Nautical by Nature

Land of Nod SALE

2017-07-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

20% off almost everything! Land of Nod does not have frequent sales so this is one to take advantage of. The sale ends MONDAY NIGHT (7/31)!

* this post contains affiliate links below

Anchor knit nursery bin, $36

Print shop anchor storage bin, $33.60

High seas quilt, $130-160

Under the sea mobile, $52

Whale garland, $12

Shark bait bedding, $12-168

Backstreet's Back Alright!

2017-07-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Back in June I went to see the Backstreet Boys in Las Vegas. I saw BSB in concert years and years ago and this concert did not disappoint! It was completely sold out and everyone there was a huge fan-it was a blast!

This is the dress I got on my last work trip in Kauai

Wooden fish!

This bikini top continues to be a favorite of mine from the Shopbop sale a few years ago

I LIVE in this Splendid romper. I bought a second one I love it so much

* this post contains affiliate links

Hello!

2017-07-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been almost a year since my last post! I am not sure if I will go back to posting daily but I have been wanting to get back into blogging again. A lot has happened in the last year! I am finishing up graduate school-what a ride! I am done with classes but still working on my thesis #neverending (HA).

In February I adopted a dog! Cooper is incredibly stubborn but oh so sweet!

At the beginning of this month I left the nanny job I have had for the last 7 years. It was an incredibly difficult decision to make but I am ready to try a new career and see where that goes!

In May my sister had TWIN BOYS! Yep, she now has 4 boys ages 5 and under. I love babies so I am just in heaven. But man, twins are tough! The big brothers are adjusting well and we are planning our next Disneyland trip now that I have an annual pass.

Please leave a comment and let me know if you are still reading!

Guest bathroom phase 1 (almost complete!)

2016-09-06T03:30:00.000-07:00

I wanted to keep the guest bathroom pretty simple since it's already super nice (in my opinion!). I would like to add some plants (one on top of the toilet maybe? I have kleenex there now but I'll likely move that) and I still need to get another bath pillow and something that goes across the bath for when I have guests. All sources are included at end of post.

Need to rehang the Charleston painting-a little too high right now

Towels and washcloths: Target
Palm tree prints: Etsy, Prints by Jetty Home (I got them framed at Michaels)
Storage unit: Ikea (I skipped the wheels)
Storage baskets: Crate and Barrel
Storage tray: Crate and Barrel
Bathmat: Target
Charleston painting: gift

Guest Bedroom Phase 1

2016-08-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some photos of my guest room. It is coming along! At this point I am deciding on a second nightstand and waiting on lamps that are backordered. I will also be moving the desk into my bedroom and adding a media stand from Ikea (the besta TV bench with doors) for a tv (sitting in its box still) and then all of the tech things that are just sitting out right now (DVD player, wireless router, my printer, etc). Lastly, I am going to put some art/photos on the walls. Unfortunately due to earthquake risks, I can't have anything framed right above the bed but I think above the nightstands will look nice!
All sources are listed at the end of this post.

I am so in love with these folding stools from Target. They have been perfect as luggage stands for overnight guests

I still have a couple of boxes to go through as you can see!

The desk and dresser were in my bedroom in my last apartment. I am going to keep the dresser in the guest room for now and move the desk back to my bedroom

I will be moving that lamp out when my new ones arrive

Bed frame and headboard: Joe's Bed and Furniture (Southern California only I believe)
Rope comforter: Ikea
Anchor blanket: Target
Striped folding stools: Target
Polka dot throw pillows: Target
Whale pillow cases and sheets: Garnet Hill
Nightstand, lamp, dresser, and desk: antiques from family
Yellow striped blanket on desk chair (I've been alternating between the anchor blanket and the striped blanket on the bed): Target

Palm Springs bachelorette weekend

2016-08-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my friend A's bachelorette weekend in Palm Springs. We rented a house for the 12 of us and I don't think it could have gone better! We spent our days in the pool, laughing, dancing, eating, and drinking. I think the highlight was all of the pool floats we had. We also had a GoPro and that provided a lot of entertainment (especially with people trying to get on/off of floats-the unicorn was tricky!).

