Green for the Holidays
- At December 15, 2015
- By admin
- In Blog, Housewares, Products, Spirit, Uncategorized
0
Some of our best and most popular items for the holidays will not only make everyone on your list smile this year, they will also make the planet smile!
Here are some of our favorite green gift items this holiday….
ornaments from Finkbeiner
Buying items made from recycled and sustainable materials is a GREAT way to stay green this holiday season!
Our German laser cut wood ornaments are responsibly harvested from sustainable wood in the Black Forest region and have a look that will please and delight anyone on your Christmas list this year.
Available in tons of different shapes, sizes and styles, these are one our most popular categories every year at this time!
Fair trade fabric shoppers from Matr Boomie
Another great way to stay green this year, is to give gifts that replace disposable items. Our Fair Trade fabric eco-shopper bags are a great gift that will help cut down on the need for paper or plastic shopping bags at the store.
These bags not only look great but they make a great shopper, tote, day-tripper or diaper bag.
*For an extra green gift, use one of these beautiful bags as an alternative to traditional gift wrap.
Pine, Spice and Mint candles from Big Dipper!
It’s the season for candles and holiday scents as well, so make sure to keep it green by supporting responsible companies that use safe, clean burning materials only.
Big Dipper Wax Works are made from all natural beeswax and are scented with all natural ingredients and essential oils. Their wicks are all cotton and they contain no lead.
A wonderful, safe, clean burning holiday candle that the whole family will enjoy.
October is Fair Trade Month at Nest!
October is national Fair Trade month and we are celebrating here at Nest this and every month with some of our very favorite Fair Trade companies.
If you are used to hearing the words “Fair Trade” but aren’t quite sure what it’s all about, check out the last blog we wrote on the subject right here.
In the meanwhile, we would love to show you some of our FAVORITE Fair Trade items of the moment…
- from Mata Traders, the Devonshire Plaid Dress
Perfect for fall, this adorable tartan dress is made of 100% cotton, in warm blues and reds that work on almost any skin tone. Dress it down with a pair of flats and your favorite cardigan for a day look, or throw on a statement making piece of jewelry and a pair of pumps and take this dress out to dinner. Just don’t forget to layer up!
*also from Mata Traders, tons of new Fair Trade jewelry. Inexpensive and always impact-ful, the fall collection of Mata jewelry is the perfect way to add a little sparkle and depth to any outfit.
- from Prana, the Demure Cardigan in Dark Khaki
Layers upon layers of lovely, warm goodness brought to you from one of our favorite companies. This organic cotton sweater combo just looks like an Autumn night out on the town. Dress it up with gold jewelry and a nice pant or keep it simple with jeans and your favorite layering tank- either way, you WILL get compliments, trust us.
*also from Prana, the Moto Legging. Sumptuous, warm organic cotton leggings with beautiful style lines made to go under or with all of your favorite Fall pieces. Already this seasons best selling item of the season.
- from Matr Boomie, handmade jewelry in brass
Always unique and stylish, jewelry from Matr Boomie’s Handmade Expressions always serve to delight. Utilizing unique and inexpensive materials ranging from resin to brass to wood, these pieces always give you a lot of bang for your buck. Never one to skimp on style, Matr Boomie’s Fall collection is another winner.
*also from Matr Boomie, much more jewelry! In every color and style you can imagine, all handmade with Fair Trade principals, Matr Boomie defintiely has you covered this season.
- from the Tibet Collection, handmade singing bowls from Nepal
Available in many sizes, styles, finishes and pitches, these Nepalese singing bowls are as authentic as it gets. One of the leading Fair Trade companies in the world, the Tibet Collection from DZI has been in the business longer than all but a few, and they have honed their craft to perfection. Our singing bowls are always a popular gift item, all year long, but this season has brought us some real beauties. You’ll have to come in and see them for yourself to know what we mean
*also from the Tibet Collection, mini singing bowls! Still a mediation novice? Then you can start off small and simple with one of our 2 or 3 inch bowls. They come in colorful gift boxes that make them perfect to give to receive.
Exciting New Fair Trade Jewelry and Gifts from Peru!
This time of year at Nest, we are filled to the brim with AMAZING products from all around the world. Here are some of our favorite newest additions to our collection of Fair Trade jewelry, accessories and fashion!
First of all, what is Fair Trade?
To put it simply, Fair Trade is the idea that developing countries can gain stability by producing goods to be sold on an international level as long as the workers are paid a living wage, allowed to learn a useable trade, and are treated fairly and left to work in safe conditions. We take many of those things for granted in the United States but in many developing regions of the world, these ideas are not a given. Fair Trade strives to create equality in the international marketplace on every level, from those who help source fruits and foods, to those who pattern make and help create clothing, or even those responsible for fine, hand-made jewelry produced all over the world.
