Yesterday, I shared my Chicken Enchilada Quinoa Soup recipe. Friends, you have to make this! Everything goes into the slow cooker and later that evening, you have THE BEST bowl of soup ever! If you’ve never used quinoa before, this is a great place to start because you cannot mess it up. You put it in there, cover, cook and enjoy. I’m telling you…delish! See the recipe here.
I’m ready for another vacation. Traveling just does it for me…and I’m ready to do it again. Like today. Or maybe next week. I’m open to any time in the near future! My kiddos are still talking about our Disney Cruise. I think they’re ready to go back today too :).
I just started reading The Battle Plan for Prayer and LOVE it! If being a purposeful and intentional prayer warrior has been hard for you (it’s often hard for me!), then this book is for you!
Just business as usual around here. The weather has been windy but nice enough that we can play outside after school. Every day, we come home and play before dinner. It’s just nice to be outside in the afternoon.
Is it lame to say seasonal allergies? Probably. If you guys have any awesome allergy cures/tips/tricks/advice, I’m all ears. Comment and share please!
My travel agency is sending lots of families to Walt Disney World and on Disney Cruises right now. I’m sending current clients all over the place, but for new clients, I’m accepting trips to WDW and for DCL. If you’re interested, we’re booking through March 2017 right now. Email me at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com for more info.
…are you guys watching? I’m having a hard time getting into this season. We’re 3/4 of the way through and so far, it’s okay but not my favorite. Am I the only one who thinks this?
I’m still listening to my French Cooking Music Radio on Pandora. Once I fall in love with a Pandora station, I have a hard time turning it off. Do you have any similar suggestions? I’m open!
This combo is just working for me during this transitional weather. When I leave the house in the morning, it’s 40 and then it’s 75 by 3:00…this is working, so I keep repeating.
Taking it easy :). I have a crazy week next week…but then after that, we’re taking things slow. This is a picture from the first day of swim lessons last spring and next month, they start swim lessons again! They’re all three pumped about going to Ms. Sally’s house again!
Um…notta enchilada.
I am a spring cleaning fool. I love to get my house all cleaned up this time of year, organized and purge a lot of things we don’t want/need/use any more. My tip is this…so many times while I’m spring cleaning, I’ll realize that I need to do something else…for instance, I’ll be cleaning out Kensington’s closet and realize her bathroom cabinets needs to be cleaned out too…but instead of getting sidetracked by a new project, I write it down on a sticky note to remember later. This way, I stay focused at my task at hand, jot down new ideas on my note and then can go back later and hit those areas. I used to get overwhelmed spring cleaning because I kept getting off track…and then nothing got accomplished. I cannot wait to hear your tips! Please comment and share!
That’s our March What’s Up Wednesday! Don’t forget to link up below if you blogged too! And for dinner tonight, my friend Meagan has turned another one of my recipes into a gluten free meal! Not only that, but she’s sharing tips about cross-contamination when serving those with a gluten allergy and those without. Today’s g-free recipe is…
…my Sausage & Cornbread Breakfast Casserole. This makes a great breakfast or dinner! Your family will love it whether they’re g-free or not! See the gluten-free version plus Meagan’s tips here.
Have a great Wednesday friends!
Mary says
Thank you for helping me get back into my love of reading! I know you posted last year about Elin Hikderbrand so last week I went to my library for the first time and I'm almost finished with my third Elin Hildebrand book! I like her writing style!
Susan says
Hi Shay! We have terrible allergies during spring in Alabama. I was able to get my son off of allergy meds a couple years ago by using essential oils. He took allergy medicine year round and 2 meds daily in spring and fall. Email me if you need more info. Susanlanthrip@knology.net
Amber says
Local honey is a great help with seasonal allergies!
Nicole says
For allergies – a tablespoon of raw, unfiltered, and local honey a day. My husband has horrible allergies and this is something he swears by!
Peyton says
Hey Shay! I used to work for an allergist. Go ahead and start taking a Zyrtec/Claritin (or whatever you like that is OTC) every morning (even if you are not having allergies right now). Do this throughout the "season" that is most bothersome to you. Then when it hits, you will be ready and you can take a Benadryl as needed for really bad days 🙂 hope that helps! You can also use an Otc nose spray (such as nasacort, I wouldn't recommend Afrin) if they get really bad!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
So you know I'm not a reader, but I'm going to get The Battle Plan for Prayer! That sounds like just what I need!