Delicious drinks by the pool when we arrived Friday

Pretty pink drinks + friends = the best

FLOATS!

Definitely my favorite float

My friend Brooke ordered these for our drinks to float in in the pool-I highly recommend them! I think we only had one tip over (oops)

The whole group out to dinner Saturday night. We went to Matchbox (one of my favorite DC restaurants that has just one location on the west coast)

Photobooth fun

With the bride to be!

Bride tribe flash tattoos

(x-rated) Piñata time! This was after I showered/before we were going out for dinner, hence the pjs

Shopping my closet for work clothes

2016-08-18T12:47:00.003-07:00

Once I moved back to LA and became a nanny, I donated and sold most of my work/professional/office clothes from my DC internships. But I have had a few interviews and meetings in grad school and I have a bunch coming up as part of my thesis and a research project I'm working on in my department. I decided to shop my own closet (HA!) to see what was working with. I actually came up with a few different outfits. I cropped my head out because I was making silly faces in some of these. I feel way more comfortable behind the camera!

This top has bows all over and a big bow in front

I have one black cardigan from Zara that I wish I had bought multiple of. I love it!

This skirt still had the tags on it. But I've already worn it to one meeting and am planning on wearing it a lot this fall

I ended up finding nude ballet flats to wear with the skirt when I have to be more dressed up than sandals

My go to for more formal meetings

I will pair this with my black cardigan or possibly another color-haven't decided or maybe a blazer

Sun Valley trip recap

2016-07-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

Long over due post alert! I went to Sun Valley, Idaho for the first time in four years for the 4th of July. I hadn't realized just how much I missed it! My family goes every year but I couldn't always get the days off to join them when I was working full time. It was relaxing and so nice to get fresh mountain air! The only bad part was when my flight home was canceled. Thankfully a nanny friend was able to cover for me at work since I couldn't get home until Friday (instead of Wednesday). But there are certainly worse places to get stuck! ;)

You just can't beat the view!

Spotted lots of bunnies

My nephews enjoying the same activity I loved as a kid-exploring the streams and making sticks, boats, etc. float through

Everywhere you look there's a beautiful view

4th of July dinner

Exploring after dinner

After dinner walk on my last night

Pretty flowers

Mountains!

More climbing and exploring

4th of July attempt at photoshoot with my sister (a bit bright out! HA!)

My outfit for our 4th of July BBQ

Horses! I love to stop and pet them when I'm walking to/from town

Garnet Hill Summer Gems

2016-07-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

Back in May I heard from Garnet Hill about doing a product review focusing on summer inspiration. I would say this has been a summer of travel (and family). I told Garnet Hill about all of my upcoming trips (Las Vegas, Charleston, Idaho, and the trip I am heading on this week). I was excited to see what product I would get to review. I have put the pure cashmere wrap to good use with all of my trips!

Mine is navy and I LOVE it! Usually when I travel I bring a hoodie. But I don't put it on over my head since (1) it's tricky getting it back off without elbowing the person next to you and (2) the temperature can change quickly on the plane. HA! So it doesn't work very well to keep me warm.

Well no more traveling in hoodies for me! I wore the wrap around my upper half/over my shoulders on my way to Sun Valley and then just over my lap like a blanket on my way home. The cashmere is not itchy (I am picky about my cashmere sweaters). Garnet Hill uses only the best cashmere and Oeko-Tex-certified eco-friendly dyes with fewer chemicals.

The best photo I got from my phone on my flight. This was when I was using it as a lap blanket.

I just feel 10x chicer (is that a word?) using my wrap instead of a sweatshirt. Almost as chic as this model showing off hers ;)

Unfortunately I am having issues uploading photos from my real camera (looks like the cord may have been misplaced in my move) but I've ordered a new cord so hopefully I can upload the real photos soon!

