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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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Mix & Match Mama

Everyday Life, Shay ·

Monday! Monday!


Happy Monday friends!  I flipped over my calendar yesterday to see what we have planned for the week and it’s lots of good stuff (thank you summer!).  
Tennis camp starts this morning at 8:00 a.m. (yikes that’s early to get a 4 & 5 year old motivated for tennis!), I have a girls dinner this week and then lots of downtime to swim and play with my kiddos.  Plus, I have a new book to read…it’s Let’s All Be Brave by my friend Annie Downs…I’m super excited to read it!
Here is some stuff from over the last few days (plus a nice big Monday surprise at the end of the post!)…
, Monday! Monday!
Right now, Smith is pretty obsessed with Ninja Turtles.  This totally reminds me of my childhood.  I’m pretty sure we had everything Ninja Turtle growing up…and now, it’s back.  This kid almost always has at least one turtle in his hands at all times. Can anyone guess who his favorite is???? I bet you can :).

, Monday! Monday!
We went to the pool twice in one day last Thursday.  We went earlier in the day with our friends and then back that night for dinner with Andrew and Andrea’s husband and her boys (Griffin was sick, so Andrea and G stayed home).  One of our very favorite things to do at night is eat dinner by the pool and swim.

, Monday! Monday!
Smith made up his own rules to tetherball…

, Monday! Monday!
Andrew photobombed Luke (who I was realized later was using some other kid’s snorkel…just keepin’ it real…).

, Monday! Monday!
Popsicles and Cheetos…we keep it healthy during the summer.

, Monday! Monday!
Fierce.
, Monday! Monday!
Shopping at Pier One on Saturday…Smith wants this for his room.  I’m thinking no.

, Monday! Monday!
We drove to Dallas after lunch on Saturday looking for a fountain…do you notice that this puppy goes everywhere with us?  It’s like Where’s Waldo…I bet if you start looking, you will spot this dog in almost every post about my family :).

, Monday! Monday!
I love a kid that can entertain himself. (That’s a pot for plants but whatever…)

, Monday! Monday!
They both wanted me to take their picture (Kensington’s behind him in line for her picture) but the sun was so bright that it’s a squinty one (and yes, he carried that plant around so long that we finally bought it for him…he planted it in our backyard…and named it Bob).

, Monday! Monday!
This girl can accessorize 🙂

, Monday! Monday!
See…carrying his plant around.

, Monday! Monday!
Still carrying it around. 🙂
Our weekend was really low key and relaxed (which is good because these next few weekends are kind of nutty!).
Two things to remember on this Monday…first, my friend Dani is still answering questions about Younique.  If you have never heard about it or want to try it out, click here to see my Younique online party.
, Monday! Monday!
This is our friend Kari wearing the Younique mascara…holy lashes!
And the second thing today is that due to the overwhelming response about these necklaces…
, Monday! Monday!
…my friend Jody (and my Stella & Dot rep) said she will give one bar necklace away to one of you today!  Woohoo!  To enter a chance to win, just use the Rafflecopter below!
This contest ends tonight, so enter to win today!!
And for grins, here are some other Stella & Dot stuff that is on sale right now…
, Monday! Monday!
The Mallorca Pendant is on sale right now.
, Monday! Monday!
The Mary-Margaret Stone Ring is on sale right now.
For all of the other summer sale items, click here.
Remember, if you want to order a personalized necklace or if you have questions about becoming a Stella & Dot stylist yourself, please email Jody at jodytruly@yahoo.com.  She will take great care of you!
Today is Meal Planning Monday…I menu planned for the week, so you don’t have to!
, Monday! Monday!
Enjoy!
, Monday! Monday!

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    I love your Stella & Dot necklace- I want to win one and personalize it with the initials of our new little one- expected next month!! -Lisa

  2. Mary Jorgensen says

    I ordered a necklace from Jody last week and I cannot wait to get it! I'm definitely going to be purchasing more for Christmas gifts!

