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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

Everyday Life ·

A day in the life.


Happy Thursday, friends!!

I know I say this all the time, but “day in the life” posts are always my favorite to read on other people’s blogs and seem to be pretty popular around here too.

I’ve had several requests for a “day in the life” during this season we’re in right now, so yesterday, I tried to capture it for you.  I know everyone is different, but for me, I need to have some sort of routine or else I get anxious/stressed/not relaxed, so that’s what we’ve done.

Last week, we had “extended spring break”, this week, we have “parent lead learning with resources provided” and then next week begins the “teacher lead curriculum”, so I’m sure things will shift/change once we have those assignments, but for this week, we’ve kept a pretty consistent rhythm around here.  There’s really nothing special about our days/unique/original…I’m sure they look a lot like many of yours, but for those of you who were curious, here’s a little peek…

Last week, I slept in later, but this week, I’ve been getting up early so that I can get myself together before the kids are awake.

Coffee, Jesus, repeat.

After my quiet time, I did a 45 minute workout on my Peloton bike (I’ve been alternating between spin one day and yoga the next).

After that, more coffee and some work before I…

…showered, put on makeup and sort of got dressed (my stay at home version).  (Edit: lots of questions about my tee, so I linked it.  Right now, your entire order is 25% off if you spend $100 with promo code GOODVIBES.  I had a lot of questions about this short sleeved sweatshirt on Tuesday too.)

Next, I made the kiddos some breakfast before waking them up.  Thanks to YOU, I’ve started…

…popping the bacon in the air fryer to simplify things and make clean up easy!

I woke the kids up at 8:00, they had breakfast (bacon and yogurt) and then were ready to get dressed for the day.

Just business as usual over here 🙂 .

Well, hey, there’s Andrew!  He had just finished the stairmill and was headed to do his “chores” outside.

Every day, I’ve been having the kiddos get dressed, pick up their room a bit and then come back by 9:00 for our “school” to start…

…Miss M started with ABC Mouse on the floor…

…Kensington picked this cozy spot…

…Smith was on the patio and Ashby was upstairs doing her work.

Another pic with my main man after he showered and got ready for the day too.

I’ve been keeping most of our “school” stuff in a laundry basket so that it’s easy for me to keep together and carry around.

These two were working on their sticker pages which is super helpful with both numbers, hand/eye coordination and Ashby’s OT for her left hand.  Winning!

Math, math, math.

Yesterday was extra special because all four kiddos had Zoom time with their classes.  First up was Mades and Ashby…

…look at that face!!  She was so excited!

Ashby was too!!  Those sweet teachers made their days!

Meanwhile, Andrew came back from the grocery store with stuff for dinner.  We were going to have chicken sausages again, but he found ground beef, corn and avocados, so instead, I switched it to tacos!

We had a little “brain break” where we danced to classic Kenny Loggins songs for a minute too 🙂 .

While I was getting lunch together (a.k.a. rummaging around and finding a random assortment), I sent them all out in the yard for a little scavenger hunt.  I looked up nature scavenger hunts on Pinerest and just wrote down items that I thought they could find at our house.  K took her camera with her, and they had to take a pic of everything on the list and report back to me.

After that, lunch on the patio…

…when I snapped this, Smith’s Trader Joe’s Pad Thai was still heating (I did feed him!)…

…I love this time of year!  Being outside right now is my FAVORITE!!!

Here’s a pic of my lunch too!

Whew!  Okay, I just snapped this pic…

…it’s almost 1:00 and they’re going to play outside…

….while I…

…finish typing this and then work the rest of the afternoon (from the patio!).  Both big kids have Zoom meetings with their classes this afternoon and then Andrew and Smith are going to practice baseball around 3:30.  I told the girls they could watch the Disney Nature movie about flamingoes when the boys start playing baseball.  We’ll eat dinner and then I’m hoping we watch a movie from that list I posted on FB yesterday.

Did you see this?

I had a sweet reader email me this website yesterday and the list of movies is fantastic!  We’re going to try and watch one of these tonight after dinner.

That’s my little day in the life!

What about you?  Have you carved out a routine too?

