It’s What’s Up Wednesday!
Once a month, my friends Mel, Sheaffer and I host this link up where we share some random and fun stuff that’s up with us today. If you blogged WUW too, make sure you link up at the bottom of the post! Every month, we answer these questions…
…in our What’s Up Wednesday posts!
It’s the last WUW of the school year!!!
Woohoo!!!!!
BRING. ON. SUMMER.
Okay, here’s what we’re up to today…
1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
Did you catch my MEAL PLANNING TUESDAY this week? Super simple supper recipes just for YOU! Besides that, my kids are ready for us to start making these again…
…ALL THE HOMEMADE POPSICLES. We make a ton of these like my STRAWBERRY & LEMON YOGURT POPS along with these too…
…CREAMY LIME PIE POPS and these…
…NUTELLA BUTTERSCOTCH POPS. I have so many more popsicle recipes HERE for you to check out.
2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
Our summer vacation last year. Last June, we went on an Alaskan cruise and had the BEST time! Andrew and I were just talking on Saturday morning how that’s one we are going to for sure repeat. This summer, we have new adventures ahead that we’re so pumped about as well!
3: WHAT I’M LOVING:
Did you see my post yesterday?!?!
I am LOVING this…
…Cassie’s new collection at Nordstrom!! I am just so proud of my friend and totally OBSESSED with her entire line…
From this cute, cute, cute top that ties on the side…
…to this tee that comes in many, many colors…
…this top that just screams “take me on vacation” and then this…
…adorable tee with the ruffles (also in many colors)…
…and then a romper too 🙂 . Plus, there is even MORE cuteness online!! It launched yesterday and I went in and bought me a few more pieces for summer. I’m just so in love with all of it 🙂 .
4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
And repeat.
Give us all the outdoor time right now.
BUGS!!
Who knows the magic cure of making mosquitoes leave you alone? I’m pretty good at my house because we have our yard treated, but it’s hard when I go other places. I feel like I’m that person who is constantly spraying herself with bug spray (and that doesn’t always work). Any amazing tips? They don’t seem to bother anyone else in my family…but those darn mosquitoes LOVE me.
6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
So many fun things to do with Mix and Match Travel Agency!
We are in the middle of building a brand new website, and we’ve hired someone else to work for us. Our little team has now grown to SIX, and I couldn’t be happier about it!
Guys, I just love what I do. I love getting to meet new people (they all quickly become friends) and plan their trips. If you are looking to travel soon, we’d love to help! We are currently accepting new client vacations departing after September 1, 2018. Just email me at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com.
7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
This sweet girl is having a birthday soon!! She picked out her theme last summer and has stuck to it. We cannot wait to celebrate Miss Ashby turning SIX!!
My May Book Review will be up TOMORROW! It’s the PERFECT book review for summer reads, so make sure you come back for that one!! If you missed my April Book Review, you can see it here…
Make sure you read the comment section of the post for other recommendations too!
And friends, every What’s Up Wednesday between now and 2026 will be me saying that I’m watching…
…Grey’s Anatomy.
Because it’s 14 seasons long.
And counting.
I’m on season three right now and am IN LOVE.
But I mean, this will take me years, right?
Love, love, love it so much!!
9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
Grey’s Anatomy.
While I’m working. While I’m folding laundry. While I’m emptying the dishwasher. It’s all I hear.
Did you catch my What I Wore Wednesday last week? I’ve been having a moment with these…
Dresses from Loft! Like this cute little navy one…
…and this one is super cute and comfy too! Plus, this one too…
…is so easy to wear!
For me, the key with Loft dresses is to order the petite size. I’m 5’3″ and the petite dresses just work better for me than the regular ones. So, if you’re my size, that’s my recommendation.
11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:
It’s DANCE RECITAL weekend!!
This year, I have THREE little dancers in the recital, so we are PUMPED!!! It’s pretty much going to dominate our entire weekend, so that’s what we’ll be up to.