  3. Anonymous says

    What beautiful pictures! Such a lovely, happy family 🙂

    I think on the necklace I would put my hubby's name and our anniversary date – 15 years this year!!

    Xx

  9. Tori B. says

    Shay! Almost bought one of these necklaces when you first posted, but a little out of my budget this month! Would love one with my name! 🙂
    -Tori

  11. Andra says

    I would love to win one! I am thinking I would put my kids' names or maybe my anniversary date. Hard to choose! 🙂

  15. Amy Heinl says

    Thanks so much for another great giveaway…I would personalize it with my dad's name/son's name. My son was name after my dad and my dad passed away 3 years ago so I would be able to have both of them with me always

  24. Tab & Erika says

    What a fun weekend!!! Nix is totally into Ninja Turtles too!! Just for the record…if my name was Mary Margaret…I'd have to order that ring! If S and D name something "Erika", I'm all over it!!

  27. Cathy says

    I think it's time I find a Stella & Dot consultant where I live. Such great stuff. Now, what to put on the necklace..hmm?

  37. katie says

    I love keeping up with your family on here! If I won the necklace I would put my anniversary date 8.12.11

  38. Noreen Hrul says

    If I won I would put my brother Dan's name on it. He passed away suddenly and I miss him every day. The necklace would keep him close to my heart where he always is anyways.
    Noreen
    P.S. Reading your blog is always a great way to start my week! Thanks for sharing recipes, your beautiful family, friends, "Shades of Shay", etc. You're an amazing woman who inspires me!

  46. Liz says

    Sounds like you've got the perfect summer week coming up! I'm off to the beach with my friend and all out kiddos today. Yay for summer!
    Great pics of the kids! They are so adorable! I love Smith in the planter. Haha!

    I love you S&D necklaces!

  91. Chrissy says

    His favorite wouldn't happen to be a certain orange NInja…Michelangelo would it!?!? I grew up with TMNT all over our house too. Crazy how it's all come back around.

  94. Katie says

    I immediately added this necklace to my wish list when I saw that pic of yours with your blue tank top outfit. I especially love the idea of having your anniversary date, I think it would be such a lovely daily reminder to wear!

  95. Jami says

    Love all the pics and I would LOVE a bar necklace 🙂 I think I would just get my name? I would really have to think about this!
    XO

  98. Ashleigh King says

    Super cute necklace! Would love to win one! 🙂 Not quite sure what I would put on it yet. Decisions… Thanks for doing this give-a-way! 🙂

  117. Anonymous says

    Shay, I adore your posts. Thank you for sharing some of your personal life, we love your little family!

    I. Love. This. Necklace. I would put my initials or my name on it! 🙂

  121. Alaleh Sadri says

    Obsessed with this necklace! So cute layered too…and the pics of Smith carrying his little plant…too cute! Happy Monday!!

  138. Annie Cox says

    I love those bar necklaces! I would probably put my name since I have a necklace with my boys' initials already. Thanks for the giveaway!

  147. Kellie says

    My wedding date:7/8/95. Hard to believe we are going on 20 years next summer! Thanks for telling us about the engravable necklaces! I had no idea and have several S&D pieces!

  150. Lindsay D. says

    Love your blog!! There are a pair of earrings that I've been wanting to order from Stella & Dot. Can I just place an order with your friend or will you be having an online party soon? (The only time I've ordered from Stella & Dot was from a friend at work who hosted a show, so I'm not sure how it works.)

  170. Anonymous says

    I love when you do the points for blog post comments since I do not have any other forms of social media! 🙂
    Love the necklace!
    Danielle F.

  180. Dollie says

    Love the post Shay! I hope the rain doesn't stop the tennis lessons, we need some sunshine!
    The necklaces are adorable, I would probably put my kiddos date of births on it!