Jamie Allen says
quiona scares me. love the post-it note idea for getting sidetracked during cleaning. i do it all the time {get sidetracked}. i need to get to the library {TODAY??!?}. happy birthday andrew!
Narci says
love that picture of your sweeties getting ready for swim lessons! I can't wait for summer!! Xoxo
Lindsay Hilosky says
For seasonal allergies we swear by 1 spoonful of raw, local honey! I place one drop each of Young Living's lavender, peppermint and lemon oils on top of the honey and swallow! It's amazing! If you would ever like to order Essential Oils, feel free to reach out – lifeisbetterinpink@yahoo.com
Rebecca Jo says
Its not lame to say allergies at all… I said the same thing 🙂 haha
Gracie Van Dyke says
I'm glad I'm not the only one dreading the seasonal allergies. Is there anything more annoying? Haha!! Here in Michigan, they've already started to flare up. 🙁 Thank goodness for Zyrtec!
Elizabeth Connolly says
Hi Shay! I suffer from horrible allergies year round, particularly in the spring time also. After being on antibiotics several times a year for sinus infections, I have turned to essential oils to try and treat them more naturally. If you are interested, I would love to share more tips about how I use them in my everyday routine. Email: e.ann.connolly@gmail.com
Natasha says
Since it's my son's seventh birthday today (!!!), I'm not linking up but I wanted to let you know we're going to see our beloved Toronto Blue Jays play your Red Sox in Montreal this weekend for a pre-season match up! For us, baseball season starts in THREE DAYS!!! Whoo hooo!!!
Regine Karpel says
I love these
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Queen In Between says
I'm anxiously awaiting baseball season too….we should find out soon where my son will be assigned! I love your traditional breakfast casserole and I'm thinking I'm definitely adding this one to my list. Have a super day Shay.
The Queen in Between
Heather Forcey says
I have been on allergy shots most of my life until a few years ago. Now to keep the allergies at bay during the spring and fall, I use a prescription nose spray each day without fail. I also take Costco Zyrtec each morning whether or not I have symptoms. This combo seems to help me so far without the drastic need to get back on shots. Hope you make it through the allergy season with minimal discomfort.
saraiwithani says
My best Spring Cleaning tip: I have a list of all the tasks I would do for a big Spring Cleaning session and instead of doing them all in the Spring, I spread them through you the year. This keeps me from being overwhelmed by a lot of extra things on my plate at once!
Heather says
#7!!!!!!!! Except Braves baseball for me!! ; ) CANT WAIT!!!!!
Angela Grant says
I have had great luck with Shaklee's alfalfa tablets. You have to take the recommended dose, though. (Alfalfa is great for allergies.). I was actually able to stop taking Claratin, which I had been taking year round.
Linsley Schneider says
Happy birthday to Andrew! It's a great weekend to celebrate a birthday!
kathymaas says
Allergies….take a teaspoon of local (a must!!) honey everyday starting in February. Friend from islands swear by this.
Pandora…..Ed sheeran station, all day!! Learn to thumbs up and down station so that it really caters to your favorites.
House of cards….couldn't agree more. It has yet to achieve first season status. Frank doesn't talk to the camera nearly enough and the idea of a husband and wife team running for office is too crazy. I find this season sooooo blah!
Happy bday to your guy!
Morgan Godbold says
I used to get sinus infections every year! I've been taking a daily non drowsy allergy pill like Claritn to help with that, but the main thing I do and love is the Neti Pot! This is something a lot of people find weird, but its great to get all the daily allergens out of your system. If I know it's high pollen season, or if I start feeling funky I use my Neti Pot!
Also, can't wait for baseball season too! Go Braves and Go Red Sox!
The Stantons says
My all year round cleaning tip it I…I get ton of charity cards in the mail that pick up on a certain date. I reply to the all! I write it in my EC calendar, tuck the card in the back and make sure I have a bag ready. Sometimes, I forget until the last minute and hurry to get some purging done. Some donations are huge, some are small….but I am getting stuff out!
