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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Ashby, Everyday Life, Shay ·

A Day in the Life of Shay


It’s been about 9 months since I’ve done a Day in the Life of Shay post…and every time I do one, you girls seem to really like them, so I did it on Monday :).  Note: This was a very boring, typical, uneventful day.  The kind of day I love the most.  The kind of day that I will miss so much next year when Kensington is in kindergarten.
Good morning.

Headed to the office (which luckily is just down the hall) to work.  First up, publishing my blogs for the day.  After that, more work.  I try and squeeze in about 2 hours of work each morning.

I know, I know…but I listen to Pandora while I work…and my boyfriend was on this morning.  XOXO

So sad!  This was also the morning for preschool registration for next fall…and I only registered Smith.  (Boohoo!)  Kensington will be in kinder…bummed me out.

Spent time with Jesus.  Read my Bible, prayed and then read a little of this book. Such a good book!

By 6:45, I was making breakfast.  On this morning, I made a Almond Butter and Banana Smoothie.  It’s one scoop of chocolate Whey protein powder, half a frozen banana, 1/2 cup almond milk, a big scoop of almond butter and lots of ice (right now, my mom is gagging..she prefers Pop Tarts).

Still living in this fabulous robe my Grandmother bought me.

Right at 7:00, Mr. Smith woke up.  Love him all day but especially first thing in the morning!
Smith drinking milk and eating Fruit Loops (with his eyes closed).  

It was cold this morning…
…so, I lit a fire.
I’m dressed for the gym and wearing my Wellies (changed into my Nikes when I got there).

Poppy only wakes up and comes downstairs when Andrew gets home from the gym.  She has nothing to do with me.  And I’m fine with that :).

At 7:45, I had to go in and wake up K.

Really, mom?  I just woke up.

Mr. Crazy downstairs eating his first dozen egg whites of the day (his second dozen is consumed at 9:15 pm).

I fired a warning shot at Erika 🙂

We have a rule at our house that on Sunday nights, we pick up everything and put it back in its place.  Every night, we clean up but my kids love creating little caves/tent areas and will play in them all week…so, I let them keep that stuff up all week but they know that on Sunday nights, we hit the restart button and everything goes back up.  This was Monday morning…doesn’t Kensington’s room look so nice and clean?  Just wait.
Smith was ready to go to the gym!

Kensington…not so much.

OK!  I got her dressed and ready to go right at 8:15.

Ahhh…I love my gym.  I’m here at 8:35ish three days a week.
On my way to class!  (I tried 3 times but this photo wouldn’t rotate…sorry!)

Erika and me pre-suffering.

We’re smiling now but over the next hour we both felt like throwing up and quitting…this class is hard!

Showered and cleaned up at the gym after class…then headed to get my kiddos! 
Check What I’m Wearing for details on my outfit…because I know you will ask! 😉  And if you’re still looking for a good puffer vest option, I found several here.  There are so many cute colors available!

I couldn’t find Smith when I went into the play area…he and Nixon were hiding.  They didn’t want to go home.

After the gym, Narci and I took our kids to Chick-fil-a…us mamas wanted some of their Chicken Tortilla Soup on this cold day!  I also ate half a chicken and veggie wrap from my gym’s cafe (I grabbed one on my way out the door).

I love me some Narci!

After Chick-fil-a, I stopped for some Blonde Roast at Starbucks and we drove to the new house to check on things…

…here I am at the new house!  You have to wait until we move in to see!
We were home by 12:30 and the kiddos played until nap time.

Smith showed me how super strong he is.

Lots of playing.

I checked my blogs and published some of your sweet comments 🙂
Then I went upstairs and found Kensington’s “zoo”.  In only 10 minutes, she had started building her zoo…

…she’s explaining the zoo to me…

…such a proud zoo keeper…

…Smith is getting the lowdown on the zoo too…

…and this is why we hit the restart button on Sunday nights.  She will play with this “zoo” all week.  I promise.

Smith went down for his nap at 1:30.  I said, “Smith, show my friends how much you like to nap”…and he posed like this.  This kid is an anomaly.  I say “go to sleep” and he does.  I’m blogging about this in a few weeks :).

After Kensington turned 5, I stopped insisting she have naps every day.  Now, she only takes one if she’s at all cranky that day (which is about once or twice a week).  If not, she can have some crafty time.  Today, she was coloring her big wooden doll that Santa brought her.

And I was back in my office working.

She loooooves this stuff!  I Santa bought this at Hobby Lobby.

Finished!

🙂
She came in the kitchen to give me a hug 🙂

Around 3:30, I needed a snack I could munch on while folding laundry…almonds and dates it is!

