Happy Friday friends from the 2nd Annual Manda Strong Foundation Golf Tournament!
I was up bright and early this morning to welcome in the golfers and help at the registration desk. It is such an honor to be a part of this foundation that helps mamas here in Collin County fighting cancer. You can read all about MSF HERE and of course, learn more about my sweet friend Manda who so bravely fought cancer three times before passing away in February 2017 HERE.
This is a very fun mix today!! There’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that for your Friday.
Plus…a GIVEAWAY!
Just like always, I’m linking up with my girls Erika, Narci and Andrea and sharing it all! Have a great weekend!!
I’m super excited about my first favorite today because it’s one of my VERY favorite people! Friends, meet Jennifer…
Jennifer and I have been friends for about 10 years now. We met at church but became really close as she walked beside Manda during her last two bouts of cancer as her advocate. She was there for everything. She was there for all of her appointments, treatments, hospital stays, trials…she was there. She was in her home, helping make sure it was handicap accessible, making sure her family was okay, making sure Manda had the right doctors, resources, medications, therapies…friends, JENNIFER WAS THERE. And when Manda took her final breath and met Jesus face to face, Jennifer was next to her.
I tell Jen this all the time, but if I am ever told by a doctor that I have cancer, Andrew will be my first phone call and Jennifer will be my second. She is a rock. She has worked in cancer ministry for many many years plus she has extensive experience in health care along with health and wellness for 22 years. Jennifer’s new business is such a natural fit for her because not only does she have a masters degree in Human Nutrition, but has been a dietitian by profession (even though she dislikes that word because she hates “diets” and prefers to call herself a Wellness Empowerment Coach). Over the last year, she has launched…
What’s so cool about her wellness coaching is that you DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE HERE! It’s all done over the internet/phone (video chatting is a huge part of it!). She uses a simple and realistic approach (no funky, fad diets or strict restrictions!). Jennifer firmly believes that we must look at how physical health, mental/emotional health and spiritual health all go together. Body, Mind and Soul….it is how God designed it to work together. She loves helping women identify the obstacles that have defeated them in the past and empower them to take control of their weight and overall wellness. She always tells me that part of her passion for wellness is purely selfish. As a mom, she simply wants to look and feel her best and have the energy needed to manage her family’s busy lifestyle.
You really should check out her website especially to read THIS POST HERE about her time spent with Manda. Friends, it will gut you. It’s so raw and real…just like Jennifer. She also did an amazing job writing THIS POST about what to say/not to say to your friend who was just recently diagnosed with cancer.
I love Jennifer Pickett so much! She and I both sit on the board of the Manda Strong Foundation, and it is always so amazing to sit in a meeting and listen to her talk about the moms we’re helping and how we can better support them, love on them and communicate with them. She really does do it all (with that Alabama sass she has!). If you need some help with weight, fitness, diet, you’re just exhausted, emotionally drained, need an expert’s advice, you should contact Jen. You can find her website HERE, plus she’s on FB HERE and Instagram HERE.
Next up, ’tis the season friends for…
…the new Erin Condren Life Planners!!!
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeks!! It’s like Christmas over here!!!
How many years in a row have I acknowledged this occasion?! So many! These always makes me so happy!
Okay, the pic above is my new one. I just ordered a new little squares photo cover (I always buy the interchangeable covers because it makes it so much fun!) for it though. Here is what mine has looked like in the past…
…so I will get a new one to pop on with updated pics of my peeps.
Here is the inside of this year’s…
…I always love their “colorful” option, but they do also come more neutral too. My brain always operates with the school year verses the calendar year, so even though they launch a new planner every January 1st, I always get the most excited to buy this one that runs July through December of the following year (so about 18 months).
I’m a creature of habit and always select the vertical layout instead of the horizontal one. I like to line up my calendar like the time of day (so the top is morning and the bottom is night), but I know many people like the horizontal layout too.
I shared this example two years ago of the inside of my calendar…
…I add stickers and then use her colorful markers to write everything down. Everyone in my family has a color so that I don’t have to write “Ashby’s dentist appointment”, I can simply write “dentist appointment” in purple and know that it is for Ashby. Get it? I’m green, Andrew is red, Kensington is blue, Smith is orange, Ashby is purple, Madeley is pink, and then “other things” that apply to several of us go in black.
My very favorite day of the year is September 1st 🙂 .
Once you go to Erin’s website, you’ll be hooked. It’s just a HAPPY space! From markers to stickers, little pouches to hold it all, notepads, notebooks and more, she has everything you need to stay organized.
Who doesn’t love a sticker book?!
Just so much fun!
I love you, Erin Condren! Like seriously, this stuff makes me HAPPY!
Want to know what else makes me happy? Number three…
…I treated myself to a neutral Barrington bag!
