Happy Memorial Day Monday mamas! I hope everyone is spending the day with family and friends, celebrating this holiday and remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom. But while we all wake up and enjoy our morning cup, let’s hangout with an amazing mama!
Natalie is a wife, mama of 4, soon to be 5 littles, and blogger extraordinaire! She has turned a hobby into a way of being able to support her family – all while constantly giving back to others. Helping other moms accomplish the same dream. She’s an incredibly selfless, wonder woman of a mama! So, go pour your cup, and let’s hangout!
MB: Hey Natalie! So excited to have you join us for Mom Friend Monday! You manage to balance running a successful business, being present to your kids (they’re always smiling and laughing in your insta-stories), and taking care of yourself as a wife and mother; how do you do it? I know so many of us get overwhelmed, I know I do and I only have 2, until little lady joins us in June, and I feel as though I’m barely making it all come together. What’s your secret?
NL: Well the secret is, I don’t do it all! And I’ve learned to be ok with that. I don’t insta story my laundry room that is filled with laundry haha. It’s my weakness trying to stay on top of that! But really, every season of motherhood has its challenges. I remember when I went from having one to two kids. I called my mom crying because I couldn’t handle all the things I used to do and it was so frustrating! I expected to be able to do it all! She gave me great advice that has played into every season I have gone through as a mom (now having our 5th!) We have to be realistic with ourselves and patient. You will eventually get your groove and rock certain things that are making you lose your mind now!! I had to learn to be ok with a baby crying in the car, knowing it was completely fed, dry and happy just wanted out of the car. I learned to be ok with mess when the kids play..they are playing! And then a big thing is choosing stuff that makes me happy over to do’s. There will always be to do’s! For example, I love making our house a home. And when we were first moving here and settling in I was so busy unpacking and organizing, I took a break and hung up some frames! It immediately lifted my mood and every day I was able to look at that gallery wall and smile. People always say how do you do it all? But the thing is I don’t, but I choose a balance of to do’s and creative things that lift my spirits. That helps me be a good mom and get through the daily grind!
MB: Yes! I feel as though I should be able to do it all myself and then I get down when I don’t meet my own imaginary standard or deadline. Balancing to-do’s and creative things is definitely something I need to work on. I love that one of your goals is to celebrate motherhood! It’s as if you have also turned your blog into a ministry. Was that something you planned for, or did it sort of just happen?
NL: I started my blog as a creative outlet! And it evolved into what it is! I realized soon on that it could be a platform used for good, but it’s been amazing seeing the community it’s formed! I’ve shared our family life, hard moments and the joyful ones, and have been able to connect with people. In a way, I think that my own reasons for starting the blog weren’t important at all. There’s always a bigger picture going on in all we do. Sometimes even the posts that I don’t think anyone is going to want to read or comment on are the ones that spark the most conversation!
MB: I love that – there is always something bigger going on. God truly uses us in ways we may not expect. To bring people together, which in the journey of motherhood I feel is so important. Feeling as though someone can relate to what we are going through. One of the biggest tips given to new bloggers is – make connections. How did you make genuine connections, when it seems ones comment can get lost among the sea of comments? It seems like an “easier said than done” situation for a lot of women.
NL: Yes a huge part of blogging and growing your blog is building community. When I first started I blogged A LOT. I created a lot of content. Eventually I learned that I wanted quality over quantity. I commented on other people’s blogs and shared them on my own. Did link ups! I formed relationships with other bloggers and found some of my people! I love Instagram and as that grew in popularity as a social media platform I knew that that was where I wanted to focus my energy! I love commenting and responding to people. I really think being authentic and consistent has helped in growing my followers and making those connections.
MB: Be authentic! Absolutely! I think if we all remember to be ourselves it will help in building those connections.
You have the morning to yourself, what’s in your cup?
NL: I love our espresso machine! We make americanos every morning and I have a little french vanilla creamer and sugar in mine.
MB: Yum! That sounds similar to what I drink. Espresso with vanilla creamer. Perfect choice! If you could plan your ultimate mom friend getaway where would you go and what would you do?
NL: We did it last November and I would love to do it again! Some girlfriends and I all met up in Waco, Texas and stayed at the bed and breakfast that Chip and Joanna Gaines fixed up! The shopping and eating was so fun and just being able to all catch up as busy mamas.
MB: I remember you posting pictures of your trip on Instagram! It looked like such a great time! Lastly, if you could impart some mom wisdom on our readers, what would it be?
NL: Hmmm I’m not sure how wise I am!! But I can speak from experience, slow down with your little ones. I have my oldest turning 9 this summer and It’s blowing my mind! I’m so thankful for the memories I have of getting on the floor and playing with them (big because we never play small around here haha) and I’m excited for the memories to come with all my kids! Sometimes life gets so busy and filled with to do’s that we just end up exhausted and burnt out. Focus on the important tasks but then have times where you push aside the others and slow down with your kids. I know it’s easier said than done. It’s not like you have to do anything crazy with them! I’ve found that just popping popcorn and having a game night of uno gives them the biggest smiles and a chance for us to giggle and have fun. Love your littles and the season you’re in!
MB: I love that! Slow down! I think – speaking for myself – I want to do it all, that I get so easily overwhelmed. I think a lot of mom’s are like that and then we forget to enjoy the small moments that create big memories. I’m so glad we got to hangout! Thanks so much for joining me today!
NL: Thank you so much to Martina for inviting me to be a part of your great series! It’s so important for us to realize we don’t have to do motherhood alone! We should encourage and uplift and cheer each other on! You are doing a great job of that!
Y’all, how amazing is Natalie? I might have a wee mom crush! I know I personally need to listen to her mom wisdom and SLOW DOWN! So that is what I’m going to do today. Put my phone down, head to the beach and enjoy my boys being boys!
If you want to learn more about blogging, and be a part of an amazing community of women – check out Natalie’s E-Course. It’s only $25, and the best $25 I’ve ever spent! Then, make sure you are following Natalie if you aren’t already! At Home With Natalie, Facebook, @athomewithnatalie
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