Good morning from Nashville, Tennessee!
This morning, I am speaking at the Go Wild Conference here in Nashville before heading back home for the school carnival :). At the end of the year, I was asked by Wild For Planners to speak today and at first, I didn’t know exactly who they were, but as soon as I did some research, I realized they were exactly like me! They are women who are obsessed with their planners, organizing and taking care of their families via a very tidy calendar system. #allplannersunite And then when I found out that this conference would include speakers like Erin Condren and Whitney English, I was SOLD! They are the rock stars of planning! So, I arrived last night, will speak this morning and head home right after that. I’ve talked for years and years and years about my love of this…
…my Erin Condren Life Planner. I believe I’ve had one five years in a row now. I love the ones that run like the school calendar (because no matter how old I get, my brain always signals beginning of year in September), but she also sells them January-December too. The new version is about to launch in less than two weeks and you better believe I’m going to place my order as soon as it does!!
So, I’m here in Nashville, excited about planners with a lot of other ladies who feel the same way. We’re wild for planning :).
So, just like every Friday, I’m linking up with three of my favorite friends, Andrea, Erika and Narci and sharing some of my favorite things from the week. My list is super random today. It even includes a dating app. See…I told you it was random.
I thought I’d start today with the world’s most awkward picture…
I was literally in the middle of working out when I looked at my shorts and thought, you know what, I love these and I bet my friends in blog world will too! For years and years, I’ve told you that I only workout in Athleta shorts…and so, that’s what these are. (I love these shorts because they fit without being too tight, they wash and wear to perfection and they hold up!) This pair has a Hawaiian print and make me all happy while I’m working out! I snapped a pic really fast so that I didn’t forget but then later in the locker room, I took this pic…
…I’ve worn these shorts many times before, but for some reason, I thought you would like to see them today. Nothing says happy attitude at the gym like flowers on your shorts :).
Back in the fall, I had a Halloween and Christmas plate made with all four kiddos’ hands and/or feet and I thought to myself, it’s too bad I only have these plates during the holidays? I love putting out my plates each season, but it’s sad that they go away after every holiday. So…when we were doing our plates last fall, we did this one too…
…eeeeeks! As soon as Easter was over and I tucked away my Easter decorations, and I put this plate out for summer. Isn’t it so cute?! It just makes me HAPPY!! I use a lady here locally where you go to her house and she puts your kids’ prints on a plate/mug/bowl/etc and then she paints the designs on herself. This one might be my favorite!!
Okay, this is just a random idea I read on Facebook. I don’t know about you, but during the summer, I feel like I’m feeding my kids constantly. They go from breakfast to wanting a snack to lunch to wanting a snack to playing outside to wanting a snack to dinner to wanting a snack, etc. You with me? So, one of my friends posted on FB that every summer his wife (who has six kids!) places six bins on the kitchen counter and puts three snacks inside each bin (a combination of fresh whole fruit like bananas and apples to packaged snacks like protein bars and peanut butter crackers, etc) and those are their snacks for the day. If they eat them all by 10:00 AM, then that’s their problem. She puts the snacks out and then they can select one throughout the day when they’re hungry. Isn’t that smart??? I thought the idea was so simple and yet brilliant at the same time. It provides the choices for them, teaches them responsibility and eliminates kids constantly asking you to make them/provide them a snack when they’re hungry. I don’t know? When I read that, I thought that was a very good idea!
Okay, this one is just fun (and FUNNY!). My brother’s friends started a dating app called Vouch…
…the best way to learn about it is to watch the YouTube video HERE. My brother is the narrator (and has a cameo too!) and trust me when I say, it’s cute and it’s funny!
I personally love the guys who created this app and am so proud of them! You can also check them out on Facebook HERE.
I put on my spring/summer uniform during the week on Tuesday to pick up kids from school…
…and was sad because my new sandals haven’t arrived yet. I bought these sandals to jazz up my basic shorts/tee outfit and I’m hoping when they arrive, they’ll be a Friday Favorite. In the meantime…
…I’m wearing my slippers 😉 .
