Life Lately Spring Edition

(these photos from spring break have me wishing for another trip!)

Hello hello!

We have officially almost made it through our first year in NYC. And holy crap, if I am being honest it was hard AF. Amazing yes but HARD AF.

The best part of this experience has without a doubt been that we have come closer as a family. Forced to physically be closer in 1100 sq ft apartment but also figuratively with new hurdles and challenges that come with big jobs, starting school and parenting in New York City. And doing it all without our families and friends.

We have been forced to communicate more, find our new normal and rhythm. All in time for the school year to end and summer break to begin. hahaha. But I am entering this new season feeling more confident that I know what our family needs, and what the girls need to be balanced. And what I need too.

Which is why I have taken a break from social media, turning off alerts, signing out and only coming back for a tiny chunk of time when I want to. Instead of the mindless scrolling in between appointments, down time, before I fall asleep or sharing on stories because I feel like I HAVE TO, because you know well it didn't happen if it's not on Instagram stories, (all this adds up to WAY more time than necessary on anything that isn't real life).

At first I thought that I would take a break from blogging too but I love this creative outlet. I LOVE being able to share, tips, sales, skincare stuff and recipes so I am going to fit it in as a weekly thing.

So this summer will be about a little social media detox, a lot of fun bucket list items to check off and maybe jumping on to share on IG when I feel like I want to. I have a plan is to continue keeping myself present for my girls and family but still allowing myself to work on my creative outlet.

I am working on two posts for this week: an update on each of us and one on what we are doing to avoid the summer academic slide. So be sure to subscribe and I'll send out a note when there is new stuff on here!

I am hoping that you all find some balance this summer and that it is filled with more of the good stuff than the ick stuff (which is what I say 1000x a day to the girls! ha!

Happy Wednesday my loves.

xoxo

Natalie

#Lifelately #mamadiaries

In This New Year

Holy Moly it's been over two months since I have been on here and honestly it's fine. I am usually apologizing but the truth is I am working on being more gracious with myself. In order to survive the hubby getting the flu, having a death in the family, two birthdays, our first Christmas traveling, and recently another bout of sickness that hit me the hardest, I had to pick priorities.

Guess what won, YUP you got it, my two tiny humans that depend on me. The other thing that won was my Beautycounter business.

It was an incredible end of year for my Beautycounter business and shoot I am friggen proud. I was in HR Management & Talent Acquisition (recruiting) in my past life, and as I grew my team (and continue to do so) I was reminded about how much I love this!! The coaching, and helping people reach their potential in a field they love has always been a specialty and well I cannot wait for what 2019 has to offer.

And I officially have a 2 and 5 year old, people. The whole mess about the days are long and years are insanely ridiculously fast is REAL. Gosh 5 years sped by and now here I am sitting in the kitchen of our apartment, peeking at the girls (somewhat) playing together as I work on a business I have made a priority to grow. I may be tired but working on not just itching for bed time, working on just being in the moment more.

I don't do resolutions any more, just goals. My big goal for 2019 for me is a year of continuing to make an effort to be the best version of myself.

That means allowing myself to be in the moment more often than not.

That means moving a bit more every day.

That means taking time for myself more often.

That means having an organized home that allows for more time for us to just BE.

That means continuing to build my business and mentor my team.

That means eating real foods, and not feeling guilty over indulging.

That means sticking to drinking more water than coffee.

That means continuing to make the switch to safer through out our lives.

That means doing MORE of what brings JOY.

That means reading, laughing, and watching, more.

That means reaching out for help, to say hello, to stay in touch.

The best version of myself. Getting closer to the mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and neighbor that I WANT TO BE (not to be confused with who society wants me to be.)

Have you thought about what the best version of you looks like? And once you have what it looks like, let's break it up and see how we get there.

xoxo

Natalie

#Lifelately #lifestyle

My Sweet Kindergartener

Happy Monday my friends.

Sitting here diffusing Peppermint & Citrus Fresh hoping to get in the hustle mode. Have found myself knocking out before 9pm last two nights, simply exhausted. Maybe more emotionally drained than physically because you guysssss, Zoe has been a hot mess at drop off. Like sobbing, hiccuping mess. And it pulls at every single heart string. It took every ounce of my being to walk away.

You see, some of you may remember the tiny 4 pound preemie I brought home. The tiny little girl who barely made a sound, who we weighed every day to make sure she was gaining weight. Who we fed with a syringe in the NICU because the bottle or boob took too much energy. Well in those moments a very guarded mama made a promise to a little tiny human. I promised to NEVER EVER let her down and as dramatic as it sounds you guys, I feel like I am. Those sobbing moments, death grip on my leg leave me winded and emotionally drained.

She is smart, and the vocab of a 3rd grader, she can memorize a book after reading it twice, loves to bake and craft, thrilled by a science experiment and NO ONE loves a game of tag or hide n seek more than her. She is my sassy, strong willed, incredible sleeper, my sweet Zozo. And walking away, leaving her to interact with people I don't know, to make memories that do not include me is equal parts exciting and heart breaking. I have walked home every school day in tears, hugged Ami and begged her to promise me that she will not to grow up.

But this is all a part of life. A part of my little lady growing up. And these feelings may sound silly but they too are a part of life. A part of this crazy thing called motherhood, where we can be both sad and happy all at the same time. I am only sharing this so that if any of you are going through something similar you wouldn't feel so alone.

Here are a few things we are trying to make drop-offs a little easier.

1. Thinking of you bracelet. We both wear a matching bracelet and I remind her to look at it if she is missing me, and she should know I am thinking of her.

2. Goodbye dance (this one was from a reader who is a preschool teacher!) we shook out all our jitters by dancing as we waited for the bell.

3. A lovie. Does your little one have a lovie, blanket or something they find comfort in? Maybe keep this in their cubby or backpack.

4. A family photo (or a few) that she keeps in her cubby or back bag to look at if she is missing us.

5. Jitter juice! We may have to make a version of this every Sunday night..

6. Making worry hearts!

7. Kissing hands must be the cutest thing ever,

8. Morning Routine charts can help with a new routine.

Hopeful one or two (or shoot all) will help you with a smoother drop off! And if all else fails, I may have to bribe Zoe (no tears and you get a toy...).

Have a wonderful week.

xoxo

Natalie

#Lifelately #mamadiaries #bebe