Scavenger Hunt Blog says
love the post it idea!! because I either forget what I want to do next or just start a new project in the middle of the one I have going.
As for allergies I use essential oils….I think it is lemon peppermint and lavender? I am not 100% but look on pinterest TONS ideas there. And I put honey in my coffee every.single.morning!
Happy Hump DAAAAY!
Lesley McFarland
http://www.kltfamily.blogspot.com
Stephanie says
Hi! love your blog if your looking for tips to help with allergies -I love essential oils-happy to send you a sample of DoTERRA combo for you to try -they are truly amazing. You can also follow me on Instagram at essentially_ellis to get daily tips. Only advice use quality essential oils-don't want added stuff.
Kate says
We have had amazing success using raw local honey and Young Living essential oils (lavender, lemon and peppermint for hubs and lavender, lemon and digize for me).
onemaplelane@gmail.com
brookerichardson says
I was the same way with House of Cards. I just couldn't really ever get into it. I actually just quit watching but Tyler did finish it!
Unknown says
Allergies…..love my DoTerra essential oils, especially taking TriEase tablets during this allergy time (it contains lemon, peppermint and lavender). I also diffuse these three oils. Works great. If you interested in researching: mydoterra.com/ashleyplauche
What also works great is the ceramic netti pot with saline rinse. You can find at Walgreens. Better than the plastic one.
Try also taking a good probiotic.
"The Mrs." says
So excited about the new link up!! Good tip on Spring cleaning 😉 thanks for sharing!
kristi Thetford says
I love keeping up with your blog – I hardly ever comment but I'm also dreading allergies. Thank you for sharing the French Cooking Station on Pandora – I love Something's Gotta Give movie and that album plays French music. ha-ha. Also, I think I will try that Quinoa Soup! looks delish. Happy Birthday Andrew!!
Deena Simair says
The countdown is on for Sunday's opening day and I have a menu and party planned around ball park food. Go, Jays. Hope you enjoy Price!!!
Shoes to Shiraz
Natasha says
Yes, Go Jays!!!
Jenny says
I'm so excited to try this gluten free casserole, and my daughter will be even more excited. Thank you times a million for posting it.
Monica E. says
Regarding seasonal allergies, my husband has terrible cedar allergies resulting in miserable symptoms January-March every year. In every year past, he's popping Claritin-D daily just to function. This year he heard about an acupuncture technique called NAET (https://www.naet.com/Patients/patientshome.aspx) from multiple people (friends, coworkers, strangers on the street!). He was desperate, so he gave it a try, rolling his eyes the whole way. Well, this year he's only had to take Claritin on 2 occasions. He does it weekly and has been shocked that it's actually worked. This is the first year in his whole adult life where he hasn't felt debilitated for 3 months.
Amanda says
Started drinking Greens On The Go every morning last summer and I am not suffering with my usual seasonal allergies this year.
Karen says
Your "What's Up Wednesday" button needs to be updated to reflect Sheaffer's new blog name 🙂 Happy Wednesday and Happy Birthday Andrew!
Cyndi Berger says
Where did you get the darling necklace your wearing in What I'm wearing? You probably had it in a previous post, but missed it.
Cynthia from Seattle
Angela Ellingson says
Shay! I just listened to your Happy Hour podcast with Jamie Ivey! I've so been looking forward to hearing it. I've requested you as a guest a few times and I'm so happy Jamie finally had you on. Happy day!
Julie says
Hey Shay! I love reading your blog. I actually know of something that has helped many people with their seasonal allergies. It's Plexus Triplex, which helps with complete health and wellness from the inside out. Working out and clean eating aren't enough to improve our gut health(where allergies and other auto immune issues start). You can search facebook "plexus seasonal allergies" and read testimonials. Let me know if you have any questions. The Plexus Triplex has literally changed my life. My website is shopmyplexus.com/julieking and right now the products are 15% off. Blessings!
