Happy 1 year Anniversary to me!! 12 months ago, I decided to venture out and start the Atoya Burleson Brand to share all the things I love with others. As time went on, I began finding out what others love about me and it has been so encouraging! Here are 12 lessons I’ve learned during the last 12 months: Just do it!! It won’t be perfect, but who is? Don’t be afraid to ask! Channel your inner child, they never stop asking questions. Funny how we lose that as we get older? It’s okay to embarrass yourself. I’ve made plenty...
Spiritual self care
This blog is important for every mama in the world. A few weeks ago, my son Nathaniel (Nate) had a horrific wrist break. He broke both bones in his wrist and one of the bones broke through the bottom of the skin. It is a day I will never forget. It was a Wednesday in June. My husband and I were touring a school for my daughter Mia, when I received a phone call from my second son Nehemiah, who was also at the same football camp. In my mind I thought this camp was just a simple no contact...
Turks and Caicos
My husband and I honeymooned in Turks and Caicos. We chose to stay at a resort which was great at the time. We had a butler who unpacked our bags, scheduled our meals, and our activities. It was a fantastic time. We met different people from all over the world and truly enjoyed all the resort had to offer! Recently we decided to revisit where we honey mooned, however, we decided to stay in a villa for safety precautions. Now that the Super Bowl was over, we were more than ready for some R & R! You may meet someone...
Winter Faves That Make Me Happy
We all know winter can be a drag!! It is so cold, gets dark way too early, and it feels like it will never end. Here are a few of my faves around the house that have helped me find my happy place again! A warm cup of tea soothes my soul and helps get my day started. My go to mug is this one from Anthropologie. It is personalized and stylish, and makes me feel good!! Stir in some honey with this gold spoon from one of my favorite sets and enjoy!! A custom cutting board from William Sonoma...
Fall Chili Recipe
When the leaves start changing so do my taste buds! I begin craving crock pot meals and one of my favorites to kick off Fall is……… Chili with cornbread. I hope this recipe gets your crock pot going and your family enjoys it as much as mine does! Crock Pot Chili 2 pounds ground turkey 1 chopped onion 6-8 cloves of garlic 1 tbsp. Olive oil 1 tsp. Cumin 1 tsp. Oregano 1 tsp. Pink Salt 1/4 tsp. Cayenne pepper 2 tsp. Pepper 2 tsp. Chili powder 1 4.5 oz. can of green chiles 1 15 oz. can of beans...
Self Care Sundays
The words self care can mean so many things. For me self care is a Sunday tradition that I try whole heartedly to stick to. It is the day that I am not a mom or a wife. Instead, I am only Atoya and that is who I take care of. Self care can look so different from one Sunday to another. One day it can be drinking a gallon of water, putting on a mask, lighting a candle and relaxing. Another day it can be, meditating, reading, and staying in my pajamas all day. I try to listen to...
dubai
Together in God’s Creation Dubai is such a special place! It’s traditions, outdoor scenery, and architecture are definitely one of a kind. Visiting the Burj Khalifa and being up that high while overlooking the city was incredible! Dubai is also known for its shopping, amazing architecture, and exciting nightlife. However, it was the adventure of the sand dunes, camel rides, and cultural eating that we truly enjoyed. Going off roading through the sand while listening to their music and spotting wildlife was so exciting! We even hiked up to one of the tallest dunes and raced down on sleds like...
Nate & atoya
Nate and I met in college at the University of Nevada. I was on an athletic scholarship for Track and Field as a hurdler and sprinter. I was finishing up my last year of school and had just accepted another scholarship to get my Master’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin. I just had to get through my last year at Nevada. No biggie right?! Then along came this freshman. Yes, an 18 year old freshman who had a smile and dimples that could light up a room! I was waiting for the elevator and when it opened...
Skincare Secrets
Oat Mask There are so many natural ways to cleanse and exfoliate the skin. For example, oats have many properties that are beneficial. We all know they are beneficial to the heart, but did you know they also serve a purpose as a natural cleanser to the skin as well? Here is a quick face mask using oats that will have your skin feeling amazing! 3 tsp. Ground Oats 1/4 tsp. Apple Cider 1/4 tbsp. Lemon Juice 1/2 tbsp. Brown Sugar Mix the ground oats and apple cider in a bowl until it is pasty. Next, add lemon juice and...
Smoothies Please
I LOVE smoothies!! I have at least one a day. It’s my go to because it’s quick, easy, and you can sneak in lots of veggies and you don’t taste them ;). Here’s a recipe that my kids love and it’s loaded with healthiness and love!! 2 CUPS of Almond milk or Oat milk (Try apple or orange juice if you want a little more sweetness). The kids LOVE the juice of course 2 CUPS of Frozen mixed berries (I like the assorted and organic frozen fruit at Costco or Target. It’s already a variety of berries which I prefer...
