It’s What’s Up Wednesday !
Friends, TOMORROW IS OUR LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!
Oh my goodness, I’m so excited!!!
Today is actually Splash Day in kindergarten, so if you’re looking for me, I’ll be one of the parent volunteers outside with a bunch of six year olds and…water. #whoa
Now, if you’re new to WUW, on the last Wednesday of every month, Sheaffer and I host this little link up where we share what’s going on with us right now. It’s a little food, a little family, a little what we’re wearing, a little what we’re doing, a little what we’re watching and a little bit of everything else all in one post. This month, Sheaffer is taking a WUW break and blogging about something else and then next month, I’ll do the same. So, to see what she’s up to, make sure you click HERE.
In the meantime, let’s see what’s up with us on this last day of school eve!!
1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
This is such a weird week. Not only is it short (thanks to Memorial Day), but we have dance recital rehearsal every day this week plus Smith has a baseball tournament this weekend, so it’s all #supercrazy around here right now. We’re eating as many quick and easy recipes as we can. Things like…
…my Teriyaki Chicken & Shrimp Stir Fry and…
2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
As we gear up for our summer vacations, we have been reminiscing a lot lately about…
…our family vacation last year to Scotland & Ireland! To date, this is my very favorite vacation EVER. Traveling with my family is just about my favorite thing in the world!
3: WHAT I’M LOVING:
I am LOVING both pairs of these BP shorts! I bought the pink and the black and they are COMFY and CUTE!! As soon as I tried them on Saturday morning, I posted this pic to FB because I was so over the moon about them. Both types of tanks come in a gazillion color combos too. You can see the navy and white striped one HERE and the black and white striped one HERE. (For a size reference, I bought both pairs of shorts in a 25.)
Also, ’tis the season for strapless bras, so for the millionth time, I wanted to remind you that my very favorite, wear all the time, cannot live without, best strapless bra EVER is right HERE.
4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
We’ve been doing all of that “end of the year” stuff. We only have three days of school this week, and I have stuff to do up there all three days. One of my favorite things each year is Field Day with my kiddos! On Friday, Erika, Lauren and I volunteered at the station that used the water hose, so it was a wet and wild day at school. My favorite part? Every time one of my kiddos’ classes stopped by…
Listen, if I’m going to be outside in May with a bunch of kids from 8 until 2:30…I want a hose. 😉
Also, on Sunday, we headed to…
…the lake!
Sean and Catherine invited us over for a day at their lake house and we had the BEST time!
I’m pretty sure my kids all want to move in.
The weather was gorgeous, they spoiled us rotten, and we left dirty, exhausted and happy…all great signs of a lake day!
5: WHAT I’M DREADING:
Friends, I’m still dreading mosquitoes. I’ve tried some of your alternate mosquito repellent suggestions, but what sprays do you like the best? I think a good spray is really what I need right now.
6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
Vacations, vacations, vacations! We are working on new vacations while also sending people on their summer trips right now. Whether you need a trip for this summer, fall, winter or even next spring, WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP!! From land vacations to cruises, we have you covered here! Email us today for more information at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com.
WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
SUMMER STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My MAY BOOK REVIEW will be out TOMORROW, so come back for that! In the meantime, I’m still watching Game of Thrones. I’m on season four…it’s starting to reel me in.
9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
We love listening to oldies radio by the pool during the summer. I don’t know what it is…but if you play a Beach Boys song, I immediately want to jump in the pool 🙂 .
10: WHAT I’M WEARING:
Did you see my Athleta post yesterday?! I was soooo excited to spend a whole post gushing about my favorite brand!
From active wear to…
…swimsuits, I have a full review of all of my favorite things HERE.
11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:
We have dance recitals Saturday and Sunday along with a baseball tournament too. Eeks! That’s a lot of multi-tasking for the first week of summer!
12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
An adventure 🙂 .
13: WHAT ELSE IS NEW:
Whew! I think that’s it!
Okay, that wraps up What’s Up Wednesday! If you also blogged today, make sure you link up below! I’m off to SPLASH DAY now!! See you guys tomorrow…OUR LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!