12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
Did someone say summer vacation?!?!
13: WHAT ELSE IS NEW:
Whew! I think that just about covered it!!
Bonus question this month: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER SALAD?
We eat a ton of salads this time of year, and I have so many that I love…but right now, these are my faves…
My Cornbread & Peach Panzanella Salad or the original version…
…you can find this recipe HERE or this one too…
Friends, I have loads of yummy salad recipes HERE.
Okay! That’s What’s Up Wednesday today! If you blogged too, make sure you link up below. I hope you guys have a fantastic day!! xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
So many favourites this week! The popsicles and the salads are a must for summer. I’m dreading all the summer bugs as well – though they’ve already begun flying into my apartment this spring. Yuck!
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Bernadine says
Shay, I am in the Travel Industry in South Africa and just so happy to hear your agency is doing so well. Congratulations and I love the new logo!
Erika Slaughter says
Bring. On. Summer. I’m READY!!!!
Mother of 3 says
That looks like an adorable and comfy clothing line! I too just read Nantucket Wedding and am currently watching Grey’s (though I think I’m on season 10 already). I too am a bug magnet and this weekend I don’t know what bit me but my whole upper arm swelled up and it was so darn itchy! Thankfully it’s gone down and is just like a regular bite now.
Amy Heinl says
Avon skin so soft works like a charm
.regular formula..dont know what’s in it but the bugs and mosquitos will leave you alone. Used to be a Field Director years ago for Girl Scouts and we always had our troops by and use it
Could go hiking in woods with no issues…if you goggle it you will see numerous posts singing it’s praises. Our favorite salad is a Chicken or Steak fajita salads..so good. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s book review. Have the best day
Mix and Match Mama says
Do you order it online or through an Avon rep? I’m so going to buy some STAT!
Debbie Ricks says
My dad was an avid user of Skin so Soft!!!! Thanks for the reminder!!
Kathy says
Amy, are you speaking of Avon Skin So Soft Oil or Lotion? If it’s the oil, do you have to mix it with something or use it full strength?
Sheaffer Sims says
Those salads look amazing! And your Mix and Match travel logo is SO CUTE!
Elspeth Mizner says
I love what’s up Wednesday!! So
Happy you are finally watching greys! Such a good show!!
Lindsay F. says
We purchased “Spartan Mosquito Eradicators” this year and so far— they are awesome!!! 2 eradicators for $20 where we live (Kansas). https://spartanmosquito.com/ No lights zapping, no smells, just two tubes hanging from wherever you want! My husband hung two in our backyard and 2 in our front yard and we have yet to get bit since we’ve hung them. Our neighbors put them up too and are having just as good of luck! I highly recommend them because you’d never know they were there AND they work!
Michelle says
I clicked on the link and the only option I found was for $199…. is there another place to purchase these?
Nicole says
Those pieces are so cute!!! What other ones did you order online?
Mix and Match Mama says
The gingham shirt in black and then you know my polka dot shirt? I ordered it in both black and blue. Plus, I ordered the other “tee” (not the one that ties). It’s all so cute!
Tara G. says
I attract all the mosquitos. Lavender oil works on bites. I think I’ve seen some oil recipe for bugs, too, that I need to look up. But the Avon is what we’ve used for years & it smells better.
Narci Dreffs says
I love those Gibson pieces on you so much!!! And I can’t believe Sweet Ashby will be six!!! So fun!!
Emma says
Congratulations on expanding your travel agency! I thought it was just you and Erika – who are the other 4 people?!
Mix and Match Mama says
Just four other sweet girls that we’ve hired over the last two years 🙂 .
Connie B. says
They say Listerine works to keep mosquito’s away! You can spray around you or on your body they say. People swear it works! Not that we want to smell like it. haha But we are going to spray our patio area when we sit out there and see how it works. And Skin So Soft by Avon I’ve used in the past. I’ve tried the fabric softener on our clothes and I still get bit. UGH I don’t like bugs!