 

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Comments

  1. Holley says

    So much fun! I love a day in the life post! What a great printable! This is definitely the time to get through some good old movies! Can you link your outfit for the day? I love that shirt! I just bought the leopard one yesterday that you posted! Still waiting for the tie-dye dress to come back in stock with at least a small size! Hope you have a great day Shay!
    -Holley @ beesimplyorganized.com

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I was wearing a camo tee from Athleta!! And thank you, YOU have a good day!!

  2. Erika Slaughter says

    You know what I noticed? Three meals that were made and dishes cleaned in that kitchen! ????

  4. Katrina says

    I think having a rough schedule of when you do school work and have “recess” helps the day go more smoothly. The zoom calls with the class are great. It’s important to keep the connection with the classroom and friends. Your pool looks amazing. It is still cold up here in Boston.

    Oh I love my Peloton app. Do you share your username?

    Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️. We will get through this. It’s definitely a challenge with nothing to look forward to.

  5. Julie C. says

    Thank you so much for this post. I always LOVE “A Day in the Life” posts!!!! My biggest takeaway from this post is bacon in the airfryer. WHAT?!?!?! I never would have thought to do this. What temp do you cook yours at??? Can’t believe I’ve never thought of this!!!!!!!

  6. Amy says

    What a great time to step back from everyday life and to enjoy the tiny snippets of life that we sometimes overlook.

    As we all continue to pray for the citizens of the world, and all of our safety, please remember to say a special prayer for all of the healthcare workers. Many are becoming run down and exhausted and unfortunately, this country hasn’t seen the worst of it yet I am afraid. Four of my kids/kids in-laws and I are in Healthcare (One son is a Medical Resident; my other son, daughter-in-law, and I are all RNs and another daughter-in-law who is CT tech. My son that is an RN is heavily involved with COVID-19 at a large hospital here in Kansas. Eighty hour work weeks are becoming his norm. My youngest son is in the Navy and he and his wife are stationed in Spain. My son was called to his ship and they were put in quarantine but are still docked on base. This has been extremely hard on all of those sailors as their families are right down the street, and yet they have no contact with them because the rest of the base is in complete lockdown. To say this mom is worried is an understatement.

    To all of you young mamas, don’t ever take for granted this time you have with your small children. Your Day in the Life stories always make me smile and they take me back to a time when I was a stay at home mom, making mud pies with three little boys while singing Jesus loves me at the top of our lungs. I am proud of who my children are today, but I would give anything to be in the backyard with a bunch of dirty little kids.

    Thank you for sharing your life, your family and your faith. Please be safe, stay at home, wash your hands a million times a day and just continue to make memories.

    On a much lighter note – Your lunch looked so yummy, especially the tomatoes. What do you use for a dressing?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      God bless YOU, Amy and your sweet family! Thank you for taking the time to share your heart today. Sending you prayers and so much love!

  7. Marla says

    Love these posts and I know you have heard it over and over but your family is just precious. Would you mind sharing again where get the trays your kids eat their meals on? Thank you!

  9. Colleen says

    Thank you for that laundry basket idea. I have been trying piles and they keep getting misplaced or other items added to them. It’s the little things that make life so much easier ❤️. Thanks for idea! Now going to shop your link, this “teacher” deserves a appreciation present.

  10. christina says

    Are you still using the tanning drops on your face? Do you use the ones for your body as well? Enjoy your time with the kiddos. This is such a sweet time with them

  11. Mary Elliott says

    Money Pit was always a go to movie for my son and I when he was little. He’s 20 now and lives on his own but he’ll come over to watch a movie every so often and even though we’ve seen Money Pit like more than a thousand times, we always watch again!
    2 weeks! ???
    All of your movie choices are awesome!

  12. Jennifer says

    I love your closet organization!! Could you point me in the right direction for a post about this!

  13. Emily Scott says

    Ooooh patio looks cozy!!! You should do an outdoor tour for us! Patio, back, and from yard! That is my happy place?

  14. Alice h says

    My 10 year old son has been watching an older movie called, The Wizard. I think Smith would like it.

  15. Tracy Doubts says

    Love, love your Day In The Life posts…always! Noticing some of the changes in your home decor. Love the color that you are adding in! Stay well Shull family.