  181. MCC says

    I am about to have my third baby, so I would wait it out and then put the number date of all three of their births on the dog tag style. 🙂

  190. Erin B says

    Love these! Would definitely put our anniversary date on it! Fingers crossed! Happy Monday! 🙂

  208. Anonymous says

    Yay! For Summer fun and Stella & Dot! I look forward to reading your blog every morning, thank you for sharing! Dawn:)

  219. Kathryn Huber says

    I love reading about your precious family! I'd love to have my favorite Bible verse engraved!

  235. PurseONality says

    I love Stella and Dot! If I won a personalized necklace I would put "Swim Mom" on it because that is my Life! My daughter is a competitive swimmer so a good majority of our time is spent at the pool for practices and meets or traveling too and from those! I love my life!

  236. Anonymous says

    Love this! I would put my name or my kiddos birthdays. Love your blog too! You give such great ideas and have so much fun with life and your family and friends. Happy Monday from Colorado!

    Rachel

  238. Anonymous says

    would love this necklace, kind of out of the budget since it's a want and not a need.

    Maria

  250. Julianne says

    Love this delicate necklace! Taking a page out of your book, I think I would celebrate our marriage with our wedding date. Going on 29 years!

    P.S. ~ The pic of Smith kicking the tetherball is priceless. And fierce.

  256. Tina says

    Thanks for another great giveaway! If I had a bar pendent I would either put my anniversary or my kids initials…

  260. Amy says

    Love the necklaces! I would either put my kids' initials or my anniversary date. Thanks for the giveaway!!

  265. Slightly Askew Designs says

    LOVE low key weekends – and when we talked yesterday about the snorkel I totally forgot that it went IN HIS MOUTH!!!!!!!! ICK!!!!

    If I win I think I would put something fun on it… FC Forever 🙂 or #gwippin or something fun.

  282. Anonymous says

    Love this necklace! I would put my husband's initials and our anniversary date. – Kathleen Walker

  283. Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says

    I laughed out loud at your response to Smith wanting the chair at Pier One. What is it about those? My kids have always wanted them too! There's nothing better than dinner by the pool. Looks like you are thoroughly enjoying summer!

  291. Anonymous says

    I would put my two children's name Alexandra (Ally) and Andrew (Drew) on the necklace. I fell in love with the necklace as soon as I Shay's!!

    Allison V.

  305. Anonymous says

    Thanks for the giveaway! I'd love the necklaces with my and my fiance's initials, plus our upcoming wedding date! – erin o.

  306. Emma Forderhase says

    You have the cutest little family. Your posts are so inspirational and I look forward to reading your blog everyday! 🙂 I love Stella and Dot….I would put my name on it. 🙂

  308. Emma Forderhase says

    You have the cutest little family. Your posts are so inspirational and I look forward to reading your blog everyday! 🙂 I love Stella and Dot….I would put my name on it. 🙂

  321. Jessica says

    LOVE this necklace! We find out if we're having a boy or girl tomorrow and I want to get one with their name on it. 🙂

  324. Gaby says

    I love this necklace. It is so versatile and goes with everything! I'd put my daughter's initials on it!!

  325. Jessica says

    LOVE this necklace! We find out if we're having a boy or girl tomorrow and I want to get one with their name on it. 🙂

  330. Elaine Welte says

    Smith is so funny about that plant and carrying it around and bringing it home! So adorable! Love those necklaces! I'd probably put our anniversary date!

  340. Jessica M says

    I love them! I'd probably get the initials of our first babe – expected this December. Finding out gender tomorrow! So very excited!

  342. MC says

    I think I would probably put the word "free" on that necklace…or maybe "peace."

    I feel like I should get that Mary-Margaret ring because my name is Mary Margaret. Hmmmm…

  350. Anonymous says

    I am expecting my first baby in early August, so I'd love to put his name and birth date (both TBD)!

  364. Anonymous says

    I would love a necklace with my wedding date. My husband & I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this September. — Maria C.

