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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 ·

All About Lovie!


Today’s post is ALL ABOUT LOVIE!

Those are my parents, Lovie and Papa Jay (also known as Sherry and Jay!) with their six grandkids: Isaiah (almost one!), Kensington (10), Smith (9), Madeley (4), Samuel (2) and Ashby (6).

I have had many requests over the years for me to do a post on my mom…and today’s the day.  I thought with Mother’s Day just around the corner, it was a great time to share a few tidbits and details about my mama.

Here’s the thing: my mom isn’t one for the spotlight.

My mom is the one who likes to stand in the back and watch, but not jump out in front.  My dad thrives when he’s front and center.  He’s funny, he’s quick-witted, he’s super compassionate, he’s always going to talk to you about you (and never himself), and is always the center of attention in any room.  My mom is the one on the side watching him and super happy she’s not front and center.

That being said, if you want an honest opinion, you go to Sherry.

Where Jay will tell you what you want to hear (and sometimes, you need that), Sherry will tell you the truth.  Erika had a question about something at her house the other day (a design question), and even after the professional had left and she and Tab had made their decisions, she called my mom to come over and look…because that’s where the real truth is.  Ha!

Everyone loves Sherry 🙂 .

Here’s a little backstory for you/random info…
1: My parents have been married 42 years on June 3rd.
2: My mom dropped out of college to marry my dad, but always wanted to be an interior designer, so when I was in 2nd grade and Sean was in kindergarten, she went back and graduated with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Texas.  From there, she worked at a few firms in Dallas before opening her own business which she ran until she retired a few years ago.
3: My mom is a funny high maintenance/low maintenance combination.  For instance, growing up, our house was impeccable.  You think my house looks clean in pictures?  It’s a disaster compared to how my home looked growing up (or how her house looks today).  My mom’s home and yard are IMMACULATE.  Does she have a housekeeper or gardener?  NO.  She wants to do it all herself.  It’s like something you would see in a magazine.  She will carry bags of mulch and work herself into the ground to make it spectacular and doesn’t want/need a bit of help.  That would be the high-maintenance part.  The low-maintenance part?  Until recently, her entire beauty routine was purchased at the grocery store.  From shampoo to foundation, skincare and more, she just walked down the aisle, tossed it in her cart and didn’t think much about it.  She’s super easy going about what she wears and uses…really nice and low maintenance!

I get asked all the time about what products my mom uses and where she shops.  I tried to nail her down to some details and she was very “oh, you know, Nordstrom, Anthropologie and such”.  I asked her to elaborate a bit more and she said she hasn’t bought a pair of shoes that weren’t from Nordstrom in ages.  Right now, she’s wearing these all the time.  I just saw her in them on Tuesday night at Smith’s game, so I know she’s telling the truth 😉 .  She said she’s been buying most of her tops at Anthro lately though.   When it comes to swimwear, she has turned into a big fan of Athleta (just like me!).

Here are some other things she loves…

 

 

She told me that she will never not use this Neulash.  She’s been applying it at night to lengthen her lashes and she says she loves it!  I use it too and honest to goodness it really does make my lashes thicker and longer.

Another thing my mom loves?

 

…her camel colored backpack.  Her’s is older, but this one is very similar.  She uses it all the time!

My mom wasn’t really consisted about her skincare routine (besides visiting the dermatologist very regularly and using Retin-A daily for like 20+years!), but she told me on our trip to Boston that she is now obsessed with Colleen Rothschild.  She even convinced me to try it, so this is what she told me to buy and I’ve been using it now for a month.  I will do a review on it soon, but for now, if you want to know about my mom’s skin, this is what she’s using: SHEER RENEWAL CREAM, COMPLETE EYE CREAM and RETINOL SUPREME EYE SERUM.  I added the RADIANT CLEANSING BALM to my cart.

Another fun fact about my mom.  Her favorite TV show ever is…

…Game of Thrones.  Mooooooom!  That is so funny! I’m trying to watch it now (and trying to get into it), but as you can see here, my mom is a huge fan.  I’m pretty sure she’d leave my dad for Jon Snow without even looking back 😉 .

My mom would like to say she’s not a cook…but that’s a lie.  She’s a great cook!  I even share her recipes here all the time.  This one right here is her number one recipe…

…her meatloaf.  If you haven’t made this yet, you are missing out!  It’s Andrew’s very favorite recipe.  I have it HERE.

And a sweet little throwback pic of Kensington Cottage.  That’s a house she had built in her backyard for the grandkids.  It even has air conditioning!  It’s super legit 🙂 .

My mom has traveled all over the world but really couldn’t tell you one place she’s been (she has a knack for immediately forgetting a trip the minute it’s over), she’s raised two kids, had her own interior design business, stayed married to my dad for over 40 years, buried her father, loved her family very hard and most of all, loves Jesus too.

Happy Mother’s Day to my sweet mom!  I hope you enjoyed a little peek into her life.  She’s really the best mom around!