Elaine says
The mosquitoes and bugs will love you when you have products in your hair or perfumes on. But, young Living has an awesome insect repellent. Last year I would use it st the lake and could see the mosquitoes hovering but not one time did they land on me! It kept them away for good! Plus, it’s deet free. 🙂
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Mmm those salads look delicious! Yay for all your little dancers, I miss dance this time of year when I start to see all the little ones in their costumes 🙂 One of my favorite posts every month!
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Dana says
We normally never get mosquito bites or even see mosquitos here (outside of Paris), but this year we had lots and lots of rain and they are biting us. When we lived in Oklahoma, everyone around me was always getting bitten except me and I really think it was because I was taking prenatal vitamins (for years with all our kiddos, ha!). I just read that they think it’s because of the B1 that repels them. Either way, it was super effective! There are also several great essential oils (Plant Therapy makes an Insect Repellent one, as well as YL’s Purification which is also good for bites) or like others have said Avon’s Skin So Soft has a cult following for repelling insects. Hope you find something that works- for me, that’s the worst thing about summer!
Molly says
Do you guys plan vacations all over or just Disney and Mexico?
Mix and Match Mama says
Everywhere outside of the Continental US except for Walt Disney World.
Erin Port says
Congratulations on all the exciting things going on with the travel agency 🙂 and yay for summer vacations and no school!
Kelly says
Ashby will be six years old! What is this madness!?! These babies must stop growing up;).
Katie ericson says
What about the shorts? Tell me more please!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re my FAVE!!! They’re on yesterday’s post!!
Ashlea says
Random question: What brand of coffee pot do you have? I’m in search of a new one and your insta story last week looked heavenly! Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a Jura!
Alyssa says
I use the OFF clip-on fans when I’m walking outside or sitting at a game, and the fan ends up protecting me and whomever is sitting or standing nearby. It’s nice because you don’t have to spray anything on your skin; you just clip it on your shorts waistband.
Melanie says
Someone already mentioned Avon to you. I sell Avon and was going to suggest that product to you. Works great and it doesn’t stink like Off does. Also, I have not received your daily emails this week. I have had to go to your website to read your blogs (because they are part of my day!!). Anyway, I know you have made some changes recently and maybe that’s why I am not getting the email. Do I need to sign up again?
Dawn says
Oh my, I am a mosquito magnet also! I read that people with type O blood,(me!) attract more of those pesky bugs. I looked up consumer reports earlier this morning,(bc my girls and I got eaten up this weekend) for best mosquito repelants, and Ben’s 30% wilderness and some bug spray named Sawyer came up as best. Ordering them off amazon now and we will see! I’ve tried the Avon wipes, and they work pretty good, but not great.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m o negative!! no way?!
Jess says
That’s the universal donor blood type! I hope you donate a lot!
Whitney Pegram says
It’s dance recital weekend for us too!! So excited to watch my girl do her thing!!
Jenna says
Love those shorts. I also am so excited for summer break. I am ready for all things summer. I always start summer with a list and sometimes it gets done…sometimes it doesn’t and I haven’t ever regretted not getting to things. Kiddos are only little once. 🙂 Enjoy your time and enjoy the beach next week!
Caroline says
In Alabama, the mosquitoes are awful!!! I’ve had issues with them my whole life (seriously, one Fourth of July I had 50 bug bites when we left our lake house). Most eryone I know (myself included) uses mosquito repellant bracelets. They’re amazing, and super easy as you don’t have to rub yourself down in lotions or sprays. Plus, it makes life easier with kids. You just slip on your bracelet and go! You can order them on Amazon.
Jillian says
Ah, bugs are THE worst! Out of everyone in my family, I am the only one that gets bit whenever we go outside. If you figure out something that helps and works, please let us know! Also, I am all tied up in Desperate Housewives right now. It is only 8 seasons, so hopefully it will not take me too long. Especially since my books get pushed to the side when I binge watch, so I will have to catch up once I finish this up!
