‘Tis Friday!
I’m linking up with three of my favorite ladies (Andrea, Erika and Narci) and sharing my Friday Favorites. I hope you’ve had a great week and have fun weekend plans!
Kensington and I spotted these little flamingo earrings the other day and decided to buy one pair and take turns wearing them (her idea…but I thought it was cute, so I went with it). Look how adorable they are on her…
And then this is the worst ear pic ever…but I had them on at the gym and the pool on Wednesday, and thought they were fun and great for summer…
The flamingos spoke to use but they come in these fun options too…
Speaking of things that speak to me…did you know Toms makes flip flops? Well, I didn’t…but now, I do! I bought this pair to wear with my swimsuits around the pool all summer long…but to tell you the truth, they’re so comfy that I’m wearing them a lot more than just with my swim stuff…
…I mean…a few things here…
1. I need a pedicure. Like yesterday.
2. My toes are painted OPI Mod About You.
3. It’s hard to take a pic of your feet…but this was me at the pool earlier this week.
4. I bought the dark brown sandals with the multi colors but they also come in bright blue and navy as well.
If you’re needing a little Red, White and Blue inspiration…you should head on over to my favorite Canadian’s blog and check out her decorations for the season. (Girls, she made that big flag! The directions are on her blog!) I love going to Andrea’s house year around because she does an amazing job of decorating seasonally…but this right here, is one of my favorites.
It’s here! It’s here! I ordered mine on Wednesday!! The new Erin Condren Life Planners are out friends! Eeeks! Since I ordered mine on Wednesday, I don’t have it to show you yet…but as soon as it’s in, I’ll take some pics. Here are mine from last year and the year before…
2014/2015
2013/2014
Okay…so, I am planner obsessed in general. I’m pretty sure I bought my first planner when I was like 12…so, this right here is really my love language. At one point this week when Erika and I were on the phone talking about these planners, I’m pretty sure I squealed. My entire life is in this planner and I’m super pumped to be getting my 3rd one in the mail soon! If you don’t know about Erin Condren and/or her Life Planners and other out of this world stuff for organization…you need to check her out. Her website is just sunshine and happiness friends. You’ll love it!
As soon as my new planner arrives, I’ll take more pics for you :). Here are a few of the inside of mine from this year…
Love.
And a few weeks ago, I received this comment on my blog…
…isn’t that such a good idea?! I am going out of town this summer and hadn’t really thought about what to do on here while I’m away…so, I sent this comment to Andrea (who is like the most creative person ever) and like an hour later, she sent me back this…
Genius.
So, on some of the days that I’m gone, you ladies can talk amongst yourselves :). That being said, we need some topics! I personally need some ideas about laundry and discipline. As for laundry…I need a good system for the kids’ clothes. Should I be doing loads by kids, items or all together? I feel like the sorting is what takes so long (the girls’ clothes already look very similar!). I would really appreciate laundry tips! And as for discipline, I need some clever ideas for this new age that I’m in with my kids. My kids are getting too old for time-out and such but not quite old enough for let’s say, taking away their phone privilege. Thankfully, they’re not in trouble very often..but I need some creative consequences for this age range.
So…what topics do you want to talk about? Please comment here today with some suggestions! When I’m gone, I’ll post topics for the day and you ladies can talk amongst yourselves :).
And for your weekend…
…my Bacon & Bleu Burger.
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Happy Friday!!
Anonymous says
Shay – love your blog!
Laundry: I have just about stopped washing my boys clothes together. I wash theirs separately because of what you said – the folding and sorting into piles at the end is a nightmare! I pick a boy and wash all of their clothes in one load (I do not color sort unless something is brand new and may bleed). It has saved me time to do it this way :). I still sort and wash all the other household laundry (towels, sheets, adult clothes by color, etc), but doing theirs separately has helped!
Anonymous says
I do the same thing with my girls! Such a relief and so much easier! If it was a pricier item then I wash it with the adults sorted clothes! 🙂
Anonymous says
Same here!! I do two or three loads for myself each week and one per kid…. but occasionally add a kid clothing item or two to mine.
Dawn Scheurich says
My girls are grown now, but I ALWAYS did their their laundry separately. For me, I just found it easier, especially when it came time to put it all away. Because I am crazy about stuff going where it should, it would have made me crazy to not get socks or underwear back in the correct girl's dressers, so washing separately just made more sense to me.
shericamarie says
This has worked so well for me – maybe my kids have a ton of clothes but I can do a full load in the washer and still have a plentiful closet, but I also don't hesitate to use the smaller load settings on the washing machine
K says
I don't really have suggestions (lol!) but I was wondering, since you love vacationing and you live in Texas, if you could sometime do a post on places to visit, where to stay, where to eat, etc in different cities in Texas, like Austin & Dallas (I.e have you been to Lego Discovery etc).
