Hi Friends! I’m Natalie Mason. I live in Charleston, SC and I am mom to Sterling 12 , Frances Moon 8 and our mini golden doodle Dolly.

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Q&A

Aug 10, 2018

You guys sent me some great questions on instastories so I wanted to share them on here!  This may have to be a 2 parter because I received so many questions!

 

 

What did I do before I started my blog?  

I was an architectural rep, meaning I called on architects, designers and home builders trying to get them to specify my products for upcoming projects.  I covered two countertop lines and a few hardware lines.  It was a really fun job and my territory was Charlotte and Charleston so it worked out perfectly.   Literally two weeks before I had Sterling they eliminated my position because of the economy.  Then after Sterling was born I started my blog.  When he was a baby I worked part time at a baby store here and would bring him to work with me and I also worked part time doing computer work for my dad until I started making enough money blogging to do it full time.

Where do I see myself in 5 years?  Still blogging?  

In 5 years I hope to have published my cookbook as you all know that is a huge dream of mine.  If blogs are still around in 5 years then yes I will probably still be blogging because I love the creative outlet it gives me.

Do I buy all the clothes I feature on my blog?  

I do buy a lot of the clothes but not all of them.  I work with lots of companies and local stores who gift me items.  Lots of beauty and make-up companies send me products to try as well.

Celebrity Crush?  

I love Adam Levine, close second Chris Pine.

How do Matt and I manage time with the kids?

Matt has the kids on Wednesday night and every other weekend.  Otherwise they are with me.  This schedule works well for us and the kids.  I have to say Matt and I work really hard at co parenting and being flexible with each others schedules.  We have a good routine down and that makes things easier for the kids.

How many nights a week do I cook?

Well this Summer I have been super lazy and rarely cook, but during the school year I would say I cook 3-4 nights a week.

Favorite Food Accounts to Follow? 

I have so many I love but these are just a few favorites : Half Baked Harvest (their cookbook is amazing) , What’s Gaby Cooking, Smitten Kitchen, The Feed Feed

#1 Place I want to travel? 

Napa is at the top of my list because of my love for wine, but Greece is also up there!

Do I want to get married again?  

Well I certainly don’t feel the pressure to get married again.  I am not ruling out marriage but it is something I would never rush into.

Do I want more kids? 

Honestly at one point in time I really wanted a third baby but now I feel really content with my two.  They are getting to be ages that are easier and I can’t imagine starting over again.  I have my niece Augusta for when I need my baby fix.

Have I done Botox? 

Yes I have done botox twice.  It has been well over a year since I last did it so I probably need to get in again.

When do I have time to read?  

I always read before I go to bed.  It helps with my anxiety to unwind and quiet my mind.  I am currently reading Girl Wash Your Face and love it.

Best everyday Designer bag?

This is super hard but I will say I have been loving my Chloe Marcie Satchel.  I have the medium size and really love it.  It fits everything I need without being too big.  Second pick would probably be my Goyard Tote.

Favorite concealer for under eye circles?

This is a tough one I have the worst under eye circles and I am always struggling to cover them.  Right now I am using IT bye bye under eye and Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer.   I like to layer two together.

Single mom strategies? 

Well I am still trying to figure it out but holy moly all I have to say is mad props to all you single moms, it is a damn hard job.  I swear the bedtime routine every night is the longest.  My kid’s ask me a million questions before they fall asleep in addition to looking for a toy the must have before bed, a glass of water etc it never ends- haha.  I fall in bed most nights utterly exhausted.   For me a main thing is staying organized.  I have two calendars where I keep track of all the kid’s appointments and activities.  I also make a detailed to-do list every single day.  Also time with friends is important.  Being a single mom can be isolating so to me it is important to have fun social events/dinners out with friends or date nights.

Favorite easy lunch?

A chopped salad is my go to lunch.  I just use whatever I have on hand.  This one has been a favorite lately.

Chopped Salad– Kale + cherry tomatoes + cucumber + chickpeas + hearts of palm + salami + green olives + feta + radishes.  Toss all with Tessamae’s Green Goddess Dressing.

 

Favorite face mask?

These are my 2 current favorite face masks.

Drunken Elephant Babyfacial

 

Fresh Rose Face Mask

Favorite make-up remover or cleansing oil?

I swear by these two.  I use the Dermalogica Pre Cleanse before I wash my face it really helps to pre clean your face then I use my face wash.

Kopari Coconut Oil and I use this after if I have extra make-up left around my eyes.

 

 

Favorite online shops?

Shopbop, Nordstrom, Tuckernuck and Revolve.

Do I ever see the cast of Southern Charm around town?

Yes I sure do, I have seen them all.  I have to say Cameron is the sweetest and even more gorgeous in person.

What do I do with the kids while I run?  

I have two neighbors I trade with watching their kids, so I will run while my kid’s play there.  I also have a babysitter come sometimes so I can run and work, and do errands.  I also take them to my neighbor Rick’s and he watches them.  Just whatever works- haha.  I try to squeeze in a run however I can.

 

 

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Leave a Reply

  1. tracey boots says:

    These are my favorite to read!! Thanks for sharing!!

  2. Kelly says:

    Yes! Love these. And I have loved how you’ve recently been showing your meals and recipes and then how you’ve adapted everything for your kids. Maybe that could be the focus of your cookbook? I’d buy that in a heartbeat. I struggle with how to satisfy both the kids and the adults.

  3. Debra says:

    Natalie, thank you for this! Reading really helps and l will purchase your latest book recommendation.

  4. Karen says:

    I am so glad to hear you are working on a cookbook! Your recipes are the best!!

  5. Bonnie Russ says:

    You certainly have your plate full. Your cookbook will be such a success among other talents you have. You’re honest about everything and are such a fantastic mother. I’m wondering if you’re still dating Ben? If it’s too personal I understand.

  6. Joanna says:

    I would buy your cookbook!

  7. Lindsay says:

    Natalie,
    Years ago you answered an email I sent you about newborn sleep routines and I was so grateful for that! I only read two blogs habitually- yours and cup of jo, and that is all I need!
    You take such good care of yourself and you look fantastic in every picture, thanks for being a good influence!

  8. Stephanie says:

    Great post! I hope you don’t mind me asking for a favor. I’m a long time blog reader. There is a long time blogger named April Robson who has a 2 year old daughter Charlotte. Her family just got the devastating news that Charlotte has a terminal, incurable disease. I won’t go into all the details here, but, it’s just heartbreaking. Friends and many fellow bloggers have set up some ways to help. Prayers and donations are being accepted.This is not a scam! I just thought you could share their story on your blog to enlighten your followers and they could reach even more people. After all, they are a local family in your area.

  9. Linsey says:

    I would definitely buy your cookbook!

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