Cookie Exchange: How to Host our Family-Friendly Christmas Tradition
As the Christmas season is upon us, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to share one of my favorite Christmas traditions: hosting a Family-Friendly Christmas Cookie Exchange. Bring a dozen, take a dozen – it’s a delightful way to indulge in the spirit of giving and savor the joy of theContinue Reading
Becoming Big Sis: 20 Ways to Prepare Your Little Girl for Big Sisterhood
Worried about your daughter becoming Big Sis? As a new mother to two, welcoming a second bundle of joy into the family is an exciting yet challenging journey. One of the key aspects is preparing your firstborn for the big sister role. While Stella has only been ‘Big Sis’ forContinue Reading
Secrets to a Sparkling Space: My Sister’s Sanity-Saving House Cleaning Tips
Welcome to the base of New Cotton Blend, where chaos meets coffee stains and a touch of toddler fingerprints—yes, it’s the home of a busy, working mom! As a perpetual juggler of schedules, to-do lists, and mommy duties, maintaining a clean home has become overwhelming, exhausting, and expensive! I’m constantlyContinue Reading
Double the Fun: Hosting a Shared Birthday Barbie Party for Me and My Little One
Hello, lovely readers! I hope this blog post finds you well. Today, I’m excited to share something extra special with you all. As a new mother of two, and someone who’s just entered her thirties, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to celebrate not just my own 30thContinue Reading
Graham’s Birth Story: Natural Birth with my Second Baby
As I sit here with my newborn boy nestled in my arms, I am filled with overwhelming joy and gratitude. Also filled with postpartum hormonal tears, a booty in full coverage panties and maxi pads, engorged breasts, and sore nipples, hair dredged in dry shampoo, and a nursing bra saturatedContinue Reading
My Experience in Early Labor with Baby Number Two
As a mother of two (I can now officially say that!!), each pregnancy and childbirth journey brings with it a unique set of emotions, challenges, and joys. Today, I want to share with you my incredible experience in early labor with baby number two, our son, Graham. It was aContinue Reading
How to Create a Nurse Snack Basket for Your L&D + Postpartum Nurses
Bout to pop with baby #2 any day now, and we’re starting to pack up all the goods for our visit to the hospital. As a nurse and a mother, I understand the immense value of the dedicated healthcare professionals who support us during the exhilarating journey of childbirth. OurContinue Reading
Tips for Baby And Toddler Room Sharing: Our Nursery Reveal
It’s due date week for baby brother! I finally feel like we’ve got all the essential finishing touches on our shared nursery. With Taylor working from home 2-3 days a week, our family needs to maintain the use of our 3rd bedroom as a home office. This means baby andContinue Reading
Unpopular Opinion on Pregnancy: I Just Don’t Love Being Pregnant
They say not to compare yourself to others. Comparison is the thief of joy, right? What about comparing your current self to your previous self? Unpopular opinion: I just don’t love being pregnant. I thought that was just a fluke when I was first pregnant with my daughter in 2021.Continue Reading
Dream Baby Moon to 30A
Time is wild. I legit feel like I just posted the blog about our Babymoon to the Outer Banks, which was a full two years ago when I was pregnant with Stella! I’m now 36 weeks with baby boy, and reflecting on our Dream Baby Moon to 30A at 30Continue Reading
Not Her First Rodeo: Our Baby Sprinkle
Welcoming a second baby into the world is an occasion filled with love and excitement. As our family prepares for baby #2, it just felt right to celebrate with our close family and friends! While traditional baby showers are often associated with the arrival of the firstborn, hosting a babyContinue Reading
Easy Girls’ Night in Point Loma: Cake Decorating Class
Don’t have to do much convincing to get me out for time with my girls, and a sugary treat! A few of us north county mama’s had the pleasure of taking a cake decorating class last night with Blair of Prickle Bakeshop! Check out her shop here. Grab a fewContinue Reading
How to Eat Well as a Nurse while Pregnant
I’ve got food on my mind, and this post will be discussing just that! How to Eat Well as a Nurse while Pregnant. We’ll walk through a 12-hour shift full of nutritious snacks and filling meals to fuel your busy workday and your baby’s development. My first blog post ofContinue Reading