Holley@beesimplyorganized.com says
I love a great day at the beach or lake! So fun! I know you swear by this strapless bra. I need to try it out. Does it fall down at all? I always have the hardest time finding a good strapless bra that doesn’t fall down on me. Especially while being with a toddler. Have fun at Splash Day!
Leslie says
I’m anxiously awaiting hearing about what everyone uses for mosquito repellent. Especially since we have new puppies and will be outside even more this summer. If anyone has any pet friendly tips for mosquito repellent for the patio that would be awesome as well. ??
Jessica says
I use Watkins for mosquito repellent! And so far so good. It’s a bit of a nuisance since it’s a cream but it works and it isn’t sticky! I bought it at Costco.
Amy says
This isn’t a spray, but my MIL just told me about the Spartan Mosquito Eradicator (on Amazon). She said it’s a game changer. Apparently it was developed to keep mosquitos off golf courses. And she said she sat in their back yard for the first time ever without getting a single bite the other day!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m going to look it up right now! We have our yard treated…and it’s not working!
Sara says
We just hung these at our house last weekend. I haven’t had a night outside yet, but all my fingers are crossed!
Patty Richey says
We started getting our yard sprayed for mosquitos a few years ago and it is so nice.
Happy Summer!
Patty
GoodBetterBestfood.blogspot.com
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Busy, busy, busy! Can’t believe it’s the summer holidays already! So excited to see what you have prepared for your family. 🙂
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Tuning in for the mosquito comments! Those suckers love me! ?
That Inspired Chick
Halee says
I know how much you are loving your Young Living oils. They also make an insect repellant and that’s the only thing our family uses!
kathy @ more coffee, less talky says
OMG GoT! you’re only on S4 so I won’t say anything but it gets REALLY good.
Heather Stanton says
Mosquitoes attack my daughter and myself…bad! We had a huge outdoor party in hot, humid Memphis this past weekend and my husband used this for the first time (we have tried everything!) and it worked really, really well. We didn’t get bit nor had any complaints. It came highly recommended by 2 of our neighbors:
https://www.amazon.com/Bifen-Bifenthrin-96-Same-Talstar/dp/B0046DN72K
We’ve only used it once..so the short term verdict was 5 stars.
Sheaffer Sims says
My goodness the lake house looks fun! And now I want chicken and shrimp teriyaki for breakfast.
Alyssa Young says
Mosquitos basically eat me alive when I’m outside, and while it’s not a spray the Johnson baby creamy oil with aloe Vera and vitamin e works wonders. I had trouble finding it last summer, but if you can find it I definitely recommend it!
Debra says
Shay, you are my life coach!! ?? I’m really trying to lose weight, and wondering what your meals/eating looks like? Can you tell me what you eat in a day, any foods you avoid? You look so great! Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, you’re really sweet, Debra!
Katrina Goodman says
I can’t wait to see where you are going this summer! In a week, my family (thirteen of us) are going on a Holland America Norwegian cruise & then my family of four is heading to Scotland–I have been using your blog posts as a reference so much!! Thanks for always sharing with us!
Erika Slaughter says
Only ONE more early wake up!!! Almost there!
Kerrie Hofstad says
What I’m looking forward to: your vacation recaps! They are my favorite!!
Jenn says
If you haven’t tried the bug spray using essential oils, I highly recommend it! I have used Terrashield by Doterra when in Honduras for missions trips and it works great without all the harmful chemicals. I have also gone onto Pinterest and made up my own natural bug spray using essential oils combined with witch hazel! Smells great and works well 🙂
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Your lake day looked so fun! Can’t wait to hear about your adventure next month and we are both dreading the same thing. I like a eucalyptus based bug spray I found on Amazon or the essential oils mix you can make up!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
skimama says
2 things:
