a special locket and a GIVEAWAY

My good friend gave me the most amazing gift after we lost our baby.

It's an Origami Owl necklace.  The locket holds an E for Eliza, her April birthstone and a charm that says "Forever Family".  She also had "Blessed" stamped on the back plate because I told her we felt so blessed to have the opportunity to have someone so special come to our family.

When I'm at the park or out and about with all my kids, people I meet often ask how many kids I have. I say four, but want to say five, but because there aren't five with me they usually ask follow up questions about the missing one and then I tell them she's not with us.  It's not awkward for me, but it usually is for whoever is asking.  So I stick with four.
It makes me a little sad, like I'm denying Eliza's presence in our family, but when I wear this locket, I don't.  I feel like she's with me and it's okay if I don't mention her.

I also love that when I wear it, my kids never fail to notice and comment about her.  It seems to bring us all comfort in the reminder.
Last time I wore it, Charlotte held the locket and chimed, "Baby Eliza up in heaven.  I love her."

Because I love mine so much I asked Heidi if she'd be willing to host a GIVEAWAY so that one of you can have the chance to have your own customizable locket.  And just in time for Christmas!

If you're interested in winning $50 towards your own customizable locket, go to Origami Owl and come back here and tell me which locket you would chose if you won.

For a second entry Like Heidi's Facebook page and come back and tell me.

The giveaway ends Friday, December 7th!

Goose Creek Candle GIVEAWAY

Today Goose Creek Candles is giving away one of their American Heirloom jar candles!  

My favorite thing about them is they're not overpowering - they're light and airy and smell delicious all at the same time.  I also love that they're designed well and look attractive just about anywhere.  

When I ordered my candle it was still hot and summery here (even though it was technically fall) so I was still in the mode of summer and ordered the Strawberry Rhubarb candle.  It smells deeeelicious and I left it out for a few weeks, but now it's almost Thanksgiving and it's smelling a little out of place.

I'm kicking myself for not ordering the Whipped Pumpkin Latte or the Peppermint scented candles!

Want one of their jar candles of your very own?  Here's how…

Visit Goose Creek Candle, then come back here and leave a comment letting me know which of their scents you would pick if you win.

They are also offering a coupon code to my readers for an extra 25% off your entire purchase.  Enter code 1050 at checkout.

Giveaway will close Wednesday, November 21, 2012.

Inspired You GIVEAWAY

I've been a long time fan of Miss Mustard Seed - I completely admire her drive and ambition and it's safe to say, she gets more done in one day than I do in a month.  No joke.

Her new book debuts this week and we're giving away THREE copies!

Inspired You is full of beautiful pictures of Marian's home, her furniture, her original DIY projects and has the same enjoyable feel as her blog.

In the book, she wastes no time and immediately gets to the meat of what she's about - teaching the rest of us what she knows.  The book includes an endless list of step-by-step tutorials with plenty of pictures for those of us visual learners.

If you're interested in learning the ropes of second-hand shopping, she has an entire chapter dedicated to antique stores, yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores and online classifieds.  She even talks about dressing down to get a better price.  "…people will quote a higher price for people who look like they have money burning a hole in their pocket."  How have I never thought of that?!

Marian is the queen of Milk Paint and has recently started her own line of colors.  She dedicates several pages to both Milk and Chalk Paint.  She covers how to use them, when to use them and how to properly apply them.

The most inspiring part for me is when she says,

"Throw out the notion that good design is expensive, must be carried out by a professional and can only be bought in a fancy store.  I live in a real home on a thrift store budget and have never taken a design class in my life."

Want to read it?

If you're interested in winning one of THREE copies, just leave your comment below!
The giveaway will close next Monday 11/12.

Canvas Giveaway

Friday, friday, friday…I'm so glad it's here!  Zac has been out-of-town for work this week and finally comes home tonight!  I'm such a wimp when it comes to bath and bedtime for the kiddos while I'm alone.  I am patting myself on the back for not wigging out...until yesterday, that is.  Which means I made it through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday flawlessly.  Much improved over last month. :)

On to more important things…I'm pleased to be hosting a giveaway from the printing shop UPrinting.   UPrinting specializes in business related paper goods: invitations, canvas prints and printing, wall graphics etc.  Today they've been so generous as to offer up 1- 16x20 rolled canvas print (w/ 2" border or no border) to Natty by Design readers!

I ask that you be a follower of the blog to participate in this giveaway :)  You know the drill:  

Comment  - you're entered once.  Earn extra entries by "Liking" Natty by Design on Facebook or announcing the giveaway on twitter or Facebook.  Come back here and tell me you did.  The giveaway closes next Thursday, the 18th at midnight.

Any exciting plans for your weekend?  It's going to 106 degrees here, so I guess we'll be swimming!

Disclaimer: Required as per FTC Ruling
This canvas printing giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given  for hosting. Check out UPrinting.com for more details about wall graphics.