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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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Shay, What's Up Wednesday ·

What’s Up Wednesday!


My sweet friend Mel has been doing What’s Up Wednesday, so today, I thought I’d do one with her.  It’s totally random and yet kind of fun too :).
She has a list of questions that she answers on Wednesdays…so, what’s up with my Wednesday?  Here you go…
What we’re eating this week:
I cook five nights a week and usually, it’s 3 new recipes to share on my foodie blog and then 2 repeats.  Right now, I’m making food that will appear on my blog at the end of March (I’m always about 6 weeks ahead), so we’re having a nice Spring meal tonight.  We’re always one step ahead of the weather and the nearest holiday (Easter treats anyone? I’m making them at my house this week!).
Tomorrow night, we’re having this…
  
…Sausage and Potato Chowder (a repeat meal but much more weather appropriate!).
What I’m reading:
I’m reading two things at once right now.  I’m reading this at home before I start my day…
Rhinestone Jesus…which has a funny name but a great message!  I’ll add it to my book review next week.  During carpool line, I’ve been reading this…
…Madame Chic…which many of you recommended last month during my book review, so I bought it and love it!  The perfect light read!
What I’m reminiscing about:
We announced to everyone on Valentine’s Day 2008 that we were expecting Kensington.  So this week, I always think of that.
What I’m looking forward to:
I know it’s only February 11 but I’m already looking forward to summer.  Here is how my brain works…I start wishing for summer in February and then start hating it and wishing for fall in July.  In North Texas, May and June are usually really nice (warmish but nice) but by July, it’s hot, miserable and I want to see pumpkins. 
 I am so excited about our lazy summer with friends at the pool.  I look forward to those days all year long.
What I’m loving:

Right now, I’m really loving two things…
…forget everything about this picture except for my lipstick.  I’m totally loving my MAC lipstick in Angel.  I’ve had this neutral-slightly pinky color for years and kind of forgot about it until right before we went to China.  Now, I’m pretty obsessed with it and even had to buy another tube because I used it so much.  It’s like a great neutral color but it won’t wash you out (like some do) because it has just a little touch of pink to warm you up (and not make you look pasty).  I’m loving it right now.

I’ve blogged about this many times before…but I only wear two fragrances, when it’s chilly, I wear Burberry Brit and when it’s nice out, I wear Flowerbomb.  Well, it’s been nice, so I pulled out my Flowerbomb and started wearing it again (I think I stopped back in September when fall rolled through).  Anyway, I love it.  It is so nice and I imagine that I’ll wear it forever.

What we’ve been up to:
We had a great weekend with friends!  On Saturday night, we had dinner with the Slaughters and on Sunday night, with the McAnallys.  I love sharing meals with friends (especially friends who are like family).  Before dinner with the Slaughters on Saturday night, we went to Dallas and surprised this guy…
…my brother was signing copies of his book at Barnes and Noble, so we went by to say hi and get our copy autographed :).
What I’m dreading:
Buying plants for the yard.

I dread buying plants for the yard.  Every year, we go to Home Depot or wherever and buy a bunch of pretty plants that cost a small fortune and then eventually, they’re all dead (because that’s how it goes for annuals).  I dread buying them, planting them, watering them and then removing them once they’re dead.  Plants wear me out.

What I’m working on:
Right now, I’m working on spending as much time as I can with this one…
…of course, I’m working on other things too…but my life pretty much is all Ashby, Ashby, Ashby right now.  And I love it :).
What I’m excited about:

Baseball season!!  Woohoo!  Baseball season is just about to start and I am over the moon.  I miss the Sox so much when they’re not playing.  I love the chatter of baseball that’s in the background of my life.  I listen to baseball news in the morning when I’m working and watch the games at night (plus, my dad and I talk about baseball on the phone during the day).  I cannot wait for baseball season!
What I’m watching:
Scandal is back from their winter break and my heart couldn’t be happier.  I love Scandal.  And I love Fitz. I’m on Team Fitz.  Each week, I hope and pray someone kills Jake.  #justsayin #teamfitz

What I’m listening to:
I’m a big Diana Krall fan and bought her new album on iTunes last week.  I love it!  I really, really love her duet with Michael Buble on it too :).

As a side note, don’t you think we could be sisters?  We have the same hair, right?  Listen, she is 50…isn’t that amazing?  Doesn’t she look fabulous?!

What am I annoyed by:
This silly Texas weather!  Some years, we have a nice winter with cold days and some snow (not a lot but just enough to make you think we’re having an actual season).  This year has been unseasonably warm…which for some might sound nice but we live in a state THAT IS ALMOST ALWAYS WARM (OR FREAKING HOT!), so I enjoy some cold days.  I’m not quite ready to surrender to the heat…oh winter, where are you?!?!
What am I hoping for:
We’re still waiting on an appointment for Ashby’s hand.  I’m hoping that the paperwork gets filed quickly and we can get an appointment as soon as possible!

