The Nest & All Things Tessa Dee

Easy Lemon + Ginger + Honey Concoction

2011-12-21T21:18:00.000-08:00

I haven't left my house in two days which is UNHEARD OF. Everyone who knows me knows that I'm constantly running around like a crazy multi-tasking maniac, but it seems that once a year I run myself into the ground to the point where my body tells me, "Nope, you need to rest, and I'm not giving you a choice." Cue horrid body aches and intense chills for two days straight. Oh the irony of finally taking a couple of days off to sit at home by myself, miserable and worse yet, unable to catch up on any sleep because I feel like I have been beat to a pulp by a baseball bat with special emphasis on my lower back. Oh, and the lovely, tingly chills--shivering to sweating and back again. You all know how it goes...

Anyhow, today I was feeling a bit better, but not crazy better, so I decided to make something that would be easy and also help fight off the ickies. Inspired by my lovely dwarf Meyer lemon tree whose lemons are finally ready (yippee!) and my Momma who always knows just exactly what will make me feel better when I am sick, I put together an easy, yummy, stir-into-your-tea concoction.

Super simple, all you need is ginger, local honey from your friendly neighborhood co-op (ahem, Great Basin Food Co-op), and perfectly ripened, wonderfully juicy Meyer lemons. These just happen to be the most expensive lemons ever. However, they have brought me a lot of joy watching them grow and change since May, and I happen to be very proud that I have not killed my little tree thus far.

So, all you do is grab a jar, cut up ginger and lemons into thin slices and in no particular order, put down a layer of ginger and lemon then cover with honey. There's no exact science to it as it will all just meld together once you leave it overnight anyway.

Let it sit overnight and then add a spoonful to your tea or forgo the tea altogether and just add some water and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want to add a little kick! I don't remember how long it stays good for, but that's because we eat it all before we even get to that point!

Enjoy and stay healthy!

Florence --> Bob Dylan --> Jeff Buckley

2011-11-22T00:13:00.000-08:00

Blame the sudden bone chilling weather along with the first night I've had in a while where I haven't felt obligated to do something or be somewhere or be social with someone and you get a somewhat dark but definitely soul-stirring music mix. It's been a while since I have just sat down at the computer and jumped from song to song. It's nice.

I began with this...
Florence & The Machine - Heartlines

And jumped to this--thanks to a sudden flashback from watching Amber Rubarth's goosebump-inducing performance at the Nugget last week...
Bob Dylan - Just Like A Woman

Then this popped up on the side bar after that was done, and I couldn't help but listen...
Bob Dylan - I Want You

I realized that path was a little too upbeat for my lazy night, so I ventured back and found that this version suited my mood a little better...
Jeff Buckley - Just Like A Woman

Then in keeping with the Jeff Buckley theme, I had to go to my favorite of his songs and probably one on my all-time favorite list...
Jeff Buckley - Lover, You Should've Come Over

Closely followed by...
Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah

Remind me I need this when I get a few extra bucks...
Jeff Buckley - Grace [Vinyl]

Now it's time for bed. Goodnight.

White Wednesday @ The Nest!

2011-11-20T22:55:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since I have blogged anything: I have been going nonstop since the beginning of July with our crazy Nest top-to-bottom remodel and many other ups and downs that I've been dealing with. I'll do a quick recap at the bottom here then go into more depth in following posts when I get a little more time. For now, I want to let you all know about our White Wednesday Sale on November 23rd from 5pm-9pm:

If you're like me, then hanging out with the fam in a tryptophan coma trumps waking up at the crack of dawn on Black Friday and battling the crazed crowds to save a few bucks at the big box stores.

Instead, come to the Nest the day before Thanksgiving for White Wednesday from 5pm-9pm for a relaxing shopping experience complete with live music from Tim Snider & Milton Merlos and drink specials from Momma Bear's next door. Plus, just about

EVERYTHING WILL BE ON SALE!!!

See you there!

Now for your quick catch up...

First, the Nest remodel turned out amazing! 201 Keystone is everything that I hoped it would be and more. Pictures and rants about scraping beams and acid staining floors to follow...

Second, the Nest's Grand Opening "Revival: A Relocation Celebration" was a fabulous event with a great turnout! Our fashion show was glorious and our models worked it! Super cool pics from Jocelyn Little (www.thegirlwhoshoots.com) and Taylor Gadda to follow.

