Hi, I’m Natalie! I’m a jewelry designer, Glitter Guide editor, blogger and coffee addict living in Encinitas, California. I’m married to my best friend Brian and we have a sweet, silly almost-two-year-old son named Jack. I believe that beauty comes from who we are—not what we look like—and try my hardest to live life accordingly. My deepest desire is to help women live healthy, confident lives of true beauty and worth. A self-proclaimed minimalist, I am constantly striving to simplify and optimize my life.
How do you take care of yourself so that you’re physically and mentally prepared to be your best self for others?
Sleep! I feel like I still don’t get as much as I should, but it’s so, so important and I’m always striving to improve. When I am well rested, I operate at my best both physically and mentally. I’m more patient, more spontaneous, more calm and generally just happier. I’ve recently started reading Arianna Huffington’s The Sleep Revolution—definitely a worthy read!
What’s your favorite beauty secret?
Brows, brows, brows. If I could only have one beauty product it would be Glossier Boy Brow. Groomed brows make all the difference and instantly make me feel put-together, awake and confident.
What’s your favorite go-to outfit for a quick polished look?
Skinnies, pointed flats, a lightweight tee, a necklace (from my collection, of course!) and possibly a blazer or a fedora.
What’s your favorite quick-prep dinner for your family?
Breakfast tacos! It’s sort of like a combination of breakfast for dinner and Taco Tuesday. They are SO EASY to make and are ready in just a few minutes. We make ours with scallions, scrambled eggs and avocado on corn tortillas. It’s also the only way we can get our toddler to eat eggs, so it’s a win all around. Margaritas for grown-ups are optional ;)
Tell us your favorite Instagram account to follow and why?
I’m obsessed with @crystalinmarie!! I have copied more of her outfits than I’m willing to admit in this interview. If you’re a minimalist dresser like me and love neutrals, be sure to check her out!
What tradition or routine is important to you?
Besides my morning coffee, I am a big stickler on bedtime routines, both for my son and for myself!! My husband teases me all the time about how long I take to get ready for bed, but I love the process of winding down, caring for my skin and just taking my time to ease into the night.
What’s in your purse?
EVERYTHING. Haha. But seriously, I do carry around a huge tote (I have the Madewell Transport Tote—monogrammed!—and it’s wonderful), and I love that I can haul everything I need easily with it. That being said, these are the things that are always in there: keys, phone, wallet, sunglasses, a Larabar, a Matchbox car to distract my son if we’re out and about, business cards, and a few basic beauty items like my Stowaway Cheek & Lip Rouge, Glossier Boy Brow and a lip balm.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I always feel most inspired and clear-headed after going for a run. Although the run itself isn’t inspiring, the endorphins flowing through my body get my mind rolling and I find I’m much more creative overall when running is a regular part of my day-to-day.
We know you’re a busy lady! How do you balance all of your work responsibilities with your home and personal life? Any tips for our readers?
Oh gosh, I don’t know if I’m the right person to be asking this!! I still haven’t figured it out perfectly. That being said, for me it’s all about scheduling. When I have a plan for the week for how my time will be spent, I can trust that I will maximize my productivity, home responsibilities and quality time with family and friends. I held out for a long time on getting a regular sitter for Jack, and now that we have one I wish I’d done it sooner!! She comes two mornings a week from 7:30am to noon and I love knowing that time—plus Jack’s nap times—are guaranteed for me to be able to design, fulfill orders, take calls, have meetings, etc.
What’s your favorite app (or other tool) for helping you do life?
For years I thought I had to choose between being a digital calendar person or a paper calendar person, and I’ve realized that I am in fact BOTH. I use a digital calendar (I love the Timepage App) for my personal life, and to keep track of anything I might forget—appointments, play dates, etc. It’s important for me to have the reminders pop up 15 or 30 minutes before I have to do something. But, I also use paper calendar for almost everything work related because I really need to see projects and to-do lists written out. I can’t wait for August to begin so I can start using my Simplified Planner!
Follow along with Natalie:
**We love Natalie’s jewelry so much that we’ve partnered up with her for a giveaway! Simply follow along with her and us on Instagram (@natalieborton + @simplifiedplanner), and that’s it! Once you’ve done it, leave us a comment on Instagram to let us know you’ve entered. One person will be chosen to win a Grace, Not Perfection art print and Natalie’s ‘Scout’ Necklace! Hooray!
