The Nest Egg

Fantastic Wall Decor Idea from Spicher & Company!

2011-09-22T11:29:00.000-04:00

Wow! I was on the Spicher & Company website this morning quickly looking something up for a customer, caught a quick glimpse of this wall arrangement and haven't been able to stop thinking about it, so I had to share.

As we've posted about before, we've just loved Kolene Spicher's artwork since we opened the store and we're amazed at all of the new things she produces every year. I'm crazy about how they used her simple letters and numbers to make such a statement on this wall and then combined them with a newer take on her seashells and coral. You could do this for so many things (kids rooms, entry ways, kitchens, game rooms, vacation homes, etc.). Just terrific and so very fun!

Join us for our First Day of Fall Open House this Friday!

2011-09-21T15:21:00.001-04:00

We're celebrating the First Day of Fall this Friday, September 23, with an Open House at The Nest Egg from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Join us to sample, shop and see all of our new fall merchandise!

We are also very excited to be welcoming Domenica Marchetti back to the store to sign her new cookbook, The Glorious Pasta of Italy.

Kim Jones of Stella & Dot will also be back at the store to show the beautiful new fall jewelry collection.

Catstudio will be giving away a free glass with the purchase of any 4 Catstudio glasses and we're offering 15% off of all Catstudio pillow special orders taken during the open house.

Finally, to keep your energy up for all that shopping, we'll also have samplings of Tea Forte and Celebrate! Cake Pops and of course, you'll be able to enter to win lots of fabulous prizes including a $100 gift certificate to The Nest Egg. We can't wait to see you! Click here for more details!

The "Pouffes" Are Here!

2011-09-20T13:14:00.000-04:00

So technically they are called ottomans, but at the store we've all taken to calling them "Pouffes" and regardless of their official title, they couldn't be more fun! (I have to admit . . .I wasn't even quite sure how to spell Pouffe so I searched and found the correct spelling on Wikipedia. I did notice in the October Country Living magazine last night they have a feature where they spell them Poufs but according to Wikipedia, that spelling is for the 18th Century French hairstyle made popular by Marie Antoinette which apparently fell out of fashion shortly after she did.)

But, back to the original post . . .when we introduced Lee Industries upholstery a few months ago we brought in a few of these pieces and they sold right away. We ordered 6 more for the store which arrived last week and they are fantastic! We chose some of our favorite fabrics, but take a look at all of the Lee fabrics and see which one strikes you for your very own pouffe!

These little pouffes are a terrific price (all shown here are between $278-$285 at our store) and such a great way to introduce that favorite fabric you've been dying for but aren't quite ready to commit to for an entire sofa or chair. At just 23x23x17h, they are really handy and functional. They are big enough and sturdy enough to use as extra seating (they don't collapse when you sit on them), perfect for the actual use of an ottoman and they are great to throw a tray on and use as an extra table. You can also tuck them under a table or console and pull them out whenever you need them. They are also slipcovered so in a few years if you change colors, you can simply order a new slipcover.

Wikipedia also mentions that pouffes are similar to tuffets . . . Little Miss Muffet knew what she was talking about!

(1940s Poster promoting reading among children from Wikipedia)

We're Lighting It Up! New Lamp Arrivals

2011-08-12T16:40:00.000-04:00

We received 3 pallets of lamps yesterday and more are on the way! Two of these styles are best sellers that are back in stock but the rest are all new to us (and you we hope!). We brought in some fun colors and interesting shapes with this shipment and we hope you like them as much as we do.

It's hard to believe but fall is almost upon us. Fall is a great time to refresh your lighting as the daylight hours start to get shorter (sigh . . .). On the up side, a beautiful lamp in the evening can help create a wonderfully cozy environment inside which is always something to look forward to. Here's a peak at what arrived. Call us for additional information on anything you see here!

Save 25% on all Runners from Company C in August!

2011-08-03T13:12:00.000-04:00

Runners are perfect for a hallway, kitchen, bedroom or any other slender space in your home. Help muffle the sound of footsteps in that long hall while adding zing and luscious color to an otherwise boring walk. These narrow, long rugs can continue a pattern from an adjacent room, or provide the perfect opportunity to try something new! Take a look at all of the fantastic colors and patterns available and SAVE 25% off of all runners from Company C through August 31.

Visit The Nest Egg to see all of the rug swatches in person and to place your order! Swatches are available to check out and try at home for color matching. Remember, no shipping charges apply when you order through our store. We'll see you soon!

Congratulations to our Sid Dickens Blog Contest Winner!

2011-08-01T08:44:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Heather Irene, the winner of our blog contest celebrating the launch of the new Fall 2011 Sid Dickens introduction!

Heather has won one memory block of her choice from the new Fall collection. The new collection is scheduled to arrive in our store in early September! Thanks to all who posted and entered!

Our New Online Shopping Site Has Launched!

2011-07-21T14:42:00.000-04:00

We've just launched a new way to shop at The Nest Egg . . .online!

We've revamped our site to include top selling lines and products from our retail store. These items are now available to purchase online and ship anywhere in the country. A great option for gifts (now you can avoid the post office . . .phew!) and as always, all gift packaging is complimentary!

We have terrific ideas for babies, weddings, birthdays and more! Favorite lines included online are Mariposa, Seda France, Votivo, Lafco, Trumpette, Jellycat, Angel Dear, Lollia, Antica Farmacista and many more.

We also have a selection of home accessories including mirrors, trays, frames and lamps. More home decor items will be added soon.

Stop by today and SHOP! To help us get the ball rolling, blog readers can save 15% off of all online purchases now through July 30 using promo code: 15BL711

Visit http://thenestegg.bigcartel.com or find our online shopping through our regular website: www.shopTheNestEgg.com

Enjoy!

Sid Dickens Fall 2011 Memory Blocks Release Contest

2011-07-15T12:55:00.014-04:00

For the past 2 weeks, Sid Dickens has been revealing a new memory block each day from his new Fall 2011 Reflections collection and today they're all available to see! Take a look at the nine new memory blocks below.

Post which one is your favorite and why and you'll be entered to win a memory block of your choice from the new collection. Be sure to post by 7/31. Drawing to be held on 8/1! (We're doing a separate contest on our Facebook page so post there too to increase your chances of winning!)

We are placing our order for the store today so call or stop by anytime to pre-order yours!
Hidden Truth (T270)

Child of Light (T269)

Equinox (T268)

Mystic Love (T267)

Promise (T266)

Travellers (T265)

Opera 1827 (T264)

Gate To Paradise (T263)

En La Kesh (T262)

New In Our Nest - Pillows!

2011-07-07T06:51:00.013-04:00

Yesterday we posted about our wonderful new upholstery line, Lee Industries, but I realized later that I neglected to mention that most of the fabulous pillows enhancing all of those pieces in our slideshow are from Lacefield Designs.

Jennifer (our store manager) and Rachael (our interior designer) chose a perfect selection of throw pillows to compliment the fabrics of the sofas and chairs that arrived last month from Lee. Each one adds a punch of color, a little texture or takes a vignette in another direction (like the zebra ikate thrush pillow on the more formal apartment sofa above). It's always refreshing to see how pillows can help transform a room!

(The pillows in the back are Lee throw pillows that we chose with the sofa; front pillows above and below are from Lacefield Designs)

The Nest Egg Welcomes Lee Industries!

2011-07-06T10:10:00.007-04:00

We are thrilled to welcome Lee Industries, our newest upholstery line, to The Nest Egg! Known for their outstanding quality, frame styles, fabric selections and their commitment to being a "green" company, Lee has been manufacturing beautiful upholstered furniture, made in the US, for over 40 years. Here's a sneak preview of just a few our new floor pieces. Click here to see them all and visit us soon to see and feel everything in person!

Aidan Gray Laura Mirror Featured in Real Simple Magazine

2011-06-23T10:05:00.007-04:00

The new July issue of Real Simple Magazine features a "Personal Shopper" for Mirrors in their Home "The Guide" editorial. They include mirrors within the "Under $200", "$200 to $500" and "$500 and up" budgets. There are some wonderful options included from lines we carry including Global Views and Arteriors.

One of our favorite mirrors currently in the store is the Laura Mirror (above) from Aidan Gray which is included in the "Under $200" listing. They describe the mirror as a "medieval relic". At 30" the weathered frame and the antiqued glass fit into many decor styles and at $198, it's a terrific find!

Here's a beautiful Aidan Gray shot (above) incorporating the mirror along with many of their other accessories, including the Dana Lamp shown above and below.

We put a pair of the Dana lamps atop this beautiful stained media center from David Lee Furniture. They are a great contrast to the wood stain and really give the piece a new feel. At 21", these lamps could work bedside, in an entry or on a small console ($245.)

Aidan Gray is a wonderful line full of items that add a warmth to interiors through their antiqued finishes, reclaimed woods and European inspired designs. Take a look at all they have to offer. We're happy to special order anything you see that we don't currently have in stock.