A Gal Named Al says
Hi! I live in Houston and am planning a family trip to Dallas this summer. Just wanted to give you a heads-up that I've read a lot of comments online about how disappointed people are with the Lego place in Grapevine. They all have said it was pretty much a bigger version of the Lego Store. Like people had driven hours from other states and then got there to find out its not all its cracked up to be. We're planning to go to Dallas World Aquarium and the Perot Museum based on the ratings and comments we've seen online. We'll also hit up the presidential library. Our favorite Dallas restaurant is relaxed Italian- Campise's. Many locations but the Egyptian Lounge on Mockingbird makes you feel like you're in the mafia movies (in a good way!) Have fun!
K says
Thank you for the recommendations! That's a bummer about Lego Discovery!
Kenra says
I completely agree! We are in Dallas on vacation right now. Although Shay did give me a few recommendations, I would love a whole post on Dallas… Like what the locals eat and enjoy! She is a travel agent after all. 😉
Grace says
Oh gosh, those Erin Condren planners make my heart go pitter patter. I love that they're personalizable and I've come to justify the price tag because of how much I go to it. Have a great weekend Shay! Hope Ashby has the best first family party this weekend!
Lauren McGreevy says
I love my Erin Condren planner & that burger looks divine!
Happy Friday!
Lauren
http://postgradinprogress.blogspot.com/2015/06/friday-favorites.html
Anonymous says
Those sandals are perfect!! I would love to see some more boy outfits on here! Smith always is in something cute!
Lisa Nortman says
When my daughters were about your kids ages and they would start getting on each others nerves, I would make them go to their own rooms, empty their dresser drawers (undies, shirts, shorts, little sundresses) refold and put everything back in neatly. This separated them and taught them a little discipline and organization at the same time:)
Laundry…we have always had 5 baskets 1) towels (all white so we bleach) and undies 2) lights 3) darks 4) denim 5) husband's work clothes.
I too learn so much from your blog and your readers!! Love this idea:)
kelly says
THIS is beyond Brilliant!!!!!
mary says
Laundry is an ongoing process in our house! That planner is to die for……
I'd like to see a guest post from your mom about shopping for women in our "prime" (50's-60's) without trying to look like we're 30!
Thanks
Anonymous says
Check out Busbee Style blog and you tube channel she is fantastic. Lots of great information . Susan
Anonymous says
Check out Erin Busbee, at Busbee Style Blog and you tube. She has fantastic information . Enjoy! Susan
Anonymous says
I'd love to hear from your mom on decorating tips for the home! I love your mom!
Danielle Baiamonte says
Hi Shay! I am a new mama to a 7 month old boy! My little guy spits up frequently and now that he is on solid foods his clothes are getting stained! I need tips and tricks on how to get these out! I've tried so many things but the stains are still there!
CampDallas says
I have always had good luck with Baby OxiClean. I put it in very hot water (I think that's the trick!!) & let it soak for hours. It has saved many outfits!! Oh, and if I can, I immediately wet the stain, especially if I can't get it to the laundry right away. Best of luck!
The Donley's says
My son (now 6 years old) was a reflux baby and spit up ALL THE TIME!!! I tried just about everything and found that resolve fabric/stain remover worked the best. Spray the area of the clothing and let it sit (at least ten minutes, but if you aren't actively doing laundry at the moment it can wait) then spray it again just before starting that load of laundry. I hope this works as well for you as it did for me. I feel your pain with staining and puking!!
Erica Ladwig says
Hi Danielle, I have an 11 month old boy so I am all too familiar with food stains on clothes. 🙂 I have found what works best for me is to soak the item in cold water and clarifying shampoo – I use Pantene's clarifying one and always have – This should get most, if not all of the stain out by itself (depends on the food), and then just spray it with your stain remover of choice, let it soak in overnight and the stains should be gone. I have to say, as impressed as I am with how well the clarifying shampoo gets stains out, it makes me wonder what I'm putting on my head! 🙂 Hope that helps!
Danielle Baiamonte says
What great suggestions!!! I never knew about oxi clean baby and pantene!!! Thank you ladies!
Laura says
Oh girl, this was my LIFE! My son spit up 15-20 times a day, easily, and the laundry got so much worse once he was spitting up colorful purees! 🙂 Spray Oxiclean (blue bottle) worked the best for us. For something REALLY stubborn (mostly orange things – carrots, sweet potato, etc) the only thing that worked was sunlight. I resorted to buying a retractable clothes line for the backyard, but it saved a LOT of his clothes! Note: sunlight should be used on washed clothes with no stain remover on them. The sun can react with Oxiclean, etc and make it worse so don't think you're killing 2 birds with 1 stone by spraying and then laying in the sun! Learned this the hard way!!
