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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

Fabulous Friday, Friday Favorites, Shay ·

Friday Favorites


I’m linking up with my girls again today…Erika, Narci and Andrea have their weekly favorites, so I thought I’d share mine too.
I hope you guys have had a great week!! Here are my Friday Favorites friends…
The Pottery Barn Kids Back to School catalog arrived this week.  I immediately texted Andrea because I knew she was at home just as ecstatic as I was!  Listen, I have loved this summer more than any other summer but just the thought of sweet fall approaching makes my heart skip a beat.

I found these new coffee mugs at Pottery Barn last week and I’m in love!  I’m really picky about my coffee mugs…I want them thick (so my coffee/tea stays hot), I want a good handle that I can put at least 3 fingers through…and I really like white…so needless to say these mugs totally fit the bill!  Click here to see all of the different choices.  I bought coffee, latte and tea but they have others too.

Last Friday, I showed you all of the fun stuff I bought and loved in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…well, the nice people at Nordstrom reached out to me and asked if I ever shopped in the petites department (in the modern women’s apparel section)…and occasionally, I do (I’m 5’3″).  So on Tuesday, I ventured over there and found a few really cute things for petite gals.  Thanks Nordstrom for the great suggestion!  
So, I totally bought this zip front shirt in the night shade blue color (because you know how I adore me some navy!) but the other colors were really cute too (that red color would look so good at a holiday party!).  I loved this shirt (I bought a medium) because it was a little loose in all the right places but not baggy.  And the material is so comfortable!  Loved this!!
I also really liked this plaid shirt in the petites section too!  Shirts like this, I wear all fall long! (I’m wearing a small here.)
And if you’re like me, coats and jackets are one of the main reasons I might head over to the petite section…shorter arm lengths and a better fit sometimes come from a petite jacket.  I thought this shimmery leather jacket was really cool!  And during the Anniversary Sale, it’s discounted $100!  I’m wearing a small here.
If you want to check out some other items from the Modern Women’s Apparel section (including petites!), click the pictures below…
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This week, Narci shared her testimony on her blog.  I love reading other people’s testimonies and how they live for Jesus.  You should totally read it here.

Sheaffer introduced us this week to Candace…this amazing mama of two sweet boys who just started this new blog about her family’s journey with autism and autism awareness.  If you haven’t read her post on Sheaffer’s blog, it’s here (and you really should read it!) and you also need to check out Candace’s blog too!!  Listen guys, this mama is something really special.  I am so blessed to know her. 
Erika and I realized this week that we needed to start preparing a little bit for our girls going to kindergarten in a few weeks.  At our girls’ school, they have to wear tennis shoes every day and their dresses can’t be sleeveless.  This pretty much rules out everything in Kensington’s closet.  Sigh.  I’m on a mission now to find shoes that look girly and cute (per Kensington’s request) but also meet the tennis shoe requirement.  So far…I’ve found these…
Pink Chuck Taylors, Gold Mary Janes, Rainbow New Balance
I would love shoe suggestions from other mamas who have girls Kensington’s age!  

And tonight, it’s Nacho Night at our house!  
A super simple Friday night meal is my baked nachos.
Happy Friday friends!!
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Comments

  2. Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says

    Several things:
    1) Awwwwww! Thank you so much for mentioning Candace and her blog. I hope lots and lots of mamas are able to find encouragement reading her words!
    2) I still can't get over the no sleeveless dress policy.
    3) Narci's testimony was beautiful.
    4) I shop in petites sometimes too. I mainly do when I'm shopping for dresses. I always find the petite dresses are more of the length I want.
    5) I could eat nachos every single day of the week and never tire of them.
    See you at the pool today in a bit! I've missed seeing everybody this week!

  3. Katie says

    I completely agree with you about mugs, I actually found some lovely ones that fit the bill last year at the dollar store that looks like your Pottery Barn finds, I'm kicking myself for not buying more. And we have had some good luck finding cute "girly" sneakers at Target, I mean they don't last ages, but the way my daughter wears them I don't need them to.

  4. graceandloveblog says

    Just when I think I can't love you more–the first pic was the PBK catalog. Oh, I love summer, but Fall is coming. Thank you so much for linking up and sharing my testimony. I hope someone is blessed or encouraged by it! And, everyone should definitely check out Candace's story. She is the best! Xoxo

    • Kimm Atwood says

      I was the reader so touched and inspired by your post narci. Loved loved loved it. Can't wait to be able to link up to this soon

  5. April Parrish says

    It's so hard dressing little ones for school. You want to be sure they're comfortable, but yet pretty…especially little girls. Luckily, our elementary school allows more than just tennis shoes, but my daughter prefers shoes that are enclosed. She doesn't like to wear open toe shoes to school when they go outside and play because her feet get a little dirty with the sand and woodchips.
    I found that the brand Allegria is really great for my daughter. They have several options to choose from and also Dansko clogs. Hope this helps!
    Have a great day!