Our Father's Day Gift Top Picks

2011-06-07T14:07:00.023-04:00

The special day for Dads that comes just once a year is right around the corner. Sunday, June 19 is Father's Day and we've pulled together a few of our favorite gifts from the store for the Dad, Husband, Grandfather or Uncle you'd like to celebrate!

1) Whiskey Rocks (set of 9) $22
Chill your favorite spirits just a touch without diluting their perfectly balanced flavors. Also available paired with two tumblers for $62.

2) Carpe Diem Statement Tray: $39
Made in Mexico from recycled aluminum, this little tray from Mariposa is not only a beautiful reminder to "seize the day"but also serves as a handy catch all for change and more.

3) Leather & Upholstered Recliners: Price varies by design and fabric/leather; contact or visit store for more details.
Recliners never looked so good . . .or so updated! Let us help you choose and order the perfect new comfy chair for him from Lee Industries (and when they look this good, it'll sort of be a gift to you as well)!

4) The Backyard Bartender: $16.95
When summer arrives and the temperatures climb, there's no better way to unwind than with an ice-cold cocktail. With more than 50 recipes for stylish martinis and fizzy libations that celebrate summer's laid back attitude, "The Backyard Bartender" brings out their inner mixologist and turns your yard into summer's coolest hangout.

5) Set of 4 Washington DC Coasters: $44
Our Italian tumbled marble coasters from Studio Vertu have been a top seller since we opened the store. Choose from a great selection of images and styles.

A Brief, But Colorful Visit . . .

2011-06-06T16:10:00.003-04:00

Early last week we received a terrific shipment of unframed giclee prints on canvas. Before we knew it, someone had snatched up this guy and we hadn't had a chance to include him in our "What's New In Our Nest" slideshow for May. The customer who purchased the print is taking "him" to her farm house where I imagine he'll be right at home!

We were excited to show him off and we've already ordered another one for the store, but we thought we'd share him in the meantime. The title of the print is called "Lost In Emotion" ($285, 36x36). We look forward to receiving a new one soon!

Celebrating Seven Years of Nesting!

2011-05-31T19:57:00.007-04:00

This weekend marked our 7th anniversary of The Nest Egg's opening -- wow! My mom called to congratulate us on the anniversary this weekend and said when she read about it in our email newsletter that she couldn't believe it had been 7 years. I can't either . . .there aren't many things I've done for 7 straight years so it seems like a long time. I was once at a job for 4 years and it felt like a lifetime.

So much has happened over the past 7 years with our store but we truly have learned an enormous amount along the way and we are so happy with the store as it is now, with our FABULOUS staff (we couldn't be luckier) and of course our wonderful customers. Many of our customers have been with us since day one when it was just my husband and I working at the store. We opened on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. I was wearing totally unreasonable retail attire (heels and off white pants . . .not the smartest choice considering we have stained concrete floors and we open crazy amounts of cardboard boxes every day) and was just hoping I could remember how to work the register. Seven years and many much more comfortable pairs of shoes later (Colehaan's Nike Air flats are my new best friend), here we are.

To celebrate our anniversary we sent our email customers a coupon for 20% off of one full priced item in the store and would love to share it with our blog readers as well. We hope you'll also enjoy our newsletter as we included a section on our pricing philosophy. This is something we've held true to since we opened and we were happy to be able to articulate it to our customers.

Enjoy and cheers to you for helping us achieve seven years of a dream!

Sid Dickens "Love Affair" Signed Memory Tiles

2011-05-27T15:37:00.007-04:00

Earlier this month we learned from Sid Dickens that they would be offering a special signed collection of 14 existing tiles. The tiles in this collection were chosen because each of them, according to Sid Dickens, "might be synonoumous with a 'spring moment'."

For a limited time, each of these pieces will come personally signed by Sid Dickens. We have ordered mutliple sets for the store and are now accepting pre-orders by phone or in store (deposit required for pre-orders). Orders may be for individual tiles within the signed collection or for the entire 14 tile collection. Please note, if you would like to order the entire collection, orders need to be placed by Tuesday, May 31 at 3:00pm est so that we can submit the order to Sid Dickens.

13 of the 14 tiles in the collection that will be personally signed by Sid are pictured above. Friendship (T251) is not pictured and is shown below. This is a rare opportunity to own signed memory tiles. Signed tiles are available at our regular memory tile price ($84 each). Our store shipment of signed tiles is scheduled to arrive the week of June 13. Please call or stop by if you'd like to pre-order. The store phone number is 703-988-0944. We're so excited for the collection to arrive!

Soiree Glasses from Roost are featured in the June issue of House Beautiful!

2011-05-26T16:44:00.017-04:00

Last year we introduced the Soiree cocktail glasses from Roost online and in our store and they were really a hit with our customers. For many of our customers, they've become their "go to" gift for weddings, housewarmings and more. This month, House Beautiful featured them in their June issue's "the Best!" feature.

Each etched glass in this set of 5 is a different shape and color and has a different pattern. The glasses make a wonderfully unique present that's classy but also very fun. They are sort of a throw back to "old school" entertaining and the best part is that when guests are over, no one forgets which glass is theirs. For summertime, they'd be great for margaritas on the rocks, mojitos or any cool cocktail on a hot day!

Sold as a set of 5 for $100, you can purchase them online from The Nest Egg or in our store. We also sell a set of 6 Soiree Champagne glasses for $135 in our store that are equally as beautiful if you prefer a cocktail of the bubbly sort.

Either way, "Cheers!"

Stocking the Beach House with Lafco Candles

2011-05-20T10:40:00.002-04:00

The Vogue.com Daily has issued a "Summer Checklist for Stocking The Beach House" and has included two of our in store candles from Lafco on their list! We agree that the Lafco House & Home Beach House Candle and Patio Candle (both $55) are a must have for your beach house, as a hostess gift or for your own home this summer.

If you can't make it to the beach, you will certainly feel as if you've been transported to the seaside with their Beach House candle. Marine notes of salty sea air are combined with scents of blue lotus, cyclamen and wild grasses. For summer nights outdoors, their Patio candle with fragrant notes of geranium blossoms and mint is fabulous and it also has an added bonus in that it's a natural insect repellent.

Both candles are currently in stock in our store -- hope to see you soon!

Owls, Owls Everywhere!

2011-05-18T13:06:00.014-04:00

Over the past year or so we have seen owls popping up all over the home decor scene. We recently received these fabulous owl vases and they are one of my favorite things currently in the store. I think they would bring such character to a room either alone or in a pair. They're a great size and the color is easy to incorporate into many palettes. We've paired the ones in our store with a fresh green color story which I think is really sharp and clean. The vase is 9.5x17h and $110. There is also a larger size available if you want to foster a little owl family in your home.

The owl works in many different types of design and merchandise. Here are a few other owls that are currently residing in our store:

20x20 Night Owl Applique Pillow $138

Owl Cocktail Napkin Set $7

Owl Enclosure Card $2.25

Dad & Child Owl Father's Day Card $5.50

Owl Storage Caddy $28

Owl Storage Bin $45

Angel Dear Owl Blankie $14
Organic Owl Tote $40

Goodnight Owl Book $8.99 (this is one of my favorite books to give as part of a new baby gift -- it's an adorable little story!)

Beautiful New Upholstered Furniture Arrivals!

2011-05-16T15:32:00.007-04:00

Our spring cleaning sale earlier this month was a success as we were able to create lots of room for the new merchandise that we ordered in High Point. On Friday our new 1100 series sofa and chair from Miles Talbott arrived and it is beautiful! The colors are wonderful for this time of year.Our sofa is in Claridge Ice and highlighted by contrasting throw pillows in Seville Steel. We chose a sock arm, straight cushion, box back and dressmaker skirt.

The coordinating chair is in a wonderful stripe called Robin Khaki that would work in so many different interior styles. For the chair we chose an English arm, t-cushion and turned leg. We also upgraded the chair seat and back cushions to pillow down and it's incredibly comfortable!

The best part of this option series is that you can really make it your own by choosing any fabric and then selecting the cushion style, skirt or feet options and arm style to fit your home perfectly. Stop by soon to see our new floor models in person and let us help you dress your nest!

Buy One Pillow, Get One at 50% Off from Company C!

2011-05-02T12:10:00.005-04:00

Company C has just announced a buy one, get one at 50% off promotion on all of their pillows! The offer is good through the month of May. Spring is a great time to freshen up the house with color and Company C offers a wonderful selection of vibrant, colorful patterns and interesting textures. Here are a few of our favorite pillows:

Arcs & Squares in Pecan $125

Giraffe Pillow in Aqua $140 Gabriella Pillow in Lilac $108
Nomad Pillow in Ecru $125

All pillows are available for special order . . .just stop by or give us a call and we'll put the order in right away. Remember, shipping charges do not apply when you order through us. (Drop ship is available for a small fee). Enjoy!