Melissa says
The sun! Definitely! It's the healthiest, and best, thing. It will even get out stains that show back up over time. I packed away baby clothes for one daughter and then five years later another girl. I KNOW everything was clean when I packed it away, but the stains come back. I didn't even treat them, just washed the clothes and laid them out in the sun to dry and they look new again!
Sarita @ it's my girls' world says
I love the talk amongst yourselves idea!!! I'll be reading along for laundry tips myself.
Erika Slaughter says
Whew!!! So much to say!! Loved the Toms sandals and can't wait to see your Erin Condren planner!!! Hmmm….Laundry is a great topic!! I'll be thinking about this today!
Mama Of Boys says
Yeah the sorting is the worst, I now do Toddler's in one wash and Baby's in another and whatever they have in their basket is all bunged in together (white, vests, pjs, trousers, cot sheets etc…) because a) I hate sorting and b) it's all done on 40' so nothing runs therefore c) it's more environmentally friendly. At least, that's what I tell myself anyway!!
Love the earrings, v cute xx
http://mama-of-boys.blogspot.co.uk/
tpatters5 says
I do the laundry by child. It makes it so much easier to fold and quickly put away. I start with my daughter who has to wear a uniform to her school so she has to have certain clothes for everyday and then for PE. I then do the preschooler's clothes because he is an easy dresser. Just needs to have his favorite shirts available and he is good to go . I then do all my husband's because I have enough clothes that if I don't get mine done I am ok. I only do wash in the weekends because I work full time and this system seems to work for us.
Anonymous says
So do you wash all her clothes together? Without separating colors from whites? And if so, do any of the colors bleed?
Kimberly says
I wash ALLL my kids clothes in one load (they're little and I only have two) and I have a laundry color catcher. It's a cloth that collects the colors so they don't bleed and it has worked WONDERFULLY for me 🙂
tpatters5 says
I was them all together in cold. If her white uniform blouses have paint or marker marks, I will do a whitest white cycle on the washer and combine with my husband's undershirts. :). I only have to do this on occasion. I
Mom to 4 J's says
Those color catchers (I use Tide) are AMAZING! Saved my hiney more than once
Narci says
So fun!! I love those sandals, and I can't wait to read everyone's ideas!!! 🙂
Katie B says
I agree – discipline at different ages is a great topic. I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old (both boys) and even with them being close in age, I feel like discipline needs to be different. What is appropriate for each age group? Same goes with chores….
I LOVE this blog!
PS – I've ordered two things I've seen on this blog – MK dress you wore at Easter and pink tank from Loft – I'm obsessed with both!! thanks!
Kelly @ Familiar Joy says
I have four little ones and laundry can be the most daunting task. My older two are boys and my younger two are girls, so I decided to do laundry by gender. I don't sort by color, I put all their laundry together and do it every other day. If there is something delicate (especially for the girls, because let's be honest, my boys live in basketball shorts and t-shirts) I will wash seperately. Otherwise, it all goes in together and I sort as I fold. It's not any extra work that way. It's made our lives a lot easier!
Elizabeth says
As far as disciplining your kiddos go, I suggest looking into Dr. Fay's Love and Logic. It is designed for use in schools and is based on the idea that choices have natural consequences (good or bad) instead of always punishing kids. I learned about it this past school year but I will definitely use it with my own kids. They have a few books you can read about it. It helps keep you calm when they aren't 😉
Laura says
I agree Fay's Love and Logic is an excellent parenting book. It teaches children they are in control of the choices they make and there are consequences, sometimes natural ones, when they choose wrongly.
Anonymous says
Love and Logic is fantastic! I'm a counselor and often work with parents of children and adolescents on techniques. The best part is that there is no shaming involved, the consequences and dialogue are very natural, supportive, yet firm. The Nurtured Heart approach is also worth looking into, some parents fit like the dialogue better.
Lisa Walter says
I'm a huge fan of Toms and I neeeeed those sandals! Thanks for the tip!
Anonymous says
Laundry: I do everyone separate and I just dump it all in and wash it on cold all mixed together. Saves having to do extra loads and separating colors and whites. I have done it this way for 20 years and never had a problem.
Planner: I have used the Erin Condren and I agree it is a great planner, but once your kiddos start having teenager schedules and everyone is in a different place at the same time you may want to consider switching to the mom agenda which has separate spaces for each kid. It is much easier to see their individual schedules.
