It’s FRIDAY!
Okay, we finished the first week of school without any problems!! Sweet Ashby is loving kindergarten! She’s exhausted every day (because apparently, kinder is non-stop!), but she’s having a great time with her new school, new class, new teacher and new friends. I cannot thank you guys enough for all the prayers this week. THEY ARE WORKING! We haven’t shed a tear over kinder so far!! You have blessed my family this week. THANK YOU!
One of my favorite things from this week has to do with school. In case you didn’t see this on my IG stories, this is a favorite of mine…
…where is Ashby’s body?!
Like seriously, where is it????????
Ashby’s teacher texted me this on the first night of school and was like “where is her body” and I’m all I DON’T KNOW?!?!
Riiiiiiiight?!
Freaky.
Ha!
If you find it, please let me know 🙂 .
So besides this pic (which makes me laugh every time I look at it!), I have other favorites this week. I’m linking up with my friends Erika, Narci and Andrea and sharing them today!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! xo
Andrew and I have some sweet friends who recently opened a Maple Street Biscuit Company nearby. Guys, have you been?! Erika had been telling us that they visited one in Florida and that we would flip over it…but I didn’t understand until we went the other day for lunch. IT IS AMAZING! If you’re local, come say hi to our friends and check out their new spot. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! They make the yummiest breakfast and lunch food! I had some biscuit thing topped with eggs, bacon and a maple sausage gravy. HOLY COW! Their location is 3288 Main St. in Frisco!
Speaking of things to eat…friends, your response to my Instant Pot post on Wednesday WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD!
I still don’t know what I think about my Instant Pot, but I’m going to give it another go this weekend. When I read through the comments (there were over 200!!!), you inspired me to keep trying. I loved all of your tips for making the Instant Pot more user friendly (like go ahead and prep everything in the morning and just add your meat in later). I also appreciated your tips for cleaning it out and converting regular recipes to Instant Pot ones. Seriously, THANK YOU! Even if you read it on Wednesday, go back now and read the comments. THEY WERE SO HELPFUL!
You know who is my go-to for anything and everything in life?
YOU!
Guys! You did it again!!! Two weeks ago, I asked for recommendations for my kids’ lunchboxes and so many of you pointed me to these…
Bam.
You guys rock!
So, this year, my kids want to take hot food to school. I asked you guys for tips and you gave me some that are AMAZING! First, I had so many people (like SO MANY!) tell me to fill their thermoses with boiling water for 10 minutes before actually putting the hot food inside. Was I the only one who didn’t know this trick? I feel like all of you knew this, but I didn’t! So, every morning this week, I have filled my kettle and let it boil while I made my breakfast/emptied the dishwasher. Once it was boiling, I added the hot water to each Thermos, put the lid back on and then woke the kids up, made breakfast and heated their food. When their lunch food was hot, I would pour out the hot water and then add their hot food. My kids promise me that it’s still warm by lunchtime. That’s a great trick!
Second, my kids love the Thermoses you recommend from Amazon. The girls have this one and Smith has this one. Each one comes with a stainless steel spoon, so it’s all right there for them. We had lasagna for dinner on Monday night, so they had that in there one day, leftover fajita chicken one day, I made a batch of Orange Chicken from Costco in the oven and they ate that two days. We’re making it work! I feel so good knowing they have a hearty lunch at school!
Speaking of Amazon…I tried something new this week! So, last week, I went to two different things and both times, someone there had on something cute and when I complimented it, they both told me they bought them off of Amazon. I feel like a lot of people on IG are talking about Amazon fashion these days, so I thought I would venture over there and check it out. I have always been hesitant about buying off of there because I like easy returns if things don’t work out, but both items worked, so I considered it a win!
Outfit #1!
My shirt is an Amazon find! Isn’t it so cute?! You know how much I heart a chambray shirt, so I was pumped when this one came and I loved it.
This shirt comes in two different shades, and I bought the lighter one. I paired it with one of those camis underneath (just because I love them so much), my black jeans that are forever old but still in stock and now 20% off, these super cute new leopard flats for fall and my leather earrings.
Aren’t these so cute?!
And then outfit #2…
Look at this cute dress!!
It comes in six different colors, but I specifically bought this one for those of you who didn’t grab this one in the Anniversary Sale…
See? They’re both black and white. The one above from the Anniversary Sale was my FAVORITE find this year and is still available in most sizes HERE, but if you want to try something different, I’m a big fan of this Amazon one too! I wore it on Wednesday and felt comfy yet pulled together all day. It has pockets which always makes a dress more fun, right?! I’m wearing these booties with both dresses because they’re super comfy and perfect for transitional weather!
