An Introduction, or a Refresh…Take Your Pick

Whether you’re a long time reader of Hello! Happiness or a newbie who is just familiarizing yourself with the surroundings here, it’s always fun to give you a little background about the person behind the blog. I learn new stuff everyday about the blogs I read and I find it really enjoyable to know more about their ins, outs, preferences, and such.

Name/Occupation/Age/Stats
Natasha (pronounced Na-TASH(like lash/cash/etc)-a…my circle will tell you I go nuts when people say my name incorrectly and it might be one major reason I made sure both of my girls’ names were simple and straightforward. Just turned 31 and I’m proud of where I’m at. 5’4″, brown eyes, blonde-ish hair (though I have no idea my real hair color anymore)
Small Business Owner. I own and run Sugar Bit, an online children’s boutique for newborns, babies, and toddlers. It’s new (as in just launched this April), just me running the show, and it’s what I have always dreamed of doing. I’ve had people ask how this is considered a full-time job, and obviously you’ve never owned a small business…it’s 24/7 and it’s constant, but I absolutely love it. I feel very fortunate that I get to work from home, too! Yes, we keep all the inventory at our house…so it’s constant chaos and endless temptation to buy my girls clothes and goodies.
Family Info. Husband, best friend, and love of my life Jeff (30), Daughters Caroline (2) and Carson (1), and a dog named Chloe (yes, we have a dog contrary to popular belief)…we call ourselves the traveling circus because it is just that, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My girls are 15 months apart and they are now getting to the age where they can play together…hallelujah! CC is a little Jeff in every sense of the word and Carson is my mini, and a wild woman who will most likely give me a heart attack one day with her fearlessness. These three individuals mean EVERYTHING to me. I thank my lucky stars God has been so good to our family.
Favorite Hobbies
Blogging, working out, traveling, quality family time on weekends, organizing (total OCD/Type A), quiet mornings spent with coffee, volunteering, decorating, being outside, reading, and shopping

Five Things I Can’t Live Without
1/ Coffee…I tried giving it up and I am a mighty cranky woman without the caffeine let me tell you
2/ Good Books…nothing better than crawling into bed and reading each night after a long day
3/ Family…it’s the thing that matters most and it will always be my number one priority
4/ Concealer…with two kids, a business, and all the other stuff to juggle, this is an everyday necessity
5/ Phone…I’m not an avid photog by any sense, but quick pics to document my babies is essential
Favorite Family Fun Activities 
Trips to the Nashville zoo, anything outdoors, visits to the Farmer’s Market, walking around the neighborhood, rainy day fun at Monkey Joe’s, heading to the park to kick the ball/play on the playground/swing, movie nights in the playroom complete with popcorn and ice cream. To me, experiences matter more than any ‘stuff” I could ever give my girls and I can only hope I am able to give them a childhood rich in these types of “adventures”.

Mommy Uniform/Go-To Outfit. If you see me out and about, you’re most likely going to find me in workout capris/shorts, a colored tank, sports bra, and tennis shoes..this is my go-to ensemble 3-4 days a week, even on days I don’t make it to the gym. When I actually have to get “dressed”, I’m in a sundress and flats or jeans with a fun top and wedges.
Biggest Pet Peeves. People who don’t write thank you cards, rude drivers who act like they own the road, dirty dishes left in the sink, and people who leave clothes in the fitting room.
Typical Day. We are up early (around 6:30AM) when Carson wakes up. Then, it’s breakfast time for the girls and I while Daddy is running out the door to head to the office. Once Alex arrives, I head to my office for work, and try to give myself breaks every few hours so I can spend some QT with the girls in between their coloring, working on letters, walking around the neighborhood, park fun, and such. Afternoons are spent making runs to the post office, grocery, and other necessary errands and then it’s home to cook dinner for the family. Afterwards, we have family time (playroom activities/TV, outside play, and such) and then Jeff and I put the girls to bed around 7:30PM. Then, we usually grab our laptops, work for a bit, and catch up on TV and reading before I go to bed at 10PM.

Favorite Go-To Beauty Products
NYX Stick Blush (Pink Poppy), Rimmel Scandal Eyes Mascara, Rodan + Fields Reverse Daily SPF, Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume, Too Faced Lipstick (Nude Beach), NYX Concealer in a Jar, and Therapy Systems 24-Hour Body Lotion
Favorite Baby Gadgets
Nosefrieda (sounds gross, but trust me, it works I don’t care what any of you say), Aden + Anais Muslin Blankets, Merino Kids Sleepsack, Think Baby Sippy Cup, Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller

Favorite Music/Bands/Singers
My music taste must come from my dad, as it’s anything and everything… my tops include Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Beyonce, Chevelle, Incubus, Adele, Dave Matthews Band, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, The Fray, Lady Gaga, and T.I.
My Top 10 Movies
Braveheart, Forrest Gump, Love Actually, The Shawshank Redemption, Walk the Line, Gladiator, Gone with the Wind, Mary Poppins, The Notebook, You’ve Got Mail
Favorite Food to Make
Sopapilla Cheesecake, Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas, Chicken Poppyseed Casserole, Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread, Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Top Reads (in no particular order)
The Great Gatsby, 30 Days to Live, The Happiness Project, Bergdorf Blondes, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, The Help, and The Devil Wears Prada

Other Q&A
What you wanted to be when you grew up: Advertising agency executive
Beauty secret: Clear hair care products
Celebrity crush: Leonardo DiCaprio
Secret talent: I can tell you the make/model of any car by their headlights at night