Anonymous says
That's what I need. Erin Condren doesn't have enough space
Anonymous says
I have used an Erin Condren before, and it was cute but I had the same problem that it didn't quite meet my needs. I have used Plum Paper's Planner for a couple of years now and it is wonderful. It is the same size as Erin Condren and has the coil binding – but you can personalize and customize, and it is a bit less expensive. It also comes in several different formats. Happy Planner's everyone!
Anonymous says
Agreed! Teenagers definitely require MUCH more space than what EC offers!!!
Anonymous says
Agree! Plum paper planners are sooo much better than Erin Condren and less expensive
Meagan @ The Clanahan Fam says
Love this idea! I'd love to see some ideas on chores kids are expected to do, when do they get an allowance, etc? Mine just turned five and clearly I have expectations of what they should do around the house, but I'm not tracking it. Need creative ideas to keep us all on the same page!
Anonymous says
perhaps a post on natural home remedies…ie..using coconut oil for hair conditioning and for skin, or apple cider vinegar for cleaning…i'm attempting to detox my life/home a bit and would love to hear if people have ideas. another idea would be parenting books people have read and really liked…or ideas for a moms weekend away location and things to do.
Anonymous says
I would love to discuss how people organize play rooms, crafting items for the kids. I would also love to talk about discipline at young ages (mine are 2 and 4).
Erin Navarro says
Yes! Toy organization! Great idea!
Jessie says
I ordered my new Erin Condren planner this week, too! I don't even need it until January because I use the 12-month version, but I couldn't resist. It's amazing how much excitement a paper planner can bring a girl. 🙂
Ranisa says
I have a huge huge washing machine. With a family of eight. I do laundry about twice a week. Light towels, dark towels, jeans, light colors, red orange purple load, darks, and undies with socks. Then once a week I do a load of dark delicate and white delicates. No one has enough clothes in the house to wait for a full load to to it by child. They are just growing way too fast. Laundry room is near the master. I gold each item as I take it out of the dryer placing it in a basket. I have rows of clothes in my bed by person. All the pants along the bottom then shirts in the next row etc. when I am done I yell out "everyone put your clothes away they are on my bed". Most of them run and put them away. Still working on my three year old and helping my six year old.
Anonymous says
I would love to hear ideas on developing and sticking to a budget…and how to earn income from home. Shay, you seem to be very successful with your business ventures. I would love it if you would share some tips and ideas in this area.
Anonymous says
what a great idea!
someone yesterday mentioned budgeting..love that
books we are reading
de cluttering
discipline
how often are married people having sex and how to find the time haha
thebusybrunette says
Yes to the sex topic…. hahaha!
"The Busy Brunette"
http://thebusybrunette.blogspot.com/
Anonymous says
agree with the finding time for sex, hahaha
Anonymous says
As a new mom… I would love input on
-exclusively pumping
-sleep training
-schedules in general with a little baby
-taking a little baby on a trip
Great idea!
ClintandGina says
I have had two Erin Condren planners and love love them! I get so excited when they arrive. It want to be organized, but forget to fill it in. When do you fill it in and review it?? Thanks!!
Heather says
i forget to check mine too. A professional organizer told me to set my iphone alarm to go off at night as a reminder to check the planner. when i'm on my "A game", I write down my meal plan (ie do i need to let something thaw overnight) and that sort of thing. For some reason, I turned off my reminder alarm and things have gone downhill since!
Anonymous says
In regards to laundry (and other chores) I would love to hear how others started involving their children in helping. I've seen charts on Pinterest with age-appropriate chored for kids but haven't talked to anyone who actually has used it or how/when they start having kids help with chores.
thebusybrunette says
Yes – me too!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES. GENIUS. FREAKING GENIUS. And those Toms flips flops are fabulous.
The Boutelle Family says
First off – those flamingo earring are cute, but even cuter is that Kensington wanted to share them with you! I love the Talk Amongst Yourself idea! My friend & I host a link up called "This Is How We Do It" – similar idea of people sharing how they do things so we can all learn from each other! We've done topics like grocery shopping and me time & are going to be doing dinner time, cleaning the house, dating your spouse, bedtime routine, family vacation (or staycation). You could do some of those & make them more specific if needed. Another fun one would be ideas for dates with your kids – fun things to do one on one. Have a great weekend!
Slightly Askew Designs says
Thanks for claiming me as a favorite…. You're one of my favorites too 😉 hehehe
MTW says
Budgeting, working from home, cleaning schedules, and homework are all great topics!!
Bianca Catalano says
Just ordered my first Erin Condren planner and can not wait!! Happy Friday!!