Our trip(s) to see The Joe Ruggiero Collection in the Miles Talbott Showroom

2011-04-07T13:14:00.006-04:00

I'm pretty sure there were some records set this week for the most visits we've made to one showroom during market. Ranking at the top has to be the number of times that we visited the Miles Talbott Showroom. Sean and I did a quick tour of the showroom on Sunday and then Jenny (our Store Manager), Rachael (our Interior Designer) and I spent more than half of the day there on Tuesday and a few hours more on Wednesday morning. We all really wanted to learn as much as we could about the line, the collections, the frames, the cushion options and of course, the fabrics!

The showroom consists of the main line of Miles Talbott upholstered furniture as well many other collections including Rachael Ashwell's Shabby Chic line and The Joe Ruggiero Collection. All three lines are represented in our store and this week we chose some fabulous new collections that we'll have on our floor in late May/early June.

Here's what we found in The Joe Ruggiero Collection:

First and foremost, we found Joe Ruggiero himself! Joe designs all of the frames and Sunbrella fabrics in his beautiful collection. The collection features clean lines, classy style, incredibly comfortable sofas, chairs and chaises and of course, the fabrics are stunning. The best part is that all of the Sunbrella fabrics are stain and fade resistant which makes them such a great option for many lifestyles (mine included . . .two little boys and a large dog require any and everything that's stain resistant . . .hmmm, when will they make Sunbrella clothing?!) We had a hard time narrowing down our choices for our showroom samples because there were so many wonderful options.

This is where we ended up! We'll be bringing in the Tribeca Sofa in Meridian Wren with a Meridian Dove welt, accented with mitered Remix Slate pillows (these are going to be beautiful!). We're pairing that with the Sloan Chair in Montecito Papyrus (second fabric from the left above) accented with throw pillows in Tie Dye Wren (fourth from left) and a Trax Cadet contrast welt. We can't wait to see them in person!

Back From High Point! What Did We Find?

2011-04-06T21:56:00.007-04:00

Well we're back at last and unfortunately our goal of daily postings about all the wonderful things we found didn't go quite as planned. A major storm (aka a small tornado) rolled through the High Point/Greensboro area late Monday/early Tuesday and left us literally "powerless" to post.

Our hotel lost power overnight and waking up to an alarm in the dark and fumbling around a hotel room trying to figure out exactly what was where was a new experience for all of us. Fortunately we were able to laugh through it all (after many Bates Motel jokes) and after cold showers, we somehow managed to get out that morning and have another productive day at the market. There was still no power when we got back to the hotel that night so we made a late night switch to another hotel, but no power meant no blogging. I just uploaded our pictures though and promise to make good on sharing all of our great finds over the next few days! Here's a little sneak preview:

The wonderful Sunbrella fabric palette we choose for our new Joe Ruggiero upholstery collection (more on that tomorrow!) Fabulous merchandising at the Currey & Company showroom (featuring one of our in stock mirrors x 9)!

And We're Off! First Day at High Point . . .

2011-04-03T08:25:00.010-04:00

Going to market is always a little like a race to the finish line. I sometimes feel like we're on the Amazing Race (minus the crazy obstacles and challenges) because we always there for such a short time and have so much to see. People often comment that it must be so fun to get to shop for work and yes, that part is very fun, but we usually start our day when the market opens at 8:00am and end when the market closes at 8:00pm. In between we rush around the maze of buildings, hallways and hundreds of people, going down our list of showrooms and lines we want to see and hoping we are able to fit them all in.

The clock is always ticking while we're here, so it was fitting that one of the collections that caught our eye yesterday were these great new clocks. We've carried clocks since we opened the store but the materials and textures of these are fresh and a terrific new look. Here are a few of the ones we ordered and we look forward to their arrival in our store soon!

36" Harrington Clock $265

30" Southampton Clock (this is a heavy one!) $225

40" Elliston Clock $425

Our Karen Lee Ballard Trunk Show Was Terrific!

2011-03-23T10:30:00.006-04:00

We had a wonderful turnout for our First Day of Spring Open House on Sunday, 3/20 and the weather was beautiful. There was no doubt spring is here (we'll just ignore this past week and of course the snow on Sunday . . .the warmth will be back)!

Customers were out and about enjoying the beautiful weather and getting a first glimpse at all of our new arrivals. Spring is often a time of hosting bridal and baby showers and a time of gathering with friends and family to celebrate Easter. Nothing helps set the tone of your table like beautiful fresh linens and our Karen Lee Ballard sales rep, Bette Bahen, brought us a beautiful selection of samples to show our customers.

This beautiful Petal Burst collection was quite popular with customers on Saturday as it really does just scream "Spring"! It's available as shown below in White/Pink Floral and also in Natural/Gold Floral and Mercury Floral (which is fabulous).

Our personal favorite new introduction this spring is the Bienvenue collection. It's a classic pattern that can be incorporated into many decorating styles and is versatile enough to be used year round. Shown below in Pear, it's also available in Natural/Tan and Natural Black.

All Karen Lee Ballard table linens are made in the US (in New Jersey in fact). Take a look at all of their beautiful patterns and options. We carry a large selection of the laminated placemats, some linen napkins, table cloths and runners and all patterns and sizes are available for special order. We know you'll enjoy them as much as we do!

Washington Post "House Calls" Features the Joe Ruggiero Tribeca Sectional from The Nest Egg

2011-03-10T10:33:00.014-05:00

What a lovely surprise this morning to be reading the "House Calls" feature in The Washington Post's weekly "Living Local" section and see that they had featured the Joe Ruggerio Tribeca sectional from our store!

The designer, Gloria Borza, of Oak Hill was right on target with choosing a Joe Ruggerio indoor Sunbrella fabric (she chose Trax Cadet) for this particular family. They needed "an adult space that can stand up to children and pets." The indoor Sunbrella fabrics are perfect. Completely stain resistant they can stand up to all of that and more! Thanks Gloria, for visiting the store and including the Tribeca Sectional and The Nest Egg in your design plan.

Here is the sectional and fabric featured. The best part is that there are so many fabulous Sunbrella fabrics to choose from and the options with the Tribeca collection are virtually endless!

See the full Tribeca collection on the Miles Talbott Furniture website and stop by the store to sit in our Tribeca sofa floor model and view all of the fabrics. It's a wonderfully versatile collection that allows you to customize the size and look of your sofa or sectional. Enjoy!

The New Spring 2011 Sid Dickens Shipment Has Arrived!

2011-03-07T13:54:00.023-05:00

Ancient Bloom: Look to this sacred symbol of rebirth and enlightenment. Awaken your spirit to the sun. (T259)

The boxes just arrived this morning and the tiles are already up on our wall! The new "Through The Looking Glass" Spring 2011 Sid Dickens Memory Blocks have arrived and they are inspiring! Ancient Bloom, shown above, is just perfect for this time of year . . .we're all ready to awaken our spirits to the sun!

Here are the rest of the new introductions. Enjoy!

Faerie Flowers: Sprightly dances, On rolling wisps of wind. (T261)

Festina Lente: 'Make haste slowly' (T260)

Iris Royale: Elegant spirit of regal splendor. (T258)

Conundrum: Have you guessed the riddle yet? (T257)

Winged Sage: "Hope is the thing with feathers, That perches in the soul." -Emily Dickinson (T256)

Cavalry: Find triumph in knowing, That dawn is beyond the dark night. (T255)

New Beginnings: Nestled in these petals lies, Friendship, joy and freedom. The future you dream of, Lays waiting. (T254)
(What a lovely graduation, new job, wedding or even retirement gift this block would be!)

Hourglass: Live presently. Discover the eternity of this moment. (T253)

(This is definitely my favorite new introduction! What a wonderful quote and a such smart contradiction to what most people would think of when they look at the image on the block.)

Join us on March 20 for our "First Day of Spring" Open House!

2011-03-04T15:52:00.004-05:00

Just announced! On Sunday, March 20 from 12-3, we'll be hosting a "First Day of Spring" Open House at The Nest Egg.

Join us for an afternoon of shopping, sampling and showing off the newest spring introductions. We'll be featuring trunk shows from Karen Lee Ballard Designs and Stella & Dot Jewelry, a gift with purchase of $40 or more of Mariposa products, tea and cookie samplings courtesy of Tea Forte and over $500 in giveaways!

Click here to view the invitation and full details. We hope you'll join us!

Style + Storage + Sensibility = The Article No 54 Wooden Storage Cube

2011-03-02T10:34:00.008-05:00

February and March are always an exciting time at the store because with all that we see and buy in such a short time at the Atlanta market in January, we sometimes forget what things look like in person until they arrive in the store. (side note: it's a fun time for most of us . . .not quite as fun for the "crew of 2" unpacking everything!)

I have to admit that I literally gasped because I was so excited when I walked out on our sales floor on Monday morning and saw some of the new arrivals from Aidan Gray Home.

