Maggie & The Moms | Consequences & more!

 Raising good humans is the name of the game! 

I'm a strong believer that we're never done learning how to be better parents, people and friends. I love learning from the wonderful moms I meet on Maggie & The Moms on the Daytime TV Show! 

We discussed consequences (such a good one) and the traits of the 'model mom'. 

What traits do you think the 'model mom' should have? To watch the latest segment, click here!  

As always, I'm so grateful to Maggie and the producers of Daytime for having me on the panel for these great discussions! :) 

Mother's Day | Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

I recently received a pretty big honor in this crazy, momlife, blogger world... 

I was nominated to be in a special Mother's Day issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, 

Favorite Mom-Fluencers in Tampa Bay! 

To say I was excited, is an understatement!! I knew my closet friends and family cheered me on, reading my blog and following our family's adventures, but when the editor contacted me to tell me they wanted to share my little blog with all of Tampa Bay, made this little project all worth while! 

My kiddos don't care about the perfect shot or the pretty Insta-feed, they just want to have a good time, and they are the reason I stared this blog! So, we'll keep doing fun things and sharing them with you. 

I'm so very honored to be included in the inspiring list of moms in this Mother's Day issue. 

Thank you Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine for this honor! 

If you haven't seen a hard copy of the issue, you can check out the digital copy here.

New Year, Better Mom

Happy New Year, friends!

I hope the busy month of December treated you well as you spent time with your families and wrapped up another year! How have you been?

As we start a fresh new year, I was thinking of resolutions, or goals I'd like to set for myself & the family. What goals are you aiming for in the new year?

I want to be a better mom.
I want to do less nagging & yelling and more fun & spontaneous adventures with my crew.

I want to do better about being present with my kids!

My oldest son's birthday a couple of weeks ago, in between the hustle and bustle of the holidays, really hit me hard. He turned 8. EIGHT! I know, I know, it's a little dramatic, he didn't turn 16 or anything, but I know that's not far off! (insert ugly crying face here)
He's growing faster than I can keep up, and I just wish I could freeze time. (Every mother's wish, right?)

I want to try to really savor the moments I have with my kids, especially while they're little. My goal this year, is to do more of that. Savor our time together. Be intentional with our time together.

Who else is with me? :)

Less Netflix bingeing, and more marathon reading with my boys!

Less chores after school and more pillow fort building!

Less Instagramming (this one will be hard ) but more dance parties!

It's not a drastic change, but I'm going to commit to putting my phone down more often & really play and enjoy quality time with them. They deserve that. I know one day soon, I'll blink...and they'll be grown. I hope you'll join me in savoring more quality time with your littles as a goal this year too!

World Kindness Day

This post was shared a couple years ago, but I think it will always be relevant. ❤️ 

On November 13th, as a part of World Kindness Day, we are encouraged to spread kindness like confetti! 

Created in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, the movement encouraged the world to show kindness to others. This unofficial holiday encourages people to be kind to each other and spread happiness by sharing random acts of kindness.

How will you celebrate? 

The virtue of kindness, is learned by practicing it in your daily life. The boys and I took to the streets to celebrate! Here's a few suggestions for some random acts of kindness you can do to spread kindness to others, each and everyday!

• Thank a soldier, any person in uniform. (We do this anytime we see someone in uniform!)
• Pay for someone's coffee. 
• Leave flowers or treats for a neighbor.
• Donate toys and/or food to a shelter.  
• Leave someone a sweet note. 

Being kind, isn't a new concept, but it's often forgotten. My boys often hear me say, "Please be kind to each other, are those kind words?" 

I want them to always remember to be kind and to be respectful of others. It's our job as parents to encourage that. The world we live in today, needs more of this. Even if, just for just one day, World Kindness Day, can you do something simple to show kindness to a stranger? Let's start a domino effect! 

Happy World Kindness Day to you friends! I'd love to hear how you share kindness in your neighborhood & communities! 

Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts!

99.9% of my day, I feel like I’m just winging it....  

Praying each choice made for the boys, is the right one. 

