Hey…guess what I’m doing right this minute? I’M SLEEPING IN! Woohoo! Today is our first official day of summer and this mama decided to sleep in. I figured it was good for me not to be awake at 4:20 AM on our first day of summer. What are our plans today? Swimming. Oh goodness, I’m so excited :).
Yes. Yes. And yes some more.
I don’t recall a summer I’ve looked forward to more than this one. Last Memorial Day, we moved…we were in the middle of an adoption, Kensington was about to start kinder and I kind of took our free time for granted. Not this year, we’re settled, we have Ashby, I understand how precious the free time is and I’m going to soak up every single minute before Smith starts school. This is my favorite “favorite” today :).
Are you guys checking out my Facebook page? To see it, click here. I ask…because on Wednesday, I shared my new favorite sandals for summer…
Hello cuteness! I’m smitten with these sandals. They pretty much take my basic old denim shorts and striped tee and crank it up a big notch. I’ve been wearing them with jeans too…
Don’t my feet look happy? They’re comfy, they’re wearing cute sandals and they’re polished with my favorite color (OPI Mod About You)…yup, they’re happy. These sandals seem to run true to size…I bought my normal size.
And speaking of that t-shirt…it’s this one…
…and right now, it’s on sale for only $14! Eeks! Just an FYI, I bought smalls and even though it says online not to dry…I have dried mine after every single wash and they are still as good as new. My favorite little tee with my favorite little sandals.
Speaking of throwing things in the dryer…I read a trick in Good Housekeeping this month that I thought I’d share with you. You might be one of those people that iron and/or steam everything and if that’s you, go ahead and skip to my 4th Favorite Thing for the week. However, if you’re like me and you hate ironing and always opt for tossing your wrinkled garment into the dryer with a damp cloth, then you’re my girl and this tip is for you…
…in Good Housekeeping this month, they said that throwing your wrinkled item in the dryer with one ice cube worked better than a damp cloth. They said the ice cube will begin to melt and create steam and therefore, produce much better results. No one tell Andrew this (trust me, he is one of those crazy people who enjoys ironing and therefore has already skipped to Favorite #4), but I tried this earlier in the week with one of his shirts that may or may not have sat in the dryer a wee bit too long and therefore got a little wrinkly, and it worked! Try it instead of your damp cloth next time!
You ladies all know my friend Fancy Ashley, right? Well this super sweet mama just collaborated with Hayden Reis and created her own tote for their collection. How fun!! I personally didn’t know about Hayden Reis…but when I asked Sheaffer, she went on and on about how great their bags are…especially for the pool and beach. Ashley and the nice people at Hayden Reis sent me one of their totes to show you guys…
Isn’t it fun??? If you’re looking for me today, I’ll be the chic mom at the pool with my super fancy new pool bag (actually, I’ll be the crazy mom at the pool chasing after three kids, trying my best to keep them covered in sunscreen and safe from drowning…I’ll be a total mess but my super cute tote will be sitting on my lounge chair and looking quite chic.)
A big congrats to Ashley on this collaboration! If you’re needing a new pool bag (I love that it zips up!), you can find all of their bags plus Ashley’s collaboration here.
And last but not least…I have a burger for you to try this weekend…
…it’s my Sweet Basil and Onion Burger.
Happy Friday friends!! See you on Monday!
Ramona says
Such cute shoes!! And that bag is all kinds of fabulous just not quite affordable on a preK teacher's salary. 🙁 And I must admit I skipped right over your ironing trick. I love to iron so much I will iron underwear. Lol. Happy Friday!
Anonymous says
I find as the weather gets warmer, it's harder for me to stick to my gym schedule. Do you have any tips? Do you still stick to your schedule? Help! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I'm the opposite! When it's cold outside, I want to stay in and wear sweats while drinking coffee and eating cake. The heat motivates me :). That being said, yes, I do keep to my schedule…I'm nothing if not a creature of habit! You need to motivate me in the cold and I need to motivate you in the heat!
Anonymous says
Yes, love that! Is your gym schedule the same as one of your "shades of shay"? 3-4 days a week?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yup! It helps to stay in the routine, you know? Happy Friday!
Anonymous says
For sure! I have two little ones and I actually recently joined a gym that has a whole kid program too and am loving it! You inspired me to 🙂 Happy Friday to you! Enjoy your kick start to Summer!
kelsey @ so much life to live says
Hi Shay! Just curious…how late is "sleeping in" for you? 🙂
p.s. I've been inspired to wake up earlier by reading your blog! For my last few weeks of grad school, I was up and at 'em at 5:30 a.m. Thanks for that 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Haha! I woke up at 5:00 :).
