Blueberry Shortbread Bites

First off, can I just thank you all for your kind notes on my post Friday.  It really warmed my heart on a really tough day.  I truly appreciate it.

Don't you love summer?  The weather here in California hasn't really been California-y, but it is summer no less.  And with summer comes yummy fruits and veggies that we don't get the rest of the seasons!  A couple weeks ago I shared a scrumptious strawberry pie recipe, and with blueberries being one of my favorites, I had to share this recipe with you.

Now it is a shortbread recipe, so let's just say you don't want to try to figure out the calories.  But sometimes, those are the best kind!

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Then start with blending all the dry ingredients in a food processor: flour, sugar, cornstarch, salt, lemon zest, and a little juice of lemon.

Wash about 1 cup of fresh blueberries.  Remove mixture from food processor and stir in the blueberries.

You will need a mini muffin pan.  Pack in each muffin with the mixture using about 2 to 3 buleberries each.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes and voila!

Easy peezy, right?  Simple summer recipe.  Try them, you will most certainly have to come back to thank me.  They are divine.

I probably had too many.  But you know how it goes, diet starts Monday!!

Happy Father's Day to all those daddy's out there!  Enjoy your day!

1 1/2 Cup Flour
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
1 Cup of blueberries

HEat oven to 350 degrees.  In a food processor, whirl dry ingredients together.  Add cubed butter until pulsed into fin crumbles.  Remove from food processor and stir in blueberries.

Put about 2 Tbsp of mixture into mini muffin pans.  Bake until golden, about 15-20 minutes.

Remembering Tyson

I just wanted to take a day to honor one of the best men I knew.  A year ago today, my cousin Tyson Lane Larson, passed away.  He was 28 years old when he passed and we all miss him dearly.

If I could write a little tribute to him, take a second to tell you about the man he was, I feel like somehow I am paying tribute to his character, to who he was.

He was a man of God.  He loved the Lord and showed it in the way he lived his life.  He was so kind.  His tender heart was unmatched.  He was always thinking of others and putting them first.  He was so accepting and loving, always making sure everyone felt like they fit in.

One night when I was about 8 months pregnant with Eli, I was feeling a little stressed because I didn't have Eli's room ready yet, it still needed to be painted, and I had no help.  My parents were out of town and my husband was in Austria.  I called Tyson to ask a question about patching the holes in the wall before I painted.  He kindly answered, telling me how and what I would need.  We hung up the phone and I started to try to patch the walls.

Not 20 minutes later the door opened downstairs and Tyson and his sweet wife Lindsey walked through the door with their paint clothes and supplies.  Then a little later his mom and dad (my aunt and uncle) came over and they had the room painted that night.

I didn't ask him.  He didn't have to help.  It was about 9:00 at night.  He didn't think about if he would be tired in the morning when he had to get up for work.  He didn't think about just relaxing at home and taking some time for himself.  He thought about me.  He dropped what he was doing just to help me.

Then there was the time we went on a cruise as a family.  I had found out I was pregnant the night before we left and I was obviously upset about it.  I was crying in the airport and somehow Tyson was the only one to notice.

Tyson: "you can tell me, Nat.  Everything is gonna be okay."

Me: "no, no Ty, this is a big one.  I don't think so."

Ty: "no, nothing is too big.  You can tell me."

Me: "Well, I'm pregnant."

*Pause*

Ty: "yep. That's a big deal."

Then for the rest of the trip, Tyson was my protector.  He explained to people about why I was drinking decaf coffee because I couldn't find the words.  He talked me out of running away because I thought that was my only option.  He was my cousin, my friend, my encourager.  He was there for me when I needed it the most. 

And although I have many fond memories of Tyson, these will stay in my heart forever.  These are a clear representation of who he was as a person.

If you have a second, his wife wrote a post about the man he was.  I know it isn't the same because you didn't know him, but it is an incredible post.  He was an incredible man and chose an incredible woman to spend his life with.

Life is short.  Live each day like it is your last.  No regrets.  No grudges.  You never know when the Lord will call you home.  If you don't know the Lord, pray that He will show himself to you.  Life is too short.

Here is a quote from Tyson's brother "I’m going to try not to think of it as such a bad day, but as a good day. I’m going to try and see it as what it really was, God called him home because his work here on earth was done. Tyson lived such a awesome God honoring life that God said, “you did it! Your reward is heaven."

We're not sad for Tyson.  We know where he is because of how he lived here.  We are just missing him down here.  I am looking forward to seeing him again someday!

Tyson and his wife Lindsey after Eli was born

Tyson and Lavar

Tyson and my brother Eric in Alaska

Tyson the night before he was taken 'home'.  Picture taken by his wife.  This face sums up his personality.

My Smashion Experience

Have you ever bought something you thought would be cute in the store only to come home and find it just doesn't fit right?  Then because you lost the receipt or waited too long to return it, you just have it sitting there in your closet??  (don't pretend like I am the only one who has done that!)  Well, have I got a place for you! 

