Making wall art with a bit of felt and canvas.

Remember that cute card my sister in law made Lydia a while back?

Just felt, glue and thread. So darling.

Well, as I was staring at a blank wall in Lydia's newly painted room, I had a stroke of brilliance. 

I grabbed a white canvas, a needle and thread.

I turned on a chick movie and sewed that felt cuteness right to the canvas.

Just what this bare space of wall needed.

Cost about $5.

Easy! Can you tell I like working with canvas? This is about the 7th canvas project I've posted.

Can't wait to show you the rest of Lydia's room. 

The purple walls turned out really lovely. It's the most perfect 6 year old room. 

I'm kind of jealous.

Linking up (if I get around to it while on vacation) here.

Don't forget to enter to win $50 to Swim Spot! You know you want a new swim suit..... 

Why I think I love the Olympics

I get really excited about the Olympics. The opening ceremonies made me gitty. (I thought they were amazing!) Sports don't usually do much for me. I couldn't care less about who wins the Superbowl or Worlds Series. But I love the Olympics. They make me feel happy and hopeful. As I was laying in bed after the London Ceremony, thinking about all the countries I watched parade past (and how remarkably good looking all the Belgium men were) I think I figured out why I love the Olympics.

Best wishes to every country and every athlete.
(Niger's Hamadou Djibo Issaka, you made my day.) 

Swim Spot Giveaway!

Now that summer is half way over, is anyone else totally sick of their swimsuit? Need to update? Oh good, you came to the right place. Swim Spot has an amazing collection of designer swimwear that captures the top trends of the season! Shop from designers such as: Athena, Ella Moss, Guess, Hurley, Luxe, Nautica and more.

If you're looking for a unique bikini, head to the bikini builder to put together the perfect look. A crazy amount of possible combinations. Need a little more personalized help? Head over to the fit specialist to find the suit that is perfect for your body.

I, of course, did a search for all Swim Spot yellow suits. 

This Athena "Dandy Slimming Tankini" number is darling. 

The majority of the suits actually have a video of the models in the suits so you can see them from all angles. 

Swim Spot has lots of cover ups to choose from too.

Don't forget the little girls suits! This is the Splendid Little suit I want for Lydia. 

For me, the most important element in a suit was bust support. I watched this video and it showed me exactly how to search for suits that fit my needs. You can also watch Swim Spot videos about the newest trends and the fit specialist program.

 

I picked out the Athena - Heavenly Slimming One piece. Not only is it flattering, but it comes in a D cup! (Yay for not always feeling like I am going to fall out of my top.) Swim Spot is the perfect place to find just what you are looking for this summer.

One natalie's sentiments reader 

will be receiving a........

To enter:

Just let me know in a comment that you like Swim Spot on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Extra entry if you are a natalie's sentiments follower.

Extra entry if you are a natalie's sentiments facebook fan.

Winner announced August 3rd.

*****************************************************************

Winner!

The winner of the Mikarose Giveaway is Jessie. 

Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize.

Some pretty for your Monday.

This is Garrett's (my brother-in-law) girlfriend Savannah.

Oh to be effortlessly beautiful. 

photos by Amber Lane Photography.

***********

I'm in Spokane with my family for a few weeks. My sisters forced me to watch the finale of the Bachelorette. I won't lie. It was kind of good.

Going to be kind of lax on blogging for a bit. Got lots of relaxing to do. My sister is going to teach me how to crochet. We'll see how that goes. 

You can always see what we are up to on instagram @natssentiments.

Don't forget to enter to win a $50 gift certificate to Mikarose!

Instafriday #12

We had a death in our family and we are driving to Oregon for the funeral. We are so saddened by this unexpected loss, but I am buoyed up by the knowledge that families can be together forever. I'll be back next week. Enjoy your weekend and hold your love ones tight.

Mikarose Giveaway!

You ladies know I'm all about the modest clothes. Trying to find things that are fashionable and classy can be hard to find. Mikarose has the most amazing selection of modest clothes without having to sacrifice style. I first discovered them last year when I was helping a friend find something to wear to a wedding. She wanted something modest yet fabulous. Something that would stand out in a sea of strapless cocktail dresses. 

She ended up going with the Jackie in orange and she looked amazing!

While I was there I found so many dresses (and other stuff) I wanted for myself!

I finally settled on the Serena, and I love it!

Usually you wouldn't need to wear a top under any of these dresses, but as I am really well endowed, I tend to have at least a little cleavage with just about everything. So for church, I added something. For date night next week, probably won't need it.

