Jennifer Perez Designs Giveaways

This weekend I was out with some girlfriends (seeing New Moon for the second time. Loved it by the way.) As we drove home we started talking about what we were getting our husbands for Christmas. We all agreed that they are impossible to shop for. What they want are expensive toys that you either can't afford or at the very least can't keep secret. And if they do want something smaller, they just go buy it. It's very annoying.

Still, husbands deserve a fun Christmas morning too, and I always try to find one thing that is in the "sweet and thoughtful" category. The new Call of Duty video game doesn't count.

After searching and searching, I found my favorite husband item at Jennifer Perez Designs. I wanted a gift that is useful yet sentimental. The custom soldered money clip fit the bill perfectly. (No pun intended.) I love that it is a classic piece, yet can be personalized with a photo of kids, a wedding photo or anything else meaningful. The hand soldering gives it a cool rustic look that adds lots of character. This would be a great groomsman gift too. Jennifer has lovely handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list.

One winner will receive a personalized money clip!

Want to win? There are five chances to enter:

• Head over to Jennifer Perez Designs and check out some of the lovely products. Leave a comment here letting me know some of your favorites.
• For a second entry, mention in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower.
• For a third entry, grab my button and place it in on your blog. Let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.
• For a fourth entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have voted for me in the Divine Caroline Love this Site Award Contest. It ends soon, so make sure you vote!
• For a fifth entry, blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.

I will announce the winner on December 6th. Good Luck!

See complete rules and eligibility here.

Winner!

The winner of the Heritage Makers Giveaway is Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend. Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize!

Now I remember! It is Marissa Marie!

I had this fabulous idea to dress Lydia and Collin in matching holiday wear and have their photo taken with Santa. However, the moment Lydia spied Santa she FREAKED. So instead, Collin had a solo shoot. Not wanting to miss the opportunity of my kids being well rested and coordinating, I made a snap decision to have their photo taken at the mall studio. While I was walking from Santa to the studio, no less than 8 women stopped me to find out who made my children's "adorable" tees. "Oh my gosh! I have to have those for my grandchildren"....."How perfect are those for Christmas photos"....."Matching clothes for boys and girls! What a great idea!".

So many people stopped me, if anyone was watching they would have thought I was a celebrity being petitioned for autographs.

At the time I could not remember the name of the boutique that made the tees. So I gave all the mall women my blog address and promised I would let them know where they could get tees for themselves.

Ladies from the mall (and anyone else who wants some great kids clothes), the name of the online boutique is Marissa Marie. The designer is located in Atlanta and she does the cutest kids designs. You can get burp rags, bibs and coffee sleeves too. To the lady who wanted something for her diva granddaughter - check out the Modern Girl silhouette design. So darling. I am thinking of picking it up for my own diva daughter.

This Thanksgiving I am grateful for...

A beautiful table and with paper plates and plastic cutlery. (No dishes to do!)

A husband who watches the kids while I cook, and cleans up after I destroy the kitchen.

A kids table in the next room!

The happiest baby ever.

A sweet sweet little girl.

Good friends.

And wonderful family.

Winners!

The winner of the Sew Cute Shop Giveaway is windycindy. Check out The Sew Cute Shop Black Friday SALE!!!!!

The winner of the CNS Stores Giveaway is Brady and Berta.

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

Best Mother-in-Law Story Contest.....

The mass majority of people who read this blog are women. (Men - feel free to speak up if you are out there!) Of the women who read this blog, it seems that the majority of you are married. Thus I can easily deduce that most of the readers of this blog have....a Mother-in-Law (MIL). Now my MIL is great, but let's be honest. Mother-in-laws tend to wield a certain terror in a wife's live. They are the "other woman" we have to live up to. Along with that, we know she is watching us constantly on how we are treating her son. Are we keeping a clean enough house, keeping him well feed, being supportive, folding the towels in just the right way so that the edges line up perfectly in the linen closet...... Now that I have a little boy, I understand it a bit more. You have this tiny son who loves you more than anything in the world. Some girl comes into the picture and maneuvers herself into his number one spot. It makes for good drama.

I know many of you are biting at your nails trying figure out what to get the MIL for Christmas as well. I've thought more about this gift suggestion than any other and I've come up with the perfect one.