Two finds on Amazon and I’m happy with both! Perhaps there will be more in my future?!
And last but not least…
…a super simple supper recipe for your weekend! My TURKEY & RICE SKILLET is just the kind of weekend meal (or simple weeknight supper!) you need in your rotation. See the recipe HERE.
Have a great weekend, everyone! I’ll see you on Monday! xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
That photo of Ashby is definitely freaky, can’t believe it’s a real picture, haha! She’s completely hidden!
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Carrie says
I’m so glad Ashby had such a good week. Being a parent can be so stressful. Especially at Back-to-School time! I love the dress. Would you say it’s on the short side? I’m taller than you and I worry it’d be rather short on me.
Mix and Match Mama says
I thought it was a great length on me, but I’m only 5’3″.
Erika Slaughter says
Yay!!! I’m so glad Ashby had the best week! And that picture of them at recess makes me laugh every time! Happy Friday! XO
Pamela Kennedy says
Ok…I have been looking for a cute denim shirt for a very long time. Then, I went to Friday Favorites (which is my very, very favorite) and Holy Moly! What do I see? The perfect denim shirt and it’s on Amazon! I thought, “I have got to get to Amazon, pronto!” I was so excited about it, that I got one for my daughter and one for myself! Once again, it’s MixandMatchMama to the rescue!! Thanks Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!! Happy Friday to YOU!!
cailey says
Oh my! so the owners go to church with us from Maple street and the original is down the street from us! best place ever! My husband goes there every morning for coffee:) its our favorite Saturday morning breakfast place.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, it was so good! I cannot wait to go back!!
Karen Ward says
We have not one but TWO Maple Street Biscuit Companies in the Chattanooga area and one is right down the street from my office! So good!
Kim nations says
I live in Dalton. So glad to see someone on here that is close to me. Where are the restaurants at in Chattanooga?
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
I have to check out the instant pot post, I’ve been so curious about those! The turkey and rice looks like a great easy dinner option! I want that striped dress since I didn’t scoop it up at The Nsale! So glad Ashby had a great first week of school!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Christi {Jealous Hands} says
If you really want tips on cute things from Amazon – check out @addisonswonderland. She does amazing Amazon fashion finds every week!
Happy weekend!
Andrea says
What size in the chamber shirt did you end up getting? It says it runs small so I was just wondering how true that really was. 🙂
Thanks!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought a small in the shirt and the dress.
Katie says
Can you please share more about this orange chicken from Costco?!
Mix and Match Mama says
I will take a pic of it! You bake it in the oven and then add the sauce. My kids loved it in their lunches this week!
Rachel says
Oh my goodness, where is Ashby?! That is freaky! You’re making me kinda rethink insta pot, but I’ve been hesitant. I’ll wait and see what you think about it after you try it again 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Sheaffer Sims says
Those Amazon finds are SERIOUSLY CUTE!!!!! And your dress from yesterday? DARLING!
Narci says
So, I totally grabbed that orange chicken after you talked about it at breakfast and my kids loved it! And that black and white dress is darling!! I mean, so cute!
Abby Carver says
I like the hot water tip for the thermos. I do that with my coffee cup in the morning. My coffee stays hot much longer!
Mix and Match Mama says
Genius!
Mother of 3 says
I used to send grilled cheese sandwich “sticks” in my boys’ thermoses but I had no idea about that trick of filling it up with boiling water first; even if it does make perfect sense! So glad that they had a great first week you just can not beat a week of no tears!
Alexis deZayas says
I’ve stared at that picture for way too long and can’t figure it out!! Too funny!
Kelly says
Love your Amazon finds! Can you tell us what size you ordered? Because it says the shirt runs small so I don’t want to get wrong size.
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought a small in both the top and dress!
Andrea says
Good morning to one of my favorite bloggers!! Would you mind telling us what kind of bra you would wear with the dress? I saw in a few of the Amazon reviews that you can see the straps since the design in the back is open.
Thanks!!! Have a great weekend!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am wearing a normal one from Victoria’s Secret. It’s not strapless or low…totally normal!
Rachel says
I know the owners too from the original Maple Street in Jacksonville, FL! They’re the best 🙂 LOVE that place! What did you get from there?
