Pop Molds are Back at Nest!

It’s summer here at Nest, which means it’s time once again to share our wonderful collection of BPA free popsicle molds from Tovolo! rocketpop

 

Available in tons of fun shapes, sizes and colors, these pop molds are made of 100% BPA free plastics which makes them not only fun for the whole family, but safe for the whole family as well!

Tovolo-Freezer-Jewel-PopsAll of our favorite shapes are back; rockets, star pops, groovy molds, bug pops and the new and totally adorable Jewel-pops which turn your desert into a ring! You’ll love them so much, you might just ask them to marry you!

 

Supplies are limited so don’t miss out on one of our FAVORITE summer traditions.

And Nest has an AMAZING summer selection of accompanying Pop-recipe books, smoothie books, and delicious juice books (which freeze so very well).

It’s going to be a delicious summer here at Nest!

 

Spring & Summer Dresses from Mata Traders

 

STV00045dress_parisianbookshop_black_m_1000Our new Mata Traders dresses are finally here!

Fair Trade from India and Nepal and made in 100% cotton using water soluble dyes, these vintage inspired dresses are the perfect mix of vintage and cutting edge, old world and new.

This Spring from Mata Traders seems to be all about focusing on two of their strongest attributes: classic cuts with a modern twist, and quirky but wearable prints.

From keyhole cutouts in an adorable red geometric print, to a classic A-line dress in tone on tone periwinkle ticking stripes; this season there is something for every style, every body type, every occasion.

We heart you Mata Traders!

We heart you, Mata Traders!

 

 

 

 

Terra Essentials Scents Candles

New at Nest this season, products from the amazing Terra Essential Scents Company. Each hand-poured candle is made with DSC02408GMO-free soy and essential oils and is 100% dermatological grade wax that can be used as lotion once it’s been melted.

Not just scented, these candles are tailored to specific intentions like “House Warming,” “New Beginnings,” and “Healing,” making them the perfect gift for any occasion.

DSC02410And even more than just being good for the home, these candles are great for the soul. Each candle contains a reiki charged stone specifically attuned to the intention the candle is supposed to support.

The Chakra candle contains seven different stones and uses seven layers of wax each imbued with its unique scent, unique color and own perfectly paired charged stone.

An amazing local company and an incredible value, Terra Essential Scents Candles are one of our favorite new things of 2014.

Come in and see for yourself!

 

 

 

 

Bangs Shoes

4-bangs-shoes“Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime.”    That idea is at the very center of the Bangs business model… but what does any of it have to do with shoes?

It’s simple: these shoes are all about charity. “Bang” is the Chinese word for “help” and each of Bangs beautiful (and completely vegan) styles of canvas and vulcanized rubber sneakers is associated with a specific charitable operation that is hard at work making the world a better place. 20% of all Bangs’ net proceeds go directly to whichever cause the shoe you purchase was inspired by. Great international organizations like CHOICE Humanitarian, a nonprofit that helps underprivileged and struggling communities become self-reliant, and stateside charities like the Springboard Collaborative which helps high-risk students continue their education in the summer months, improving their grades and scholastic achievements overall.

And Bangs Shoes aren’t just a great way to give back, they are really great shoes too (and very affordable). Relaxed, comfortable and ready to take you from one season to the next, these sneakers will turn heads and make you feel great while you do it. You can change the world…. one step at a time.

BANGS-Shoes-Edited-Image

So what do you think? Does the idea of giving back a portion of their proceeds make you more interested in trying new brands? Or do you usually stick to form and function when it comes to footwear? Comment below or find us on Facebook via the link provided at the bottom of the page. We’d love to hear from you.

USB Powered Salt Lamps

USB powered LED

USB powered LED

Sold all over the world as both powerful cure-alls and as enchanting ambient lighting, salt lamps have never been more popular than they are right now. Whether you believe in their healing powers or not, heating salt has been a mainstay of “alternative” and traditional medicine for centuries. Himalayan rock salt is revered throughout the world for its beauty and for its curative properties and is widely considered to be the benchmark in quality and potency. Much like an ionic air filter, salt lamps give off negative ions when heated which in turn become tiny dust collectors, purifying the air around you of pollutants and bacteria and ridding the environment of toxins from things like cigarette smoke.