Third, the Nest lookbook was a smashing success! I'm so proud of how it turned out and excited by all of the good feedback that we've gotten on it. Big thank you to Chris Holloman (www.katipocreative.com) for all of his hard work in putting it together.

Coming Soon...

Better & more in-depth updates on everything that has happened since July...Stay tuned!

When It Rains...

2011-07-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

It doesn't just pour...It takes a huge dump all over everything in your life. I knew from the beginning that this remodel/move/business revamp was going to be insane, but I'm getting hit with some extra little goodies that are making it especially difficult and stressful. This past week has been one of the most physically, mentally, and emotionally draining ones that I've had in quite some time. Every single thing is turning out to be a MUCH bigger project than anticipated and some things were so out of left field that there was no way to even know what was going to hit me. Suffice to say it has put me on the brink of a breakdown.

And that is when I thank the universe for my friends. Without them, I might've given up by now. Through all of this craziness, my husband--my best friend, who puts up with more of my crap than any one person should have to--has been working day and night and picking up my slack when my arms just can't seem to hold a belt sander over my head anymore. (Hey! They're skinny but strong, ok!) Shauna McCarthy has put in quite a few hours, not to mention brought over Thai food on one of those days where the thought of having to cook something or eat fast food made me want to collapse and/or hurl AND convinced me to take a much needed few hours off and treated me to an India Arie concert and baseball game. Taylor Snider, Heather Harper, Heather Miley, Chris Holloman, Megan Nunn, Victor Salcido, Dave Berry, and Erin Amestoy all graciously came in and worked their butts off when there was plenty of other fun summer happenings to take advantage of. Then Kelley Glogovac's good intuition sent her over with a slurpee, a twix, and a listening ear right when I needed it. Aaryn Walker, Mia Quinn, and Katie Schaller graciously picked up my slack at the old Nest so that I could focus my energy on the new place. Mac Kraemer and Daniel McClure have done some troubleshooting for me at those times when I don't have the energy to just connect the dots. Plus so many people have stopped by or called/texted/Facebooked, etc. their encouragement which always gives me a lift. I seriously don't know what I would've done without you guys. And if there's anyone that I've forgotten, please forgive me. My brain is just barely functioning at this point...

And the 'rents! Always coming over with food right when we need it. My mom, my dad, and my in-laws have supplied many a meal this month! I can't even begin to explain how much I love each of them and how their support in this whole process has not only kept me going but probably wouldn't have even been possible without them.

Things never go how you expect (or hope) they will, but my friends are so awesome that I'm pretty sure whatever doesn't kill me, my friends will make sure I'll live through and be stronger because of it. (Did that sentence make sense? Brain is fried, but I'm pretty sure you get my drift.) I love all of you to pieces!

Coming Soon...THE NEST LOOKBOOK!

2011-07-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

I can't even tell you how many projects I've been trying to put together these past few months! The LOOKBOOK is one that I'm super duper excited about.

Last fall, my dear friend Kate Franco (www.undeniablestyle.com) flew up from San Fran with the talented Dara Wilson, and we did a photo shoot with photographer extraordinaire, Chris Holloman (www.katipocreative.com). Amanda Berry did makeup and models included Kate, Dara, Amanda, Katie Schaller, Chelsea Miller, Tim Snider & me. Chris and I spent many hours picking out shots and putting them together in a lookbook...think a mini Anthropologie catalog Nest-style! It was so much fun and a great learning process to boot! Now, it's finally time for the lookbook to come out and be seen by the world!!! 1,000 copies will be printed and distributed throughout town, and it will also be available digitally on my website (another coming soon project), and linked to as many social media outlets as I can figure out how to navigate!

Here's a few shots to give you an idea...

I'll be posting more--hopefully a few every day until the lookbook is released, so "follow" and "like" us and all that other jazz...

IMPORTANT: I'm also including an insert in the lookbook with advertisements for entrepreneurial friends of mine. Us small local businesses have to stick together! If you or someone you know is interested, the following blurb is all the information about it:

The Nest is moving! To celebrate, we are finally launching our LOOKBOOK to coincide with our fashion show grand opening. We would be delighted if you would like to advertise with us. We strongly believe in networking with small businesses in our community, and we would like to extend the invitation to you, our fellow small biz friends, to grab an ad space in the hopes that we can all help each other expand our customer bases.

What is this lookbook you speak of?