I love the color that is currently available. It's perfect for transitioning into fall (don't worry-summer is not over yet!!!). Use it at the beach on those cool nights, take it to outdoor movies at the park, wear it to a wedding whatever you have planned for summer!

** Please note: I was provided this product for free to review. All opinions are my own **

4th of July Outfit Inspiration

2016-06-29T09:26:00.003-07:00

I am SOOOO excited that this year I get to celebrate 4th of July in one of my favorite places! I have spent the 4th in LA the last four years due to my work schedule and although I have loved celebrating with friends, this year I get to be with my family.

What I wore the first week of July last year:

Here are some looks for inspiration:

J.Crew

Boden

What I'll be packing for my trip:

Whale shorts, Vineyard Vines, $70 (mine are navy with pink whales but I love the white with blue whales) | Red, white, and blue sweater that I got in Portland a few years ago | Tala romper, Lilly Pulitzer, $138

Sunfaded stripe long sleeve top, Splendid, $78 (I bought this in Las Vegas when there was a 30% off sale. It's so comfortable and soft!) | Lobster sweatshirt from Uniqlo | Waterfall print romper, Splendid, $158 (10% off sitewide with code: TRUE10)

OCRF Super Saturday recap

2016-06-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

The weekend before I went to Charleston, my friend Jessica and I went to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Super Saturday event in Santa Monica. The New York Super Saturday will be Saturday July 30 and you can find information and tickets here. You can read about my experience at the event last year (2015) and the year before (2014).

The Santa Monica event was hosted by Rachel Zoe and Molly Sims! OCRF’s Super Saturday was created in 1998 by Donna Karan and the late Liz Tilberis. In 2015, Super Saturday raised over $4 million for Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Super Saturday, is a fun-filled, family-oriented fundraiser that offers premier fashion for women, men and kids plus beauty, jewelry, accessories and home items for up to half off the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Proceeds support OCRF's research grants. Kind of like a fancy garage sale or sample sale. In addition to shopping, Super Saturday LA offered a full day of fun including Chrysler Pacifica test drives, a fun zone for kids, Mary Kay lip gloss and cotton candy bar, Conair Curl Secrets and braid bar, and gourmet food for all to enjoy.

Unfortunately the weather this year was not ideal (drizzling off and on and a bit cold) but we still had fun and shopped for a great cause. We tried multiple flavors of cotton candy, had our tarot cards read, got our hair done, and ate and ate (cupcakes, cookies, pizza, YUM!).

I kind of look like a wet dog here but I had a beautiful braid done in the Conair tent

I took this photo to show H the LA Rams cheerleaders but then realized I also have one of the girls from Coupled in there too. HA! That show is so entertaining!

View of the shopping in the hangar

Charleston trip recap

2016-06-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my sister finished her residency in emergency medicine (!!!). I am so proud of her! We went back to Charleston to celebrate. We got in just in time Thursday night to have dinner downtown with my sister and her boyfriend. We stayed at Charleston Place, which is in the perfect location-walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the water.

There were SO many kids and dogs swimming/playing in al the fountains. It was packed!

Friday we slept in really late (7 AM flight the day before + time change meant we were exhausted) and ordered room service for breakfast. My sister had to work at the hospital all day so I went with my parents to the Gibbes Museum and then lunch at Magnolias. This was the hottest day Charleston had had all year. It was brutal! I forgot what 90%+ humidity is like! We walked around, relaxed at the hotel (it started to rain/storm), and shopped on King Street (I bought the Lilly Pulitzer Tala Romper I'm wearing below). My other sister (JHS) flew in late Friday afternoon. We had our fancy dinner at the restaurant in our hotel (The Charleston Grill). The photos from dinner are on my mom's phone, but I wore the sailboat dress from Anthropologie that I posted about here.