What am I wearing today:
It’s Wednesday.  On Wednesdays, I wear gym clothes in the morning and then shower and change after I work out.  I’m probably wearing something like this…

…booties, jeans, stripes, scarf and a jacket.  I can almost guarantee you that I have something like this on.
What else is new:
Hmmmm…not a lot.  We’re pretty boring these days.

What’s up with you?


Thanks for the fun idea Mel!  XO

If you need an idea for Valentine’s Day, I have my Valentine’s Menu on my foodie blog today…

…a little homemade supper is a great way to spend the evening.

 Click here to see my suggested menu.

Happy Wednesday!

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Comments

  1. kelly says

    Hey, Shay! I left you a comment last Friday, telling you that I had made your, White Chocolate Strawberry Bars, with my nieces, for our valentine party that I was hosting that night. And well, I just thought that I would share with you how it all went down. First, I just have to point out the fact that, although I did use your's and Kensington's party as a concept, somehow along the way, my party kind of turned out to be, The Beverly Hillbillies', version. I also have to brag a little about myself and tell you know that only ONE child got hurt bad enough to almost need medical treatment from the ER and there was just one little girl who spent the entire night throwing up…which is a huge accomplishment in my opinion, considering just how much sugar those kids ingested! Oh! And I really don't mean to toot my own horn or anything BUT I have to give myself mad props for the exciting entertainment that was provided by my mama, as she slammed her SUV into the passenger side door of my dad's truck! For a few minutes, my 10 valentine princesses, along with the four boys, seemed to think that they were at a demolition derby instead of a sweet valentine party, adorned with the likes of Cinderella, Tiana and Anna…along with just about every other Disney princess. So, besides the fact that we had one injury AND a sweet girl who couldn't keep her sugar cookies down, I would still say that our party was a success, even during the times when all of the adults were wishing that they had brought a nerve pill. ; ) Thank goodnes my dad's truck didn't get a vote in this, though! And while I've been at home waiting on my, Hostess with the Mostest award, that I'm beginning to think is never going to show up, I did make some of your original Neiman Marcus Bars, that my sister said were even more delicious than the ones before! I just can't bring myself to admit that these are better than the strawberry… However, they ARE a close tie. 

    p.s. I didn't imagine this comment to be so long…now I feel like I need to apologize for not emailing you. LoL

     AND—–> if you get a chance, our complete valentine party recap is at: heybelly.com

    …it was a real MESS but we really had lots of fun ; )
    Oh…& I've REALLY been wanting to try that Flowerbomb perfume since you posted about it on your, scents of shay, post. This is such a fun idea for a blog post : )

    :::kelly:::

  2. Brittany Medland says

    My morning coffee is always paired with reading your post and having BT Toronto on and this morning your brother is on BT!! Woo hoo.. Maybe I can run into the city and meet Sean today!! Haha

  3. Erika Slaughter says

    Oh my!!! I completely agree! Diana and you definitely are sportin' the same locks! This was a really fun post! I couldnt agree more about the flowers/plants. I wonder how it'd look if we planted artificial ones? Then they'd never die?! Hahahahaha! ?

    • Anonymous says

      M mother in law sticks in artificial flowers amongst the real ones to "fill it in" and amazingly you would never know unless she pointed it out!!

  5. Jaren says

    So I need to check out those perfumes! I wear Pleasures and Light Blue, both of which I will never ever stop wearing but I do want a few more.

  7. Tara G. says

    When we lived in NC my front porch got full on hot afternoon sun and I couldn't keep anything alive. I bought two hanging baskets of fake flowers, put them in those coconut husk baskets and no one knew. Not even the hummingbirds.

  8. Blue-Eyed Bride says

    Oh friend… I never ever wish for summer. Especially when we have 70 degree days in January and February. Summer will be here way too soon and won't let up for a long time. Ack! But yes! Baseball!!! And sweet Ashby. What a precious one to spend your days with! Xoxo

  11. Anonymous says

    That sausage potatoe chowder looks good! I'll be giving that a try.
    On a side note., I bought those snackeez cups you featured on your blog a little while back and my kiddos love them! Thanks for the info 🙂

  12. Anonymous says

    Just wanted to let you know that lunar new year is next Thursday! Please don't let ashby forget her roots.