By the way, I’m wearing these exact shorts and they’re much darker in person than online. Oh and my tan is courtesy of those Dr. Dennis Gross tan towels that I’ve told you about 4,000 times. I LOVE those things!
And no worries about what to make for breakfast tomorrow morning…
…my Blueberry Banana French Toast recipe is HERE!
Have a wonderful weekend!
I’ll see you guys on Monday!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
The prints on the cutlery idea is such a great one! It seems like a good way to get picky eaters to eat too, haha.
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Jennie says
What top are you wearing with the jean shorts? It’s adorable! Happy Friday!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Click on “tee”! It’s right there!! It’s so comfy and washes and dries so well!
Alicia says
I LOVE the plate! LOVE it!
Melissa says
Love the plate! Could you add a link / info for locals who want to buy one? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I did! If you click on the hyperlink, it goes right to her Facebook page :).
Beth says
Thanks for making my Friday! Love reading your Friday Favorites! Have the best time at your conference!
Tara G. says
There was a season I printed out a snack menu and had my kids choose 2 days each to plan & prepare snacks for everyone (there was a list of approved choices). They also had to fill in the column for items needed at the store. Cut out the questions, taught them to plan, & helped them serve one another.
Sarah says
Mmm the French toast looks fabulous – my favorite combo!!
Also, the Athleta shorts came at the perfect time. I’ve been getting pretty into weight training classes through our local YMCA, but I only have workout pants, ha! With the temps in the high 80s lately, I’ve been on the lookout for shorts. Thanks for the rec!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I love the Athleta shorts! I have a few pairs of their leggings for colder weather but haven’t tried their shorts yet! Those printed ones are making me want to get a pair!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Teresa says
How do you keep your ugh slippers so clean??? I bought mine (same color) right after your recommendation. I love them but feel like they are so stained and I don’t even wear them outside! Just wondering if you had any tips or tricks to keeping them clean?
Mix and Match Mama says
Mine probably look like yours in person! They’re not super clean!
Erika Slaughter says
Girl!!! Your summer plate turned out so cute! And I can’t wait to watch this dating app video!
Jennifer Jackson says
I always enjoy reading your Friday Favorites. I do have a question for you…how do you apply the tan towelettes so that they don’t streak? I’m having trouble applying them so that everything is even, my feet always look the worst. Help!
Mix and Match Mama says
I think you have to go light on your feet or yes, they’ll look bad. I probably streak sometimes a bit, but not bad. I go back over big areas with the towel (legs, arms, chest, etc) at least twice. I really think they’re easier to use than a tanning lotion!
Carly M says
Nashville! One of my all time favorite cities! Enjoy. Have a great weekend
Lesley McFarland says
That plate???
And I must admit my new year starts when school starts as well…January is my let’s takes look and readjust something’s. But August is like HAPPY NEW YEAR…new beginnings
Kelly says
I’m loving that snack idea! It’s snacks at our house ALL.Day.Long! Totally doing this!
Stephanie says
I am so excited that you’re one of the speakers at the PGW Go Wild Conference! It’s such a great time!!
http://aneducationindomestication.com
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
LOVE that plate Shay!! I wish we had someone around here who could do that!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Those shorts are so fun, wearing bright colors gets me through my workouts. The plate with the flip-flops might be my favorite one yet that you’ve shown! What a great idea for spring/summer use!
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Narci Dreffs says
Oh, that plate turned out darling!! And, I’m totally doing that with snacks! What a brilliant idea!!
Beth Graves says
Welcome to Nashville!!! I love my Erin Condren planner. My daughter that is in college actually asked for one for Christmas a few years ago and she loves her so much, I was sold too! I love all the choices and personalization that you can have! Love Friday Favorites and that plate is precious! Have a great short trip to Nashville and a wonderful weekend!
Beth Miller says
Too bad you don’t get to stay in Nashville and enjoy it for a bit!!! I have Emily Ley’s Simplified Planner, and it is gorgeous and functional! I use the daily version, and there’s room to include everything I need to do that day, plus I am able to write my daily prayer list and a Bible verse that speaks to me from my morning Bible study. It’s amazing to look back over the dates and see how God has answered my prayers in one way or another. I had no idea there was such a thing as a planner conference! How fun!
