Hello, friends! I am thrilled to announce the relaunch of my blog, “A Simpler Vida.”
As many of you know, I’m Natasha, a Christian stay-at-home mom living in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. I started this blog as a creative outlet to share my thoughts on various aspects of life, and I am so excited to take it to the next level.
As the name suggests, I am on a journey towards a simpler lifestyle. With the craziness of the world around us, I think we can all agree that life can get a little overwhelming at times. But, what better way to start a new chapter in my blog than by sharing what I’m simplifying?
On “A Simpler Vida,” you will find a variety of posts about faith, motherhood, health-related topics, and maybe even a little bit of politics. I believe in living a non-toxic lifestyle and am passionate about sharing my journey with you as I discover new ways to simplify my life while keeping it healthy and safe for my family.
I’m also excited to share more about my Norwex business, a company that is dedicated to improving the quality of life by reducing harmful chemicals in our homes. Through my blog, I hope to show you how easy it is to make small changes that can have a big impact on your life and the environment.
So, let’s create a space where we can learn from each other and grow together. I invite you to join me on this journey towards a simpler, more intentional life. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @asimplervida for more updates and inspiration.
Thank you for being a part of my community, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us on this new adventure!
I recently moved to the great state of Tennessee, but I’ll tell that story in another post.
With a new move, comes a new job. After moving, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do workwise. I started waitressing at a local restaurant once a week, but I knew it would be just until I found the right thing. Thankfully, the Lord dropped the perfect job into my lap that I absolutely LOVE and I’m currently being trained for. That will be a future post, as well! Before that job came up, I stumbled upon something else that I never thought I’d ever do! And that is selling Norwex.
Norwex is a Norwegian company that is best known for their Microfiber Cleaning Cloths. What makes these ones different from traditional microfiber cloths? Norwex microfiber is embedded with silver which is known for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties – so no need to worry about these cloths getting smelly and germ ridden. They even have these cloths patented because there are no others like it.
Before you roll your eyes or jump with joy, let me tell you how this came about. I was invited to a Facebook Norwex party a few years ago and at that time we were a bit pressed for cash, so I didn’t buy anything. I was a bit skeptical until I saw the raw chicken demo. It blew my mind and I knew that it was something I’d love to invest in when we were able. Especially when I was pregnant, I would look at all the chemicals I’d clean with and think to myself “I should switch to a less toxic way of cleaning since we’ll have a little one crawling and running around soon.” Fast forward to November 2022, we were Tennessee bound! I had a very close family friend of ours gift a bunch of Norwex as a parting gift. I was so excited to use it in our new home! I told her about how I wanted to buy some Norwex to try, so it was the perfect gift at the perfect time.
Moving into a new home means a lot of cleaning! I used every product I was gifted and was blown away at how fast and how well things were getting cleaned with using just Norwex Microfiber and water! It was then that I realized that clean isn’t all about it smelling like whatever scent you like (lemon, lavender) – it’s about it feeling clean. Little by little, I stopped going through paper towels as fast as I normally did – I was amazed! I was a paper towel snob and I don’t even want to think about how much money I’d spend on paper towels! I haven’t completely eliminated them, but I would say we use about 1 roll a month now.
Shortly after moving, I decided to find a local “Norwex Lady” and place an order with her. That led to hosting a party of my own in my home. Thanks to a close friend of mine, she invited a bunch of friends since I didn’t know many people having just moved. I also virtually shared the shopping link with some of my friends and family. During the party, some facts were shared and I was shocked! Here are a few:
I already loved Norwex, but after the party I loved it even more! Our world is ridden with harmful and toxic chemicals and there is only so much you can do. You can’t protect yourself and your family from every harmful environmental factor, however, you can make your home a safe haven. You can choose what you decide to bring into your home. You can decide what you choose to clean your home with.
My party went so well! My consultant could tell I was very passionate about Norwex and was so excited to reap the rewards. Naturally, she asked me to become a consultant. “I’m not a sales person! There’s no way, I’m sorry.” After chatting some more, I decided to think about it, pray about it and talk to my husband about it. To my surprise, my husband encouraged me to become a consultant! So I decided to take the plunge. I found the requirements to be achievable and the rewards to be the best I’ve ever heard, consultant wise. If you decide to no longer be a consultant, your account will close out – no fees. They have a whole training program and endless resources to guarantee a great start to being a consultant. So I felt I had nothing to lose!
With all of that being said, I’ll give you “my why” of becoming a Norwex Consultant.
Thanks for reading along about this new endeavor! If you wish to support my small business, here are a few ways you can do that!
Join my Facebook VIP Group. This is a place where you can find tips, tricks, parties, sales and giveaways.