Hoping they’re kind to their friends & praying that it’s returned upon them. 

Raising little humans to be good + loving people, isn’t for the faint of heart, but its the greatest adventure!

My friends at Mom Culture , feel the same. They are helping me celebrate motherhood with a discount just in time for Mother’s Day! If you’ve still got a last minute gift to buy for Mom, OR you want to#treatyoself use the code PROSE15 for a special discount for a great tee from Mom Culture.com

I can’t wait to get mine! How cute is this one? Raising Gentlemen? 

I'm sharing some other last minute gifts you can order and surprise the Mom in your life with this week! Finding a special delivery on the doorstep is such a sweet surprise.

Order something for her that she won't buy for herself... spoil her this Mother's Day & treat her to that new skincare regimen from Rodan + Fields she's been after!

And the final last minute idea she'll love, is the uber popular letter board.

This one from, Letterfolk is sure to be a favorite. You might even become Mom's favorite! ;)

Whether you pick up a last minute gift or not, make sure you show her some extra love on Mother's Day! :)

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Moms!

My Hero Mom || A Mother's Day Contest

There's a woman that constantly inspires you... She puts others before herself. She's up way past everyone else, folding tiny clothes and washing that pile of dishes, all in preparation for the next day to do it all again, tirelessly with love + grace...and you wonder, how does she do it all? When does she rest?

Do you know an amazing mother, friend, aunt, that deserves a very special token of gratitude for all that they do?

I know many and I'm always inspired by those women in my life, which is why, loving on those special women is so important to me!

#MyHeroMom Contest

I'm thrilled to be sharing this very special Mother's Day contest with you! Tampa Bay Parenting along with The Grand Beauty Spa want to hear about that woman that inspires you!!

Visit Grand Beauty Spa/My Hero Mom and nominate a deserving mom!
She could win a spa day for two!

Two lucky moms {and a guest each} will be treated to a fabulous spa day at The Grand Beauty Spa on Saturday, May 13th.

Additionally, three other moms will be chosen as winners of a $100 gift card to the spa!

**If you know a deserving mother for this amazing prize, nominate her here! **

They are certainly not looking for the perfect mom, {because none of us are} but they want to hear about them all! A panel of judges will be sharing some of their favorites around Mother's Day. The last day for entries is May 1st, at 10 pm (EST)

Cheers to all the all the amazing mothers out there, I send you love and a whole-lotta thanks for all that you do!

And don't forget, you can still treat a mom or a friend at the Grand Beauty Spa even before Mother's Day! Use the special code: TAMPABLOGGER + give them my name (Natassja) when you reserve your appointment & you'll have 10% off your service!

#ad #sponsored #contest

The Grand Beauty Spa || A Mom's Oasis

It's not always easy to make time for yourself, at least it's not for this Mommy. Like many mothers I know, we are most often at the bottom of the priority list. Not because we choose to neglect our self-care, but because we are serving our families and just, forget!

Blame it on the "mom brain" or just lack of time with a busy family, but I'm learning, that giving myself that much needed break every now and then, is important! When I'm feeling drained and tired, my family isn't getting me at my best! But, when I do pencil that time in for myself,  I'm left feeling refreshed and relaxed, in turn, better prepared to tackle that mountain of toys or laundry, and work that I left behind!

Feeling refreshed and relaxed...isn't this every mother's dream?

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting The Grand Beauty Spa, here in Tampa to check out what this luxurious beauty spa had to offer! With Mother's Day quickly approaching, I was making a mental 'wish list' for all the treatments I wanted to try!! Manicures, pedicures, facials, and body wraps...oh my! I was in for a massage, and boy was I excited!!

Seriously, this place was beautiful! I was welcomed by the kindest staff, given a tour of the beautiful salon & service rooms, multiple lounge areas and then, we stepped outside and I was pleasantly surprised by a perfect-little hidden sanctuary, complete with lounge swings and small waterfalls. I couldn't wait to change into my robe and start relaxing!!