  16. Christina Keller says

    Hi Shay! Do you share your Peloton profile name? I just got one and need some friends! Mine is Ckeller25

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hahaha! At first I thought it would be fun to have friends cycle with me on Peloton but then I realized how horrible I am at it, so I changed my name and don’t have any followers. Hahaha! I am always at the back of the line 😉 .

      • Christina Keller says

        I’m always at the bottom, too, and it seems like everyone else above me is in their 20’s ;).

  17. Coleen says

    We are getting a puppy at the end of April, and the litter is currently all named after 80’s movies characters! Your checklist made me LOL, since there are 12 pups in the litter! We are leaning toward getting Princess Buttercup, but will have to change her name 🙂

  18. Carlin Smith says

    I’m a teacher now teaching Kindergarten from home! I am having a REALLY hard time separating work from home! It’s hard looking at dishes or knowing laundry needs done. Equally as hard shutting the computer dow at 4!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I have a hard time with that year around. I have to stay reallllllly structured or else I get caught up doing the wrong things at the wrong time. It’s hard.

  19. stephie says

    how long do you put the bacon in the air fryer?! i audibly gasped when i saw that picture!

  20. Jennifer says

    I LOVE “Day in the Life” posts! I’m new to blogging and actually did a “Day in the Life” post TODAY too!
    http://www.showmeandsweettea.com @showmeandsweettea You are the first blog I ever started reading a few years ago! Thanks for the inspiration!

  21. Beth Valenta says

    Holding up here. Virginia has closed school for the year, so I have been zoom meeting with everyone’s class this week, insert tears of an elementary school counselor here. We are doing a parade staying in our cars through their neighborhood tomorrow so today I am digging in boxes for décor! This is such a crazy time, but your posts make it normal for me in some way. Thanks Shay!

  22. Erin says

    It has been nice being home with my daughter during this time (my sons daycare is still open so I send him to give him some structure), but man oh man, I crave our normalcy again. We are out until at least the 24th of April. And – How long do you cook the bacon in the air fryer?

  25. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    I like seeing these “day in the life posts too” The kids look like they are adjusting to the new schedule! I received the air fryer from my wedding registry at my bridal shower earlier this month and made my first thing last night: chicken! I feel like this is going to be a whole new adventure. Checking on your air fryer posts!

    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You know, that’s getting revamped, and once it’s done, I’ll show you some pics!!

  28. Nicole says

    Love this! A few questions…? What color did you get in the sweatshirt tee? Details on lunch, is that a burrito from TJ? And what’s on your tomatoes and feta? Yum! Thanks so much!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      white!!! And yes! We’ve had to dig in the back of the freezer for our “gluten” frozen food we’ve been avoiding. I had a frozen veggie burrito (there were two in the package, so I still have one left). Tomatoes with feta, olive oil and balsamic!

  29. Beatrix says

    Between your blog & travel agency, how many hours of work do you put in a day? You are so good at balancing everything!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Not as many right now! I’m having to adjust all of that in order to be present for the kids. It’s all sorts of not normal right now.

  30. Leah Crouse says

    Looks like a great day! We will have a movie night tonight with one from the list!? I like your laundry basket to contain school. I only have two girls, and all the school stuff has exploded on my dining room table.?

  31. Stephanie says

    Looks like a great and beautiful day!! I think your dogs are loving having everybody home!❤️ I would love to hear what grocery stores are like in your area right now! I find it interesting to hear how this is affecting people in different locations around the country. Stay safe and healthy!!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I have only been one time in the last three weeks. Andrew has been going daily for us and always comes home with a random assortment, but I’ve been staying in with the kids and he’s been going. He seems to be finding quite a bit of fresh stuff and then canned crab, fish, frozen shrimp, some ground beef…not a lot of chicken though, but we’ve been finding chicken sausages.

      • Janet M says

        Try Sunday morning at Costco. We have a large family too and my husband was able to get enough food for the week. There was only one meat item he couldn’t find. It’s really better for the health of the whole community to go as infrequently as possible. ❤️

  32. Leslee says

    We are in week 2 of online work. With my four kiddos we made little individualized daily schedules and posted them on mini clipboards for each one. They have a routine for school time, screen time, outside time, etc. Sunny days make all the difference…rainy days are tough! Dinner planning has been a little tough this second week as the stores don’t have many things, but we’re making do! Love the Zoom! And we’ve been FaceTimeing all the freeness and family!