If you want a MIL gift that can't fail, get her a copy of Nicholas. A family friend sent me this book after I had Collin. She said "every mother of a boy should read it". I thought it was going to be some parenting book. Instead, I was delighted to find an engaging collection of short stories. Each tale is written from the prospective of an uncritical young French boy, Nicholas. Popular in France for decades, these books are now available in English. They are seriously hilarious, yet completely innocent and charming. When your MIL reads them she will be first reminded of the joy it was to raise a boy. She will secondly think about how she has such a thoughtful daughter-in-law to have given her such a lovely gift. (And they are lovely. All five books in the series are bound in gorgeous cloth covers.) These would be great gifts for children ages 8-14 too. You can read one of the stories here.

I am going to send one reader a copy of Nicholas in Trouble. Want to win?

This is what I want to know. What is your very best MIL horror story? It can be about your own MIL or about someone you know. I know you all love your MIL, but this is an opportunity to dish. You know you want to.

I will select one comment randomly to win. I will publish the best stories on my blog. Let me know if you would like me to withhold your name.

I will announce the winner and publish my favorite stories in a week or two. Can't wait!

Winner!

The winner of the Swaddle Designs zzZip Me Sack Giveaway is Tales of a Peanut. Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize.

P.S. - This Thanksgiving, be grateful this isn't your Mother-in-law! (click to read)

Heritage Makers Keepsake Bracelet Giveaway

Grandmas everywhere are just waiting to get something "grandchildren" oriented for Christmas. Make it easy on yourself and order a keepsake bracelet from Heritage Makers. Upload 6 photos and they are inserted into the the frames in this silver bracelet. I love gifts with a lot of sentimental bang for not much effort.

One winner will receive their own Heritage Makers Keepsake Bracelet.

Want to win? There are five chances to enter:

• Head over to Heritage Makers and check out some of the fab products. Leave a comment here letting me know some of your favorites.
• For a second entry, mention in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower.
• For a third entry, grab my button and place it in on your blog. Let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.
• For a fourth entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have voted for me in the Divine Caroline Love this Site Award Contest. It ends soon, so make sure you vote!
• For a fifth entry, blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.

I will announce the winner on November 30th. Good Luck!

See complete rules and eligibility here.

Winner!

The winner of the Bell Design Giveaway is Misty. Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize!

Whee! Look at me!

For some reason I seem to have a knack for getting into Real Simple Magazine. My sister Emily says it is "my thing". You can find me in the December issue. I'll let you find it for yourselves.

Apparently I was in some other recent issue that I missed while my subscription was expired. Thanks to the reader who informed me. Love to see my words in print, no matter how few words there are....

What does home mean to you?

Whether I’m in my husband’s warm arms or smelling the sweet smell of my newborn baby, home means always having someone to nuzzle with before drifting off to sleep.

Natalie P.
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Autumn Shower

My friend Jessica asked me to help her throw an autumn baby shower with a theme of pink and orange. I wasn't quite seeing it at first, but when I saw how everything came together, I was thrilled at the color combo. The guest of honor loved it too. I wish I could claim this diaper cake, but alas - that honor goes to my friend Kristi. She did the one at my shower too. I did do those little guest gifts around it though. I needed a fall cookie to fill the bags, so I made (of course) something from Ina. Pecan bars - so chewy decadent and worth the effort. I highly recommend them for your Thanksgiving dessert table.

Ina's Pecan Bars

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 1/4 pounds unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 extra-large eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 1 pound unsalted butter
• 1 cup good honey
• 3 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 pounds pecans, coarsely chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the crust, beat the butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until light, approximately 3 minutes. Add the eggs and the vanilla and mix well. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients into the batter with the mixer on low speed until just combined. Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 18 by 12 by 1-inch baking sheet, making an edge around the outside. It will be very sticky; sprinkle the dough and your hands lightly with flour. Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is set but not browned. Allow to cool.

For the topping, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, and zests in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook over low heat until the butter is melted, using a wooden spoon to stir. Raise the heat and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and pecans. Pour over the crust, trying not to get the filling between the crust and the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold. Cut into bars and serve.