I am so incredibly fond of this new "Article No 54" wooden storage cube for so many reasons! I'm loving burlap right now . . .we see it used in many different ways including drapes, pillows and lamp shades. It's an interesting combination when matched with lighter linens and silks, adding great texture.

So to start, the burlap tufted cushion on top is terrific, the reclaimed wood and the stenciling are fabulous, surrounded by rustic distressed metal and nailheads. It's a lovely size at 18 x 18 x 18. When guests come over, you can pull it up for extra seating or place it between two armchairs with a square tray on top and you have an attractive side table.

The woven handles make it easy to move around in your space and of course, the best part is the hidden storage! Who doesn't need a little extra hiding space . . .for magazines, books, throws, toys, etc. The burlap cushion just lifts right off! Oh wait, the best part really is the price at $265.

It's such a treat to find style, storage and functionality all in one great little package! Our stock room is FULL right now . . .I can't wait to see what shows up next.

Kolene Spicher's Home in Country Living

2011-02-20T13:52:00.016-05:00

When we opened our store almost 7 years ago, there was one art line I knew that I definitely wanted to carry and that was Spicher & Company. I had purchased a few framed reproductions by Kolene Spicher in the Outer Banks when we bought our first house and absolutely loved them. Our customers have felt the same way about them from day one and we've so enjoyed seeing the new pieces that they introduce every year.

The past year has been especially memorable as Spicher & Company began introducing oversized versions of many pieces as well as many new designs. We even had the pleasure of meeting Kolene for the first time at the Atlanta market this year. She was terrific . . .so friendly and very down to earth. Her husband Mark is usually at the shows and their son is often working the booth with his Dad.

I was looking through the March issue of Country Living magazine this week and before I read into the article titled "An Artful Approach to Decorating" , I zeroed in on the silouhettes hanging on the wall in this picture below and thought " So fun! Look at how this person has displayed their Spicher & Company pieces." As I read on I realized this was Kolene Spicher's home in Pennsylvania . . .so exciting!

It's hard to see all of the detail in this image but she has a variety of beautiful silhouettes in her collections, some are serious, some are whimsical and all use different frames which allows for a really creative display.

When she introduced "The Genteel Society of Dogs" silhouettes last year we ordered them right away and they have been such a hit. Take a look at just a few below. These are available as 6 1/4"x7 1/2" or 20 3/8" x 27 3/8" framed prints. What's really fun is that they could work in so many places . . .a den, study, powder room . . .I'd love to see the large size in a dining room!

She Was All Hollywood

Brilliant Gentleman in the Red Bowtie

The Grandiose Lady at the Cocktail Party

I really could write and comment about Kolene Spicher's artwork for hours as there are so many varied styles and subjects. She has everything from animals to eyeglasses and chandeliers to pasta (yes, pasta). I only wish we had more walls in the store, not to mention in my own house. I already have her topiaries in my entryway, her florals in my family room, her trees in my dining room and her beach prints in my son's bathroom. Overkill? I hope not because I'm always finding more places to put them! Here's a peek at my dining room wall. I read online that when Kolene painted the original tree murals they were framed behind old glass, casting different tints of blue and green on the paintings. These tree murals have the same old world patina because she tinted each image.

Here's a very small sampling of some of the Spicher & Company pieces we have, and have had, in the store. We are more than happy to special order, so if you see anything on their website that you too must have, just give us a buzz and we'll order it right away for you. They drop ship so sending it anywhere in the country is not a problem. We know you'll love them as much as we do and we're so glad Country Living is sharing Kolene Spicher's home with all of us!

Valentine's Day Was For Lovers (of Sid Dickens)

2011-02-15T18:38:00.009-05:00

Friday afternoon a big shipment of Sid Dickens memory blocks arrived at our store and we quickly got to work getting them unpacked and up on our wall as it had gotten a little bare. By Friday night we'd gone through 12 of them and by Sunday, a total of 25 had sold. We hadn't realized that Sid Dickens memory blocks were such a hot Valentine's item.

Our store is typically one filled with women and it's always fun to see how the numbers change close to Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. The men arrive and inevitably we hear "My wife loves this store . . .what has she pointed out recently?" Our response is always "Terrific! Who's your wife?"

This year though, they were on the ball, thoughtfully choosing Sid Dickens tiles for their special someones to add to their collections. Just one of the wonderful things about Sid Dickens memory blocks is that each has a name and a short poem on the back of the tile that correlates to the image. Some of our favorite blocks purchased for Valentines Day this year were:

Life's Tale (T220)

Story of lost and found...

With tempestuous joy we venture

These paths of mischief.

The wife of the man who purchased Life's Tale was French and so he thought it was perfect for her.

Gameboard (T2005)

Life is a great game board and we the

players.

Take a chance.

A woman purchased this block over the weekend for her foster son who was enrolled in the military. His number when he played sports was 5.

Union (T236)

True love deserves neither honors nor

reproaches

A couple who recently started a collection came in together this weekend to add to their wall and chose this one together.

One of my little Valentines at home was quite excited today when he noticed "his" block was back on our wall. We have our family's four Zodiac blocks hanging in our living room and just before Christmas a customer came in to the store who'd just had a baby and was desparate for the Libra block. We didn't have another shipment coming until after the holidays so I brought the Libra I have at home in for her. Our replacement Libra just arrived in Friday's shipment and now our wall is complete again!

There are so many ways to incorporate Sid Dickens Memory Blocks into your home. You can choose them purely for decoration and to enjoy the textures, colors and patterns. They're especially nice though when they've been chosen either by you, or for you, and they hold a special meaning.

Our shipment of the new 2011 Spring memory blocks from the Sid Dickens "Through The Looking Glass" collection will be arriving soon!

To Faux or Not To Faux? That is the question . . .

2011-02-11T15:27:00.017-05:00

Nate Berkus seems like a lovely guy, however, I personally think he did a bit of an injustice to the artificial flower industry a few years ago when he announced on Oprah that one should never use faux flowers in their home decor. Of course, all of us would love bouquets of fresh flowers to magically appear in our homes once a week but alas, that's not the way it works for most of us and there's just something about a floral arrangement, a plant, stems or branches in a room that adds a little life (faux or not).

That said, it was interesting to read the excerpt in yesterday's Washington Post "Local Living" section of the online chat last week with Newell Turner, editor in chief of House Beautiful magazine. One of the questions posed to Mr. Turner was "I have a brown thumb but love the look of greenery in my house. Where can I purchase faux plants for my home that look real unless examined closely?"

His response was, "I have mixed feelings about faux plants. If you go faux, you need to find the best quality you can. . . .One of the keys is to splurge and buy something full and lush looking. Don't skimp."

We agree -- quality IS key. We've all seen the dusty old silk arrangement in the corner of the waiting room of the doctor's office that does nothing to help promote an easy feeling while waiting to be seen; however, there are so many beautiful options available these days that it's easy to find an arrangement or put together a collection that looks and feels like fresh flowers.

Over the years we've carried a few different artificial flower lines with a variety of price points. Here are a few of our favorite current arrangements:

Phalaenopsis Bamboo Watergarden by NDI $255

Lily Berry Tulip Watergarden by NDI $355

44" White Dendrobium Orchid $175

14" White Mixed Flower Vase $155

In April we'll be introducing the Diane James line at our store. Diane James is certainly the high end of the spectrum but they offer the utmost quality and fabulous, current designs. You really can't go wrong with one of her arrangements. (shown at the top of the posting is the 7" Small Fuchsia and White Spring Bouquet $210)

20" Small White Phalaenopsis in Moss Flared Planter -- White $255

12" Coco Bouquet in Quilted Glass Vase $430

Another option is to go with preserved arrangements. We've carried Bougainvillea arrangements for years and they truly are stunning! Yes, they can be "pricey" but many customers who purchase them often comment that one arrangement that will last for 5+ years is equivalent to what they would spend on just a few fresh arrangements that would be gone in a matter of weeks. I mentioned in one of our store slideshows recently that Jeff & David from Bougainvillea are two of the nicest and most talented men in the South and they honestly are. They are lovely to work with, fun, funny and extremely talented. Take a look at our newest shipment from the Atlanta market that arrived last week.

Green Cocinea with Hydrangea in Oval Pewter container $315

Hydrangea and Roses in Round Antiqued Mirror Container $235

Yellow Hydrangea and Moss Pensularia in Wood and Copper Container $630

Violet Rose & Hydrangea in Pewter Oval Container $315

Ivory Hydrangea with Natural Banksia in White and Antique Copper Container $375

So as we believe with all home decorating, you should choose what you like and what makes you feel happy and comfortable in your home. If it's real flowers, enjoy them for all of their beauty! If it's faux or preserved, don't love them any less. As Juliet said, "What's in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet." Call it a real rose, call it a faux rose, it's still a rose, right?

Shabby Chic & Washable Wonders have arrived!

