Southern Grace

Hello All!

2018-02-13T17:17:00.001-06:00

Hi! It's been a while since I last posted. I've been sick. I should probably write about that in the near future. BUT today, I want to share this really pretty necklace and earrings set.

I bought the set on Amazon and you can check it out www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LW40723 or here.

The set is a pair of beautiful gold leaf earrings and a matching leaf pendant necklace. The jewelry is actually made from the "skeleton" of leaves and then rendered in gold. The jewelry goes with everything and actually comes in several finishes and leaf styles.

Aren't they lovely? And they are very affordable. I'm thinking of buying a couple of sets to keep around for gifts. They would also make a beautiful Valentine's Day gift. Check them out here.

Thanks for dropping by,

Natosha

(I received the set at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I never promote any product I am not willing to use personally. All opinions are mine.)

20 Things - Valentine's Goodies For The Whole Family

2017-02-10T13:40:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again. That time when parents are asked to send items for Valentine's Day Party's and/or your child needs 25 Valentine's Cards for classmates, you need a cute snack and you want to surprise your SO with a little something. Here are 20 fun and easy ideas.

My son's teacher asked all the parents to send a bag of candy, novelties or individually-wrapped food items for their party. These look like fun items to send.

1. Applesauce cups: Over on Craftaholics Anonymous, Linda shares these adorable labels to add to applesauce cups. Cute AND healthy.

Image belongs to Craftaholics Anonymous

2. Matchbox cars: Hello, Wonderful designed these cute car valentines with a free printable.

Image belongs to Hello, Wonderful

3. Pencils: Over on The Homes I Have Made you will find everything you need to make our own.

Image belongs to THIHM

4. Animals: home is what you make it has such a cute idea to attach toy animals to business cards.

Image belongs to home is what you make it.

5. Crazy straws: Who doesn't love crazy straws? Ginger Snap Crafts has the cute printable.

Image belongs to Ginger Snap Crafts

Do you want to make fun, festive and tasty treats for Valentine's Day? Try out these.

6. Valentine's S'mores Snack Mix: Kimberly at A Night Owl always delivers on awesome ideas.

Image belongs to A Night Owl.

7. Mini Heart Pizzas: Alli at Cupcake Diaries has the most wonderful recipes. These mini pizzas are perfect for Valentine's night.

Image belongs to Cupcake Diaries

8. Heart quesadillas: These are super cute and full of cheesy goodness. Smart School House is behind this goodness.

Image belongs to Smart School House

9. French toast churro bites: Sign me up! Oh My Goodness Chocolate Desserts has a winner here.

Image belongs to OMG Chocolate Desserts

10. Cupid floats: Moms Need to Know came up with a simple, but scrumptious strawberry float.

Image belongs to Moms Need to Know

Perhaps you are looking for crafts for the kiddos. These look like fun.

11. Washi tape heart suncatcher: This craft from Kids Craft Room is quick, easy and pretty.

Image belongs to Kids Craft Room

12. Love catchers: These are so original and a fun spin on dream catchers. Meri Cherry is on to something.

Image belongs to Meri Cherry

13. Heart rocks: No Time For Flash Cards made these cute painted rocks. You could leave them around your neighborhood.

Image belongs to No Time For Flash Cards

14. Love paintings: Simple and eye-catching way to have your kids create art. Brought to you by Inner Child Fun.

Image belongs to Inner Child Fun

15. Stamping hearts: Happy Hooligans used toilet paper rolls to make this cute stamping art.

Image belongs to Happy Hooligans

Now some Valentine's fun for the adults.

16. Strawberry mimosas: Baking Beauty invented this lovely concoction.

Image belongs to Baking Beauty

17. Movie night! Such an awesome set up created by A Joyfully Mad Kitchen.

Image belongs to A Joyfully Mad Kithen

18. Treat box: by Unknown. If you know who created this, please let me know.

Unkown

19. Heart-shaped bacon: Oh my goodness, just give me a pile of these and I'll be good. The DIY Lighthouse will show you how.

This image belongs to The DIY Lighthouse

20. Etsy gifts under $30: This list has tons of lovely items for anyone on your Valentine list. (Sorry about the bad pic.)

I hope you find the perfect Valentine for your sweetheart and kiddo! Happy Valentine's Day!💗

Thanks for stopping by!