Jamie says
What size did you purchase the shorts in? I normally wear a zero but I like my shorts a little looser. I’ve never purchased this brand, how do the sizes run?
Mix and Match Mama says
In the Athlete shorts, I wear an xsmall and in the denim shorts, I bought 26. I think both run very true to size!
Jamie says
Thanks! Just ordered the denim!
Krystal says
Hey Shay! I am 5’6″ with long legs. Do you think these shorts would be too short for me?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s hard to say??? It depends on what you think is too short. I’m only 5’3″ and they’re pretty short on me.
Krystal says
Ok thanks! Because of my height/super long legs, most shorts are a little too short on me. It’s hard finding ones that don’t look like “mom shorts” ?.
Thanks for posting summer wear. I’m in need of a new summer wardrobe and have zero fashion sense so you’re a big help! Thanks again!
Casey says
Love this snack idea!!!!!!!!! Random but the Skechers you love so much, do they run small and do they stretch out? I tried some on yesterday (we are going to D.C. In a few weeks so lots of walking) I felt like I need to go up half a size but then I worry about if they stretch they may be too big. Thanks so much for your help 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I have had two pairs and they’ve both been my true size (8). I don’t feel like they’ve stretched out!
Kelly says
That vouch video was so funny! Made me laugh ?
Love your ” basic “T -shirt! So cute!
Caroline says
Um LOVE that you are at a planner conference! That’s amazing! Also I looked at Erin’s teacher planners since they are on sale. May have to snag myself one. We are going to being homeschooling in August!
Also the snack bin!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAAAAA. I’ve been a mom for 7.5 years and this idea is BRILLIANT. I get so tired of being asked for snacks. I am not a snacker by nature so it literally makes me mad when they ask. I will definitely be implementing the individual bins this summer!
Brooke says
I’ve recently tried the tanning wipes and I like them, however I always end up blotchy?? Any tips on what I could be doing wrong? Do you moisturizer before or after you apply? I try to really rub them around all over really good but end up blotchy??
Mix and Match Mama says
If you’re blotchy, use another one the next day. This will smooth out any blotchiness! I do think there’s a learning curve. Once you do it a few times, you won’t have any trouble!
Diana Austin says
Cool dating app, I’ll let my SIL know 😉 Also, the lead guy reminds me of Nick Viall for some reason….
Jenna says
That t-shirt is sooo cute! I also love those shorts from Atheleta. Erin Condren is always a favorite around here…I have used her Lesson Planners for years, as well as her folders, notebooks, and Life Planners. Happy Friday!
Kelli says
I do the same snack plan above! I only have two kids, but repeated snack time is such a hassle in my home and causes many arguments! So at the start of each day, I put in three snacks, the only difference for me is, I also have picture cards (find on the Internet, laminate, and cut…) for some of the food items that stay in the fridge/freezer (cheese sticks, fruit cups, popsicle/ice cream is a big one in the summer time.) So they still get those snacks at times, but have picture cards. Once they eat that so said snack, the card goes back in the a jar I have with the picture cards in it. Just an extra thought. A little extra work, but pays off in the long run! Although I do have one thought.. and I’ve seen different opinions…. if the kid doesn’t eat all three snacks for the day, do they get to keep them in their box for the next day?
Rachael says
Shay!! You need to see if your plate artist can do a Red Sox plate for you with the kids feet!! Seems totally doable with the logo! I know that would make you happy year round!! ?!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
That is BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!
Angela Ellingson says
Love that plate!!! I just got that same tee in the mail yesterday in the burgundy punch color. Love it! Even your fingers look amazingly tan… Crazy!
Brittany says
In regard to your kids’ snacking, thought you might like this book. I saw the author speak at a conference in January, and I’ve been so intrigued ever since… Would love to know your thoughts if you read it! https://www.amazon.com/French-Kids-Eat-Everything-Discovered/dp/006210330X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492780677&sr=8-1&keywords=french+kids+eat+everything
heidi says
Oh the snack idea is genius! !!.. I’m totally doing that! .. love the t shirt. So darn cute. That plate is so precious. . Those tiny toes!
