From Corporate to Domestic

Scheduling Made Easy with CoSchedule

2017-03-03T17:03:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I run two parenting websites in my local city. I loved being able to do this for almost four years, and the second site just turned one!

It can get a little crazy running multiple sites, and that's why I had to enlist the help of CoSchedule to keep my head on straight and also to be able to be a HUMAN PERSON and not attached to my computer 24/7. (You know the feeling!)

Have you used CoSchedule? After I started KMB, I was ALWAYS glued to my computer and social media trying to make sure I was continuing to grow this local resource. I would seriously wake up and post on Facebook every day. It took so much of my time away from my family, and it was something I worried about ALL.THE.TIME. I would worry did I schedule that post, how far did I schedule in advance...and the list just goes on and on.

Finally some other sites in the City Moms Blog network suggested using CoSchedule so I gave it a shot with the trial period. My life was forever changed!

Not only did it allow my Managing Editor to actual edit in WordPress while she was actually editing it a post, she could schedule to multiple outlets without having to leave WP at all. For us, it was a game changer and freed up time that we desperately needed. I was also eventually able to add a social media manager to my team, and now her and the Managing Editor can see the same information that they need to complete their tasks.

Blogging can be fun, but it can also be cumbersome with all the social media that goes with it. We all know that's part of the gig, but it doesn't have to rule our life.

CoSchedule from Garrett Moon on Vimeo.

CoSchedule also has handy tutorials that show you step-by-step how to use the program. They are also very responsive with any questions you might have. Sometimes that is hard to find in a very web-based world!

They have many features including a marketing calendar, social media scheduling, workflow management, WordPress, Google Docs, Evernote, and Chrome Extension.

I love connecting with friends on social media, but it's also nice to actually step away from the computer and enjoy life away from technology. CoSchedule has allowed me to find a balance and have the best of both worlds!

I also can access both my sites very easily by toggling the calendars. This is a great feature when you have three little ones on the go with not a lot of time. We all know that time is of the essence!

They are always adding cool features, and now we've starting scheduling to Pinterest, and you can even schedule to Instagram (well you know, as far as you can schedule with a reminder to push your Instagram photo). It's also nice to see the calendar layout with all your social media scheduled out in one convenient place!

I hope you give it a shot and happy scheduling my friends!

Natalie

2017 Shenanigans

2017-03-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

2016 was a crazy year for my family and for myself in general. I'm really hoping that 2017 slows down a bit, but as we must of us know once you have kids there doesn't seem to be a pause button.

As we head into March 2017, my little guy turns 8 months old, and my older boys just finished basketball. This was our first experience with basketball, and the league kind of does more football/basketball since most of the kids are still learning the concept of dribbling. It was super fun to watch, and Nolan ended up scoring a ton of goals because well he's a GIANT for his age.

Foster is still a little cuddly bear, and I believe is totally ok to keep his baby status. He's no in hurry to be a big boy, and we're totally cool with that. He's a very sweet natured baby with a huge smile. He now has two teeth that he got around 6 months. I think his top two are trying to make an appearance as he fiercely chews on anything. He loves watching his big brothers especially Nolan.

The jury is still out on who he looks like...mostly I think he looks like Nolan when he was a baby, but he certainly has some Conley like features.

Nolan lost his third baby tooth, and almost a fourth one and soon a fifth. That child will look like a jack-o-lantern soon!

In March, we don't have too many plans besides moving into our new house. We started building last year, and man has it been a process. The boys have spring break, but I don't think we are going anywhere due to the whole we need to be moving soon situation.

KMB and CMB have been keeping me busy! The first quarter is always the busiest time of year for the sites, so another reason I haven't been around. Hoping to post more soon, and more fun updates about Foster!

Natalie

This Little Guy

2016-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

My little baby boy is now 5 months old! Where does the time go?

This little cutie likes to roll over, and he's really into chewing on his hands. He's got the kickiest legs you've ever seen, and the sweetest smile and laugh. Out of my three boys, I believe he's the smiliest, the happiest, and the first to roll over. It's always fun to see how they differ or how they are the same. They are all their own little people, and it's fun to watch them develop their personalities.

