April 01, 2009
February 06, 2009
February 04, 2009
Vintage Fest Promises Quirky Finds for Treasure Hunters!
Have you ever thought your latest home decorating vignette or the latest in window coverings would someday be thought of as "novel" or "vintage". It's hard to think it now, but what we think is the latest-greatest is sure to be the "oh my!" thing of the future. Who would have thought colonial prints in trendy colors would EVER go out of style (ha, ha!). Or, what about the wild patterened sheets that look more like a gallery-quality painting rather than suitable duds for a bed. Well, we never know how we or others will react to our current decor decades later, but the sentimenality of current trends will provide for warm fuzzies later as new ideas, emerging trends and the cycle of home decor comes anew. For now...be thinking of your "shopping list of vintage goods" to prepare for Vintage Fest 2009!
VINTAGE FEST, MAY 15 & 16, 2009
17946 660TH AVE., NEVADA, IOWA
ON S-27, 1 MILE NORTH OF E-29
January 09, 2009
Vintage Fest is Coming! Vintage Fest is Coming! {May 2009}
Ever wondered where those fabulous decorators get those fabulous vintage finds that just tie together an entire eclectic room? There are SO many sources out there for vintage goods...it can sometimes be overwhelming to know just where to start, or where to get the best bang for your buck.
In May, The Nest Boutique will be offering a unique shopping experience for the vintage lover. With an abundance of goods from the generations, and treasures to pass onto you, Vintage Fest will be a great place to find fabulous vintage finds of your own!
NOTE: Vintage Fest will take place at a location other than The Nest Boutique shop. So, keep up-to-date at this blog or at www.thenestboutique.com. You can always email me (Elaine) at nest@thenestboutique.com or call 515.669.9073. See you in May (if not sooner!).
January 06, 2009
The Christmas Tree Packs Its Bags...The Flowers Take Bloom
Wasn't it just yesterday I was crawling through our attic for the Christmas tree? Then, with two little ones prancing around the house, I gave up on the add-ons to the tree...the door decor, the outdoor railing decor, the little candy dishes for the quickly-gobbled-up-treats...yes, I was a minimalist this year. (Shhh...don't tell anyone!)
As quickly as the red and green emerged, now the pink and yellows take over. I'm a little excited I must say, but I still love the warmth and comfort of Christmas hues.
Isn't nature a wonderful thing - with all the colors ever imaginable already there, in the likeness of a petal or leaf or branch. I adore the way greens always blend, pinks always brighten and cream almost always coordinates. Maybe that is why the "breaking out of spring" at The Nest Boutique has been such an easy transition. Tulips, peonies, poppies, magnolias and more!
Enjoy! See you on Saturday;)
November 04, 2008
August 22, 2008
July 30, 2008
May 29, 2008
Creative Women Rally Around Inspirational Book
Another meeting of some intriguing women gathered last night at Images by Ngaire/The Loft in Ames...SUCH a gorgeous location to gain some wisdom and creative inspiration (or in my case, creative cleansing). If I didn't mention before, the location is a long, high-ceiling, wood floor building with LOTS of natural 2nd floor sunlight. June in Iowa is so delightful, especially with the long sunlit days. No wonder I was married in June!!!
Oh, yes, and peonies are due to open in just a little while, too! Ah...I can't WAIT! Oh, and I can't wait for this baby to make his/her arrival.......really, really awaiting the day!
So, back to the ladies - this group culminated with inspiration from Carrie & Danielle (check out their blog/site). I really would LOVE to meet the pair. They seem so on track w/ their thoughts, daily routines, career paths...I know, no one has it all together all the time. Yet Carrie & Danielle have seemed to put effort into the process of getting to your "real self."
I am convinced everyone KNOWS who they are...my husband tells me this often..."Everyone knows who they really are, even if they would never admit it out loud." What is interesting through this creative group is to find women who haven't set their life in stride with their emotions, desires and goals. Can you blame them/us? Well, my 2-year old calls...check out this site, get the book!
May 08, 2008
E. Ria Designs COMING SOON to The Nest Boutique!
I would like to introduce to The Nest Boutique audience a line of jewelry that will soon be making its appearance in store! Photos always are worth more words than words themselves, so have a look! See more E. Ria Designs at www.eriadesigns.blogspot.com or www.eriadesigns.etsy.com.
May 01, 2008
Ripe With Anticipation!
Oh, it's the first day (well, almost) back to the flea market season! It's been since October since I was last at the fleas. I've been waiting for all these months, all those snowstorms, all those below zero days for it to be warm enough, dry enough (sort of;), and sunny enough to get out onto the dirty, shoe-trodden path. Oh, what rapture!