  368. ~SHO~ says

    Love the blog & the necklace 🙂
    I would put my daughters name or the word "blessed", which pretty much sums it up 🙂
    Thank you!
    Have a blessed Monday~
    Shanna

  371. Anonymous says

    Good grief!!! I hope I win after scrolling all the way down to enter!! Lol! Love these necklaces & can't wait to see the sale items! Suzanne

  373. Anonymous says

    Love love love your blog!!! I start everyday with it and my cup of coffee. 😉 I'd do my name on the necklace also. Yours is so cute!

  374. Anonymous says

    Love love love your blog!!! I start everyday with it and my cup of coffee. 😉 I'd do my name on the necklace also. Yours is so cute!

  375. Anonymous says

    Oh I've been thinking about these necklaces since you posted las week! I'd love an anniversary bar!!

  388. Melinda says

    I love the necklaces! I would either do my name, my daughter's name or my daugher's birthday! I guess that means I would have to buy some more! 😉
    Melinda

  396. Anonymous says

    I would put either Hope or Grace….two concepts God has been stretching me with lately.

  404. Beth says

    The necklaces are so cute! I would probably just get one with my name, or possibly my anniversary.

  414. Janelle says

    I love reading your blog each morning! I also LOVE Stella dot. I have been drooling over these necklaces ever since I have seen them!

  417. Mary Beth Pichura says

    I LOVE the Stella & Dot necklaces, they are so pretty!! My parents both recently passed away, my mom February of 2013 and my father February of this year and it has emotionally taken a tole on me. I would love two of them… one with my mom's initials and a longer one with my father's initials. Would love to be able to win one! Great give away!!

  422. Rebecca Pollock says

    Love the necklace…and would love to personalize it…with my newborn baby girls name (Emily) and date of birth (May 31, 2014). Fingers crossed!!!

  427. Mary Beth Pichura says

    I LOVE the necklaces, they are so pretty!! I recently lost both of my parents, my mom passed away February 2013 and my father February 2014. It has emotionally taken a tole on me. I would love to have two, one with my mom's initials and a longer one with my father's initials. Winning one would make my day!! Great give away!!
    I'm sorry if this is a duplicate, I could not see the original one I posted.

  428. RebeccaLynn17 says

    Love those necklaces! I would y husbands and my initials and then our wedding date! I broke my ankle in 3 places on Thursday and an having surgery tomorrow! Fortunately, I'm off for the summer because I am teacher and will have 2 months to follow the drs.orders to stay off my foot. Love your blog and it will help me stay entertained and cheerful this summer!!

  434. Holly says

    I would love to combine this necklace with my other Stella and dot necklace! I'd put my wedding date on it!

  439. Karen I. :) says

    Shay, thanks for assisting in this great raffle!! I would put "Psalm 27" on it, because I felt like the Lord is using this psalm over and over with me (and various parts of it) this season. It would be a great reminder of His promises!!

  444. Nicole Martin says

    06.29.13, my wedding anniversary! It would be a great first anniversary present!

  446. Anonymous says

    I love the necklace!! So cute! I would put our anniversary on it or the dates of my boys.. Soon to be one and three! Thanks!
    labruegg (at) gmail (dot) com

  451. Heidi says

    I would put my Mom's name on it…she's been gone 23 years already, it would be nice to have her name around my neck

  466. Maggie jensen says

    I would put my kids names and their birth dates or just their birth dates.

  470. Rachel Ward says

    Smith does the CUTEST things! I love the plant he bought, that he carried it around, and then named and planted it! Can't wait for my little boy to be old enough to do such adorable things!

  482. Anonymous says

    Love the necklace and your blog:). I would do my kids initials or birthdays.

