DC Trip Recap

I had such a fun time with my sister in DC. My sister is in medical school so it was easier for me to visit her. I took a bunch of photos of my sister's apartment. She has the cutest things. I wish she had more time to be my personal shopper! I'll be doing a separate post on her apartment next week.

Here's a recap of my trip:

Wednesday night:
Went for late night grilled cheese at Open City on the way home from the airport.

Thursday:
My sister made popovers for brunch. Then we went on a walk around the neighborhood and looked at houses in one of our favorite DC neighborhoods. We had Thanksgiving dinner at Ardeo Bardeo with our cousin (our stepmom's niece-technically our step cousin?). I missed our traditional Thanksgiving monkey bread but overall the meal was pretty good.

(my sister, me, my cousin)

After dinner my sister and I went to see Breaking Dawn. I only read the first book but I have seen all of the movies (I watched the Eclipse dvd on the plane to DC thanks to Amanda). I'm not really a fan of the movies. I liked the first book a lot but I was really put off by the casting of the Cullens in the movies. I just don't find them attractive (I think Edward, Bella and Jacob were cast perfectly though) and they are not how I pictured them at all!

Friday:
We got bagels at Pumpernickels (I got chocolate chip with butter-YUM) and then headed to Friendship Heights for Black Friday. Our main targets were Bloomingdales and J.Crew. This Bloomingdales was a breeze compared to the one we usually go to in LA on Black Friday! There were open dressing rooms, lots of sales associates/registers, and the racks were organized and easy to browse. I got a winter white Milly bow dress that I can't wait to wear for Christmas. It was on clearance with an additional 40% off!

At J.Crew I got a striped top and heart sweater. Apparently the heart sweater sold out super fast in stores and online so I'm glad the store had my size.

Black Friday Shopping by nauticalbynature

We had lunch at Pete's Apizza just up the street. After we refueled we headed to Georgetown for some more shopping. I'm glad we chose to go to Friendship Heights first because Georgetown was a zoo! It was packed. The J.Crew was crazy busy and we didn't even attempt to go in. We went to just a few stores (Madewell, Jack Wills, Vineyard Vines, Paper Source, Sherman Pickey).

We relaxed at home for a bit (shopping seriously tires you out!) and headed to dinner at Otello. The pasta was delicious!!!

Saturday:
We met my cousin and her mom (my stepmom's sister) for brunch at Ted's Bulletin. I had the best chocolate chip pancakes. so good! Then my sister and I headed to Old Town Alexandria to do some exploring/shopping. You MUST visit Red Barn Mercantile if you are in the area. I found several presents for friends and family. Best of all they have a nautical Christmas tree! I got a mermaid ornament to add to my collection.


In my new blue Vineyard Vines shep shirt-yes, I loved it so much in pink that I bought it in blue too!

Closeup of nautical ornaments:


Saturday night we went to see the new George Clooney movie, The Descendants. I thought the actresses that played the two daughters did such a great job. This movie is sad but I definitely recommend seeing it. I also spotted our hotel from my trip with H to Kauai!

Sunday:
My sister made us waffles for breakfast. Then we went to the Degas exhibit at the Phillips Collection. We went to lunch at Matchbox (the pepperoni pizza is the BEST!) then I headed to the airport.

My sister is always a great hostess and she made sure to include all of my favorite things on our itinerary. I can't wait to visit again soon!

Nautical Wedding Style Ideas from Martha Stewart

Thanks for the tip, Carol A!

Welcome bags:


Paper goods:


Anchor stamp (to help you "carry your theme throughout with ink"):


Napkins (I am definitely going to make my own non-wedding napkins):


Chair garland (use cutouts of pages from old books and maps):

EDITED Cyber Monday Deals

I am updating this as I hear about more sales. Newer codes are at the top

40% off Sharp Hills Designs with code: 40BLACKFRIDAY
20% off Lydia & Pugs with code: CYBER20
30% off & free shipping at Salmon Cove with code: cybermonday
30% off at Tucker Blair with code: CyberMonday
25% off and free shipping at J.Crew with code: SURPRISE
20% off all orders over $200 at Vineyard Vines with code: FUNDAY
10% off Tipsy Skipper with code: CyberMonday
20% off and free shipping at Anchored Style with code: CYBERMONDAY
10% off any tunic purchase & free shipping at Port Winsor with code: CYBERMONDAY
Free Woven Cuff Bracelet with $100 Purchase from Marley Lilly
Extra 30% off sale items and free shipping at Madewell with code: ENJOY

Cape Madras 50% off site wide
English Tea Paperie 25% off with code CMONDAY
Dahl House buy 3 picture frame ornaments, get one free (also free shipping)
Preppy Princess 20% off code PGM
Lands' End promotion code: DRUMSTICK and PIN: 1121, ends Monday 11/28

Nautical Ornament of the Week: Waterford

Waterford 2011 Annual Seahorse:

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving! I admit I often forget how lucky I am. I have a lot to be thankful for and I hate that it takes a holiday to remind me of that.

