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

May 19, 2017

TGIF Friends!  Today I wanted to do a little question and answer series.  I frequently get a lot of the same questions so thought it might fun to answer them all here.  Thanks to everyone who sent in other questions as well.  I might try and do this quarterly:)

The most frequent question I get is how are Matt and I co-parenting and how is it going?

I realize there are many people going through the same situation as us and honestly we are still trying to figure it out.  It is different for every relationship and you just have to figure out what works for you and your family- there is no right or wrong way to do it.  As long as the kids are happy that is the most important thing.  As of right now the kids are with me everyday during the week.  This does not disrupt their school and other activities, doctors and dentist appointments, sports etc I usually take them to on a daily basis.  Matt then keeps them one night over the weekend.  I am sure this may change a bit this Summer with school being out and schedules being more flexible.  Matt also sees them for lunch and takes them to dinner during the week some too. Ultimately we will probably eventually do every other weekend, we are just trying to keep the kids happy right now and make it easy on them.

What Mascara and Eyeliner do you use?

For mascara I alternate between Chanel Le volume and Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes.  I have tried so many mascaras and those 2 are my favorites.  For eyeliner I love the Chanel Precision.

How did we come up with the kids names?

For Sterling Matt and I had a hard time thinking of boy names and especially ones that we both liked and could agree on.  Sterling was the one name we both liked.  His middle name is Holton after Matt’s grandfather.  As soon as I found out I was pregnant with a girl I knew I would name her after my grandmother, Frances and her maiden name was Moon- hence Frances Moon.

Current Workout routine?

I try and do the gym 3-4 times a week.  I usually do barre one day, then another class either yoga or a cardio class.  On the other 2 days I do 20-25 mins of cardio usually the stair mill or treadmill on an incline and then 20 minutes of weights.  A few leg machines, 30 pull ups, 45 side sit ups on each side, and 30 leg lifts for abs.

What Teeth Whitener do I use?  

I whiten my teeth 2x a week and use Crest 3d Whitestrips Professional Effects.  I have sensitive teeth and these don’t bother them.

What shampoo and conditioner do I use for my blonde hair? 

I frequently alternate and change hair products.  Right now and I am using Oribe Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner and Drybar Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo and Conditioner.  I love both, they make my hair soft and help keep it bright and not brassy.

How do I find time to cook and when do I do it?

The truth of the matter is since Matt moved out I don’t cook nearly as much.  I probably cook 2-3 times a week and then we have leftovers and eat out for other meals.  When I do cook I always do my meal prep while the kids are in school.  I drop Frances off at school hit up the grocery store and come home and start the prep.  I then finish up dinner around 5-5:30.  Usually at this time the kids are playing outside or I allow them to watch a TV show.

How do I Meal Plan and grocery shop?

I am not a huge advance meal planner.  Sunday night/Monday morning I will flip through my cookbooks to see what I want to cook for dinner and if there are any new recipes I want to try.  I always go to the grocery store Monday morning but I also go a few other times during the week as well.  I actually enjoy grocery shopping- I know I am so weird but it doesn’t bother me to go a few times a week.  I typically cook 2 “recipes” for dinners during the week.  I do this to try and get the kids to try new things although many times it is a bust and they tell me it looks and tastes gross.  I keep trying though, I feel like you have to keep introducing new foods.  Sterling is finally a pretty good eater and will try everything, Frances Moon is crazy picky.

Favorite places to shop for the kids?

Crewcuts, Progeny Shoppe, Old Navy, Gap, Nordstrom.

Current Favorite Kid’s Books?

ABC DreamThe Circus Ship, Dragons Love Tacos 2 (we were super excited about this sequel as we love the original Dragons Love Tacos), Iggy Peck Architect, Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth

What am I reading right now?

I took a little break from reading because I was so sucked into Parenthood and all I wanted to do at night was binge watch episodes.  I am slowly getting back into reading and I am currently reading 2 books:  You are a Badass, how to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome Life.  Several people recommended this one to me and it is really good so far.  I am also reading Slightly South of Simple.  It is a light and easy Summer read.  I highly recommend both books.

Where did I buy my Hermes bracelet and is it used or new?  

I saved some of my Christmas money and ordered my Hermes bracelet online.  The Charlotte store was closing and had limited stock and did not have the color/size combo I wanted so I ordered online.   A few places like Bluefly sell some used versions but I could never find the color I wanted so I bought mine new.   It is probably one of my favorite pieces of jewelry,  I wear it basically everyday.  An investment for sure but I am very happy with mine.

Have a wonderful weekend! and don’t forget about the event tomorrow benefiting MUSC Children’s Hospital.  You can buy tickets HERE.  All proceeds go to the Children’s hospital.  I will be awkwardly strutting down the runway so should be fun to watch- haha.

xoxo

 

 

 

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  1. Gentry Adams says:

    Thanks for doing this Q&A! It was fun to get to know you better and get a peek “behind the scenes”. Wish I was local so I could come to your fun event! Have a great time!

  2. Thanks so much for reading Slightly South of Simple! I appreciate it so much and hope you enjoy it! xo Kristy

  3. Can’t wait to see pics of you strutting the runway! Have a great weekend!

  4. Amanda says:

    Thanks for taking the time to respond to all these FAQ’s! The ‘You are a Badass…’ is next on my reading list.

    http://www.wildroseworkshop.co/nursery-artwork

  5. So nice to get to peek behind the scenes! I have read both Badass books and loved both!

    http://www.thestyledwine.com

  6. Junkshow says:

    Thanks so much for being open about your life and how you manage co-parenting. I’m wondering how you talked to your kids about you and Matt separating? I’m considering doing this and have no idea how to explain it to my three-year-old. I’m not ready to talk to my friends about it, so I’m wondering if at some point you’ll share some advice.

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