We are loving our blue-eyed little boy! He's such a joy and the perfect addition to our family!

Natalie

Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas

2016-11-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

The turkeys have been eaten, and the football has been watched--now onward to the Christmas season!

With Thanksgiving being a little early this year, it feels like Christmas is starting even earlier than usual with holiday events and tree lightings.

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is receiving cards from all my friends and family. It's fun to see how their families have grown and all the new styles of cards.

Shutterfly has always been one of my go-to Christmas cards since I started making photo cards of my family. Right now I have all the previous years on our fridge, and it's so fun to see how we've changed over the year.

Shutterfly never disappoints with their designs, and this year is no exception! Here are just a few of my favorites I'll be choosing from this year:

From foil stamped, shimmering, pop-out, and ornament shaped Shutterfly has something for everyone to choose from! Don't forget about all their awesome photo gifts for an extra personalized gift this year. I always make photo books and ornaments for the whole family, and I'm excited to design ours this year to include our newest addition!

Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season! Merry Christmas friends!

Natalie

Well Hello There November

2016-11-05T19:37:00.001-04:00

Ahh...it's finally fall in my neck of the woods. We've been dealing with high temperatures this time of year with 80's and 90's...but not I finally have the 70's with some crispness in the air.

November is my favorite time of year for a multitude of reasons--my birthday (I'm forever 29!), fall my favorite season is usually in full effect, and KMB's third birthday. We plan a huge bash for KMB, and once that party is over my season of life slows down a tad as far as planning goes.

This year we celebrated on a yacht, and it was AMAZING!

We also received our team photos back, and they are my favorite yet!

In October I was at the CMBN conference in San Antonio, and I was able to hang out with the other site owners in other cities. These ladies are awesome!

It's a busy couple of months, but hoping that I'll be catching up here and sharing about Nolan's birthday, and sweet baby Foster who is now 4 months old!

Natalie

A Superhero Birthday!

2016-09-12T09:27:00.001-04:00

Wow I realize I haven't posted since announcing Foster's birth but as you can imagine it's been crazy around here. We've been adjusting to becoming a family of 5 and also having Nolan start Kindergarten. Life is changing, and we're trying to settle in a new routine.

At the beginning of August, we celebrated Conley's 4th birthday party. The theme was a Superhero theme, and it was lots of fun at our local splash pad!

And this guy turned one month old at the end of July!

Happy September friends!

Natalie

Introducing...

2016-07-24T14:36:00.000-04:00

Introducing baby boy#3...

Foster Lewis!

Beautiful baby boy born on June 29th!

7 lbs, 15 oz, and 21 inches

We are doing great and adjusting to being a family of 5!

Natalie

Another Beach Trip in the Books!

2016-06-24T10:13:00.000-04:00

We took our last beach trip as a family of four back in May at our favorite place Kiawah Island, SC!

The boys always have a great time, and this year Nolan was quite the swimmer. Not only do we visit the beach, but they have an amazing splash pad and several pools to enjoy. We pretty much were at the beach or the pool all day!

Until next year Kiawah!!!

Natalie

The Final Countdown

2016-06-24T09:26:00.001-04:00

It's hard to believe we are on our final countdown to meet our newest family member. At times this pregnancy has flown by, and other times it has seemed like it has taken FOREVER. Overall it's been a pretty easy pregnancy minus the snotty nose and allergies. I will be super excited to be able to breathe again! Praying that after I birth this sweet boy that I'll be back to normal soon.

Today I wanted to share his name, and his new nursery!

Baby boy#3 is going to be named Foster! We really are loving the name, and it took forever to finally decide on one especially when you've named 3 boys.

Without further adieu, here's the photos of the new nursery!

Happy Friday!

Natalie

The Winds of Change

2016-05-09T10:08:00.000-04:00

It's really hard to believe my oldest will be starting Kindergarten this fall. He is SO EXCITED about going, and after Legos it's one of the topics he mentions the most.

I have no fear that he won't excel...minus getting up early every morning. This boy needs his 12 hours of sleep!