Melanie says
BTW, I am sure you can find an Avon rep in McKinney, but, if not, please let me know. I live in Arlington!
Susan Jeffries says
I just ordered that second Loft dress thanks to you!
Caroline says
In Alabama, the mosquitos are awful! I used to have to take an oatmeal bath every time we left our lake house. But everyone I know and myself uses mosquito repellant bracelets! You can wear them on your wrist or ankle and they work very well. Also, it is convenient because you don’t have to rub yourself down in any lotions or sprays. Plus they came in all colors and just look like a plain bracelet. You can order them on amazon. I love mine!
Chelse says
I can’t wait to see what your book recommendations are? I am always looking for a great read! Love all these outfits so cute
Meg says
The mosquitoes around my house are crazy and they all love me. I discovered the OFF! clip-on last year and it’s a lifesaver. I don’t like to apply a lot of lotions/sprays (b/c I’m lazy) and I can just clip this right on to my shorts and I’m good to go. So easy and it really works.
Marcy says
Try a daily dose of vitamin B1.. our family usually starts taking the vitamin about 2 weeks before a camping trip and it works for us
Ashley Hall says
doTERRA has a great bug repellent essential oil blend that works for mosquitoes! It comes in a convenient plastic spray bottle so you can just throw in your bag. (I’m all about the convenience)
In choung says
Odorless garlic pills will help with the mosquitos. Hope this helps!
Natalie says
I would suggest one of those “skeeter vacs”, that run on propane. They are spendy, but well worth the money. They attract mosquitos and then suck them right up. My yard is riddled with mosquitos and it has helped immensely.
Grace says
Can’t wait for the book review! They are my favorite posts of the month.
Tori says
For mosquito repellant, I highly recommend Off Deep Woods towelettes, which you can find on Amazon. The Deep Woods line contains DEET, which is really the most effective product against the Aedes mosquitoes, which are super prevalent in North Texas (Dallas girl here) and transmit all of the major diseases you don’t want, such as West Nile and Zika. The towelette form is also safe to use on your face. I actually study viruses transmitted by mosquitos and will be traveling to Africa next month to perform some field research, and Off Deep Woods towelettes are what I will be bringing to protect myself!
Melanie says
It took me over 6 months to binge watch 12 seasons. But it was 100% worth it.
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
My ankle got bit 5 times on Saturday night and it’s driving me crazy! So itchy! And I LOVE the new logo!! Jane has been so sweet helping me with our Disney trip!!
That Inspired Chick
Mix and Match Mama says
Jane is AMAZING!!!
Emily says
Hi Shay! Do you order the PXS or PS in the Lift dresses. I’m 5’4 and 113 pounds and seem to wear the same size as you in most everything but I wasn’t sure about the dresses. I’ve heard they run big. Thank you.
Mix and Match Mama says
I buy the petite xsmall. The length works perfectly!!
Shana says
B1 (thiamine) to prevent mosquito bites! A doctor told my mom about this years back, and it’s worked pretty well for our family since.
Melissa D. says
Do you need a cami under the adorable polka dot shirt? I love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Nope! I was really impressed by the fabric quality of this line!
Reba says
I bought the insect repellent from Young Living (all natural ingredients for the win!) but you can also make your own citronella spray in a 2oz amber spray bottle (can find on amazon), add in some citronella essential oil (10 drops?) (if you want some, let me know and I’d be glad to help!), a splash of witch hazel, and fill the rest of the bottle up with water. Having it in a 2oz bottle allows you to throw it in your purse on the go if needed!
Mel @ The Larson Lingo says
Love Cassie’s line, I bought a couple things yesterday & can’t wait to get them! Love doing this link up with you!