Porgy and Bess exhibit at the museum

The Lilly for Target shorts are still my favorite for super hot weather. I wish I had been able to find another pair (or 3 ;)

Saturday morning we ate breakfast together in our hotel and then headed out to shop on King Street and walk around. Doctor sister and her boyfriend met us for lunch and then they headed back to my sister's house to get ready for the ceremony. JHS and I walked all around downtown and down to the water. It got super windy but it cooled down to the 80s so it wasn't as hot walking around. My sister did a little photoshoot for me in my new romper. I would have worn it Sunday too but unfortunately I spilled chocolate ice cream on it :(

I am definitely on board with the romper trend! This one is Lilly Pulitzer, Tala Romper

I love this photo my sister took on her run! I didn't take enough photos, mostly because my iPhone battery drains really fast these days (getting a new phone this week!)

After our long walk we relaxed at the hotel. My parents went to the ceremony/dinner for doctor sister so it was just me and JHS for dinner. We did a little more shopping (I think I converted my sister into a Lilly lover!) and then went to dinner at Indaco. The pizza was delicious! We also got ice cream after at Jeni's (that I then spilled all over myself). I guess we have a Jeni's here in LA-I've never been to it.

Sunday morning I packed up and said goodbye (and happy father's day to my dad). The rest of my family stayed until Monday, but I had to get back for work Monday morning.

I have loved visiting my sister in Charleston, but I am so excited for her next adventure in Colorado!

Super Saturday THIS WEEKEND

2016-06-09T09:16:00.002-07:00

Just a reminder that the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance’s 3rd Annual Super Saturday LA is THIS Saturday June 11! To get your tickets go here. The New York Super Saturday will be Saturday July 30 and you can find information here. You can read about my experience at the event last year (2015) and the year before (2014).

Making flower crowns in the Mary Kay tent last year

This year Super Saturday, the iconic charity shopping event benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, is coming back to Los Angeles for the third time on Saturday, June 11th. The event will be hosted by Rachel Zoe and Molly Sims! OCRF’s Super Saturday was created in 1998 by Donna Karan and the late Liz Tilberis. In 2015, Super Saturday raised over $4 million for Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Super Saturday, is a fun-filled, family-oriented fundraiser that offers premier fashion for women, men and kids plus beauty, jewelry, accessories and home items for up to half off the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Proceeds support OCRF's research grants. Think of it as the fanciest garage sale you will probably ever go to! Serena & Lily, Sole Society, Wildfox, Kickee Pants and many more (see full list here)! In addition to shopping, Super Saturday LA offers a full day of indulgences including Chrysler Pacifica test drives with a Fun Zone for Kids, Mary Kay lip gloss and cotton candy bar, BHG Catering’s French cuisine with a California twist, Conair Curl Secrets and braid bar, and gourmet bites for all to enjoy.

Where we had lunch at 2014 event

Time to shop!

Memorial in Vegas

2016-06-06T03:30:00.000-07:00

This Memorial Day Weekend 30 members of my family and extended family headed to Las Vegas to celebrate the life of my uncle who passed away in March. It was absolutely bittersweet. I saw some family members that I hadn't seen in four years (our last reunion was summer 2012 in Missouri). There was a lot of sitting around and sharing memories of my Uncle Tom. We brought all of his favorite snacks and watched an amazing tribute video that my cousin made. Lots and lots of tears over the weekend but I am so grateful that we were all able to be together again.

View from our hotel room. Doesn't really feel like Las Vegas!

My cousin took this photo of me. I would say it's a new favorite. Despite the sad circumstances, being with family felt so special.

Flower carousel in the lobby of the Wynn hotel

Had to get some pool time in. In the morning it was just me and both my sisters down by the pool, hadn't seen my doctor sister since our Dallas trip in January. I bought new sunglasses since I left mine at home, and I could definitely use a spare pair! I am pretty sure almost every blogger has this Marysia bikini top. HA! But I have to say it is flattering and comfortable (in my opinion) so I get the hype!