I am sure at this point you have heard of Smashion.com.  You might have seen it here on my blog when I recapped a bit last Saturday.  Well, I am proud to have them sponsoring Ma Nouvelle Mode and I can't wait to tell you about my experience.

First of all, what is Smashion?  Let me give you the definition as seen on their website.  

Smashion® is a social fashion commerce site that enables users to mix and match new and pre-loved fashion items to create individual looks. At Smashion, we promote a new fashion lifestyle that celebrates value, style, and individualism. 

You can find everything from head to toe, literally!  Hats, shoes, jewelry, jeans, they even have makeup!  I was browsing around and here were some of my favs.

Beautiful and fun pearl necklace

I started this blog to help myself feel 'cute' again.  To find a way to be a mom, put myself together, and make my hubby proud, all the while feeling better about myself.  I am so happy to have found Smashion because not only do they have a lot of great styles for great (and I really mean great, ladies) prices, but they have forums you can participate in, a gallery of people just like us you can peruse for fashion trends, and even an update on some very cool fashion blogs!

Obviously I am biased to this little guy! Who can resist a little Eiffel Tower!

I reeealllly want this one.  Only 18 bucks, I should have got it.  Should I get it?  I think so too!  Thanks ladies!

So I am learning to find my own style and embrace what I like to wear and what I think is cute.  And you know what has been the biggest inspiration??  Bloggers like you and places like Smashion where I can see everyday women, working mothers, stay-at-home moms, you name it, doing their best to find their style and ROCKIN' IT!!

So I bought these bad boys.  Different, I know, but red.  Nothing says va-va-voom like red.

So when I say there is something for everyone at Smashion, believe me!!  I had so much fun looking around and shopping all the stores.  You all should check it out!  Let me know if you buy or have bought something, I would love to feature it!

Have a great Thursday ladies!!!

What {you} thought about keepin' it spicy...

So I wrote a post the other day with a little suggestion on how to keep a marriage spicy.  I wasn't sure how people would respond and I didn't want to be too risque or anything, but the responses were hilarious.  I have to share some.

"You are an *awesome* wifey! I don't know that I could go through with that. Knowing me, I'd be too hot in the trench, but know that I couldn't take it off so I'd just be all sweaty, which isn't sexy at all."

"ow ow! You go girl. I'll already told fiancé that after we're married he needs to ALWAYS text me if he is bringing anyone home with him after work in case I had already planned a surprise for him after he gets home. lol!!!"

"hahaha - I love it! Good for you. I'm laughing about your "hooker in the airport" comment. The closest I've ever come is having hubby come home to items of clothing that led to me waiting in the jacuzzi. (That was pretty racey for me, let me tell ya)"

"I've had my moments but have to be careful as my elderly mom lives with us, not to mention we have two older kids. Don't want to give mama a heart attack or put the boys into therapy......."

And my personal favorite: "Holy crap! You really DID do something spicy!! I couldn't do that because I'm pretty sure that would be the time there was a trench coat snatcher out there waiting to steal it and then I'd be nekkid. Except for undies. LOL"

You guys are hilarious!!  I was laughing out loud all day reading your e-mails! Love it!

So this is my outfit post, by the way.  I wore this to my 'business meeting.'  I have decided to step in the direction of pursuing becoming a consultant for small business start up.  People are always asking for advice, I love giving it, and I seem to have a knack for it!  Why not try to pursue something I love??

Need small business start up advice?  E-mail me!!

Tutorial coming, I promise!!

New Jeans and New Hairstyle

Do you know how hard it is to find pants/jeans that fit me?  I just happen to be 6 feet tall (Yes, you read that right), and it is tough to find jeans that will be long enough for these babies.

But guess what?  I found some!!  For cheap, too!  Now I shop at Charlotte Russe when I am in America occasionally, but I never even try pants because they are for the skinny, short girls.  I didn't think they made jeans for real women like me.  But they do!  And they are comfortable and fit perfectly.  And want to know the best part about this??  They were 21 BUCKS! 

So I basically didn't take them off all weekend.  I know, kinda gross, but hey I was wearing them in.  My husband didn't really find the logic in that, but whatev.

I like taking outfit pictures and everything, but you know how hard it must be to be a model?  I thought it had to be easy, you just stand there and look somewhat mysterious, right?  Wrong.  There is some special way to pose for the camera that I am apparently missing, because I just look super awkward and dorky.  The funny part is that I don't feel like dorky when I am taking the pictures.  I guess I need to work on my poses.

Oh and I was suuuupper proud of myself for finding a cute hairstyle even with my dirty hair!!  It usually goes straight up into a ponytail.  But lately, I have been challenged to wear my hair cuter and put more of an effort into looking nice.  So I tried this half up.  And once again, I liked it and pretty much wore it all weekend.  It's like my marriage, I found one that works, why change?

Do you want a tutorial on the hair?  Would you like to see more hair styles on the blog in my quest for cute styles for dirty hair?  (I guess it could be clean hair too, occasionally)  

Happy Monday!