I have been using Barrington bags for about 6 years now, and they always get me excited! All of mine so far have had brown leather, so this summer, I decided to get one with the lighter leather and I really like it! I bought the Savannah Zippered Tote along with the Everyday Essentials Pouch. I use these all the time when I’m hauling my computer around to dance, speech, Starbucks, etc. I take them to my kids’ sporting events to hold all of our “stuff” and they’re great on trips too! I also use this one…
…that I’ve had a while for my pool bag! This is the St. Charles Yacht Tote, and it’s much larger, so it’s great for all of that pool stuff we need to tote around (puddle jumpers, sunscreen, change of clothes, pool toys, etc).
Here’s a little look into my new one…
…the perfect amount of room for a daily tote bag! If you’ve never been to their website, it’s super fun to check out. You can go in and create and customize a million different bags just for you.
Guess what I’m going to do today?
I’ve just decided that in honor of Mother’s Day, I’m going to giveaway one Barrington Bag (the Savannah Zippered Tote) and one Erin Condren Life Planner to one winner AND a mom in her life! You get to pick whether it’s your mom, your daughter that’s a mom, your best friend that’s a mom…just one winner and the mom of her choice will win. Fill out this Rafflecopter below to enter to win!
I mean, how do we follow up that?! With this…
…my Grandmother’s Trifle recipe.
It’s perfect for any day…but especially Mother’s Day. See the recipe HERE.
Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win! I hope you all have a blessed weekend! xo
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Kellyann Rohr says
Your neutral Barrington tote is simply gorgeous! Happy Mother’s Day!
xo,
Kellyann
Erika Slaughter says
Oh girl! Your new bag is CUTE! What a fun way to end the week-with a GIVEAWAY!!
Sheaffer Sims says
Ooooooooooooooooh!!!!! I love your neutral Barrington tote!
Laura says
When you said September 1st is your favorite day of the year, I got all giddy for fall…. too soon?!
Debbie says
Your friend Jennifer is an angel ? Shay! It takes someone very special to do what she does. You all are so blessed to have her in your lives.
Mix and Match Mama says
She really, really is.
Narci says
What a great list of favorites this week! I adore my Barrington Bags so much!!
Tiffany says
I’ve always loved Erin Condren planners (especially after reading your reviews) but have financially not been able to commit to one. However, I just found out that I got into a graduate program for physician assistant so I am going to splurge and buy myself one (unless i happen to win the raffle ??).
Robin says
Tiffany,
I felt the same way for several years, but in 2018, I just waited until March or April and bought one 50% off. Then on Black Friday in November, the 2019 version was 30% off, so I bought mine that day. They are so worth it. The colors and organizational features just make you happy! Congratulations on your graduate program and best of luck!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
You have such an amazing circle of friends, Shay! You all seem to inspire and support each other so 🙂 and your planner is gorgeous, love it! ❤️
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Wow Jen sounds like a girlfriend you want to have in your corner! Your grandmother’s triffle does sound like the perfect dessert for this weekend! Happy mother’s day Shay!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Carly says
Happy Mothers Day, you are such an inspiration to us all!
Paula says
What a good friend to have.
Holly Breton @ Pink Lady says
So fun! Great giveaway. I hope today is wonderful for all of your- love that you are keeping Manda’s spirit alive always!
Kasie Miller says
What a great Favorites post! And on such a special day—it’s awesome how you guys keep Manda’s memory alive by helping other mamas through her foundation!
Erin Condren makes me the happiest—we’re gifting the kiddos’ teachers with some of her personalized goodies. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Alexis deZayas says
So much fun!! I’m always tempted to get a Barrington bag when you post about them! Love the lighter leather!
Bonnie says
Oh wow, Love the bag would be used a ton and have always wanted to try this planner. What an awesome giveaway!
cassie // hi sugarplum says
Oh my gosh, great list today!!! Loved this post, and now I’m off to drool over planners! Happy Mother’s Day, friend!
Laura says
Have you ever used May design products? They have notebooks, coloring books, stationery, etc that is all customizable and is really cute. I think you might like it for you or your kiddos! https://www.maydesigns.com
Julie says
I was literally just designing my new planner last night online! I loved the cover with houses everywhere because I’ in real estate :). Do you like the new pens? I, like you, have been using the Paper Mate colored pens because I found Erin’s pens used to dry out quickly. Let me know if you like her new pens!
Mix and Match Mama says
I use both, but I do like Erin’s pens a lot! In fact, I was just using the turquoise one!!
Kris says
Happy Mother’s Day Shay. Cute bag and perfect for a trip I’m going on to Europe righ¿. Could you please do a recommendation for a good stroller to take to Europe¿ We are taking our 5 year old with us on a western med cruise, but are worried about all the walking. He’s little like us so I’m sure he’ll fit❤️?
