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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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Mix & Match Mama

Shay ·

Every Day in May.


Okay friends, I sat down to write out some monthly goals (or a to-do list) and had a random idea…what if we all tried to do something healthy for ourselves every day in May?  And encouraged each other?  
Stupid?  Weird?  Fun? Motivating?  What do you think?
I’m not talking about just exercise and diet related things…but all things just good for us (and most don’t cost any money and can be done by people of any age!).  
Here are some of my ideas:
1. Drink only water for the day
2. Don’t drink coffee (or only drink one cup…which for us multiple cuppers a day, that would be hard)
3. Walk around the block
4. Read one day instead of watching any TV
5. Go to sleep an hour early
6. If you have a pedometer already, increase your steps by 1000 a day (or more!)
7. Call your dermatologist and schedule a skin check
8. Go vegetarian for the day
9. Cut out sugar for the day
10. Turn off all social media after dinner for the rest of the night
What do you think?  I was thinking that if we all commented and left ideas, then every day in May, I could pick one or two ideas and share them with everyone on Facebook early that morning and then we could try and do that healthy/good for you/positive thing that day (or you could look at the running list and do something off of that).  You just might go a day doing one of these healthy little habits and then realize it wasn’t so hard and go two days in a row doing it.  And then three.  And then before you know it, you’re doing it all the time.  
May is the month leading up to summer and I don’t know about you, but I want to go into summer feeling my best…rested, fit, healthy, maybe with some extra energy and pep in my step.  I do not want to go into summer feeling down, depleted, tired and worn out.
Here are a few more ideas:
11. Clean out on junk drawer/cabinet (because nothing makes me feel better than decluttering!)
12. Eliminate sodas/teas/whatever for the day
13. Pick one fitness activity off of Pinterest (I have a board full of them here) and do that at home
14. Have a quiet time before you jump into your day
15. Eat dinner at the table without the TV or phones and just enjoy
So, if you want to play along then comment below with some things you think you could do for the day to make you feel better.  And then follow me on Facebook and I’ll share one thing every day in May that we can do together to make us feel better going into June.  I’m all about habits over here and these monthly goals have instilled some excellent habits in me, so maybe we could pick up a few new ones this coming month.
Comment below.
Find me on Facebook here.
And if you want to follow my Health & Fitness Board on Pinterest click here or see below…

Happy (almost) May friends.

And for dinner tonight…

…my BBQ Chicken Tacos.  Friends, these are insanely delicious and incredibly easy.  You will love them!

xo

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Comments

  1. Erika Slaughter says

    The "drink less coffee" goals are making me a little nervous over here! What about complete an entire load of laundry? And I do mean put it away too. 🙂

  2. Colors of Life says

    This is so crazy…I was JUST sitting down to write a blog post about the exact same thing. Great minds think alike I guess 😉
    I recently did/blogged about a sugar detox and it was the best thing ever, so I'm all for that one!

  3. Tricia Cole says

    This is such a great idea! Just this morning, I signed up for a "Mile A Day in May." My May 1st blog post was going to be about our group. My friend created a Facebook challenge and we are all walking or running at least one mile every day.

  4. Shal C says

    Speaking of de-cluttering, have you read Marie Kondo's book, The life changing magic of tidying up? Single most transformational book I've ever read. Love your book reviews and since a food de-cluttering is always good on a list like this, I wanted to suggest this book!

  5. Kristin says

    I think this is a great idea… Except the "drink less coffee" one – don't think I want to try that!

  6. Heather Bramlett says

    I love this idea! I want to play along! I'm with everyone else the "drink less coffee" is freaking me out:)

  7. Loren Lately says

    I love this! I think putting social media away at night is awesome. I am going to join in. One Idea- do a good deed for someone. Last week a woman in the Dunkin Donuts drive through paid for my coffee, smiled and waved. I did the same for the woman behind me. I had the best day because of her.

  8. Michelle says

    Love this! How about in an effort to be more financially smart, have a budget for the day and use only your allotted amount in cash for anything you personally need that day. 🙂 I could see only emergency matters would trump the rule for the day! 😉

  9. Gracie Van Dyke says

    I am really excited about this!! You've already got a good list started, I've had trouble thinking of something haha!! One thing that did come to my mind that might sound silly but some days makes all the difference is to take a small nap. I'm terrible at actually doing this (I have a husband who naps whenever he gets the chance and a girlfriend who does almost daily and says its a game changer) but there has been a day here or there that I have taken one and it's turned my whole day around! Looking forward to seeing everyone else's ideas!