Sew Cute Shop Giveaway

Couldn't have a giveaway series without my favorite Chattanooga gem Sew Cute Shop. I probably check this etsy shop and blog once a week looking to see what new creations appear. Check out the ornaments just introduced. Adorable! They now selling the great Amy Butler fabric they are known for. Even my little man can be found showing off his Sew Cute Shop duds :)

If you are lucky enough to be local, you can now find Sew Cute Shop at the Knitting Mill downtown! (You know, that really cool refurbished warehouse. I am dying to spend a few hours there. Without kids.)

One of you will be receiving one of these "Sew Cute" Christmas stockings!

Want to win? There are five chances to enter:

• Go to Sew Cute Shop and check out some of the wares. Come back here and leave a comment mentioning some of your favorites.
• For a second entry, mention in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower.
• For a third entry, grab my button and place it in on your blog. Let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.
• For a fourth entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have voted for me in the Divine Caroline Love this Site Award Contest. It ends soon, so make sure you vote!
• For a fifth entry, blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.

I will announce the winner on November 25th. Good Luck!

See complete rules and eligibility here.

Winner!

The winner of the Come and See the Seitz giveaway is Chapel! Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize.

Thanksgiving Lovelies

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Is it pretty obvious which part of Thanksgiving I like best? :)

A little update. I feel 100% better than I did the day after my surgery. Well, maybe 98% better. I still can't pick Collin up, and that is sad. I can hold him in my lap to nurse, but that's about it. It is crazy but I really missed him during my recovery. I didn't leave my bed all day Sunday. Shane would just carry Collin in to nurse and then I would return to my cocoon of misery and blankets. I got up long enough to take a bath, eat some jello and discover the most beautiful autumn bouquet of yellow flowers. (Thank you Sara and Rusty!)

Monday the doctor took the stints out of my nose (oh the agony) and I started feeling better. In fact, yesterday was a downright great day! Shane still had work off and Lydia was in pre-school so we packed up Collin and went Christmas shopping (found a hedgehog ornament that looks just like Collin!). We went out to lunch, and then to a cupcake bakery.

OH! And did I mention that due to the 3 pounds I lost from not eating for 5 days straight, I can now fit into my favorite pre-pregnancy jeans! Only 5 more pounds until pre-Collin weight! Though the mammoth chocolate cupcake I ate yesterday probably isn't helping toward that goal....

Winners!

The winners of the Blurb giveaways are Maren and sprinklesbowtique. Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize.

Swaddle Designs zzZipMe Sack Giveaway

Have a new mommy on your Christmas list? Get her something perfectly practical yet unbelievably scrumptious. Swaddle Designs has introduced the zzZipMe sack. Once babies are too old to swaddle, there is always the dilemma of how to keep your baby warm without loose blankets in the crib. (Not considered safe by the AAP.) The zzZipMe sack is a wearable blanket with a two way zipper. This allows for ease in putting the baby into the sack and easy access for diaper changes. The best part about the zzZipMe sack is the incredibly luxuriously fabric. You think cuddling with a baby is heaven? Try cuddling with one wearing the the softest, coziest blanket imaginable. When I put Collin in his sack, he dropped his favorite cuddle toy, and started to stroke the fabric! I am considering turing it into a pillow once he has grown too big for it. It is that soft.

Swaddle Designs is giving one reader a zzZipMe sack from the Dot with Mocha collection.

Want to win? There are five chances to enter:

• Go to Swaddle Designs and check out some of the wares. Come back here and leave a comment mentioning some of your favorites.
• For a second entry, mention in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower.
• For a third entry, grab my button and place it in on your blog. Let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.
• For a fourth entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have voted for me in the Divine Caroline Love this Site Award Contest. It ends soon, so make sure you vote!
• For a fifth entry, blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.

I will announce the winner on November 24th. Good Luck!

See complete rules and eligibility here.

Winners!

The winners of the Onesie Wonderland Giveaway are Nikki and Jessie. Email me and I will get you your prizes!

Bell Design Giveaway

This giveaway has closed.


My favorite things to shop for during the holidays are the "stocking stuffer" gifts. The gifts for teachers, hostess gifts, babysitters, friends at church, co-workers...or just a little something to tuck into a package full of surprises. I love these gifts because it isn't about the money spent or getting just the right thing. It's a gift just to let someone know you are thinking of them at this time of year.