2011-02-09T12:58:00.011-05:00

Talk about a comfortable chair to curl up in! Our new Dover Armchair from the Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic collection by Miles Talbott Furniture arrived yesterday. We now have the full handle of all available fabrics from the collection including everything from washed velvets and linens to exclusive Shabby Chic prints and wonderfully distressed leathers.

"Uncomplicated elegance" is often how the Shabby Chic style is described. Slipcovered armchairs, sofas and ottomans are easily at home in a cottage, an urban apartment or a traditional sun room.

Nothing beats the ease and comfort of this line and this chair beckons to be sat in! Like every customer who has walked in today, as soon as Julie got to work at the store this morning she took a seat to test it out. Stop by soon to try it yourself!

We also received a new shipment of the Miles Talbott Furniture Washable Wonders Collection. Our first shipment for the floor sold in a matter of days after arriving, so we are quite happy to have new pieces in. This time we chose Washed Carlton Fog for the Sara Loveseat and Washed Portofino Saffron for the Judy Chair. Our designer Rachael also picked out the fun accent pillows in Washed Linen Fly which are kicked up a notch with an unexpected contrast welt in Washed Portofino Saffron to tie the pieces in together. All of the Washable Wonders slipcovers are machine washable and all of the fabrics have been tested to hold up to the rigors of everyday life!

(we also received an AMAZING shipment of Bougainvillea arrangements this week . . .will post on that soon too!)

Why decorate your home with items that can't become part of your everyday life and used by everyone in the family (4 legged friends included)? Get comfortable with Shabby Chic and totally practical with Washable Wonders . . .a lesson I could have learned when we decorated our first house.
This was our cat Sully, in one of his many favorite sleeping chairs. He was a stray that was always hanging around outside our first house. One night during a thunderstorm I let him in and carefully placed a towel on top of an ottoman for him to lay on. He graciously obliged and laid on that towel for roughly 3 or 4 days. Flash forward 5 years and there wasn't a cushion in the house that Sully didn't consider his own. Oh how nice a washable slipcover would have been!

House Beautiful Features My Favorite Miles Talbott Settee/Banquette

2011-02-05T14:29:00.018-05:00

I'm always excited when my new issue of House Beautiful arrives and today was no exception. For months after we introduced our upholstery line Miles Talbott Furniture last year, I'd been fawning over Joe Ruggerio's Wong Settee (MTF calls it a settee . . .House Beautiful features it as a banquette . . .either way it's lovely!) Just last week our designer Rachael was telling me she thought she'd found a spot for it in a project she's working on in a client's home. I hope it works!

I was thrilled today when I saw it in the March issue of House Beautiful in the "I'm Looking For A Banquette" feature. Their description of how to use a banquette is just right: "Tuck it into a corner, place it at the end of a bed, pull it up to a dining table. Don't you just love a banquette?" Yes, I do!

I also love when I'm reading design magazines and come across products that we carry in our store. It's a nice reassurance that the things we love are also being singled out by editors and designers. This month's issue was no exception. Here are a few other items featured in the March issue that are also available at The Nest Egg.

In their feature on rugs they highlight runners, describing that "runners are all the rage, and not just for hallways. They're showing up next to beds, in kitchens - all over the house." The Company C Chloe rug is featured in Pewter (#6 above, bottom left). Just one of the many beautiful runners that Company C has to offer. We have all of the swatches in our store, available to check out to color match in your home before ordering.

I see this antiqued gold sunflower mirror from Two's Company (above fireplace) pop up in magazines quite a bit but it's so versatile, it's easy to see why designers choose to use it so often. The mirror is 34.5" and is a great price at $345. In fact we just received a shipment of them yesterday!

For years, we've had a selection of ceramic trays from Tozai Home called the St. Honore Tray that were always a best seller. We were thrilled last year when we saw they were introducing two new patterns. The geometric brick tray is shown above (top right) in Blue/Olive. It's also available in 2 other color options as well as a zebra pattern. It's just 8" long and can be used in so many places in addition to just the bathroom. It's great on a desk for corralling paperclips, on a nightstand for jewelry or in an entryway for keys. All styles are currently available in the store. Both the geometric brick trays and the zebra trays are available for sale on our website and in our store at $40 each.

Thanks House Beautiful for another great issue!

Perk Up With Pillows!

2011-02-03T13:55:00.015-05:00

It seems as those most of us have a case of the winter blahs right now. The snow was pretty at first, but now it's a pretty big mess of dirt and fallen branches all over Northern Virginia. Often times, our interiors get a case of the blah's as well. While we can't always fix that with a total transformation, an easy way to inject a little energy, color and life into an otherwise tired room is with pillows. No matter what look you're going for . . .serious, fussy, clean or whimsical, there are patterns and colors to suit every style.

We received a shipment of pillows from Lacefield Designs last week and are expecting two additional shipments this month from Studio 773 Pillows (an offshoot of Eastern Accents . . .their site is down as of posting time . . .perhaps the Chicago snow has caused a problem so check back - it's worth visiting!) and Peking Handicraft. We also saw a few more lines at the Atlanta market that we plan to sit down and look through in the coming weeks so stay tuned for more.

Take a look at the fun options that arrived, some examples of how we've used pillows to add color at home and even better, enjoy 15% off all in stock and special order pillows during the month of February. Just print out this blog posting or our email newsletter if you're a subscriber and the savings are yours.

Purple & gray - what a match . . .classy and crisp (also reminiscent of my favorite polo over polo combination from the early 80's . .. which often included the same color sock over sock . . .yikes).

A traditional leopard print updated using purples. It easily incorporates with taupe so if you've got a simple taupe and white color palette at home, purple is a really fresh accent color. Mix that with glossy white vases, frames or lamp bases it instantly becomes very current.

This would be lovely in a bedroom or even putting two in a a dining room on your end chairs. It could add a little glamour if that's what your room needs or soften up a room with a little romance.

A fabulous collection of patterns and the "night owl" pillow is really a hoot. ;)

Like many of their pillows, Lacefield Designs offers patterns in multiple colorways. This butterfly pillow is also available in orange, yellow and more. See below for a picture of the orange in my home office.

The snail and the bordered pillow behind it are also available in many colors. If your seating arrangement can take more than one pillow, it's nice to start with something more solid and layer a smaller pillow with a fun pattern in front.

We love this frog and especially the colors used . . .this could be incorporated into just the right spot with so many different palettes (browns, reds, yellows, dark greens). How could your room not be perked up with this little guy?

Here's a little corner of my home office/living room (this morning it also served as my 5 year old's monster truck jam arena). The orange version of the butterfly pillow helps pull in some color (the rest of the room is gold, taupe, brown and a sort of deep coral). The size makes it a perfect little lower back rest.

Another pop of color in the family room. It certainly adds something to an otherwise average beige/gold sectional and it picks up colors in our rug (a brighter green pattern) as well as the beautiful fabric on the Jamie Young lamp and framed floral by Kolene Spicher.

Enjoy and hopefully you'll be able to banish the blah's as well!

Snowy Days, Spring Displays!

2011-01-28T13:37:00.011-05:00

It may be snowing outside (and it truly is a beautiful snow today . . .the lightly falling snow looks like a backdrop in a movie) but inside The Nest Egg we have brought in a bit of Spring. Take a peek at some of our lovely spring displays featuring new florals, lighting, pillows, accessories and art.

The pairing of this small rose and ranunculus arrangement ($20) is just the thing to pull in a pop of color to coordinate with the handpainted orange and black monarch pillow (new from Studio 773). The green in the arrangement ties in the candlesticks and coffee table book. A little arrangement is an easy way to brighten up an otherwise monotone color palette or brown and gold.

Hydrangea arrangements are terrific because a) they never go out of style b) it's not easy to tell if they're artifical or real c) they can be incorporated into a variety of decorating styles . . .traditional, transitional, country, cottage, beach and more. Granted we think anything would look good atop this chest from Lort's!

An alternative to artificial flowers are our stunning preserved arrangements from Bougainvillea. Created by two of the nicest and most talented men in the South, Bougainvillea arrangements can be customized by color, flower and container to create the perfect piece. They can be used as a focal point in any room and are lovely year round. We also love mixing whimsy with serious like using this applique and embroidered snail shade lamp to create a little lightness and humor in your environment.

We're combining a lot of yellow and green with mercury glass and silver accessories. It's a great update to traditional styles and brings in a little glamour.

Click here to see our full slideshow of What's New In Our Nest for January. We hope to see you soon! Oh -- and a fabulous shipment of pillows from Lacefield Designs just arrived . . .keep posted for some shots of those next!

Happy Thanksgiving...

2010-11-24T19:44:00.009-05:00

...from our nest to yours!!

Are you decorating your house for Christmas this weekend? We are in full Christmas swing around here so stop by this weekend to get those items to spruce up your tree, mantle, doors, and all those other nooks and crannies! Here's a little peak of what's in store...

Collectible Patience Brewster ornaments and figures.