A quick change in the ladies lounge and completing my service questionnaire, I traveled upstairs {via the cute elevator by the way} and was greeted by my masseuse, Bruce. A few minutes in another chic lounge area & I was escorted to enjoy the signature, Grand Massage!

After my wonderful massage, I was feeling rejuvenated and ready to enjoy some quiet time in the tranquil space outside. Along with my glass of champagne, I was soaking it all in. Just me, the beautiful light from the sunset, the sounds of the waterfalls and a magazine...a perfect, mom's oasis.

This experience, at The Grand Beauty Spa, from start to finish, was perfection. I didn't want it to end!

I had my very own, "ah-ha" moment while in the steam room. I learned about their Grand Membership Program & I couldn't stop thinking about it! With a Grand Spa Membership, I would have a special spot and committed time, a few times each month for "ME" time! This is definitely something, this mama could use!! Taking my relaxation to the next level!!!! YES!! :)

There are a few membership choices, so to figure out which membership at The Grand Beauty Spa, would be perfect for you, be sure to check them out below! {This is also a perfect page to leave open on your computer for the hubby to see! wink, wink }

Grand Memberships

I hope you'll find some time to carve out for yourself soon. Moms need a time-out too!
As a special treat, I'm sharing a special promotional code with you to check out this gorgeous spa for yourself!

Visit Grand Beauty Spa and use the code TAMPABLOGGER + give them my name & you'll get 10% off services!

Grab your girlfriends, grab your daughter or mother, or go solo!! It's beautiful and the wonderful staff will take such great care of you & will show you exactly, #Howtograndspa!!! Be sure to include plenty of time to put your feet up after wards and enjoy that quiet oasis with a glass of bubbly!!

Cheers!!

I'll be sharing an exciting contest coming up with The Grand Beauty Spa and Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine for Mother's Day, so stay tuned for that!! #MYHEROMOM

#HowtoGrandSpa #sponsored #ad

Note: My spa service was complimentary for purposes of this review. All opinions are my own. 

Honoring Mom Friends

Honoring our own mothers and awaiting those handmade cards from our little ones for Mother's Day goes with out saying...but what about honoring the Mommy friends that keep us sane day to day?

Have you ever thought about sharing your gratitude to the Mommy pals that keep you going past the 10th snack spill or the 5th outfit change? Those are the pals that understand why being a Mother is the best and hardest job and they're the ones that remind us... bedtime is near!! Ha! :)

In years past, I held a special brunch for a few special Mommy friends. This year, our scheduling conflicts took over, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to share my appreciation to those Mom friends in my life that give me advise, share a laugh, and really... help me daily in being a better Mom!

Another amazing friend, mother, and lucky for me she-happens-to-be family, Tabitha from Inspired By Giving, created a cute printable for me to share with my Mommy friends on Mother's Day!

If I could hand deliver these with a bouquet of flowers to each of my wonderful Mommy pals, I would! But, hopefully printing this will be easy and will serve as inspiration that you've all given me, in many ways over the years!

To print your original Inspired By Giving printables, follow the links below! Maybe this inspires you to send a card to your best Mommy pals or just print this for yourself! Either way, enjoy!

Mother's Day Printable 1

Mother's Day Printable 2

To all of my Mommy Friends, I adore you! A very Happy Mother's Day to all of  you!!!

Love being a Mom in Tampa Bay!

Earlier this year, I met the owner of Mommy Spot Tampa Bay. We quickly became friends and long story short, I was invited to join a team of writing contributors for her website!

My first post is live on Mommy Spot Tampa Bay, and I wanted to share it with my Prose & Co readers!

Check it out here! Let me know what you think & while you're there, check out the calendar of fun stuff going on this month!

Mommy's Trifecta & The Fall Fashion Show

Mom-my Tri-fec-ta: A Mom's night out, enjoying delicious food & drink, AND indulging in some retail therapy...all in ONE place!!