One natalie's sentiments reader will be receiving a $50 gift certificate to Mikarose!

To enter:

Head over to Mikarose and let me know your favorite item.

Extra entry for liking Mikarose on facebook and/or posting about this giveaway.

You can also get an extra entry for pinning your favorite item to pinterest.

One more for being a natalie's sentiments follower!

US and Canadian addresses only. Winner announced July 27th.

Simple bathroom update for around $250, and getting ready for guests!

Remember my new guest room?

 Well, I thought it was time to show you the connecting guest bathroom :)

As you can see it started pretty blah. We made a plan for a makeover. 

Beadboard on the walls, busting out the tile under the mirror and framing it out. 

But that's down the list in projects, but I still wanted to update the room for the guests we are expecting before we get to remolding. 

Here's the new look!

(Won't it look amazing with beadboard? But I will wait patiently-ish)

First we painted the ceilings and trim white. 

Then, a pretty yellow on the walls. We used Valspar Yellow Bliss. Around $60 for two cans.

You know you can always pick up a 10% off coupon to Lowes at the post office. Just ask for the change of address packet.

I bought super cozy white rugs and towels from Target. Around $70 for all.

I love the artwork from The Wheatfield, so I framed several pieces. 

About $50 in art work. I had a couple small ones that were gifts.

The frames are from Hobby Lobby (50% every other week!)

I had the circle matting done there too. About $70 for all.

You could easily spray paint frames you already have. I did that for the guest room.

Aren't they just so sunny?

Now to a few simple finishes to get it guest ready.

I love Kneenex hand towels. A clean, fresh towel every time!

And they look really nice on the counter too.

 I have these in my kids bathroom too. After they wash and dry their hands, they use the Kleenex hand towel to wipe up their mess! Genius. 

And you can write little notes on the box. 

Other guest bathroom necessities include new toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

Candles and fresh flowers are a nice touch. Yellow flowers preferably. But maybe that's just me.

The blue bathroom accessories are from T.J. Max. $15 for the set.

Toiletries are, of course, snagged from a hotel stay.

A fancy water is always fun and unexpected.

Stock the drawer with toothpaste, soap and feminine products in a pretty pouch.

Much better. All done and all around $250!

Join the 14 million people who have already joined the Clean Hands campaign by using Kleenex Hand Towels, and click here for savings and more! 

I was selected for participation in this campaign as a member of Clever Girls Collective.

Instafriday #11

This is my summer mantel. Branches, candles and a little Americana.

Isn't this a great time for home decor? Branches people. Stuff you find in the woods. That's what in.

Been adding extra color for this HOT summer. 

So hot. 

Over 100 degrees all week.

Arizona people how do you survive?

Make sure to join in on the Facebook discussion about air conditioning bills. 

Apparently, I don't have nearly as high a bill as I was complaining to have!

Needed a new toe color for my new shoes. Couldn't decide. They all came home.

Mommy daughter neon pedicures are the epitome of style.

And necessary since we are almost always barefoot.

Wet footprints on sticky floors. It's summer!

Super relieved my neighbor sent her daughter over in a heavy duty floatation device for our one foot deep kiddie pool.

Kids and I were painting and I thought I'd make something to go with the tablecloth.

When practicing a new talent "embrace the suck!"

Don't worry, I didn't hang it up. :) 

But I am looking for other pops of color for the house. 

Want this chair for our patio so much! (From Pier One)

Something to relax in while I read my crack lit. 

Just picked up this fun read. 

The book I mentioned from last week was just ok.

Saturday morning Kneaders hot chocolate and French toast. 

Thanks to a sweet husband for "making breakfast".

Shane and I hit the town later on and had dinner alfresco.

A little passionfruit creme brule in a light sprinkle.

And a quick stop to Powell's Sweet Shoppe.

Why? Because we had no kids with us! Yay!

Got home in time to get the kids to bed and watch a quick show.

Apparently leap frog is a more intense show than I previously understood it to be.

And read bedtime stories. 

After reading this page to 3 year old Collin, he looked at me solemnly and said "they died." Oh dear.

Collin was scared in the car wash, but Lydia made him feel better.

So proud the girl she is turning out to be.

Friday Flashback....Just seems like yesterday she was my tiny baby.

Follow me on instagram @natssentiments

Winner!

The winner of the Summer Read Giveaway is Candice. Congrats!

Email me and I will get you your prize.