Advent Calendar: Affordable Toddler Finds
This Christmas season just feels more magical with a toddler running around! Stella will be 16 months by Christmas. She is just so excited by every little light, decoration, treat, song this holiday season. I am so excited to share with you How to Fill a Toddler’s Advent Calendar. IfContinue Reading
Toddler Travel Essentials: Must Have Items for Trips Abroad with a One Year Old
Everyone thought we were crazy booking a two-week trip to Italy with our one-year-old daughter, Stella. And while there may have been some truth to that, I’m here to share with you that it is doable!! And you’re not crazy for thinking you can do it. We parents are luckyContinue Reading
Capri in One Day: The Best Way
We’re back in the US as of a week ago, after the busiest 2 week adventure in Italy! Taylor and I brought our 1 year old, Stella, all the way to Europe! I’m as surprised as you are haha. Luckily, we were traveling with my MIL and bro-in-law. Having someContinue Reading
LESSONS MOTHERHOOD TAUGHT ME: the first twelve months
I turn 29 today! Stella’s birthday and my birthday are exactly one week apart. With the start of the last year of my twenties, comes the end of my first twelve months of motherhood. It just feels appropriate to reflect back on this past year – one whole year ofContinue Reading
STELLA’s FIRST TRIP AROUND THE SUN: A SUNNY BACKYARD PARTY FOR OUR 1-YEAR OLD
365 days with Stella Tay, and one whole trip around the sun! Somebody pinch me, how has her first birthday party come and gone already! I couldn’t have dreamt up a more perfect 12 months with you, and topping off your first trip around the sun in the most over-the-topContinue Reading
CELEBRATING THE WINS OF ONE-YEAR POSTPARTUM
How the heck has an entire year passed since we brought our beautiful girl, Stella, into this world!? I’m weirdly still finding myself saying “I just had a baby”, when the reality of that life event occurred a full twelve months ago. The brain fog of information-overload as a newContinue Reading
What I Eat in a 12-Hour Shift: Cheap + Clean + Quick Meal Prep
I refuse to spend a ton of money or time on food that I’m going to scarf down in 0.2 seconds while on shift in a busy ER! Nurses know that our minimal time off the floor is precious, and that we don’t have time enjoy a gourmet meal. IContinue Reading
Easy Protein Iced Coffee | low sugar + only 2 ingredients |
I am in no sense of the term, a “coffee snob”. I can absolutely appreciate an outing to a coffee shop for a fresh espresso beverage. But otherwise – It’s a source of caffeine, and I’d take it intravenously if I could. In fact, most days I’m popping a caffeineContinue Reading
SURVIVING BABYS FIRST COLD: TIPS FROM A PEDIATRIC NURSE + MOM
I went back to work this past week! I wore the hat of Pediatric Emergency Nurse for 6 years before taking it off during six months of maternity leave. The fastest, but most miraculous, six months. Returning to work now, wearing both ‘Nurse’ hat and ‘Mom’ hat has me experiencingContinue Reading
AMAZON GIFT IDEAS + NOVEMBER & DECEMBER PURCHASES
Did everyone see that meme stating the two stages of Christmas shopping? 1. I have so much time. And 2. Oh no! LOL. That couldn’t have better summed up my shopping situation this year!! So grateful for family and friends that totally chuck ‘the element of surprise’ out the window,Continue Reading
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT IN 7 EASY STEPS
Crying that the newborn stage is over and Stella is 4 months old this week! It truly is the sweetest and most innocent phase. Some parents have said the newborn stage is the hardest, but I’m more worried for the terrible twos in our future! Those first few weeks areContinue Reading
HANUKKAH TABLESCAPE: A SIMPLE GOLD DESIGN + TWO FAVORITE RECIPES
Stella’s first Hanukkah! Both Taylor and I were raised Catholic, and we currently practice the Catholic Faith. But my Cotton side of the family is Jewish! Growing up, I loved learning about both cultures, and celebrating holidays from both religions! Now with our own babe, I’m so excited to shareContinue Reading
I PLANTED MY PLACENTA + a How-To Guide to Planting a Placenta Tree for your Baby