Polly says
Welcome to Nashville!! I also love a good Erin Condren planner, makes my complicated life seem a little less busy 😉 Have a great weekend!!
Laci says
That plate is ADORABLE!!!!
Shawna says
LOVE your Friday Favorites!!!! 🙂 What size are you wearing in the striped tee? Love the summer uniform.
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought xsmall!
Stacy says
Thanks for the great ideas! Love the snack bin idea. I seriously feel like at the end of some days all I seemed to accomplish was feeding my kids. Speaking of food, I’d love to see you do a cookbook some day specifically for fun foods for kids. My kids are super healthy eaters but it’s hard for me to come up with new ways to MIX it up and keep those foods interesting. The junk food world can easily grab their attention with presentation alone. I need some help in doing the same with good foods.
Kim Nations says
Love your blog. The plate is so cute.. The snack idea is great..
Briana says
I really need to try the tan towels you’ve mentioned! Also, I don’t have kids but that snack idea is such a good one I feel like I should try it for myself. Lol!
Briana | youngsophisticate.com
Jen Cole says
That plate is so adorable! I noticed right away that K and S have super high foot arches, haha! I am the same way, and my two kiddos inherited my high arches too! 😉
Kara says
So many cool stuff in this post…the plate, the snack idea, yummy french toast… LOVED the dating app!
Enjoy the carnival!
Nikki - Speak at Home Tonight says
Your slippers look so cozy! Have a great weekend <3
Barbara parnell says
I love that plate! So cute! It is so important to capture all these moments while they are still little…mine are 13,15,17 & 20…I really miss those days of summer when they were younger. Have a great trip and enjoy the upcoming summer!
Robin Ince says
I am so ready for school to be over but have been dreading summer only for the CONSTANT request for snacks! Thank you for sharing this brilliant snack idea!!! And don’t tell the Unstuffed lady, but I’m totally headed to Target today to get some snack bins for each kid – ha.
Will you try this with Madeley? My youngest is 2 as well, and I can just imagine how access to her snack bin may be a disaster. Probably a good opportunity for helping her practicing self control though…
Mix and Match Mama says
I probably will add snacks to her bins but I won’t let her be in charge of it. I’ll assist :). I do think Ashby is old enough for this though!!
Cristy says
With the Tan Towels – Do you use both the Body and the Face? I’ve been trying to find a good tanner that doesn’t take forever to apply and dry!
Mix and Match Mama says
I use the body ones for my body and the face ones for my face. They are seriously the best tanning thing out there!
Amber says
That snack bin idea…yeah, that’s life changing. I think I may just enjoy this summer after all. 🙂
Alison O'brien says
Good Morning!
I hope you have a great day! I love following along and wanted to let you know I used you as a referall for Glamsquad and they should be giving you a $25 dollar credit for next time. Make sure you got it! Thanks for the information and have a great weekend 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh! I did get it! THANK YOU! You will LOVE them!!!
Jennifer says
I feel like my worlds are colliding with you going to speak at Go Wild! I’m a planner girl too but my favorite is The Happy Planner! I hope you give us your thoughts on what you thought of the conference. I’ve only been to a local conference and would be a dream to attend Go Wild!
Ella says
1) You are so flat in the workout pictures
2) I love that plate. Wish I could get one
3) That photo of you with your kids on the driveway – quality time with kids ‘chilling’ is just the best.
Anna S says
I love everything about today’s post! I have trouble with jean shorts- I have to do the “sit test” to avoid the jean diaper look. 😉 These look like the perfect length.
>
Are the cuffed hems secured? I had a pair of hemmed jean shorts and after I washed them, the hems rolled up and I had trouble getting them flat again.
Mix and Match Mama says
They are! I’ve washed these already so many times and the hems are still looking good (secured!).
Leigh says
Nail color? ?