    April

  484. Jaisa says

    I look forward to reading your blog everyday! Love the S&D necklace too! i would personalize mine with the word Happiness 🙂

  491. Leiah G. says

    I would love to win one of these bar necklaces and put my anniversary date on it, since our 1st wedding anniversary is right around the corner! 7.13.13

  492. lilfella says

    Love those necklaces! I don't know what I would put on one, I'm thinking maybe my name or a bible verse? Ha! I feel like those are very opposite choices! You're kids are darling by the way.

  508. Kelly says

    I love these necklaces and was going to order one…or two..but I'm having a hard time deciding what it should say! I'd probably just opt for my name 🙂

  515. Anonymous says

    When I win the bar necklace I will have mom put on it because the best name and job ever! Terry k

  516. Courtney says

    I love the necklace and I love the idea of putting your anniversary on it. It seems everything is always centered around my kiddos it be nice for my hubby to feel special also!

  519. Jamilynn Lesh says

    Love this necklace! I would give it to my sister with either her anniversary date or 'sisters' on it:) Thanks for the chance to win! Love your blog!

  522. Mattie says

    I couldn't find Jody's Facebook page to like…(can't like it from the blog because it's blocked at work!). Oh well 🙁

  527. Gwen says

    I bought the Mallorca pendant on your recommendation and wear it constantly. It's a perfect big summer necklace. LOVE it.

  530. Mary says

    I love those lashes! I have seen them on another blogger's page, too, and have been lusting after them for weeks. For the necklace, I would probably use my last name or my anniversary date.

  534. Jaclyn Johnson says

    Hi Shay! Looks like you're having a fab Summer so far, congrats on the new house too! I would put my wedding date on a necklace so that I could feel connected to my hubs at all times 🙂 Have a good day!

  545. Margaret says

    I love these necklaces, so simple yet gorgeous! I want one with my wedding date. 🙂

  547. Anonymous says

    Would love to win this for my sweet 13 year old daughter. She'd love it with her initials.

  548. Carol geariety Gonzales says

    I would put all. My family initials and date of marraige. Thanks for a chance at one of these beautiful necklaces!

  559. Some Guy says

    Would love to win one of these necklaces. My sister's bday is right around the corner and this would be a perfect gift. Thanks for the giveaway!

  562. Chelsea V. says

    Would love to have the necklace a put my recent wedding date on it – 04.29.14 🙂

  567. Little Honeybees says

    Love the necklaces!! Now that we have just completed our family, I would put each my girls first initials on it- C|E|A. THanks so much for the opportunity!!

    – Melissa

  580. kimmysun.com says

    I love that necklace… I'm currently moving abroad with my family and if I won the necklace I would put Isaiah 61 on it, a good reminder of God's goodness in a time of unknowns!

  582. Anonymous says

    I would put my family's initials. Love it! Thank you!

    kristen 🙂

    klpeirce at yahoo

  588. Sascha LaCoss says

    For the bar necklace I would put my anniversary date – it's almost 20 years!

  593. Jenny says

    I ordered a bar necklace from Jody last week with my anniversary date but I want another one with mine & my husbands initial on it.

  594. Beth K says

    Thank you! I love this! I hope to win this as a gift for my best friend's birthday in August! xoxo

  617. Ashley says

    I LOVE S&D!!! I can't wait to get some of these. I would put my husband & kids names on them to keep close to my heart.

  618. Ashley says

    I LOVE S&D!!! I can't wait to get some of these beautiful necklaces. I would put my husband and kids names on them to keep close to my heart!

  624. Angie says

    I love the necklaces! I would put my children's initials!!! Love your blog… So much fun to read;)

  637. SalBug says

    So hard to decide what I would put on the bar – – my husband's name, Ron – – my son's name, Noah – – or December since we all three have birthdays within 11 days of eachother.

  643. Anonymous says

    I love Stella and Dot and I love your blog!
    I have been loving the bar necklaces I have been seeing EVERYWHERE!
    I would put on mine Abide – as its a continuous reminder to abide and rest in the Lord as His faithfulness and grace daily! Thanks for the great giveaway – Brooke Nakatsukasa

  645. girlmom says

    Those necklaces are so pretty! I would put our wedding date on the necklace – already have the kids covered with another necklace.