If y’all have been in my store lately, you know that it can sometimes be sensory overload. I wanted to put together an artistic project that would help people get an idea of the types of things that I carry in my store as well as how to incorporate them into their homes and/or wardrobes. With the help of some very talented friends, I put together a lookbook that showcases what my store is all about! Think The Nest meets a smaller version of an Anthropologie catalog...
How much does it cost & what do I get?

We are offering quarter page ads that you are free to put your business card, coupon or whatever you want in it for $50 per space! You are welcome to purchase as many spaces as you feel like. If you need ad design, graphic artist extraordinaire Chris Holloman (www.katipocreative.com) would be happy to do it for you. Prices start at $25 for basic ad design.

I will be printing out 1,000 of these lookbooks to distribute at my grand opening as well as at a large number of local businesses. The lookbook will also be available digitally on my website, www.thenestreno.com, and on Facebook. Your business will get shout outs on both. In addition, I have a very good group of loyal customers who really value supporting as many people in our community as possible, so letting them know that we are a tight group of highly recommended businesses will guarantee their support of your business.

What are the ad specifications?

We ask that your ad be in .jpeg or .pdf file format and measure 3.75” wide x 2.75” tall, though all readable content must be within 3.5” x 2.5”. (That is, 3.5” wide x 2.5” tall ad with a .25” bleed.) The lookbook will be distributed at the grand opening of the new Nest, which we hope will be sometime in the beginning of August. If you are interested, please let me know ASAP but by July 15th at the latest so that we can put it all together.

Who do I contact for this glorious opportunity?

Tessa Snider - owner of the Nest
201 Keystone Ave
Reno, NV 89503
thenestreno@gmail.com
(775) 284-8841 or (775) 527-3726

Thanks so much for taking the time out to consider this! I know that money is tight, and there are many avenues of advertising, but I hope that this grassroots effort will help all of us to grow our businesses!

Love,
Tes

I Promised Myself I'd Never Scrape Popcorn Ceiling Again...

2011-06-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

So, after reading this blog title, I'll give you one guess of what I ended up doing today...

And not just off of the ceiling either! It was all over the walls too! I have to be honest, I didn't go all out scraping because I figured I'm going to have so many pictures and artwork all over the walls that most people won't notice, but still...

I did go all out once scraping off a popcorn ceiling when I moved into my house. That time I did it right--mask, goggles, water squirter dealy, scraper--and did most of it myself. My husband just happened to be out of town during that part of the house remodel...oh, and for re-doing the wood floors, another project I wouldn't mind never having to do again. You better believe that I'll never let him forget that!

Anyway, scraping off mud is terrible. It gets in your eyes, your mouth, your hair, and leaves a lovely white dust over your whole body, which is amazing when you try to wipe it out of your eyes and end up getting more in them. What is worse--and what all of today's work was characterized by--is that you can't really tell a difference unless you really look closely. I was so stoked at our first day's work because what we accomplished was so obvious and tangible. Today's work, though no less necessary, was frustrating because after a long, tedious day, I took a look at the space from the doorway while locking up and couldn't really tell a difference from yesterday. Sigh...

At least I got to see a few familiar, friendly faces! I love me some Erin Amestoy-Mariano & Katie Schaller, and they even lent a hand pulling up some remaining carpet while they were there! A not so fun task made much more enjoyable by the company of good friends...

Something else that I meant to talk about yesterday was how cool it is when everyone offers to help but does it in their own way. Not everyone is cut out for pulling up linoleum (and certainly no one actually enjoys it), but even if that's not your thing, that doesn't mean you can't help out and show your love. Prime example is my mom. I don't see her for a minute getting dirty with the remodel; instead, she makes sure that we're all well fed, which is just as--if not more--important. If you've ever seen me with low blood sugar--what my husband aptly calls a "code red"--you know what I mean... Code red = give me something to eat before I kill you. Unfortunately, I get to this place quite often because I hyperfocus trying to do all of the stuff I need to get done and lots of times just plain forget to eat. Where was I going with this...? Lots of tangents today I feel like...

Oh yeah! So my mom made these amazing sandwiches with fresh mozzarella that hit the spot like I can't even explain in words. And if you know my mom, you already know it wasn't just sandwiches. (Although that's all that I had time to take a quick pic of before everyone dug in.) They were gourmet and came with watermelon, Oreos, beef jerky, candy, pita chips...you get the idea. A full spread! It saved the day. (Thanks Momma!)