Anonymous says
You motivated me too for about a week but I couldn't function haha. Back to normal
Erika Slaughter says
That big is fabulous!!! Love Love Love!! Too bad my initials are different…that thing might go missing. Maybe I could just change my name? 🙂
kimm atwood says
I saw Ashley post about the bag the other day and it's just adorable. And yay for summer
Elizabeth says
Shay, I absolutely hate ironing but my husband NEEDS almost every piece of clothing ironed…if he thought I wouldn't throw a fit he would want his white undershirts ironed! I never thought about steaming the clothes in the dryer! 🙂 you are my new hero! Thank you!!!
Emily says
I am curious why you are always going to a pool when there is a beautiful pool in your backyard? I grew up in FL and we always just swam at our own houses or a friends house, never a community pool.
Mix and Match Mama says
We swim at our house too (almost every single night with Andrew and all day Saturday and Sunday). But we love meeting up at the nearby pool because it's nice to see the other people (not just our friends but all of our other neighbors too), there's a diving board, there are water games and snacks, plus, then it's easy for us all to come and go without imposing on a friend. We get the best of both worlds :).
Narci says
Woohoo!! It's summer!! Can't wait for the pool! Thal pool bag is DARLING!! 🙂
Staci says
I've been using the ice cube trick for years and I LOVE it!
Anonymous says
Hi Shay! THanks so much for letting us know about the t-shirt sale! Ive been waiting for a sale- time to jump on it! Im curious what colors you have?! Thank you 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I have three of the striped ones. Several colors are already sold out (boo!). I really love these tees!
Tracy says
I am totally trying #3! Have fun at the pool. LOVE the new bag!
Anonymous says
Does Andrew read your blog?
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! 🙂 My hubby loves to see pics of his family!
Anonymous says
Don't we all! 😉 love the blog, your family seems so sweet
daniellem02 says
I will definitely try the ice cube thing. There are so many things in my closet I don't wear because they need to be ironed! Once, there was an iron commercial on TV, and my 4 year old asked me what it was. Oops
Jamie {the celebrating momma} says
I can't wait to try the dryer and ice cube trick. I have a feeling it might be life changing. 🙂
I love the pool bag! I need one pronto!
Have a great weekend!!
Maggie C. says
Love those tees as well! What color nail polish do you have on your fingers in those pics?
Laurie S says
Happy Friday Shay. I don't mind ironing – it lets me catch up on Tv shows too – but I will keep the ice cube trick handy for the stuff I put in the dryer. Have a great weekend.
Karen says
I was wondering how ashby does at the gym (being dropped off) and if you plan to send her to school next year? Wondering about adoption and attachment issues!
Mix and Match Mama says
We waited 3 months to drop her off at the gym with Smith and then started slowly (20 minutes the first time!). She loves it! She made herself a little rag doll out of yarn when she was there on Wednesday. She is doing so well! As for preschool, we're considering her going twice a week to a little half day program. We're very mindful of her attachment, so we take things slowly and one step at a time.
Karen says
It sounds like you guys are on top of things and that she is totally thriving! So happy that God has blessed your family and Ashby 🙂
Colleen Sullivan says
The ice cube trick is such a great idea! I usually lightly mist the item first, but I like this idea so much more. Thanks!
Kara Janzen says
Hey Shay, love your post as always! Thought I'd share a tip on how I get wrinkles out without ironing or using a dryer (since we live in Stockholm, Sweden and don't have a dryer in our apartment). My husband has been doing this for years but we use a squirt bottle with plain water in it and just lightly spray our clothes. Then shake them or rub our hands down them to brush the water over the wrinkles and then let it air dry for a few minutes and the wrinkles are gone. I usually pick my clothes out the night before so I usually spray my shirt before I go to bed and it is good to go in the morning and it works better for me than the dryer :). Have fun getting your hair wet at the pool!
julie webb says
Ooooooo thanks for sharing!
Jessica Glynn says
Thank you so much for the ice cube trick!!! I always have wrinkly things that I'm "freshening" in the dryer! I'm excited to try this out!
Anonymous says
What size are you wearing in the halogen tee??
Chase and Elise says
I love your blog and read it daily, but am too busy to stop and comment! What jeans are you wearing? Im in search for the perfect pair of skinny jeans. Mine are wearing out quickly since I live in them!
Mix and Match Mama says
J Crew Toothpick 🙂 Have a great weekend!
The Nelson Happenings says
I love stopping by your blog and reading your Friday Favorites ! Love the tote 🙂 Happy Friday
thebusybrunette says
Hi, Shay!