On Monday, February 21, 2022 I woke up just like any other morning and thought to myself “another day pregnant!” After 2 membrane sweeps, this was so discouraging! But I was really thankful to know I was already 3cm dilated and 80% effaced. I went to my chiropractor appointment that morning and then had an ultrasound scheduled because I was 9 days overdue. It was 1pm when David and I were on our way to the ultrasound. I started noticing a pattern in my Braxton hicks but because this had happened a few times before and didn’t progress into active labor, I just ignored it. At the scan, we were told that everything was good and normal.
A few days before I went into labor!
I was so hungry and I told David that we had to stop at a restaurant on the way home. As I got out of the car, I hesitated going in because my contractions were more noticeable. Hunger won and in we went! Towards the end of our meal, I started feeling like we should really head home.
Big belly!
We got home around 4pm and I could no longer ignore my contractions so I called my midwife. She said that she was certain that I was in early pre labor and reassured me to call her whenever I felt that I needed her. I texted my doula to let her know what was going on but That I didn’t need her just yet. David and I were doing things around the house and getting things ready (I wanted to vacuum the whole house, haha).
Around 5:30pm I told my doula to come because I could sense things would start picking up soon. I headed to our guest room to set up my essential oil diffuser and labor playlist I had made. When my doula arrived, we just chatted as I bounced on my exercise ball. I knew the contractions I was feeling were a new sensation I hadn’t felt before, but I still doubted I was in labor. My doula looked at me and said “Natasha, you’re in labor! You’re having this baby!” I told David he could call our family and let them know I was in labor.
Last belly pic! I’m in labor!
Soon after, my contractions were strong enough that I had to focus on getting through them. It was a really calm and peaceful time of breathing through my contractions with music in the background and being supported by my husband and doula. Looking back, it was everything I hoped it would be.
David supporting me through labor
Around 9:30pm my water broke and I knew that it would become a lot more painful. Sure enough, I was now in active labor. My doula called my midwife and she was on her way. At this point the contractions were pretty painful and I couldn’t wait to get into the birth pool.
Different labor position (my favorite)
At around 10:30/11pm, I got into the birth pool which made my contractions a lot more bearable. They almost went back to feeling the way they did before my water broke! At this point, I put in my headphones and listened to the Christian Hypnobirthing app. It really helped me to stay calm and tune into my body. With the room so quiet and my birth team watching me labor, I really liked closing my eyes and listening to the app. As my midwives like to say, I was in labor land!
The setup!
My birth team was so supportive and made me feel comfortable. My midwives were attentive to both me and my unborn baby – checking her heartbeat every so often and feeding me popsicles. My doula was really on top of it and suggested ways to make me feel more comfortable and labor more effectively. And of course, my husband who never left my side from the moment I got into the pool (he had the job of setting it up) – a constant in lending a hand to squeeze, encouraging me when I needed it, offering water, and praying with me.
❤
Barbara feeding me popsicles
During labor, I remember thinking “hm, so this is why people want pain medications and feel that they need to be in a hospital!” But I never felt like I couldn’t go on, or it was too painful, or I needed to go to the hospital. I went into transition around 12am. I asked my midwives several times “am I in transition yet?!” To hear them say yes was music to my ears cause I knew I would be meeting my baby soon! I love that my midwives could tell how progressed I was by just watching me. Not once did they do a cervical check.
I started feeling the urge to push around 1:30am. I heard David joking around and saying “she might be born at 2:22!” Time passed and then he said “nah, we’re not gonna make it. Oh well!” I remember thinking “that’s too bad!!” It would have been cool for her birthday to be 2/22/22 at 2:22am! Even though it’s normal progression, I felt frustrated to feel her head almost crown and then go back in the canal. My midwives encouraged me to reach down and see if I could feel her head. I remember feeling her hair and being excited to meet her so soon! They also encouraged me try a different position and that’s when her head came out. At this point I felt so tired but knew that it was almost over.
Jacqueline Lee was born at 2:55am. As soon as she was born, they plopped her on my chest and I immediately felt so relieved! I cried when she cried and stared at her chubby cheeks and rolls on her arms and legs – she was so chunky! David and I spent the next few hours just gazing at our daughter – she was so awake and alert! Apparently all babies born in water without medications are this way!
I did have a minor hemorrhage, but my midwives were more than prepared with pitocin and methergine as well as fluids to manage the situation. I was so sure I would have a fourth degree tear (one of my biggest fears) since Jackie was almost 9 pounds, but to my surprise and God’s grace, I only had a first degree tear and a few cosmetic stitches. My team left around 7:30am after everything had been cleaned up, and I was fed and tucked into bed.
Golden hour
Newborn assessment
Overall, the home birth experience was a really good one. I was so impressed with the prenatal care I received from my midwives. They came to my house for every appointment and were more than capable with caring for me and my unborn baby. Any questions I had, I knew they were just a text or phone call away.