Natosha

What We Ate - January 2017

2017-01-31T14:51:00.000-06:00

I have been so unmotivated this past month. As always I started off excited to eat and cook healthier meals. I made meal plans, grocery lists, etc. I fell down on the job. However! I somehow lost 9 pounds. Woo hoo!

So, there's not much to share. The recipes for the meals are included.

Chicken Thighs and Rice with Black Beans and Cilantro

This was SO good. We love cilantro and the chicken thighs were moist and flavorful. The rice was to die for. I will be making this again.

Peanut Butter Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

Fried Egg, Cheddar, Olives and Venison Steak

Vegetable Soup with Ground Beef

This soup doesn't really have a recipe. I just use whatever's on hand in the pantry or leftovers from the fridge. I use leftover pasta meat sauce as a base. I add chicken stock, veggies, a sauteed onion and whatever spices I'm in the mood for. It is SO good and no one would ever know you started with last night's spaghetti sauce.

Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry

This was so simple and was under 300 calories, not including the rice. It had a kick due to the red pepper flakes and the asparagus was crisp tender, mmm mmm good!

Chicken and Dumplings

Not a great picture, but oh so good. I always cut my dumplings too big and they puff up huge, lol. They always cook down though.

Did you cook much in January? What were your favorite meals? Share in the comments. I'm always looking for new recipes.

Thanks for stopping by,

Natosha

January 2017 In Review

2017-01-30T11:44:00.000-06:00

Wow! I can't believe how quickly January passed by. If this is an indicator of how quick the rest of the year will go, my goodness, just slow down. This past Christmas was the best it's been in a while. If my brother and his family had made it, it would have been perfect. He's in the Navy and they are in Maryland at the moment.

I'm still waiting for my disability claim to be decided. Who knows when we will get our court hearing. Hopefully soon. Meanwhile I am mostly cooped up in the house with the occasional shopping trip or excursion with my sister. I can't work until the claim is settled so money is pretty much nonexistent. I'm learning a lot about allowing myself to rely on others. It's hard. But this is just a season and seasons always change.

Jaxon, my seven year old, continues to barely eat. I worry about it most days. He finally grew tired of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and that was his staple. He won't eat fruit, most veggies and meat or starches. He drinks lots of milk and tea every once in a while. He loves plain rice and spaghetti. Ramen noodles are his friend. Bacon, eggs and ham, he'll eat. Those items are pretty much what he eats All.The.Time. Throw in green beans, broccoli, crackers and chocolate and that is it. He will be the death of me. I have instituted the rule of tasting a new food every day. We miss a day here and there. So far it has not really changed his eating habits. I'm hoping it will broaden his tastes eventually. 😢

I'm really trying to get myself more organized. I'm hoping to get back to writing on the blog more. What would you like to see? Let me know. I would love to have help with ideas or topics.

Well, finally, here are some pictures from this month:

I hope you all had a wonderful January! Hold tight, I have a feeling 2017 is going to be quite a ride.

Thanks for stopping by,

Natosha

How I Wear My Favorite Boots

2017-01-29T20:50:00.001-06:00

I absolutely love boots. I know I'm not the only one. There are so many styles and so many ways to wear them. Right now I own four pair and if I could, I would own at least four more.

Right now I'm wearing my faux sheep fur boots almost every day. I have a grey pair and a black pair. They are warm and soft and the most comfortable shoes I own. I wear them with leggings and skinny jeans, although I have been know to slip into them while wearing regular cut jeans.

I also love wearing my near knee high brown boots. I love that they are flat and very comfortable. My favorite way to wear them is with leggings and jeggings. They are a little too snug to wear with jeans.

The last pair of boots I am wearing this winter are my cowboy boots. I just love the design and get compliments every time I wear them. I wear them with jeans of all kinds, with my jeans tucked and untucked. I've also worn them with leggings and a long skirt.

There really are countless ways to wear boots. Do you need some boot inspiration? Check out these cowgirl boots. And don't forget your man, who will love these cowboy boots.

How do you wear your boots? How many do you own? I would love to hear in the comments! Or better yet, post a pic! As always, thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Natosha

Healthy Snacking Alternatives

2016-09-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Around my house I am always looking for ways to switch out junk food for something healthier without losing the fun. My 6 year old is a picky eater who loves crackers and chips and turns up his nose at fresh fruit and vegetables.

I decided to try adding yogurt dips to lure Jaxon into healthy snacking. I'm so underhanded, lol. But it's for a good reason.