  13. Jen Besnett says

    Such a fun idea for a post. I am going to have to remember this! Thank you for always adding joy to my early mornings and for the great meal ideas. However, I should probably not read your blog until the middle of the day because now this pregnant mama is craving your dinner idea before 7am 🙂

  15. Dana Vissage says

    I love that lipstick shade! It's the perfect color! And I thought I was the only "Team Fitz" out there!! Ha!

  18. Bethany says

    Love that lipstick shade on you! It's actually, kind of my favorite. You look wonderful in all but the light light pink one you wear doesn't do as much for you as this!.

    Team Fitz???? No way! Team Jake!!!!!! 😉

  20. Johnna Bradley says

    I love reading your blog I read it every day. I live just outside of Boston and we are buried in snow!! I'd be happy to send you some snow if you'd send us some of that 70 degree weather 🙂

  21. Judy says

    I saw Sean on DayStar last night. Great interview. I've never commented on your blog — but I've been reading for a couple of years. It's the first thing I read when I turn on my laptop.

  24. Slightly Askew Designs says

    The weather annoys me too! Where is winter??? Don't get me wrong…. I love the mild weather BUT I'm not ready to pack up the puffers and coats quite yet. ALSO – you should totally make watering plants your kiddos job! My boys FIGHT over who gets to water. hahaha

  26. Queen In Between says

    Love this fun post! I love that you & your dad share the love of baseball…can't wait for the college season to start on Friday!! And for real…where has winter gone?? It is MIA and I am like you…it will be hot enough before we blink and I need a little more winter to get me through!

  27. Stephie C says

    I was sitting under the dryer getting my hair done last night and think the same thing about the flowers! Your comment about them made me laugh this morning! Happy Wednesday!

  28. Mary says

    Random question, Shay! Out of curiosity, do y'all eat leftovers? You said you cook five nights a week and I believe I've read before that ysll eat out on weekends.

  29. Sara says

    Loved this post! Not much better than lipstick, fun books, and adorable kiddos! Ashby seems like such a sweetheart. Made your chicken chili last night..mmmm! Was amazing! I'll swap you some TX sunshine for some of this crazzzzzy Boston snow! Brrrrr… 🙂

  30. Anne B. says

    Another person on Team Fitz!! Yay! All my girl friends love Jake, and I'm the odd ball rooting for the POTUS. He won my heart when he showed her the Vermont home. Love.

  31. Jen says

    In my pre-coffee haze this morning reading your blog, I saw that sonogram and thought OMG!! She's pregnant! Haha! I didn't realize it was Kensington! Too funny.

    This post was really fun!! Love the lickstick shade. 🙂 I am looking forward to reading your book reviews.

  34. Elizabeth Park says

    Hi hi Shay!
    Love reading your blog and your daily life. You're like my virtual friend =)
    Just wanted to stop in to say hi and thanks for sharing your life on this blog! I think you are such an awesome individual and I love how you love Jesus! Yayy! =)
    I love seeing and reading posts on Ashby!! It makes my day. mm also, wanted to mention, it would be great for Ashby to continue learning Mandarin Chinese, so she has the ability to communicate with people from or in her motherland down the line. I am a Korean American, and I speak Korean as well, so I feel it's important that Ashby continues to learn and use Chinese too. She will learn English in no time, I don't think there is much worry there.

  36. mel @ the larson lingo says

    Yeah!!! So glad you did this post! So fun! 🙂
    I will fly out to Texas and plant your flowers for you….I LOVE gardening! And, while I'm there, I will go ahead and plant you a veggie garden also. How does that sound? 🙂
    Also, I have Scandal on my DVR….haven't watched it…yet!!!!

  37. Brooklyn says

    Good choice on Diana Krall (and Michael Buble) two of my faves, gotta support my fellow Canadians 🙂

  38. Denise Ross says

    Hi Shay
    We cooked your sausage potato chowder today and even with the changes to the ingredients – we didn't have the sausage on hand do substituted with standard sausages and added some Italian mixed herbs – magnificent !!! I'm taking the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Thanks for such an easy receipe. It suits my crazy days lifestyle. Blessings to you

  39. Three Gals and a Guy says

    What a great idea! I've been wanting to do a few different posts and this one hits just a little on each, all at once! I think I might just have to "steal" it! 🙂 Love reading your updates on Ashby and your adoption story. I was also adopted from South Korea and have recently been exploring adoption with my husband. Thanks again for sharing!

  42. Corner of Sass and Snark says

    You want someone to kill Jake? How could you???? I am soooo Team Jake. Cmon! Be a gladiator! 😉

    I've been following on Insta for awhile, but now I'm spending the afternoon catching up on your blog that I just found. Love it!

    I'm also tempted to check out these other Mel and Melanies you speak of. 🙂

    Melanie
    cornerofsass.blogspot.com