Laundry, first round.

At 4:30, I sat down by the fire with some tea and my new Vitamix book.

I love a fire!

And then this little one asked me to read to her…I couldn’t resist.

Around 4:50, I heard Smith wake up and some commotion in his room.  Oh goody…he now has a zoo too.

Andrew was home right after 5:00 🙂

And while I made dinner, they played with Legos on the dining room table.

Hamburger Stroganoff was on the menu this night along with a Caesar salad.

And for dessert, the kids wanted peppermint milkshakes.

While I clean up after dinner, Andrew always bathes the kids.  Thank you Lord for my sweet husband who bathes my kids every night.  Seriously, I thank the Lord for him.  I knew bath time was over when Smith started marching around the kitchen all clean and in his jammies.

Andrew left after bath time to watch the National Championship with his friend Ty (who used to play for Auburn), so I told the kids we could watch a movie before bed.  They picked Hotel Transylvania…which is really cute!  

They boy sitting with his Lego trucks…

…and the girl sitting with her puppy :).

I got their backpacks and Smith’s nap mat all ready for their first day back at school the next day (I’m sure going to miss having them home every day like over Christmas break!).

And after I packed up their stuff, I sat down next to Smith to watch the movie too :).

The kids went to bed after the movie…and then it was laundry, part 2.

I took a shower and washed my hair.  Andrew would bring home these Gatorade towels when he worked in Detroit and I found them to be perfect for wrapping up my wet hair.

I put my pjs on and watched Fraiser…

…and ate a brownie…because I eat a brownie every night.  I have found that I don’t crave/want/eat sugary stuff all day if I know there is a brownie waiting for me in the peace and quiet of my home each night.  It just never gets old :).

I checked on the kiddos before going to bed myself…

…all cozy in their beds.

And one last picture to show you what time I turned off my phone and went to sleep.  (This also tells you a lot about me, right?  I like social media, the Bible, baseball, Nordstrom and Starbucks.  Seriously…the home page on my phone pretty much sums up my life!)  
That was my Monday…boring, uneventful and full of little blessings that I will carry with me always.
**Ashby London update**
I get so many emails and comments about our sweet Ashby.  Everyone wants an update…so here you go…I have nothin’ new to report.  We’re in a good spot and the timing is working out beautifully but there isn’t anything new that I can share.  Thank you so much for keeping her in your prayers!  She is already such a loved little girl.
One last thing…don’t forget to check out my yummy dinner tonight…
…it’s my Mexican Beef over Cornbread.  
Have a great day!
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Comments

  3. Ashley Brown says

    I have seriously learned so much about time management with kids from your blog and the art of layering! Love how your style is perfect for a Mom with toddlers!

  5. Whitney says

    Thanks for sharing your day with us Shay! Love reading your blog daily.. you are blessed! 🙂

  6. Jess says

    What a great day! I love your reset on Sundays. That is a great idea and something I am going to steal. 🙂 I hope the house wasn't too quiet without the kids on Tuesday.

  7. Anonymous says

    Thanks- this was good to read!

    Are you naturally a morning person, or did you have to work at this? I realize being up before your kids gives you more "me" time and time to collect yourself before the kids are up. Do you ever sleep in?

    You mention working- are you employed?

    Also- do you have a smoothie recipe section on your food blog?

  9. Betsy says

    So interesting reading this! You are a force of productivity. I have kind of a weird question that I've been wondering about since reading your last "Everyday" post… how do you survive on only 6 hours of sleep? I need 8 or I feel sluggish and just not quite myself… and I don't even have kids yet! Maybe I need to kick up my Starbucks habit because you seem to have so much energy!

  10. Anonymous says

    I read your blog every morning Monday – Friday and follow you on instagram. I love your sweet posts of your family and your great advice (from clothes, to food, to time management)…you cover it all, but most importantly I love that you live for the Lord. I'm sure you've inspired many young woman, not only me, but thank you again for sharing your life with us! 🙂
    – Kristen

  13. Brianna says

    Thank you so much for sharing your day with us! It's such a great combination of work, family, and YOU time – I really appreciate you sharing :). I love those low-key days, too!!

  14. Brianna says

    Thank you so much for sharing your day with us! It's such a great combination of work, family, and YOU time – I really appreciate you sharing :). I love those low-key days, too!!

  15. Elaine Welte says

    I died laughing when I saw your hair in the gatorade towels! We have the exact same ones from football, and you're right, they are perfect for wrapping your hair in after a shower! I do the exact same thing! Also, you look fabulous without make up! You need to share your skin care routine!

