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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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Fabulous Friday, Friday Favorites, Shay ·

Friday Favorites


I’m linking up with Narci, Andrea and Erika today and sharing my Friday Favorites today.  This week’s edition: A Big Random Assortment…
Okay, if you’re a mom out there that has some of these at home, you already know why I’m obsessed with them…if you’re a mom out there that doesn’t have these, you need to get in your car right now and drive to Target…
It’s called a Snackeez and it’s flipping BRILLIANT!  
My mom bought my kids each one of these and honestly, I was so excited that at one point, I’m pretty sure Andrew asked me to stop talking about it. 
 It’s a cup and straw with a snack portion inside.  So, I can give my kids a drink and some goldfish crackers and send them to the playroom for a movie, they’re great for carpool line…whatever…it’s just so handy!  The other day, I had hummus inside of one for me during carpool line (with a few carrots stuck in there). No mess, dishwasher safe, fabulous.
See…you snack stays nice and dry in the top portion and your drink is underneath.  My mom said she bought them at Target but I’m pretty sure they’re available other places too.  Seriously, a genius idea.  You will use them as much as your kiddos :).

I love Apple Cider Vinegar and use it in a lot of recipes (especially fall recipes), but did you know it was good at removing product build up in hair?  
About six months ago or so, I saw this on Pinterest (I think) and started doing it and now, I use it once a week.  This stuff is better than any clarifying shampoo I’ve ever used.  You know sometimes the crown of your head will get build up from hair styling products (especially dry shampoo)?  Well, I just take about a half of a cup of this in the shower with me, pour it over the crown of my head and scrub it into my roots and then shampoo and condition as usual and it gets it all out.
My hair is color treated and it doesn’t affect it at all (and my hair doesn’t smell like vinegar either because of the shampooing afterwards).  Try it and let me know what you think!  I use Bragg (pictured above) but I’m sure all work the same.

Oh goodness!  Ladies…this quote has weighed heavy on my heart for a week now.  I pinned this quote last week but it really didn’t hit me until this last Sunday at church.
I remember it like it was yesterday…it was October 2007 and Andrew and I went to Sunday school one morning to find out that the 11th couple in our class was expecting a baby (11 women in our class got pregnant during the 2 years that I was trying).  
Eleven.  
Just that morning, Andrew had stuck two syringes full of fertility medicine into my abdomen (like he did every single day), I had swallowed a handful of fertility drugs and put on my “happy face” and headed to church to learn that someone else in our class was capable of being pregnant…just not me (oh I was capable, I just miscarried when I did get pregnant).  After Sunday School, we headed to our main worship center and I remember sitting there for an hour having the biggest pity party in my head.  I was so defeated.
Fast forward to this past Sunday, I was sitting there in that same worship center with my sweet daughter Ashby in my lap and this quote really got to me.  I had been fighting this huge battle to get to motherhood and look…seven years later, I’m a mom to three.  My kids didn’t come as planned (none of them did!)…but God never left my side.  It was worth every second of those two years of darkness to get me where I am today…and if I had to do it all over again, I would.  They were all worth it.
I don’t know what battle you’re fighting today but just know, God hasn’t left you.  He didn’t forget about you.  When you get to the other side, I truly believe, you’ll appreciate the journey.

Speaking of those three kids (and to get us to a much lighter note!), my friend Tori sent me this bracelet this week…
…Tori and her sister Desiree create hand-stamped jewelry and so they made me one with my kiddos’ initials.  I’m in love.

And many, many, many, many of you have asked me about these shoes…
…my pink Sketchers :).  Listen, ladies…if you have a trip to Disney coming up, Europe, NYC…anywhere where you’ll be walking a lot, these are the shoes you need. Let’s be honest, they’re not exactly fashion forward…but they’re super, super comfy and in my opinion, cuter than wearing regular old tennis shoes.  I’ve blogged about them before because I also wore them a lot when we went to Spain…
They come in every color under the rainbow plus your neutrals like black and grey…honestly, they are just the perfect shoe for traveling.  I also throw them in my washing machine and wash them often too and they still hold up.  I bought mine two years ago and still wear them a lot.  You can see pink here and then other colors here.