Yep, you read that right – I planted my placenta! I grew an organ that gave Stella life; and now, it’s continuing to give life to a beautiful olive tree for years to come! Did you know the placenta is the only disposable/temporary organ your body creates? While pregnant, itContinue Reading
EVERYTHING I PURCHASED FROM AMAZON IN SEPTEMBER + OCTOBER
Don’t let the delay in this post fool you, the Amazon deliveries are still a plenty at the Wilson household. Monthly roundups just come up too frequently for us in this busy, newborn season! Time is seriously flying by, and I can’t believe we’re already into November – and theContinue Reading
Eat + Drink + Do + Wear: a Wilson Family Fall Bucketlist
Feeling so behind the eight ball already this Fall – its mid October. I haven’t decorated the porch yet. I haven’t bought any pumpkins yet. I haven’t shared a backyard bonfire with Tay yet. The list goes on and on. But…the keyword here is YET. I’ve got time, right? StellaContinue Reading
Stella’s Birth Story + My Natural Labor & Delivery at 41 Weeks
Stella Taylor – you are sassy and just like mama – LATE to everything! Daily exercise, raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose oil, bouncing on a ball, breast pump nipple stimulation, sex, spicy food, even castor oil – nothing I tried would help me meet you any sooner that a fullContinue Reading
Top 5 Picks for the Newborn Stage
Its no surprise that the first blog post I write since having Stella is all about the newborn stage, and the 5 products that are helping me survive through it! If you follow me on instagram, you know that Taylor and I welcomed a baby GIRL (!) to our littleContinue Reading
Baby Wilson’s Nursery Reveal
It feels like just yesterday I was singing ‘whoooooa we’re halfway there’…and now we really are here! Baby W is due this week! Hallelujah! Truly a rollercoaster of emotions meeting this milestone of week 40. I am beyond grateful for my body growing and carrying this little miracle for asContinue Reading
Our Backyard Clementine Baby Shower
Can you believe Baby Wilson’s Backyard Clementine Shower was already 6 weeks ago!? 39 weeks preggo writing this post, on big-time baby watch, and just swooning over these photos from our special day. With COVID protocols making event venues a nightmare to book, Tay and I opted to host ourContinue Reading
Baby Registry Essentials
Comin in hot at 38 weeks this week! Figuratively speaking, as in this home-stretch of pregnancy really snuck up on us. But also literally, in that its hot AF here in San Diego – this mama is sweaty as all get out. Praises for solar panels and AC thats crankin’Continue Reading
IKEA Placemat Hack: DIY Woven Wall Art
You all know I love a good deal. Better yet, when a good deal coincides with a quick n easy DIY – I AM SOLD. So excited to share with you an affordable and easy-to-assemble DIY alternative to the trend of woven basket wall art. I imagine you have seenContinue Reading
Lunch at Home with MealPrep Sunday San Diego
Laughing at the ironic timing of this brand partnership. I used to meal prep 3 meals a week for my shifts at the hospital, cooking my own food, and spending a good hour or two at the beginning of the week preparing. Now that I’m almost 2 weeks into maternityContinue Reading
Everything I Purchased from Amazon in June
I love doing these monthly roundups of Amazon Purchases, but dang – ya girl shops on Amazon a little too much sometimes. Each month looking back at the purchases, I’m like ‘whoa sister slow down’. Its just so easy! At my Baby Shower this past month, we played a gameContinue Reading
Mama + Baby in the Third Trimester
Third Trimester: May 8, 2021 – ??? Today is July 7 – and officially (already one day into) BABY MONTH!! Baby Wilson’s due date is in ONE month! Let me repeat for added emphasis – ONE month!! Do I sound like a broken record yet saying ‘this trimester went byContinue Reading
Fake a Salon Blowout At Home with this ONE Appliance
You’ve asked for more posts on hair, so let me deliver! Sharing my number one hair appliance has got to top the list of hair advice I can share, as its been my go-to hair appliance since I was in 8th grade! Circa 2007. It has taken me years toContinue Reading
Everything I Purchased from Amazon in May
Is this a joke or are we already in June!? So cliché, but time really does fly the older you get. We celebrated Taylor’s 30th birthday this past weekend, and we’re both just pinching ourselves – is my husband actually 30? Are we actually going to be parents in 8Continue Reading
Tips to Survive Once Weekly Hair Washes + My Go-To Hair Products