  6. Anonymous says

    Have you ever shopped from the website Zulily? It's free to sign up and new "shops" pop up every day. My daughter is very feminine and I find a lot of dresses and shoes for her that are school appropriate on this site.

  7. Kelly Wardrop says

    Hey Shay! My daughter is going into kindergarten too and we just got her the Stride Rite Reagan II shoes. The look like the normal white Keds but that can easily be wiped down and they have little charms by the laces which makes it super girly! They also come with two laces so she can have fun switching them out (one white and one pink). 🙂 My oldest (who is 8) wears them and the youngest couldn't wait to wear them. Here is a link so you can see what they look like: http://www.striderite.com/en/regan-ii/044214363308.html?kpid=13212K-044214363308&CID=SEM-google-1-Brand-PLA-PLA-All-&gclid=CjwKEAjwgMieBRCB3bqB94e9lD4SJABW3sTN96tHrIR5Z06ppsR0Wl35zpQxhj5VMWUaq2Ulma-sHBoCIwHw_wcB.

  8. Angela Betlewicz says

    I love love love your new coffee cups! Also, you should totally replace the Nordstrom catalog models. You look much more gorgeous in their attire than they could even imagine being 🙂

  9. Andrea Terrell says

    I have found some really cute and colorful Bobs by Skechers. They have a multi color chevron print to die for. And they look durable.

  10. Jenna S. says

    I totally took a picture of that little girl on the front of the PBK magazine and texted it to my mom–loved her little outfit! Anyway, my little one is also heading to kindergarten. I got her a pair of Tom's–the newer kind that has a rubber sole. I also am a HUGE fan of pedipeds (www.pediped.com). They are the one shoe my little girl will wear every day–comfy and cute! Some of their styles are even washable!

  11. Stacie says

    We like Tsukihoshi sneakers (the Natsu is a Mary Jane style). Bright colors, good quality, and good for their feet. You can find them on Zappos. And time to start K's cardigan and denim jacket collection to go over all her dresses!

  12. Kim says

    Love this post. THe blue jeans you are wearing in this post, are they from the gap? IF so, which ones are they? Love the way they fit you..

  14. Slightly Askew Designs says

    LOVE those gold Mary Janes! PRECIOUS!!! Thanks so much for linking up!
    🙂 Andrea

  15. Jennifer G says

    Where are your nude wedges from in the Nordstrom pics?? Love them – I need them!! 🙂

  17. Ashley says

    Keds, Vans and Toms are all great for school. As are Converse! Abi wore all these shoes for her 4 years at school.

  18. Hillary says

    Just a heads-up that the link in number four to read Narci's testimony, goes to your burger recipes……not that I don't adore a good burger! 🙂

  21. Kimm Atwood says

    Ok first I love pottery barn kids and teen for backpacks I loved your nordstrom finds and the shoes for Kensington. Loved reading about Candace and I loved reading Narcis post it was so inspirational for me

  22. Olivia's Mommy says

    Glad I am not the only one giddy over Fall, it's my favorite time of year. It's like starting new school again, it ramps up to the holidays! I love fall.

    Anyway, I have a 6 year old entering first grade, so we have done the sneaker thing! I struggled because she would have the cutest outfits and I didn't want to ruin it with sneakers! Anyway, we chose the Puma's that are on the anniversary sale now. We had them last year. They are velcro and sparkly and they look cute with skirts, etc. We also did the converse pink Chuck Taylors too!

  24. Blaire Patton says

    We faced the same thing last year! Love Morgan Milo shoes…check out their site! Also learned we could wear Sperrys since they have a rubber sole…cute in the sequins and glitter!

  25. Blaire Patton says

    We faced the same thing last year! Love Morgan Milo shoes and learned we can wear Sperrys since they have a rubber sole…love the sequin and glitter ones 🙂

  26. AmyRay says

    My daughter loves the Keds Ella Mary Jane! She has teeny feet, and should be able to wear them one more year before she's out of them! I saw a comment about the Stride Rite Meagan. Those are super cute too!

  27. D @ Naptime in Suburbia says

    Not a girl mom, but my friends with girls tend to shop for cute shoes at Stride Rite.