Bell Designs is stocked full of stocking stuffing lovelies. The first thing that caught my attention was the "Stay Calm and Carry On" purse mirror. How absolutely perfect would this or the matching magnet set be for a school teacher! I was telling my mom how that phrase is our generation's version of "This too shall pass" :) There are plenty of Holiday themed designs and sweet vintage designs as well. The mirrors (or large magnets) are sent in a delicate satin bag for gift giving. The magnets are sent in a reusable metal tin.

The second thing that caught my eye was the price! You could do a lot of your Christmas shopping done on just a little dime at this shop. For the quality, you can't beat it. You could even buy a couple magnet sets and divide them up between friends or tuck them into a hand delivered Christmas card. For the quality, you can't beat it.

One winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to Bell Designs!

Want to win? There are five chances to enter:

• Go to Bell Designs and check out some of the wares. Come back here and leave a comment mentioning some of your favorites.
• For a second entry, mention in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower.
• For a third entry, grab my button and place it in on your blog. Let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.
• For a fourth entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have voted for me in the Divine Caroline Love this Site Award Contest. It ends soon, so make sure you vote!
• For a fifth entry, blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.

I will announce the winner on November 23th. Good Luck! This giveaway open to Canadian addresses as well.

See complete rules and eligibility here.

Winner!

The winner of the EA Sports Active Personal Trainer is Aleshia Marron. Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize.

The Best Age?

My mom was saying a while back that she thinks Lydia's age - 3 going on 4, might be the best age. I have found myself dwelling on that daily. The best age. Every age has its wonderful, and not so wonderful points. I have to agree that this age is my favorite so far. Still a little girl without sarcasm or peer-pressure to taint her sweetness. Able to articulate herself and surprise me constantly. Old enough to play on her own in a world of make-believe. Young enough to still want me to join her. Oh Lydia. I love my little girl.

What do you think is the best age?

Please excuse the black marks around the breakfast nook. We had some "incidences" with the black chairs crashing into the walls. There are always the not so great things about every age.

Mommy is taking a sick day - Or week.

Warning. This post is a bit gross.

I had surgery yesterday to fix a Deviated Septum. It is now 10:30am the next morning and I feel like I am going to die. My face feels like it could explode at any moment. At least I feel better than I did yesterday. I have some serious issues with general anesthesia. I ended up staying in the recovery room three times longer than the doctor planned on. Oh, and I am happy to announce I have a new most embarrassing moment. That would be puking blood all over the place in front of a busy hospital foyer. As the nurses scrambled for something to clean me up, my nose was gushing blood into my hands. I will pay top dollar for the security tape that captured that delightful moment. For destruction purposes only. I am still throwing up blood.

Anyway, I am going to take it easy for a bit until the sensation that I have pencil erasers shoved up to my brain passes. I have strict instructions not to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least a week. Since Chub-o (Collin) is nearing 20 pounds, he is definitely off limits. Thank you to those of you who have offered to help. I appreciate it more than you know.

I am going to attempt to go back to bed. If I don't return emails or calls in a timely manner, I apologize. This post is the most active thing I have accomplished in 24 hours besides brushing my teeth. I have the giveaways for next week written and scheduled to post next week, so that will still be going on. As for me, I'll be at home wishing for stronger pain meds.

Build-a-bear Giveaway

Can't have Christmas without Toys! That moment on Christmas morning when a child first spots the gifts from Santa is possibly the all-time pinnacle of childhood. I still remember seeing my cabbage patch doll under the tree...still brings a little tear.

Build-A-Bear Workshop has an incredible selection of bears and furry friends for the child on your list. This Christmas they have introduced something so classic, it is perfect for a child of any age. You can now order a "Frosty the Snowman" plush, designed after the classic Christmas cartoon. He has soft white fur, gray top hat, rosy red cheeks that light up and make a magic sound. Some friends of Frosty are available and the perfect size to tuck into a stocking. You can even order the movie to go along with your child's new little friend. You know that this little darling is getting a Frosty for Christmas this year!

One winner will receive the Happy Holidays Frosty the Snowman, outfited with the three piece accessory set. When you lift his hat, his cheeks light up and you hear the magical sound telling you that Frosty has come to life!