I am thankful for...

my family. They drive me nuts but isn't that how it's supposed to be? I have 3 supportive, loving parents (mom, dad, and stepmom), 2 amazing sisters (and a now I have a brother in law too) and let's not forget the new addition to the nautical family (can't believe next Thanksgiving we'll have a BABY at the table!)

my job. Some days I just want to lock myself in the closet and hide from H (toddlers can and will drive you NUTS!). But I really do love my job.

my friends (real life and blog) I am thankful for every kind thing you do, nice comment you make. I am thankful for my twitter friends that get me through a rough day of work, my blog friends that make me smile with their posts and comments and my real life friends that continue to put up with my craziness!

Nautical Holiday Decorating

Maya at Completely Coastal has so many fun posts on holiday decorating. I found many of the ideas below through Maya's blog. If you don't read her blog already you need to add it to your list asap!

Gingerbread lighthouse:


holiday buoy wreath:


Be Merry Life Ring:


Starfish wreath:


Will you incorporate nautical into your holiday decor this year?

Nautical Photo of the Week: AHOY! Birthday Party

Atie of Weekend I'm in Love had a nautical party for her son's 5th birthday. I love the combination of the stripes and anchors!

Nautical treats:


Nautical table decor and the kids playing with sailboats:


More treats:


Party favors:

The Magic of the Movies

I am what one would call a serious moviegoer. My love for movies comes from my dad (my mom likes movies too but no one comes close to my dad). Growing up we went to a lot of movies and I know I will do the same thing with my kids. To me there is nothing like sitting in the theater with your popcorn and soda. I love seeing movies in the theater! I have a favorite row and with reserve seats I don't have to worry about getting to the theater early (genius!)

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I don't consider it a proper weekend unless I have been to the movies at least once (usually I go twice). During college I sometimes went three times in a week! Now that I have less free time I have to be a little more particular about what movies I see. Back in the day I saw anything and everything (minus horror movies-I NEVER see those). Yes, I even saw Glitter and Gigli!

Do you love going to the movies? Or do you wait and see movies on DVD?

How to Style Your Gap Jeggings (Polyvore sets)

How to style your black jeggings (1) by nauticalbynature

How to Style Your Olive Jeggings by nauticalbynature

Reader Submissions: Nautical Shopping Finds

From Christen:
Tiffany & Co anchor necklace:


Anchor necklace (also available in silver):


From Drew (boyfriend of my friend N):
MNKR Dream hug (available as a sweatshirt, t shirt and tank):


MNKR Anchor drop (available as a sweatshirt or t shirt):


From Carol A:
Nautical Custom List Pads:


Anchor knobs:


From Kelly:
Boys' sweater:

Nautical Ornament of the Week: Lands' End

Yes, it's that time of year again! I'm starting early because 1. I want you have time to order and put these on your tree and 2. there are so many nautical ornaments I want to feature before Christmas. If you see any nautical ornaments OR you sell nautical ornaments then send me an email!

Love at first site-I knew it would have to be on my tree! I didn't want to risk that it would sell out! It's bigger than I thought it would be BUT SO CUTE!

Knit Sweater Ornament:

Gap Leggings and Jeggings

This past weekend I went into Gap because I had a 40% off coupon (I found the cutest reversible navy cardigan for my sister's baby). Yes, I am already a crazy aunt and the baby isn't even here yet! Anyway I haven't been loving the womens collection recently but I decided to do some browsing. I've tried some other jeggings in the past but they were really just leggings and were not flattering at all!

I tried the black knit jeggings (1969 ponte five-pocket leggings-at my local store they were labeled "knit jeggings") and am hooked! I bought 2 pairs in black (2 different sizes though I wish I had bought 2 of the size that fit slightly better. Oh well!). Later in the day I was at another mall (wearing the pair I bought earlier!) and decided to buy the other color too (this store didn't have the black in the size I wanted). I don't usually wear green but I just love the way these fit! They seem to stretch out slightly/I needed to pull them up after walking around so definitely go for the smaller size if you aren't sure. I always say that if you find something you love then buy multiple!!!



I also bought the lightweight corduroy leggings. I wouldn't call these leggings. They are very thin and super comfy but I would just say lightweight corduroy. If you are tall: these run short. I will only wear these with boots (otherwise I look like my pants shrunk/don't fit).


I'm curious: yay or nay on jeggings? Have you tried these? Did you shop the Gap sale last weekend?

My DC!

I am going to Washington, DC for Thanksgiving (visiting my sister) and I thought it would be fun to post my recommendations for DC.

Restaurants:
Matchbox: I used to go to the Chinatown location but now they have multiple restaurants in DC (there is also one in Palm Springs, CA). Amazing pizza. So good! I hear the sliders are delicious too.

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Lauriol Plaza: The best Mexican food in DC. Try the swirl margaritas (get a pitcher ;)

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Vace: Italian deli that sells pizza, pasta, sauces, and more (it is carry out). I love their pizza, pesto sauce, and garlic bread. I lived just down the street so it was easy to stop in and get something to take home for dinner.
Pumpernickel's: Delicious bagels. Around the corner is the cutest boutique called Periwinkle (home decor, stationery, baby gifts, etc)
Open City: Very good grilled cheese. Also perfect for brunch (get the waffle with Nutella).
Founding Farmers: The corn on the cob is to die for! YUM! Everything is farm fresh and delicious.

