The Creator
I’m Natalie Bergen McGhee, a native New Yorker and creator of all these Notes. I’m so happy you’re here.
I like to think of myself as an all-around creative spirit. I love to dance, take pictures, travel, debate, read good books, get dressed up, and sing songs in my car. I’m quite fond of Christmas, candles, and chocolate ice cream. Palm trees make me smile. Decorating is my thing. Healthy living is my jam.
I started this blog as a way to document a new chapter in my life, but it has since turned into so much more. Not only has blogging opened my eyes to the amazing scope of the digital world, it has also solidified my love of writing and design.
I currently live in South Florida with my husband and four-year-old daughter! When I’m not here writing, you can find me making memories with my family, working from home, trying new recipes, or enjoying the sunshine.
The Story
As a blogger, I’m also a writer. As a writer, I’m also a storyteller. This is my story.
In high school, I performed in every musical. In college, I studied Broadcast Journalism. In 2008, I worked in digital marketing. In all the other years of my 20s, I was an ESL teacher in New York City.
In conclusion, I learned a lot – not just about these various fields, but also about myself and where I want to be.
A few months before my 30th birthday, I decided it was time to pursue new endeavors. I began by taking classes, studying new things, and exploring different areas.
All the while, I blogged about my journey.
It wasn’t too long before I took the plunge and moved across the country to Newport Beach, CA. In doing so, I changed careers, connected with new people, and experienced a whole new way of life. I eventually moved back to New York, met my husband, and got married. We welcomed our daughter, Noelle, into the world in September 2017.
Fast forward to 2021, and I’m currently a VP for a social marketing company that specializes in health and wellness. I’m able to use my love of social media, storytelling, and connecting with others to build an online business and mentor others on how to do the same. I love it, and am so grateful for the chapters of my life that led me here.
For more on how I went from teacher to today, I encourage you to read My Tattoo Changed My Life and visit the page Trip of a Lifetime. To learn more about what makes me Natalie, please check out 30 Things I’m Happy I Did Before 30.
The Blog
Notes by Natalie began on September 16, 2013 while I was drinking a latte at my local Starbucks. Created just a few days before I embarked on a new journey, it sparked the phrase Shake. Things. Up. Definition, please:
Shake Things Up
/SHāk/ /THiNGz/ /əp/
verb
1. to make changes in life that are significant, necessary, and/or fun.
synonyms: spice it up, switch gears, restructure, do a 180
Whether big or small, the changes you make have the potential to create new positivity and happiness in your life – especially when they are things you never thought you could or would do.
Today, Notes by Natalie is a place where you’ll find articles about life, love, and what inspires.
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Thank you for visiting. Happy Reading!
Thank you for following my blog Princess of the Light and I really love your blog! Keep shaking things up! 🙂
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Thank you so much!! I plan to 😉
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I read you bio on your website and have to say you are very inspiring to let go of what was for what can be….I love to see woman reaching their goals and becoming successful in their dreams….continue to reach for the stars!
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Thank you so much for your encouraging and kind words! I really appreciate it, and thank you for visiting….have a great day : )
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Just found your blog. I love it! Your journey is an amazing one already. I wish you all the best with the future of it, and thanks for sharing with us. Such an interesting read. Very relatable for me, too, as I quit my teaching career earlier this year in search of my own new journey. I know how much courage that took, so congratulations to you for finding that courage and following your heart as well. Very inspiring!!
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Wow, thank you…that means a lot!! And good for you, too! What did you teach?
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Thanks! I taught Secondary School Science, Maths and P.E.
Now I’m living Writing and Editing. Bit of a change, huh?
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For sure! Very well-rounded individual right here! I always loved math and science in high school, but went on the major in journalism and teach ESL. Go figure.
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Haha, unfortunately we can’t do it all at once! I hated having to make the choice, too. I did my Bachelor in Science first, double-majoring in Zoology and Conservation Ecology. Then ended up doing the Education bit. I love the idea of both journalism and ESL. Those are quite different, too! I’m beginning to feel you’re an even more impressive all-rounder than I, and I tend to really fit the mold of ‘jack of all trades, master of none’.
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Haha, well who says anyone has to be a master? I think it’s better to try and do a multitude of things and find what you love rather than only focus on one thing. Everything you do will find a way to tie into the next thing you do anyway : )
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You have a very well done “About” page! I’ve taken a look at a few of your posts and I love your motivation and inspirations in life. I’m huge on stepping outside of your comfort zone as well, as that is the only way you are ever going to better yourself and grow as a person. I’m glad that you look at events in your life that people often view as luck or coincidence, like winning the radio contest, and see them for what they really are… opportunity!
It’s a pleasure to have connected with you and I will be keeping a close eye out for further posts!
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Jake! Totally means a lot, and I’m glad you can relate to what I’ve written. I look forward to reading more from you as well : )
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Love your about page and your tattoo also 🙂 Looking forward to reading more about how you shake things up 🙂
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Thanks, Dee! I never thought I’d get a tattoo, but now I can’t imagine not having one. It was definitely a good decision for me. I’m so glad you stopped by…look forward to reading more from you, too!
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You are a very inspiring person, Natalie! And you write really well.
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Thank you so much, Luna! Your comment means a lot to me. I also enjoyed visiting your “igloo” and learning a little more about you. Good luck!
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Your About Page is very well structured, which I prefer anyway. The world is chaotic enough. Good luck for your writing.