There are several Fair Trade certifiers that assure conditions are good, pay is fair, and that workers are allowed to work at something that will fulfill and support them and their family. Fair Trade, at its heart, is a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, hoping to bridge the gap between the developed and the underdeveloped nations of the world while strengthening the bonds between countries and individual people on every level.
Dreamer backpack from Minga Fair Trade Imports $55.
New from Peru is the Dreamer Backpack. All vegan materials, available in five colorful combinations that will make and guy or girl glad that school is back in session!
Also new from Peru, Alpaca Silver textile cuffs! Dripping with Central American flare and charm, these pieces make a colorful addition to any outfit and make a pleasing gift to any recipient.
Alpaca Silver top late bracelets $14.99 each.
A beautiful way to add sparkle to any look, these glorious Alpaca Silver gemstone and glass bead latch bracelets. Handmade in Peru, these bracelets are a great gift to anyone on your list…or just a great, fun way to buy yourself a little something wonderful without having to spend a lot.
Fiori gemstone studs $14,99 a pair.
The perfect addition to any outfit, the simple and elegant Alpaca Silver alloy gemstone earrings from Minga Fair Trade Importers. Made in Peru from goldstone, agate, sodalite and many other healing stones, these studs are a great gift and have universal appeal.
Exciting New Summer Products at Nest!
- At May 13, 2015
- By admin
- In Blog, Housewares, New Products, Products
- 0
Just in time to beat the heat, Nest is premiering some exciting, fun new products just perfect for Summer gift giving.
Love a summer salad? Our new bamboo collection from Circa Asia is the perfect thing!
Sourced responsibly from sustainable bamboo growth in The Ninh Binh Provence of Vietnam, workers are paid a fair wage to complete the thirty day process that turns earths fastest growing plant in the beautiful products we sell here at Nest
A great addition to any household, these pieces are a great price and a fabulous look that just screams “put food in me!”
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Ready to send the kids back to school? Our new stainless steel bento boxes and tiffin boxes from Eco-Lunchbox are the PERFECT thing!
Made from non-leaching steel, right here in the USA, these lunch boxes, bentos and tiffins are a great way to transport food hot or cold, dry or wet, all day or just for a few moments. Great for back to school or to take to work with you.
And Eco-lunchbox is a VERY green company. Visit their site for a plethora of helpful and interesting information covering all the benefits of their process and about switching to reusable food storage.
Visit http://ecolunchboxes.com/learn-more/ for more information.
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Dreading the Summer heat? You can keep yourself AND your drink cool this year with Perfect Cube trays from Tovolo! Made from a BPA-free silicon, these trays promise the perfect cube every time. Great for drinks and for pets who love a frozen treat!
One of our most innovative companies, Tovolo always has something new, interesting and IMPOSSIBLE to live without.
*Don’t forget to check out their adorable novelty tea infusers next time you’re here as well!
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Crave a summer cocktail? Returning favorite Rose Ann Hall Designs is back just in time to keep your sangria, margaritas and mojitos ready to pour and looking like a million bucks!
Handmade in Mexico, these pieces are well-made and priced to move. These pitchers, margarita glasses, stemmed and stemless wine glasses will be the HIT of any summer party and they make a great gift for any occasion.
Famous for showing their Fair Trade pieces all over the world, including their successful run at the MOMA gift shop, this new Confetti Collection is right on track to become another new smashing success for them….and for us!
Even More Spring and Summer Fashions for 2015
- At April 13, 2015
- By admin
- In Blog, Clothing & Footwear, New Products
- 0
This year at Nest, we are so happy to offer a colorful array of clothing for both him and her, from many of our favorite vendors. As always, we are proud to offer organic, recycled or sustainable materials from companies that promote ethical business practices both in this country and abroad.
Nau
Famous for their cutting-edge designs and use of lightweight, sustainable materials like Tencel (sourced from bamboo), Nau brings a healthy dose of chic sophistication to our shop every season. Putting a modern twist on classic pieces is a great way to look at what Nau does, and it’s easy to fall in love with all of it at first sight.
*from left to right and top to bottom: Poncho Via in Apple Green, Illume Tank in Red Rock, M2 Tee in Pacific Blue, Compleat Dress in Caviar, Stylus Dress in Opal, Barre Shirt in Indigo Stripe, Spot-On Shirt in Red Rock
More Spring and Summer Fashions for 2015
- At April 13, 2015
- By admin
- In Blog, Clothing & Footwear, New Products
- 0
This year at Nest, we are so happy to offer a colorful array of clothing for both him and her, from many of our favorite vendors. As always, we are proud to offer organic, recycled or sustainable materials from companies that promote ethical business practices both in this country and abroad.
Prana
No one in fashion knows Fair Trade better than Prana. It seems the same can also be said about color. Sumptuous hues of golds, pinks and reds with their signature focus on prints and textural details like burnouts and lace make this spring collection want to leap right off the hanger and into your closet.
