The Domestic Nest Blog

The first time I ran into this couple was at an indie market where they were selling the most beautiful sewn creations I’ve ever seen. As I perused their wares, Michael gushed over his wife’s talent and how meticulously she tends to all the details in her work. His admiration of Venus was so sweet and so authentic. After surveying her creations and meeting her personally, it’s no secret how easy it is to find happiness in her presence. If you were to stake out their house for the weekend (not that I have), you’d want to calmly take in the warmth they exude, then take notes on how they create and produce all those crafty goodies, and then you’d find yourself with a stomach cramp from all that laughing thanks to their two tiny muses (daughters, Sophia & Lily.) Venus and Michael are known in their circle as “the creative duo.” And oh yes, creativity abides where they do. If you haven’t visited Happy Find yet, do as I say. Stop reading. Go here immediately to see Venus’ lovely handiwork. Then go here to find out how you can win your very own Happy Find. Then come back to read about how Venus and Michael are finding, creating and spreading happiness in their corner of the world.

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photo courtesy of Cindy Horovitz Wilson Photography

If a wet knot is harder to untie than a dry one, these two newlyweds will surely be blessed with an unbreakable bond. They ‘tied the knot’ last summer during a monsoonal month in Rhode Island. The precipitation held off just long enough for photos and the fog provided not only the perfect New England backdrop, but nodded to Rip’s serene nature and Kelly’s flare for the dramatic. Kelly is known in her circle of friends as the empathetic optimist who could talk to a wall, gravitates to all things that glitter, and invariably adds some form of animal print to every outfit. She’s also known for her passion for teaching. Rip is known for his impressive ability to listen. I mean really listen to people. Though he may be of few words, he conveys thoughtfulness, wit and valuable information when it’s his turn to talk. If you were to stake out Kelly & Rip’s house on any given weekend (not that I have), you’d be drawn in by their yin-&-yang, pb-&-j, Oreos-&-milk kind of balance that makes everything seem just right in the world. I’m loving learning about how Kelly and Rip are making their nest in Rip’s childhood home.

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photo courtesy of Sharisse Coulter Photography

Have you ever walked into someone’s house and immediately felt at home? Did you sense that everyone who entered suddenly let their guard down, put their feet up and became family with the strangers around them? Did you find their house by following the distinct aroma of smoked ribs? Then maybe you’ve been to Chad & Gina Howlett’s house. They’re known for hosting laid-back parties complete with the best food and entertainment in town. Chad’s a member of the hot band, Brodeeva and their living room is home to a stellar array of local musical talent. If you were to stake out Chad & Gina’s house on any given weekend (not that I have), you’d witness hippies, rockers, artists and regular folk of all ages and cultures flocking to sit a spell, drink a beer and indulge in mouth-watering soul food. I recently interviewed them on what nesting is like as they balance day jobs, rocking out, and raising two teen boys. Here’s how the Howletts roll…

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We’ve had fun making nesting goals for 2010 and we’ve actually done well holding to our January challenge. Thanks to all those who’ve surprised us with a knock at the door! It’s working, keeping comin’ by.

One thing we especially enjoy is learning from others who are making their way in a modern world as they balance work, play & nesting. In a search for advice and examples beyond The Cleavers and other iconic nuclear families, we’ll be interviewing modern nesters and posting their stories. We’ll delve into their passions and challenges regarding making a house a home, keeping organized, and pursuing creativity.

If you happen to be reading and know of someone who may want to be in the spotlight (perhaps even yourself), you should e-mail us at info{at}DomesticNest{dot}com. We look forward to hearing from you!