Anonymous says
Would love for you and other bloggers to post on the city they live in like favorite places, restaurant's, shops, specialty store, maybe park or festivals, etc. We learn a lot that way. I thought of McKinney with all the negative pool party coverage and would love to know positive places to visit there. Have shopped McKinney a few times but despite research you always learn the most from people who live and work in there towns.
jennibell says
Yes! Cities/towns to visit should be a link-up day. . .locals always know the best stuff! Plus, those reading probably already have similar styles/interests (why else would we be reading/commenting) so I know it would be a post I'd tag and continue to come back to. As our children have gotten older we do more "discovering cities" as a vacation rather than the beach or other "vacation" destination. . .
heidifalls says
Laundry tip: have hangers in laundry area and take them out of dryer as soon as it beeps. Go ahead and hang everything that goes in the closet, instead of folding everything, only to go hang it later. Saves time! I'm going to try the tip of doing each kid's separate! Probably will work great for me!
Autumn says
TOMS flip flops?!?! Is it my birthday, yet?? 😉
KellyinPA says
Great ideas!!
Ann Marie says
Potty training!! EEEK! I'm about to dive in. (with twins!) I'll have to go back up and read about laundry suggestions. These kidos are keeping my folding… all day everday. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend, Shay!!! PS- I too LOVE Erin Condren!
Anonymous says
Our best was "lick & stick" tattoos. First got them for sitting, then moved into had to do something… Then moved on from there. I put kiddos in reg undies outside in warm weather…old shoes that could be washed. I didn't want to clean up that mess in house. It seemed to be the best for gething them to realize that "to go" feeling!!! Good luck!!! SS
Anonymous says
Kensington is beautiful! She looks like she has makeup on! What a beauty!
Anonymous says
Great idea!! Could you do a post or make a "Talk Amongst Yourselves" of what you wish you knew in your 20s? I am 24 and would love to hear some of the things you wish you knew. You are such an inspiration and someone I look up to! 🙂 have a great weekend!
Anonymous says
I second this suggestion! Or you could put a spin on it like what you want Kensington and Ashby (and Smith, if not woman specific) to know as they grow up in their teens/twenties/etc.
Anonymous says
Yes, please!! LOVE this idea
jennibell says
GREAT idea!!!
Anonymous says
YES. This would be awesome Shay!
Anonymous says
Discipline – What a great topic! The best thing that worked for me (when my daughter was younger) was the what I like to call the self-rewarding system! Together her and I sat down and created and decorated her discipline chart] and we used easy peel on/off stickers. The idea is, when she did as she was supposed to [for example, cleaned up her room without being told, brushed her teeth without being told, used her manners, helped a friend, etc] she was able to reward herself [on her chart] with a sticker for each good choice. Now, if she ended needing to be disciplined for whatever reason [they are young, there will be reasons – ex. not keeping her hands to herself, having to be told more than once to do something, talking back, not using her manners, etc] she then had to REMOVE one sticker that she already earned off her chart. Let me tell you, the idea of them having to remove their sticker that they already earned did not go over well for her. Once or twice of having to remove that sticker and she was thinking twice before making a bad decision. We set goals to work towards, because lets be honest, we want our children to grow up knowing how to set goals, how to achieve those goals and how to not give up on those goals so, I started her young! Our goals were for every 20 stickers, she received an ice cream date; every 50 stickers, movie date and then we set a high goal like 100 stickers earned her a sleepover party with a friend! This worked wonders for our household and that sticker chart was mobile – it would come on vacation with us and to grandma and grandpa's house! Hope this helps!
live compassionately says
I LOVE Toms & knowing they make flip flops makes me love them even more! Have a great day!
Megan Keller Barker says
I want to know how to actively use a planner, I am one of those who buy one and fill it all out with birthday, holidays, etc, then never use it again! (it's terrible) this probably sounds dumb, but I just want more ways to incorporate it into my life so that I actually use it.
Julianne says
Love the "Talk Amongst Yourselves" idea! Takes me back to some hilarious Saturday Night Lives skits! 🙂 As for discipline, while I am now am empty nester, back in the day, I drew so much encouragement and insight from Lisa Welchel's book, Creative Correction. She has so many great ideas! My son, who is married now, still talks about the time I made him open and close his door one hundred times the correct way – after slamming his in anger. He would get nearly all the way to one hundred and slam it again, so he would have to start over at one. He probably opened and closed that door over 1,000 times that day, but he learned valuable lessons about anger, about patience and most importantly – that mom means business! Here is a link to the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Correction-Lisa-Whelchel/dp/1589971280/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434118580&sr=8-1&keywords=creative+correction+by+lisa+welchel
Amy Lynn says
Julianne, great idea!!
Anonymous says
Julianne we did the same thing with our boys. Still no door slamming at 16 & 18.
jennibell says
Yes, I really liked her book too. . .I liked that the discipline was creative and, most of the time, effective.