*From left to right: Angelina Dress in Marigold, Cassie Tank in Cherry Pop, Quinn Top in Fuchsia Print, Cusco Tee in Coal, Alba Tank in Marigold, Winnie Top in White.
Spring and Summer Fashions for 2015
- At April 13, 2015
- By admin
- In Blog, Clothing & Footwear, New Products, Uncategorized
- 0
This year at Nest, we are so happy to offer a colorful array of clothing for both him and her, from many of our favorite vendors. As always, we are proud to offer organic, recycled or sustainable materials from companies that promote ethical business practices both in this country and abroad.
Toad & Co.
After a major re-branding, Toad & Co. (formerly Horny Toad Clothing Co.) has us very excited about the future. A combination of great colors, fun patterns and forward thinking designs coupled with their high quality organic materials and above the board production values lets us know that Toad & Co. is going to be everything that Horny Toad was and maybe even more. We are certainly loving it so far!
*from left to right and top to Bottom: Keyhole Cut Dress in Hibiscus Stripe, Chakkah Skirt in Agave, Long Island Dress in Taureg Blue, Muse Dress in Storm Grey Flight, Men’s Fletch Shirt in Crosshatch Print, Hardscape Shirt in Blue Stripe and Driftwood.
New Year’s Resolutions Part 2
- At February 03, 2015
- By admin
- In Baby & Kids, Blog, Housewares, Products, Uncategorized
- 0
It’s a new year and it’s once again time to make some positive changes not just in ourselves but in the world as a whole. It’s always easy to start thinking about losing weight or giving up a bad habit but it’s infinitely more difficult to actually get it done! Here at Nest, we are all about self improvement and assisting people to make better decisions in the way we live and interact. This year we want to help you be a better, happier, healthier you so that you are free to help improve the lives of others. Here are few quick and easy ways we can help you to do just that…
New Year’s Resolution #2: BE MORE HEALTHY!
There are always tons of great products and resources to help improve your overall health here at the Nest, some are more traditional, others are a little more unique, but the one thing they have in common is better health, be it physical, emotional or spiritual health. Today we are going to focus on the physical health side of things. Whether it’s replacing items in your kitchen with safer alternatives made from clean materials, or starting your little ones off on a good foot by removing toys and kids’ stuff that contain potentially harmful materials, you can make strides to give everyone in the home a happier and healthier start to the new year.
replace your Teflon coated pots and pans with a cast iron option. No oil needed and no Teflon residue!
instead of traditional plastic spatulas and spoons, a BPA-free silicone alternative is a great alternative.
Ditch the butter and oil in 2015 with a non-stick stone muffin, bread, lasagna or casserole dish.
start baby on the path of good decisions with corn-based plastic teethers and other healthy alternatives to the typical plastics.
That’s just one of the many ways we’re helping you stay green this year. What are your plans? How will you be a better you? How will you make the world a better place? Comment below and let us know and we will see you for New Year’s resolution #3: BE MORE POSITIVE!
Nest’s New Year Resolutions
- At January 18, 2015
- By admin
- In Blog, Uncategorized
- 0
It’s a new year and it’s once again time to make some positive changes not just in ourselves but in the world as a whole. It’s always easy to start thinking about losing weight or giving up a bad habit but it’s infinitely more difficult to actually get it done! Here at Nest, we are all about self improvement and assisting people to make better decisions in the way we live and interact. This year we want to help you be a better, happier, healthier you so that you are free to help improve the lives of others. Here are few quick and easy ways we can help you to do just that….
New Year’s Resolution #1: BE MORE GREEN!
Nest is all about eco-friendly alternatives to commonly used items. These products take many forms in our store; reusable products that can take the place of disposable ones, products produced by companies that hold themselves to a high standard of environmental consciousness, goods made from recycled or sustainable materials, even products that are made locally help keep the environmental footprint low. We are always happy to provide high quality green alternatives to mainstream products and to help promote environmental awareness while supporting companies that are fighting the good fight, and this year is no different: we have some really fantastic new products that can help you check “be more green” off your list of things to start doing in 2015…
Stop using paper towels with our Swedish dishcloths- the perfect hybrid of sponge and paper towel. Good for hundreds of uses and without any waste!
Enjoy your favorite Asian flavors without ever having to throw away another pair of disposable chopsticks with these great looking reusable sets!
Save on waste with these great reusable steel straws, shown here with optional spoon tips.
We have dozens if not hundreds of options when it comes to shoppers. Stop the plastic and paper for good and look good while you’re at it.
That’s just one of the many ways we’re helping you stay green this year. What are your plans? How will you be a better you? How will you make the world a better place? Comment below and let us know and we will see you for New Year’s resolution #2: BE MORE HEALTHY!
Nest’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!