I love the back of my coverup. I can't resist bows! (It's a few years old from Sperry)

The front

On Friday while we were waiting for everyone to arrive, my sister, mom, and I went across the street to the mall to do some shopping. My local mall here in LA is under construction so I have been browsing online and ordering (and returning things by mail which is pain). I still prefer trying on clothes in person if I can. Splendid was having a big sale so I tried on (and fell in love with) this romper (waterfall print romper, $158). I ended up wearing it to the casual get together we had Friday night.

New every day bag needed!

2016-06-02T12:06:00.000-07:00

I am hoping my readers can help me find a new bag for every day use. While I love my Vineyard Vines tote, it is too big and gets too heavy to carry around all day (even if I don't put much inside). I started carrying a card case with ID, credit cards, and some extra cash so I wouldn't have to lug around my big (heavy) wallet. But I still want a smaller bag, preferably cross body style.

My two major requirements:
1. Zip top
2. Inside pockets/dividers or at least one pocket for my phone (I have a Longchamp Le Pliage for travel but I hate how it becomes a bottomless pit). I really like the structure of the Vineyard Vines tote so I am looking for something similar but smaller

What needs to fit:
Wallet, phone (and usually charger too), keys, and then things like chapstick, travel package of wipes, travel package of kleenex, a pack of crayons or a couple of small toys (for work days and/or when I'm with my nephews), snacks.

I am willing to invest in something a bit nicer that I can use for years. I only have one more year as a nanny (ahhh cue the tears) so I definitely want something office/work appropriate for when I transition out of nannying.

Here are some options I have found online (of course my local mall is under construction so I haven't had a chance to check anything in person). Please let me know if you have a bag you love!

Kate Spade cobble hill small toddy, $298

Kate Spade cobble hill deva, $328

Madewell transport crossbody, $148

May so far

2016-05-26T03:30:00.000-07:00

May has been BUSY! I finished my first year of graduate school (I passed!), and I've been unpacking and decorating at my new apartment. I'm still working on my thesis and I will be doing some research for a professor this summer but otherwise I have a nice long break from school!

My guest room is coming along! I will do a full post on my guest room once I have the second stool

Target only had one of those folding stools in stock but I ordered a second one. I think two will look nice! It's the Threshold Striped Wooden Folding Stool

Dodger game with friends

School award banquet with my mom (I actually won something for once!)

The expo line extension to Santa Monica is now OPEN! We walked along the bike/pedestrian path and rode the train on opening day last Friday

Nautical Outfits: Boys

2016-05-09T03:30:00.000-07:00

Here's your comprehensive guide to spring and summer nautical tops and shorts for BOYS! Narrowing down the tops was tough. I tried to include a wider range of prices so you can mix and match with more affordable solid t shirts and shorts too.

* this post contains affiliate links *

Row 1: Tropical shirt, Zara, $13 | Anchor raglan tee, Boden, $19 | Sailboat graphic tee, Old Navy, $5 | Shark printed tee, Boden, $19

Row 2: Lobster raglan tee, Boden, $19 | Sailboat fleet t shirt, J.Crew Factory, $15 | Sealife toweling polo, Boden, $22 | Lobster linen shirt, Janie and Jack, $30

Row 3: Crab half-zip, Boden, $45 | Whale sail long sleeve, Gymboree, $8 | Anchor chambray shirt, Gymboree, $15 | Sailboat v neck, Old Navy, $9

Row 4: Crab t shirt, J.Crew Factory, $15 | Ahoy flags critter polo, J.Crew, $43 | Sailboat sketch shirt, Gymboree, $15 | Sailboat critter polo, J.Crew, $43