  16. Ann says

    What an inspiration and breath of fresh air you are! I can't remember exactly how I found you (probably related to the Bachelor in some way), but I'm so glad I did. My husband loves you, too, because his belly has been happier ever since I started using your recipes.

    Also, thanks for helping us new moms by giving us time-saving tips, recipes, and shopping advice… but most importantly, thank you for always putting The Lord first and sharing your life with us. Never stop blogging, please. We love your gift!

  17. Erica says

    Weird question…so you shower twice a day? Do you wash your hair twice a day? That seems like a lot!

  18. Liz/happymommy says

    Loved seeing your day in the life….you get a lot accomplished in one day but it's not busy and chaotic!! Love the kids "zoos" in their rooms and that you have a reset button on Sunday nights, great idea! Always praying for sweet Ashby and can't wait till she joins your beautiful family!

  19. Amie says

    It's so interesting to see how someone elses day goes. The hubby and I pretty much have the same routine every day and I can't wait to add some sweet kids to the mix! Your incredible love for you kids is so evident in every single post, such an inspiration 🙂

  21. Kara says

    I LOVE THAT you are a real women!! You don't eat ALL healthy ALL the time and you eat a brownie a NIGHT!!! That's amazing. Sooooo is the gym the reason you can stay thin…do u do portion control?? Any secrets to you staying healthy and in shape and THIN while eating reasonable and eating wheat and bread..etc!!! I would LOVE to know!!!
    kdirnberger@luhr.com

  22. Mia- MakeMeUpMia says

    This day sounds so perfect, thanks for sharing! It's always interesting to see what people do in their day to day routines!

  23. Carlie says

    I have to ask what time are you getting up at each morning? I have to say it's inspiring me to try and sort out my routine at home. I have a 15 month old daughter with a baby due in June so the idea of getting up earlier to have me time is great. But getting to bed for 10pm is going to be hard. Love the 'Everyday' post.

  24. Trish says

    As a new-ish reader, this is the first time I've read one of these and really enjoyed it! It's not only fun seeing a glimpse into your family, but also fun comparing how different and same my typical day is.

    But can I say? That photo of your son, with his "Monday" monster on his bum, peeking out from his jeans?? Just about killed me!!! My favorite thing I've seen!!!

  25. Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says

    So fun to get a glimpse into your everyday! I love the brownie every night idea – I think I may try that in order to keep my sweet tooth at bay. Also, I'm curious a little about your blogging schedule….do you typically work on posts at certain times of the day and then just publish in the mornings or do you have any sort of "system" in place for blogging. Just curious b/c I feel like I need a better routine with blogging and would love to know how you make it work without interfering with your family time!! 🙂

  26. Jamie R. says

    I loved this! I think you do such a great job keeping it all together. You've inspired me! Thank you!

  28. Anonymous says

    Random/weird question for you. Does Andrew eat what you cook for dinner or does he stick with a more "clean" diet at dinner time as well? That is a hard balance at our house and usually just means I cook less of whatever I am making. But just curious how that worked at your house and what Andrew ate on a typical night when you make a meal that contains carbs that he may not necessarily eat. Thanks!

  29. Kimberly says

    I had no idea you ate a brownie every night. I love you even more now that I know! Thanks for sharing your day with us 🙂

  30. dresselfamily.blogspot.com says

    I loved this post!

    what time do your kids go to bed at night? and what time do you head up to catch some Zzzzz's?

  31. V @ X-tremely V says

    Looks like a great day! Some days I wish I worked from home to be able to spend more time with my little guy (and get a few things done) 🙂

    Your after 5pm photos look a lot like my evenings 🙂 Just wish my toddler went to bed as easy as Smith! I need your help! Can't wait to see that post!

    Thanks for sharing Shay!

  33. Paula says

    Sounds like a perfect day! I love the early mornings alone! Fabulous! I also love the reset button. …gonna snag that one! Have a fabulous week!

  35. Jennifer says

    Loved today's post! It's so interesting and fun to take a peek into someone's day. I will immediately start the "Reset Sunday" rule in the Owens household! How lovely it would be to start the week with a tidy house. Also, thank you for sharing the book you're reading. I have a 4 year old daughter, so I'll have to pick up a copy!

  36. Aubs says

    Love the simplicity of your days!! And LOVE the pic of Smith drinking his milk with his eyes closed ~ made me giggle!! =)

  37. sarah from the suburbs says

    Do you have the Gap app??? I love that one and shop from my phone a little too often.
    And I cracked up at your Gatorade hair towel…too funny. I'm sure it works great, but try the Aquis super absorbent hair towel…you can find them at Bed Bath and Beyond. I have long, thick blonde hair and they work wonders! Loved this post…our lives are very similar!