Diana says
I ordered my EC Life Planner earlier this week too! It'll be my third one so far. I couldn't resist the rose gold color she has out now!
Anonymous says
My kids are in high school and college now, but here is how I do laundry. Once they were old enough to carry a basket without falling, each child was responsibly for bringing their basket downstairs on an assigned day. I would wash, dry, fold and reload the basket with clean clothes. They would then take it upstairs and put away the clothes (with my help). As they got older, they had to bring the clothes down and sort them (also turn clothes and socks right side out) into piles. Once they hit high school, they were on their own. I was always available for a consultation or to takeover an item with heavy stains, etc. I have two boys and a girl. I found it much easier to wash each child's clothes individually, then there is no problem knowing who each item belongs to. By the time they went to college, they were pros! My middle son even started a little business washing his friends clothes for them. It was quite profitable, and he would study while he did it!
Julie says
How about something adoption related? Like what you wish you knew before you adopted that you learned in process. Or parenting adopted children vs. biological kids…what's the same and what's different. As a prospective adoptive parent, I would LOVE to see others' input on this stuff!
Anonymous says
I have three kids who are teens now but close in age so laundry was never my favorite thing. I do their laundry separately and then a combined white load. If they are light on clothes I will through in towels or some of my items to fill it up. SAVES SO MUCH TIME – cause there is no sorting, it all belongs to one person.
mintandmason says
OOOH, I think I may have to order my first Erin Condren this year.. Now just to decide what cover I want!
Kelsey Mann Peacock says
Those flamingo earrings are adorable! Is there much better in the organization world than an Erin Condren planner? Nope! Love mine!!
Kelsey
http://www.thepeacockroost.com
Elizabeth says
I am about to graduate college and naturally have a fair amount of debt due to student loans. I would really love to hear people's methods for paying their own student loans off quickly and efficiently.
Anonymous says
Correct me if I wrong, but haven't you done A Shades of Shay on laundry?
thebusybrunette says
SUCH a great idea about "Talk Amongst Yourselves"! I love reading your readers' comments just as much as your posts, Shay!
Quick question… when you share with us your new planner, can you explain how exactly you use it? You know, how it works best for you, how often you refer to it throughout the day, when you plan things, etc.
Thanks!!!!!
"The Busy Brunette"
http://thebusybrunette.blogspot.com/
PS – I am totally a "paper planner" gal, too – I hate the calendar on my phone!!!!!!
Anonymous says
Love this idea! Like another reader commented earlier, I am in my mid-twenties (planning a wedding this September) and truly look up to you! I currently work in communications, and my dream would be able to have kids some day and utilize my skills in a career I could do while working at home. Anyways, here are some ideas I have, hope they help 🙂
– Work out routines/what gets you motivated to eat healthy
– Becoming a morning person
– Budgeting and saving
– How I’m decorating my house (for a season, holiday, etc.)
– How I clean a room (kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, etc. – how frequently, what products, step-by-step guide, etc.)
– Online recipe exchange (pick a side dish, meal, sweet, cocktail, etc.)
– Dealing with bad days – how to get yourself out of a slump
– My favorite (shoe, nail polish, lip stick, party dress, etc.)
– Date ideas
– Low or no cost kid friendly activities and crafts
Looking forward to sharing with all of you ladies! xo,
Grace
Ashley says
I love all of these ideas, but especially the recipe exchange and the seasonal/holiday decorating idea! I have a ton of Christmas decorations but need help with basically the entire rest of the year! 🙂
jennibell says
And, to add to that list, how to pack healthy meals for adults? A few weeks ago Andrea posted her favorite go-to pool sandwich and I've made it a dozen times since! I know how to feed my kids — just not me!!!
Deena Simair says
Love this idea! What about ME time (for moms)!
Christine Hicks says
Advice on staying connected with our husbands given busy schedules with kids? Beyond date night?
How do you stay thin when it seems you love treats?
Your decorating style? Where do you shop?
How to travel to Germany on a budget?
Thank you!
Anonymous says
Would love to know how often you go through your closet and get rid of things? I am struggling woth this right now.
Sarah says
What a great idea bout the comments. I have tried many things from the comments section as well! I feel like everyone is talking about the ECLP, Do you decorate yours like everyone else does? and if you do when do you find the time?! That's my biggest thing, when do people have time to decorate it? Rather do people ever sleep, cause if I got one I would never sleep!
Anonymous says
I have an ECLP, and I have seen how people get crazy with the decorating. Don't get me wrong – whatever makes everyone happy is fine for them. However, I often find myself thinking "is it a scrapbook or a calendar?!" Some of the decorating seems to leave hardly any room for writing, and the whole thing with EC is that it is pretty full of decor to begin with. Just my opinion. Everyone doesn't do it!
