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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

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What’s Up Wednesday {03.25.20}


What's Up Wednesday GraphicIt’s What’s Up Wednesday!

I don’t think we’ve had a “normal” WUW this year.

First, I frantically had to cancel because of Andrew’s unexpected surgery and then the next month, it was dedicated to the third anniversary of Manda’s passing and now, well, nothing is normal right now.  Here’s hoping April’s WUW is VERY uneventful.  V.E.R.Y.

If you’re new around here, on the last Wednesday of every month, Sheaffer and I host this little linky party 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.

Here we go…

1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:

If you missed my spring inspired Meal Planning Monday this week, you can see that HERE.  Tonight, we are grilling up some chicken sausages and having it with sides from Trader Joe’s like their gnocchi in the air fryer.  Guys, that air fryer is legit!  You can read my review HERE.

2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:

On Sunday, we had a Manda Strong Foundation board meeting (via Zoom) where we discussed the details for next year’s gala which made me think back to this year’s and friends, I’m still on cloud nine!  It was such an unbelievable night!

3: WHAT I’M LOVING:

Guys, I was CRACKING UP yesterday reading your comments about my “making the bed routine”. You people both validated me and made me feel crazy at the same time.  I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed comments more than yesterday’s!  What are some other random posts like that you might want to see?  Let me know in the comment section!

   4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:

Lots of things at home!  We have gone on so many walks, grilled out, enjoyed time on the swings, playing with the dogs…we’ve watched movies, read books, played and played…allllllll the cozy inside things 😉 .  Our teacher lead homeschool begins on Monday, so this week, it’s been parent lead based on resources provided.  We’ve been doing that in the morning and then they’ve been outside (thank goodness for gorgeous weather!) most afternoons.  They’ve built a “house” in the backyard from all sorts of random things and have spent a great deal of time getting dirty in that.

5: WHAT I’M DREADING:

I think sooner rather than later, Ashby is going to get a new surgeon and that makes me sooooooooooo sad.  Her doctor has mentioned to me recently how she is about to hang up her surgical gloves and honest to goodness, it makes me want to cry.  Have any other mamas out there been through this?  I know we’ll probably love the new one (whomever that may be), but geez, it makes me sick to think about starting over with someone new.  I love her doctor, and she always puts us both at peace, so this is really sad for Ashby and me.

6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:

Well, I started my little veggie garden again this year.  Every year, we do this and every year, I end up with a problem or two.  I think my main issue is that I always over crowd the area.  I get too eager when picking out plants, and then fill my raised bed with too much (plus, it always looks small in there when you first plant it, so I add more…and then it grows and I have no room).  This year, I really want to get cherry tomatoes to grow.  I always do Big Boy tomatoes, but I think some small cherry ones might go quicker around here.  I tried strawberries in pots two years ago, but had no luck…so, maybe I’ll try that again?  What else?  Right now, I have all of my herbs and some larger tomatoes, bell peppers and jalapeños too…carrots do well for me and green onions.  Ideas?  Suggestions?  I’m all ears!

7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:

Normalcy.

8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:

Andrea told me this week to start watching Tiger King.  Whoa.  Who else has watched this?  I’m only on episode two…but let me say again WHOA.  I had no idea that so many people want to live with big cats.  Whoa again…and whhhhhhy?

My MARCH BOOK REVIEW will be out next week and, if I do say so myself, it’s EPIC!  I have some chick lit, a thriller, some current “must reads”, a memoir…a big batch of greatness!  I really enjoyed all of my books this month, so I’m excited to share them with you!  If you want to see what I’ve already read this year (or in year’s past!), you can see them all HERE.

9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:

Right now, I’m sitting outside on the driveway writing this listening to Ashby try and teach Madeley how to “ride her bike super fast”.  Madeley keeps saying “but Ashby, I don’t want to go fast!”.  Side note, she’s currently riding a tricycle 😉 .

10: WHAT I’M WEARING:

I’ve been wearing lots of yoga pants around here, but just in case you were wondering, here is a hodgepodge of what I wore on vacation along with another cute top just for fun…

Well, I could just wear this striped t-shirt dress every day!  It’s soft, it’s a little flowy, it can be layered.  Love. It.  The wedges and jacket are oldies but goodies, but the dress can be found HERE.