This may sound silly to those of you who wouldn't DARE touch a dirty old box full of "treasures", but for me and my friends who share this joy, it's pure BLISS! The inventory is most especially different, which makes the moment I walk into the grounds so much more exciting. There's no catalog to peruse beforehand, there's no web site to browse the night before - it's all up to me to find the best deals, the greatest treasures and those one-of-a-kind buys!
What am I looking for specifically? NOTHING...but EVERYTHING. It's really more about what jumps out at me and says, "Look, I'm interesting, unusual, beautiful and a good deal!" "Buy me!" The urge to take everything I love home is only prohibited by the cash in my pocket. Don't try checks or credit cards here, although some vendors do accept them. It's cash and carry, baby!
So the dilemma begins with this type of transaction C&C...I'm 8 months pregnant, way too much overweight for my back, and sagging in the front (as expected). So...we all know it's who you know and not what you know. Well, thankfully my husband's uncle, who works the fleas by chance, is lining me up w/ a golf cart to scurry around the grounds. Whew! A day of shopping saved!
It will surely be a day to treasure-hunting to come. Stay tuned for the new treasures to be feathering The Nest very soon!
April 28, 2008
April Showers Bring May Flowers: Bridal Showers Bring Wedding Bells
Tis the season of bridal showers and weddings...although happy couples tie the knot all year through, the "open season" of weddings surely seems to crop up with signs of emerging tulips, peonies and lilacs. Why not?! It's a LOVELY time of year...especially with nature's backdrop of lush green grass, sunny skies and warm breezes. 
A June bride myself, I wish I could have bottled up the lovely fragrance from the peony bouquet I carried or the essence of perfection from the calla lily boutonnieres. Wishes, wishes...
To make YOUR next bridal shower memorable and ultimately special for the bride-to-be, remember these three things when choosing a gift: registry, thought, presentation
Registry Most couples registry for gifts at one or more businesses, large or small, national or local. I have learned that sometimes a gift from a registry may not be the best bet for the shower or wedding. For example: My husband registered for a clock that was made from weak plastic components and it broke within a year of our marriage. How sad! That gift someone had given us lasted about as long as the top of the wedding cake! Instead, when I am choosing a gift for a couple, if there isn't a registry gift that seems fitting, I seek out a unique, meaningful and long-lasting gift of my own choosing. Some examples of these might be a mirror for the wall of their home (that is, if I know their decor & taste), a teapot w/ a package of high-quality teas, a serving tray or serving piece that can double as decor or storage. Last but not least, the unequivocal gift card. Once thought to be thoughtless, it can sometimes now be preferred as a way to say, "We want you to choose something you REALLY would like for your home!" P.S. -Brides & grooms may register at The Nest Boutique! Just stop in and talk to Elaine.
Thought While most would agree "it's the thought that counts", make sure your gift really DOES reflect your thought process. This sentiment is sometimes saved for a gift that isn't quite expected or maybe even tacky, yet with it in mind when selecting a gift, the phrase might be more than appropriate. Case in point: Sometimes a wedding guest knows the couple so well, a well-chosen gift may not only be a surprise,
but one that would might not have been expected. If the couple is traveling to an exotic destination, why not choose a candle that reflects their journey-to-come. Going to Hawaii? Give a plumeria candle. Going to Asia? Give a jasmine candle. Going to Colorado? Give a balsam fir candle. I once had a customer rave about eucalyptus candles because for her honeymoon, a good friend had given her a eucalyptus candle to burn in the cabin where they were staying. She forever associates that scent with her honeymoon - how sweet!
Presentation Ah, presentation! This can make or break a gift, well, figuratively. Have you ever received a gift and didn't want to open it in fear of destroying the pretty packaging?! How wonderful to receive a gift where such attention is paid to the presentation! Do this for your next gift-giving opportunity. Choose either pretty paper, bag and/or ribbon to set your gift apart. Another easy way to accessorize your gift and take it to the next level is to attach a small but meaningful item to the bow, tied in or attached to the packaging. 
Maybe if you give a candle, it's a book of matches or wick dipper (wire tool to extinguish your candle). If it's a book, a lovely bookmark. Maybe the gift is a metal and glass hurricane, attach a colorful votive in amongst the bow and ribbon. Giving a colorful apron, tie on a tea towel or hot pad shaped in a bow. P.S., The Nest Boutique provides complimentary gift wrap for gifts - just mention at checkout! 
Whatever you gift, whatever the season, make yours memorable!
April 01, 2008
The Unintentional Environmentalist
Be green - refill your empty candle containers!
It may be trendy, it may be politically correct or it just may be what your friends and neighbors are doing, but the environomental movement is getting quite a push from media and the retail sector. 