What's New with Ma Nouvelle Mode

Wow, what a busy few days!  I didn't even look at a computer yesterday. But I kinda needed a break.

I am kinda excited about some stuff going on, so I thought I would share with you!  To preface, let me just tell you that I love business.  I have wanted to start a business since I was like 5.  Unfortunately, with my lifestyle of moving around everywhere, I can't really do that right now.  But I have found that I have a little knack for start up business ideas and motivation.  And recently, I have been able to put it into use!

First of all, I have been able to help out a friend from church who is starting her own business.  It is called Sweet Little Cakes by Donna.  I was 'hired' (paid in in full with a free lunch) to be her start up business consultant.  She doesn't have a website or blog yet, (don't worry, I made sure she knew that was up there on the 'to-do' list)  Check out her facebook here.  Say 'hi' and tell her that I sent ya!  And, I mean really, look at the pics, need I say more??

Second, is that I am going to attend Creative Connection: Los Angeles Chapter next weekend.  I have met so many awesome creative women on twitter and can't wait to meet some in real life.  I can't tell you how excited I am.  Big shout out to Elise Ostermann (@EliseOstermann), she is incredible.  She is organizing all this, I can't wait to meet her!  Live in the LA area?  Check out the facebook page, 'like' it and join in!  If you don't live in the area and are feeling a tad bit jealous, no worries!   They are planning on expanding to a city near you!  Unless you live in, like, northern Canada.  Then probably not.  But you can still be involed, let Elise know if you are interested in getting involved.  And once again, let her know I sent you!

And on Thursday I have another business meeting with a 'client' who may or may not be paying me, either way is fine, I am just so happy to be getting out there.  She is a food blogger who creates awesome healthy recipes that are super simple.  You should check out Tracy's blog here. 

My good friend Jessica (@reachzionfit) is starting a health and fitness blog and guess what, I need to get in shape.  I just breath this American air and gain 10 pounds.  And my husband is on me to hit the gym.  So she is setting up a workout plan for me and adding some suggestions for supplements and things to help me along. I cannot wait to start feeling healthier!

If you didn't notice, we have an awesome new sponsor!  I love all my sponsors, and am happy to add Smashion!  It is an awesome online marketplace where you can buy and sell your clothes.  I can't wait to try it out and will do so beginning of next week! Yay!




Other than that, I have a few blog designs in the works, awesome!  I am super excited about it all!  So needless to say, I missed yesterday and actually got to go out with my husband which was cool.  I can't wait to get started on everything and share it with you all. 

If I get around to it, I am going to share a completely awesome recipe with you tomorrow.  Can't wait.

Happy Saturday!

Does it Matter if You're Black or White?

A couple weeks ago, I was visiting a friend, just me and the boys, Lavar was gone for a basketball game.  My friend, who is white, is married to a fellow basketball player, we'll call him E, (also white) and they have 4 beautiful children whom I completely adore.  They are such a wonderful family.  My boys love them and they get along great.

All the kids were outside playing, and one of E's teammates stopped by.  He entered into the backyard and saw all the kids playing and said "Hey, whose are the little black kids?"

Black kids?  There are black kids out there?  Whose are the black kids?

Oh wait.  Those little black kids are my kids. 

It was kinda a weird realization for me.  I have always known it, but it hit me differently that day.  I am raising black kids.  And I am white.

I don't think of my kids as black or white, they are just my boys.  I don't categorize them.  But I have to be completely honest with myself and be completely aware, people will categorize them. 

And I think as people of one race or color, we don't know what it is like to feel like we have to identify with a particular culture or color.  We just are who we are.  But some kids, like my own and many others out there, will probably feel pressure to be a certain way, to fit in to a certain group.  Because they don't fully fit anywhere.

I think we mothers all want the absolute best for our kids.  We want to beat up the meanies, hold their hand when they are hurt, and be right there when they need it.  And we ache when we can't. 

I suppose part of this loving, protecting spirit that God gave us mothers is to do our best to teach our babies that they are perfect the way they are.  They don't have to be a particular color to fit in anywhere.  And if someone isn't okay with it, you don't have to be their friend.  As my ever-so-secure husband tells me "I gotta love me.  Because if I don't love me, then who will?"

On top of this, I am raising men.  I want to raise my little men to be able to run a company, be a president, and lead a family.  And part of raising these eventual men is helping them understand that God made them perfect, two colors and everything.  That they don't have to fit in anywhere, they can just be who they are.  That they can be secure in themselves because of God's love for them and our love for them.   

So far in our life we haven't experienced any real issues with our boys besides people 'noticing' the difference.  I had a group of little girls ask me why Tae was black and I was white.  It was complete innocence and I was happy to explain that 'Tae's daddy comes from a completely different place where most of the people are black.  In fact, you would be considered different if you were to go there.'  It was eye opening to them, and so cute as they tried to understand.  

What do you think about interracial children today?  They world is getting smaller, they say, but are there people/cultures/generations that still categorize and stereotype?  And seriously, if you just saw my boys on the street, would you think black or white?  Totally just curious on this one... :)