Lately + What do you want to see on the blog? Reader survey!

You may have noticed things have been quiet on the blog last week and this week. Last week was LONG and tough. The week between Christmas and New Year's is a blur-I watched my nephews while my sister and brother in law took a trip and then I went to Las Vegas (recap still to come) for under 48 hours (I think?). Then it was back to work last week. H had been back east for a week and it is always an adjustment getting back into the Nanny Kate routine after a vacation or holiday (or this time both!). It's only Tuesday but I can already tell this week is going to be much easier. BUT I have one more graduate school application to finish. When I get home from work I turn on my computer and do as much as I can on my applications (two down!). I will be back to my regular posting schedule by the end of this week/beginning of next week.

Until then I would love to hear from you-I do this quick survey every year. I really do try to incorporate your suggestions and include a mix of (nautical) topics on here. Just a few questions on the posts you like, what you want to see on the blog, what you don't want to see as often! The survey isn't very long and it is anonymous. You can also just comment on this post. Thanks!

You can access the form here

Boden Nautical New Arrivals

Last week the spring Boden catalog arrived in the mail. I think H and I looked through it at least twice. He really wants this excavator shirt while I am trying to justify a new (anchor) jacket. Here are some nautical new arrivals for everyone in the family!
* this post contains affiliate links *

Women uplifting tee, $58

Boys breton t shirt, $28

Womens Spring parka, $168

Girls stripy ruffle dress, $44

Girls applique hoody, $44

Girls embellished baseball tee, $44

Womens fun skirt, $138

Girls elfie hoody, $52

Womens shirt, $58

Boys graphic t shirt, $28

Girls hotchpotch applique dress, $46

Baby applique shirt, $26

Boys vehicle applique, $30

Boys board shorts, $38

Mens graphic t shirt, $38

West Elm nautical sheets and towels

West Elm just added anchor and whale sheets and whale towels (they already had anchor towels). I immediately ordered the anchor sheets in ink, whale washcloths, and whale bathmat. There is currently a 20% off bedding and bath sale going on so order ASAP!
* this post contains affiliate links

Whale jacquard towels, $6-19

Anchor sheet set, $11-63 (available in two colors)

Whale sheet set, $11-63

Whale bath mat, $23

Anchor shower curtain, $31

Whale shower curtain, $31

2014 in Review

Another year over! Time is really flying by! My baby nephew will be 1 in just over two weeks. I feel like I was just writing the 2013 year in review blog post waiting for his arrival! I love going through the blog and seeing the highlights.

Here's to a wonderful 2015! Happy New Year!

January: Spent New Year's Eve in Palm Springs with my family | Nephew #2 born | Warner Brothers Night of Comedy
February: Reagan Museum spy exhibit | Visit to the Forevermark Diamonds Oscar Suite
March: Hosted my annual Oscar party | Ale by Alessandra launch party at Planet Blue | Lost 10 year reunion PaleyFest |  Speed tasting at FIGat7th | The Vampire Diaries/The Originals PaleyFest | SoCal Blogger Society brunch | International Nanny Association conference (met Dr. Harvey Karp!)
April: Pacific Northwest trip with my sister (Vancouver, Seattle, Portland) | Made a DIY nautical lampshade
May: SoCal Blogger Society brunch | Eat See Hear outdoor movie blogger meetup | Attended Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Super Saturday | Went to The One by Cotton On launch party | Work trip to San Diego/Legoland/Safari Park
June: Rizzoli and Isles set visit | Bring It On movie in the park | The Country House at the Geffen Theater
July: Celebrated 4th of July with friends and fireworks | White Light White Night event | Toured the Coastal Living Showhouse on Coronado Island
August: Saw Once at the Pantages | Saw Hair at the Hollywood Bowl |  Went to Las Vegas and saw Justin Timberlake in concert | Saw We Will Rock You at the Ahmanson Theater | Saw reasons to be pretty at the Geffen Theater | Spent Labor Day weekend watching my nephew
September: Finally finished my balcony | Went to Dinner Detective for a friend's birthday | SoCal Blogger Society brunch
October: Turned 28 | Went to San Francisco with Leeann 
November: Took the GRE (!) | Thanksgiving in Venice
December: Saw Into the Woods at the Wallis Theater | Celebrated Christmas with my family 

My Nautical Christmas Tree

I have a fake pre-lit tree from Target that I have used for the last few years. It's easy to set up and easy to store. I still need the perfect nautical tree topper and tree skirt but otherwise I love my tree!