  34. Kristen says

    What chromebooks do your kids use? I’m looking for a new one for my 10 yr old and need recommendations.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      They’re using my MacBook. I don’t think they make mine any longer (the size). It’s smaller.

  35. Sandi Kellman says

    Oh so very sweet. I misssss those times all my children grown. Cherish every. Minute. You. Have. With. Them. I’m sure God is using this time to help us all slow down and appreciate our families and what we have. I must admit I’m struggling with the changes but when I get quiet and thankful it passes. For even though these are very uncertain times, He is not uncertain. Amen. Thank you for being a ray of light in the darkness. I so look forward to your posts each day. God bless your sweetest family.

  36. Marrissa P. says

    Hi Shay! I love a day in the life! And I love your casual outfit. Your camisoles look like perfection. Where do you get them?

    Thanks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Halogen brand from Nordstrom! The one yesterday is a random white one that’s so old, but 99.9% are the halogen ones.

  37. Bri says

    Love the day in the life posts too!! Thanks for sharing. What time do you go to bed so you can get up at 4:30? I’m impressed!

  38. Julie says

    Thank you for doing this! It’s so comforting to see moms all over the country going through these tough times together. We have a very similar schedule here in Boston! Morning is for academics (doing homework sheets and following links the teachers have put on line) and afternoon would be zoom calls for my fourth grader. (My sixth and eighth grader are more likely to text with their buddies). We are holding up-they just extended the back to school deadline here to May 4! How are you doing groceries? I’m like you-a total planner. I do my weekly meals and then shop. But it’s so crazy now and online grocery delivery is hard to come by. And going to the stores is like a zombie apocalypse movie! Hang in there and thanks for staring out days with your cheerful blog!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Awe! I’m supposed to be in Boston soon! (Insert me crying!) I hope you’re having a great day! It’s OPENING DAY! (another cry!) Okay, grocery shopping is so different now, but I’m kind of enjoying it. Andrew has been going every morning and finding us fresh food for dinner (if he can’t find things, we have something from the freezer like frozen shrimp, etc). So, I really don’t know what it is until he brings it home. We’ve bee grilling a lot since so much can be put on the grill. It’s all very basic and zero planning. I’m kind of loving it.

  39. Tali says

    Your patio looks amazing! How do you keep it so clean?! I hate all of the dust and bugs that come up but yours looks really good!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Andrew. 🙂 Every morning, he does “chores” and cleaning off the patio is always one of them!

  41. Melanie M. says

    I always enjoy when you do these “life in the day” posts. I also want to let you know that for some reason, since you have started your blog again, I am now getting 2 emails per day. You are so worth reading twice, but, am wondering if others are getting double emails?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You’re not the only one! I have someone helping me sort the problem out. Sorry!

  42. Tessa says

    Can you tell me about the bacon in the air fryer. I have an air fryer but don’t seem to use it much but I can see how it would be less of a mess with bacon.
    How many strips do you do at a time and for how long??

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I pile it in there because it always gets crispy! I do it for about 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

  44. Tina Bradley says

    Does cooking bacon in your air fryer smoke up the kitchen? I have tried to cook a couple of times and each time it smokes the entire place up. We have the power XL brand

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yes, actually! I always set our air fryer underneath the vent because I like to run it while the air fryer is going, but yes, bacon more than other things smokes. Use your vent to help!

  45. Caryn says

    We did a pseudo scavenger hunt in our house for the alphabet from A-Z. Instead of actually grabbing everything, we identified the things that we actually could find in our house (they had to truly be there).

  46. Amanda Niles says

    So important to have a routine during these times! I am LOVING your back patio furniture. Can you please share where it is from?

  47. Brianne says

    I love your earrings you are wearing in these photos! Where are they from? Thank you and take care!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      They’re oldies but goodies! They’re from Kate Spade, but I don’t think they’re in stock any longer.