We love Chobani yogurt and now they have introduced Chobani Meze Dips . The sad news around here is, the Chobani Meze dips aren't available in my area. But no need to sulk. I just grabbed some plain Chobani Greek Yogurt and whipped up a ranch dip. Who doesn't love ranch?

I used one plain Chobani Greek Yogurt, two BIG spoons of mayo and a tablespoon of homemade dry ranch mix.

I'm happy to say Jaxon loved the yogurt dip. He pretty much dove in. I have to admit I had a pretty healthy helping of the veggies and dip myself. However, why should I feel bad. I switched out the sour cream with healthy, yummy Chobani Yogurt and used homemade ranch mix. Now if I can just get my hands on some of the Chobani Meze Dips.

Do you need some inspiration for healthier snacking? Check out this cool infographic from Chobani:

Give healthier snacking a try. You won't regret it.

Thanks for stopping by,
Natosha <3

US Art Supply Jewelescent 100 Color Gel Pen Set #usartsupply

2016-09-24T11:11:00.002-05:00

I have a really great and affordable product for you today. Have you joined the adult coloring book craze? I have to confess, I've been coloring for years, using children's coloring pages.

I was given the opportunity to try US Art Supply's Jewelescent 100 Color Gel Pen Set. Y'all, this set is A-MAZING.

These artist-quality gel pens includes 4-Standard, 29-Glitter, 14-Glitter Neon, 19-Metallic, 17-Neon, and 17-Pastel. They are professional quality and are so smooth.

The storage for the pens is great. The design is awesome; it folds into itself. I love that the colors are all organized by color, which makes it convenient when I am wanting to use many shades of the same color.

US Art Supply offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Right now you can get the set for $18.96 on Amazon: US Art Supply Jewelescent 100 olor Gel Pen Set

I've been using my set whenever I get the chance. I love them. My favorite thing about the set is the colors. There really are 100 unique colors. This is a great gift idea for friends and family of all ages.

I received this product in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are 100% my own. I do not recommend products I do not like or use.

Do you color? What are your favorite products?

Thanks for stopping by,

Natosha

*My blog contains affiliate links. I receive a small percent of any sells made.

Naturel Commodity Super Peptide Eye Serum Review #NaturelCommodity

2016-09-18T01:36:00.002-05:00

Hello friends! I don't know about you, but there are way too many days when I look in the mirror and sigh over the tiny wrinkles and dull skin around my eyes. With my sleepless nights and busy days with my son, I could certainly use some help. Enter Naturel Commodity Super Peptide Eye Serum! Check out some of the benefits:

I was intrigued with the list of natural ingredients. I love to use ingredients found in nature when possible. There is no alcohol, parabens or sulfates. The serum is cruelty free.

I've been using the serum for about one week and I am seeing a difference in the brightness of my eyes. I feel I am looking more refreshed. I am also seeing a difference in the fine lines at my eyes. I feel confident the longer I use the serum the more benefits I will see.

I have been applying the serum twice a day and then following up with my moisturizer. It is safe for all skin types and it's main purpose is to firm, tone and brighten the delicate eye area resulting in a more radiant and youthful appearance. Results can be seen after the first use, but for maximum results, use for at least 30 days. The serum has a slight scent which comes from the natural aloe vera.

I am pleased with the Naturel Commodity Super Peptide Eye Serum and definitely recommend it. I received the serum at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

If you would like to try the serum for yourself, you can find it on Amazon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Friday Favs - 8/26/16

2016-08-26T15:50:00.001-05:00

Hi and happy Friday! Here are my favorite things this week:

This cute ketchup pin makes me want to become a collector.

Andrew Heath

Daisies are my favorite.

laonato

I love planners.

Papyrus

Supercute watch.

calichicboutique

I'm pretty sure I need this dress.

Deb Shops

Bootie weather is almost here in the South.

Mindy Mae's Market

Beautiful handmade cards.

EverydaySummit

Cookies or not, I need this.

World Market

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Natosha

What can CoQ10 do for you?

2016-08-23T00:04:00.000-05:00

For the past 2 years I have been struggling with health issues that seemed to just pop up out of nowhere. One of those issues is high blood pressure. I've always been curious about CoQ10 as a supplement and when I was given the opportunity to review it, I jumped at it.