  10. Nicole says

    the one thing you could never give up in surrender to Christ, give up for one day. Press into God and find that He truly is enough!

  11. Deanna says

    This is a great idea! How about read for 30 minutes and only speak words that are kind/necessary/helpful?

  12. Sarah Shaneyfelt says

    Love this! I think 30 minutes of some type of exercise a day would be my goal–whether it's running in my neighborhood, running bleachers at the stadium, or walking but some sort of physical activity for 30 minutes each day.
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  13. Nicole says

    Along with all this healthy, can you give us a glimpse of what your fitness routine will be during Spring/Summer? 😉 Thanks Shay!!!

  14. Meagan @ The Clanahan Fam says

    GREAT idea! I'm in! A little nervous to give up diet coke all day though 😉 I think it would be a fun to have a 24 hour spending freeze. No using debit card, cash, credit cards, etc. I realized the other day just how many times I swipe that darn thing, from just getting a coke at Sonic or running into the grocery for "one thing".

  16. Narci says

    Drink only water/no coffee for the day. Wow! I'm going to try that just to see if I can do it! Also, love the no social media after dinner. 🙂 great idea friend! Can't wait to play along. 🙂

  17. Natasha says

    Intentionally spend time with the people around you after supper without paying for anything or using a screen — go outside, play games, go for a bike ride, read books together, etc…

  18. Katie Neff says

    I am going to start drinking 1-2Tbs of apple cider vinegar every morning with a big glass of water. It isn't the tastiest thing in the world but the benefits are great so I'm going to suck it up and try it!

  19. Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says

    I laughed out loud at Erika's laundry suggestion. That's a GOOD ONE for me! What about eat 2 tacos at dinner instead of 3. Oh, I kid. I'm IN for this challenge. I'm stumped for great ideas, but can't wait to follow along!

  20. Jamie Allen says

    I LOVE THIS IDEA! i always focus on what i'm excited about for the day and also help my son and granddaughter focus on that as well. this little idea of yours is going to be huge and i'm excited about seeing what each day brings! i want to eat less sugar dare i say no sugar. going vegetarian for the day or days would be good. i'm looking forward to this! i've never been a goal oriented kind of girl, but over time, you have inspired me to make little goals. several of things on your idea list i already do on a daily basis and i'm ready to turn more goals into more habits!

  21. Rachel Embery says

    Family bike ride….we can ride to a small local ice cream shop so that would make it even more fun!

  22. Katelyn Griffin says

    I think a "random act of kindness" day would be great! Whether it be holding the door for someone, picking up someone's tab at Starbucks, giving to a homeless person, etc. great idea 🙂

  23. kimm atwood says

    Drink less coffee…that could be scary for those around me…but we always say over here no more phones and social media after dinner. That's one we are really working on

  24. Jamie Allen says

    one thing i've been trying to do is remember, recall, think upon what my devotion taught me that morning {throughout the day}. i love the first5 app and do it every morning and take notes. but honestly i almost always forget what filled my spirit so full in the morning. the first5 app gives a reminder at 3pm to re-read, re-think and i'm horrible at taking advantage of that! so for those of us who have quiet time with god, let's take a day to work hard at keeping what we read/learned that day in our minds/hearts all day!

  25. Lindsay Hilosky says

    Drink one gallon of water everyday! I recently started doing this and I have a lot more energy and my skin looks better. You can download a free app for your phone called gallon where you put in how much water you drink (and it sends you reminder alerts to drink throughout the day as well)!

  26. Sharon G says

    Love this idea. What about book some alone time… to browse a book store, furniture store etc. Just the alone time when no one is asking me for anything is invigorating to me sometimes

  27. Sharon G says

    Love the idea! What about scheduling some alone time where you get to do something that you enjoy like browsing a book store, craft store etc. Having some time where no one wants something from me is sometimes very invigorating!