Amazing winter candles, diffusers, and fun tapers for your Christmas table. We also have a ton of great ideas for hostess gifts.

Shop Small on Saturday & Get $25 Back from Amex!

2010-11-24T16:46:00.000-05:00

Get a $25 credit from Amex when you shop small on Saturday!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Shop-Small-on-Saturday---Get-a--25-Credit-with-Amex-.html?soid=1101171304970&aid=Fn9NaXPFJbU

Gorgeous NEW Sid Dickens tiles

2010-10-22T10:00:00.001-04:00

$80 each

New Upholstery!

2010-10-20T20:54:00.004-04:00

If you haven't been to the store yet to check out our new upholstery line, Miles Talbott, you should! We have a huge selection of fabrics to choose from including the Sunbrella fabric which is a dream to clean- perfect for your dining chairs or for families with children or pets. The best part? It's all really, really comfortable!

Isn't this spotted chair so cute? It's small frame is perfect to tuck in an office, small space, or in a corner for extra seating.

Germaine chair: starts at $1200, Wong Junior chair: starts at $960

Tribeca sofa: starts at $1590

Luna chair: starts at $750

Aftonwood chair: starts at $990, 1100 series sofa: starts at $1590,
Bradley arm chair:starts at $990

Miles Talbott also has several sofas that you can customize! Pick your own style of arm, back, leg, and seat cushion. Come in the store to find out more and to check out all the beautiful fabrics!

Fall is in the Air!

2010-09-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

Fall is almost here and we have everything you need to make your home feel warm and cozy and smell delicious!

New in Store...

2010-09-07T10:00:00.002-04:00

Great new lamps and Bougainvillea arrangements have just arrived! Here's a little peek...

Ivory Hydrangea in Natural Wood Box, $540

Multicolor Bougainvillea, $265

Mirror Panel Lamp, $265, Zebra Lamp, $189

Tan Burlap, $165, Gold and Bronze Lamp, $235

Mirror Lamp with Silk Shade, $165, Bird Applique Lamp, $255

Timeworks

2010-08-27T10:01:00.000-04:00

Our wall is full right now of fabulous clocks from Timeworks! There are so many great styles to choose from and any of them would be a "timeless" addition to any room. An added bonus..made in the USA! Check out their website or come in to see them for yourself.

We also have the new Manhattan Skyline Post Script as well as the popular Venice and Eiffel Tower from Timeworks. These pieces are sure to remind you of your travels or will just simply break up the monotony of standard framed artwork. And inexpensive too at only $115- $145.

Lampe Berger

2010-08-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

We are now carrying Lampe Berger! This line has a new scent-release system called catalysis which eliminates undesirable odors in the home such as cooking smells, tobacco, and pets. Our start-up kits come with a neutral scent but you can also choose from many fragrances that won't just mask the odor. Who doesn't want a clean, fresh smelling house?

Not only does this lamp improve the air quality in the home but they also come in pretty glass containers!

Also, buy a lampe and receive a FREE 6 oz bottle of fragrance while supplies last

Summer Sale!!

2010-08-18T21:18:00.000-04:00

Our summer sale started today and you definitely do not want to miss out!! There is a great selection of sale items- everything from furniture, floral arrangements, small gifts, and more. Sale ends Monday, August 23rd- so hurry in! Click here to see some of the items.

New Canvas Prints in Store

2010-08-05T18:16:00.000-04:00

Mystic Bloom $355 40 x 50, De la Part de Paris $330 40x40

Blanc Fleur $310 40x40

Blackbird Fly $330 40x40, Refined I $310 36x36

Butterfly Koi $398 60x40
SOLD (we can always order another just for you!)

Company C

2010-07-21T19:34:00.000-04:00

Take 40% off select rugs from Company C through the end of July!! Only a few days left, so take advantage of these overstock items and hurry into the store to check out our rug samples and place your order!

Here's a look at some of the rugs on sale...

A timeless pattern with fresh colors
~Imperial Paisley, 100% wool, hooked and tufted~

This energizing rug would be perfect for a kids room/playroom!
~Twirls Rug, 100% wool, hooked~

This rug is so versatile - you can pair it with more traditional furniture for an updated look, use it in an all white room to bring in soft color, or pair it with other fun patterns for a youthful vibe.

~Dandelion, 100% wool, hooked and tufted~

Going for a more modern look? Try this rug...
~Labyrinth Kiwi, 100% wool, tufted~

For the traditionalist in you, this one is perfect for an entry way or a subtle splash of color in your dining room.

~Brittany Sage, 100% wool, tufted~

Wedding Gifts

2010-07-14T15:50:00.000-04:00

It's summer and wedding season is upon us! Take the guess work out of finding that perfect gift and just head straight to The Nest Egg to check out our Mariposa line. Mariposa is brillante aluminum, crafted in Mexico, and is made from 100% recycled materials. This is our go-to gift for many occassions and is just as elegant and timeless as your heirloom silver! We have everything from bottle stoppers and napkin holders to pretty bowls, cake stands, and platters.

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1. Sueno box and weight with Caspari napkins $44
2. Beaded box and weight with Caspari napkins $56
3. Pearled Cake Stand $78
4. Pearled Casserole Caddy with 2-qt Pyrex $114
5. Bumblebee Bottle Stopper with Sunflower Wine Plate Set $52
6. Fleur-de-lis Napkin Holder and Caspari Luncheon Napkins $39
7. Bird and Nest Creamer/Sugar- 3 piece set $78
8. Small Beaded Frame- 4 x 6 $62
9. Pearled Cheese and Cracker Server with Wood Insert $144
10. Peony Serving Bowl $138

Visit us at the store or go here to buy selected items online! Also come check out our other great wedding gift ideas at the store!

Spicher and Company

2010-07-05T15:32:00.000-04:00

Do you have empty wall space that needs filling? I know I do! We are offering 25% off on all special orders from Spicher and Company from now until July 11th!! So go to their website and pick out your favorites! Here are some of ours...

These mini landscapes are also a customer favorite and measure 7.5" x 7.5"

If you are looking for something a little more quirky or unique...

Aren't these dog portraits fun?
They come in 6.5" x 7.75" and a larger 20.75" x 27.75"

These impressionism flowers are popular as well...

Can't decide which one's to get? Why not try a gallery wall with all of your favorites. Happy shopping!

(all photographs from Spicher and Company)

What's New in Our Nest? June 2010

2010-06-28T12:57:00.000-04:00

Take a look at our just launched slideshow of what's New In Our Nest for June!

We have summer serving essentials from Mud Pie, Roost and Mary Lake Thompson just to name a few . . .beautiful new summer flowers of poppies, sunflowers and lavender . . .a full wall of Sid Dickens tiles . . .and much, much more!

Lacefield

2010-06-24T12:29:00.000-04:00

We are all in love with this line! Whether you like neutrals or want to add a splash of color to liven up your space, there is a choice for everyone and every style! Remember... changing out your pillows is the easiest way to freshen up your decor.

This snail pillow is my absolute favorite and comes in other colors as well!

It's Officially Summer!

2010-06-21T20:48:00.000-04:00

Time to get ready for all those backyard barbecues and gatherings with friends! How perfect are these items for a stylish and fun party? These soiree glasses by Roost are perfect for summer entertaining...

and look great paired with these lanterns-whether hanging or sitting on a table.

And don't forget the napkins! What a great way to bring color and whimsy to your table, buffet line or kitchen.

Come and check out all our other great summer essentials!

P.S. You can buy the soiree glasses online too!

Father's Day Gifts . . .Whisky Stones, Studio Vertu Coasters, Books and more

2010-06-17T12:08:00.001-04:00

Only 3 more days until Father's Day (Sunday, June 20) and we have a wonderful selection of ideas that are sure to please!

Some of our favorites include:

* Italian marble coasters from Studio Vertu. Choose from golf, horses, cigars, sailing and more.

* The original Whisky Stones and gift sets . . .keep your drinks cool without diluting the flavor. These were featured on "Good Morning America" this week and in People Magazine's Father's Day Gift Guide. Customers are loving this gift idea!

* Fabulous books including The Open, Handy Dad, Card Games, Stonewall Kitchen Grilling, Outrageous Yachts and more.

As always we have beautiful frames, perfect for creating a keepsake of special times with Dads or Grandfathers. For the new Dads we have special books filled with tips on fatherhood.

Visit us and let us help you select the perfect gift. View our Father's Day gift guide for many more ideas and don't forget you can always shop online! Happy Father's Day from our nest to yours!

April Newsletter from The Nest Egg

2010-04-30T10:28:00.000-04:00

If you're not on our mailing list, take a look at this month's newsletter.

Highlights include:
- Our Mother's Day Gift Guide
- New furniture shipments from Lorts
- Custom frames and signs through "The Studio" by Danielson Designs
- What's Selling Now
- May 4 Shop & Share Day to benefit Main Street Child Development Center
- DC Design House

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-03-30T13:18:00.000-04:00

If you're not on our mailing list, click here to check out our new March newsletter full of wonderful things for Spring!