Hey, you, with that long hair. Your busy schedule. Your full time job. Your kiddos. Your workouts. Your sleep. I SEE YOU. Who’s got time to wash their hair every day, even every other day, with your kinda lifestyle! Not me. And I’m guessing not you either. I laugh whenContinue Reading
Our Babymoon at Saltwood Cottage + a Maternity Shoot with Whitney Norko
All photos in this post by Whitney Norko Photography. This blog post contains affiliate links via RewardStyle. By shopping these links, you are supporting New Cotton Blend at no additional cost to you . Please note that I only recommend products that I personally use; and I always have myContinue Reading
Mama + Baby W in the Second Trimester
Second Trimester | January 30 – May 6 Pinching myself that baby W and I are into the third trimester this week! Legit feels like a few weeks ago I was sipping decaf coffee writing my first trimester blog. Mamas before me ain’t kidding when they say the time trulyContinue Reading
Desert Getaway to Scottsdale, AZ + our photoshoot at Glamis Sand Dunes
What started with a frontline, healthcare worker discount to Marriott Resorts, came a jam-packed desert weekend getaway! Tay and I celebrated 8 years of dating this month, what better way than a quick road trip from San Diego to Scottsdale! With a similar-to-Palm-Springs vibe, we were so excited to packContinue Reading
Experiencing the First Trimester for the First Time
Oct 30, 2020 – Jan 29, 2021 What a speedy 13 weeks! From finding out we were pregnant the day after Thanksgiving, to announcing to family Christmas Day – 3 midwife appointments later, and we’re into the second trimester! Still pinching myself that this is even reality, I’m gonna beContinue Reading
20 Life Lessons I Learned in my Twenties
No, I’m not 30 yet, this girl’s got 3 more years! And no, by no means do I have life figured out. But I will confidently say, I think I’ve found the true ‘Natalie’ in this decade. I attribute that found sense of self to so many life lessons learned.Continue Reading
5 Cardio Anthems your Workout Playlist Needs + my Top 5 Amazon Fitness Products
Celebrating a small win today – waking up early enough to crank out a cardio sesh and a hair wash all before a 9am meeting! Actually, more of a big win, if you know how much of a sleeper-inner I am haha. I’m always in the camp of dressing forContinue Reading
101 Valentine’s Day Finds: Your Retail Therapy Blog for a Rainy Day
It’s a gloomy, stormy day here in San Diego – the heat is cranking, I’m rocking a comfy lounge set, and I’m online shopping for Valentine’s Day coming up. Just about 2 weeks away! Whether you’re married, dating, or single and prepping a Galentines Day, I’ve rounded up over 100Continue Reading
Tips from an Expert: Teeth Whitening
Don’t let this year’s face coverings prevent you from taking care of your pearly whites. Your smile is the most personalized, unique trait, so it should be glistening, sparkling, beaming – just like you! I view this time behind a mask as an opportunity to repair, refresh, and rejuvenate thoseContinue Reading
Girl, Get to Work: 7 Ways to Be More Productive from Home
Who thought this work-from-home grind was going to last this long? I recall thinking to myself back in March of 2020…ok this is just temporary, this will just be a few months…as I watched Taylor slowly take over my home office. Little did we know, he would still be workingContinue Reading
10 Guaranteed Ways to Simplify Your Meal Prep + a Trader Joe’s Shopping List
After a weekend of holiday events (and by events, I mean cookies, salty foods and alcohol), I’m here in the kitchen prepping for a week’s worth of work lunches. I love getting back on track, but sometimes the task of meal prep can be stressful. Meal prepping at the beginningContinue Reading
How to Wine Taste your way through Valle de Guadalupe
Having grown up a San Diego native, the idea of driving across the border for a quick getaway always seemed like a simple option. Complete transparency, I’ve never felt comfortable crossing just Taylor and I! Driving into Mexico can be a potentially dangerous (and sketch!) experience! We have great tacosContinue Reading
Jour App: A Self-Care Staple
Adding a new point to my Daily Self Care checklist, a fool-proof, mental-health, wellness routine; one that saves me from the endless anxiety and stress of 2020 – journaling! For years, Taylor and I have journaled in a shared notebook, as a way to connect when I’m in a stretchContinue Reading