I'm sad to see this time come as I'll miss our Mondays and Fridays. The boys attend a Mother's Day Out/Preschool program, and it's Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. It just works perfect. Mondays are our days to regroup---and take swim lessons. Friday is Fun Day most of the time, and we find some fun activity to do.

2016 is such a big year for us with adding a new addition in less than 8 weeks. I'm anxious, scared, and excited all at the same time. When I had Conley, Nolan was practically still a baby at only 21 1/2 months old. Now I'll have an almost 6 and 4 year old. Talk about a game changer! I'm hoping to enjoy this process more as the boys are older and are more independent. Before that time period was a huge blur and just about survival.

Before the third baby boy makes his arrival, we'll head to the beach as our last time as a family of four. It's bittersweet, but I know the boys will be great big brothers!

We almost have the nursery fully completed with one more wall to go!

Natalie

A Snapshot of Life Lately

2016-05-04T22:16:00.000-04:00

Wow I just skipped over April now didn't I? This year is flying by and before you know it there will be a new baby in my house!

We did some hiking in the nice weather:

Easter and Easter Egg Hunts:

A weekend away sans kids:

A girls' night out:

And the bump continues to grow:

Not much longer now---less than 10 weeks! Nursey will be soon revealed, one wall to go!

Happy May and may the fourth be with you!

Life and Friendships

2016-03-22T12:52:00.002-04:00

Isn't it crazy how friendships change as we grow older. I'm not sure if it's due to our lifestyles changing or if it's due to being wiser but things most certainly do change.

Many years ago I wrote about how friendships expire and how it's ok if a friend you were once really close to changes to someone you don't talk to anymore. I do truly believe that people come into your lives for a certain purpose or reason.

But what about those friends that are supposed to be your closest?

I've found that the older I get, the less people I can call close friends. Sure I'm fine to catch up and talk to these friends, but the closeness and connection is not the same. Is it sad? Yes but part of life.

However I do find it funny how if you are catching up that some of these friends never really ask you about your life. I always try to make a point to inquire what's going on with their life and children, but I find this is not reciprocated.

I get it, being pregnant with number 3, and even a third boy is not exciting right? Because "oh you are just having another boy," just a normal thing. But seriously I don't expect these friends to bend over backwards as yes I have been down this road before. However I don't think it's too much to ask for a friend to ask how you are feeling and maybe how the boys are reacting. I think that's normal, don't you? I'm surprised that after I ask them how they are doing, I get ZERO questions about myself, my family, or even KMB.

What does this mean? I'm not sure if it means these friends are totally self-absorbed, if they don't care, or if they consider their selves too busy. I just find it a little disheartening that some people won't even give you the time of day, but they can sure talk about what's going on for them.

Do you have people in your lives like this? How do you deal with friends that don't seem concerned for you?

Natalie

The Life of a Blogger

2016-02-23T15:24:00.000-05:00

Many of you have followed my on my journey of this small personal blog, and I've made some incredible friends from it.

Not to mention, I met a gal in New Orleans who also had a small family blog but then launched the New Orleans Moms Blog site. She encouraged me to launch KMB, and now I've expanded to CMB.

I never would have thought that this small blog would have opened so many doors of opportunity for me. I've been running multiples sites/blogs since 2013, and I've loved every minute of it.

This space does get neglected from time to time, but I hope you follow me over at KMB.

It can get a little crazy running multiple sites, and that's why I had to enlist the help of CoSchedule to keep my head on straight and also to be able to be a HUMAN PERSON and not attached to my computer 24/7.

Have you used CoSchedule? After I started KMB, I was ALWAYS glued to my computer and social media trying to make sure I was continuing to grow this local resource. I would seriously wake up and post on Facebook every day.

Blogging can be fun, but it can also be cumbersome with all the social media that goes with it.

CoSchedule also has handy tutorials that show you step-by-step how to use the program. They are also very responsive with any questions you might have. Sometimes that is hard to find in a very web-based world!

They have many features including a marketing calendar, social media scheduling, workflow management, WordPress, Google Docs, Evernote, and Chrome Extension.