Anyway, we'll be back at it tomorrow when (fingers crossed) the floor guy will come in with a big, glorious machine that scrapes away the rest of the linoleum like butta (or butter for all of you that are sticklers for enunciation) and show us samples of acid-stained concrete (yahoo!!!) and then more of the little annoying stuff like filling in nail holes with caulk and such. Now time to rest up! Night y'all!

New Nest Remodel: Day 1

2011-06-29T17:46:00.000-07:00


The outside of the new NEST

So, I finally got the keys to the new store yesterday. I've been waiting FOREVER, and even though we couldn't get in until last night after a long day of work, I couldn't help but start chipping away at all the work that needs to be done. Thinking that it would just be my husband and I working yesterday, I didn't expect to do more than just pull the carpet up. Turns out I have the best friends, fam, and support system ever, and the next thing I know I had quite a few people helping me painstakingly pull up the outdated linoleum.

Chris Holloman, a good friend and amazing photographer (www.katipocreative.com), followed me over after work and started pulling up carpet with Tim. It was pretty nasty to say the least... The next thing I know, my dad comes over with Scott, Caroline and her two adorable daughters, Jazmin & Catelynne. Even though it was the first time I had met Scott, he jumped right in and started pulling up carpet and furiously chipping away at the linoleum. I was amazed that someone I had just met would spend an entire night of hard labor helping a new acquaintance...really restores my faith in humanity!

Even the little ones helped out! Jazmin really went to town and was a big help for such a little girl. And of course, the night wouldn't have been complete without a little goofing off...

So after our first night, we got the carpet and linoleum in the main room pulled up. I couldn't have done it without the following people who are some of the raddest people I know: my husband Tim, my dad, Chris Holloman, Caroline Pineda and her two daughters Jazmin & Catelynne, Scott, Aric Shapiro & Babs Laukat. Thanks guys :)

Our next projects are to pull up the linoleum in the side room, scrape up all the glue to get ready for staining the concrete, and prep the walls for painting. We've got our work cut out for us, but I'm really happy with the start that we got! Stay tuned for more! And if you want to stop by and help out, we sure won't argue with you!

Love,

Tes

THE NEST IS MOVING!

2011-06-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to announce that The Nest is moving to a new location! Check us out at 201 Keystone Ave. Reno, NV 89503 starting sometime in August!

Even though we are distraught over leaving Aaryn from the Red Chair & Mia from Pink Pearl Paperie, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to be in a space that is more than twice the size of the current Nest, on a busier street, closer to the majority of our clientele, and a 5 minute bike ride from my house!

If you've ever been into our new spot, that is, the old WARC thrift store on the corner of Keystone & 2nd, you know that it's just screaming for some TLC, so our remodeling process begins ASAP! I am super excited and also going crazy at the same time. The new place is a building with lots of unfulfilled potential (aka kind of a dump...), but I like to think that taking things that most people think are trash and turning them into treasures is kind of my thing! The "before" pictures will be coming soon so that you can follow the transformation.

Did you say that you want to help out? Well, it's funny you should ask because boy, do I have my work cut out for me! I'm so thankful to have had lots of customers offer their time to help with remodeling and moving, but I could always use another hand or smiling, supportive face. True to my "trash to treasure" form, we will be using as many recycled & reclaimed materials as possible, so if you have anything that you think might be helpful, holler at me! I'll be posting a lot of info about what types of projects we'll be doing and what we'll need if you'd like to lend a hand, donate some material, or just stop by to check on our progress. Check out Facebook updates for days & times I'll be over there, and don't hesitate to call either the Nest (284-8841) or Budget (331-6676) for any specific questions!

Oh and just so you know, the Lakeside location will be open throughout July while we are remodeling the new space, so stop on in for some great deals! The less we have to move from one store to the other the better! I hope you're as excited as I am to see the transformation and marvel at the end product!

Vintage Scarves As Headbands

2010-08-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

If you know anything about me, you know that I love all things vintage. Inspired by a post from "undeniable style." a fabulous fashion & misc. blog by my dear friend Kate Franco (http://www.undeniablestyle.com/rockin-the-hair-scarf/), I thought I'd post a blog myself...something I've been meaning to do but just haven't gotten around to in quite a while.

The subject: vintage scarves and how incredibly versatile they are. My favorite use as of late is to tie one around like a headband a la Rosie the Riveter style--if you checked out Kate's blog, you'll see that great minds think alike :)

Because I have fine, slippery hair, I like to secure the scarf with my favorite vintage barrette (This one was a steal at $5 from the Red Chair. They still have tons of different ones...I got almost one of each!)