Chasity Munn says
Ok, if you like Battle Plan, this should be your next read. It's meant to go along with the War Room movie, but you definitely DO NOT need the movie for it. It's also about the power of prayer and setting your prayer life up for winning battles. I loved it, I think I blogged about it previously. Here's a link to it on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MBCGE1
Happy birthday Andrew!!
http://www.hautemommyblog.com
Candace Shiflet says
Stop. your kids are so freaking cute!!! And if you go on another Disney cruise and need a nanny or something, take me!! 😉 haha I love this! I found you through Pinky's blog and you seem like such a sweet person with such a cute family!!
xo
Candace
http://www.lovelylittlerants.com
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
Ugh, I'm having bad allergies as well! The pollen this year seems extra bad here!
Holly says
The outfits you put together are awesome! Thanks for always providing outfit inspiration 🙂
Cassie {Hi Sugarplum} says
What I wouldn't give for a deliver of that breakfast casserole right now!!! And agreed, this season of HOC is meh. Not sure when we'll even muster up enough interest to finish it!!
Jan says
For allergies – local honey is a great way to go. I take benadryl at night since it makes me sleepy, and that can help too.
Jackie @ My (Sort Of) Adult Life says
Love your jean jacket! I'm wearing mine all the time too!
Megan says
Great cleaning tip!! I struggle from getting sidetracked! And the denim jacket is one of the best purchases ever! I have wore it 2 days (so far) this week!
Kimberly Jew says
For Spring cleaning and making some extra money from the clothes I don't wear anymore, I started using ThredUp after I saw the service featured on the Today Show. They mail you a closet clean-up bag and you can send in your gently-worn and like-new women's and kids clothes. They pay you for what they can sell and they donate the rest of the items to Big Brothers Big Sisters. The shipping for mailing in the full bag of clothes is free and you just have your mailman pick it up with your outgoing USPS mail. Here is the link http://www.thredup.com/r/UT6R8T for the closet clean-out bag and a $10 credit to shop.
Alannah Rasmusson says
A spoon full of raw & local honey everyday for the allergies!!! ��
Also my hubs and j are totally with you on House of Cards! This season is so slowww!
Love your jean jacket- I've never owned one but always loved the like. I might need to get out of my comfort zone and finally purchase one!
Jayme Bender says
Yum, can't wait to try that soup! I love anything I can throw into the crockpot 🙂 I think you'd like
Hipster Cocktail Party Radio on Pandora, its fun and uplifting!
We have a Heating and Air business in CA, this is our first year installing whole house air purifiers- it's a UV light that is hooked up to your central air system and it kills over 99% of airborne allergens, germs, mold and bacteria. Since we've installed our own, illness hasn't spread in our home and allergies have yet to bother us! Surprised to find out that indoor pollutant are much worse than outdoor pollutant levels.
The brand is APCO you may want to check with a local HVAC company 🙂
Megan Eyre says
Love the spring cleaning tip! I get sidetracked SO easily when I'm cleaning!
Dennae Lovell says
Love reading your blog. I agree with all the comments that recommended essential oils. I am a mess during allergy season. I put the oils in capsules and take it with water. For me this way works the best. If you have any questions feel free to message me naenae_721@yahoo.com
Kylie says
I'm going to repeat all these ladies saying essential oils for allergies! Lavender, lemon, and peppermint behind the ears every day has kept me allergy free the last two years (first time as an adult to have an allergy-free Spring)! I use Young Living as well, but that's just my preference.
Bethany Parvin says
Thank you for sharing Battle Plan for Prayer. This is my stronghold as a Christian. I am great at talking but the conversation of prayer is tough for me!
JJaz says
Great post! Happy bday to Andrew! For allergies I use a nasal spray OTC (like Flonase, a lifesaver) , and a 24 HR Claritin. Tea with local honey or just any honey helps. And Benadryl I'd it gets really bad.
Astleigh H. says
Speaking of baseball season, Old Navy (online) has some cute Red Sox tees and a racerback tank, and I thought of you!
Katie Shira says
Alfalfa is what we use for allergies. Works wonders. They have liquid drops or pills. You can purchase on Amazon 🙂
Katie Shira says
Alfalfa is what we use for allergies. Works wonders. They have liquid drops or pills. You can purchase on Amazon 🙂
Maria E says
The Battle Plan for Prayers book is amazing and life changing . Hope you all consider checking this book out. This book truly transform the way I pray! Praise God!
kelly says
Your tip on staying focused when you spring clean is really helpful to someone like me. Thank you!