Mix and Match Mama says
We always do umbrella strollers because they’re light, easy to carry and don’t take up much room. Have fun!!
Sara Alexander says
Lord, thank you for Jennifer. Bless her Lord.
Natalie Wright Smith says
Oh what a special opportunity that you have introduced me to some new line of products & recipes! I love Jennifer & you both sound & obviously are doing a tremendous ministry with this foundation for your friend!! God is blessing you no doubt & equipping you both with a most wonderful sharing of His love for other’s no matter what they may be going through!! I pray that you both have a most wonderful Mother’s Day! Thank you for the opportunity to maybe win some new items,which all sound so wonderful & how kind of you…..I was sharing this with my oldest daughter who is Kimberly & she insisted that she would love for me to be introduced to the items especially the planner,she is BIG on planner’s etc.she said this was a nice one & she should know….lol
Kathy L says
What a great Friday Favorites! Your friend Jen sounds like a great person! Really like your beautiful new planner and Barrington tote bag–and that delicious recipe! Your generous giveaways are one of my favorites! 😉 Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!
Gentry Adams says
I am obsessed with my Barrington Bags- they are the very best!! I would be so excited to win a new one 🙂 Thanks for the fun giveaway!
kellie says
Ohmygoondess — a Barrington Bag is on MY Mother’s day wish list!
If I win…i’d give a bag to MY mama and the planner to my always-planning 14-year-old daughter who made ME a Mama! We are off to celebrate at the new spin studio in our town and for mani/pedis.
Happy Mother’s Day to you and your troop! Thanks for the chance to win!
April Bryan says
What a fun mother’s day giveaway!!!
Clare Butler says
Reading what to say to a friend that just learned they have cancer … I’m just at a loss for words. I would love to meet Jen someday.
Also your new bag! ?
Mix and Match Mama says
She is just amazing!
Tanya says
Happy Mother’s Day!
Debbra Weber says
I have created a bag online so many times but never hit the purchase button. What a great giveaway idea. I read your post on attending the Mother’s Tea with Madeley–made me tear up! I just had my first graduate high school. Lots of mom tears this past week. Happy Mother’s Day!!
Vanessa Roberts says
Love that bag! And now I need to order my new Life Planner for next year! Happy Mother’s Day weekend Shay!
Laura Stevenson says
Oh wow. I was going to ask for a Barrington bag for my Mother’s Day, but went for a night out on the town with my hubby instead. ?. Is it bad that I asked for a night away from my teen aged boys? ??. I love your blog, and hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Christina L says
What an awesome giveaway!!! I have been wanting to splurge on a Barrington Bag. Hope you have a great Mother’s Day weekend!!
Rebecca Jo says
I legit just had a conversation wtih a fellow planner-addict-friend this morning saying how I already need to order my 2020 Erin Condren – always love planning my new one for the year
Megan says
Love the new tote and planner!!! Happy Friday 🙂
Barbara Parnell says
Love the bags! So pretty for summer. So funny you posted this today because I ordered my new planner yesterday..18 months..with flamingos on the cover for summer! Happy Mother’s Day!
Tish Ferry says
Your new bag is so cute! I love the lighter leather color! And I color coordinate my four kiddos and hubs on my calendar too. Makes it so easy to see which kid has a game or appointment at a glance and frees up more space on my calendar! Have a great weekend, Shay!
Simply Tish
Sarah Dizard says
Hi Shay! I love your blog. I’m thinking about ordering a bag. Do you think the straps are long enough where they stay on your shoulder easily without constantly falling off? And is the bag wipeable on the exterior? It appears to be, but wanted to check because I think I may go with a lighter pattern. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!!!! And yes again!!
Michelle says
Ohhhhhh, your new bag is so cute!
Stephanie says
I am dying for that bag!!! It is so beautiful and would fit the planner just perfectly!!! ??
Helen says
What a great give-away. My daughter swears by her Erin Condren planner. Would love to have one for me and one for her.
michelle diniakos says
Oh my gosh! I just love the color of your new Barrington Bag!!!!! Question: I love these bags so much and already have a couple. They hold up so well through the years but my only problem is that the lighter colors get so dirty! Do you have any tricks to clean them?
Mix and Match Mama says
Not any great ones. Sometimes I take a Magic Eraser and lightly wipe them, but that’s about it.
Jen Rasmussen says
Happy Mother’s Day. What a nice giveaway!!
Ashley Sanchez says
H how I would love to win !!!
Sara mayo says
Oh my Goodness what an incredibly perfect giveaway. All my favorites from the new line. You are so generous and kind. ?????????????
Kristy Moore says
Man, if I lived in McKinney, I’d be the first to sign up for the golf tournament. What a fun way to support a great cause. Hope it went well!