Sponsor Post: Hex Goods

I'm happy to announce our newest sponsor Hex Goods, an online market place for independent designers.  

 Hex Goods was founded by Zach Supalla who was formerly a Dartmouth Aire along with my husband Scott (for those of you who watch the Sing Off, the Aires were one of the three final groups).  Remember my Bird on a Wire Bedding?  Well Hex Goods is now carrying it.  

Hop on over and check out their merchandise and stop in often as they add new designers and creative wares to their treasure trove. 

Now for a little Q&A with Zach.

Nest: Why did you start Hex Goods?

Zach: I started Hex Goods because I believe that there are a lot of enormously talented designers out there who haven't been "found", because there aren't a lot of great outlets for their work. As an independent designer, you have a few options to get yourself out there: first, you can sell through local boutiques, but then you're limited by geography. Second, you can sell your products on Etsy or eBay, but then you're buried in a sea of hand-made products, many of which are pretty mediocre, and it's difficult to be found. Third, you can create your own web presence, but that can be difficult and time-consuming and you have to focus your energy on driving web traffic and marketing and SEO when you really just want to make cool stuff.

On the other hand, consumers are in a tight spot as well. People want high-quality, designer products, but they're either too expensive (designer brands) or hard to find (independent designers). If you're willing to dig on Etsy or spend your afternoons at design fairs, there are plenty of gems to be found, but it's not easy.

I see Hex Goods as a way to bring together design-focused customers and independent designers, and create an environment where real design talent can shine.

Nest: What do you have planned for the future?

Zach: In the very near term, the first thing we need to do is grow our assortment of products. We're going to be focusing on home decor, fashion accessories, technology accessories, and jewelry. We've also got a special collection planned for Valentine's Day that's going to be pretty spectacular. If you have a cool product that you'd like to see on our site, email us at hello@hexgoods.com!

In the longer-term, we hope to help create more opportunities for independent designers to grow their business, such as helping designers scale their manufacturing or sell their products through major retailers. We hope that one day, all designers will have to worry about is design, and we'll take care of the rest.

Thanks Zach!  Can't wait to see what you add in the next few months!

Guest Post: Small Shop New Years Eve

Hi Friends!

I'm happy to let you know that today I'm over at Small Shop helping Erika with a post while she's enjoying a much needed holiday.  Here's a little sneak peek at a New Years Eve party guide I put together.  Hop on over to check it out.

Merry Christmas!

For the Rugged Man...

My husband recently received the Filson Catalog.  I had never heard about this brand of "better outdoor clothes since 1897".   They've been around a while and obviously know what they are doing.  The catalog pages are chock full of classic items for the outdoorsman in your life (or maybe even that hipster brother of yours).  Here are my favorite picks just in time for Christmas.

[1] Cowichan Sweater
[2] Leather and Stainless Steel Flask
[3] Mackinaw Wool Lap Robe
[4] Clip Suspenders
[5] Small Carry On Bag
[6] Mackinaw Wool Vest

[7] Carrier with Vacume Bottle

Happy Birthday!

Guestroom nightstand hack

Well, I was at the hardware store the other day (made it there while the parents-in-law were in town helping with baby) purchasing some paint to complete my drapery project when I spotted some decorative brass furniture corners.  I'd been trying to think of a way to dress up the cheap white IKEA Lack side tables that I'm using in the guest room as night stands. This seemed to be the perfect solution - adding the hardware gives them a bit of a campaign furniture quality.  It was super easy, just a small drill bit and screwdriver were needed.  I finished the project in about 10 minutes.
Before:

After:

Of course, prior to getting out my tools I was perusing the blogosphere / procrastinating and came across a post from Jenny at Little Green Notebook about the exact same project.  So much for my original idea.  I guess there really is nothing new under the sun.  Fortunately, Jenny's post has inspired me to eventually move these to the family room to use as coffee tables. I'll repurpose the master bedroom nightstands in the guest room and then find a new solution for the master (which I've been wanting to do for a while). Perhaps some draped tables with borders like this.

Happy Friday

Need I say more?

Horsetail Reeds - done and done

I posted a couple weeks ago about the narrow planting bed along our front walkway and my ideas for plant selections in that space.  Well, a trip to the nursery, some consultation with some experts and then a bit of elbow grease by moi and my father in law, and the horsetail reeds are in along with some heuchera (the bronze low growing lacy stuff in the front) and ajuga (Also bronze) and some icy ground cover.  A nice palette. I'm exited to see how it looks as everything grows in. 
Before:

After:

Immerse thyself

A while back I bought an immersion blender for Scott, king of the kitchen gadgets.  The blender sat in the kitchen cabinet for several months until recently when I started getting CSA deliveries with various fall veggies such as squashes, potatoes, carrots and celery.  In previous years, I'd made a few blended soups, always resulting in a big mess with the blender, pots and pans and a lot of cleanup.  Now, I can't get enough.  We've made all kinds of blended soups this season requiring just one pot and a little hum from the immersion blender.  Here is a little something I made with some butternut squash, potatoes, celery and cilantro I received the other day.  Healthy and yummm!!!

Guest Post: Small Shop Gift Guide

Thanks to Erika from Small Shop for her awesome gift guide for the hostess with the mostest.  I'm definitely inspired to do a little entertaining:

Hello nesters! It's Erika from small shop, happy to be filling in for new mommy Jess. I've been having a ball creating these little gift guides, so it was a piece of cake to create one for all of the holiday hostesses in our lives! Cheers to them, they deserve something special this season!

[ 1 ] Furbish leopard tray, $42 [ 2 ] C.Wonder tortoise old fashioned, $10 [ 3 ] DVF green zebra coasters, $25 [ 4 ] jingle bell wine charms (set of 10 colors), $12.95 [ 5 ] Kate Spade appetizer plates, $50 [ 6 ] Anthropologie disposable polka dot napkins on a roll, $28 [ 7 ] C.Wonder DIY Stationery Kit, $24 [ 8 ] Leif glitter tart server, $20 [ 9 ] St. Germain liquer, $29.99 and Hendrick's Gin $28.99

Happy Holidays!