  31. Stephie C says

    Thank you for the coffee mug tip! I thought I was the only one! My husband teases me ALL THE TIME about my coffee mug issues! Happy Friday! Thanks for sharing!

  32. dresselfamily.blogspot.com says

    love those mugs, I dont drink coffee, I wish they had i've saying hot chocolate!
    I loved the Black jacket on you, it looked edgy and fun for date night!

  33. Mrs. Jenk says

    I love TOMS with dresses on Abby Lu if those fit the tennis shoe bill. Nice to not need socks with dresses.

  35. Jenny says

    Hi Shay!
    I really enjoy your blog and my family loves the recipes that we've tried.
    First of all, I have to tell you I met your parents a couple of years ago at the fort myers airport. I was traveling alone with my two kids and your parents were so very kind to us. They reminded me so much of my own mom and dad. 🙂 I remember telling my husband and mom about the couple who was so sweet to us and made my day flying alone with 2 small kids just a bit nicer. My husband thought I'd lost my marbles a few months later when I said the kind couple from the airport was on my cheesy reality tv show! Anyways… please thank your parents for their kindness.
    Now onto shoes… My 4.5 year old daugher's pre-school only allows tennis shoes. SHe is a total dress girl who loves bling.Her favorites are lelli kelly's. They are a bit expensive, but they wear like iron. They used to sell them at nordy's, but now I can only find them at boutiques and online. They run very true to size and are super comfy. We also like morgan and milo for a blingy & patterned mary jane styles. Lastly, I think that sketchers twinkle toes and converse look adorable with a dress and leggings. I have fun dressing my little girl up and was bummed when I first heard about the the tennie rule at pre-school, but we have made it work. 🙂

  38. V @ X-tremely V says

    I loved opening the mail this week and getting that PBK catalog! My little guy doesn't even go to school yet, but it just puts my mind in Fall mode 🙂
    Love those coffee mugs too!

    Those pink converse are adorable for Kensington!

    And now that I see those nachos my heart is set on Mexican of some kind for lunch today :)!

  39. Shannon says

    Love the coffee mugs from Pottery Barn, I'm picky about what I use as well and white is always a favorite. I love getting ideas on clothes from you and Sheaffer. You two are so adorable and find the cutest clothes!

  40. Amy says

    Hey Shay. My daughter wore a ton of Morgan & Milo shoes when she was a bit younger–they fit the "tennis shoe" requirement but have really cute bows, flowers, prints or sequins so they worked with dresses, which made me happy!

  41. Candace Russell says

    YUMMO on the nachos!

    Thank you for the sweet shout-out for Counting on Hope! Means a great deal to me and my family.

    I LOVED reading Narci's testimony. Know what else I adore about her?…How she spends her time serving in my Camden's special needs Sunday school class. She's a beauty in and out.

    As a special needs mama, I don't want to be judged b/c our family may look and operate a bit differently than other families. Sadly, I have found myself secretly judging ladies who seem to have it all together…beauty, fitness, job success, adorable children, finances, etc. I can see that I had distanced myself wondering how I would connect. The time with you, and Sheaffer, and reading about Narci, reminds me that you never ever know what other people are going through, and typically when you spend the time to try and get to know someone, they have something beautiful to offer. It's been a very important lesson for me this week.

    Blessings to you, sweet lady!

  42. Anonymous says

    You should be the Nordstrom model. The clothes look way better on you! I would buy them only after seeing how pretty they look on you

  44. Shelly Powers says

    I would suggest Morgan & Milo shoes, Livie & Luca & Chooze these are all super cute for girls and would meet the requirements too!

  45. Marcie Lake says

    Which jeans are you wearing in the pic with the leather jacket? I love the fit!

  46. Angela Stall says

    My daughter could not wear sleeveless tops or dresses at her school either so I bought basic colored t-shirts for her to wear under them! It worked great!

  47. Seersucker & Sweet Tea says

    I love your joy and optimism, for life- and the fact that you don't major over minor bumps in the road, a weekly recap of your blessings throughout the week, is such a sweet reminder of how greatly God thinks of the details!
    P.S. Since you love white coffee mugs, Ashley Brooke Designs has the perfect white, three finger holding, sassy and sweet mugs that you would just love!

  48. Josephine says

    Where are your jeans from and what size? It looks so cute on you! I have one that's similar but I think it's too loose on me 🙁

  50. Loralee J says

    I JUST bought those mugs (same three as you, plus cappuccino) last week – love them! Have you ever tried Plae shoes for K? My daughter has 2 of their Emme pairs, but they have several other cute styles too. (We also have those gold Stride Rites – great minds?!) http://www.goplae.com/shop/girls

  51. Shelly says

    Love those mugs! And I hope you bought that jacket because you are rockin' it!!! We have the same rule at school…but unless Kensington is just crazy competitive and physical you can also get by with Toms. In fact in winter mine also makes it with ugg type boots.

