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Friday, July 29, 2011

Marley Lilly Monogrammed Cell Phone Case Giveaway!

I am so excited to do another fun giveaway with Marley Lilly (thanks, Kelly!). Marley Lilly has the best monogrammed gifts and accessories. The winner of this giveaway will receive the monogrammed cell phone case of their choice!

The cases can fit an iphone, blackberry, OR a custom case can be made if you do not have a phone listed on the Marley Lilly website. ***If your cell phone model is not available in a hard case, we can manufacture a decal and hard clear case combo unit for you! Some people prefer this option over the hard cases. If you have a phone that IS listed as a hard case option, you can still get it made with a decal + hard case if you prefer. The decal will be printed on special material that leaves no residue and will never damage your phone***

Here are some of the MANY options (there are 4 pages to choose from!):






TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. MANDATORY ENTRY: Please go to the Marley Lilly website and then leave a comment on THIS POST with your favorite Marley Lilly product

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
1. Like Marley Lilly on Facebook
2. Follow Marley Lilly on Twitter
3. Blog or tweet about this giveaway (please include a link)
4. Like Nautical by Nature on Facebook

Giveaway ends August 5

PLEASE LEAVE ONE (1) COMMENT WITH ALL INFORMATION!!!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Reader Submissions: Nautical Shopping Finds

Don't forget to send me your nautical finds and photos!

From MRM (Preppy Girl Meets World):
Anchors Aweigh Bottle Opener:


From Carol:
Whale Pillow Cover (ETA: apparently this is sold out now!):


Anchor Knob Drawer Pull:


From Tiffany:
Whale Tail Tote:


From Stephanie:
The Nautical Rooster-really cute store
Seashell Stoneware by Mussels and More Pottery:

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Polyvore sets inspired by Monte Carlo

I thought it would be fun to do a couple of Polyvore sets inspired by Meg from Monte Carlo (played by Leighton Meester) as a follow up to the post I did earlier this week.

I really like the look of a striped tshirt with shorts. Dress it up with a blazer (like Meg did in the film). I think the navy and white combination is great for summer and gives the outfit a nautical feel. I also like the red and white stripes too.


I can't believe I never thought of a button down shirtdress as a potential bathing suit coverup. So perfect! These options range in price from $35 (chambray from Old Navy) to $168 (bright colors from Madewell). Click on the set to get the details/links to items.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Better late than never! Photos from my sister's wedding!

It has taken me forever to post these! Sorry for the delay! These are the photos that show off my outfit the best (HA!). Oh and a couple of the bride ;) My dress, cardigan and shoes are all Kate Spade.






Monday, July 25, 2011

Leighton Meester in Monte Carlo

Leighton Meester looked so pretty in Monte Carlo (does she ever NOT look good?) and I loved her outfits! Her character, Meg, didn't look like the stereotypical American tourist BUT she also didn't look like the girls who try so hard to look European (and just can't pull it off).

She had 3 daytime, casual outfits that are perfect for travel (and she easily transitioned them to night time, always important). They look stylish and classic but are also comfortable and practical.

I love the navy and brown color combination. Trench coat, tshirt, capris and ballet flats. Perfect for a day sightseeing! (hard to find a good photo of this look)
Leighton Meester in Monte Carlo
Via

Leighton Meester in Monte Carlo
Via

Navy and brown again! Navy blazer, nautical striped tshirt, navy shorts, brown sandals and brown bag. LOVE THIS LOOK!
Leighton Meester in Monte Carlo
Leighton Meester in Monte Carlo
Via

Leighton Meester in Monte Carlo
Via

This shirtdress was her bathing suit coverup. Genius! Add a big belt and it was perfect for her date with hottie Australian

Leighton Meester in Monte Carlo

Leighton Meester in Monte Carlo
Via

Leighton Meester in Monte Carlo
Via

Did anyone else see this movie? What did you think? Which character did you think had the best style?

Friday, July 22, 2011

Nautical Outfit of the Week: My Life as a Plate

Remember my Designs by Kara Kihm giveaway? Well here is the winner in her nautical dress! Lauren from My Life as a Plate looks great in this navy dress! So perfect for summer!



Thursday, July 21, 2011

Moss Mills

I've posted about them before and wanted to do a follow up post highlighting their nautical jewelry.

chip & jack necklace:


captain necklace:


callie ring:


anchor necklace:


felix and oscar:

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Extreme Couponing?

When shopping for clothing, accessories, jewelry, etc I ALWAYS try to save money. I use sites like Mr. Rebates, Ebates and RetailMeNot to get cash back and find coupon codes. I will not pay full price! See my post here for tips on how to save money when shopping online.

But I was not as careful with other shopping (I mean grocery stores, Target, Walgreens, etc). I always used my Ralphs or Vons card (my two grocery stores) and tried to buy things on sale but that's about it. I started couponing to save money (duh). I also started couponing because I often do the grocery shopping for the family I nanny for AND I started watching Extreme Couponing. I like to have a small stockpile so I don't have to run out and get baby food, cereal or baby wipes every week (like just a couple of extra, not a whole garage full!). Taking a toddler to the store takes so much longer and just isn't something I want to do multiple times a week. I will NEVER buy more than what I can actually use and I've donated a few things that I found free but didn't need. I think many of the people on Extreme Couponing are hoarders and there is NO NEED for 70 bottles of mustard!!!!