Mix and Match Mama says
OPI Let’s Be Friends 🙂
MICHELLE says
I love reading your blog each day, but I am having a problem with some of your hyperlinks actually working. Is there something I am doing wrong? Its kind of random which ones will work and which ones don’t. Example in this post is the tee shirt link…won’t work. Thanks.
Mix and Match Mama says
Refresh the page! That should fix the problem!
Lilly says
Will you show/tell us how you apply those tan towels?? The reviews on the website made me feel like I need a little further instruction from a seasoned pro before using but I’d love to try them out!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I should do tutorial, right? I just might! Good idea!!
Shannon Barnett says
Love your Friday favorites…I have one for you to try if you have not discovered it yet. Go to Starbucks and order a London Fog. Not on menu, but they will know it!!! Earl grey tea with half water/half steamed milk and a pump of vanilla. It is amazing!!! Totally remember your tea post!!!
Jas says
Can you give us the link to your gym shoes? I am in need of some new ones and love the pink swoosh!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought them last summer/early fall from Nordstrom!
Natalie says
Can you share where your Nikes are from in your gym pic? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re from Nordstrom. I believe they’re the Air version (I think?).
Cindy says
As the oldest of 5, my mother had 3 meals a day and then a 10 am snack (choice of fruit) and 3pm (popsicle, cookie or Rice Krispie treat (both homemade) or popcorn. If you missed the snack time too bad!! I love the snack tray idea much better.
Crystal McDonald says
Love those plates!! I had some made for the grandmas last year for Christmas!! They are the best.
One day I will break down and buy those tan wipes. And I love your mom uniform and planner personality.
#soulsister
Alexis deZayas says
That striped top looks so cute on you!
Leanna Nelson says
I love favorite #3. I have two boys who eat me out of house and home and I was starting to get anxiety about summer. I’m definitely going to do this over the summer. Thank you for sharing it.
Meghan says
Love the shorts and the post! So, weird ?, but I bet one many of us have for you: could you walk us through one of your gym workouts? Clearly you’ve got that figured out! Would love to hear what you do on a typical day!
Erin Port says
I didn’t know there was a planners conference but you know what — those are my people! I bet it was well planned ;)! Love a good planner and to do list. I need to put purchasing those tan towels on my list! Have a great weekend!
marti @fitwithheart says
love all the favs! and that outfit is adorable..can’t wait to see the sandals.i don’t have kids (yet) but that snack idea is genius!!!
Lisa D says
Oh my goodness….. April 22 reading in Jesus Calling! What a coincidence!
Shelby says
How long do the towels last? Like does one work for your whole body?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! One works for your whole body. I use one per time.
Amy Rae DeVito says
It was seriously a dream come true to: meet you, listen to your talk at the conference, talk to you, take a photo together, ask you a question during the Q&A, receive your cookbook, have you sign my Erin Condren notebook and just being in the same room as you. You inspire me daily and as my favorite blogger, it seriously was a huge joy to meet you! Thank you for being the amazing, creative, inspiring, joyful, sweet, kind, and fabulous person you are! I love you and your blog and I sincerely mean that from the bottom of my heart.
Love Always,
A Loyal Reader and Fellow Llama
#plannerfriendsmakethebestfriends
Amy Rae aka @amyraeplans5 on Instagram.
PS: Thank you for encouraging me to start blogging again! <3
Bethany says
I just love the adoption stories!
Staci says
I would love a tutorial on the tan towels also, specifically on how you apply to your hands and feet. I tried one and liked it overall, but my hands and feet looked horrible. Help please! 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
I think I might do a video. Eeks! I’ll probably look a fool while doing it 😉 .
Beth P says
I can vouch for the shorts. I bought a pair last year after you recommended them. They were my summer/comfy uniform wear this summer. And I now own three pair! Thanks!
Kelly says
Love the shorts Shay! Btw…Which Apple Watch do you have? Is that the gold rose & pink band? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!
Christina says
Hi Shay! In the picture with your tropical shorts what long sleeve and tank are you wearing? Also, do you wear any other “basic” tees besides the Caslon Relaxed Slub Knit one? I wasn’t sure if there were any other brands you recommend. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Halogen makes great tees too! I wear both!