natalie's sentiments: January 2010

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Saturday, January 30, 2010

I'm currently taking an online photography course (more on that later) and I'm working on my final "portrait" assignment. The teacher has often mentioned how props can be a great touch with kids, especially hats. I immediately jumped over to Caramel Diezel on Etsy. It has the cutest hand-knitted hats (and booties and sweaters). When I found this grey and yellow dump truck hat, I knew I had my prop. Besides, I can't have a yellow and grey week and not let my son - whose middle name is Grey - participate. Isn't he a doll?

Want a hat for your little one or for a great shower gift? One lucky reader will receive their choice of a cotton blend beanie!

To enter:

Head over to Caramel Diezel and pick out your favorite item. Let me know your choice in a comment on this post.
For a second entry, let me know in a separate that you are a natalie's sentiments follower and/or have my button on your blog.
For a third entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have blogged about this yellow and grey week.

I will announce the winner on February 6th. Good luck!

open only to U.S. addresses.

P.S. What do you think of my portraits? Any pointers?

Too late to redesign the nursery?

Friday, January 29, 2010

One day of buttery sunshine

Yesterday reached into the mid 60's. In January! It was marvelous. I figure, if winter isn't going to bring me snow, let's skip right to Spring. Lydia begged me to wear her new yellow "lemon dress". I said ok, but only if she stayed inside. "Okay Mommy!" and she ran her little toot upstairs to change.

She directly went to the playroom to play with her princess castle.

Collin was napping so I went outside for a few minutes to experiment taking photos in the light. When I turned to come back inside, look who I found "sleeping" on the swing. "Oh alright. You can play outside. Just don't get your dress dirty!"

And she's off!

Watching her made me remember perfectly the childhood feeling of cool grass under bare-feet. Running, just for the joy of it. Happy Birthday sweet little girl. I can't believe that today you are four.

AdellaBella Giveaway

Isn't Lydia's dress scrumptious in the above post? I know it isn't yellow and grey, but I had to post it. I found it on Etsy (of course) at a darling shop called AdellaBella. I'm thinking of picking up these "lounge pants" for Collin. Or for our next fancy dinner out, maybe something like this for Lydia? Love everything.

When I told Adella, the designer behind AdellaBella, that I was going to showcase her dress, she offered to send one lucky reader a $20 gift certificate to her shop! Want to win?

To enter:
Head over to AdellaBella and pick out your favorite piece. Let me know your choice in a comment on this post.
For a second entry, let me know in a separate that you are a natalie's sentiments follower and/or have my button on your blog.
For a third entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have blogged about this yellow and grey week.

I will announce the winner on February 5th. Good luck!

Open to US addresses only.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

A Yellow and Grey Wedding

Oh if I could do it all again. What a spectacular yellow and grey wedding I would plan. My wedding was perfect, but lavender? What was I thinking? Lavender is not me. It wasn't me 9 years ago. I only picked lavender because I couldn't find sage bridesmaids dresses anywhere. (And I knew where to look. I worked at a bridal boutique.) 2011 will be our 10 year anniversary. Maybe a lavish yellow and grey anniversary party? Maybe a dinner in Paris with Shane in a grey tux and me in something stunning and yellow? You never know.....

10 PEOPLE HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY:

Meg said...: Beautiful photos, yellow is one of my favorite colors, I never thought of pairing it with grey until reading your blog. I had mentioned in a previous comment that after I saw your blog I knitted a hair bow using yellow and grey yarn, so far it is my favorite! xoxo~Meg; JANUARY 28, 2010 12:25 AM
Nickie said...: okay....you have made me fall in love with yellow :); JANUARY 28, 2010 12:58 AM
amylouwho said...: I bought a yellow floral-y metal trivet at Ross the other day. It totally made me think of you.; JANUARY 28, 2010 7:54 AM
Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} said...: How beautiful! A yellow + grey wedding is certainly tempting...everything looks so luscious and elegant. Thank you SO much for coming by The Sweetest Petunia. I didn't know that Mormon's don't drink coffee, but I can definitely do some herbal tea. ;) Hope you have a great Thursday, Natalie!; JANUARY 28, 2010 8:27 AM
Life With the Crazies said...: OOhhh I want to go to THAT wedding! I would re-plan my wedding with new colors in a heartbeat. These pictures just brightened my day!; JANUARY 28, 2010 9:41 AM
ad said...: So pretty!! I love the shoes! Funny note about my wedding--since I saw the lovely yellow wedding on I Love You Man, I have been smitten with bright yellow, but my fiance "doesn't like yellow." He doesn't really know what he likes, but apparently not yellow. His mom and whole family love purple, so we are doing a purple wedding! I think I'll do yellow and orange accents though ;); JANUARY 28, 2010 11:44 AM
Adventures in Dressmaking said...: ****; JANUARY 28, 2010 11:44 AM
Sarah said...: I am loving the yellow and gray. Check out this rad gray and yellow wedding I had on my blog at www.erinheartscourt.com. It's the Palm Springs one. Too bad about the apericots onesie! As always-thnx for your comments.; JANUARY 28, 2010 3:22 PM
Rose and Ivy said...: Natalie-- 10th anniversary--- I think you should have a vow renewal!! Yellow and grey themed ceremony and party would be lovely!; JANUARY 28, 2010 4:07 PM
The Wishful Dreamer said...: I love grey and yellow! I'm also working on an inspiration board with these colors - so perfect for spring!; MARCH 7, 2010 1:02 PM

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Karen Faulkner Art Giveaway

As you may have guessed from yesterday's post regarding dream bedding, I am creating a yellow master bedroom. I want it to be a sunny haven, a respite from the chaos of my life. I started searching for just the right piece to hang over my dresser since it would be the first thing I see every morning. I finally found it at Karen Faulkner Art over at Etsy.

Karen's watercolors are simple yet striking. They give the perfect understated pop of color to a room. I was thinking of grouping several together in my study to add some life there. While not the color scheme I am discussing this week, I am in love with this blue violet print. So dreamy. Below you can see how I showcased my Karen Faulkner watercolor. Yellow with a grey stem. It's made me smile every morning since I added to my room. (Great prices and free shipping made me smile too!) That white flower is just temporary. Still looking for a bouquet of white hydrangeas that looks perfectly real. Let me know if you find one.

Karen is offering one reader their choice of a 4x6 giclee print with white mat. (That is what I have showcased.)

To enter:

Head over to Karen Faulkner Art and pick out your favorite piece. Let me know your choice in a comment on this post.
For a second entry, let me know in a separate that you are a natalie's sentiments follower and/or have my button on your blog.
For a third entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have blogged about this yellow and grey week.

I will announce the winner on February 3rd. Good luck!

open only to U.S. addresses.

Join me for a spot of tea?

Doesn't this just make you want to sit and talk for hours? I need some girl time desperately. By the way, where can I get wallpaper like this? It's incredible.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Zuz Design Giveaway

I often buy gifts in bulk. It is a great way to know you always have something on hand. This year I'm tempted to stock up on Zuz Design Candles. They are so very stylish with their muted colors, urban design and soft fragrances. They would be great for a birthday, mother's day, housewarming or bridal shower. They are made with 100% soy wax and allow for 50 hours of burn time. One of you gets the yellow and grey Passion Vine Soy Candle!

To enter:

Head over to Zuz Design and pick out your favorite candle. Let me know your choice in a comment on this post.
For a second entry, let me know in a separate that you are a natalie's sentiments follower and/or have my button on your blog.
For a third entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have blogged about this yellow and grey week.

I will announce the winner on February 2nd. Good luck!

open only to U.S. addresses.