Nest always has a wide variety of salt lamps both electric and candle powered but now, new for 2014, we are proud to introduce the USB powered LED salt sphere lamp. Sourced from fair trade white Himalayan rock salt, these spheres glow bright white with the help of a tiny LED bulb when plugged into your computer or any other charged USB port (your phone charger works particularly well).

Giving off the same negative ions that will help clean your air, these salt lamps will also help to balance the electro-magnetic fields that exist all around us as a result of normal computer, cell phone and electrical device use; a benefit more and more experts insist is integral to long-lasting physical health and mental well-being.

So what do you think? Have you tried a salt lamp in your home or office? Have you always wondered why so many people swear by them? Leave a message down below or contact us on Facebook via the link provided. We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments and testimonials.

Holiday Gift Ideas at Nest

Up-cycled Puppets and Plush Toys from Cate and Levi

Made in Canada from up-cycled wool sweaters, these hilariously adorable animal puppets and plush buddies are a great gift for any child on your list…even the adult variety! Sharks and giraffes, monkey and dogs, even a duck-billed platypus; we have an entire manger’s worth of lovable creatures to welcome into your family this winter.

 

Beeswax Owls from Greentree Candles and Buddha Candles from Big Dipper Wax Works

An adorable, fun, funky and yet somehow refined addition to any home, these clean burning poured beeswax candles make an excellent gift for those seeking knowledge, spiritual enlightenment, or just a little mood lighting.  Available in many great colors and sizes ranging from “stocking stuffer” to “eighth day of Hanukkah,” a tried and true tradition of holiday gift giving, candles make a wonderful gift this time of year.

 

 

Inspirational Magnets from We Add Up

Perfect to put on the car, the fridge or in a stocking, these colorful magnets from We Add Up are the perfect way to remind others of all the little things we can do to make a huge difference, like Composting, Driving Safely, or treating others with Equality.

 

 

 

 

 

Cherapy Neck Wraps

Featured in the Baltimore Sun’s 2013 Holiday Gift Guide, our Cherapy neck wraps are a fantastic and organic way to give hot or cold relief to your achy neck, back, shoulders and limbs this winter. Made locally in Howard County, Maryland, Cherapy neck wraps come in a huge assortment of fun and beautiful fabrics.

 

 

 

 

Purses, Wallets, Tablet and Laptop Cases by Maruca and Haiku

One of our favorite things right now is our selection of Maruca and Haiku bags. A great gift for travelers, fashionistas, or anyone who loves a great find, these bags never fail to impress even the most seasoned shoppers and are made from recycled and responsibly sourced materials that keep their environmental footprint low without having to sacrifice style.

 

 

Hand-Woven Winter Accessories from Andes’ Gifts and EmiLime

Perfect for this time of year, our fair-trade Peruvian scarves, hats, gloves, wraps, snoods and other fun cold-weather accessories come in such a large variety of styles, colors and materials that they are the perfect gift for almost anyone on your list. Whether made with fine alpaca or from recycled t-shirts and sweaters, our winter wares will keep your loved ones warm all winter long and keep you squarely at the top of everyone’s “Nice” list.

 

 

 

Tagua Nut Ornaments from Pro Pueblo

Carved from the rock hard pit of the tagua nut, also know as the “Ivory Fruit,” these beautiful nature-inspired holiday ornaments are a breath-takingly beautiful addition to any Christmas tree. An array of animals and angels are available so that you can pick the perfect one for that special person this Christmas.

 

 

 

Conscious Corner Gift Cards

Available in any denomination, Conscious Corner Gift Cards are the perfect stocking stuffer for even the Eco-friendliest of us all. Good for use at both Roots Market locations, Great Sage restaurant, Bark! and of course here at Nest, the happy recipient of this gift card will be thanking you well into 2014 as they shop their way to organic bliss here at the Conscious Corner.

 

…And don’t forget about the holiday greeting cards

Worth far more than the price you will pay for them, a great holiday card can make anyone’s holiday feel merry and bright. Sold individually and in packs, Nest has a great selection of holiday cards. Perfectly personal and always heart-warming, a card from a loved one is the sometimes the best gift you can give this time of year.

