My First Trip Away From the Baby!
Happy Hour Chat #002. Charleston, crisp air, Big Bear, local artists, and meal preps.
Grab a chilled orange wine and join me for a fun patio chat catch-up. I'll update you on what I've been doing, making, and eating and recommend things I've loved (or hated).
October's off to a beautiful start, and it's easily my favorite month: crisp air, a touch of romance, pumpkin-flavored everything, and a much better mood than September ever brings. After the relentless summer heat in Arizona, I'm more than ready to soak in the cooler weather and celebrate the harvest season in our garden.
But this year, it's different—we have a baby to share the season with. Suddenly, the little things feel bigger, brighter, and more beautiful. After weeks of dragging through the heat, work and travel have picked up, filling my soul with purpose (instead of just rotting in front of the AC trying to survive 120-degree days).
I can feel the sun again. I can feel myself again.
Here's what else I've been up to...
Explored Charleston!
You guys! I did it! My first trip away from the baby since she was born!
This was a big one for me — three nights away from my daughter to celebrate my fantastic sister-in-law with the most delightful bachelorette party. I only cried in the closet twice (honestly, better than I expected), and yes, I FaceTimed that sweet little face about three times a day to get through it.
Travel is in my blood — my calendar used to be packed with work trips and last-minute flights. I've never stayed home for a whole month in my life. But now, with my little one in the picture, I've reprioritized. She's always first. Still, every now and then, even a mom needs a mini-break to refill her cup and be a better parent. This getaway was magic: a new city to explore, a hot cup of coffee in hand (my love language), and early mornings just for me — two Liquid IVs at night, then up at dawn for 5-6 mile walks, playlists or podcasts keeping me company.
I came back feeling so refreshed. Quality girl time, a boat ride around Folly Beach, ridiculous burlesque shows, old-money vibes, and incredible food and drinks to celebrate someone I love.
Charleston is stunning; the South is gorgeous, and time away from the everyday grind? 10/10. I recommend it.
My Super-Mini-Foodie-Guide:
Oysters and cocktails should kick off as many meals as possible.
Babas on Cannon: It's right next to our Airbnb, thank goodness! They refilled my drip coffee every hour — bliss.
Chubby Fish: The seafood hotspot in a city known for fresh catches. The vibe is next-level, and the happy hour deals make it a must for seafood lovers.
Melfi's: Classic Italian with an old-school feel. Cozy, but with that elevated European flair.
The Grocery: Farm-to-table magic. Start with the fried oysters, but do not miss the churros.
The Belmont: Sip on one-of-a-kind cocktails while watching a black-and-white classic. A perfect Charleston nightcap.
13 Years Together With My Husband
October 7th came and went in the blink of an eye.
On this day, many moons ago, under a sky full of stars on a mountain, Reyce asked me to be his girlfriend. We were just weeks away from our Homecoming dance, and his hair was thick and fluffy (like always). He was the cutest boy in school, and I still get butterflies thinking about that moment. Now, 13 years later, here we are —a whole-ass baby, a beautiful home we're building piece by piece, and plans for an even fuller life ahead. It's a dream come true.
How did we celebrate? Joe's BBQ and an episode of From — our current TV obsession.
Family Trip to Big Bear Lake
Naturally, I couldn't just stop at Charleston. Reyce and I wanted to escape the late-onset heat of the Phoenix Valley, so we headed for the mountains of California.
I was commissioned by Sessions Retreat & Hotel to photograph the property and the life surrounding it, so of course, we made it a family affair during Reyce's Fall Break. We packed the truck with sweaters and cameras and hit the road just days after returning from Charleston.
In true Reyce and Natalie fashion, we took the Subaru on a long drive up the mountain trails to soak in California's autumn foliage. It was still warmer than expected for October, but we made it work. Reyna had the best time playing in the dirt, scrunching her toes in the fallen leaves. We wrapped up the trip with a giant Cadillac margarita and some Walking Dead back at the hotel. It was the perfect mini-getaway.
I love this little family of mine.
Bought a 6-pound Armenian Cucumber
After a jam-packed week of travel, I was ready to dive into a full day of meal prepping and planning. My Saturday morning farmer's market run was a success — homemade bagels, farm-fresh eggs, and the pièce de résistance: a 6-pound Armenian cucumber. These quirky-looking fruits are technically melons, but they taste like cucumbers with a hint of bitterness, making them perfect for savory salads or fresh wellness juices. I also whipped up a feast: taco bowls, marry-me chicken soup, cowboy caviar, sheet pan sausage with crispy Brussels sprouts, and a feta bowtie pasta. My fridge is stacked.
Photographed an Artist
Shaskia is my latest art crush, and lucky for me, she's local to Phoenix. Her avant-garde portraits are a blend of raw humanity, rustic vibes, and earthy tones. She's as kind as she is talented, with soft auburn hair framing her face as she works quietly in her serene sunporch studio (fitting!).
I'm shouting her name from the rooftops because, trust me, she's about to blow up, and her work will be on a 10-year waiting list (she's that good). Do yourself a favor — follow her on Instagram and check out her website to grab a print while you still can!