Before taking the supplement I did my homework. I am not a doctor and advise you to speak with your healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your diet. There could possibly be side effects if combined with certain prescription drugs.

Coenzyme Q10 is similar to a vitamin and is found in every cell of our body. Our bodies make it and our cells use it to produce energy for cell growth and maintenance. It is also an antioxidant, which helps to fight harmful molecules. Coenzymes work with other enzymes to digest foods. (1)

According to the University of Maryland (2), CoQ10 supplements may prevent or help a number of conditions, which include: heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Viva Labs (soon to be Viva Naturals) sent me a bottle of their CoQ10 400 mg Veggie Softgels. The capsules also contain 5mg of Black Pepper. Check out the other ingredients over on Amazon.

I've been taking the CoQ10 for a little over a week. I haven't had a problem with my blood pressure, which is great, but it has been managed pretty well with my prescription medication. I have, on occasion, had low blood pressure which brings me close to blacking out. I haven't experienced this while taking the CoQ10. I have to say, I have had more energy this week. I'll post an update to see if it continues. This would be great as I have Fibromyalgia and struggle with a lack of energy.

Below is a photo of the actual Softgels with some lip balm for size comparison. The size is fairly large, but the gel capsule format makes it easy to swallow. Viva Labs suggests taking the supplement daily with a meal or as directed by a healthcare professional. CoQ10 is fat soluble and should be taken with a meal containing fat in order for your body to absorb it. (2)

Are you taking CoQ10? If so, how is it working for you? I would love for you to let me know in the comments.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week,
Natosha

*I was given a sample of Viva Labs CoQ10 in exchange for an honest and sincere review. All opinions are mine.*

Sources:

(1) WebMD

(2) University of Maryland

Does Anyone Else Miss Their Kiddos?

2016-08-18T13:59:00.001-05:00

School started here on Monday and I already miss my kiddo, lol. My son, Jaxon, started 1st grade this year. I was so ready for him to go back to school. I was about to go crazy if I had to hear about one more cool game on Roblox. But he's only been in school for four days and I'm finding myself repeatedly looking at the clock around 3pm.

Jaxon just missed the cut-off date for starting school the year before last, so he started Kindergarten a year late. He turned six just a couple of months after school started. No big deal though. He has a lot of attention issues so I felt it was good.

Here he is last year:

And, here he is this year:

He can't be bothered to stand up.

He grew almost two inches in a year! He's got tall genes from both sides of the family, so I hope he's over six foot. I'm not working right now and we needed some help from friends to get school supplies. We were (and are) blessed. Two friends sent us paper, pencils, etc, one friend sent a backpack and a sweet couple went to high school with brought over a bag of clothing and a pair of shoes. My sis-in-law and brother are contributing towards a winter coat and my sister is picking my son up from school on most afternoons. I have amazing friends and family.

So . . . Do you miss your kiddos yet? Tell me I'm not alone in the comments!

Joy In The Wasteland

2015-05-14T11:37:00.001-05:00

It's been a really long time since I've posted. You know, life . . . .

This is going to be a rambling post. I just need to work through my feelings and find a way to cope and heal. Writing it all down kinda helps.

I got laid off, I took a job in Minnesota to be close to the love of my life. I hated my job, I got really sick. I was depressed, didn't have any money and felt all alone. I worried about my 5 year old. I packed up and moved back to Arkansas. I was so rash. I quit my job, I said mean things to my best friend, the man I hope to marry.

I apologized. I then became absorbed in helping my uncle pack up his business. One that I had worked at. That was extremely hard. Both physically and emotionally. I came home and would feel the crushing weight of loss. I was so lonely.

I've been praying through it all. I've sought solace in God's love and grace.

I know I'm rambling. Sorry.

I was hanging out on Pinterest and I stumbled upon the blog Arabaj Joy. Arabaj means wasteland. Taken from her blog:

"Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland (the Arabaj) will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display His glory, the splendor of out God."

We can have joy in the wasteland.

I read her post How To Live Loved and following different links I came to a post about praising God in our pain. How God wants us to fully rely on Him, to have faith in his plan.

So, I still cry at the drop of a hat. I long to talk with my love like we used to. I pray, I hope, I thank God and praise him in my wasteland.

African Sweetheart

If you have a prayer need, I would love to pray for you. Let me know in the comment.