Row 1: Anchor knit shorts, J.Crew Factory, $16 | Pull on sailboat shorts, J.Crew Factory, $30 | Easy on sailboat shorts, Gymboree, $12 | Anchor khaki shorts, Gymboree, $13

Row 2: Sailboat knit shorts, J.Crew Factory, $16 | Lobster knit shorts, J.Crew Factory, $16 | Crab shorts, Gymboree, $13 | Pull on anchor sweat shorts, J.Crew Factory, $20

Row 3: Embroidered anchor shorts, J.Crew Factory, $33 | Embroidered lobster shorts, J.Crew Factory, $30 | Cargo shorts, Hanna Andersson, $45 | Win win shorts, Hanna Andersson, $45

Summer Totes for Every Budget

2016-05-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

I've searched around to find a range of totes for summer. I think there are some pretty cute options under $50 this year!
* this post contains affiliate links *

$30 and under:

Tropical beach tote, Target, $15

Turtle print bag, ASOS, $17

Aloha anchor tote, Payless, $21

Anchor printed tote, Target, $30 (whale print also available)

Canvas beach bag with boat, ASOS, $30

$40-$80:

Canvas beach bag with seahorses, ASOS, $41

Conversation straw totes, Nordstrom, $48

Anchor tote, LL Bean, $50

Whale tote, LL Bean, $50

Flamingo tote, Nordstrom, $54

Anchor stripe tote, Nordstrom, $54

Palm Beach tote, Lobstah Roll, Lilly Pulitzer, $68

Pineapple beach tote, Tommy Hilfiger, $80

$100 and up

High tide tote, Anthropologie, $144

I need a vacation tote, Kate Spade, $198

Friday Five

2016-04-29T11:26:00.001-07:00

1. I am in the home stretch! I have my big qualifier exam in exactly a week (really dreading this-it's on three subjects and all multiple choice) and then finals. But in less than two weeks I will be FINISHED with my first year of graduate school. I feel like it flew by!

2. This summer I have a lot of fun things planned! A family trip to my beloved Sun Valley, Idaho (first time I can go since my older nephew was a baby!), a road trip with my sister (she's moving from Charleston to Denver), a trip to Las Vegas, a bachelorette weekend in Palm Springs-so much to look forward to! I will be catching up on TV, finally unpacking at my new place, and just enjoying summer vacation. I will still be working but no homework feels like a real vacation!

3. The Anthropologie dresses I ordered (see post here) arrived and both of them are even cuter in person. Especially the bow back one! They are perfect for the bridal showers and awards banquet I have this summer.

4. I ordered this console from West Elm for my entryway and it is on backorder for a few more weeks. I had a 20% off discount code plus free shipping. The color is so pretty!

5. I think I am addicted to Halo Top icecream. So far I have tried the mint chip and chocolate. I have not been able to find the birthday cake one yet. Sometimes I just crave a little icecream and this is guilt free!

Nautical Keds tennis shoes

2016-04-21T10:14:00.001-07:00

I am in love with the pink seahorse print! I think all of these designs are perfect for spring/summer!

* This post contains affiliate links *

Keds x Kate Spade pink seahorse , $85

Keds x Kate Spade blue seahorse , $85

Starfish Keds x Kate Spade, $75 (two colors)

Anchors, $50 (four colors)

Crabs, $55 (two colors)

Taylor Swift x Keds anchor, $55 (two colors)

Nautical dresses

2016-04-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

This spring/summer I have two bridal showers, a bachelorette weekend, a school banquet, and several trips. I have a few dresses that I rotate between, but I would like to add at least one new (nautical) one. Here are the options I have found so far. The two Anthropologie ones are my favorites, especially the bow back one.