Natalie

February Happenings

2016-02-14T21:44:00.001-05:00

I seriously have been meaning to post more here, but I haven't found the time between KMB and now starting CMB!

However I wanted to share here if you haven't seen on my Instagram or Facebook that we are expecting our 3rd child!

It's exciting and scary, and the baby is due in July. We are also excited to announce that we are having a third boy! I am totally outnumbered 4 to 1 and 5 to 1 if you count the dog.

I'm 20 weeks as of Sunday and of course totally slacking on bump photos.

Ignore the poor lighting, apparently taking bump photos from my phone instead of my big camera doesn't look so great. Oh well I'm too lazy to get it out so these will have to do.

Happy Valentine's Day friends!

Happy 2016!

2016-01-11T13:55:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year friends! I hope you had a wonderful holiday with family and loved ones!

We had Christmas here at my in-laws and our house, and then traveled to my parents house.

It's all kind of a blur, and here we are in 2016!

It was unusually warm as it was in most of the country with almost being 75 degrees on Christmas Day.

I'm not complaining as I really despise being cold, and now today it was less than 20 degrees, so it appears we are trying to catch up.

We have many new Lego sets in our house:

(Submarine Legos in this photo)

And enjoying the warm weather at a newer park in town!

I finished some good books and highly recommend The Silent Sister.

We are going to LEGOLAND this weekend and meeting my baby niece! I'm so excited to be an aunt!

How's 2016 treating you?

Natalie

Deck the Halls with Fun!

2015-12-10T15:19:00.005-05:00

It's been a fun last few weeks with plenty of Christmas activities! We've actually had really warm temperatures in our area, so it's hard to believe Christmas will be here in 15 days!

We have a local event that supports our local Children's Hospital called the Fantasy of Trees. All types of organizations and businesses decorate trees, and then people buy them with all proceeds benefiting the hospital. They also have tons of crafts and a carousel for the kiddos!

We then have a local park that "Lights the Park" with tons of Christmas lights. The kids had so much fun watching the park come to life and of course seeing Santa arrive on a firetruck!

Really some beautiful lights. Then this past Saturday we headed to cut down our Christmas tree. Sadly the tree farm we visit is having it's last year due to the owner who passed away earlier this year. He was always a super nice man and his family are doing this last season for him.

And we topped of all these fun festivities with the boys Christmas play at school!

Hope you are enjoying the holiday season!

Natalie

Tis the Season for Christmas & Holiday Cards!

2015-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is giving and receiving holiday cards! I love seeing all my friends and family and how much their children have grown throughout the year.

I'm really a sucker for all things mail. Snail mail just has a way of brightening your day, and I really should try to send more out to my friends when I have them on my mind.

This year I will be shopping at my favorite Shutterfly. Shutterfly has really out done themselves with more foil-stamped colors, colored envelopes & envelope liner designs, ornament cards, matching address labels, gift stickers, and back of cards designs and photos.

Here are just a few of my faves this year:

I'm absolutely loving all the rustic designs this year! Now just to get my family photos back, so I can pick a design! Do you send out Christmas cards?

Natalie

Birthdays and Babies!

2015-11-09T08:33:00.000-05:00

Wow what a week! I've been planning a lot for the KMB second birthday party, and I'm happy to report it was a huge success! It was a country/western theme, and I absolutely fell in love with our cake!

So glad that planning is done! Now it was time for my actual birthday! I headed to a baby shower, and a weekend of friends and shopping!

My friend put together this fun collage of all the first baby showers together!

Hard to believe the first shower was for Nolan in 2010!

Oh and I can't leave out the boys' Halloween costumes!

Happy Monday!

Natalie

From Dallas to a 5th Birthday Party!

2015-10-14T11:54:00.001-04:00

Hello October! Right now the leaves are changing colors, and there is a briskness in the air which means my favorite time of year!

I started the month off at a conference in Dallas for KMB and spent some quality time with the City Moms Blog Network owners! Many of the ladies I met last year, but I was so happy to meet some new faces this year!

