I mean to tell you, spring break CANNOT get here fast enough for me! Anyone else? Around mid-February, I start to count down to um, well, summer, buuuuut I’ll stop and appreciate spring break too 😉 . We’ve had lots of heavy medical talks lately on here, so today is all fun in the sun.
If you’re already pining for spring break too, then this post is for you! I’ve got the books you need to read, the beach bag you’ll love, some easy Amazon finds and a few pieces I’ve bought for our trip. Just all the things spring break…because I’m ready 🙂 .
Let’s start with…
…my Spring Break Reads!
I decided to pair down my “what you should read” list because it’s probably more realistic for you to read one book over spring break rather than 20. This time, I also broke them down into different genres so you can either select one from your favorite genre or read all four and get a nice variety. Either way, these are my picks right now. My FEBRUARY BOOK REVIEW is on Thursday, so stay tuned for that!
Last spring break, we…
…went on an epic Disney Cruise with both sets of grandparents (absolutely one of our very favorite trips!), and this year, we might be doing something else, but I’m still going to use that beach bag right there. It was the perfect size and weight last year, it was easy to clean out (I emptied it and then ran my dust-buster inside) and packs so well. Love!
Speaking of last year…
…I loved this little Amazon find so much that I bought it again but in this print…
…so cute, right?! Both are going in my suitcase!
Also, just an FYI/remember, these are my two favorite sunscreens…
…I love both the body spray version and the face sunscreen so much! I actually apply that matte face sunscreen every single day after I moisturize and before I add my makeup.
Yes, please! Another Amazon find 🙂 . These flip flops were such a nice surprise!! I thought they were super comfy and didn’t rub my feet the wrong way at all. I’m also packing these from last year too..
…remember how much I wore these flip flops? They come in so many fun colors, but I love ballet rose the most!
Last year, we talked a lot about my journey to find the best all natural deodorant. Remember? I was on a quest! For the last 9 months, I have only used this one right here which always reminds me of spring break…
…mmmmmmm! That’s going in my suitcase too! Speaking of which, this pic was from last year…
…I swear by packing cubes. They have REVOLUTIONIZED my packing! You can read all about it HERE, but friends, I do not even pack for an overnight trip now without them. They keep everything organized, everything from getting wrinkled and tossed around and I can pack SO MUCH MORE!!
I showed you girls last year things I bought for our trip in advance and you seemed to like that better than seeing it after we got home, so I rounded up a few of the things I bought for the girls and me for this trip to show you today (sorry, I’m not pictured in them because I haven’t worn them yet, but this will give you an idea of what I’m loving this spring break/summer)…
Hello, happy striped swimsuit for girls!
And then hello to you bright sandals for girls! These come in several fun colors, but geez, that pink is so pretty!!!
A beach hat for the girls…
…and a packable one for me too!
Apparently, I’m having a moment with yellow. Sunny flip flops for the pool and…
…a cute little bag for going around (with a fun yellow strap!).
These earrings are so bright and fun…
…that I bought them in both neon pink and neon orange!
As for beach/pool toys, this is the second year in a row that I’ve bought…
…this set from Amazon. It’s our fave, keeps Ashby and Madeley entertained for hours and under $15.
Whew! Is that enough spring break happiness? Here’s the deal, this year, Erika and I are going to do two things: first, we’re going to try and actually record a podcast from our trip (it will either be totally fun or a huge disaster!), and we’re going to do a HUGE giveaway too. LIKE HUGE. So, loads of fun heading our way.
Now, I’m going to scoot on out of here. Don’t forget that tomorrow is…
…and it’s a very special version, so come on back.
Have the best Tuesday! xo
BM says
Could you do a post on time management. Like how you break down your hours into housework, blogging and travel work when the kids are at school? You get so much done in a day so would love to see a snippet of your timetable x
Mix and Match Mama says
that’s a fun idea!
Amy St.Hilaire says
Would love this! I was just thinking, gosh, how does Shay do it all!
Kelly says
Yes! I would love this idea! Also, do you ever have days where you’re just not motivated to do the things on your to-do list
Sheaffer Sims says
Girl, you’ve got one foot out the door! Love that cross body with the thin yellow strap. SO FUN!
Taylor says
What a fun post! Can’t wait to see where you go for spring break!
Mindy Tierney says
I am officially jealous – our break isn’t until Easter in the middle of April! We are still trying to figure out where to go this summer!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I’m sure this year’s spring break will just be as exciting as last year’s! I wish I got time off too! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Erika Slaughter says
Eeeeeeeekkkkkkkkk!!!!!!! I’m SO ready!!!!!!!!!
Carrir says
My kids get an extended weekend for spring break so no big trips here! I feel like the south has so many breaks!! We don’t get a fall break and our winter break around Christmas was not nearly as long as yours! And my kids don’t get out of school for summer until mid June. We are in it for the long haul. My 6th grader has not missed a day of school and is DRAGGING.