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs074/1101171304970/archive/1103229998094.html

Shop & Share Day on Tuesday, March 16!

2010-03-15T20:53:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to Shop & Share with us tomorrow! 10% of total sales tomorrow will be donated to Friends of Homeless Animals in Merrifield, VA. Stop by to see what's new for your home or pick up a gift and help this wonderful organization continue to protect and find homes for animals in our area!

20% off of everything RED Sale! 2/12-15

2010-02-11T13:45:00.000-05:00

Just announced, we're holding a very fun sale from Friday 2/12 through Monday, 2/15. To join in on the Valentine's Day spirit, everything in the store that is RED or has RED on it, will be 20% off! From botanical wall art to clocks, frames, floral arrangements and more, if it's red, you save! Click here to see a virtual slideshow of many items on sale. We hope to see you soon!

"Move Our Nest" Sale Starts Friday!

2009-09-23T15:40:00.000-04:00

Exciting things are getting ready to hatch at The Nest Egg! Next month we are relocating our store in Fairfax Corner to a new and larger space across the street. We're thrilled about the opportunity to showcase more of our furniture and accessory lines and to bring you a greater selection of home decor and gifts.

Before we move though, we are offering extraordinary savings of 25-75% on a wonderful selection of furniture, wall art, lighting, floral arrangements and accessories. The more we sell, the less we have to move which means huge savings for you! Click here to see a selection of what's on sale.

Join us for the sale this Friday, September 25 at 10:00am through Friday, October 2. One week only, so hurry in for the best selection!

Recycling + Redeeming = Rewards at The Nest Egg!

2009-09-04T13:28:00.000-04:00

Did you know that we're a partner with RecycleBank? For 200 reward points, you can receive a coupon for $20 off a purchase of $100 or more at The Nest Egg. Save a tree, save oil, save money and reward yourself for being green! Visit www.recyclebank.com for more info.

A new addition . . .a lovely gift idea!

2009-08-20T20:07:00.000-04:00

One of our most popular and radiant lines that we carry both online and in our store is Mariposa. They offer something for everyone and for every season. Their line is extensive and includes price points for all occasions.

Mariposa recently introduced a collection of notepaper holders that we're all excited about -- in fact I think half of us at the store have bought them for ourselves and/or for gifts already. We offer 4 styles adorned with the Fleur de Lis, Dragonfly, Pearl or Pineapple weight. Also available are a Pear (Jenny, our Store Manager ordered 2 of these -- they're great!) and a Golf Ball that we are happy to special order. The 4 we have are in stock now and available both in our store and online at $48.

These pieces make wonderful gifts, particularly for the person who has everything as they are both beautiful and useful. They are also great options for office, hostess and thank you gifts. We think you'll love them as much as we do!

One last thing to note, Mariposa's products are aluminum, made by artisans in Mexico and 100% recyclable. A gift you can really feel good about -- for yourself or someone special.

Lucas the Tin Dog - a favorite new find!

2009-07-28T20:38:00.000-04:00

Today I met with one of our most favorite sales representatives and reviewed some of his new introductions for fall.

One item that I just had to get for the store was this whimsical tin dog, "Lucas." Not only is he fun and a little funky, he serves a purpose (which fulfills both of my feng shui requirements . . .either have to love it or it must serve a purpose). As a magazine holder, he would definitely make a statement in any family room, study or even powder room.

Lucas won't be arriving in our store until October but we can always place special orders to come sooner if you too find that you just have to have him in your home!

40% off all instock florals -- through 7/31!

2009-07-27T12:20:00.000-04:00

Just announced - 40% off all in stock floral arrangements . . .through the end of the month only!

To make room for our fall order of florals, we're offering great discounts on wonderful arrangements including orchids, hydrangeas, roses and more from NDI, Sullivan, Distinctive Designs and Bougainvillea.

It's a great time to add a burst of color to your home with these wonderful artificial and preserved arrangements!

Our online store is open!

2009-07-20T20:15:00.000-04:00

We're excited to make our first announcement, on our blog, that our online store is open for business and we now have a large selection of items available to purchase online. Gifts are the focus of our website items for now with lots of wonderful ideas for weddings, babies and more. We have a few technical upgrades that will be made over the next few weeks and then we'll have a more formal announcement but customers have already begun shopping which has been great!
Our hope is that our website allows our current customers to shop from home and easily send special gifts to their friends and family around the country. We also look forward to now being able to introduce our store and our website to new customers from all over.

We hope everyone is enjoying a great summer! Please visit us at the store and of course, online at http://www.shopthenestegg.com/!

Anniversary Celebration & Savings!

2009-06-05T14:16:00.000-04:00

If you haven't yet joined our mailing list, now's the time to do so: www.shopthenestegg.com

We are celebrating our 5 year anniversary in Fairfax Corner this month. Yesterday we sent out a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more; $25 off a purchase of $100 or more and $50 off a purchase of $250 or more that is valid through the end of this month. If you register for our mailing list online, we'll send you the coupon!

We'll also be celebrating at the store Friday June 12 through Sunday June 14. We'll have:
* special savings on select items throughout the store
* door prizes including a collection of teas, candles, serving pieces, a $250 gift certificate to The Nest Egg and more!
* free gifts with purchase to the first 25 customers who shop with us each day from 6/12-14.

Thank you to all of our customers for a wonderful 5 years! We look forward to many more and hope to see you soon! The store is full of unique gift ideas for all of your summer events including graduation, Father's Day, baby and bridal showers, weddings, teacher appreciation and more!

Save $50 on our Design Services!

2009-04-20T13:16:00.000-04:00

From now through April 30th when you book an in-home consultation with our designer the charge for your first hour will be $75 . . . a $50 savings. We just sent out an email to our customers this morning so if you haven't yet signed up for our email list, here are the details!

Spruce up your home this spring and save! So often we hear that our customers need help choosing accessories, paint colors and lighting fixtures, determining the best layout for their room and deciding what size furniture their space can accommodate. Let our in-house ASID certified designer, Dana Keegan, help you with everything from the finishing touches to complete room makeovers.

How does it work?
Our designer will meet with you in your home to understand your project requirements, discuss your goals and the area(s) on which you'd like to focus.

What's the cost?
Our standard in-home consultation fee is $125 per hour (typically 1-2 hours) but when you schedule an appointment now through April 30th (to take place by May 31), the charge for your first hour will be $75 . . . a savings of $50! If you decide to utilize our services, Dana will generate a design "game plan" at $125/hour. The total price is determined by how much, or how little, help you need and will be approved by you before the process begins.

The best part?
When you work with our designer, you will be able to take advantage of our designer discount program where you'll receive 15% off of all regularly priced merchandise from The Nest Egg that is recommended to you by our designer. If you know there are items you are interested in purchasing, the 15% savings can easily balance out the design fees.

How do you sign up? Email or call today for more information or to schedule your in-home consultation. We know you'll be glad you did!

Store Consolidation Sale 3/20-29!

2009-03-19T14:07:00.000-04:00

After much consideration, we've made the decision to close our Brambleton store location on March 29. While the decision wasn't an easy one, there is always an upside and in this case, it's that over the past year, we've had the opportunity to meet and welcome so many wonderful new customers. We'd like to extend a BIG "thank you" to everyone who helped support us in Brambleton. While we may no longer be neighbors to many of our newer customers, we sincerely hope you'll visit us at our Fairfax location.

Rest assured that we'll continue to offer the same level of selection, quality and service to which our customers have become accustomed. We'll be celebrating our 5 year anniversary in Fairfax in May and we look forward to welcoming you there for many years to come!

From March 20-29 we'll be offering incredible savings on furniture, lighting, wall art, accessories and more at both our Fairfax and Brambleton locations. Save 25% to over 50% on a large select merchandise as we try to reduce our total inventory.

Rug Promotion! Free 2x3 rug with the purchase of a larger rug.

2009-02-23T17:00:00.000-05:00

We are excited to announce a new promotion running through the end of May. With the purchase of any 3x5 or larger rug, you will receive a FREE 2x3 accent rug of choice or a free rug pad (same size as rug purchased). Our 2x3 rugs sell for up to $85 so this is a great deal!

If you haven't seen our rug selection, please check them out online at http://www.companyc.com/. We have samples of each rug in our stores and you are welcome to check them out to bring home and match up with your decor.

Company C rugs are hand made of 100% wool. Three constructions are used to create the designs: hand hooked loop pile, hand tufted cut pile and hand hooked/tufted combination. All rugs have hand sewn edges and cotton backing for improved quality and durability. Their colors are vibrant, their styles are fresh and their quality is exceptional.

A new rug is a wonderful way to spruce up your interior and completely change the look and feel of your space. Stop in and we'd be happy to show you some of their new introductions as well as our tried and true best sellers. Hope to see you soon!