Soyalux has been offering a "green" service for years, yet it will continue to be a forward-thinking cornerstone of the business for years to come.
I welcome you to think about the advantages of a service offered by Soyalux Candles via The Nest Boutique. For only $.75/oz., you can create a soy candle of any fragrance and color of your liking!
By using renewable soy wax, renewable paper/cotton wicks, and a recycable glass container, enjoying a Soyalux Candle is far from wasteful. Unlike many other consumable products, Soyalux packaging is minimal, and since you can use your container again and again, it's practically a guilt-free pleasure!
Stop into The Nest Boutique at 1024 6th St., Nevada, Iowa, on Saturdays, 10-5 or email me at candles@soyalux.com.
Be good to the Earth - refill your empty candle containers with a NEW Soyalux soy candle!
March 04, 2008
Treat Yourself & Yours to a Mother's Day Photo Session! Images by Ngaire will be at The Nest Boutique, April 3!
The Nest Boutique brings you a special opportunity anticipating of Mother's Day!
Images by Ngaire will photograph you and/or your special group at The Nest Boutique, Thursday, April 3, 5-8 p.m. (during the 1st day of the Spring Showcase opening). Your PHotographs will arrive back to The Nest Boutique in time for Mother's Day! Special phograph pricing this day only includes:
--No session fee (regularly 125.00)
--5 x 7 - $10.00 (regularly 17.00) w/ no purchase required
--PLUS, the 5 x 7 is FREE w/ $100 purchase from The Nest Boutique
*** RSVP to Elaine at nest@thenestboutique.com or 515.669.9073 by March 28***
Please limit groups to 1-5 people. If your group will be larger, please notify Elaine at time of RSVP. View some of Ngaire's work at www.ngaire.net and visit her blog at www.ngaire.wordpress.com.
February 12, 2008
Out With the Old...
For so many, including myself, it sometimes feels overwhelming to eliminate possessions from my life. There may be many reasons giving them up is difficult (i.e. my mother gave it to me, I had that when such and such happened, I purchased that on vacation...). These reasons create an attachment to that "thing." BE FREE! Just because it has senitmental value now does not mean that letting go of it will diminish its sentimental value or its intrinsic value. 
To ensure you KEEP that sentimental value, you can do these things:
Photograph the thing in its environment (old sweater - photograph yourself wearing it; set of dishes - photograph the table set with them before their "last supper")
Write a journal of things you are parting with and describe the enjoyment you received from it (i.e. decorations or other momentos from your wedding, a bridal/baby shower, your favorite tattered jeans from college, etc.)
Use part of the item. If it's clothing, snip a piece away from it before using it for another purpose or before tossing. If you donate or sell the item, of course, do not ruin it by cutting into it;)
To ensure you KEEP the intrinsic value, you can do these things:
Surprise a friend who has admired the item by giving it to them unexpectedly. She or he will probably find more value in it, especially since you thought of him or her to receive it. You can even wrap it up as if it were freshly purchased to increase its perceived value.
Sell the item on eBay, in a classified ad, on Craigslist, in a consignment shop or at a garage sale to recoop some of the monetary value you will be losing by getting rid of the item. Many times the recipient of the item second hand will value it as much as you did the first time around.
Donate the item to the Salvation Army, Goodwill or to a faith-based/community organization. You can receive a income tax deduction for donations made to many of these types of organizations, plus the item is resold at a lower cost, benefiting those in need.
Restyle the item. If you just can't bear giving up a treasured posession, yet it still looms large in your closet, give it new life! Does an old expensive sweater have a snagged or moth-eaten sleeve? Turn it into a cozy, unique pillow or a Christmas stocking. One of the best ideas I've seen w/ a sleeve from an old sweater is to cut it off, thread a drawstring through one end, sew up the other and use it for a wine bottle gift bag! Voila! Does a pair of curtains just not jive with a new paint color? Use them as table toppers for end tables or as small tablecloths.
Host a swap party! Invite friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances for an evening of NO COST trading home decor, handbags, jewelry and more. The quantity of items each guest brings to swap is the quantity of items that guest can bring home. It is a good idea not to include clothing, unless of course, all your invitees are the same size;) Set a theme, complete with accessorizing food and decor and make an evening of getting rid!
When you are ready for a new style or just want to liven up your existing decor, don't feel you shouldn't go for it. There are many ways to extend the life or what you have or want to give up. Try some of these ideas for yourself!
February 01, 2008
HOPE!
HOPE! This word seems more cherished this time of year in Iowa. The dreary, cloudy gray days are dragging on, the snow is not as pristine as when first fallen and the temperature increases are so nominal, they seem insignificant. So where is there HOPE?! There is hope in knowing this will not last, the days are getting longer and the enthusiasm for spring is just around the corner!