  649. Monica says

    Love your blog so much! If I had the bar necklace, I would like to have both of my daughters birth dates on it. 🙂

  650. Monica says

    Love your blog so much! If I had the bar necklace, I would like to have both of my daughters birth dates on it. 🙂

  658. Anonymous says

    Love s & d and the new necklaces!

    I am curious how does the mascara feel on? And when you take it off is it hard to remove?

  666. Anonymous says

    Oh I would love to win that necklace. I would would put my children's names!

    Maureen T

  683. Betsy Lynn says

    I have already order four necklaces…one for myself and the others for gifts. 🙂 Can't wait to get them and Jody was SO nice!! Mine has my (new!) initials on it.

  685. Nancy Belfeld says

    I love the bar necklace! My granddaughter Laina is due the end of August, so I would put her name on it and give it to my daughter Becca.

    Love your blog!

  694. Lacey says

    I love these, I order one last week with our anniversary! I would love to get another one with my last name on it & be able to layer them.

  695. Kimberly Potter says

    I would give the bar necklace to my sweet friend for her birthday! She does mission work in El Salvador and she has "kids" down there that she adores, one in particular and I would put her name on there 🙂

  696. Kimberly Potter says

    I would give the bar necklace to my sweet friend for her birthday! She does mission work in El Salvador and she has "kids" down there that she adores, one in particular and I would put her name on there 🙂

  697. Kimberly Potter says

    I would give the necklace to my sweet friend who does ministry work in El Salvador. She has a little girl down there that she adores, and I would put her name on there 🙂

  713. Jill says

    Its hard to decide what to put on the necklace. I have so many ideas. I think I'd put the important family dates on it.

  718. MLP says

    Love these necklaces. I would love to put my husband's name❤ I have things with my kids' names, but not his.

  726. vanillafrog says

    Cool necklace! My son finally told us after two TMNT shirts and a bottle of soap that he doesn't like the Turtles! I bet Smith's favorite is Michaelangelo!

  741. Leigh G. says

    Those necklaces are precious! I would love one with my last name -Grosvenor- and our wedding date -12/17/12-. Have a good evening!

  760. Kelly says

    Such a fun necklace! I'd probably write "Traveler" on it as I absolutely love seeing the world and new cultures.

  761. Kelly says

    Such a fun necklace! I'd probably write "Traveler" on it as I absolutely love seeing the world and new cultures.

  762. Jill says

    Love these bar necklaces! I think I'd copy you & get the vertical one with my anniversary date and then a horizontal with the first initials of my kiddos.

  766. Michelle says

    I can't decide what to put on the necklace….something to represent my family, or to represent me???? Something fun to think about!

  772. Natalie McKinney says

    I would love a Stella & Dot necklace with my name or wedding anniversary date on it! It would be a great necklace to wear every day because it could go with any outfit!

  773. Madison Berry says

    Love those necklaces!! I would put "grace" on the gold bar 🙂 to remind me each and every day of the awesome grace that was shown to me by my Heavenly Father!

  779. Chrissy S. says

    I think I would get my name or initials since I don't have a husband/kids. Relaxed weekends are the best, one of my favorite parts of summer!

  806. Erin says

    LOVE these necklaces! Would have my kids' names or husband's name & wedding date. Great giveaway!!

  810. Anonymous says

    Hi Shay,

    I love your blog. I love how you celebrate/appreciate the little things in life that we all tend to forget or overlook sometimes.

    I would put the initials of my kids…they share the same…lol!!
    Andrea

  832. Anonymous says

    Oh get the cool round chair for Smith. I can see him napping in it. Plus, as we say in our house, he will never be four on this day ever again. Mine are now 18 and 16… Trust me, get the chair! 🙂