Anonymous says
Traveling! Hawaii preferably 🙂
Ashley says
Yes, please!
Anonymous says
Per your recommendation, I ordered the Erin Condren planner last year. Although visually appealing, I found there to be a lot of wasted space and unnecessary tabs. More than anything, I've got teens and need more writing room . Any suggestions for moms of older kids? Thank you!
Anonymous says
Check out Plum Paper Planners. You will loovvvee it!
Anonymous says
I also have teens and use the mom agenda…it has separate space for each kid so it's easy to see their individual schedules.
Kristina says
I love the idea about your readers sharing their ideas on specific topics! I don't have kids yet, but I am a behavior analyst and work with parents regarding behavior change techniques for their kiddos. I would LOVE to share my knowledge/insights on the topic of discipline! 🙂
Dollie says
I could'nt tell you the amount of times I hit the wrinkle release button on my dryer. Because I don't get them out in time. But I have three containers buy my washer and dryer. Whites, darks and since I have all girls (pinks or bright color clothes) so the kiddos bring their baskets to the laundry room and I separate the clothes into each color basket. My other trick is I always and only do one load of wash a day. Then I fold right out of dryer and make kids/mommy daddy piles on top of the dryer. Then I put it away. The key for me with 3 kiddos is only do one load a day(at night) then done!
Anonymous says
As someone that is getting ready to move to a brand new area, I'd love to see something involving city and state locations. It's so hard to meet new people sometimes! Rocky Mount, NC
Jamie Price says
I have 3 kids as well! Two daughters, 20 months apart, and one son. I wash them all separately. I wash my sons clothes on Sunday afternoons after church. Monday I wash my youngest daughter and on Tuesday my oldest. I wash mine and my husbands together on Fridays. Throw in towels and beddings and Saturday is usually the only day the washer and dryer are not going!
Daniele says
Topic suggestion: family budgeting and goal setting. Thanks!
Angela Ellingson says
Hi Shay, this is so fun! My topic suggestion is having like a favorite things party where everyone would link to their favorite things. I have gotten so many ideas from your blog these past 2.5 years… The EC planners, the wet brush, clothes, etc. It's been so helpful!
Anonymous says
Kensington looks absolutely adorable in her new haircut! My 5 year old daughter has also decided to donate to Locks of Love, and we're going to the salon tomorrow morning! How do I prepare her for this? What should I expect? I just don't want her to back out at the last minute! Is Kensington happy with her new haircut? It sure looks beautiful on her 🙂
Thanks,
NK from CA
Jeanette Garofola says
Love the Talk Amongst Yourselves idea! I'd love a discussion on dealing with toddlers. I have an almost 3 year old, who's whose definitely trying to test her boundaries and a 6 month old (but no talking back from her…yet!). Whose got time to read those parenting books?!? I'd love to hear what works best for disciplining toddlers! Enjoy the weekend!
Anonymous says
dont you already have a shade of shay on laundry? why not do a talk amongst yourselves post on something you dont already think you have under control so you can actually get advice you might use and it'll be something new for readers…
Mix and Match Mama says
I did do a post on laundry and dishes…but it's the sorting that's now getting me. Now that I have three kiddos (and 2 girls), it takes me forever to sort socks/undies/shorts/swimsuits/towels and such that look pretty similar at first glance. I need some sorting ideas. I feel like doing three individual loads won't work because by the time I wait for each kiddo to get a whole load worth of clothing…they need those clothes. Any sorting tips would be greatly appreciated :). Maybe you have some? I'd love to hear your feedback. Have a great Saturday friend :)!
Anonymous says
Yes, but on that particular post, several people tried to give you advice. As I recall, you stated that your system worked and you would be sticking with it (something along those lines).
Mix and Match Mama says
They gave me great feedback on that post (like 50 comment or something!). I appreciated all of them. Several people don't like to run their appliances at night (which I love to do!), so that's the only comment that I said I appreciated but didn't think I could take to heart. You should go read that post…there are a lot of great tips :).
jennibell says
When my kiddos were the ages yours are now I bought three laundry baskets for their shared bathroom (yours might not share though). . .one white, one black/navy, and one color. They all learned to sort themselves!!! I would combine theirs with ours as needed (usually a load a day). In the laundry room I had a basket for each kid (I have 4). . .when they would dry I would fold directly into their baskets. They also each have their own color of hanger and I would hang stuff on their hanger under their basket. Socks get "pinched" together when they go in the laundry (plastic clothes pins) and usually stay together. If there were mis-matches they go in a separate basket and every now and again we'll sit around on a Friday night or Saturday morning and sort together. All labels have the kiddos first initials on them so I can tell what belongs to whom!!!