So, how does this translate to the everyday, to your life and to The Nest Boutique? The colors of Christmas have dwindled in our homes and the shop, the emerging of tulips, peonies and blossom branches make their way into the decor. Fresh colors of muted greens and blues, soft pinks and cream seem to offer that hope that color outside will soon greet us each day. For now, let's freshen up our homes with a few small changes!
Replace the heavy color-laden Soyalux candles with crisp creamy candles with no dye (plus, they'll burn longer and cleaner than colored candles!). Put away the pine, the snowmen, the snowflakes in place of green grass adornments, seashells and seascape decor. The heavy-scented reed diffusers can be closed up in favor of grapefruit vanilla, plumeria and lavender. Intrigue all your senses - from your eyes to your nose with scents, sounds and scenes of SPRING!
January 29, 2008
Success Breeds Success = Creativity Breeds Creativity?
Last night, a first meeting of a group of women (although many already knew each other), met to get creative! No, we're not going to knit, paint, write or make scrapbooks, although those ideas are certainly on the "to do lists" of many of these women. There was not initially an intended definition for the group, other than to gather and inspire creativity. What the nearly 16 of us found was that in each of our own little ways, we are each searching for balance through changes in our lives and our relationships with each other, namely, other women. Each woman, as we went around the room, relayed a story of their situation, usually in relation to a family situation (children, birth of a child, loss of a parent, loss of a significant other or spouse) and how it is effecting their everyday. The solace desire for each was to 'get creative' through adding or eliminating an element to their lives, either to get out the bad or to bring back the good that has been hidden for some time.
I was comforted to know that despite seeing an image of a woman who has it "all together" walking down the street, she may be troubled with the loss of a job, the addition of step-children into her marriage, the loss of her identity because of other priorities taking up her days. It is easy to judge "this woman" because on the outside, she seems ideal, yet it is her soul that needs to be fed, her creativity to be inspired and her life to be whole. In any respect, women seek creativity through many forms, for many reasons, and for many different outcomes to fee whole.
I am relaying my experience because I see it so vital to my business. Home is a haven, of either confusion and disorganization or of simplicity and serenity. The condition of the home, either physical or emotional, reflects upon its inhabitants social and work life as well.
The inaugural year of The Nest Boutique has brought about MANY ideas, plans, emotions, and decisions for me. Now with a year under my belt, I am better prepared to sort out of the confusion and disorganization, exposing the simplicity and serenity to much better serve my customer and my creative soul.
I hope you find this process reflective upon my shop, my offerings, my style and my service to the customer. My mission is to create, each for my home, my life and my shop a place of retreat, serenity, escape, inspiration and joy. These words all have abstract definitions, yet regardless of your definition, the shared experience of the essence of these words will be wonderful in 2008! Enjoy the transformations! To get a taste of my inspiration, please visit www.carrieanddanielle.com, just one of many "guides" for the group of women I have begun to gather with monthly.
December 26, 2007
The Not-So-Merry Day After Christmas - Yippy!
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
We have awaited yesterday for weeks, maybe months, and probably all year for the children! Now, as quickly as the clock strikes 12, it's over. The anticipation over, the carols muted, the lights dimmed and the serving plates bare. Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Now what?!
WINTER! That's what! With the season beginning only days ago, we have a LLLLLONG way to go until the crocuses pop up, the robins begin to chirp and the grass begins to green. So, enjoy this season, take advantage of its once-in-a-year opportunities and enjoy! Here is a list of things I'll be doing this winter to make the most of the cold, long days:
***Enjoying a slower pace with my daughter. The frenzy of Christmas left little time to roll around out in the snow, take a trip around the yard on the sled or build a snowman (well, Daddy helped out with this task already!).
***Drink as much cocoa as humanly possible! July is definitely not cocoa-season, so enjoy an interesting cup - add a dash of ground cinnamon or cardamom for a little kick, or a little almond extract with some eggnog instead of cream. This time of year, you're bound to have these ingredients in stock:)
***Treat myself to a little luxury! Yes, I admit, there were a few things in my cart pre-Christmas for myself, but I had to! If I didn't get them then, they would have been gone by now...ah, ha! I've been tricked! I'm not sure what my little luxury will be; probably nothing extravegant, but I will enjoy every minute searching for it. (Oh, and yes, we all deserve a little luxury once in a while - it makes our everyday a little more extraordinary.)
***Catch up on the arduous task of cleaning my office. My husband will be pleased to know I at least will admit this needs to be done. A neatly arranged office is doomed during the holidays, especially for a shop owner. Heaven help me and my little stacks of "to dos!"