Shopping:
If you don't mind crowds head to Georgetown. So many great stores! Stick to the main shopping streets (Wisconsin and M) and you'll find: Vineyard Vines, J.Crew, Fornash, Rugby, and Sherman Pickey (to name a few!)

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Bethesda: Not as crowded as Georgetown, metro accessible. Not as many stores but still has quite a few cute shops. I like Pink Palm (Lilly Pulitzer), Sassanova, Urban Chic, Urban Country Designs

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Attractions (these are my personal favorites. If you don't have much time then definitely check out the more well known/bigger museums first. Find a list of the Smithsonian museums here):
Phillips Collection: Much smaller than some of the other DC museums. I often get overwhelmed at some of the bigger museums so this is the perfect size for me! It is not part of the Smithsonian so you will need to pay to see the special exhibitions (during the week admission to the permanent collection is by donation, there is a fee on weekends). I'm hoping to see the Degas exhibition when I visit.
ZOO! I used to live walking distance to the zoo and I really miss having a zoo just down the street. The zoo is free (since it's part of the Smithsonian).
Spy Museum: not free but I love this place! If you like mysteries or crime dramas then definitely check it out.

I would love to hear your favorite DC restaurants, shops, and activities!

4 Year Blogversary!

4 years ago I started Nautical by Nature. My first post was actually on November 12, 2007.

I can't believe it has been 4 years! I started this blog as an online wishlist. I just wanted to post about my shopping finds. Nautical by Nature is so much more now! This blog is my baby. I love blogging. I don't want to get too sappy but this blog means so much to me! I love the emails, comments, cards, and packages. My favorite emails are the ones that start out like this "I was at ____ (insert store name) and saw the cutest nautical ____ and thought of you!" I am so beyond flattered that I have hundreds of personal shoppers out there! Oh and shoutout to the Delta Gamma girls and other nautical obsessed readers that send me tons of photos and ideas! Keep them coming!

I have made so many blog and real life friends through Nautical by Nature. During the past four years you have gone all over the world with me: semester in Australia, Mediterranean cruise, trips to Kauai and Mexico and beyond! You've been there for the not so fun too (cross country move, my dog's death, post-college unemployment). My readers are the BEST!

If you have time, please take my reader survey so I can make this blog even better!

Anchors aweigh!

Nautical Halloween Costumes

I have the BEST readers! I think this year's costumes are so fun. Thank you girls for sending me your photos!

Here is Caroline and her boyfriend. She was a lobster in a pot and he was a game of battleship!


Suzi, a Delta Gamma at the University of Texas at Austin, as a sailor:


Charlotte and her boyfriend. Charlotte was a sailor and her boyfriend was a macho sailor/Popeye with huge fake muscles that had an anchor and mermaid tattoo!


Whitney dressed her dog Oscar as a sailor:


It's never too late to send me your nautical outfits, costumes and photos! Just email me with a photo and description: nauticalbynature@gmail.com

Nautical Baby Names

My sister is a little more than half way through her pregnancy (crazy!). I have been thinking a lot about baby names. I thought it would be fun to post a list of nautical baby names. I'm not sure if people would actually use some of these but if you can have Apple, Pilot Inspektor and Buddy Bear you can have Nautica! ;)

Marine/Marina
River
Sailor/Saylor/Sayler
Careen
Gale
Coral
Brooks
Kai
Murray
Bay
Fisher
Isla
Pearl
Skipper

What nautical names do you like?

SailorBags

SailorBags are made from genuine sailcloth and even better: all bags can be embroidered! Christmas is less than two months away so it is time to start thinking about a very NAUTICAL Christmas!

I am in love with these stockings:


Duffels:


Totes:


iPad sleeves:


Wristlet:

*Please note this is NOT a sponsored post. I was not given any products or compensation for writing this post*

Recent Oufits (weekend OOTD)

During the week I basically wear my unofficial nanny uniform. I used to just throw on jeans and a polo shirt on the weekends (during the day) and then put a little bit more effort into night time outfits (but stick to the same 2 tops and black cardigan). I've really been trying to dress up more because 1. I don't get to wear anything fun to work 2. I have a closet that was being wasted 3. It's nice to dress up! Dressing up for me does not include heels (ever!) or anything super fancy-just trying to look a bit more put together. I'm experimenting with different pieces and trying out new outfits. I am the worst outfit photographer. I also don't have the best mirror to use and my webcam just doesn't cut it (second photo was my attempt with the webcam)


Polo shirt: Lilly Pulitzer
Shorts: Lilly Pulitzer
Shoes: Old Navy


Anchor shirt: Tommy Hilfiger Prep World
Shorts: Vineyard Vines


Top: Vineyard Vines
Jeans: Gap Always Skinny
Boots: J.crew


Top: H&M
Pants: Lululemon
Boots: J.Crew

Closeup of top (those are little white hearts)



Dress: J.Crew (yikes-didn't realize how wrinkled it was!)
Sandals: J.Crew


Sweater: Vineyard Vines
Jeans: Uniqlo
Boots: J.Crew