Get Ready with Me: Seven Everyday Makeup Products Under $15
If you know me even the slightest bit, you know I’m a girly girl who loves a bargain. I can appreciate a quality piece when appropriate, but I love to round out my every day routine with affordable and attainable products. I cringe when I hear some of my girlfriendsContinue Reading
¡Vamos a la Playa! Your Guide to Packing for an All Inclusive Resort
¡Bienvenidos a Mexico! …or insert any other tropical destination! Cancún, Cabo San Lucas, Costa Rica, Aruba, Saint Lucia, Jamaica…the list goes on! You’ve made the decision to vacation at an all-inclusive resort, and now you’re sitting down to organize your packing list. Let me help! Taylor and I first stayedContinue Reading
Front Porch Decor + a Fall Activity Bucketlist
We’re just about halfway through October, and San Diego is still playing this heatwave game with us. Currently low 90s outside, and upwards of 100 yesterday (sweating just typing out those numbers!) but I’m praying that the Fall colors and crisp air across the rest of nation will soon influenceContinue Reading
Greek Mezze Platter: a Charcuterie Board with Mediterranean Flare
Is there a term for someone who’s weirdly obsessed with Greek culture? Like a Greek version of the word anglophile…’cuz it me. Greek food, Greek travel, Greek dancing/music – I’m a fan. My family grew up attending an annual Festival at a Greek Orthodox church near us, in honor ofContinue Reading
Date Night Fancy on a Budget
Parking: $15. Drinks $25. Entrees $50. The cost of a simple date night adds up so quickly! The last thing you should have to worry about on a date night is the cost of your outfit! I’m reminded of those MasterCard commercials, listing the prices of various items, only toContinue Reading
How to Style a Neutral Tablescape for Fall
Fall is in the air! While that does [currently] mean orange, smokey skies, for us here in southern California, it also means the beginning of a new season, and a transition from fresh summer decor into warm, rustic fall! This past Labor Day weekend, Tay and I hosted dinner forContinue Reading
Summer Sips Series: Tito’s + Basil Blueberry Lemonade
Welcome to the third, and final (!), Summer Sips Series of 2020! Three months of summer, and three thirst quenching cocktails to celebrate! Have you read the first two? Click here to learn how I made a Boozy Peach Bellini, or how I used Winc white wine to make Sangria!Continue Reading
Accessorize for Less: A Shein Official Roundup
I can’t decide if this is a nurse’s day-off thing, a quarantine thing…or just a girly girl thing. But I seem to keep finding myself amidst ‘Add to Cart’ kind of days. Anyone else? I’m a firm believer in retail therapy; and better yet, when I can do that fromContinue Reading
50 Spouse Affirmations that aren’t “I Love You”+ our #1 marriage routine for connectedness
This blog post contains an affiliate link from Amazon. By shopping this link, you are supporting New Cotton Blend at no additional cost to you . Photos by Anissa D Photography Have you read the book about Love Languages? There are 5: Acts of Service, Quality Time, Physical Touch, WordsContinue Reading
High Waist Swim Under $30: Amazon Roundup
It’s no surprise that my love for high waisted jeans, pants, and skirts has now transcended to swimwear. But can you blame a girl for loving the way a high waist just accentuates her curves so perfectly? Amazon is crawling with endless high waisted swimwear options – my cart, andContinue Reading
Summer Sips Series: Winc White Wine + an easy Sangria Recipe
Zwicker 2015 White Blend – Central Coast Fruit. Freshness. Noble Blend. Edelzwicker. This blog post contains affiliate links from Winc wine club. By shopping these links, you are supporting New Cotton Blend at no additional cost to you . Please note that I only recommend products that I personally useContinue Reading
RAISING THE BAR {Cart} – 4 Ways to Style a Bar Cart in your Home
The vintage trend of a mobile bar cart has made an overwhelming appearance over the past few years. Maybe it’s our generation’s obsession with craft cocktails, or our desire for eclectic vintage style…but I’m not mad it! Our Target bar cart was a gift from a family friend at myContinue Reading
Stay at Home: Amazon Roundup