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Comments

  1. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

    42 years, that’s so incredible! What a great post, your family is so cute! ❤️✨
    –
    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

  2. Tanya says

    Your mom is amazing, and obviously she inspired you to be a great mom too. Happy Mother’s Day!

  4. Jamie says

    now i need a tour of that little house she had built for the grandkids! that is the most darling thing ever.

  7. Laura says

    I think you could do a blog solely on Kensington Cottage-it looks incredible!! Your mom sounds awesome 🙂

  9. Erika Slaughter says

    Ahhhh!!!! One of my FAVORITES! I LOVE your mom too! It’s a good thing she doesn’t live super close or I’d be calling to have her pop in ALL the time for her opinion! She’d get tired of me AND my house!

  10. Lori says

    Your Mom is gorgeous like you! I’d like to know what she does to stay so thin.

  12. Taylor says

    I love this post! The fact that she went back to college is amazing. I would love more Lovie posts in the future haha.

  14. Sheaffer Sims says

    What a sweet tribute to Lovie! Would it be weird if I headed her way and asked her to make me meatloaf and serve it to me in Kensington cottage? 🙂

  16. Amanda Watkins says

    What a sweet post!! You know, after years of reading your blog, I never knew Lovie’s actual name is Sherry! It also never occurred to me to even wonder about her given name, because she’s always been Lovie! I have a sweet mama named Sherry too, so I think they make some of the best moms! 🙂

  17. Lauren says

    Love this post so much! I’d be curious to see a tour of her house and Kensington’s cottage!

  18. Karen Ward says

    Loved reading about your sweet momma! Happy Mother’s Day to you both!

  19. Karlee says

    Loved reading about your mom! She really is lovely so her name is very appropriate! Could you also share a little bit of information on your mother in law? She looks lovely too. I am especially interested in her hair and how it is cut. Are her curls natural?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Her curls are natural!! She is a doll! She is like so funny. Like really, really funny…and her home is SO INVITING!!

      • Vicki Leuck says

        Thank you for sharing! So interesting. Would love you to share pics of her home as I am a huge fan of decorating. Thanks.

  21. Julie says

    This is so sweet! I remember watching your mom when she first met Catherine on the Bachelor, and I was blown away by how genuine and sweet and caring and supportive she was of Sean. It was amazing! And did I cry when your dad told Catherine he’d always be in her corner if she ended up with Sean? Why YES I did! What wonderful parents you have. You are very much like them with all the wonderful things you do for your own kids! Happy Mother’s Day! And give up on Game of Thrones. (I’ve seen every episode and just have never loved it. Sigh).

  22. Shirlee says

    When I clicked on the links, they wouldn’t go through. This is the second post that this has happened (or not happened, lol). Is it me?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      None of them work for you? That’s so weird! I’ll look into it!

  23. Amanda Wilson says

    Opposites attract….except with you and Andrew apparently lol. I love that your mom is so laid back and sweet!!

  24. Cindy L Birney says

    I loved reading this! I am curious how the name Lovie came to be? I love that name!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      The coach for the Chicago Bears first name was Lovie, and she liked that.

      • Sharon says

        I thought maybe she got it from Gilligan’s Island. Mrs. Howell’s first name was Lovey.

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          She should probably start giving credit there! That sounds more feminine than the Bears’ football coach 😉 .

      • Cindy L Birney says

        Love that for a Grandma name!!! She looks like she gives lots of Love!

  26. Erin says

    The most relatable thing about your mom—forgetting trips!! I do the same thing—why do I even go???

  27. Amy says

    She is amazing…I have always loved that little cottage she has in her backyard from when I first saw it on the Bachelor. She looks amazing and so sweet. Thanks for sharing…I would love to see a tour of her place inside and out! I love that she is so prideful in her home inside and out!

  28. Cheri says

    Happy Mother’s Day to you and your mama. Your mom and I are very similar, I don’t like the spot light either but the part of her traveling and forgetting anything about it is so me, must be our generation. Ha ha ha

  29. Rebecca Purifoy says

    Many would say that doing your own yard-work is low maintenance!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      That’s what I meant. She does it all because…why ask/hire someone to do it when you can do it yourself?

  33. Laura T says

    I LOVE this post!! She sure does seem pretty amazing! I just might order that backpack… seems perfect for traveling, too! Is she still using the diffuser and oils? I would love some new oil combo ideas!

  34. Morgan Godbold says

    Love this post! And I love Game of Thrones too! She’s right, keep going!! Also, have you thought of doing a phone chit chat with her like you did with Papa Jay? Would be a fun listen!

  35. L.S. says

    The way you described your parents made me think about a book by Kelly Corrigan called Glitter and Glue: A Memoir. Her dad was the glitter, her mom the glue. And I agree with everyone else, your mother is lovely.

  36. Jumi Ak says

    Happy Mother’s Day to you and Lovie. She’s so beautiful and I bet she is so proud of you and I am LOL at her love of Game of Thrones. I did not see that coming !!!!!