Natosha

Horror Movie Survival Kit with Man Crates

2014-10-13T12:39:00.003-05:00

So, I was challenged by Man Crates to create a list of items I would want if I were trapped in a horror movie. What is Man Crates, you ask? Well, let me tell you.

Man Crates is an awesomely creative company that specializes in gifts for men. And get this, the gifts are delivered in a wooden crate that your guy gets to open with a crowbar. How fun! They have crates for the carnivore, survivalist, beer lover, gamer and more. Man Crates also has a handy horror movie survival guide for you:

On to the challenge! I love The Walking Dead and basically any zombie movie, so that will be the survival kit I will be putting together. Here is my list of essential zombie survival gear:

1. 1st Aid kit with guaze, sterile pads, antibiotic cream, scavenged antibiotics, pain meds and sutures.

2. An outdoor survival guide, because c'mon, I'm never gonna remember all that stuff.

3. Tarp, rope and lightweight sleeping bag.

4. Shotgun and shells, because you don't have to have that good of an aim with one of these suckers.

5. Heavy-duty knife.

6. French coffee press. What? I need to be caffeinated to deal.

7. Kinetic flashlight.

8. Energy and/or granola bars.

9. A backpack to put it all in.

There you go. That would be my basic kit. Food and other handy items would come and go.

What items would you put in your horror movie survival kit?

Thanks for stopping by!

Natosha

Menu Plan Monday - 9/29/14

2014-09-29T12:32:00.002-05:00

Wow, I haven't written a blog post since August. I've fallen off the wagon in other areas too. Like my promise to myself and Jaxon to eat healthier. I find that menu planning really helps me to eat better. Even if I don't stick to the menu plan strictly, I still have healthy foods in my fridge and pantry. So, it's back on the wagon.

Monday
Lunch: Leftover vegetable soup. I used Alton Brown's recipe.
Dinner: Tacos, in Lettuce cups, with all the fixings: avocado, cheese, tomato, sour cream

Tuesday
Lunch: Cobb salad with avocado, lettuce, bacon, tomatoes, cucumber, hard boiled egg, cheese and roasted red pepper vinaigrette.
Dinner: 15 Minute spaghetti carbonara

Wednesday
Lunch: Black bean "burger", sweet potato chips and small salad.
Dinner: Balsamic roast beef, baked sweet potatoes and green beans. (freeze half)

Thursday
Lunch: Leftover roast beef and sweet potato.
Dinner: Baja fish taco bowls.

Friday
Lunch: Tuna Salad sandwich with veggie chips.
Dinner: Leftovers or dinner out.

Saturday
Cold cut sandwiches or leftovers.

Sunday
Chili and cornbread.

Breakfasts for the week will be one of the following: scrambled or fried eggs with sausage or bacon, oatmeal with nuts and/or fruit, greek yogurt with fruit, nuts and honey or a protein smoothie.

Now to sit down and write out the grocery list.

Thanks for stopping by,

Natosha

Hi, it's been a while. {Randomness}

2014-08-12T12:50:00.000-05:00

Hello all, I hope you are all having a great Summer. It's just about over. Here in Arkansas we have been blessed with an unseasonably cool Summer and it has been wonderful. Keep those cool fronts from Canada coming!

No menu plans or recipes today. I just wanted to say, "Hi, I'm still around."

Here are a few things I am loving lately:

Listening to on repeat:

Watching:

Random pics:

I hope you have a great week and thanks for stopping by,
Natosha

Menu Plan Monday - 5/19/14

2014-05-19T13:42:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone and happy Monday! This week is all about easy.

Monday: Green beans, mashed sweet potatoes and grilled chicken breast. Last night I grilled several chicken breasts 3 different ways: buffalo, teriyaki and italian seasoning. Plan on eating on them for luch all week.

Tuesday: Breakfast!! Scrambled, cheesy eggs, bacon and homemade waffle sticks. I picked up the cutest little waffle stick iron at Walmart a few months ago. I think the brand is Babycakes. We love it.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with ground beef/red sauce. Steamed broccoli on the side.

Thursday: We will be taking road trip so I'm packing PB&J sandwiches, apples, bananas, yogurt, nuts etc.

Friday: ? ? ? We will figure it out when we get there! Hopefully eat out at a spot that is new to us.