Then yesterday we celebrated Nolan's 5th Birthday a little early with our playgroup friends! He asked to have it at the house, so we had a Lego party with pizza!

Happy Early Birthday my sweet boy!

Natalie

September Fall Fun!

2015-09-30T15:25:00.000-04:00

It's been a crazy last few weeks!

I went to two concerts:

Kelly Clarkson:

Lady Antebellum:

Then we hit the beach:

And now I'm headed to Dallas!

It's been a traveling month full of fun! Nolan also swam underwater for the first time, started his first season of soccer with the YMCA, and went to the zoo with the grandparents.

Anyone else think 2015 is flying by?

Kickin' It in New Orleans 90's Style

2015-09-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Before I started KMB, I became friends with Ashley through this blog and her own personal one. Soon after we connected she started New Orleans Moms Blog, and then she encouraged me to start KMB.

So I decided to crash her 3rd birthday party which was also a 90's prom which is totally my jam since I grew up in the 90's.

I talked my best friend from my school days, Jessica to go with me.

We landed Friday evening and had some wonderful food! We met up with some of my past work friends and toured down Bourbon Street.

On Saturday, we went to EAT near the French Quarter for breakfast and then toured around the Quarter.

Then Saturday night was time for the 90's Prom! And let's just say it didn't disappoint. We had a blast from the past!

We had a blast, and we were so glad to visit New Orleans and with Ashley and the whole NOMB crew!

Natalie

Beach Party Fun!

2015-08-20T15:44:00.000-04:00

We had so much fun celebrating Conley's third birthday at the local splash pad where we've held it for the past three years.

This year I did a beach party theme (super easy), and mainly blue and green colors.

The (inflatable) drink holder, beach balls, leis, are all from Oriental Trading. If you haven't used them for a party, you totally should! The bubble holders and the chalk sign are all from Hobby Lobby, and the printables I found FREE online and used frames I have used in the past. It worked so well!

The cake was actually from Kroger!

As far as themes go this was one of my favorites and very fun. Not to mention, I really didn't spend that much money on it which is AWESOME.

If you need any links to some of the products just comment below!

Natalie

You Are Three...

2015-08-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

My youngest turned three this past Saturday. That's right my baby, my youngest...is now officially straight toddlerhood to boyhood.

It's weird to think I no longer have a baby in the house and that I'll soon be the mother of a five and three year old.

At three Conley is full of life and smiles, and feels everything (including tantrums and his way) fiercely.

He wants to open all doors and "I'll do it myself" is a constant sentence that we hear in our household. Much different than his brother was at that age with a more independent streak...yet still very much a momma's boy.

At this moment, if mom is home he only wants mommy for his boo-boos or putting him to sleep. He loves his big brother and enjoys antagonizing him any chance he can...aka messing up Nolan's Legos or anything he's focused on.

He is a great talker and always says the funniest things!

We had a fun Beach Party Birthday Party at the SplashPad (Post later this week!), and Conley even though adventurous as he is still stays close to mommy in a crowd.

We love your vigor for life little sweet boy, and we hope you always have such passion.

Happy 3rd birthday sweetheart!

Natalie

A Weekend of Fun!

2015-07-23T17:29:00.000-04:00

The husband and I had a rare weekend away without the boys (since last October)!

We headed up to Louisville, Kentucky and had a fantastic time.

First on the agenda was a late night dinner at Proof on Main which was FABULOUS!

Then the next morning we headed to Mega Cavern for hours of zip lining fun!

Then we headed to a dive lunch place called The Grind and had the most delicious burgers and fried Brussels sprouts!

Next up on the agenda was a Bourbon tour.

Last but not least was eating dinners with some old friends.

We had a great weekend but wish it had been longer...already missing the great food we had!

Natalie

Wordless Wednesday :: Batman and Robin Style

2015-07-15T14:36:00.000-04:00

Well it's been a busy first few weeks of July in these parts so I'll leave you this Wednesday with a few photos of our adventures!

Seriously that Batman mask gets me every time...he really looks like a Baby Batman!

Happy Wednesday!

Natalie