  38. Leslie says

    Hi Shay! That was so fun to read!! So the question I have, and I'm sure lots of your other readers are wondering too is what do you do with all of the sweets when you make them for the blog?!

  39. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace} says

    Sounds like the perfect day to me! I love uneventful days, where you can spend lots of time with the kiddos. Your gym does look amazing btw. 🙂

  40. Charla Liedahl says

    Your day is much like mine, other than the hubby bathing the kids thing. SCORE for you! I'm also curious about Andrew's eating habits. You make so many fun, yummy dishes–but does he eat them? Man cannot subsist on egg whites and chicken breasts alone, can they? Ha! Also, I am SO EXCITED for Sean's TV wedding!!! I've never once seen The Bachelor, but I'm anxious to see you and your sweet family!

  41. hillary says

    Oh my word love this!! Our days are so similar!! Right down to Frasier, a husband gone to watch football, and the sweet at night when it's quiet! Except our zoos seem to build themselves…

  42. Jennifer says

    I love catching up with your precious family each day through your blog and IG! It's so encouraging to see a Mom with toddlers who is also super organized. I strive to be that way, but feel like I fall short on most days. I'm so inspired by you and Andrea! Do you have a cleaning/laundry schedule that you follow?

  44. Karen says

    Love reading about your schedule. I'm going to try getting up earlier and working. Thanks for sharing, you have an adorable family!

  45. Stephanie Jennings says

    Love this! I have a question, if I may… Do you have a cleaning service, if not, when do you do it? I feel like I'm always cleaning! Ugh! I may need to mimic your nightly brownie, if it means I stop eating the rest of the junk all day long. Hahaha. Have a great day 🙂

  46. Anonymous says

    Just ordered the book, "Bringing up Girls"… Can't wait to get it. Thanks..
    Any other reading material suggestions?

    ~Amy Wolff

  47. Jaren says

    So excited to see these kinds of posts! It seemed like a perfect day. I must admit I am jealous you can wake up that early and have that much you time. I would love to be able to that, and I know I'd be such a better mom and a more productive person…but I like my sleep too. One of these days I'll figure that out. I'll sleep on it:)

  48. Kellie says

    Post some of the recipes you use your Vitamix for please! I have one and it is very under used!

  49. Brittany says

    What a great post! As I get older, I have realized that it's the simple, easy, normal days that are usualy the best days! The days spent doing the stuff you like with the people that you love!
    Thanks for sharing!! 🙂

  52. Jess S says

    I teach grade one and Kensington's colouring rivals most of my students! So neat and not even in Kindergarten yet?! Great job Kensington!

  54. Noelle says

    Love this! I am only in college but after seeing your day it makes me want to get up early and read my Bible and workout, I always forget how much I can get done if I wake up before 9! I always love checking your blog and everything you post. Have a great night!!

  55. Jessie says

    Thanks Shay for this post! I feel like I've been in such a rut lately….no Bible time…no gym….sleeping until the kids wake up… I'm officially motivated! You're such an inspiration and I'm so thankful I found your blog. (My hubby is thankful too as your recipes make an appearance on our table a few times a week 😉

  56. {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    Sounds like a perfect day…except for that whole gym part. 😉 And my gosh your skin…woman, what is your secret?!?!

  57. Slightly Askew Designs says

    I told you earlier today, but I feel the need to reiterate how much I love these posts! How fun will it be to be able to look back on this and remember in years to come!?!?! LOVE! I'm going to take your encouragement and do one next week. Wish me luck! 🙂

  58. Blue-Eyed Bride says

    So fun! I love Day in the Life posts! And I have no idea what I will do when Hayes stop napping for 3.5 hours a day. Hudson didn't stop until he went to the 4s class because I wanted him to start getting ready for no naps in kindergarten, but he still takes on 2-3 times a week. Funny story about saying "go to sleep." We have a video monitor and you can talk into it and the kid can hear you in his room… Hayes was standing in his crib talking to his lovie today, so I talked into the monitor and said, "go to sleep, Hayes." And sweet thing just looked up and laid down on his tummy and never moved again. Ha! Love having kids that sleep!!

  61. jen says

    I LOVED this! I go crazy over these fun posts and learn a bunch of Shay-strategies to implement in my home. 😉 I am organized but you have helped me take it to the next level. I am begging for a cleaning post featuring products/schedule. Your laundry post helped me and I know this would too! Please? 🙂 You are a wonderful wife and mom and great Christian example to women of our age…something so needed in our world. Hugs..Jenny

  62. Rebecca says

    Can you explain your "Good" app? How do you like it? As always, I love your blog and your sweet family. Thanks for being so candid and letting peek into your life. I'd love to some insight of your day on school mornings. I just can't seems to keep up with my day on those days. Thanks a ton!
    Blessings!