* this post contains affiliate links *

Raddery sailing print dress, Jack Wills, $90 | Berru poplin dress, Anthropologie, $158 | Abderdy belted oar print dress, Jack Wills, $80

Bow back shift, Anthropologie, $148 | Tritone shift, Anthropologie, $248 | Shoulder tie sundress, Hanna Andersson, $102

My bedroom

2016-04-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

I was previously using a bedside table that had three small drawers. It worked for awhile, but I found that I was only putting things into the first drawer and then I had a huge stack of books on top. Since I am usually reading at least one or two books at a time (for school and for pleasure) it made more sense to get a table that had space to stack BELOW and then maybe just one book on top! I had a 20% off coupon for Pottery Barn so I got the Lonny bedside table and Chloe dresser you see below.

I kept the navy accents I had in my previous apartment: the lampshade, wooden monogram, and print. Then I added a navy headboard to match those and my new sheets. I can't wait for the bedside table and dresser to arrive!
* this post contains affiliate links *

DIY lampshade, featuring Kimberly Lewis Home set sail wallpaper | Wooden monogram, Southern Nest (c/o), $58 | Embroidered sateen bedding, Garnet Hill (c/o), $40-80 | Lonny bedside table, Pottery Barn, $349 | Tufted headboard, Cymax, $300 | Open Book print, ElizabethMayville Etsy, $15-20 | Chloe dresser, Pottery Barn, $700

Guest bedroom inspiration

2016-04-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

PHEW! This semester is busy, busy, busy! I can't believe in just over a month I will be finished with my first year of graduate school. I have moved into my new place. I have barely unpacked (only the essentials really), but I am looking for inspiration for my guest room. Right now it has a million boxes and all of my stuff I don't have time to put away yet. But eventually it will be my office/guest bedroom. I am going with a navy and yellow theme. I already had a comforter for the bed that works well with those colors. Then I saw the pillows and bath mat and knew I wanted to go with yellow accents.

Crewel embroidery dot pillow, Target, $21

throw/accent pillows for the bed

I love the yellow sailboat. Might need to add that and the yellow vase!

Threshold botanic bath mat, Target, $16

This doesn't look as yellow in person

Comforter for the bed (found this at Ikea last summer or the one before)

Headboard/frame for bed:

5 things I'll miss about my apartment

2016-03-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

In no particular order...

my view... I have floor to ceiling windows/glass doors in my living room. In the last few months I have spent a lot of time studying/reading/writing on my couch and looking outside.

my storage... my current place has a linen closet, hall closet, and pretty big pantry in the kitchen. New place just has one closet BUT it is much bigger than my current main closet so there's that

my pool... I didn't use it often but it was nice to have the option, especially in the summer!

location... I am moving under 2 miles away so there isn't much of a difference. But it does add a few minutes to my commute to work and school thanks to wonderful LA traffic. I hate to complain because I have been so spoiled by my current commute to work (under 10 minutes!) but traffic is traffic and it's not fun! However, I will no longer have to enter/exit my drive way/parking garage on a really busy street. That's huge!

the general feeling... From the moment I moved in, this apartment has felt like home. I have spent four years in this apartment. I feel safe and cozy and at home here. I hosted several parties and sleepovers here. So many memories! But I am ready for a change and this move is giving me the best opportunity to downsize. Plus I know I am going to LOVE my new place too!

Life Lately

2016-03-10T03:30:00.000-08:00

I blinked and it's March! I still need to upload my photos from my Oscar party. This was my last year hosting in this apartment because I AM MOVING! It happened very fast, but I couldn't pass up this deal. I love my current place and have so many memories here. Giving my 30 day notice to my landlord felt more like a breakup. I moved in on St. Patrick's Day almost four years ago. My sister had been due with Baby Nautical the week before so I was rushing to get everything done just in case he arrived. Of course he arrived almost two weeks after his due date, on March 20. Can't believe he's turning FOUR this month!

I have midterms next week, back to back. Weeks like that I wonder why I waited six years to go back to school! Graduate school is a lot of work! But I do love my program. I'm making progress on my thesis. That thing is a labor of love!

After midterms I will try to get back to posting regularly again. I am seeing nautical everywhere for spring!