  48. Katie Bearden says

    I struggle with how much screen time to allow my kids? A lot of their school work can be done on screens and then of course there is are movies/shows. Any thoughts?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      My honest thought is to do whatever makes you guys happy at your house during this time!!

  49. Tracy says

    I missed the movie list. Great idea – thanks for sharing. Looks like y’all are figuring out this new school set up. Great job! Love the paint color in your front room (red room). Have you posted the before & after of that make-over? Hopefully I didn’t miss it!

  52. Joanne says

    Wow; I can not get over how late your kids sleep. Mine have always been early risers and I’m happy if they’re still sleeping at 6! We start breakfast and school each day at 8 and I read aloud while they eat then they each work on their list of subjects.. until lunch or so when we finish up for the day. We’re nearing the end our homeschooling year and my boys are mostly done many of their subjects so our day goes by fast. My husband is still working outside the home so other than feeling like we’re a bit trapped in the house and can’t see our friends not much has change with our routine. Thank goodness for technology that lets my boys see and talk to their friends!! I hope your days run nice and smooth with the new routine that will start next week.

  53. Jessi says

    I live in Oklahoma and we found out yesterday that our kids will not be going back to school at all. They are trying to get distant learning in place soon to finish year.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      My friend Lisa is a SLP in OK and told us that too. I hate that for you guys!

  54. Diana says

    I’m so jealous you all get to spend so much time outside! I live in Illinois and we had snow and cold rain this week 🙁
    Also, I love your patio, it looks perfect to work and eat outside! 🙂

  55. Michelle Sharp says

    I’m surprised by baseball practice. You all aren’t as quarantined as we are yet it sounds. No sports at all in KY. That’s been hard for my kids.

  56. Arika says

    BACON IN THE AIR FRYER… oh my goodness. I’ve been on the fence about getting yet another kitchen appliance, but this may have just sealed the deal. Sounds life changing. 🙂

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      The Air Fryer has rocked my world! I really don’t enjoy the Instant Pot, but I love the air fryer!!

  57. Jenna says

    Thank you so much for this post! It’s so fun to see what other mamas are doing with their kids while we’re all homeschooling!

    Are you watching the Disney nature show on Disney plus? It sounds like something my boys will love!!

    I’m looking forward to your Hawai’i vacation recap! I live on Maui it’ll be so fun to see what you guys did when you were here ?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We are! So far, their favorite has been Bears!! And you live on Maui?! Gorgeous!!!

  58. Lisa says

    Hi Shay, I was recently introduce to Mix and match mama this past October. I instantly fell in love with your blog. Thank you for sharing your life with us readers. There are so many amazing topics words cannot express how fortunate we are to be welcomed into your world. I am writing to you because with Covid19 I have recently become a full time stay at home mom and I do not have a clue of what I am doing. I feel as if my 12 year son and I are caged animals at the zoo. How do I become a successful stay at home mom? I would greatly appreciate any advice.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I would love that advice too! Hopefully some other people will chime in. I always think as moms, we should give ourselves grace. I think we’re all doing the best we can and shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves. I feel a bit like a caged tiger myself, so I completely relate!

  59. Kelli says

    Wow! You guys are so lucky to have the boys still practicing baseball! My son’s travel team isn’t allowed to practice due to our state’s rules! Meanwhile, my arm is falling off throwing to him! 😉 pretty similar schedule here. Stay safe!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      They vary by season but include (but not limited to) yard work, watering, blowing off things, yard/home repairs, fertilizing (he just did that yesterday), tree maintenance, planting, removing (the list is long). He grew up on a farm where he did daily chores and just continues today 😉 .

  62. Detroit Duchess says

    I never would have thought to make bacon in the air fryer! I am going to try that next time!

  63. Erinn Mosher says

    I love these posts and your family, always so inspiring! Are you doing yoga classes online? I need a new source! Thank you!

      • Erinn says

        I just signed up for the Peloton ap for free for 90 days! Wow! Any favorite classes or instructors to recommend for yoga or any other classes? I do not have a bike but a treadmill! Thank you!!!

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          Yesssss! You’ll love it! Kristin McGee is my fave (I’ve been following her yoga practice for 20 years!), and I love Anna too!!

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