I wore my HAT and those white bangles for 11 days straight!  I also really love that cover up too!  T(FYI: the bangles are all weather and only $7 and the coverup comes in multiple colors!)

Remember my little Amazon dress from last year? Still love, love, love it!

Speaking of things I love from Amazon…

…this dress wins for being the most DM-ed about while we were gone!  Isn’t it super cute?  I wore it as a cover up, but you most certainly could wear it with sandals and call it a day!

For this trip, I found a lot of fun things on Amazon like this top HERE for whale watching 🙂 .

Awe, this pic just makes me happy.  I think it’s my favorite from the trip.  My romper cover up can barely be seen, but it’s really easy to wear and you can find it HERE.

Okay, two more Amazon finds for you…

…horrible picture, adorable dress (with pockets!). I was suuuuuuuper impressed with this dress!  For only $22, I thought the construction were fabric was spot on plus, it has pockets!  I love a dress with pockets 🙂 .

Finally, last but not least…

…this cute leopard top just makes me happy 🙂 .

  11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:

We watched Pearl Harbor with the kids this last week (over three nights because geez that movie is LONG), so we’re looking forward to another movie weekend coming up.  Any suggestions?  I liked that one because it was somewhat historical (minus the cute Ben Affleck part), and prompted some great discussions around our house.  What else???

 12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:

This cutie turns the big 3-9 on April 2, so even though we’re going to celebrate low-key at home this year, I’m already looking forward to next year when we celebrate his 40th in a big way!

(Side note: how did we get this old?!  We were just 22!)

13: WHAT ELSE IS NEW:

Don’t forget…

…I’m still giving one lucky winner an Apple Watch!!

To see all of the details and enter to win, head HERE.

In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!!! xo

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Comments

  1. Lauren says

    I’d love to see how you organize your kids toys! In the garage or playroom? Or somewhere else? Also, I know I’m not alone when I say “WE’D LOVE TO SEE A MASTER CLOSET POST!!!” ?

  2. Holley says

    Shay, omg I just love reading your blog. Such a sprinkle of normalcy to my day. I got so excited when you asked what else we want to know that is so random! lol! And thank you for sharing your leopard top! Just purchased it! YAY! Ok, for a random blog post….I’d love to know where you got a lot of your furniture from. Like your couches, tables, rugs. Is that weird? I love love love how cozy your home looks and I just know you have some good finds around your home! 🙂 Happy Wednesday!

    • Leslie S says

      ANdres never I are birthday twins! Wish I we’re only 39, but I am blessed to be celebrating a big milestone quarantine style with my favs. I’m sure I will always remember this one as extra special bc it will be just the 5 of us ? I second the toy storage post madmen I’d like to see how KS room may be transitioning to a tween room. We r a year behind y’all and you’re always so organized!

  3. Joanne says

    It’s amazing how fast time flies by isn’t it? My boys had a fabulous doctor and when he sent us a not telling us he was leaving the area I called to ask him where he was moving to because I didn’t mind travelling! He thought I was a but nuts and I made him promise to tell me if he ever moved back into our area. We’ve found some pretty good ones since but I still miss him… and that was just their primary care physician. I can’t imagine what I’d be like with a surgeon I’ve known and trusted for so long. I’m sure you’ll find another great one but I completely agree that the change over can be so rough; especially when our kiddos are involved.

  4. Erika Slaughter says

    Normalcy…YES, YES, YES!! That coral cover-up is still my favorite thing from our trip. And I can’t wait to celebrate Andrew’s big 4-0!!

  5. Patty says

    Here are a few hints for your garden. If you can find something to mix in with the soil that has some crushed shellfish shells in it that will really help. I like one called Coast of Maine and it has really helped make our garden Better. It is a lobster compost. You can top your soil with it. Also, save your coffee grounds and add those in on a regular basis.

    Our whole school year went distance learning for the remainder of the year here in Virginia even for private schools. We have been distance learning for over a week and it does work.