I do not have a stockpile that takes up a whole room, I don't spend hundreds of dollars (and get the actual total down to $3) or anything actually extreme. Stores in the Los Angeles area are more expensive than many other places in the US so I KNOW I won't be getting the deals I see on the show/other websites (for example, the Wet Ones wipes below usually retail for over $1 at my Targets but they are under $1 in other parts of the country). BUT I do want to save money!

Here's what I do now:
1. ALWAYS use my Ralphs or Vons card. I also load electronic coupons onto my card (check your grocery store's website to see if they do this)
2. Cut coupons from the Sunday paper, print coupons from Coupons.com, Target.com, and facebook
3. Check websites. My favorites are: Totally Target, Southern Cali Saver, and Chief Family Officer (the last two are both women in Southern California-they do post deals that apply to other areas too)

I went to Target last night and saved $33 ($3 more than I spent)!!! The crazy thing is that when I look at what I bought it doesn't even look like $33 worth of stuff, let alone $63 (the actual total if I'm doing that math correctly)

What I got:
7 packs of pens, 3 scotch tapes= all of these will be donated to a local non-profit (they were free so why not!)
2 packs of Trident gum, 2 packs of M&M pretzels, Sharpies, Wisps (excited to try these/will put them in my car/purse for "emergencies"), Jergens Natural Glow (excited to try this too), 3 packs of travel Wet Ones (I use these ALL THE TIME), St. Ives body wash, Kleenex 4 pack, 2 tubs of Cottonelle flushable wipes (I'll use these with Baby H)
1 watering can, 3 pack of animal water squirters, Plum baby food=all for Baby H
Anchor water bottle, Tums travel roll 3 pack, Command picture hanging strips, Command hooks, travel Tide (this single use pack comes in handy when traveling. unfortunately this one appears to be leaking so I put it in a ziploc), Shout wipes (travel 4 pack)

Do you have any couponing tips? Have you tried Extreme Couponing? Do you think it's crazy or not worth it? Leave a comment with your thoughts, suggestions, and tips!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Recent Purchases

I've scored 3 great deals recently. I don't usually go into Bloomingdales anymore unless there's a big sale. Many of the brands/designers I like aren't sold in Bloomingdales so I've stopped going there as often. 4th of July weekend there was a big sale and I had a coupon from my mom (30% off I think). I found this top and skirt on clearance! They were even cheaper in the store (plus the extra % off).

Gemma Aquarium Pocket Tank (SEA HORSES!)



Marc by Marc Jacobs Indigo Knit Skirt


Then this past weekend I went into Banana Republic with a friend and found these pink pants for $22! Sale items were 40% off PLUS an additional 25% off!!!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Nautical Etsy Finds: Guest Blog Post by CT Cupcake

Hello! I’m so delighted to be guest posting for Kate today! Connecticut Cupcake tells my tales of being a Northern Gal in a Southern College Town. My days are spent working in higher education, running, baking cupcakes, running off the cupcakes, and shopping! My family has a house on Cape Cod, and my love for all things beachy and nautical is well documented! In just about a week, I will be a first time homeowner and you can bet there will be a “nautical” room. Etsy is one of my favorite websites and I can spend hours browsing for unique and handmade items. Some of my fave nautical finds:

Just Beachy: Can I just say, I pretty much love everything in this shop? The custom wedding location subway sign is too perfect. My dream is to get married at the Chatham Bars Inn and our house would be in Dennisport, so this is a must have, as is that groom I’m still looking for in order to actually get married!


Sticking with the love and wall décor theme, this sandy toes, salty kisses sign comes from The Funki Little Frog


Need a nautical invitation for wedding related events? Check out Party Box Design.
Anchor invites:


Perfect for Thank You notes after spending the weekend at a friend’s beach house. The Preppy Ladybug offers preppy notes to satisfy any nautical girl.
Lobster flatcards:


You can adorn yourself in nautical, beach inspired jewelry from Flirty Gems, out of lovely Connecticut!
Beachy coin pearl earrings:


I could keep going for days with the Etsy finds! Hope you enjoyed my nautical etsy picks.

Note from Kate: Check out Wendy's Etsy shop: Northern Belle Treasures! A lovely etsy shop for handmade and vintage jewels :)

Friday, July 15, 2011

Nautical Photo of the Week: Slade's Shrimp Shack 1st Birthday Party

You know I love a nautical party (especially first birthdays)! As soon as I saw Slade's party I knew I had to post about it! His mom's blog is Merry and Bright: The Tichenor Family. Meredith did such a great job and every detail is perfectly nautical! For a full recap of the party go HERE

Bait shop (aka yummy nautical treats):


Anchor and lobster cookies:


Boat to put the presents in (the boat was on clearance at Hobby Lobby. Meredith repainted it, added Slade's monogram and reconfigured some of the "sea" decor):


The yellow tins held crayons to color Slade's Shrimp Boat:



Sign above the party favor totes:




All of the party guests wore matching sailboat shirts! The birthday boy looks adorable!