  30. Full Time Wife Life says

    Drink a green smoothie? Send someone a kind note, clean your makeup brushes haha (it's a rare thing for me), try a new fruit or veggie (even as an adult I stare at things like jackfruit and scratch my head…), try a vegan meal (it's not as scary as it sounds), no technology 7am – 7pm, write out some dreams – often as parents we don't think past this stage of life, we would dream as a child about what we would do as moms/wives/young women, but what about after this season of life? Where do you want to go? What do you want to try? Sorry for the flood of ideas, this is fun!

    • Jamie Allen says

      such a beautiful idea: our dreams. can i be honest? i don't think i have any??!? i need to ponder that! where do i even begin?

  31. The Sansom Family says

    How about cutting out fast food and also stretching?! I have been trying to stretch everyday while listening to two songs on my playlist.

  32. Amber Lauwers says

    Purge your closet/jewelry and donate what you didn't wear last summer. Even let go of some decor items or things around the house you have a feeling you won't miss. Simply clearing out some clutter. 🙂

  33. KB says

    Awesome idea. For almost a month I've added/changed a lot of the good I'm eating to organic and non gmo. I also have been more aware of what I've been putting in and on my body. I also taking more organic vitamins ing with drinking almost a gallon of water a day. I feel so much better and more energized to exercise.

  34. Betsy says

    I'm in! Reading instead of TV at night will be a good challenge, but my DVR will be packed. ?

    Go an entire day with only positive self talk for you and those around you. If you start to think something critical or negative of yourself or someone around you, you have to think 5 positive things to reset your brain to a brighter side of thinking.

  35. Tamara Rodrigues says

    Love this idea! How about no bread/flour/starches for a day? I always feel so much better when I cut those things out of my diet. Another idea is you must run up any stairs you encounter (no walking).

  36. I Like Ike says

    Do a random act of kindness.. Or send a friend a handwritten note once a day simply encouraging them!

    Love this idea!!

  37. Ana Bland says

    I love your idea, Shay! I can't think of anything specific but all the comments so far have great suggestions! Funny thing is, I don't really eat sugary treats and I read your post just as I was stuffing myself with Oreos for breakfast. Busted! Haha! Oh, actually, I do have a healthy idea: How about spending more time with our pets for those who do have them? They're great for your health! They lower your blood pressure and make you feel more relaxed and most of all, they make you feel loved. <3 =)

  38. Love of my heart, forever says

    I love this idea! How about every one you speak to or encounter for a day you pay them a compliment. Could be anything as simple as I like your hair or thanking that person for always being there for you. Sometimes we get caught up in our days we often forget a simple thank you can make someones day!

  40. emma bircher says

    Loooooove this! Last summer I started drinking only water & I can't tell you how much better I feel!

  41. JanelleOT says

    How about donate something? Whether it be material goods or your time, I'm sure someone could use it!

  42. Katie Bishop says

    Love this and will definitely follow along! How about swapping coffee for green tea, going make-up free for a day (maybe best on a Saturday), offer sincere compliments throughout the day, or do 90 second planks 3x that day.

  43. Angie says

    Great idea!! Say only positive things for a day. Nothing negative can come out of your lips. Nothing! 🙂 And I like the no social media after supper, or maybe for a whole day.

  44. Haley Sulka says

    Dance to your favorite song in the morning to wake up instead of scrolling through social media (I need this one!). Write a hand-written note to someone that needs love!

  46. Christina Nickles says

    Go for my run with no podcast or music and just think about how grateful I am. 🙂

  47. Ashley Grotewiel says

    Love this idea! I really like the quiet time before starting your day. What about saying hello and smiling at 5 strangers throughout the day? Or making it your goal to help someone that day, even if it's something really small like holding a door, etc.

  48. Sharon says

    Awesome idea…I'm in. One suggestion – any parking lot you park in for a day, park in the very furthest parking spot that you can.

  49. Julie Bradford says

    this sounds awesome to do but can I ask that you put on instagram too. I do not have a facebook account & I would love to play along.

  50. Julie Bradford says

    this is such a great idea & I would love to play along but can I ask that you also put on instagram.. I do not have a facebook account 🙂

  51. Julie Bradford says

    this is a great idea and I would love to play along so can I ask you to post on instagram too. I do not have a facebook account. 🙂

  53. Homepsun Kitchen says

    Be a "yes" mom for one day!! Somedays I feel like all I say is no, so this would be a great change!!