Mix and Match Mama says
I had the Five & Dime! Oh my goodness! I’m going to try the goat cheese one next!
Morgan Godbold says
Maple Street is from Jacksonville! (Like me!) Glad y’all enjoyed! Love seeing something from my home that’s expanding and doing great!
Angela Ellingson says
I wish I was local (so we could be BFF) and so I could check out Maple Strret. Sounds delicious. And I didn’t know the thermos truck either… genius!
Jen says
I have been playing with some Amazon fashion lately, too! Do you have Prime? Free returns through the mail, so no hassle! Just picked up this kimono and some comfy pants for fall weekends around the house! I just read an article yesterday (Buzzfeed maybe?) and the author posted a bunch of cute trendy things people always compliment her on…all from Amazon!
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XB9RKS3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B8FPTM1/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1
Have a great weekend!
Erin Port says
Amazon is certainly upping their fashion game! I am curious about returns though? So glad the first week was a success. We are on school day 2 over here! xoxo
Amy Hargrove says
Can you tell me about your cute rugs in your closet? Where did you find those?
Mix and Match Mama says
Online! They’re from Joanna Gaines!
Lauren Harrelson says
DRESS, ordered!
Caroline says
I had never thought of doing that for a thermos, but it makes perfect sense– we actually do something similar for our Yeti cooler when we need things to stay cold extra-long (like in a car trunk all day for after-work softball!) We fill a couple old soda bottles with water and freeze them, then leave them in the Yeti overnight and take them out and load as normal in the morning. Ice will stay for DAYS after that!
lilly says
first week of kindergarten and Ashby knows how to use photoshop to crop pictures? haha
have you check breville’s website for their combo slow cooker/instant pot item? it’s on the pricier side but you might like it. meghan at honeywearehome had a review yesterday, check it out. i don’t have it yet but i do have their coffee machine and the smart oven (both from amazon!) and we use it at least 5 times a week for toasting bread, reheating, baking, airfry, pizza, etc. my kids (12 years) old llove to use it all the time. so easy! have a great weekend!
Mix and Match Mama says
You made me LOL!
Karen Ward says
Do you think that dress would be cute with leggings and booties? I’m afraid it would be too short on me if it’s just right for you because I’m about two inches taller than you!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!!
Wendy says
Maple Street is amazing! I have two locations in my hometown (Chattanooga, TN).
Karen Ward says
Wendy, I’m from Chatty as well! Where do you live?
Kris says
That’s so funny you show clothes from Amazon today! Did you see the cute hooded Long sleeve T/sweatshirt that Melanie Shankle posted today from Amazon? I love that y’all are on the same page! Always so excited to see your name in my inbox!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, Kris! I did!! I saw it this morning!!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
No seriously…where is her body?!! Behind Bowen? I am so confused! haha. So happy that that precious girl had a great week! And yay for Amazon fashion finds!!
That Inspired Chick
Jen Huegel says
Thanks for all the tips! By the way I think amazon is the easiest way to return anything! They take everything back- no questions asked. Cute top and dress!
Jenna says
I had no idea about that thermos trick but now I will be using it throughout the school year. My kids love taking hot things for lunch. I love your Amazon finds.
Mix and Match Mama says
I had no idea either! It’s so easy and my kids are swearing it works!
Brianna says
So glad Ashby loves kindergarten!! Keep posting amazon finds ? We don’t have a Nordstrom in Charleston so I have to rely on Amazon a lot!
Rebecca Jo says
HAHA… where IS her body??/ I literally snorted from laughing.
Nope – I didnt know that trick but will totally tuck that in memory banks!
Summer says
Would love to see you review/post more amazon finds! Adorable!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay! I’m so happy you like it!
Brittany says
Amazon returns are super easy! I just started using Amazon Wardrobe…. basically you can try up to 8 items and have 7 days to decide if you like any. Just pay for what you like and send the others back. The only negative is that everything isn’t an option for amazon wardrobe.
Susan says
Love Nickel & Suede! What color are you wearing? They look like the color I’ve been searching for!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was their color of the month last October or November (I can’t remember??). It’s a really good pumpkin orange for fall!
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
I could barely get through the rest of the post because – I cannot stop laughing at Ashby’s floating head!!!! That is the craziest thing!
Brooke says
I’m in a facebook group that is all about Amazon finds. I have to stay off of there or I will order way too much! I have found some of the cutest dresses from the group! It’s called Name Brands for less women’s clothing. I am a Nordstrom junkie and have been for years so this is so different, but so fun!