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL...LET'S ALL GET OFF TO A PROSPEROUS 2008!
December 17, 2007
The JOY of Last Minute Gift Shopping!
MONOGRAM CANDLES TOP OF CUSTOMERS' WISH LIST!
A loyal customer of both Soyalux and The Nest Boutique stopped in last Saturday commenting she was on her way to finish up her gift shopping. She had a smile on her face, was not hurried at all and seemed to look forward to this task. Why not?! It's the time to express your love for family and friends through a symbolic item or gesture...yes, you don't have to give a "thing" to make something a gift. Wouldn't an IDEAL gift be for a friend to show up your home the morning of a big evening party to help with last minute details?! I would say so! Put that on your list for Santa!
For those of you who may be in a tizzy getting those last little things to make Christmas ideally special, The Nest Boutique has some ideas for you! (Plus, with our last minute Soyalux 50% semi-annual clearance sale - what better time for last minute shopping!) Try some of these affordable and thoughtful Iowa-crafted gifts:
*Nest of blue egg soap packaged in brown tulle complete with feathers and a twig
*2 oz. reed diffuser from Soyalux (NEW!) in several popular fragrances
*"Cheers" sign on stake for the entertainers to place in vases, plants, bowls of food or other container
*One-of-kind pottery made by Nevada artist Ruth Soseman in hues of soft green, gray/black or blue.
*Friendship magnets with a variety of phrases that say just what you feel for a friend.
*Last but not least - MONOGRAM CANDLES FROM SOYALUX! In stunning frosted glass, with a lid to make it look like a gift package, monogram candles feature a vinyl black letter on top for any name.
Stop in either Friday, Dec. 21 or Saturday, Dec. 22 to finish up those last gift-buying tasks at The Nest Boutique, 10-5 each day!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
October 29, 2007
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
What's in a name? You've heard the saying before? Has it ever applied to your situation? Just a wee year ago, this question played through my head as I was feverishly coming up with a name for The Nest Boutique. It seems fitting now, but at the time, the name that was by default "what could have been" was Soyalux - the name of my soy candle company. 
Well, that didn't work - it means "soy light" and a cute little boutique by that name is just NOT the same! So...through many pages on the Web, I came across one of my new favorite pieces of jewelry - a sterling silver nest with a few pearl eggs inside. (Yes, I now make these myself!). Being a new mother, the image appealed to me even more so, since I had a new egg in my nest at home!
So, that was it - the new boutique would be called The Nest. Little did I realize at the time the popularity of birds, eggs & nests. Maybe trendy, maybe a fad, but who can resist a cute little bird hovered over a nest filled with sweet little eggs?! At The Nest...I can't!
October 19, 2007
CONGRATULATIONS 5-year anniversary drawing winners!
CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS!
These guests were winners of the following prizes given away during the Soyalux Candles 5-year anniversary celebration at The Nest Boutique:
$100 Soyalux shopping spree - Michele Kaiser
16 oz. metal top Soyalux Candle - Nesjie Calvert
$10 The Nest Boutique gift certificate - Sandra Sandfort
October 11, 2007
Happy Birthday Soyalux!
SOYALUX CANDLES CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS AND CONTINUED GROWTH
For a child to turn five, it's only a small steps in a much larger adventure toward adulthood. For a busine
ss to turn five, well, it's great that it made it past that critical "infancy" when many others fail. I'm happy to be celebrating my soy candle company's fifth birthday or anniversary, whichever may seem more appropriate. For others, anniversary may make sense, but for this "child" of mine, it's more like a birthday.
About five years ago, my mother, Barbara, and friend, Gerri, decided it would be fun to learn how to make soy candles in Cedar Rapids from the man who had invented a soy wax formula. Taking time from work, and a day away for some creativity, I eagerly said yes, but had no expectations. Later that day, we came home with 200 pounds of wax, lots of molds I had no idea what do with and empty wallets! Oh, to see those four boxes sitting in my garage, I thought "what are we going to do with all this stuff?!"
One Saturday, it didn't take long for me to realize just what I, at least, was going to do with all this wax and stuff. Mom and Gerri were creating as if the wax was cake batter, and the measurements were askew, we weren't sure how long it would take for the candles to cool, and we used some of the most hidious containers I have ever seen! Despite all our shortcomings that Saturday, we spent most of the day hunkered in my basement, creating this and that, smelling this and that, and finding out, THIS IS FUN!
All three of us were so very proud of what we had created - little burning wonders made from Iowa-grown soybeans! Mom and Gerri saw this as a way to get just the candle they wanted; I saw it as a burgeoning home-based business, just waiting to blossom.