    Stay well,
    Patty
    GoodBetterBestFood.blogspot.com

  7. Nicole says

    How are you handling this crazy time? Being home all day is so hard for me! I thrive in routine and being productive! I need help with a great mindset and how to thrive through this season with kids home. Any advice? School in the morning, free play/outside in the afternoon? ?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I’m trying to make my own new routine because I thrive on it too. I have a hard time when things aren’t “normal”.

  8. Lindsey says

    I want to see your kids beds! I loved the bed making post! I had no idea there was an art and I’ve been running around my house looking for blankets to pile on! Guest room bed as well! Tell me your dog routine, about your towels, how you wash gym clothes and other laundry, garage organization sounds great! Preparing for guests ( I’m kind of nosy aren’t I)
    I would also love to see a post dedicated to your pool- i have tons of questions as we are getting ready to overhaul our back yard and have one put in.

  9. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    I LOVED the movie Pearl Harbor as a kid and I’m still itching to visit the memorial in Hawaii. I’d love to see a recap of your Hawaii trip too!

    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams 

  10. Melissa Titensor says

    Apollo 13. We just watched that with our two boys. Our 9 year old loved it and was able to learn a lot from it.

  11. Christina says

    Please share all the cute comfy/loungewear/athletic/atlhleisure/pjs you’ve been wearing during the tough time. I’m now working from home and need some ideas! ? Thank you and hope you and your family are safe and healthy!

  12. Marley Henderson says

    I’m also tending to my veggie garden! LOL on getting too eager when picking out plants… I’ve been known to go rouge when selecting seedlings. “WHY YES, I DO NEED TO TRY THE FIVE VARIETIES OF EGGPLANTS!” I can say that the eggplants have done well if you like them (I’ve learned eggplants are polarizing vegetables ??‍♀️. I personally coat them in breadcrumbs, fry them, douse them in cheese and tomato sauce. I think they are good, but is it just all the cheese??). Speaking of other things that go rouge… I’m looking at you, mint. I added mint to my herbs last year and that was fun to have “fancy spa water” all the time. I might move it to a pot this year though because it was a constant battle to keep it from growing all up in the other plants’ businesses. I tried zucchini last year but mine produced one delicious zucchini and then took a summer vacation, never to produce again. My dad and I spent much of last summer on FaceTime discussing the zucchini situation. I’m still deciding whether I will give zucchini another shot. Thankful for tomatoes and peppers who always come through for me! Adding cherry tomatoes is a must! Love them for snacking and bruschetta!

    I’m so happy to have my little veggie garden to keep me distracted during this time. ?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We’ve been watching the Nature movies. We watched Bears yesterday and loved it!

  15. Lindsay says

    I love reading your posts, Shay! I don’t have a movie suggestion for the kids but we are watching the series “Just Add Magic” on Amazon Prime with our 8 and 10 year old and they love it!

  17. Maddy says

    Can you recap your Hawaii trip? Your normal posts are helping keep things normal around here!

  18. Tammy says

    Have you seen The Hundred Foot Journey? It is set in France. It is about cooking. It is family friendly and has a great story about a family from India. Also, it stars Helen Mirren. An uplifting movie for a somewhat discouraging time.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yes!!!! It’s one of my mom’s very favorite movies!!! It’s beautiful!!!

  19. Jill K. says

    We started watching Tiger King after dinner last night! At 11:30 we turned it off (reluctantly, I might say). We are hooked! Looking forward to getting back to it tonight.

    Have a great week!

  20. Kari A Maddox says

    I watched Tiger King in like 2 days and I think I said “I can’t believe these people are REAL” outloud so many times? Who are they? Are they on the same planet as me, at the same TIME? They are NUTS! Literally, makes me worried! LOL!

  22. Annie says

    Hi Shay! Would you consider releasing your March book review early this month? I love that post so much each month, and I’m sure everyone is desperate for some good recommendations during this time at home! 🙂

  23. Missy says

    This is probably a weird post request, but maybe an update on your favorite candles? Especially the Circle E Candles that get you through the spring/summer months ?. I love burning candles but sometimes have a hard time finding scents that aren’t too overwhelming.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      My favorite this time of year are Bird of Paradise, Hawaiian Pineapple, Lemon and Orange Vanilla 🙂 .