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I agree, Marius! Thank you very much…good luck to you, too!
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Because your blog makes me smile, you have been nominated for the Sunshine Award:
http://lifeloveanddreams.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/let-the-sun-shine/
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Wow! Thank you so much! That’s incredibly sweet and it means a lot to me 🙂
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Hey Natalie! I have really enjoyed reading your posts and just nominated you for the Sunshine Award!
To accept the award, just go here and follow the instructions.
http://marlawoodward.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/sunshine-award/
And congrats! I really like reading your blog and hope this will help others enjoy it as well 🙂
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Wow, Marla! Thank you so much! You made my day 🙂
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Hi Nats! I nominated you for the Wonderful Team Member Readership Award.:) Thanks so much for all your support and I’m soooo happy I discovered your blog. Check out my post for more details: http://donzwebb.wordpress.com/2014/02/03/wonderful-team-member-readership-award/
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Thank you for following my blog. I absolutely love yours. if I were to shake things up I would be drinking a latte in a New York Starbucks!
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Thank you, Abby! You’re from England, right? I’m sure a trip to New York would definitely be an act on Shaking Things Up! Have you ever been?
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Yep – here in England. And alas no, never made it to the States. Was just getting things ready to pop on over, and then fell pregnant. Would love to take the kids out of school for a few weeks and come over and really explore. I want to save New York, though, for a kid free time. I don’t know why, other than that is how I picture myself there – I am definitely in New York, drinking that Latte child free!
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I definitely hope you make a trip over one way or another! I’m sure New York would love to mee you 🙂
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I’m so glad I found your blog! 😀 I love it already, you’ve definitely got a new follower Natalie
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Hi, Alissa! Thank you for your kind words, I’m so happy you stopped by! I’ll be over to your blog shortly 🙂
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Hey Nats! I feel like we’ve known each other forever lol. I can’t adequately express how happy I am to have discovered your blog! Your post ideas are always so unique. They make me think, they make me smile, they make me laugh out loud. Thanks so much for your support! Oh and the point of this comment: I nominated you for the Lighthouse Award! For more details, check here: http://donzwebb.wordpress.com/2014/02/21/the-lighthouse-award/
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I love your About page. It is unique and inspiring. As I always say anything you want to be you just need to believe it and work for it. You will achieve all your new dreams!!! Besos (kisses):)
http://top4addictions.com/
http://top4addictions.com/
Milee
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Thank you so much! Your words are very true…glad you stopped by 🙂
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I know this wonderful woman, Beth Barbush, who started a blog in 2013 much like how you did (www.livingchapters.org) and she has stuck with it. Also like hers, yours is really well branded. I definitely see your eye for beauty here.
You’re so lovely 😀 Stay writing, Natalie.
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Thank you so much for these kind words, Sandra! Your friend’s blog looks so unique…good for her! Glad to have connected with you 🙂
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Awesome and glad you like it!
Anytime 🙂
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Thanks for visiting and the like of my “About” post.
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My pleasure! Have a good day 🙂
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I love your ‘about’ page……. so much quiet passion……… I also love that you ‘followed’ my blog. Thank you, it is very encouraging.
Terry
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Many thanks right back at ya! Look forward to reading more of your work!
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Nice, Vibrant & happy page…Great work 🙂
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Thank you so much!
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A new thought, Natalie:
Would you be interested in being featured on my blog as part of my interview series?
sandraharriette.com/category/along-the-way
Let me know!
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Thank you! Yes, I would love to! Let me know 🙂
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Great! Shortly, I’ll be sending you a link to your survey from which I will use your responses for the published interview.
Keep an eye on your email via your contact form 🙂
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I love how your words capture your passion! I just happened to run into your blog and I was automatically drawn into your enthusiasm about your journey of this thing called life! Great blog! looking forward to more reads from you Natalie! I also happen to blog about life and what ever comes my way.
-Jen<3
http://www.lavidalifeasitcomes.wordpress.com
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Hi, Jen! Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your kind words. Life is a funny thing, and it’s nice to have a place to express your ideas, thoughts, and adventures. Your blog is super cute, and I hope to read more from you as well. Loved that fall wreath!
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Thank You Natalie! I couldn’t agree more. And I was so excited to welcome fall with my wreath! glad you liked it. I hope you continue to follow my blog and my future adventures and ideas!
Warm wishes,
-Jen
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i can’t tell more about your website just very beautiful and moreover you can vist my website mrpsyclone.wordpress.com
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Thank you so much!
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Beautiful blog!
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Thank you, Wilson. The message of your blog is beautiful as well. So happy to connect 🙂
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Thank you so much for the beautiful comment, your appreciation made me happy.
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Thank you for following Storyteller. I like your pictures with your mom from your NYC-CA road trip a lot.
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Thank you, Ray! It was a great trip…my mom was a trooper 🙂
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This is just an ‘About’ page and yet has so much to look forward to and to think I been reading a while now. It itself is already full of inspiration.
I have no idea why it took me some time to read.
So if never said before I will say it now. Thank you for bringing some of the joys of life.
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You have no idea how happy your comment just made me. Thank you…for reading, for taking the time to send such kind words, and for making me smile! Have a wonderful day.
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To know I made you smile is all the gratitude one needs. That always makes my day.
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Hi there! Just dropping by to say thanks for following my author blog and keep up the good work!
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