For many months after that day, we made candles when we could, showed them and sold them to friends and family - without much of a sales pitch either. Everyone was catching onto the concept of soy candles. They burn cleaner, longer and with tremendous fragrance in comparison to their counterparts on the market.
Well, long story short, many craft shows, home parties, wholesale orders later, Soyalux Candles is still here, growing yearly, and expanding throughout the country. The product can be found in a salon in Manhattan, NY, and a spa in Los Angeles. And anywhere in between, Soyalux Candles continues to strive toward elegance, uniqueness and premium quality. 
Probably the most enticing element of Soyalux Candles is the ability to have filled or refilled a container that once held, or maybe never held, a candle! My comment to customers, "if it holds water, it will hold a candle" usually makes eyes widen and a smile cross the faces of many. How wonderful to be able to pick a fragrance and put it into your favorite container?! I thought the idea novel myself, since for years, I had purchased (other) candles usually for the container (I know, shame on me!) and then when empty, had a wonderful paper clip holder, change collector, dust collector more like. Now, Soyalux Candles is saving dust collectors everywhere from peril! They're now becoming enjoyable soy candles!
Over the years, Soyalux Candles has more appropriately used the name Soyalux, with the expansion of candle offerings to other home fragrance products. Other Soyalux products include reed diffusers, potpourri, perfume, linen spray, wax ornaments and new products this season!
IF YOU'RE AROUND NEVADA, IOWA, ON SATURDAY, OCT. 13, PLEASE STOP INTO THE NEST BOUTIQUE - 1024 6TH ST., LOWER LEVEL OF JULIEANN'S, FROM 10-5. We will be celebrating the 5th anniversary of Soyalux Candles with cake, cookies, other goodies, cider, and specials including, buy 4 Soyalux items, get the 5th FREE; buy one reed diffuser, get one FREE; 5% off all The Nest Boutique merchandise; drawing for a $100 shopping spree and other prizes; and a complimentary gift to the first 50 guests. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
September 20, 2007
One Location; Two Great Shopping Experiences!
JULIEANN'S & THE NEST BOUTIQUE - TWO GREAT SHOPS, ONE LOCATION!
It isn't often that you 
find TWO opportunities for great shopping in one location. If you do, it's usually a far off location when you're on vacation or visiting family, right?! Well, it usually is for me. However, I'm proud to say that when you visit The Nest Boutique in Nevada, Iowa, you get TWO for ONE! 
Since The Nest Boutique is in the "lower level" or as some have referred to it as "the garden level" (where's the garden down here?!!!), there is certainly SOMETHING upstairs. Well, I'm proud to announce that the shop upstairs (Julieann's) is now online! That's right...you can view all there is in the former department store turned home decor shop.
Visit www.shop-julieanns.com to see what is to come when you visit 1024 6th Street in Nevada, Iowa. With two unique styles, this one location offers bundles of fine home decor for your abode. See what's in store at The Nest Boutique, too!
September 09, 2007
Inspiration to Feather Your Nest!
TOUR OF MARY CAROL GARRITY HOME LENDS CREDENCE TO ADDING DRAMA TO THE HOME
I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Atchison, KS, this past week to tour the home of famed decorator, prorprietor and author, Mary Carol Garrity. Her home was open for a fall celebration and book signing of her newest "guide" to decorating, Feather Your Nest. We (three gerations) also made time to investigate new goods at Mary Carol's shop, Nell Hill's, which could much better be described as a warehouse with as much available as there is on two stories. Plus, Garrity's on the other end of the same block, houses more decor and larger furniture pieces on a second story floor.
Back to the book...as with her previous decorating "guides," it is filled with pages of ideas, inspiration and complete drama. I finally had the cartoon lightbulb moment strike me that Mary Carol's panache elicits drama in even the smallest details. From the real moss tucked into candlestick bases and amongst charger plates to the branch-laden chandeliers throughout her home, the look is completely elegant and certainly dramatic. You feel as if she had decorated just for your approval when perusing the grand entrance, den, dining room, kitchen, living room, screened porch and private garden. With evidence that "setting the stage" in your home can be done tastefully, Mary Carol Garrity is building on her reputation as a successful decorating retailer and author.
In Garrity's home, each room was decked out with samplings from her line of home furnishings, dubbed "Mary Carol Home Collection" most appropriately. (Now available at The Nest Boutique!) From appetizer plates with bird and bee motifs to rustic functional willow trunks, the collection is timeless, much like Mary Carol's style. 