Laurie S says
I hope you don’t get many bug bites, but if you do, a chemist friend of mine has suggested trying Tecnu products to help with the discomfort of bites and poison plants (ivy, oak). Tecnu website is http://www.teclabs.com.
Casey Holter says
Hi Shay! You really need to try Bug Soother bug spray! I get it on amazon. It’s amazing! Smells great and keeps the bugs away! My kids are always asking to put more on cause it smells so good!! ?
Janet says
Mosquito’s love me also. This spring I have been using Lemongrass Oil. I’ve put a couple of drops on my hands and rubbed on arms and legs. So far it has worked. I need to mix some in a spray bottle. You can mix the oil with vodka. There are recipes on Pinterest. If I do get a bite, I use Lavender oil for the itch.
Nicole Bickham says
Hi Shay! Those mosquitos love me too! I bet you’re blood type is O. Science says they love blood type O the most. Try dryer sheets in your pockets. It worked for me on a camping trip! Love your blog! Thanks for sharing with all of us. God Bless!
Erin says
LOVE your white floral dress in your picture with Ashby! Where is it from?
Mix and Match Mama says
Loft!
Anita says
I had to drag my husband to loft this weekend to get those cute dresses! Loving them for teaching this week when it it so hot! The xs petite was perfect for me too!
Patricia says
After growing up as a mosquito appetizer, mysteriously they stopped biting me! Found this out on a trip to Bali. Everyone around me was swatting like crazy while I said “what bugs?” I have no idea why they stopped treating me as an “all you can eat” buffet, I’m just grateful (and a little scared they’ll start in again).
Popsicle related question: my husband is lactose intolerant so I can’t use yogurt. One recipe uses vanilla pudding (which I can make with almond milk), can I sub that for the yogurt or do I have to make other adjustments? Cool whip is no problem for him, oddly enough.
Mix and Match Mama says
That sub would work great!!
Cristy says
Hi Shay! I was wondering where you got your stacked beaded bracelets?! I love the teal color!
Mix and Match Mama says
The best website! http://www.kinsleyarmelle.com 🙂
Shelly says
I cannot even grasp that Ashby is turning 6!! Holy moly it does not really seem like that long ago you brought that sweet, shy thing home. I cannot wait for my Hi Sugarplum items to arrive…looks like it’s a good thing the two of us don’t live near one another because I picked up several of the same pieces!
Jenna says
Shay! I would love to hear how you got certified to become a travel agent and how you got started! I stay at home with my three boys (used to teach 8th grade science!) but I’ve always wanted to get into planning trips for people! Could you do a post maybe on how you got started? 🙂
Alli says
How do you have your yard treated? Every bug company we’ve ever used has said there’s not much they can do bc they’re flying insects. Does a spray really work??
Mix and Match Mama says
We have a company come out every 21 days and they spray our yard. We’ve had them do it for two years now and it seems to be working!
Kelly says
I totally make my own bug spray with essential oils. – I actually just went camping over Memorial Day weekend and took two different mixes to try them out, and wholly molly!! We have a winner! The first one we used, I got 1 – just 1 bite out of the three days! Best part is it’s safe for my almost three year old daughter, my husband, and me! It’s non-toxic and all natural!! 🙂 I could totally quip up a little bottle and send it to you to try. #bugsaregross #andtheyitch
Liz says
What do you do to treat your lawn / who do you use? Just bought a house in Dallas and thinking about how best to save myself from the bites this summer!
Mix and Match Mama says
Mosquito Joe’s 🙂
Paula says
Hi Shay, I am a loyal reader of your blog, and love to hear what your family is doing and eating! I have made so many of your recipes. Just a comment though, you did not mention that the new Gibson line also comes in plus sizes. Wouldn’t mind if you would mention that whenever the beautiful clothes you wear can also accommodate us plus size girls. It’s a drag when I click on some of the clothes, and they only come in regular and petite sizes. wah wah….lol…Many Thanks!