8:00p.m.

Nest 6731 Snider Plaza Dallas, TX 75205

Don't forget to visit the store during the next two weeks to view exclusive Italian merchandise. Nest is a participating store on the current promotional tour featured on  ItalianGiftware.com and hosted by the ITC. Find a stop on this tour by a town near you.

Missoni Home at Nest

Here is a sneak peak of what just arrived in the store this week. Visit us to find an assortment of robes, towel sets, and bath mats.

Keith Robe +Lapo Rug.....more coming soon!

Door Makeover

{Via Apartment Therapy by Style Your Door}

These door decals could turn out to be a lot of fun in your space. Plus, you may be able to get really creative. What do you you think?

Track

Living Room

REASON #520 TO SHOP NEST

-FOR GREAT MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS. WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF UNUSUAL IDEAS FOR MOTHER'S DAY THAT ARE AS UNIQUE AS YOUR MOTHER. CASE IN POINT, THESE BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY BOXES. THESE GORGEOUS LACQUERED JEWELRY BOXES

ARE THE CLEVER WAY TO GIVE MOM A PIECE OF JEWELRY OR PERFECT SIMPLY ON THEIR OWN. AND STARTING AT $189.00 THEY WON'T BREAK THE BANK - WHICH WE KNOW MOM WILL APPRECIATE.

Save 15% Off at Nest Today!

Save 15% OFF at Nest and Nestdallas.com today! 
(with promo code TAX15 at checkout) 


Whether you are giving back or getting back from Uncle Sam, we want to celebrate with this sweet day of saving! Come by and see us at Snider Plaza. 

** This sale excludes art

Wedding aMUSEment: Jonathan Adler Accessories

I'm just dying at this post I saw on the Green Wedding Shoes today. This adorable couple used Adler pottery as pieces throughout their reception. The Love/Anger Jar for advice, Muse salt and pepper shakers as cake toppers, and Bud Vases for little florals.  Read the rest of the post here

{images via Green Wedding Shoes +photos by Sara Yates }

Get The Buzz On Bizzy!

Connect with Nest on Bizzy to learn about exclusive deals, new products, and events! Bizzy is a brand new business to consumer site that allows you to chose the information you receive, from the businesses that you love. The best part is no more emails! Just login to Bizzy to see updates, send messages, and mark dates on your calendar. You can even set alerts to find out how much time you have left until your favorite promotions end.

Here are some of the businesses I subscribe to in Dallas:

Breadwinners
Lula B's
The Pearl Cup (Great half price offers)
Good Records
Soda Gallery
Hacienda on Henderson (sweet patio specials)

Can't Get Enough Of: Arza Designs Nest Online Exclusive

Last year I stumbled upon these great bracelet handbags by Arza Designs. I am excited to announce that these wonderful day-evening bags are now a web exclusive for Nest! They are made from Italian leather and hand crafted in New York.

Shop the Bracelet Wallet, Clutch, or Bag.

In a Twist

Moms: LOOK! How great are these?

Modern Twist has done it again. These smart, food-safe, easy to clean silicon mats are

now fit for your prince or princess at any meal - anywhere!

The Kidz Box comes complete with a set of specially designed food-safe markers, so children can color away on a selection of fun, whimsical, creative illustrations–the cool kind you'd expect from Modern Twist!

I snatched up a couple of these City Kids Placemat & marker sets to give s a gift this past Easter weekend. They were a huge hit.

Besides keeping the munchkins busy, the mats are a cinch to wipe off, roll up and be done.

Mommy friends, you will love me for this.

just in-

I am so excited about these uncommon cheese trays from Australia. Each of these unique cheese trays is hand made from vintage wine kegs and features hand forged handles.

This piece is a great gift for anyone who entertains. It makes having friends over for a spontaneous gathering so easy and looks great too! And at $338.00 is a great price for a one of a kind gift for a friend or yourself.

When Life Hands You Lemons...

Make a pie!  My friend Rachel and I decided to re-charge for spring and start the Master Cleanse this week. (For those of you who are not familiar, its a liquid diet of no fun!)

After a long day of lemon juices and bad attitudes, we decided to forfeit the plan. A simple text message was sent:

Laura-: "Lets take these lemons and make a pie."
Rachel: "What time?"

Quick Lemon Ice Box Pie:

1 graham cracker crust
1 can condensed milk
6 oz fresh squeeze lemon juice (add more for taste)
8 oz of Cool Whip

Mix all ingredients except Cool Whip until well blended. Fold in Cool Whip and pour into the graham cracker crust. Chill ** Rachel had the idea to add Raspberries and Blackberries on top for next time. Great idea!

Alluring Amber Decanters

Amber Decanters

A FUN GIFT

JUST IN-

IMPORTED FROM ITALY, THIS PORCELAIN

TOILET BRUSH HOLDER BRINGS TONGUE IN

CHEEK DESIGN TO THE BATHROOM, AND MAKES THE PERFECT "CHEEKY" HOUSEWARMING GIFT.

Spring Cleaning: Simplify, Cleanse, & Beautify

Spring has finally sprung! Those of you who know me, know that cleaning is something I just don't do. I'm no good at it and absolutely despise it. Some people splurge on clothes and shoes and fancy meals... I spend frivolously on my cleaning lady. But, what I am good at is organizing and making my space (and yours!) look good. So, with that being said, here is my start at refreshing my life for spring...

Simplify...

Makeunder My Life & Penelope Loves Lists are two of my 'go-to' blogs for organizational tips and just overall simplification. Nothing feels better than a good cleanse.

Cleanse...

Speaking of cleanse... I'm really making an effort to take care of my skin. I'm cleaning out my cabinets, ditching all of the half empty bottles, and sticking to my one tried and true cleanser by COR. It's the only way to keep my skin looking beautiful.

Beautify...

I am finally going to take to gardening. I was given a lovely easter basket full of herbs from my in-laws on Sunday, so I am going to plant them and attempt to nurture them. Not only is it gorgeous, but it's also so satisfying to care for a plant and then actually be able to use it in a meal. These Pads planters are the perfect home for my new boxwood basil and mint!

Visit the Nest Interior Design Blog for more tips on making your space beautiful...

Scent Envy

You know my obsession with Patch NYC. More refreshingly–Don Carney and Jon Ross are people you love to love! What's more, besides talent and and charm, the thing I probably compliment Don on most is the way he smells! Strange sounding, I know.

Fortunately for us, he's bottled it up! Or something like that...

Meet the new scents from Patch NYC. Grab up a couple at Nest. I'm taking an armload home for a party this weekend.

...I've got more to expound upon regarding this fun topic, but there's a documentary that needs editing and a few invitations that need some finishing touches.

...stay tuned...

Living In White Walls

These spaces strongly make me consider painting everything in my house white. What a fresh palette.

{via apartment therapy}

{via apartment therapy}

{via apartment therapy in my home town! Bucks Co. PA}

(Is it ridiculous that I consider  re-painting every 3 months? Yes!)