Blog Posts by TheNest.com

These real couples thought they'd be talking about their trips forever. And they will...just not for the reasons they'd hoped.

By TheNest.com Editors

We took an overnight train in Italy once, and another passenger brought a big dog on the train. In the morning, we found dog pee all over our shoes and bags that had been on the floor. --jackieo1309

We booked a hotel in Tennessee that we thought was reputable, but when we got there, the room was full of roaches. --1969june

My husband got food poisoning on an overnight flight from Toronto to England. He ended up wearing my clothes off the plane. --Aunds

We rented a motorbike in Cozumel...and wrecked it! The left side of my body was bandaged for the whole rest of our honeymoon, and we had to pay for damages to the bike. --EmilyS2

This rotten kid at Disney kept poking us in line and bumping into us, and his parents never said anything! --cecora8488

We went on vacation

I spent a week taking advantage of every deal I could uncover. Read on to find out what I learned -- and how you can make the most of your own clipping and clicking.

By (undercover) Editor for TheNest.com

As soon as I get the assignment, my mind flashes to my mom cutting coupons at the kitchen table. I panic -- not only because I don't own a kitchen table (I live in New York City, so I barely have a kitchen), but also because saving a few cents has never seemed worth the effort. But whatever, it's on. I decide to take the lazy...er...smart route and make the deals come to me by signing up for email alerts from the stores I frequent. And voila -- my BlackBerry starts buzzing right away. Here's what one savings slacker learned from seven days of coupon craziness.

Lesson #1: Sales aren't just for swag
I wake up to a message from LifeBooker.com, a site with spa and salon sales. I click the link and find a spa offering 20 percent off massages (dropping the price from $100

Steve Ward -- relationship guru and host of VH1's Tough Love Couples -- shares his advice for couples. From red flags to watch out for to three things every couple should agree on, here's his take on making it work.

By Susan Waits for TheNest.com

Hey, relationships can be tough. So we jumped at the chance to talk with matchmaker, relationship coach, and host of VH1's Tough Love Couples Steve Ward. The show shines a spotlight on couples who've been on the rocks and unable to completely commit. Ward puts them through "Tough Love Bootcamp" to help them find out if they're made to last. In the end, couples either get engaged or part ways. Read on for Ward's tips on blending lives, sharing it all, and being selfless.

When, in your opinion, is a couple really ready for a commitment as big as marriage?
Steve Ward: When they achieve selflessness. You have to put the other person before yourself. When you learn to give more than you anticipate getting, your relationship will

By Sarah Newell for TheNest.com

© 2010 The Knot Inc. All rights reserved.

More from The Nest:

Hot décor finds for $50 and under

Purchasing a big-ticket item? Save up easily with our savings calculator tool

Check out these amazing bedroom transformations

Closet clutter-busters

Fun cocktail recipes

By Sarah Newell for TheNest.com

© 2010 The Knot Inc. All rights reserved.

More from The Nest:

Hot décor finds for $50 and under

Decorating your kitchen? Browse 60+ kitchens here

Check out these amazing bedroom transformations

How to In-law proof your home

In a relationship rut? Get tips from other couples

A lovers' spat is one drama you should not save for your mama (or your pals). If you head straight for the phone after a fight to b---- to anyone who will listen, it's time to break the habit. Here's why.

By Erin Meanly for TheNest.com

So your pattern goes something like this: Fight it out. Reach for phone. Spill your guts. Sure, all your friends and relatives would totally wear "Team [insert your name here]!" T-shirts with pride. But broadcasting a blowup can backfire in more ways than one. Here are six common tiffs, who you blab to about them and how to resist the urge to dish.

The Fight: He's not looking hard enough for a job
The sounding board: Your parents

Before: You would go to your parents to complain because you knew they'd back you up on this. After all, they were the ones who gave you such a strong work ethic. Plus, maybe they'll feel bad and spring for that hot new Coach bag you want (but can't exactly afford at the moment).

After: You see that going on

Is it time to issue all of the husbands of the world orange safety vests? Today's "other woman" is
aggressive, unashamed, and (shockingly) unapologetic.

By TheNest.com Editors

First came Rielle Hunter's interview with GQ, in which she was equal parts shameless and finger-pointing (towards Elizabeth Edwards). Then came the Vanity Fair spread of "Tiger's Lovely Ladies," and the New York Magazine article on Rachael Uchitel. Suddenly we were wondering: is this a shiny, brand new trend?

Meet the "Proud Mistress." Rather than going into hiding, this girl likes to get out in front of accusations, own-up to being a notch on the proverbial bed post (think: shrug. "Yeah, I did it, so what?"), and virtually double-dare people to judge her. Newsflash: they are.

While we hate to see men behaving so badly, what's really killing us is how little remorse "she" seems to feel. Is this just a savvy PR move (i.e. act innocent and the press will follow), or does it represent a sea change in

Bored of the same ol' look day after day? Shake up your style by adding a few simple touches to three basic pieces. Sound impossible? More like incredible.

By Krissy Tiglias for TheNest.com

Start With the Basics: The Sofa

The clean lines and comfy cushions put this couch on our short list. Even better? The proportions make it even more versatile -- two seaters can fit nearly anywhere!

Goodwin sofa, $899, WestElm.com

Start With the Basics: The Chair

The low, graceful arms and nubby linen upholstery give this chair a classic, timeless look.

Sweep armchair, $599, WestElm.com

Start With the Basics: The Coffee Table

The fine metal frame is what makes this table so great. It's a fresh riff on a classic Knoll piece (minus the sticker shock).

Frame coffee table, $499, CrateandBarrel.com

Need new furniture? Take the guesswork out of decorating and check out our furniture buying guides.

LOOK 1: Modern ($424)

Light It Up
An