Out to the yard my mother, daughter and I traveled to have our book signed once the line shortened. A marketing genius at work, Mary Carol this year had a larger tent erected and filled with mounds of fall merchandise. It was being snapped up by eager shoppers almost as quickly as it could be unpackaged. This was taking place even while Mary Carol's shop, Nell Hill's, was just down the street a few blocks. What a grand idea this was indeed! The truck transporting more merchandise from the main shop couldn't keep up with the immediate need for decorating gratification! I was part of the binge. I couldn't resist. Later on the car ride home, I figured it wasn't such the merchandise we all loved, but the buzz, the arrangement and almost high school-like "group thought" of picking up what "she has in her basket" that made it so much fun! Mary Carol's "blessing," if you will, of choosing the merchandise that was available made it much easier for those shoppers to grab items that they knew could easily fit into their home by using Feather Your Nest as their guide.
August 26, 2007
August 12, 2007
Showering the Hostess/Host in Style
Plan for Fall Entertaining with an Ideal Hostess/Host Gift
Have you ever hosted an event, either in your home or other venue, and been given a hostess/host gift? If so, you know the sheer delight of receiving a little something you least expected. It is the true art of gift-giving that sets the everyday invitee apart from the extraordinary invitee.
The next time you are invited to an event, gathering, dinner party, or even just a gathering of close friends for a casual meal, bring the hostess/host a gift! The cost is insignificant, the packaging part of the fun and the thought really the only thing that counts (don't you know...).
What IS a good hostess gift??? This might be the million-dollar question for those who have hard enough time getting dressed for an evening away from home. Here are a few tips for the invitee when considering a hostess/host gift:
***For the “mommy hostess/ daddy host” who doesn’t want a burning flame in the home or too much clutter – the Soyalux reed diffuser. This gift can sit atop a refrigerator, shelf or other high furniture piece without fear of fire or children finding it.
***For the “particular hostess/host” – a gift certificate to The Nest Boutique, which never expires, along with a hand crafted one-of-a-kind greeting card or phrase glittered door hanger.
***For the “entertaining hostess/host” – a four-pack of appetizer plates from the Mary Carol Home Collection, tied with an elegant black satin ribbon. It’s small enough to store easily, yet still a thoughtful gift for your hostess/host.
***For the "minimalist hostess/host" - choose a selection of Soyalux Candles votives to tie with raffia or ribbon in a bag or reused basket. The candles will consume themselves and the packaging is minimal. Most homes burn some type of candle during the year, and votives are a sure bet if you're unsure of a hostess'/host's peference. Or, The Nest Boutique offers unique soaps, packaged or bulk, to give as a thoughtful, yet unwasteful gift. Everyone can use soap, especially when it is eye-catching and great-smelling. Plus, The Nest Boutique now offers Mudlark soap, some of the longest-lasting, best-smelling, attractively packaged soap you'll find!
Whatever gift you choose to shower your hostess/host with, The Nest Boutique has a bevy of options with unique style and an affordable price. When you stop in, just mention what type of person you’re shopping for, and we’ll find something thoughtful and ideal for the occasion.
August 01, 2007
Mary Carol Home Collection - Beauty AND Affordability!
If you are not already familiar with Mary Carol Garrity, proprietor of Nell Hill's in Atchison, KS, read up! Sharing her love of fine furnishings and talent of decorating in her four distinct books, Mary Carol puts "wow" into rooms she inspires. Nell Hill's, Mary Carol's home furnishings emporium, is a decoratoring mecca. Large rooms filled with color, texture, pizzazz and classic style, customers come from 100's of miles to find treasures in her store.
Now at The Nest Boutique, you can find Mary Carol's new line of home furnishings for YOUR home! Designed by the decorating maven, the Mary Carol Home Collection features classic, versatile pieces that will transcend fads and the seasons.
June 28, 2007
Ribbon Cutting - Great Turnout and Great Cupcakes!
Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you to the family, friends, chamber members, customers and inquisitive guests who attended the ribbon cutting. I was very humbled by the excitement for The Nest Boutique. Thanks to the Rural Epicure - Annie Tjelmeland - for the LOVELY little nest cupcakes. They were too pretty to eat! And, Sara, wow - those are some big sharp scissors!
If you missed the fun of the ribbon cutting, stop in this Saturday, 10-5. The "red ribbon" will be on display;) Ha, ha...thanks again to everyone to came to support The Nest Boutique...Elaine
June 20, 2007
Auction Chairs Go to Glamour Shots!
I don't know if you're like me, but I LOVE seeing something dirty, ugly, ready-for-the-dump turned BACK into something beautiful. This is the case with a set of 4 wood chairs I picked up at an auction in my hometown earlier this summer. They were in bad, bad, bad shape. They had good "bones" so to speak, but the seats were tattered and torn, the wood was scratched and mildewy (is that a word?!) and were passed on by many an auction goer. That's when I pounced! With the skip of a heartbeat, the auctioneer said, "SOLD; 
no. 21" - yep, still remember that number from that auction. Crazy, huh?