Ask for a show of hands, who is happy about these recent shelter-in-place orders, and you’ll be looking out into a crowd of people with their hands firmly in their lap. I’ll be the first to admit, this is not great. With the potential for the deadly pandemic that isContinue Reading
Summer Sips Series: Boozy Peach Bellini
Maybe it was the week-ish of 90 degree temps we had in San Diego this month, but it feels like Summer is here! It’s currently gloomy, so I’m clearly getting ahead of myself. But I just can’t wait for endless summer days, sunset happy hours, beach days, and the smellContinue Reading
Eat the Rainbow: Taco Salad
Growing up, my mom taught my sisters and I to always have a variety of color on your plate. As a kid, this was fun creating a rainbow, and a sneaky way for us to enjoy eating fruits and veggies. Fast forward to age 26, I’m craving those same colors.Continue Reading
White & Wood Kitchen: Amazon Roundup
Click on the product photos BELOW to shop my favorite White & Wood Kitchen pieces from Amazon! This blog post contains affiliate links from Amazon. By shopping these links, you are supporting New Cotton Blend at no additional cost to you . Please note that I only recommend products thatContinue Reading
Keto Overnight “Oats” + Quest Nutrition Protein
I’d be straight up lying if I said I wasn’t struggling to maintain my low-carb nutrition goals during quarantine. Being stuck at home, gym closed down indefinitely, and a pantry stocked for the apocalypse…the perfect recipe for a set back! If I’m being honest, it really did take me aContinue Reading
EASY 5 INGREDIENT DEVILED EGGS
A QUICK, LOW-CARB WAY TO USE UP EASTER LEFTOVERS Was I crazy to think that our #socialdistancing Easter Brunch for all of THREE people required a dozen eggs? I’m all for stuffing your face on holidays…but who needs 4 hard-boiled, colored eggs along with the rest of your brunch plate.Continue Reading
‘EVERYTHING BUT THE BAGEL’ SALAD FOR ONE
LOW CARB, HIGH FAT, ENTREE SALAD FOR ONE When I committed myself to a predominantly low carb lifestyle years ago, one all-time-fave carbohydrate meal I knew I’d miss was a bagel with lox. Having grown up in a blended Catholic/Jewish family, I loved those traditional Jewish meals, one of thoseContinue Reading
FIT during QUARANTINE: Upper Body Workout At Home
Being an avid gym goer, I’ve never invested in home gym equipment. My schedule has allowed me the flexibility to clock some time in the gym every day, even when we travel. This shelter-in-place quarantine business during the COVID 19 Pandemic has got me in a craze over how toContinue Reading
25 Questions to Ask Your Honey
When I ask Tay his most preferred way to connect together, he’ll always say ‘on the couch, talking, sharing a bottle of wine’. It’s no surprise the night we met, we did just that! (…except that we were dumb college kids and it was keystone not wine…don’t judge!) Sharing aContinue Reading
Let’s Stay Home – 1 WEEK OF AT HOME DATE NIGHTS
Let me preface this post with a disclaimer – I love to go out, and I love to get dressed up! Trying new places, and going on new adventures truly brings me joy. But you know what also brings me joy? Sweatpants. Messy bun. and the comfort of my ownContinue Reading
A Midnight Snack You Can Feel GOOD About
I’d be 100% lying if I said I didn’t fall victim to a midnight snack. If I’m really being honest, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t midnight binge on occasion. Being a mid-shift working RN, I’m used to coming home well after midnight, usually starving. It’s not easyContinue Reading
Get Cozy, Stay Awhile: 7 easy steps to the perfect Guest Room
When Taylor and I bought our first home in February of 2019, one project we couldn’t wait to tackle was the Guest Room! We had lived in a 1-bedroom apartment for the year prior; and before that, had lived in college dorms. We were so excited for the opportunity toContinue Reading
that super dupe: lululemon look-a-like for less
I think we can all agree on the booty-flattering, squat-proof, high waisted joy that Lululemon Align pants bring a fit woman. I’ve been a fan of the 21inch inseam Aligns for years. I’ve purchased and worn a rainbow of colors, and have loved each and every pair. But you knowContinue Reading
Amazon Fashion – Summer 2019 Picks
Anyone get that giddy, ear-to-ear smile feel when they snag a solid deal? Show of hands? Amazon Prime has been killing it with OH SO CUTE options this season. From bikinis and coverups, to flowy dresses and graphic tees…all at bargain prices to boot…no excuse to treat yo’ self toContinue Reading