Oh my goodness!  If you have not seen Jimmy Fallon and the cast of Saved By the Bell on the Tonight Show, you must click here.  I am such a child of the ’90s and that show was my life back then.  I was OBSESSED with every episode :).  This video is sheer genius!  Seriously, if you liked SBTB, you will LOVE this.  Make sure you scroll and watch the one that says “full clip”.
Want to bake this cozy winter weekend?  Try one of my Simple Quick Bread or Muffin recipes!  Click here to see them all.

Happy Friday!

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Comments

  1. Myranda says

    Thank you for sharing that quote, and for bring so open with your story. After a little over a year of fertility drugs and doctors saying there's no explanation for why my body's not working the way it should, I finally gave in to trusting God's plan to be greater than my own. And to top it off, we just saw two pink lines! 🙂

  2. kelly says

    Hey Shay! I recently wrote an (almost) entire blog post on why you are causing me to BAR HOP!
    @heybelly.com
    I have a feelin' that I may have to block your other blog if things continue to get outta control ; )

  3. Liz says

    Hi Shay, thanks for always being so transparent and open with your journey to parenthood.
    On a much lighter note….do you wear liners (if so what kind) or go barefoot in those shoes?
    TIA

  4. Kathy Olson says

    Thank you for sharing about your struggle with infertility.
    One of our children has a severe disability, and in certain situations when I see girls her age reach milestones, I grieve all over again.
    Even though our situations differ, I do understand those hard emotions.
    It is always good to read another's struggles to know that you aren't in it alone.
    Thank you for being so honest and I'm SO happy that you have your 3 precious kids! What a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness:)

  5. Michele @ The Joyful Home says

    I love that reminder of God's goodness- the wait is always worth it! And, that Saved By the Bell clip is hilarious! So many memories and so much better than the stuff on tv today 🙂

  6. Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says

    So when we first met, we were both preggers, so I obviously didn't know you through your journey with infertility. Still seeing you out on the other side of it with such a happy (and pretty big!) family is such a joy to me! That Saved By The Bell skit cracked me up. Everybody looks the same!!!!!

  7. TorontoSAM says

    Thanks for posting that quote, it spoke to me today. I have a similar one on my post today (www.TorontoSAM.ca) today from 2 Corinthians. You know the one, I shall walk with faith even though I cannot see.

  8. Maren Hall Arnold says

    I almost always have a travel glass of water with me when the summer months hit. Thanks for sharing this product your mom found. It looks perfect for snacks on the go, kids or not! I also saw the Jimmy Fallon skit and thought it was impressive. They hardly look like they have aged at all!

  9. Erika Slaughter says

    Loving your quote this morning!!! So so true!!! God knew all along what he had in store. Love doing this mom thing with you!! XOXO

  11. Narci says

    ALSO, love that you shared your infertility story–such a blessing to anyone facing those struggles. Love you!!

  12. Cat W says

    Love your quote about the blessing coming! And thank your for sharing your personal journey to becoming a mom. Such a beautiful story.

  14. Melissa says

    Your bracelet is darling, that quote is so timely and I LOVED the SBTB skit too! Seriously…they all looked exactly the same and it was like being in time machine. Thank you for sharing all of your favorites…have a great weekend!

  15. Megan says

    Ahhh I love when you said, "I don't know what battle you're fighting today but just know, God hasn't left you. He didn't forget about you. When you get to the other side, I truly believe, you'll appreciate the journey."
    I'm in the middle of one of those "why am I going through this" moments, and what you said just really hit home.
    Love your blog, and think you have the most gorgeous, sweet family!

