Blog Posts by TheNest.com

Which shelter pet is right for you and your significant other? We've got the scoop -- straight from the ASPCA.

By MaryAnn Barone for TheNest.com

shutterstock/The Nest


Crossbreeds shouldn't be shunned.
About 25 percent of dogs in shelters are purebreds, according to the National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy -- meaning the majority of pets are super-cute crossbreeds. What does this mean for you? Crossbreeds tend to be healthier than purebreds because they're more genetically diverse. Purebreds may have issues like hip dysplasia and respiratory problems -- which are much less likely with crossbreeds.

How much does a pet cost?

Don't assume pets at shelters are "bad."
The number-one reason cited for pet relinquishment at animal shelters is moving, says Gail Buchwald, senior vice president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) pet adoption center. It's important to recognize that pets aren't there because they're unloved, unwanted or inherently bad; they're there

Father's Day is approaching -- time for Dad to transform into grill master. Help arm him for the task with this brand-new giftable gear.

By Sarah Newell for TheNest.com

Battery-Powered BBQ Light
Photo courtesy of the manufacturer
Even if the sun goes down, Dad can still heat up the grill with this magnetic light. Outset magnetic light for BBQ tools, $10, Amazon.com

Host a BBQ like a pro!

Deluxe Apron and Grill Set
Photo courtesy of the manufacturer
This multi-pocketed apron keeps the essential grilling tools at arm's reach so Dad can focus on the food. BergHOFF Orion 9-piece barbecue set in apron, $150, Kohls.com

Personalized Grilling Accessories
Photo courtesy of the manufacturer
You'll know you're eating the finest barbecue when it's stamped with Dad's initials. Monogrammed steak brand & carving board, $56, Williams-Sonoma.com

Alternative Grilling Gadget
Photo courtesy of the manufacturer
What's better than grilled meat? Cheese! Dad can wow guests with a yummy grilled-cheese appetizer. Cheese BBQ utensil, $12, UncommonGoods.com

Surprising things to throw on a grill

Modern Skewer
Photo courtesy of the manufacturer
For the design-loving dad, this

We're suckers for online deals. Coupons and promo codes are like free money. And with today's technology, you can find savings everywhere.

By Samantha Leal for TheNest.com

Thinkstock / The Nest

RetailMeNot.com
This site has one of the web's most comprehensive collections of printable coupons and online promotional codes. What we love is that you can even enter promo codes to determine their success rate -- so you know whether they've expired.

Easy ways to save $1000

Coupons.com
Yeah, we know: No-brainer, right? But if you think this site is outdated, you're completely wrong. It has everything you need to save, from loyalty card coupons that you can add to your loyalty card online to local coupons. You can even search for products you want to buy (at a discount).

MyPoints.com
This site is the best resource for making the most of online purchases. Basically, MyPoints gives you points for purchases made with its associated retailers. We're talking everyone from Target and Walmart to Madewell and L.L.

We rounded up five types of sizzling ensembles that suit different types of men. Identify your guy, and then surprise him with a sizzling night of dress-up.

By Kristine Solomon from TheNest.com

The Girly Look

Thinkstock / The Nest

If you've got a playful, bubbly personality, and your significant other loves nothing more than to bring out that side of you, then he'd probably love to see you in some flirty, girly lingerie. Think a lace baby doll - which, it bears mentioning, does wonders for your body; it's just so flowy and forgiving. And if you don a super-short baby doll, you can show off those sexy gams of yours -- perhaps in a cute pair of peep-toe pumps!

Your erogenous zones -- explained!

The Vampy Look
Thinkstock / The Nest

If your hubby likes things mega-hot in the bedroom, indulge his erotic side by dressing up like the sexpot you are! Your best bet: Pull on a formfitting teddy or a corset-and-G-string combo (lacy or satin, it's up to you), and kick up the seduction factor with -- you guessed it -- some thigh-high

Spice up your date nights with these sexy tips from a relationship guru.

By Kristine Solomon from TheNest.com

Thinkstock / The Nest

Go Out on a Limb for Date Night (or Day!)
Hitting up your go-to Thai restaurant again and catching a flick afterward? Woo-hoo. Not. "Shake it up by doing something physical on your date!" says "flirt expert" Rachel DeAlto. "Get your blood rushing by playing a one-on-one sport like tennis, volleyball or rock climbing." Make the most of that endorphin rush when you get back home and engage in another contact sport -- in the bedroom. (You might want to shower first.)

Score brownie points with your spouse

Spice Up A Dinner Date Night
Spending the night in with a romantic meal? Great! But please, don't just whip up one of your go-to dishes, turn on the TV and call it a date. "Date night dinners are less about the meal than the delivery," says DeAlto. Your partner's favorite meal might be peanut scrambled eggs, but if it's served by candlelight with your undivided attention (and

A couples guide to waking up on the right side of the bed (and staying there!).

By Anne Jones from TheNest.com

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Turn off the snooze so you can rise and shine with one of these tips for including quality time a deux in your morning. You may not become a morning person, but you'll feel less guilty about catching up on the DVR at night.

Serve Breakfast in Bed
Don't use birthdays and gushy holidays as the only excuse for breakfast in bed. The most important meal of the day is that much more fabulous when it's unexpectedly whipped up and served by your personal at-home chef. Even the most ho-hum oatmeal suddenly seems special when it's delivered in bed. Doing the dishes earns bonus points, and if you're feeling extra-creative, French toast is more fun in your unmentionables...or out of them!

5 quick tricks for a better relationship

Commute Together
"Commuting" and "fun" are not often found in the same sentence, but planes, trains, and automobiles are more entertaining when you're with

We've got straight up mattress-buying advice for some hot horizontal action.

By Kristine Solomon for TheNest.com

Thickstock / The Nest

STANDARD COIL MATTRESSES
Pros:
- If you like to get your bounce on and let loose your inner acrobat, coil mattresses are for you.

- Coil mattresses -- especially innerspring mattresses -- are pretty durable, so you can have lots of hot sex on them for years to come.

- If they're covered in wool or organic cotton, they regulate moisture (read: sweat).

Cons:
- As coil mattresses age, they get all saggy, lumpy and out of shape (too bad there are no workouts for aging mattresses). According to a recent study, 25 percent of Americans say their mattresses are saggy after three years. Buzzkill.

- Also, there's the squeak factor. Fine if you're alone, embarrassing if you have houseguests -- or you're a parent. Or worst of all, if your houseguests are your parents!

12 mind-blowing sex moves

MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES
Pros:
- Memory foam conforms to your shape, so there are fewer

Have you ever wondered what other couples are up to? Yep, we have too -- so we dug up the dirt.

By The Editors for TheNest.com

Veer / The Bump

1. Percentage of married women who report that they've had NO sex in the pastyear: 3 percent. Percentage of married men who report that they've had NO sex in the past year: 1 percent. (Hmm...)

5 steps to hotter sex

2. Number of times per week the average married couple has sex: 2. Percentage of married women who've faked an orgasm at some point in their marriage: 47 percent.

3. Percentage of men who report that their partner had an orgasm the last time they had sex: 85 percent. Percentage of women who report that they actually had an orgasm the last time they had sex: 64 percent.

How orgasms can save your life

4. Percentage of married couples who sleep alone: 12 percent. Percentage of custom homes expected to have dual master bedrooms by 2015: 60 percent.

5. Percentage of newly married couples who met online: 30 percent. Percentage of married couples who've