Since you are a travel and fashion expert, I figured I'd ask you this…
My family and I are headed to Disney World in a few months, and I'm wondering if you have any sandal recommendations. I am already taking my Skechers Go Walks, but I'm looking for a super duper comfy sandal because it will be so hot that I don't want to wear sneakers every day! I just don't do well in a completely flat sandal. I love the ones in your post today, but I need some more cushioning and support for my bad feet. I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg. Can you help? I also asked on Sheaffer's blog because you guys have the best suggestions! I'm sure a lot of people will be traveling this summer and will be looking for comfy sandals, too – at least I'm hoping!
Thanks in advance for considering!
"The Busy Brunette"
thegoodstuffbyajaespoo.com says
I think that ice cube trick just changed my life!
Also I meant to comment on your post last week that mentioned sunscreens. I don't know if anyone suggested Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunscreen? I have strawberry blonde hair with freckles so I always need something to protect my face, so I just use 2-3 drops before I put on my makeup. It's not greasy, hardly smells like sunscreen and is also gentle on my psoriasis. Thought I'd share! Happy Summer!
Karen says
What size tee are you wearing? Also petite or regular? Do they scoop down low?
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought smalls (regular not petite) and they don't scoop too low. I don't layer them with something underneath. Happy Friday!
Andrea says
Hi Shay!
I LOVE your blog and refer to it for inspiration on a lot of things in my life. I have been reading your blog for a couple of years now and I have a little request (please don't take it personally though). I have never stepped into a Nordstrom and I really can't afford a lot of the clothes you wear and buy (of course, I WISH I could and I'm a little jealous) Could you do a post on cheaper yet fashionable outfits that don't cost as much? I still want to be stylish but to spend $65 on a pair of sandals or $115 on a pair of skinny jeans, is a little excessive for me right now. I know you did a post a while ago on this, but if it could be more of a regular thing, it would be GREAT! I totally understand that this is your blog and it reflects you and your style, but many of your readers are on more of a strict budget then you are and it would be so nice to see more "must haves" that are not going to break the bank.
Thanks for reading!
Andrea
Mix and Match Mama says
Goodness yes! The tee I mentioned today is only $14 and it's from Nordstrom, so there are always deals to be had! I'll keep my eye out :). Happy Friday!
Whitney {Gracefully Mama} says
Love the sandals! I am always looking for cute flats, and a little bling is always a plus! 😉 The beach tote is so cute. Way to go Ashley! Happy Summer to you & yours!
Jenna says
Obsessed with your blog. I originally started reading back when Sean was the Bachelor then moved on. Back in January I started following again. I am so glad that there is no focus on Sean and Catherine. Some siblings of "stars" would be blogging on their life. You are a very enjoyable person and I just wanted to Thank you for the daily delight!
Anonymous says
I totally agree with this! I was just thinking the other day about how funny it is that Sean's time on the Bachelor led me to this blog. Now I follow Shay's life more than Sean's.. Lol! You have a great family
Leigh says
Those Halogen tees and that Mod About You polish are two of my favorites as well! I love them both! I also love my Reef flip flops (Sheaffer has the same ones). I read that ice cube trick too but haven't tried it yet; thanks for reminding me! Also, I have never put my Halogen tees in the dryer. I've been too scared I would ruin them and I love them too much for that! Maybe I'll be super brave and try them in the dryer this weekend.
Lisa Walter says
Shay,
I absolutely LOVE your blog and I look forward to reading your posts every day! You have re-ignited my cooking passion and I have made 10 of your recipes in the past two weeks. You are my number one source for meal planning! Thank you so much for all the time and love you put into both of your blogs!
Karla Aukerman says
http://www.amazon.com/Stupell-Home-Decor-Collection-Chalkboard/dp/B00MBEJOKU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433557358&sr=8-1&keywords=stupell+wall+art+laundry
Shay, I ordered this wall art (hope the link works?!) earlier this week for my laundry room, and it arrived yesterday! I had to laugh today when I read your section on passing up ironing with an ice cube and the dryer! I'm very excited to try that method! Ironing is NOT my favorite either! 🙂
Mama Of Boys says
I love your enthusiasm for summer, we live in England and at the moment we're getting excited about temperatures of 14' groan!! I also love the sandals, so cute xx
Jenna Grace says
I always end up doing the damp cloth thing because I constantly forget about my clothes in the dryer… I'll be sure to try the ice cube trick next time!
http://www.jenna-grace.com
Jaren says
Love the ice cube trick!! Oh how I procrastinate when it comes to ironing.
Mary Belken says
I ordered the Halogen tee that's on sale that you mentioned here. It is so soft and comfy that I just felt like I needed to come back here and comment! I have never understood how people can love a certain style or brand of tshirt, I've just always bought Jcrew/Gap/Old Navy/Target, whatever and been happy enough. But now I understand. I'll be ordering another one while its on sale. Love your blog! I've read it every day since I discovered it last August!