Placemat Samples Have Arrived!

2009-02-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

We had one of those "why didn't we think of this sooner" moments yesterday when our samples of Karen Lee Ballard laminated placemats arrived. We've been stocking their wonderful placemats for a few years now but typically only have 8-10 patterns in stock at a time. There are over 50 patterns to choose from and we finally had the idea to ask them to send us one of each. We now have a sample of each pattern in the store for customers to see. This way you can find the perfect match for your kitchen and/or dining room decor. You can also check out samples to see how they look in your home before you buy. We even have a few wonderful beachy patterns that are great for beach houses or to give as gifts for friends in Florida, etc.

Check out the whole collection at http://www.karenleeballard.com/ and please stop in at our Fairfax store to see them in person. The new Perrenial Lane Honey is my favorite and the new Dahana Coral would be really fun for summer. Our customers love these placemats and so do we. They are especially great for kids because they wipe clean and best of all, they are made using beautiful fabrics so they are not only functional but they are a great accessory!

Fairfax Merchandise Slideshow

2009-02-09T15:56:00.000-05:00

You can now see a slideshow of our merchandise in our Fairfax store as well as our Brambleton store (see right). Please call or email us if you would like additional information on anything that might catch your eye!

We're Back!

2009-02-06T15:53:00.001-05:00

Oh my, can't quite believe it's been over 3 months since our last posting. Yikes. The holiday season kept us busy, thankfully, and now we're back to our normal routines with time to post.

Unfortunately we missed both the Atlanta and New York markets in January but we are fortunate to have wonderful sales reps who can bring lots of merchandise to us to review so we'll be receiving a steady stream of new products over the next few months.

In the past week we've brought in a beautiful collection of wall plates (http://www.tamsandesigns/) at our Fairfax store and we have a supply of plate racks that can hold 2, 3 and 4 plates. We've also brought in a new floral line (http://www.distinctivedesigns.com/) at Fairfax that creates wonderful arrangements. We've chosen a few clean arrangements of orchid watergardens, bamboo and rosemary. They're another option to supplement our fabulous arrangements by NDI (http://www.ndi.com/). This time of year is perfect for bringing in an arrangement to brighten up your home.

Also new, we've included a slideshow (see right) of our in-stock merchandise. We hope this is a great way for you to view what we have in the stores from the comfort of your home (or office . . .if it's a slow day). If you see anything that peaks your interest, please call or email (info@shopthenestegg.com) us for information on pricing, sizing, colors, etc. The Brambleton slideshow is live and we hope to have Fairfax up by early next week.

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is enjoying the freshness of a new year!

An Early Gift to You -- 15% off!

2008-11-01T17:02:00.000-04:00

If haven't joined our email list, please do . . .we sent out an early holiday kick off savings coupon via email on Thursday for 15% off your entire purchase Nov 1-7! If you missed receiving this promotion, you're in luck! We're offering it to our loyal blog readers as well. Just print out this posting and you'll receive the same offer.*

Save on ornaments, wreaths, scents for the season, gifts, home decor, furniture & more. Please visit us soon! We'd love to see you.

*One coupon per customer. Not applicable to sale items, special order merchandise or previous purchases. Offer Expires: November 7, 2008

Welcome Lort's - Our Newest Furniture Line

2008-09-24T12:44:00.001-04:00

We are thrilled to introduce Lort's, our newest furniture line, to our Brambleton store (hopefully coming to Fairfax soon -- if you are in the Fairfax store, please talk to our manager Jenny if you are interested). Last night we were fortunate to receive a detailed overview of the line and learn about all of the finishes, styles and options from our Lort's sales representative. We are ready to share the line with you!

Like us, Lort's is a family owned and operated business. Founded in 1966 and based in Arizona, Lort's prides itself on their design and production of beautiful furniture, offering custom finishes (30 to be exact) and sizes making each piece unique (which is also something we strive for at The Nest Egg). Click here to read more about their history and philosophy: http://www.lorts.com/static.php?pid=7

Our first shipment arrived last month in Brambleton and it is truly stunning. The waxing and distressing options create a richness on the pieces which is what immediately drew us to the line when we first saw it in High Point last year. Already we've had tremendous customer interest and it's a pleasure to show the line.

To see more of the variety of pieces available, click on the link below to view the Lort's catalog online and stop in our Brambleton store to see our floor samples (all are for sale for immediate gratification) as well as our finish and color samples. We're more than happy to work with you to choose a piece and finish (or design a custom piece) that make your room truly unique.

http://www.lorts.com/catalog/

Lafco Candles Make the O List

2008-09-17T21:54:00.000-04:00

Many of us have seen our favorite products featured on Oprah's "O List" and we've also found new products by checking out her list. The September O List includes one of our very favorites -- Lafco New York's House & Home Candle Collection. http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/omagazine/olist/200809_omag_olist/4

We discovered these soy-based candles at the Atlanta market in January of last year. Everyone always seems to be looking for a candle that has just the right scent for the room in which it's burning and Lafco has figured them all out. From Cilantro Orange in the kitchen to Chamomile Lavendar in the Master Bedroom and Amber Black Vanilla in the Foyer, the wonderful scents are matched only by the beautiful reusable handblown glass containers that they come in.

The Marine Bathroom candle has been the most popular with our customres since we started carrying the line (I light it in my bedroom -- it has a great, clean scent).

Check out the testers next time you're in the stores and see if you agree with the O List!

http://www.lafcony.com/

Fall Sale Scheduled! 9/19-30

2008-09-16T00:27:00.000-04:00

We've scheduled our Fall Sale from Friday 9/19 through 9/30. Many floor models are marked down including armoires, media centers, cabinets and more. We've also marked down a large number of accessories including wall art, chandeliers, lamps, etc.

We'll be heading to the High Point furniture market in October so we're making room now so that we can bring in fresh, new merchandise!

We've had a great response already from customers coming in to see what we have so that they are ready to visit the stores when the sale starts on the 19th!

The sale will be at both the Brambleton & Fairfax locations so there will be plenty to choose from. We hope to see you!!

Sid Dickens - Back in Stock!

2008-09-04T22:29:00.001-04:00

Our supply of Sid Dickens tiles is back with more than we've ever had! If you aren't familiar with Sid Dickens, check out their website for the story on the creator and the tiles: http://www.siddickens.com/

Hand crafted of plaster, Sid Dickens tiles are a wonderful wall art option when you're looking for something other than framed art or canvases. Each piece has a short poem describing the tile so you can choose ones that have a special meaning to you, choose monograms or astrological signs or simply patterns and colors that appeal to you to create a unique showing in your home. You can start with a single tile or start your own collection. We have customers with over 50 tiles and many who just buy one a year and add to their collection.

We started carrying the tiles last year after a few requests from our customers and we couldn't keep them in stock. Unfortunately they experienced a labor shortage in Vancouver last year, where the tiles are produced, which led to delays in receiving our orders. We've had lists of customers to call when they got here who came right in to pick out their tiles.

We'll have another order coming in before the holidays and we are happy to special order any tiles for you that we don't have in stock. Make sure to get your order in soon though as the next available ship date as of this week is mid-November so we're guessing that orders placed towards the end of this month may not come in until January.

We can also order the tiles that are being retired this year for you. Feel free to call us at our Fairfax store for details on those tiles.

Also, if you already have a Sid Dickens collection, send us pictures of how you've arranged them in your home. We'd love to see them and share your ideas with our customers.

Welcome!

2008-08-27T13:57:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our first posting on The Nest Egg's blog! We're new to blogging and are excited to have a way of bringing you information on what's new in our stores and in home decorating. We realize time is tight for everyone these days so we'll try to bring the store to you as much as we can and keep you posted so you're up to date on new merchandise, trends and promotions.

For those of you who haven't yet visited our stores, a quick synopsis of who we are: The Nest Egg is owned by Sean & Ann O'Shields. We both grew up in the Northern Virginia area, went to school in Virginia and came back here to live. We opened our first store in Fairfax almost 4 1/2 years ago and have so enjoyed getting to know our customers. We opened our second location in Brambleton, VA (near Ashburn in Loudoun County) in March of this year. We have a wonderful group of individuals that work for us in both stores.

Our focus is providing quality merchandise along with superior customer service. We carry multiple furniture lines that are made in the U.S. and completely customizable. You can purchase pieces right off our sales floor or work with us to order a custom piece in the colors, sizes and finishes you desire. We also carry an extensive selection of imported pieces and home accessories including wall art, lighting, rugs, florals, bedding and more. Gift items include fabulous candles and diffusers, frames, tabletop items, books, etc. etc.

So welcome to our blog! Look out for more postings this week on what's new in the stores. I've been out for a few months on maternity leave (thank you for all of the well wishes we've received!) and am excited to be back and share what's new!

We'd love suggestions from you on what type of information we can bring to you so feel free to let us know.

Ann