Thanks for stopping by,

Natosha

Menu Plan Monday

2014-05-12T16:20:00.001-05:00

Sorry, I have been MIA lately. Work and life in general has been crazy. I work at a wholesale florist. We sell fresh flowers and supplies to florists all over our state. It has been craziness leading up to Mother's Day. I'm glad it's over. Plus I've had a birthday, t-ball, etc. Life. Anyhoo, here's this week's menu.

Monday: Eat a salad out, between T-Ball pictures and game.

Tuesday: Firing up the grill to cook chicken and a steak. Serve some of the chicken with grilled asparagus and fried sweet potato.

Wednesday: Grilled chicken, warmed in some Frank's Red Hot sauce. Served on crispy romaine with blue cheese crumbles, tomatoes and bacon.

Thursday: Steak fajitas with avocado, sauteed onions, mushrooms and peppers. Side of rice.

Friday: Chicken and veggie "Lo Mein" via The Primal Palate.

For breakfasts, I'm gonna try to do several smoothies and get back into the oatmeal routine.

Treat-wise, these look super yummy:

Thank you for stopping by,
Natosha

Meal Plan Monday - 4/28/14

2014-04-28T13:22:00.001-05:00

Hello! I hope you had a great weekend. Jax and I finally got the garden planted. Well, most of it. I still need to get some bell pepper plants and he wants to plant sunflowers. Yesterday was stormy and brought in cooler weather. I'm liking the 50's and 60's very much. Hot and humid summer will get here soon enough.

This week's menu plan is as simple as I could make it due to the fact that I started the 21DSD (21 Day Sugar Detox) again. I almost made it all the way through last time. Please don't judge the 21DSD by my meal plan. There is such a variety of food you can eat, but to make it easier on myself this go-around, I will be repeating a lot of meals. For more info, go HERE.

Monday: Stir-fry with Napa cabbage, carrots, onion, garlic and mushrooms.

Tuesday: Brown rice and quinoa with kielbasa.

Wednesday: Salad with mixed greens, chick peas, feta cheese, hard salami and Red Pepper Vinaigrette. This vinaigrette is tasty and lasts all week in the fridge. Maybe longer, mine gets eaten before then.

Thursday: Ham, mixed sauteed greens (collard, spinach and kale) and sweet potato.

Friday: Asparagus, oven-roasted with olive oil, garlic and sea salt, baked sweet potato and grilled steak. (Hey, ya gotta splurge every once in a while!)

Lunches will be combinations of salads, rice, tuna, beans and leftover veggies.

Breakfasts will be primarily eggs, cheese and either bacon or homemade breakfast sausage. I bought some chia seeds over the weekend so I might make the Noatmeal.

Thank you for stopping by! Check out the links below for a whole gaggle of meal-planning ideas and recipes!

Natosha

Easter Pictures and My Attempt at Making the Rainbow Cake

2014-04-23T22:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I made the rainbow cake and it turned out pretty awesome. I used pastel colors for an Easter theme. Plus, as you can see, I did not get fancy with the icing. I just grabbed a tub of cool whip and mixed it with softened cream cheese and smeared it on the cake. Excuse the lumps, I couldn't find my mixer and used a hand whisk.

After we sampled the cake, we walked over to my mom's house to have another Easter egg hunt. She was asleep and my youngest nephew was at his dad's, so Jaxon and I had a hunt by ourselves.

We got a new addition to our family, a new fur baby. She started out as a little spitfire, with major emphasis on spit. The first night I had her, I put her on the couch to get used to me and she promptly bit me, hard!
She is starting to warm up to us and even snuggled with Jaxon last night.

That's it for now! I hope you are having an awesome week and, as always, thank you for stopping by,

Natosha

Nelle & Lizzy Discount Code

2014-04-22T13:34:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! I want to introduce you to a great jewelry company named Nelle & Lizzy. They specialize in stamped jewelry. They carry rings, necklaces and bracelets.

Here are some of my favorites:

$73.00

$53.00

$22.00

$54.00

$60.00

starting at $38.00

These are just a sampling of that Nelle & Lizzy offers. AND right now they are offering 25% off to my readers. This will only be good until tomorrow (4/23) at noon est. This discount is awesome, but it does not include items already on sale. These would make perfect Mother's Day gifts for mom, grandmother or yourself. Just click on their ad, in the sidebar on the left and at checkout, enter HAPPYMOTHERSDAY2014.

What are you waiting for? Get to shopping!

Thanks for stopping by,

Natosha

I am an affiliate and will make a commission on all purchases.