- At October 29, 2014
- By admin
- In Blog, Books & Music, Housewares, New Products, Products, Spirit
- 0
The time is nearly here, to the deck the halls, light the menorah, sings songs and love our loved ones…and to go shopping for gifts! Let us not forget that crucial component. Nest has you covered no matter who or what is on your list this year, and as always, you can rest assured that everything you purchase was sourced ethically, responsibly and in the greenest possible fashion.
….But what to buy?!
Don’t fret, Nest is here to help! We have so many great things this time of year, it’s hard to choose our favorites, so we’ve compiled a few tiny collections of gift ideas for those trickiest people on your list, the hard ones to buy for, the ones who seem to have everything, the ones who you’re always still shopping for at the last moment. Here are a few of our favorite options this year…
For the baker:
Have someone in your life who always has the oven going? Nest is the place for them! We have a wide selection of bake ware, cook books, and kitchen sundries, all safe and responsibly sourced for your holiday needs. They may even thank you with cookies!
-Hartstone stone muffin bake pan
–The Vegan Baker cookbook
-safe silicone spoonula
-olive wood rolling pin
*ask about our selection of cast iron and safe stone cookware and bake ware
For the beer drinker:
Know someone who loves a good brew? We understand and we would love to help them find their happy. From beer glasses to bottle openers, books and things to decorate your home bar, Nest has a little something for every one, light to stout.
– pair of Artech re-beer recycled beer bottle glasses with matching coasters
– The Art of Fermentation guide book
-“Many Great Men…Were Only Here for the Beer” Spirit Tile
*ask about our collections of great recycled glass ware from around the world
For the insomniac:
Know any troubled sleepers?Help them get some shuteye! Relaxing herbal eye pillows, naturally scented candles, balancing stones, calming fragrances- give them the only gift they really need this holiday season, a good night’s rest!
– Aristurtle organic herbal eye pillow with decorative T-Shirt cover
– calming Way Out Wax GMO-free soy Lavender candle
– Himalayan rock salt ionizing tea-light lamp
*ask about our wide variety of ionizing salt lamps, available in many sizes and colors
For the meditator:
Have a friend who’s always staring at their naval? Us too! We have everything to doll up their altar spaces or to help them create one wherever they are. From statuary to singing bowls, incense, guide books and wall hangings, help them find their inner peace…..Oooohhhhmmmmm.
– Balinese volcanic rock Buddha statue/incense burner
– 7 layer GMO-free dermatologic-grade soy chakrha candle
– soapstone incense burner box
– nag champa sticks and cone incense
For the cool dude:
Know a guy who’s just too cool for school? You can help him keep his rep proper this holiday by visiting our new men’s department for his gift! Wallets, belts, hats, clothing and gifts that will keep him smiling ear to ear well into 2015. He’ll think you’re SO cool!
– fair trade organic cotton men’s knit cap from Prana
– acai berry seeds of life bracelet with silver earth bead
– cork men’s wallet
*ask about our collection of RFID scan-blocking stainless steel wallets as well
For the stylish lady:
Have a lady in your life who just always looks so perfectly put together? Well help her stay that way all the new year long with something from our recently remodeled eco-friendly women’s clothing and accessory section. From hats and gloves to purses, jewelry and everything else. She’ll love you for helping her look stay flawless.
– organic cotton pocket scarf in purple by Indigenous Clothing with matching button gloves
– fair trade Cloche hat by Prana
*ask about our wide variety of organic and recycled cotton scarves available this year
For the native Marylander:
Have a friend who’s just mad about the old line state? Do they bleed purple and cry tears of Old Bay? Then they’ll love you for shopping here for their gift this holiday season. We have clothing, jewelry, books, incense, candles, home accessories, pottery and much more made in every corner of Maryland. Sounds like plan to me, hon!
– local author Jennifer Holland’s new book Unlikely Heroes
– locally made Drops of Maryland memory bracelets
– locally made incense from Takhoma Park
For the tea-drinker:
Know someone who’s always got a kettle on the stove? We know the type and we have plenty to keep them steeped with anticipation this year at holiday gift-giving time. Mugs, tea bowls, strainers, tea pots, cold steeping pitchers, tea spoons- everything and anything they might need to stay whistling with glee. All you need to do is add water!
– pair of Dirty Dog mugs
– individual laser-cut cherry wood tea strainer
– self-straining tea pot for brewing loose tea
*ask about our cold-steeping pitchers too!
For the dream journal-er:
Have a friend that’s always telling you about their crazy dreams? They’ll love a little dose of dream support from you this holiday season, whether they dreamt it or not! Journals, dream guides, stones and scents to help unlock their ninth house and keep them deliciously deep in the dreamiest parts of their REM states all night long.
– 1,001 Dreams
– fair trade hand-bound journal from India
– assorted healing stones
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