Mix and Match Mama says
Isn’t that weird? When do you start? I feel like we start too early. We don’t get a fall break (just Thanksgiving), but so many people do! I also wish we had more time off before Christmas rather than after.
Kelly says
Yes, but y’all get a full week for Thanksgiving compared to just the end of the week.
I remember when you were complaining about starting school in mid August, I was going to suggest you to lobby the school board to shorten the mid-term breaks like the full week at Thanksgiving, two weeks at Christmas, full week for spring break, days for Easter, etc. Then you’d get your post labor day start! It’s all a trade off!
Mix and Match Mama says
Another thing that’s happening around here (and will happen for us in a small dosage next year) is having longer school days. Starting next year, our school days will be 7 minutes longer which adds up to us getting out of school one week earlier. My cousin’s district did it by 15 minutes and they get out 2 weeks earlier.
Laura says
Wow those minutes add up! We use extra time to bank 10 days for inclement weather/sickness but we don’t get out earlier if we don’t use them. So far we’ve used 7/10 and our kiddos have only gone 1 full week since Christmas which is both great and horrible!
Sarah Ward says
OOH I LOVE this idea!!!
Carrie says
We start the week before Labor Day and I forgot that we also only get 3 days for thanksgiving. Even this past Presidents’ Day weekend we only had Monday off. I am a preschool special ed teacher though and I go year round. When my girls complain about their school year I remind them of this!!!
KayLynn Stone says
Jessica’s book is awesome!!
Susy says
I like the reading categories. Would like to hear more about any travel books you read in order to know more prior to taking off about people’s experiences when traveling to distant places. Getting to know the deeper cultures, people and places beyond the usual tourist stops.
Becky B says
Loved Open Book!! Listened to the Audio version and loved every second.
Kara Fitzgerald says
We are leaving on a seven night Disney cruise next week. Do you pack everything in the packing cubes or do you pack your clothes for dinner such as dresses and slacks for the guys in a different way?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!!! Have so much fun!! And YES, pack them in cubes!!
LisaD says
Looks like a sunny vacation is planned! I’ve read 2 of your books listed, The Flatshare and A Woman Is No Man, and highly recommend both… but just my observation, they are very different from each other!
Chrys says
Are you still going to Blog about the trip and post pictures even though you are doing a podcast? My very favorite posts of yours are your vacation ones. Love referring back to them for vacation ideas and outfit ideas. ?
Mix and Match Mama says
We sure are!!
Laura D. says
Hi Shay. I have noticed the past few days that I am not getting notification emails. Just wanted to give you a heads up. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Hmmmm…I’ll check into that! Thank you!!
Kelsee says
Love that cute crossbody! The yellow strap screams Spring (and Summer!). Can’t wait for your book review on Thursday 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Did I say Thursday? I think it’s going to be Friday now!
Arika says
I’d love to hear a follow-up review after your girls have worn those sandals for a bit. I’m tempted to order them for my 4yo but would love to hear first if they are comfy or if they cause any blisters. Enjoy your break!
Katrina says
I have read all of those except Jessica Simpson’s, so I better add it to my list!
Janet says
Oh a spring break would be nice. I work in accounting. Tax season is in full swing. No spring break for us. My question is about the Native. Do you still think it leaves a white residue? I know that was one of the negatives from your previous review.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, I still wish it weren’t white (and clear instead!), but it works so well, that I’ve learned to be careful because I really want to use it over the others.
Maria Carson says
Meg Mitchell Moore’s The Islanders is on sale $2.99 kindle edition today! It’s the perfect beach read! It’s another Elin Hilderbrand recommendation that I never would have known about otherwise. I surprising really enjoyed it. One character is a food blogger!
Ashley Burgan says
It’s Always the Husband was one of my favorite books last year!! You’re going to LOVE it.
Mix and Match Mama says
I read it!!! I agree, it’s fantastic!
Shirley says
Why did you switch back to the Native natural deodorant? I thought you liked two other natural deodorants better in your previous deodorant post. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I decided that I like how Native works better…even though it’s white (which I don’t love).
Nicole says
I’m a big fan of packing cubes, but now just discovered compression packing cubes and I really want to try them. I dont know why but I’m obsessed with packing as much as I want while still making it look minimalist!
Laura JeanS. says
Hi, I’m so glad you mentioned the deodorant..I’ve been meaning to try one of the “natural” ones. May I ask what your husband uses? I have a house of teenage boys ☺️☺️ Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
He has not jumped on the natural bandwagon yet. He uses an Old Spice one.
Dena says
Regarding the Native deodorant – Walmart has their version in the same Coconut Vanilla version
as Native but it sells for $4.99 and I think it works better!! Have a great vacation – I look forward to
hearing where you went and what you did!
Mix and Match Mama says
Now, I’ve had so many readers tell me they’re not the same. I even had one reader send me her email from Native saying the formula is different when sold at retailers like that.