1. Ashby’s glasses are the cutest I’ve ever seen. (and I’m an eye doctor)
2. Pelindaba Lavendar insect repellent is the BEST and smells great.
https://www.pelindabalavender.com/Lavender-Insect-Repellant-p/371.htm
Valerie says
I haven’t tried it yet, but a nutrition shop I follow on FB recommends lemon eucalyptus to fend off the blood suckers. It is supposed to be as good as Deet. I found this online and will be picking some up. https://www.target.com/p/repel-lemon-eucalyptus-insect-repellent-spray/-/A-12708369?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Patio%2BGarden%2BShopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Patio%2BGarden&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9027696&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1247068&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=CjwKCAjw27jnBRBuEiwAdjQXDNCtOlCeL_3DYVeGxc5XSSk7EVSyYzaBpT9PJoEySjpfFCAdg7NdDxoCqIEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Jodi says
You need the YL insect repellent. It works so good and is non toxic. Win win. Don’t spray it on nice clothes as it can stain due to the sesame seed oil in it. I put it in a roll on bottle and apply to my skin!
Allison Lacey says
I live in Alabama and the bugs are HORRIBLE!! I’ve been using Avon’s Skin So Soft bug spray for years and it’s great!! The smell isn’t bad at all. I also keep a scented dryer sheet in my pocket (or bra if I have no pockets haha). I don’t understand how but it helps keep those buggies away!!
Jenn says
Three words: SPARTAN. MOSQUITO. ERADICATOR. Look it up on amazon and let it change your life!
Kristine W says
I swear by Avon Skin so Soft for mosquitoes.
They love me. Just spray in your hand and apply that way it’s less messy. The smell is light and goes away. If I wear it no bites.
I just ran across a small family company called “Pumpkinvine Creek Soap Company”. They make a “Bug Bar” with goats milk and essential oils. You rub the bar on your hands and apply. I may give that a try also.
Casey says
Shay use your Young Living oils to make your own bug spray! 10 drops Citronella + 10 drops Lemongrass + 5 drops Peppermint + 5 drops Tea Tree + 1 T. of Witch Hazel in a 2 oz. spray bottle, fill the rest with water & you are good to go!
Connie says
The links for your shorts and stripped tanks aren’t working.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just checked and they all are!
Jana Domyslawski says
I am going to look into the Spartan Mosquito Eradicators…..they look very effective…thank you to whoever posted that! And….I ordered my first Athleta package yesterday…..I ordered the shorts you linked similar to K’s in adult sizes in the fun camo print! Can’t wait!
Rebecca says
We have a really bad mosquito problem at my house and my whole family uses Deep Woods Off when we go outside. We use the dry version so it is not greasy on the skin and it lasts 8 hours. It is not ideal to have to use bug spray all of the time, but it works and keeps us all from being eaten alive.
Sara says
We dilute lemongrass oil and using as a bug spray.
Heather says
I just ordered the “Bug Bite Thing” that suctions the saliva out of bites to eliminate the itching. The comments about it on Facebook — and reviews on Amazon — were pretty positive. At only $10, I definitely ordered it to give it a try this summer. Anything to keep those biters from ruining my day! I haven’t tried it out yet, but it might be worth looking into!
LaurenB says
One of my kids is a total mosquito magnet – and if he gets bitten, it swells up to the size of a quarter and gets super red. After trying lots of mosquito sprays (and wanting to avoid products with DEET in them), several folks recommended Avon Skin So Soft Gel (you can get it on Amazon), and it actually works! Every day before preschool, we lather him up in it and then spray sunscreen on top! Highly recommend!
Chrys says
Love the color of your hat. Where did you get it? I bought my light pink one at Nordstrom a couple of years ago, but I couldn’t find it on their Website this time around.
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought it off of the VV site last year (or maybe the year before??).
Lorie says
Would you please post the link for the camisoles you’ve mentioned you wear under most things? I believe you get them from Nordstrom, but can’t seem to find any of the posts right now. Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-seamless-two-way-camisole-2-for-49/4602991?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FLingerie%2C%20Hosiery%20%26%20Shapewear%2FCamisoles%20%26%20Tanks&color=blue%20cloud
jackie says
Look up ‘Bug Soother’. It is made local here in Iowa and IT WORKS! it is natural and safe to even spray on the dogs if needed. It doesn’t smell awful and again…it actually works.