  16. Anonymous says

    I love all things fashion and beauty products- BUT, I've been using baking soda as my shampoo for almost 3 years now and my hair has reaped so many benefits! I mix a few T's in a squirt botltle and fill to the top with hot water and shake it up and squeeze on my roots. Scrub in, rinse out.
    For about a year I used cider vinegar mixed w water for my everyday conditioner. I KNOW!! How is it possible?! 🙂 well, I decided I'd prefer something thicker, so now I use regular conditioner. No way will I give up my baking soda shampoo though; if I use regular shampoo now, my roots are SO limp and look greasy in 24 hrs. With baking soda, I only wash 2x a week, with no dry shampoo! Maybe surprising, I know, but this girly girl LOVES it ! And, I get my sudsy, bubbly fragrant fix from body wash ….:)

  17. Paula says

    That quote….poweful! I was just discussing this very fact with my MIL this week. My daughter is severely disabled. 7 years later her struggle, family adjustment is still very real. We just have to sit out of certain activities. We stay exhausted. However, would I be who I am in Christ without her? Would I be on my knees as often? Would I surrender and trust Him as much?
    There is a song by Mercy Me I replayed often in the early years, 'Bring The Rain'. It brought comfort and still doesn't. Not sure why this road is ours, but trust it is for our good and His glory.

    Jimmy Fallon is MY FAVORITE! Combined with SBTB….well LOVED! LOVED! LOVED! And, how do they look the same?

    I have horrible build up. I am trying the cider.

  18. Kelly @ Familiar Joy says

    Great minds think alike! I am working on today's blog post and Snackees are in my favorite list, too. Pure genius!! Especially for my little girls who are sitting through their older brothers' basketball games 3-4 days a week.

  19. kristen says

    Ahh, loved this post! Loved hearing what's blessing YOU! 🙂

    I can't quite remember which friend of yours (in the pic at the airport) is at the end on the left. I LOVE her sweater. Could you possibly ask her where she got it? xoxox!

  20. Anonymous says

    Thank you so much for posting that quote this morning. I am going through a divorce and have three kiddos and this quote was just what I needed to read this morning. I love your blog and loved reading your story on adopting Ashby. She is so cute and looks so happy!

    Rachel

  21. Anonymous says

    The Snackeez are awesome! My kids have them too. They also make a Jr Snackeez that is about half the size. It would be the perfect size for sweet little Ashby. My daughter has a Frozen one from Bed Bath and Beyond.

  22. Lindsay Dunagan says

    Apple Cider Vinegar is wonderful!! I've been using it many different ways for about 7 years. You should look for the book written by the Bragg folks.

  23. Anonymous says

    Braggs vinegar is also great to mix with a couple teaspoons of honey and distilled water for a very healthy cocktail. Google all the health benefits.
    Love the snackees. On my wat to target! Thanks!!

  24. Jaren says

    Great favorites!! My kids are obsessed with their Snackeez and I found a little "Frozen" one for my 2 year old too! Off to check out Jimmy Fallon! LOVE him and I loved me some Saved by the Bell!

  26. Sara says

    That quote was just what I needed this morning after walking into work and seeing my 7 months pregnant co-worker, which hurled my recent miscarriage to the forefront of my mind. Thank you for sharing.

  27. Olivia says

    I have to comment about that strawberry lemon bread in the above pic. I make this a lot and it's THE best! I have to tell myself not to eat the whole loaf.

  28. Goodbyebreadandcheese says

    Yes, I will be going to Target this weekend to look for that Snackeez. Thank you!

  29. Eryn Morel says

    How do the sketchers size? True to size? I'm going to Disney in a week…I need those shoes!

  30. Laci Murray says

    Reminds me of song we sang at church growing up about God being an on time God. He knows what we need and when we need it. It's hard to see that when you are hurting. Love this post and I am going to buy apple cider this weekend! 🙂 Happy Friday!!!