  63. Shelby says

    loved seeing how your typical day goes. My little boy will be heading to Kindergarten in the fall too, & I am feeling the same way– soaking in the last time ever that the kiddies will be home most of all the days with Mommy 🙂

  64. Kim D. says

    You are so inspiring to me! I tried to roughly copy your day yesterday, and I felt so incredibly productive! A few questions, though:
    1) How do you get up so early? Do you just pop out of bed at 4:30?
    2) Do you take really 2 showers per day? If so, do you do hair and makeup twice?
    3) Does Andrew eat your everyday brownie with you?
    Thanks for sharing!

  65. Jennifer Cannon says

    I've always been so interested to see your ring! I feel like I came out of the womb wearing diamonds! Love them. Yours looks lile the shape of a diamond… ( reminds me of baseball field!) I Love it! Wedding rings are a personal thing, so don't feel like you HAVE to show it! Its just something I always notice 🙂

    Love love love these posts! Always my favorite

    Xoxo
    Jen

  69. Steph says

    Your kids seem so happy! How do you handle your routine when they are acting whiny, disobedient, clingy, etc. Do they ever boycott naps? I'm sure you don't share with us the more difficult moments with your kids, but you do have them right? Also, how do you get them to try the food you make? Thanks!

    I also wanted to ask you if you've tried Stitch Fix yet!? Seems like something you and your readers would LOVE. https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3168832
    You need to at least try it once. What woman wouldn't love having a stylist pick clothes for her? It is the highlight of my month.

    Love your blog! I look forward to reading it every morning. =)

  70. Anonymous says

    I love this post… thanks for sharing your day with us! Did you watch your brother on the Bachelor Monday night? Are you going to watch this season of the Bachelor? How do you get by with so little sleep? What time do your kids go to bed if they take such long naps? Thanks for being such an inspiration!

  71. Sarah says

    Such a great post. You teased yesterday about always having a clean car. I have two small kids and one more on the way. Our car is the catch all and I hate it. Trying to keep it clean seems impossible. Any ideas?

  72. Anonymous says

    Loved this post!!!

    Will you please share your cleaning routine??? Would love to know your system for keeping your house clean with preschoolers!!

  73. Bliss and Blunders of a Newlywed says

    I LOVED this post! Do it more often please! 🙂 This post is so inspiring because it shows how productive you can be in one day! Shay, what time do you get up in the mornings?

  74. Anonymous says

    Love, love, love your blog. I am new to it and have already learned so much!!! Your life seems be to be in perfect balance, something I am striving for. Keep up the good work! Love all your family photos- seems like a lot in the car, which is always so clean. Any help in this area would be great. Also what kind is it? Love the interior. Also, not that important but do you drink alcohol?

  75. Karyn says

    I would alo like to know your secrets to staying so thin while eating breads, pastas..brownies very night and your daily Starbucks! Have u eliminated other vices some of us have..ex, alcohol and no portion control? Love your blog and reading about your little family and how u mange to do it all! Thanks for all the time u spend making it enjoyable for us!

  76. Arianne says

    Hi Shay! I have been meaning to write this ever since you shared the news about Ashby – I wanted to recommend a book that I absolutely loved called "Carried In Our Hearts" by Jane Aronson about international adoption. It's a compilation of short stories written by different parents about meeting their babies from all around the world for the first time and falling in love and bringing them home. I don't think I ever had a dry eye while reading it!

    Here is the amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Carried-Our-Hearts-CreatedAcross-Continents-ebook/dp/B00AFPVNM4

  77. hillary says

    One question: what k-cup are you using in the first pic? It looks like creamer is already coming out with the coffee! Inquisitive minds must know.

    Still love this and am inspired to post a day in the life too!!

  78. Aubrey says

    What a WONDERFUL day! How I miss those days with both of my bigs at my side! (Tear.)

    Kensington's zoo creation was SO SO SO creative! And her coloring is fantastic. She would fit right in at my house!

    Speaking of my house, I used to hit the "reset button" as you call it on Sunday evenings too! Now I do it on Monday morning because I don't like to spend the precious time with my bigs on boring stuff like tidying. That being said, it is really important to me to have an uncluttered space at the start of each week. Sometimes I am really excited to get the hubs and kiddos out the door on Monday morning just to get started. 🙂

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