  37. Chris says

    I love this post about your Mom. You know we all want to know her since you have pictures of your parents on the blog all the time. Thank you for the glimpses into your life that you share. I am the same way when I travel. I love the experience and am all over it in the moment but I’m not the photographer that has the whole trip logged. I thought it was a flaw but apparently not!

  38. Pam Saltmarsh says

    Shay! I need a recommendation for a purse/bag/tote for Europe. I borrowed one the first time I went, got pickpocketed in Spain another time with a crossbody with a zipper 🙁 , and didn’t carry anything the third time. (Too nervous after being pickpocketed!) Since you are a travel agent, I thought you would know best! Headed to Lake Como/Switzerland for our 30th wedding anniversary in July!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I always give my important stuff (credit cards, passport, etc) to Andrew to carry in his crossbody…because I feel like you have to be waaaaay more gutsy to pickpocket him over me. I typically carry a crossbody with like my phone and lip gloss (and maybe sunglasses).

  39. Alison Trauger says

    Your mom sounds lovely!! When I first caught a glimpse of her during Sean’s time on The Bachelorette (and then his own Bachelor journey), she just seemed so genuine, kind and and down to earth. And your posts make it very obvious that she loves her people very much! Your family dynamic is so inviting, even on paper. 🙂 Happy Mother’s Day, to you both. You clearly learned from one of the best!

  40. Pam Saltmarsh says

    I saw your mom’s cute backpack! That’s what made me think of the Europe thing! LOL Your mom is so classy! 🙂

  42. Tish Ferry says

    Your mom is absolutely precious! She’s beautiful and you can see her love for Jesus in her eyes and smile! What an inspiration when you look at her life – raising her two kids who both love the Lord, are married with kids, and carrying on her legacy of love! Thanks for sharing! Simply Tish

  43. Carol says

    As one of the many who has requested a post about your Mom, thank you. Loving God and loving your family is most important and she is a great example of both. Your family is blessed. Great post!

  45. GiGi Turner says

    One of the very first things I remember and fell in love about your family was Kensington’s Cottage when I saw it on Sean’s season of The Bachelor. I would love to see the inside – maybe you can share some in a blog post some time! That your mom is responsible speaks volumes of what a loving grandmother (and mother) she is for me. Happy Mother’s Day to you both!

  47. Vanessa Roberts says

    I absolutely love this post about your mom! So, so sweet! And I was just like you in the beginning when I started watching Game of Thrones, and now I am just like your mom! lol! Jon Snow is the best! 🙂

  48. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    Aww what a lovely post! I’ve always admired your mom from afar when you’ve talked about her here and there. Happy Mother’s Day to you and her!!

    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams 

  49. Cassidy Benjamin says

    So sweet! Your post about GOT was cracking me up because I feel the exact same way and I’m even caught up. Like I enjoy it but I’m not dying to watch it each week. But I do have to find out how it ends… just because! 🙂

  50. Beth says

    So I am overthinking Sherry + Jay = Shay? Is this how you got your name? If so do I get a gold star?!

  51. Sara says

    I’ve always thought your Momma seemed so mysterious! In a beautiful, elegant sort of way! I would love love love to see a home tour of her house. I think we see snippets at holidays but I love her sophisticated style. Lots of love for Lovie!

  52. Jeanie Herkomer says

    What a lovely tribute to your mom. She sounds like someone I’d like to know. Kensington’s Cottage is the cutest thing ever! Happy Mothers Day to you and your mom.

  53. Katherine says

    I live in SL too and I saw your parents having lunch at McAllister’s one day. It was so sweet – he ordered for her while she waited at a table. Happy Mother’s Day!

  56. Lily says

    Aww this is so sweet? You should do a post on your moms menu! Also are still doing post adoption posts for madeley and Ashby. I have not seen you post one in a while:);) thanks Lily

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I am! After the two year mark, I started doing them every six months. Madeley’s was in March and Ashby’s will be in July!

  57. Cambrie says

    Hi shay! My family of 4 is leaving for vacation early Thursday morning. We are going to Redondo Beach! Do you have any tips for how to keep two four year old twin daughters occupied on a four hour flight? Also do you have any ideas for a meal idea before we leave? We have to leave for the airport at 4 am so I wanted something that would not require any dishes. Do you have any ideas for something like that? Thanks shay we love all your recipes! Your amazing!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      That sounds like so much fun!! For the flight, I always think iPads with lots of movies work well, coloring books, stickers, suckers are great, Barbies or other smaller toys…things like that! And you mean dinner the night before? Can you use paper plates or paper towels instead of plates? Sandwich or paninis are easy to make and can be eaten without utensils and on a paper towel for dinner.

      • Lily says

        Thanks shay! We ended up making your sausage sheet tray supper and loved it! I used foil so there was no clean up thanks!

  58. Mandy says

    Fun Fact: My daughter is named Kenzingtyn after seeing your daughter Kensington’s playhouse sign on an episode of the Bachelor with Sean, when he has his hometown date. I was pregnant at the time with my daughter and fell in love with the name! I came across your blog a couple years ago and realized it was the same Kensington. 🙂

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