Gluten Free at the Holidays

Being gluten-free during the holidays can be difficult! There are so many delicious wheat based treats: cookies, snacks, pies, cakes, gingerbread men – it can be a true test of one’s holiday resolve to stay on the GF wagon! I’ve been gluten free for about 4 years now, and the holidays are the toughest time to keep yourself from jumping ship altogether.

This holiday season, treat the gluten-free folks in your life to something special and show them how much you really care! Here at Nest, we always have a great selection of gluten free cookbooks, but this time of year it’s all about winter favorites like Small Plates & Sweet Treats, Gluten Free Comfort Food, and The Gluten Free Baker. These beautifully illustrated and well researched books are filled to the brim with delectable treats and helpful hints that will keep anyone, gluten free or not, licking their lips until New Year ’s Day! We even have a great selection of cookbooks for the gluten-free vegans and the gluten and sugar free folks.

It may not be easy, but with great treats like these to look forward to, I know that this holiday will be a delicious one! Happy Holidays!

Nest’s Holiday Gift Giving Guide!

From stocking stuffers all the way to the perfect present, Nest is overflowing with amazing gift ideas to fill every person on your list with holiday cheer! Here are a few of our favorite new and returning items to give and receive this year, along with a few tips on keeping it green and socially responsible this holiday season!

 

Something for the Little Ones:

New to Nest this season is one of our absolutely favorite new brands for the littlest of us: Joobles Organics! Coming to you fair-trade from Peru, these huggably soft and super safe plush toys, hats and hoodies are just what the doctor ordered to keep your favorite little animal warm and happy! Made from 100% organic Tanguis cotton and Oeko-tex certified baby-safe dyes, Joobles are not only the cutest of the cute, they are the safest of the safe. Roar the Lion, Mel the Monkey, Jiffy the Giraffe and all their friends are here just waiting to come home with you and delight your little one this holiday!

How to Keep it Conscious:

Babies and little ones love to put just about everything in their mouths, so make sure that when you’re buying for the little ones in your life you keep it toxin free, BPA free and all natural! Great toy companies like Anamalz work exclusively with safe, sustainable, natural materials and non toxic paints. You can buy corn-based and BPA-free plastics when searching for teethers, or give the gift of BPA-free glass drinking bottles as a great alternative to the typical plastic ones.

 

Something for the Entertainer:

More than just a lovely conversation piece, our mango wood serving pieces from Circa Asia and olive wood collection from the Natural Olive Wood Company are a true testament to the beauty of responsibly sourced woodworking. Brought to you fair-trade from sustainable forests, these pieces make an impressive impact on any entertaining aficionado and will become a favorite in any home.

How to Keep it Conscious:

When it comes to wood, always choose companies that use sustainable, responsibly sourced materials, oils and sealants as opposed to those made from chemicals. When you can, buy fair-trade or American made, like our jaw-droppingly beautiful trunk sliver cutting boards made right here in the USA at Boards by Joel.

 

Something for the Chef:

Cast iron from cookware from Lodge is nothing new, the company began pitching their wares way in 1896, but their popularity has never been higher. Cast iron cookware is the new normal; safer than Teflon, more durable than ceramic, and the perfect gift for that certain someone in your life who loves to cook.

How to Keep it Conscious:

When buying for those foodies on your list, remember that food safe isn’t the same as all natural. Look for companies that avoid the use of chemically affected materials and shun unnecessary packaging wherever possible.

 

Something for the Spiritual One:

The perfect gift for any occasion, meditation lovers will find the path to everlasting peace this holiday season with our singing bowls and meditation accessories from the Tibet Collection. Our hand tempered brass bowls are from India and come in a variety of sizes, styles and tones. They make a beautiful addition to any home when paired with a piece of statuary or a lovely brocade pillow.

How to Keep it Conscious:

Buying from companies that support fair-trade is a great way to stay responsible and assure that the proceeds from each sale are being allocated appropriately by the company that provides them. Fair Trade companies and those that support local trade unions are a great way to give back the world at large in this and every season.