I really wanted the Santa hat octopus from Crate and Barrel but it sold out. Then I found the same exact one at Bloomingdales!

Christmas recap

Christmas Eve day I went to an exercise class, finished last minute shopping and wrapping (I always procrastinate during the holidays) and then headed to my dad's. Christmas Eve is spent at my dad and stepmom's. My sister, brother in law, and their two kids also came over. My other sister had to stay in Charleston and work (residency life I guess). We opened presents and had a delicious dinner.

My stepmom's decorations

I absolutely LOVE this lace dress from Boden! The dress is now on sale for less than $100 ($91!). I also wore it to my dad's birthday dinner earlier in the week

Very early Christmas morning (like 2 AM early) a crazy wind storm came through. Between the noise and the power going out multiple times I barely slept. Luckily the power did come back on and I was able to go over to my mom's bright and early to open presents with my nephews, sister, and brother in law. My mom made popovers which has been our family tradition for years and years. My grandma also came over for breakfast. Unfortunately I forgot my phone back at my apartment so no photos from Christmas morning.

Penguins at my mom's

The boys went back to their house for naps and I went to see Into the Woods with my dad and stepmom. I really liked it! I had actually seen the theater version the week before and I was thankful that the movie wasn't as long! We used to do a movie all together Christmas Eve but with the addition of two kids going Christmas Day with just my parents made more sense.

After the movie was dinner at my sister and brother in law's house with my dad, stepmom, and mom. Another delicious meal and more time with these two cuties!

In their holiday best

I'm not a big fan of selfies but I think you get better smiles from kids when they can see themselves

This guy will be one next month (!) and is walking all over the place!

I was supposed to work the day after Christmas but I got an email from my boss saying I didn't need to come in. I took myself to see Top Five, went to an exercise class, and then watched movies at my apartment. Perfect day after Christmas!

I hope your holiday season has been filled with love and happiness!

Favorite Holiday Sweater from Joules

Growing up I was absolutely obsessed with 101 Dalmatians and Dalmatians in general. I had the clothing, hats, costumes, toys, swim suits, and even Dalmatian wall paper (which had to be painted over after the '94 earthquake-still sad about that). Anyway... my friend M saw this Dalmatian sweater from Joules and emailed me the link. I bought it right away. I've already worn it to 3 holiday parties! The nose is an actual little red ball-so perfect!

Adorable!

At my family holiday party in Sacramento yesterday

Joules French navy festive sweater ($86)

Also in honor of my dad's birthday today and Christmas this week I thought I would share these photos I rediscovered on my computer. This was Christmas 1987 (my second Christmas-I was about 14 months old)

Nautical Ornament of the Week: CB2 Jellyfish

Jellyfish ornament, $5

LAST DAY SailorBags 20% off!

Use code: NBNBLOG20 to receive 20% off your order through Dec. 17th at SailorBags!

Want to win this fun striped tote from SailorBags? This giveaway ends December 17. Information on how to enter is below.

Head on over to my Instragram and enter to win! All you have to do is follow my account (@nautical_kate) and SailorBags (@SailorBags_US). For more information on additional ways to enter head over here.

Shop my favorites from SailorBags below

Christmas stocking, $25

These can be personalized!

Wine bag, $15

Perfect as a hostess gift!

iPad sleeve, $32

Large tote, $89

Mini tote, $29

Large duffel, $99

Pillow cover, $37

These would be perfect on my balcony!

Lunch sack, $24

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