The chairs set inconspicuously in the corner of our garage out of my husband's daily sight. I knew they were there, and that's all that mattered. I must have had a surge of adrenaline one day...I scrubbed the chairs down, de-mildewed them (not fun!), sanded them, rubbed them with steel wool and began the painting process. For any other furniture reclaimers out there, USE SPRAY PAINT or a SPRAY GUN! The paint job by brush took forever, so I will never recoup my hours. Oh well, they're lovely now. I used a high-gloss, high-quality ivory paint on them with milk chocolate velvet for the seats. I also added new padding inside for an extra-lux feel. Oh, I adore these so! I wish I had a cottage to put them in. My cottage is full;(
These beautiful pie
ces are now available at my bricks & mortar shop - The Nest Boutique... www.thenestboutique.com in Nevada, Iowa. Open Saturdays, 10-5...see you there;)
June 13, 2007
June 08, 2007
Too much wind; never enough much paper
With nearly hurricane force winds AGAIN today, we'll be in creating cards from stacks and stashes of paper, ribbon, embellishments & ink. Well, it's not hurricane force wind, but it sure feels like it! So much for summer outdoors... The Nest Boutique is open again tomorrow. There will be a new fragrance filling the shelves of the shop - Very Berry Vanilla...it is so summer-yummy! Cherry - Blueberry - Cranberry - Vanillla...ahh, so good!
I am so excited about how these all-occasion cards turned out. Each is lined w/ white paper, so no need to worry about your message showing up! It seems that any color, any shade and any style stamp looks so classy against black. These will be for sale at www.olivetreeoriginals.etsy.com and at The Nest Boutique (for you locals)!
More of these style cards/tags to come as we're going to have another windy day here in Iowa!
June 03, 2007
May 26, 2007
Moss Pots/Rocks & Fabric Wall Hangings
My fabric fascination is being fed lately with my relatively new creation of fabric wall hanging
s. I'll spare you the process, but they're grand! Not only can I have a beautiful piece of fabric in my posession, but it can be displayed as art! These have been leaving The Nest quite quickly, so I have rounded up some new fabric art. This gold da
mask fabric is to die for...it's so modern, yet so traditional all at once. You can't tell from the photo, but the gold has a glittery shimmer to it. Very lux. The hibiscus print is a great, up-to-date summer print, ideal for porches, seasonal decor or a fabulous office facelift. I have two smaller versions in my entry hallway and they are a great addition to the long, dark hallway. A real pick-me-up!
In the past few months, I've been expanding my creativit
y to, well, lots of things;) I had seen this idea of using store-bought moss as botanical decor. I knew I had a moss growing on the farm, so I harvested it, "grew" it for a few weeks and created this pretty little pot. The moss is atop oodles of packing noodles and makes it very light. Even when dried out the moss is lush and green. These are fun because they're unassuming, practical, "real" and just fun to set around the home!
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ALL!
May 24, 2007
Passion for peonies
Are these peonies not the most beautiful thing!? Well...besides my baby girl?! Their fragrance is even more pleasing. I have two big beautiful bouquets in our home and they both are emitting the most wonderful sweet, soft fragrance. I have a passion for peonies. I've always looked forward to this May flower. They were even my flower of choice for my bridal bouquet. Did you also know you can save them for later use!? Just cut them when the buds are not quite open - they will feel like a firm marshmallow. Wrap bundles of about 12 or so in newspaper. Secure so no air can get to buds and either tape or tie shut w/ string. Place in a bucket of water in a refrigerator. These will last for weeks if little air gets to them. When you would like to enjoy - pull a bundle from the fridge, open, trim bottom of stems again for fresh stalk, stick in a vase of water and wait to bloom. ENJOY!
May 21, 2007
Recent Posts
- The Nest Boutique BLOG has Moved! (So has the shop!)
- MAGAZINES!!! My Motherly Winter Escape!
- Vintage Fest Promises Quirky Finds for Treasure Hunters!
- Vintage Fest is Coming! Vintage Fest is Coming! {May 2009}
- The Christmas Tree Packs Its Bags...The Flowers Take Bloom
- The Nest is Back With a New Bird - Brooke!
- FINALLY Back Into the Swing of Things...Recharged, Renewed, Inspired
- ***OPENING AGAIN August 23rd!***
- Creative Women Rally Around Inspirational Book
- E. Ria Designs COMING SOON to The Nest Boutique!
April 2009
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