 

Something for the Eco-Friendly Fashionista:

Old or young, dressed up or always casual, the perfect piece of clothing can make anyone’s heart skip beat as they unwrap it at the holidays. Whomever you hope to adorn this year, we have something to deck them out as they deck the halls. Some of our favorite pieces this year include the absolutely gorgeous Éclair sweater from Horny Toad and Patagonia’s attention grabbing Merino Wool Sweater Coats. Our organic cotton long sleeve tees from Super Maggie’s with their winter motifs make an amazing gift. We even have fabulous vegan boots from Jambu and Neuaura that will keep the woman you give them to smiling for more than just eight days and nights.

How to Keep it Conscious:

Here at Nest we assure you that every piece of clothing that passes through these doors is held up the highest standards of quality, care and responsible sourcing, now and all year long. From fair-trade to organic, from up-cycled to vegan, we have responsibly sourced clothing, shoe and accessory options for everyone.

 

 

Nest Fall Fashions ~ Aimee

Aimee is our eclectic girl – she loves to push boundaries and isn’t afraid to try new things with fashion. She wears pieces with interesting architectural and textural details, loves to buy local, and always tries to support companies that use fair trade business practices and work with organic materials.

Aimee can’t wait to try out some of her favorite summer-length cotton dresses with her new cable knit organic cotton tights from PACT, perfect for the cooler fall weather when worn under this eye-catching black and white railroad stripe.

A pair of new gray combat boots makes the look totally her own with just a hint of bold color on her neck and wrist that leave her feeling confident and looking cool all day long.

 

Aimee knows that fall fashion isn’t about having to cover up in additional layers; it’s about getting to. Mixing patterns, colors and styles all season long is a blast in her fall floral organic cotton leggings from Pact and a punch of color from her Super Maggie’s long sleeved tee. With a simple skirt in wine red, Aimee looks just perfect for the season.

To keep a spring in her step all day long, Aimee’s vegan “suede” Maryjane’s from J41 are a perfect fit. The slight wedge gives her a touch of lift without sacrificing comfort along the way.

Aimee feels comfy and cooler than the October breeze in her Rock n Roll styled black belted trench from Synergy; the perfect outer layer for those busy autumn days. Topped off with a say-something chandelier necklace from Stella Blue, she’s ready to hit the town in style or snuggle up at home with her honey.

 

 

Never one to be outdone by the weather, Aimee laughs at the idea that sleeveless dresses have to disappear in the fall.  This sleeveless Savannah Smile dress from Mata Traders keeps her looking adorable while her cotton leggings keep her legs warm all day and night. The organic cotton fabric is warm without being heavy and the Catstooth print is sweet without losing its editorial appeal.

A pair of simple, slightly heeled black ankle boots from Jambu finishes off the look to perfection – simple, elegant and perfectly appropriate for the autumnal atmosphere.

 

 

The shorter days don’t hurt Aimee’s feelings at all- after dark is her favorite time of day. Her Asylan Dress by Aventura is perfect for this time of year, its attention-grabbing sleeve details and heavier knit just scream vintage inspired while the cut and silhouette are totally new.

This time of year is all about drama, so Aimee adds a touch of gothic beauty, perfect for the Halloween season, with a pair of black cotton fingerless Glovelettes from Echo Verde. The final touch is a statement piece of jewelry from Shari Dixon with a leaf motif set in oxidized silver with turquoise accents.

Paired with a comfortable but stylish black ankle boot and some leggings, she’s ready to take back the night. Now no matter what the evening holds, Aimee is ready to face it head on, chin up, heart on her sleeve, world in her pocket.

 

Aimee’s Looks:

1

Savannah Smile dress by Mata Traders $72

Patina Bronze Cuff by Melissa Lowey for SSD Jewelry $50

Nila Necklace in Green Turquoise by Aid Through Trade $110

Black Organic Cotton Cable Knit Tights by Pact $34

Dallan Boot in New Black by Neuarua $139.99

 

2

Comfy Skirt in Merlot by Texture $72

Fall Floral Leggings by Pact $34

Trench Coat Rock in Black by Synergy $128

Mandala Ladies’ Organic Cotton Tee by Super Maggies in Seawater $42

Kyoto Shoe in Midnight by J41 $89

Vintage Metal  Chandelier Necklace in Green by Stella Blue $75

 