  31. Leiah says

    Thank you for posting that quote today. I am in the middle of exactly what you were going through (minus the fertility drugs – we can't afford it at the moment) but everyone around me is getting pregnant and it's just such a hard time for me. It means so much that you share your journey and your reassurance of His timing in all things, this is what I needed to hear this morning. Thank you, Shay! 🙂

  32. Amie says

    Thank you for the quote and sharing your journey. We are currently in the process of doing an IVF cycle after trying to conceive for over 3 years now. We pray this works be we also know it's in God's time 🙂

    Your family is beautiful!

  33. Elaine Welte says

    ACV has so many uses! My husband has used it to remove warts (gross!) but it totally works! We are going to Disney in March, and those shoes have been on my list to get since you shared them last year! I love the pink color!

  35. Chasing Pure Simplicity says

    Two things… 1) I thought Snackeez were the stupidest thing ever, then my kids got them for Christmas and I love them! (And might of bought one for myself too!). 2) the quote is awesome. We have done three adoptions and each one came in a totally unexpected way. I couldn't have planned a family this good if I tried… God knew just what I needed!

  36. Crystal :) says

    Hi! Yes, ACV is great even for skin toner and breakouts! ….do you wear no show socks with your Sketchers or go foot commando?

  37. Whitney McCallister says

    That quote really got to me too. I shared it with a fiend going through some fertility issues herself. Thanks for sharing.

  38. The Bryan Family says

    Love this post! One of my students came into class just last week with one of those cups and I about lost it – its genius and I can't wait to get them for my kiddos. I just recently started used ACV in my facial routine at night and it works wonders on my face! This product is amazing and has so many benefits. Child of the 90s here too and the SBTB video with Jimmy F. rocked my day.

  39. She's a big star says

    Ok Shay, talk to me about those Skechers! I'm taking the kids to Disney soon and I've been so worried about my feet because I've recently developed Plantar Fasciitis. Shoes make all the difference in the world for me so I need a shoe with a supportive arch. Am going to check these out – thanks!

  40. Candice Ibarra says

    Hi Shay! I just went to go order those pink sketchers and I noticed it say they were a medium width. I have pretty narrow feet so I was worried about they being too big. Are the shoes very wide?

    Thanks!

  41. Anonymous says

    I love your blog! I love that you use your blog to witness for Jesus! And, I love that Ashby has learned to smile for the camera. So stinking cute!!

  44. Anonymous says

    In fertility treatments right now as we speak. Have a week and a half to see if this cycle was successful. A very lonely place to be, but so thankful knowing God is in control of the entire situation. Thank you for your encouragement!

  45. Lisa Berkley says

    Love that quote!! It really hit home. We found out in April of 2013 that I had cervical cancer. Had a full hysterectomy on July 2nd 2013 to be cancer free. Decided that we wanted to adopt so we submitted our profile book and got a call a week and a half later telling us we got picked. Our beautiful daughter Karlie Rose was born July 2nd 2014 (exactly 1 year from the day of my hysterectomy). We are so blessed and this quote is right on 🙂

  46. Molly Middleton says

    You ROCK those pink sketchers. Love, love reading about your life 🙂 Happy Weekend!!

  47. Jen Pogue says

    Your whole journey of adopting Ashby has had a huge impact on me! It's been miraculous to see someone I know go through the whole process. Thank you for being willing to share the ups and downs here. I love how God has blessed you greatly as a Mom in His timing. 🙂

  48. Mix and Match Mama says

    SKETCHERS INFO: Yay! I'm so glad so many of you like the Sketchers too! To answer your questions:

    1. I find that they run true to size.
    2. I wear them without socks
    3. My feet are pretty narrow and they fit just fine! They're stretchy (a little) on the sides, so I think most foot widths would work.

    Enjoy! Happy Friday!

  49. Laurie S says

    Thank you for the quote. I needed to read that especially today – my autoimmune disease has gotten worse and the Dr says I have to add a new injection drug to my regimen. I'm so upset, but I know that God has it all handled. This morning my jaw joint was so inflamed I couldn't chew or swallow w/o pain (but I figured how to slurp and nibble with my front teeth), so it's soft/liquid foods until that calms down.