  55. Allison says

    GREAT idea!!
    1) At dinner, before eating, go around the table and everyone say something you are thankful for.
    2) Choose one day to "pay it forward" in line at a drive-thru. (Pay for the person behind you)

    • Natasha says

      We go around every night and say what we are thankful for from the day. It's a way of remembering that even on the worst days, there is something to be grateful for.

  56. Rebecca Jo says

    High five for the idea of vegetarian once a week… hoping more people see its not horrible & stretch it out longer 🙂

    • Natasha says

      I've been stretching out being vegetarian for sixteen years! I gave meat up for Lent in 2000 and never added it back in 🙂

  57. Paige Cowart says

    Love this!!! Yesterday I was thinking & praying "Lord empty me, so I may be filled with you".

  58. Kate L. says

    Love this idea. A few that came to mind–
    1. Spend 5 or 10 extra minutes praying for the people in your life
    2. Write and send 2-3 handwritten notes to friends or family members
    3. Volunteer with a local non-profit organization.

  60. Spencer Cox says

    I love this! Here are some of my ideas: send someone a card in the mail, make something yummy and deliver it to your neighbors/family/friends, make one of Mix and Match Mama's healthy recipes with your family :), and pick fresh flowers for your kitchen!

  62. Aubrey says

    Cute idea! I am limping into May, so I could definitely get behind anything that perks me up!

  63. Kristin Faulkenberry says

    Baking/cooking a new recipe–get the kids involved.
    Send an encouraging card/letter in the mail to a friend.

  65. Kelly Wolf says

    -What about planning a date night in with your significate other?
    -Discovering something new in your town? – park, trail, art, store, activity…
    -Volunteer (food bank, shelter, clean up street, yard work for older friends)
    -Floss after every meal (What the dentist actually suggests… haha)
    There are a few things, but I'm really loving your ideas. I'm thinking about writing one to two things on my calendar in May so I can plan it all out ahead of time. 🙂 Thank you for the great idea Shay!

  66. Margaret Anne Pendleton says

    I love this idea! What about call a family member or friend you haven't talked to in awhile and catch up with them?!

  67. Jen @ South in the City says

    At the first of each hour or maybe in the evening before going to bed…say a few positive affirmations about ourselves! There's nothing more lifting and encouraging than positive self-talk!!

  68. Hannah Sokol says

    One thing I've been working on is complimenting people more often. If I like their shoes, purse,hair-style, etc., I tell them. I'm shy when it comes to people I don't know but it makes you feel good and who knows, you could be making someones day. So, if you like something about someone– tell them! 🙂 Us women need to uplift one and other!

  69. Jamie K. says

    Great idea! Something that always re-energizes me is friends! What if it's a – girls night activity, schedule a private fitness class or crafty party!

  70. Elizabeth says

    Love this idea! I feel healthier already just reading all the suggestions! Here's mine – add one more serving of fruit or veggies to your day.

  71. Combatbootswife says

    This is awesome!! I'm definitely IN and can't wait to follow along! As for more ideas…I can't think of any right now bc all of you have already said so many great ideas! Maybe something will come to mind though! 🙂

  72. Anna McMahan says

    The girl in front of me in my college psychology class is also reading this post as I am! Funny what a small world it can be! Love from Kentucky 🙂 ps. I can wait for everyday in May!

  73. Rhett Pierce says

    How about writing an encouraging note to someone that you don't normally encourage?

  74. Julia says

    When you wake up in the morning, and before you go to bed at night, write down 3 things you're grateful for

  75. Jennifer Silberstein says

    I love this! I think for one day in May I won't complain about anything… hopefully it will turn into more then once a month. A new habit to form! Love this so much Shay!

  76. Keisha Dawson says

    Love all of your suggestions! I love when women join together to make ourselves better and lift one another up!

  77. Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says

    This is a great idea! I've always wanted to try meditation and I always say that I don't have time. Might need to add that one to my list of things to do in May!

  78. Kristina @ Ms.Modify says

    I love is idea! Giving up coffee would be hard for me! I only drink water at home (well and coffee), but sometimes when I'm out I'll get a Diet Coke even though I know it's bad for me. So, I'm going to give up soda when I eat out and stick to water!