Melissa says
The thermos trick is AMAZING!! Our oldest would much rather have leftovers for lunch than any kind of sandwich so I’m all the time looking for tips to keep his lunch warm. I’m trying this one for sure…and I’m so glad Ashby loves Kinder!!! That’s such good news ; )
April says
Totally unrelated but wanted to give you a book recommendation! If you haven’t read “Love & Gelato”, you should! Such a fun, easy read! I actually read it in the car rider line this week! ?Have a great weekend! Oh, of course I just added that dress to my amazon cart! ?
Leanne Gilchrist says
I always love your Friday Favorites, Shay! Since you love earrings that are super light and pretty, have you ever heard of https://www.facebook.com/leatherlief/? These earrings are made out of leather, and our friends make them in South Carolina. I have two pair, one of the long feathers and one of the oval embossed, and they’re SOOOO comfortable and really unique and stylish! And not very expensive for the awesome quality. The posts never hurt or itch my ears. SO, there’s something new for you! 🙂 And Ashby’s picture?? I actually snorted out loud when I saw it!!! Again, it’s always fun to read your Friday Favorites!
Carrie says
Do you think the leftovers in the Thermos with the hot water trick is doable for elementary kiddos to handle independently? I think you said your oldest 2 are making their own lunches this year.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am handling the hot water pot (because it’s boiling!). They’re doing everything else, but I am doing that.
Karen says
This is so random, but I was wondering what watch Kensington is wearing in recent photos. I also have a 10-year-old and am on the hunt for a good birthday present!
Mix and Match Mama says
A Garmin Jr.! My kids love them!!
Angela Wilbur says
Hi Shay, just an fyi, I am in California and most of our Kohl’s out here take amazon returns. It’s super simple. You just print the return slip on your amazon account and bring it to customer service at Kohl’s. This way things you are reluctant about purchasing on line (like clothes) are easy to return. If you have a Kohl’s nearby 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
No way?!?!
Nicole says
Where do you get your lamps?? And also, where did you get your curtains? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
My lamps come from a random variety of places (from Restoration Hardware to Pottery Barn to boutiques around town, Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, etc), and I had my curtains custom made.
cassie // hi sugarplum says
Okay…amazing amazon finds!!! Adore both those outfits on you! I’d love to see more!
Jordan Griffith says
Oh em gee! I just moved in right by Maple Street and I’ve been wanting to try it. Now I will HAVE to. Also, random, but are you still going to do your girlfriend chats? I totally miss them! I think you should do one with Andrea 🙂 I think it would be great!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I just took a break this summer! Andrea and I would have a fun one for sure!
DG says
Speaking of fashion, did you know that Talbots has new arrivals and they are all about London? So cute!
https://www.talbots.com/online/search/ntt-london
Mix and Match Mama says
Checking it out now!!
Christy says
Is the dress true to size? So cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!
Grace says
Hi Shay,
You seem to be such a present, loving, fun mama! I’ve read several posts about how your kids school and teachers are great and was just wondering- have you ever considered homeschooling your children or did you know right away you wanted your kids to go to public school? What have you loved most about them in school outside the home? I’m leaning toward homeschooling mine but husband is wanting them to stay in public. Would love your perspective on this! Thank you
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, first of all, thank you! I do sometimes think about homeschooling as I have several good friends that do, but I personally feel like it’s a calling (kind of like adoption), and God hasn’t (at this point) called me to it. I don’t think it’s just for anyone and I wouldn’t want to do something God has called me to. My homeschooling mamas sure do love what they do though!!
Betty says
I just add water from the Keurig to our thermoses and let them set while we get ready. So simple 🙂
Kristen says
I’m so glad to hear you too were anxiety ridden before using the Instant Pot-I had mine for 4 days before using it and watched several youtube videos beforehand, it felt ridiculous but necessary, haha! I think it’s a life changer if it fits your needs and schedule- I have to be at work super early in the am and have to drop my kids off to their grandparents around 6:30am so using a slow cooker and prepping for that would mean getting up almost an hour earlier than I already do getting my 3 kids ready, before 5 and I just CAN’T because Mama needs at least 5 hours of sleep! So for me the Instant Pot works for my schedule…it is a life saver for making things like homemade beans – takes 40 minutes TOTAL instead of soaking overnight and then cooking, that’s a game changer! Also your go to salsa chicken recipe that you use for your tacos and burritos I use all the time, and fresh chicken takes 12 minutes!