A year ago if you would have told me that I’d have an unmedicated home water birth, I wouldn’t have believed it!! After working in two local hospitals for more than five years, I was so alarmed by how many decisions are made out of convenience rather than what is best for the patient. How many decisions are made due to cookie cutter policies that are in place, rather than giving patients individualized care. An example of this is is that every baby born gets erythromycin ointment (antibiotics) in their eyes. Why? Because if mom has an STD, baby is at risk for becoming blind due to the STD. I wanted to have the medical independence to say no to a medication I know is unnecessary for my baby. Of course I could say no in the hospital setting, but would that effect the way I’d be cared for and treated?
The postpartum care from my midwives and doula was outstanding! My midwives came back the same day she was born to check up on us, as well as the day after, one week after, three weeks after and then six weeks after. I cried after every appointment because I loved them so much and didn’t want our appointments to come to an end.
Barbara, the midwife who delivered her
The first two weeks had their challenges (mostly with breastfeeding) but I knew it was a hill I could climb because of all the support I had.
Of course, home births aren’t for everyone, but I am really excited to share my story because I know this is not the traditional way of doing things nowadays. I think that if you are healthy and low risk, a home birth is totally the way to go! You can ask anyone who knows me well, I am such a baby when it comes to pain – so if I’m able to do it, I think anyone who wants a home birth can do it too!
Any questions? Feel free to comment or reach out to me via email or instagram – I am more than happy to chat with you!
Can you believe it is going to be 2020? It can be kind of daunting when you start thinking about what goals you want to set for the new year.
In one of my lectures for nursing school, my professor talked about care plans and how to make goals for your patients. Specifically, how to make SMART goals. As I listened and learned, I thought to myself, “why don’t I make goals this way?”
At the start of a new year it is completely normal to feel either defeated and apprehensive or wildly ambitious – both of which leaves you feeling discouraged. And quickly!
What is a SMART goal?
An example of a SMART goal would be this: instead of making your goal “get more fit” or “go to the gym” turn it into “use the elliptical at the gym twice a week for a month.” It is all about the baby steps. Once the month is over and you’ve completed this goal, your next could be “go to the gym three times a week for a month; two of those days being cardio and one being weights.”
See what I mean?
I made a chart for you down below – please use it as a guide to making SMART goals!
Please feel free to reach out to me if you need help making your goals SMART 🙂
It was a cold January day. I was working in the ER all day and only a few hours into my shift when I receive an elderly male patient. He appears to be about my grandfather’s age which reminded me that today was my grandfather’s birthday. I tell myself I would call him on my lunch break.
As I get the patient settled in his room, I decide it’s time to make some small talk. “Do you live close by?” “Who do you live with?” “Is it cold outside today?” “Do you think it will snow sometime soon?”
As I am making conversation and building rapport, my patient tells me that he used to serve in the military. I ask what branch and then proceed to tell him that my dad also too served in the national guard.
Feeling like I need to wrap up the conversation and rush to my next patient, I stop for a second. “Thank you for your service” I tell my patient. He makes a puzzled face, so I figure he must be a bit hard of hearing. So I walk up to his bed, lean in close and look at him. “Thank you for your service” I say again. This time he hears me. His eyes welled up with tears as he whispers “Thank you.” It was almost inaudible. As tears too cloud my eyes, I put my hand on his.
While I am caught in this moment, I am looking into his eyes not knowing all that is behind them. I’m wondering what they have seen; what he’s been through as a soldier. I feel his hand in mine; rough and probably once strong – making me wonder more about his story.
I am quickly reminded that other things are demanding my attention. I tell him I have to go, but I would be back soon to check up on him. He thanks me for talking with him.
As I leave the room, I take a second to think about what just happened. Something so simple made this man so emotional. Maybe it’s because it reminds him of what he did to sacrifice for his country. Maybe it’s because he’s hardly ever thanked. Whatever the reason, it is a moment I will always remember.
In a society of rushing around; slow down.
When you see a vet, thank a vet.
Take the time to give thanks to those who sacrificed for us and this country. It may not be perfect, but it’s ours.
First of all, I want to thank you all for reading my first blog post and being so supportive – what an encouragement!
In my last blog post, the main point was remembering all that God has done for you and has done in your life, right? Well, here are some practical ways to remember those things!
The 2 R’s:
Record – The #1 way I remember things is by writing them down. A great way to record is to keep a journal. I used to journal daily on paper, but I was too afraid I would misplace it while traveling or just simply lose it in my house. But there are so many awesome ways to journal.