Every Mother needs a little R & R! We don't always allow time for ourselves to do so.... Or if we do, we feel guilty for taking that time away from other priorities... Well, I'm learning, a rested Mommy, is a happy Mommy! I was lucky enough to get the "Mommy Trifecta" as I like to call it and wanted to share it with you!


Here's a look at the Fall Fashion Show I participated in last week, hosted by Mommy Spot Tampa  & a great boutique in Hyde Park Village ,  Don Me Now ! They invited Moms of all sizes and even featured a couple cute preggos to model the newest Fall looks; Encouraging us all to get out of the yoga pants and into something that made us feel beautiful!!

Make up application before the show! Made us feel like stars! 

Backstage with all the Mommy models before starting the show! 

I was styled in a chic black jumpsuit and this beautiful necklace! The hat, was separate, but instantly loved it! 

All mommy models with the founder of Mommy Spot Tampa, Christina 

Big thanks to this sweet pal who came to cheer me on!! 

It was a fabulous night! Don Me Now styled all the Moms to perfection! If you haven't been to this boutique in Hyde Park Village , be sure to stop by! They have really great stuff and you'll love Danielle & her staff of stylists!

I didn't get any photos of the delicious food and drinks they had for the event, but trust me, these girls knew how to throw a party! 

Check back with me or visit Mommy Spot Tampa directly for more of their fabulous events coming up! You might see an article or two from me, coming up on their site soon! :) XO! 

Final weeks of Baby Bump!

Ok, ok, so I've missed a few weeks, but we've been busy and I've been feeling VERY pregnant and huge! My final weeks with this giant baby bump have arrived!

On the bright side, I'm sharing some adorable photos of Jack's Big Brother class he attended a couple weeks ago! It was so sweet to watch and he's very excited to be our big helper when baby arrives!

The older siblings-in-training were given dolls to hold, burp and even change diapers! It was super cute!

Our big boy received his diploma and proved ready to be a BIG Brother!! We treated him to ice cream after class! ;) 

Now for the final weeks of my baby bump! We'll be going in for delivery at 39 weeks, so here are the last 2 week's photos! 

Check out that big-cheesy smile!! 

We are anxious and excited to meet our little baby MAX! Yes, baby Prose finally has a name!! It's been a roller coaster pregnancy with all that we've had going on, but we are truly blessed and grateful to be adding to our family! 

Emotional "Nesting" Confessions

We are nearing the end of this pregnancy. I'm thankful. I'm anxious. I'm nervous and very emotional. All "normal" feelings, right?? I hope so!

At our very first prenatal appointment months ago, my doctor said to me, "don't worry about feeling like you can't love the second as much as your first born...you absolutely will, you'll see!" How did she know this thought was crossing my mind?

Oh, how that question has been on my mind ever since...especially lately! Just the other night, I burst into tears as I was folding baby clothes. Not just any clothes, JACK'S first little clothes!! The very little jammies we brought him home in, I was holding in my hands as I teared up and cried!! How was it possible that he grew from that newborn size to the perfect little-3-year-old he is now? The time flew by in a blink, everyone said it would...and now we're about to start all over with a new baby, but why am I so teary and sad?

I'm worried about being away from Jack while in the hospital. I am nervous that Jack will miss being our "only child" and resent his baby brother. I worry that I won't remember how to care for an infant!!?! I'm hopeful that it is just pregnancy hormones getting the best of me, and that, once we hold this little "peanut" we've been waiting for, my anxiety and worry about having two babies...will just melt away.

I wanted to share my "nesting confessions" in hopes that I find out that... (a.) I'm not crazy for feeling anxious about becoming a mom of 2 and (b.)I'm not alone!  :) Please tell me I'm not crazy?? If not, just humor me! :)

In any case, I'm cherishing these last few weeks with Jack, just he and I. We're so blessed to have this time together. I can't thank my husband enough for working hard to make it possible. I do my best to remind him daily, how grateful I am.

We'll be meeting our "little peanut" in a few short weeks. Nesting will continue as I'm sure my emotional outbursts, but we are very excited to welcome our baby soon. :)

If you have advise to share about this, please do so! Email me or comment below!