  50. John and Randi says

    Oh I so needed that quote today! I am battling one of the biggest trials I've had to endure in my life…post partum depression and anxiety! It's been a real struggle for me. Especially because my two babies dud not come easy. Lots of infertility drugs and lots of sick days. I'm so grateful for them, but my mind is having a hard time. I know it's not me. I've been taking it one day at a time and have a lot of Faith God will get me through this just like her got me through infertility. I know I M blessed to have my two very close children 🙂

  51. Amanda Taylor says

    I definitely need to see #3 today. My husband and I have been trying for a year now to conceive with no luck and being told by doctors that everything is fine and just give it time. If one more person says "just try not to think about it", I may lose it 🙂 Everyone around me is pregnant but I just hold out faith that our time will come soon and there is a reason for the waiting.

  53. allisonwest says

    I bought the kiddos Snackeez cups as part of the Valentine's a few weeks ago. Every single day I have wanted to go ahead and give them to them early so we could start using them. I am fighting the urge but know we'll LOVE them. I think I might need to go ahead and get a backup set for the beach house. 🙂

  54. Denise Ross says

    I love alm your Friday favorites Shay. The quote and your words with it really tugged at my heart. Thank you I really needed that today. I'm going to write it out on my blackboard so I can it everyday. My heart swelled with love for those beautiful ladies that made and sent you your new braceket with your kiddos initials – wow! His beautiful. Have an awesome weekend x

  57. Lisa- the So Cal Soccer Mom says

    I almost died laughing at the Saved by the Bell video. So much fun! Love that stamped bracelet and I'm off to check out their site. Have a great weekend!

  58. Kelly says

    I saw your bangle post on instagram and immediately showed my husband and told him that I want something like that once we are done having kiddos! Love love love.

  59. Caroline @ In Due Time says

    Shay! God is so faithful. I love your testimony from infertility to a mother of 3. I love hearing stories like this because all these testimonies are the Spirit of prophecy! What he does for one He will do for another!! Praise Jesus!

  60. Anonymous says

    Shay, I was on public transportation on Friday, when I was reading this particular blog and came across the quote, "If You Saw The Size of The Blessing Coming, You Would Understand The Magnitude of The Battle You Are Fighting!" Well, I was no good and my eyes started to tear, and I had to get somehow get myself together before people started staring and wondering what the heck was wrong! You see, I too know, that quote was for me! God was reminding me again, in that moment … He has not forgotten. And everything I've been going through …. there's a reason. Once again, thank you for sharing! May God continue to keep and bless your loving family!

    Cindy

  61. Deena says

    Love my Skechers Go Walks. I have slip on and lace ups and they're all so comfy. I tried them on locally before I ordered from Amazon and they fit true to size for me. I wore them walking around NYC for 3 days with no problem and they're also great for cruises.

    The Jimmy Fallon clip was hilarious. Can't believe they've barely aged.

  62. Chic Coastal Living says

    Love that quote! Thank You Lord that You are always with us and never leave our side. Amen. God bless your sweet precious family. hugs and kisses 🙂 XOXO

  64. Anonymous says

    I too went through many years of infertility and now have four kids, the last two being twins which I kept telling myself was a blessing in disguise (pregnancy and such was so difficult) but I love them all so much and couldn't imagine my life without all of them. I also am in love with those shoes. I just took two pair to Disneyworld last week and they were perfect. Love your blog! Alicia

  65. Mary P says

    We had a snow day in Nashville and I finally had a chance to catch up on your blog. That being said, coming across your quote is just what I needed. Thank you for sharing your heart, it allows me to feel a lot less lonely as we struggle with infertility. I find rest and peace in those words. Bless you, Shea and your beautiful family. Thank you for always sharing what is on your heart.

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