I love using the app Journey – I have the app on my phone as well as on my computer. It has many awesome features like setting notification reminders, attaching photos, and even password protecting your journal. I especially like the fact that it syncs, so whether I write an entry on my computer or phone, it’s all in one place. Sometimes when I forget to sit down and journal, I’ll use the talk to text option when I’m in the car. Best part of all, the app is free (but you can of course upgrade for more features).
Remember – It is very important to reflect daily. I know this almost sounds like a chore, but hear me out. It doesn’t have to be a long winded entry – it can simply be a few sentences of things you thought of that day or things you noticed. I like to ask myself: “what made this day different from all of the others?”
It is very encouraging to look back on some entries and see how things have changed or how prayers have been answered. It was so uplifting to me to see God’s hand in my life in my journey to nursing school. Being accepted into a nursing program was a dream of mine for years, and in the midst of it, I was frustrated and upset because it felt like it it wouldn’t ever happen. It was hard to understand or see God’s hand moving. But now that I am accepted into a program, it is so clear to see! I’ll share that story in another blog post.
Something that has really helped me with what should be recorded and remembered is from Speak Up Storytelling.
Speak Up is run by Matthew Dicks and his lovely wife Elysha. I first came across Matthew Dicks from an interview he did on The Art of Manliness podcast (because my husband was listening!), and he mentioned his Ted Talk. When I got home, guess what I watched?! It was something I had never heard of before and a concept that honestly brought me to tears. Right away I started doing my homework for life. Naturally, I am a regular listener of their podcast – you should listen too!
In May 2019, they had an event in Hartford, CT (which is local to me) where they had a live recording of their podcast – of course I went! I also got to meet Matt and Elysha. Here is a picture of us!
If we don’t pay attention to God’s words and works we aren’t able to delight in them. But don’t be discouraged, remember that forgetting doesn’t take special effort. It happens naturally, and it’s the pull of our sinful nature.
You can do it!
Remembering is intentional. When we pay attention, we gain perspective.
Isaiah 12:4-5 says “And in that day you will say, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; Make them remember that His name is exalted.” Praise the Lord in song, for he has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth.”
Have you ever felt like you’re in a rut? Down in the dumps? In a funk? Whatever circumstance you are thinking of that has made you feel this way, I’ve been there! I know how discouraging it can be. Often times when I feel this way, and I stop reassess the situation, I realize that I am being discontent and ungrateful. So then comes the thought: “how do I get out of this rut?”
Taking a trip down memory lane is necessary. I think often times when we feel this way we have forgotten our history. We have forgotten where we’ve come from and all that God has done for us throughout our lives. To forget our story and neglecting to find God’s hand in it is to forget who we are and what our purpose is. It is to forget to have a heart of thankfulness for all that He has done – through the good times and bad.
Isn’t it crazy that we are so quick to forget? No wonder why remembering is talked about over and over in the bible. God knows our hearts and he knows that our human nature is to forget.
In Exodus, it talks about the Israelites and their journey out of Egypt. Moses was leading them and the Lord provided everything they needed to survive. I won’t go through the whole story, although I encourage you to read it!
Bear with me while I show you a few important points:
God first lead them through the desert with a cloud pillar during the day to provide shade and fire by night for light and warmth in Exodus 13:2-22. Shortly after that in Exodus 14:10-12, they’re complaining! They said “…you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? …it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”
In Exodus 14:13-31, it tells of how God divided the sea and helped them cross it – how supernatural and fascinating! Shortly after, the Israelites are yet again, complaining in chapter 15:22-24 saying “what shall we drink?” Of course water is essential, but you would think that they wouldn’t worry since God has already brought them this far, right? Shortly after this, the Lord provides water.
In Exodus 16:2-3, the Israelites complained about being hungry. Shortly after this, the Lord provided Manna. Another supernatural gift to the Israelites to show them that God was there by their side.
Looking back at all of this, the Israelites are a great example of how not to act. Our attitude should be to thank God and praise Him for His provision – not find something else to complain about. This, I am guilty of!
When you fast forward to Deuteronomy, one significant theme is this: Remember! In chapter 4:9-10 it says ” Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.”
And if you read on to chapter 8, verses 10-18 say “When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today…”
Do not forget.
“…otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud…”
When things seem to be going right, we can forget to thank God for the things He has blessed us with.
“…and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. He led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water; He brought water for you out of the rock of flint.”
And you will forget.
“In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end. Otherwise, you may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.’ But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
Remember.
Psalm 111:4 says “He has made His wonders to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and compassionate.” Read the whole chapter – it is such an encouragement!
I have created this blog to be an encouragement to you and to show you God’s goodness through personal stories and to strive to be forever on the quest for all things beautiful and lovely in God’s creation.
Welcome!
Stay tuned for my next post for tips on practical ways to remember what He has done in your life.
a simpler vida 