Sara B says
DIY Bug Spray — Equal parts Dettol (soap found on amazon), baby oil & rubbing alcohol!
Elizabeth says
I am obsessed with Avon Skin So Soft WIPES. You can order on Amazon. They are just little towelettes you wipe all over. I can cover 3 or so people with 1 wipe. They work! Mosquitos were crazy biting my SIL and MIL this weekend… I had used the wipe and never got a single bite!
Lauren says
Shay! Have you watched Dead to Me on Netflix? It’s a must see!
Mix and Match Mama says
Not yet, but I’ve heard great things!!!
Brooke says
Our elementary school has a mud day every year for the kindergartners. Imagine huge piles of mud and kids covered in it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh. My. Gosh!!!
Morgan says
Just re-read your linked Ireland posts after having recently returned from a trip to western Ireland myself! Weren’t the Cliffs of Moher spectacular? I found, though, that I actually preferred the Loophead Peninsula. We stayed in Ennis the whole trip, and did little day tours from there. It was perfect! And I was so impressed by every place we ate – all of the food was spectacular. I’ve been dreaming of fried brie since we returned!
I would also agree with anyone who recommended Avon Skin So Soft for mosquitos….sounds weird, but it really works!
Kacy says
Oh man. If you’re on Season 4, then you’ve watched the Red Wedding. I almost quit at that episode. Truth. But it just gets so good. 🙂
Shelby Elyse Taylor says
Hey Shay!
Question :: I know you are always talking about the tanning wipes that you love. I want to try them :: but I’m wondering… do they ever leave you streaky / is it easy to miss spots?
Mix and Match Mama says
Once you get the hang of them, no. The first time or two, if you miss a spot, just use a second wipe the next day to correct it.
Mother of 3 says
We just wrapped up our schoolwork this morning; I turned my eldest’s book to the review and told him if he could get an A we could skip the rest of the math pages & he did! I am so happy to have our books behind us (as I begin planning next year and writing up transcripts for this year). I have never and I mean ever found any bug spray that really works for me… I try to sit near a smoky fire or out in a strong breeze to keep the mosquitoes away (and even that doesn’t’ work!). I’ll definitely be back to see what books you’ve been reading!
Amber Reese says
Have you tried Young Living’s insect repellent? You can pour into a spray bottle (similar to their household cleaner concentrate) or now they make wipes!
Brittany says
Not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet, but we use ‘Skeeter Vacs’ at our house. They run on propane cylinders, like you use for your grill. (You can also have it hooked up to your existing line if you already use propane for your home) We have a propane company in North Florida, and sell so many of them. I’m sure you could look into it in your area. They are made by Blue Rhino. They usually take about 30 days before you actually see the full potential, but you will see a difference immediately. They have 2 size options , one covers 1 acre and the other covers 1.5 acres. They help with mosquitoes, yellow flies, and some gnats. They have worked great for us, and all of our customers that use them. Good luck!!
Tiffani says
Sounds like the perfect week! Where are your kids life vests from? We will be doing a lot of boating this summer and I’m having a hard time finding a good life jacket for my 3 year old.
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t know? Sean bought them for everyone.
Glenda says
We’ve have loved this stuff this year. At our first soccer tourney of the year another parent shared and said you’ll buy it before you leave the field. He was right!
BUGGINS Natural Insect Repellent 0% DEET https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00488I44E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_z3X7CbJ9M5Z02
Kellie says
We just bought a dynatrap after a friend recommended it. We back up to woods and a creek too and so far so good!
Maureen Werner says
I have used Avon Skin So Soft for 10 years as a bug repellent!! It is light, not oily and safe for littles! It works for mosquitoes, chiggers, sand flies, etc. I like the pump spray and the wipes! Summer is such a fun time!!?
Jen W says
Last year I started using and got more this year because I was impressed – Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin @Amazon. Try it out!
Kelsey says
You might try the mosquito eradicators that are out. We have one that’s called Spartan something or other. You hang it away from where you’ll be outside, and it attracts them and then eliminates them from the area. It’s about $50 for a 2-pack on Amazon. ?