Mine are now 11, 13, 14, and 16. . .all but the 11-yr-old can do their own (and he could — I just don't really ask him to) and many times would rather do their own laundry then wait for me. This is just works for our family!
jennibell says
Hey! I recognize that comment/suggestion 😉
I have the gardening one pinned and if you are able to do these Talk Amongst Yourselves I'm sure those will get pinned too 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to consider this opinion. . .and hopefully it will free up some time for you when you are busy (although I know you like to moderate your comments)!! You are very much of an inspiration to me! I like that you are considering do things in comments rather than blog link-ups since many of us don't blog as frequently as you. . .or just don't have them.
Looks like this post just became a laundry talk 🙂
Have a great week!
Anonymous says
First of all, I LOVE your blog! Thank you for being willing to share your lives with all of us. 🙂
This isn't really a topic, but I'd love to know some things to do in other cities. I have loved reading your posts about McKinney but unfortunately don't live there to be able to take advantage of it. We are moving to Philadelphia this summer for a couple of years and will then be choosing a city to live down south (we're thinking Atlanta, Jacksonville, or Orlando for now). I haven't found many blogs that live in any of those cities. I'm sure they're out there! I love learning about new cities and things to do so I think that would be a fun topic. Picking a city to live in long term is an exciting but scary thing! 🙂
Anonymous says
You can buy mesh bags in the laundry section at Walmart. I put socks in one, underwear in another for each child. Then when I go to fold, all the socks for my daughter are in one place! The only drawback is the bags aren't that big so as my kids get bigger, I won't be able to fit all their underwear in one mesh bag. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get to it!! LOL!
jennibell says
Great idea!!! I already do that for swimsuits (I've found bigger ones. . .don't know where though since I've had them for years) but the underwear idea is brilliant!!
Queen In Between says
I'm sure on your trips to see your in laws you have passed it but I saw a billboard on our way to the CWS outside Blackwell, OK for Ashby's antiques and of course it made me think of you and your sweet girl!
Amber Castleberry says
Hi, Shay! What works for me is to assign days for laundry for each member in our family.
Mon – Mama (b/c if I don't wash mine first, I always forget!!)
Tues – 3 yr old son
Wed – 8 yr old daughter
Thurs – 7 yr old son
Fri – Daddy
Sat – Towels & Sheets
This has helped me so much with the never-ending-sorting!! I have also given this tip to a few of my friends, and they have had great success with it, too. Good luck!!
Queen In Between says
I'm sure you have seen it lots of times traveling to your in-laws but I thought about you and your sweet girl today when I saw a billboard for Ashby's antiques in Blackwell, Ok on our way to the CWS! Have a great weekend.
Anonymous says
As laundry goes….I guess I am just surprised how many mom's are sorting and folding everyone's clothes! I wash everyone's clothes in their own load. I hate sorting. I wash usually one load a day. I have a 2 year old and a 12 year old. The clean clothes go back in the basket and back to their room. My 2 year old is almost 3 and she is very capable of helping with a lot of her items. My son (12) has been putting all of his clothes away for years. My husband and I both have items we don't put in the dryer and have messed it up in the past, so we each do our own. I don't have any issues with anyone needing clothes or not having enough for a load. It is not all set in stone. When I start a load, I will check to see if anyone else has something they NEED to throw in. (like if it got spilled on, or sports gear that gets washed every day during the season) I don't mind grabbing out a few things when the load is finished, but there is no big time sorting!
Elizabeth Birenbaum says
I actually saw a comment a couple up that gave me an idea. Could you post something about what are the best kid friendly places to take your kids in your region/city? Like I think you guys go to some AWESOME and fun places that I'd love to go to but… I live in California, so the chances of me going there are pretty small. But I know readers are all over that read your blog so maybe people could just post kid friendly places where they live and give others suggestions?
Kris Billings says
I LOVE my Erin Condren Life Planner! Last year, out of convenience, I bought a planner from Target and it just wasn't the same… Lesson learned!
Kris Billings says
I didn't know about TOMS flip flops! I have a few pair of TOMS wedges and my girls have TOMS shoes, but never heard of the flip flops… I will definitely be buying a pair!
jennibell says
Meg posted her laundry routine (she has older kiddos) and it really made sense for me and my season of life. Just another voice in the laundry-help pile!
http://www.megduerksen.com/2015/02/02/monday-and-our-laundry/
Anonymous says
Could you do a post about unwanted hair removal??
Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living says
Okay. First things first. I need that hamburger. Like yesterday. YUMMMMMMM. Great idea with the talk amongst yourselves.