MenuPlan Monday - 4/21/14

2014-04-21T01:00:00.000-05:00

Hello and happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. I finally made Jaxon's rainbow cake, with pastel colors, and we did a few other fun activities. I'll share those tomorrow.

On to the menu plan. I have been lazy and strayed from my whole foods eating. I'm jumping back onto the wagon with this week's plan.

Monday: BLTA Salad(leave out the canola oil and just use olive oil).

Cooking Classy

Tuesday: Kielbasa, potato, egg and onion scramble. (From May 2014 Women's Day Magazine)

Whisk 8 eggs and set aside. Cut 8 oz of Yukon Gold potatoes into 1/2" slices, chop one small onion and thinly slice 6 oz of kielbasa. Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a skillet. Add potatoes and cook, covered, for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the onions and cook, covered, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender, about 4-5 minutes more. Add the kielbasas and cook, uncovered, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer potato mixture to a plate. Add whisked eggs to pan and cook until desired consistency. Fold in potato mixture, along with 1/2 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Serves 4. I'll be halving the recipe.

Wednesday: California Rolls.

Natasha's Kitchen

Thursday: Buddha Stir Fry.

Fitness Magazine

Friday: Chicken with Whole-Grain Mustard and Veggies in Packets.

Eating Well

I plan on making some more homemade coffee creamer using this recipe: All-Natural and Homemade: Vanilla Coffee Creamer by Five Heart Home. It is SO good,easy to make and doesn't have all the junk the commercial creamers have. You should really try it.

I'm also going to make this Thai Sweet Chili Sauce from She Simmers.

What are your favorite site for finding whole foods recipes? Do you write a blog that specializes in whole foods or paleo? Please let me know in the comments!

And, as always, thank you for stopping by,

Natosha

Linking up here:

Friday Favs - 4/18/14

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A few of my favorite things this past week.

This DIY sign by AKA Design + Life:

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These fun snacks by Sugar Bee Crafts:

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My son would love these rainbow pancakes by i am baker:

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I love this necklace from Swell Caroline:

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This new Doctor Who t-shirt design:

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Mineral eye pigment set from Younique:

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I recently bought these and LOVE them. I'm gonna need more.

That's it for now, an I know this Friday Favs is published on Saturday. I forgot to post it yesterday. Ooops! I hope you are having a great weekend. Thanks so much for stopping by,

Natosha

16 Last-Minute Easter Crafts for Toddlers - A Roundup

2014-04-17T15:13:00.000-05:00

Easter is upon us and I haven't even done any crafts with Jaxon. Here are a few I found that look fairly quick and easy, and are done with items you probably already have at home.

Pinkie For Pink

Baby Savers

kids' craft ideas

Crafty Toddler Projects

No Time For Flashcards

What are your favorite art, crafts or activities to do with your child at Easter? Besides egg-hunting, that is!

Thanks for stopping by,
Natosha

Menu Plan Monday - 4/14/14

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Hello and happy Monday to you all! In North-Central Arkansas, it has decided to turn back into Winter. Tonight the temperature will dip below freezing and will be almost freezing tomorrow night. Seriously? Well, at least it's not snowing like in other parts of the country. So, I have a few cold weather dishes on the menu for this week. Which, is fine, because I love soups, stews and chili.

Monday:

Pot Roast and Mushroom Soup via Closet Cooking

Tuesday:

Roasted Red Pepper and Italian Sausage Pasta via Cravings of a Lunatic

Wednesday:

Chicken Mushroom Soba Soup via Kitchen Confidante

Thursday: Veggie Burger sliders and a side salad.

Friday:

Oven Baked Chimichangas via Mel's Kitchen Cafe

My son watched a cake tutorial with me this past weekend and now he wants a rainbow cake, so I may attempt that on Saturday. Here's the tutorial:

Doesn't that look like fun! I ordered all natural food coloring to use.

That's it for this week's menu. Thanks for stopping by,

Natosha

Linking up here:

Friday Favs - 4/11/14

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Today's finds are mostly inspired by my search for items to re-do my bedroom. I want a peacock theme, but not necessarily the dark blues/greens/golds. Here's what I have found so far:

Modcloth

CathyDiy

Furniture painted with a metallic finish, like these:

Petticoat Junktion

Vintage Charm Restored

I love the gray dresser with the gold mirror.

Bradbourne Farms

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great weekend!

Natosha