3

Half Moon Dress in Catstooth by Mata Traders $72

Black organic cotton leggings by Pact $38

Esmerelda Boot in Black by Jambu $150

 

4

Asylan Dress in Black by Aventura $90

Esmeralda Boot in Black by Jambu $150

Black Cotton Leggings by PACT $34

Damiana Rectangle Leaf Necklace by Shari Dixon $60

Glovelettes in Black by Echo Verde $26

 

Nest Fall Fashions ~ Sarah

Sarah is our uptown woman. She’s smart, savvy and always stylish. She loves fashion, respects quality, and seeks out socially responsible companies. She understands that dressing for fall isn’t just about covering up; it’s about layering, utilizing heavier fabrics and knits, and focusing on the proportions that work best for her.

Her favorite summer dresses don’t have to go to the back of the closet just yet – this Rosalinda Dress in Deep Ruby with its warm knit and ¾ length sleeves is perfect for the fall when worn over a pair of simple black organic cotton leggings.

A pair of statement-making flats in a fabulous faux croc will take her from day to night with comfort, ease and elegance, while a touch of colorful sparkle at the ears and neckline will make her the envy of all her friends.

 

 

Skirts and camisoles don’t have to disappear just because the leaves have started to turn.  This brassy corduroy skirt and black camisole pair perfectly with ankle boots and leggings.

Sarah knows it’s the perfect time of year for a pair of black ankle boots from Jambu, just high enough to keep her feet warm without covering her calves up completely.

To finish it off, a merino wool coat from Patagonia that will keep her warm right through New Year’s Eve and a verdigris heart pendant that will keep her smiling sweetly.

 

 

 

Without missing a beat, Sarah goes from mini to maxi, with this flowing maxi skirt from Nau in a sensible and chic smoky brown in a warm and wearable Tencel.

A kimono wrap top in a sheer knit with ¾ length sleeves will keep her just warm enough without adding unwanted bulk or changing her elegant silhouette.

Simple black boots and a pop of color on the wrist and at the neck are all she needs to take an idea as simple as a skirt and top and make it all her own this season.

 

 

 

When night falls, Sarah doesn’t want to be trapped under a huge, heavy coat all night, so she picks a slightly heavier cotton dress from Mata Traders and wears it over thicker cotton leggings with great heels.

The gray and gold tones work perfectly this time of year and compliment the autumnal palette all around her, while the black leggings and matching shoes keep her looking pin sharp and put together.

A statement-making silver and jasper necklace and earrings set and an adorable fabric clutch from Maruca Bags complete the look, and Sarah is ready to enjoy her night from now until it’s time to deck the halls.

 

 

Sarah’s looks:

1

Rosalinda Dress in Deep Ruby by Horny Toad Clothing $80

Teardrop Garnet, Carnelian and 14K gold Neckalce by Mashka $90

Green Quartz on 14K Gold Necklace by Mabel Chong $95

Black organic cotton leggings by PACT $34

Elstan Shoe in Grey by Neuaura $109.99

 

2

Women’s Corduroy Skirt by Patagonia $69

Women’s Merino Sweater Coat by Patagonia $249

Black Organic Cotton Leggings by PACT $34

Black Organic Cotton Camisole by PACT $28

Esmeralda Boot in Black by Jambu $150

Green Verdigris Heart by Melissa Lowey for SSD Jewelry $45

 

3

Brit ¾ Length Corssover Top in Black by Yala $56

Repose Cotton Skirt in Tobacco by Nau $90

Esmeralda Boot in Black by Jambu $150

Verdigris Bronze Three Rings Necklace by Melissa Lowey for SSD Jewelry $70

Bronze Patina Cuff by Melissa Lowey for SSD Jewelry $50

 

4

All Gathered Up Organic Cotton Dress in Gray by Mata Traders $65

Black Organic Cotton Leggings by PACT $34

Miyun Shoe in Vegan Black by Novacas $115

Chica Fabric Clutch in Fronds Shadow by Maruca Bags $35

Canyon Jasper Earrings in Sterling by Altitude $42

Canyon Jasper Necklace in Sterling by Altitude $56

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