  52. k says

    Hey :). Absolutely still make use of all of those adorable sleeveless dresses by what you are already great at…layering! Get Kens a few cute cardigans & coordinating shirts with sleeves to wear under & you are good to go ;).

  53. Anonymous says

    For shoes – try Skechers Go Run for Girls – they come in cute pink/orange/rainbow colors.

  55. Tracy says

    Saw those mugs at Pottery Barn today. Love, love, love. Did NOT need another coffee mug so I made myself walk away! LOL! Would be a darling gift with some coffee or a Starbucks gift card.

  56. Gwen L. says

    Shay, regarding your daughter's many sleeveless dresses, I had a similar issue back when my daughter started kindergarten but I wasn't thrilled about replacing a bunch of dresses that were about to go out of season anyway. My solution was to get fitted simple quality plain tshirts to go under her dresses just for the short time between short sleeve weather and long sleeve weather. Worked great.

  57. Anonymous says

    Hi Shay! Love the sketchers twinkle toes for sneakers…just scored ours at the Nordstrom sale, my rising first grader loves the sparkly light up feature and they are cute with leggings, etc.

  58. Deena says

    Great post…cute coffee mugs…cute shoes. My daughter can only wear white tennis shoes with one accent color, so cute shoes are not really an option for school.

    Very surprised that you are 5'3! You seem taller. You are very good at finding clothes that fit you beautifully.

  60. Julianne says

    Natives for your baby girl! They're cute, easy, can get thrashed and your heart won't be broken if they do, and they have cute colors. Actually, I think Ive seen pictures of Smith in them, so disregard if so!

  61. Aaron, Lacey, Audrey and Elle says

    Superga tennis shoes are so cute! My daughter is starting Kindergarten this fall as well. I bought hers at Nordstrom!

    • Aaron, Lacey, Audrey and Elle says

      I just noticed that girl's Superga tennis shoes will be on Gilt tomorrow! Do you ever shop Gilt (kinda like Zulily)? Cute stuff!! 🙂

  62. Joy says

    Check out the sketcher Go Walks for kids. Just like the ones you have. My daughter has 2 different pairs in bright colors. We love them, as there are no laces to tie and they are super comfy. Hope K enjoys Kinder!

  65. Amber says

    Look at Lelli Kelly's and puddle jumpers!!! My daughter wore them with dresses and they were precious! N

  66. Sarah E Henning says

    My daughter wore the heck out of some cute flowered/striped Keens last school year. Bonus:they had a velcro closure!

  67. Louisa Surette says

    We went with Lelli Kelly's! Check them out….still fit in the tennis shoe section but are so cute and blingy that they make my girl feel extra special. They have the cutest designs! 🙂

  70. Tiffany says

    Thanks for posting those adorable gold Mary Janes! Just orderd some for my daughter!

  71. Lindsay says

    Oh my goodness, I love, love, love toms for my daughter (and my three boys) for school. They have cute girly colors, Velcro in the little kids sizes, lace-up slip-on styles, Mary Jane styles, and you can find them on sale at nordys, and occasionally on their website. I love that they are cheaper than stride-rite, but wear just as well, so that I don't feel bad having a few different styles for each kid, or heartbroken when I have to replace them due to size changes or wear. Plus the kids can all get them on and off for themselves!

  72. {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    YES — just got the Hudson petites in, and love them. And love I don't have to have them hemmed. (ps, we're the same height)…and yes, the school dress code is a bit of a bummer. And if they don't have tennis shoes on, they can't participate in PE…which according to S, is 'not fun' She's not quite as girly as K…hence why she picks out converse high tops every year as her school shoes!!

  73. Mary B. says

    I just discovered you on Facebook the other day after noticing a friend liking your page. I have to say ever since then, I've been following your blog and posts and even just ordered those Always Skinny jeans from the Gap with the 40off discount. And I can't wait to do my Nordstrom Anniversary sale shopping based on your super cute suggestions. Your recipes look amazing as well! Love it all!

  74. Jaren says

    Cute little girl shoes. We wear uniforms over here. My daughter loves jumpers and skorts, so I always find most shoes go with those. She also loves the navy knee socks with her outfits (precious)! Make sure you get her a little light sweater to wear in the classroom. My kids always get cold. I always find cute navy ones at Children's Place online.

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