Want to win? There are five chances to enter:

• Go to Build-A-Bear Workshop and check out some of the sweet little friends. Come back here and leave a comment mentioning some of your favorites.
• For a second entry, mention in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower.
• For a third entry, grab my button and place it in on your blog. Let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.
• For a fourth entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have voted for me in the Divine Caroline Love this Site Award Contest. It ends soon, so make sure you vote!
• For a fifth entry, blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.

I will announce the winner on November 20th. Good Luck!

Blurb Giveaway - Plus something for ALL of you!

This giveaway has closed.

My Blurb giveaways are probably the most popular ones I host. It is pretty easy to see why. Everyone has a reason to want to order one. Whether it is to upload and print your blog, make grandkid book for grandma, finally make that baby book or just make a family album - Blurb is the place. I love the high quality printing and binding. The finished product is totally professional. Now Blurb has upped the ante and introduced QuickStart Book Templates.

Blurb's QuickStart Book Templates are specially designed to provide you with a beautiful, professionally-designed template for a specific style of book. Download the QuickStart Book Template of your choice, import it into BookSmart 2.0, and you're ready to drag and drop your photos in! With the templates ready for you, a book could be put together in one sitting. Templates include: cookbook, journal, baby, wedding, travel, family yearbook, poetry, best friends album and a 2010 datebook.

Two winners will receive a $36 credit to Blurb to create a perfect Christmas gift!

Oh....and that gift for everyone? All natalie's sentiments readers get Free Shipping on their Blurb orders! Enter natalie-freeship (case sensitive) at checkout for FREE ground shipping in the U.S. or Canada. The free ground shipping code is good for one use per person, on books made by you, and it expires 11/26/2009.

Want to win? This giveaway is going to be just a little bit different.....

To enter, head over to Blurb QuickStarts, check out the templates and then comment on this post with your favorite one.

For a second entry, tweet or Facebook about this giveaway series and comment in a post letting me know you have done so.

For THREE extra entries, blog about this giveaway series, post the image on the right on your blog. Let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.

I will annouce the winner on November 18th. Good luck!

This giveaway open to US and Canada addresses.

Come and See the Seitz Giveaway

This giveaway has closed.

Have someone on your list who is a bit of a techie? Maybe you can't afford to pick her up the newest electronic gadget, but you could get her something to glam up her techie toys. Whether it is an iphone, ipod or camera, dress it up with a custom case from Come and See the Seitz. These carrying cases are made out of designer fabrics and cushioned with a layer of heavyweight interfacing. They fasten with an elastic loop wrapped around an oversized button. Great for a college student or teenager to cushion expensive gadgets in their backpacks, or busy women who tend to throw things haphazardly in their purses.

One winner will receive a customized electronic carrying case.

Want to win? There are five chances to enter:

• Go to Come and See the Seitz and check out some of the wares. Come back here and leave a comment mentioning some of your favorites.
• For a second entry, mention in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower.
• For a third entry, grab my button and place it in on your blog. Let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.
• For a fourth entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have voted for me in the Divine Caroline Love this Site Award Contest. It ends soon, so make sure you vote!
• For a fifth entry, blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.

I will announce the winner on November 19th. Good Luck!

Shane's Thanksgiving Pancakes

What's funny is Lydia thinks that this is a normal breakfast. Someday she will be at an Ihop with friends and ask "what's wrong with these pancakes? They are just circles!"

Wonderland Baby Giveaway

This giveaway has closed.

Just because they have no idea what is going on doesn't mean the babies on your Christmas list don't deserve something adorable under the tree. Might I recommend Wonderland Baby? This site is mecca for those of us who love to personalize our babies clothing. The designer - Karilyn - takes your ideas and creates the most precious onesies. Check out some of her custom work to see for yourself. You can even add "bum ruffles"! Collin isn't really into ruffles, but he looks great in everything else Onesie Wonderland offers!

Two winners will each receive one custom onesie!

Want to win? There are five chances to enter:

• Go to Wonderland Baby and check out some of the designs. Come back here and leave a comment mentioning some of your favorites.
• For a second entry, mention in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower.
• For a third entry, grab my button and place it in on your blog. Let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.
• For a fourth entry, let me know in a separate comment that you have voted for me in the Divine Caroline Love this Site Award Contest. It ends soon, so make sure you vote!
• For a fifth entry, blog, tweet or facebook about this giveaway and let me know in a separate comment that you have done so.

I will announce the winner on November 17th. Good Luck!