  79. Emma Heitmeyer says

    Loving this! I think it would be fun to schedule lunch or coffee with a friend that you don't typically go or spend time with. Maybe it's a friend from high school/college or an old co-worker, just someone you don't typically see on the norm 🙂

  81. Farryn says

    I hope to incorporate quiet time in the morning to read a few verses in the Bible and write my prayers out in my prayer journal so I can continue to revisit them and be in constant prayer .

  82. Monica says

    Sounds fun! I think it would be easier for everyone to prepare if you announced the goals weekly on the blog?

  83. Lanier Tanner says

    Love this idea! I was recently thinking I need to pick a different thing to focus on daily to try to get into better habits – including exercise, the food I eat, encouraging others, not gossiping, lifting people up, using words and actions to better others, etc. I love this and can't wait to follow along!

  84. Amanda-Cupcake N Dreams says

    I love this Shay! It'll be a great daily reminder to do something positive. I'm already incorporating some of these suggestions into my daily life to form them as habits, but it'll be a great reminder for May to make them more permanent! My suggestion would be to call/send a note/spend time with an elderly relative/friend one day. They have so much wisdom and I know they appreciate when people think of them or spend time with them. I try to do something like this with my Grandparents each week 🙂
    http://www.cupcakendreams.com

  85. Nichole Mancone says

    Impromptu date night; I love the no social media after dinner idea; Taking the longest walking route to wherever you are going for a day (no elevators, park farther away, take the long route to your office, etc.);

  86. Kristian K says

    I love this idea and all of the ideas mentioned here. I have been thinking exactly the same thing lately, so it is awesome that you put the idea into motion. I look forward to following along! 🙂

  87. Leigh (Balancing By Faith) says

    Love it, what a great, encouraging idea. Chips and salsa can be healthy -right? If with friends??

  88. Jill Koch says

    Love it!! I'm all for it! I like the idea of complimenting/building up like 5 people throughout the day whether it be in person or on social media but also maybe making a list of qualities we like about ourselves that morning. In terms of being physically healthy I like no sugar for a day.

  89. Mary Deckert says

    I'm suggesting this because it's something I have to been mindful of: no complaining ~ about anything ~ for 24 hours.

  90. Tracey says

    Remove all negative speech from your vocabulary. Don't speak ill of others or yourself. How often do we tell ourselves we are fat, dumb or can't do something. Turn it into positives

  91. Janet says

    Great idea! A few things I thought of would be spend an extra few minutes praying for someone you don't usually pray for, say something kind or give a compliment to a total stranger, be more "present" with your family, deliver flowers to a shut-in or local nursing home, and one more; give a call to that person you have been intending to get in touch with. Can't wait to do this with everybody!

    Thanks Shay!

  92. Lydia Sour says

    Love this!!!
    Some thoughts:
    -to not spend money all day
    -to take a bubble bath
    -quit a bad habit (smoking, biting nails)

  93. Lydia Sour says

    Love this!
    Some thoughts:
    -to not spend money all day
    -to take a bubble bath…
    -to quit a bad habit (smoking, biting nails)

  94. Jack and Kate's Mommy says

    Such a fun way to spend May! How about an impromptu dance party with the family? It's a great way to be silly & burn a few more calories.

  95. Sarah Lewis says

    I don't know if anyone suggested this already, but I always love getting a hand written note in the mail. So I would say mail 2 handwritten notes. 🙂

  96. Melissa H. says

    Learn to make homemade Cream of Mushroom, Chicken or Celery Soup for casseroles. So much healthier without all the additives and preservatives. Easy to find recipes online.

  97. Ann Marie says

    Give a compliment to a stranger daily! (or to a friend!!) What a simple way to bring a smile to someones face!

  100. Elsjebe Mostert says

    My suggestion is more like something that you could do everyday for May but that only takes 30seconds. Do the plank exercise every day for 30 seconds.

  101. Mary says

    I love this! The no coffee thing is scary!Something simple…smile at every one you meet!

  104. Tammy Haney says

    Thanks for sharing the awesome ideas! I would use the gift card to buy gifts for the special ladies in y life. Mom, sister, best friend, and three daughters.❤

  105. Helen Tassara says

    I would love to have the gift card for my daughter. I am frequently impressed with the great mother she has become. I am very, very proud of her!

  106. Rainie says

    Less screen time for sure! For the whole family, especially in the mornings, at mealtimes and at meals.

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