When I have more time, I'll try to do another post about all the fun new ways to use a scarf, but this will have to do for now. Yes, I know I'm a dork, but you had to see how cute it looked from the front too.

Mid-Century Modern Fashion Inspiration

2010-01-26T16:05:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to see that 40s and 50s style clothing is coming back--with a modern twist of course! I love the polished, nostalgic look of those particular time periods. I've been tempted to try my luck at high-waisted skirts and pants but am a little nervous about it. Done wrong it can look terrible, and even if it's done well, sideways glances are inevitable in a town that sometimes seems about a good six months to a year behind the fashion curve of the big cities.

Anyhow, I'm determined to get it right although probably not until spring when this awful weather clears up and sheer blouses and shirt dresses don't equal frostbite. Here are some inspiration pics that I want to try to pull off one day:

Update: I bought this sheer blouse from Urban Outfitters and am in love with it!!!

So I've been on the hunt for this style of clothing and have come up with some fun pieces that I have for sale at the Nest unfortunately sans glamorous models and good photography, but hopefully you get the idea!

Haute Yoga Bags

2010-01-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

Bikram yoga is a great stress buster for me--a great opportunity to recharge after a long week of running back and forth from the Nest to Budget Used Furniture to my next furniture pickup or delivery, etc. The class is always challenging, but I always feel so refreshed after I step out of the hot classroom.

There is one thing that is a bit of a headache for me though: getting all of my stuff together to go to yoga--mat, towel, a change of clothes, water, toiletries, etc. I have been used to carrying around lots of heavy bags ever since I was little and had to pack up my things every day to go from my mom's to my dad's to school to sports and back and forth. (Oh the craziness of having divorced parents!)

Now that I'm older, it's the same routine but now I am carrying merchandise from store to store. I can often be seen truckin' back and forth between stores carrying my purse, at least a couple of bags of new inventory, and a cup of tea. So the last thing that I want is to have to carry around 2 more bags to yoga since I have not yet seen a bag that will fit a mat plus all of the other ruckus. To remedy this problem, I made a super cute (if I do say so myself) bag that I gave to my fellow bikram yoga goer mother-in-law for Christmas. She is in love with it and has been making all of her classmates jealous with it. So, once I made one for myself I decided to make a few more for sale at the Nest.

Each bag is made of good quality, thick fabric and has a bottom pocket to slide a mat in, two top pockets so that you can separate your dry clothes from your wet clothes, and a smaller velcro pocket inside to fit toiletries or other small things. Some have outer pockets or designs on them as well. They will all be one-of-a-kind because I hate when I buy something that I think is so unique and cute and see that someone else also has it.

So I'm calling this line of bags "Haute Yoga Bags" thanks to my "hot" bikram yoga roots ;)

That is my novel--probably more of a background than you needed, but oh well :) What do you think of them? Which is your favorite?

Retro-Inspired Stockings!

2009-11-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

So every once in a while I need to do a creative project so that I don't lose my mind. With all of the craziness in trying to get the Nest up and running, I haven't had time to create something as an artistic outlet. Even though there are plenty of more "important" things that I have to do, I had to sit down and produce something tangible that I could be really excited about. Voila! Here they are: retro-inspired Christmas stockings made from some wonderful fabric that I purchased at Home Fabrics and some super cute pom-poms that Mia graciously donated to the cause. I couldn't stop at just two, so there are 5--4 for parents and kids and one, of course, for the dog. Once I have a little more time to photograph the others, I'll put them up. What do ya think?

It's A Sign!

2009-11-18T00:06:00.001-08:00

We got our window signage from Instant Sign today! Hootie looks even cuter on a window than he does on a business card! Tomorrow I.S. will be hooking us up with the rest of our signage, and we are super excited that people will be finally be able to see us from Lakeside! Stop by and check it out!

Come to the Grand Opening of THE NEST...October 31st!

2009-10-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to introduce...
THE NEST
a Vintage Urban Boutique,

Furniture, Decor and other Stuff we like.

Our Grand Opening is
Saturday, October 31st 2009.

More to come....
Please keep checking back and
BE A FOLLOWER for updates on all things THE NEST.

We are located at 6135 Lakeside Dr #135
Reno, Nevada 89511