  24. Donna says

    Heartland series on Netflix, great series for the family. Teach the kids basic sewing, buttons, hems, set up a cash drawer, teach them how to make “change” encourage the kids to be creative making birthday gifts for Andrew, cards, coupon books

  26. Lindsay says

    We watched Remember the Titans on Disney+ the other night with our kids. We all loved it! We also have watched Hidden Figures and they loved that. Lots of good conversations from both.

  27. lauren door says

    Strawberries don’t produce a lot of fruit the first year they are planted. They like to become established 1-2years then they flourish!!! 🙂 good luck with all your veggies!

  28. Liz says

    I watched episodes 1 & 2 of Tiger King last night. It’s like watching a train wreck! I couldn’t turn it off. Tonight I’ll watch the new episode of Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu.

  29. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

    Thanks for sharing your week with us, Shay! I can’t wait for your March book review! ❤️✨

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

  30. Amber says

    If you like watching historical things, might I suggest the series Timeless on Hulu. It is in my top 3 favorite tv shows of all time. There are only 2 seasons and then a finale Christmas movie but it is still so so so good. It may be something good for your older kids to watch during at home learning. There is some violence but mostly that is in the historical context of the event. Let’s face it, history is violent and messy.

  31. Lauren says

    Hi there – I’m not a parent but a few years ago my doctor/surgeon took a job as Chief of EP in Texas (I’m in Boston). He assured me he handpicked his replacement who was a friend of his and who had done his fellowship at my hospital. He also assured me that for the first year, he would weigh in on my medical issues to make sure nothing was missed.

    When I first met the new doc, I wasn’t impressed. He hung back, was quiet. But his communication was over the top. He would call me and say “wanted you to know I haven’t forgotten to get you an answer on this.” So I was impressed with that.

    Nearly three years later, my new doc is my absolute favorite, he high fives me when he comes in, he shows me pictures of his kids. And he was already promoted to head of the department. So while it totally stinks for your surgeon to leave, remember they are still around for questions and remember to give the new person a chance. Also, my new doctor even gave me his cell phone number to have when I went out of town for my wedding – just to make sure I could reach him immediately if something went wrong. Talk about amazing!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      THANK YOU!!!!!!! I needed this encouragement!! It’s really been a burden to me, so THANK YOU!

  32. Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says

    I totally forgot to include Tiger King in my What I’m Watching section and had to go back and add it in just now. But seriously–what in the world?! Those people are all nuts!!! I’m on episode 3 or 4 and it just gets worse and worse (or better and better depending on how you look at it…haha). And i have that $22 Amazon dress too!! Just got it during spring break and it’s awesome! I want all the colors!
    That Inspired Chick

  33. Sara says

    We always do a cucumber plant. I’m always surprised by how many cucumbers we get! Also, I’ve been SERIOUSLY waiting for book recommendations ?

  34. julie says

    I would love to see a post on a “routine” during this crazy time! Also, I can’t wait for your book review. I loved ‘On the Bright Side’ which I think you’re reading, especially relevant right now! And I just started “The Two Lives of Lydia Bird”/Josie Silver who wrote ‘One Day in December.’ It is amazing so far-does not disappoint. If you haven’t watched ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ on HULU (Free trials now) it is FANTASTIC. Like, even better than the book. Thanks for keeping us cheered up during this time.

  36. Patty says

    “How did we get this old?” Seriously? You’re as young as you feel, and at 60, I still feel like a kid! I have yet to meet a birthday which scares me. Embrace life!

  37. Lois Hilty says

    Looking at your small garden plot, it appears you have the taller wire cage at a pepper plant & the shorter one at your tomato stalk. I’d reverse those. Also, your walls may hinder the plants receiving optimum sunlight. Just my suggestions, but we’re in PA vs. your extreme heat, so I don’t know how your plants would tolerate a full day of sun. Are those tiny irrigation lines/hoses lying there?

  38. Beth Knecht says

    Just a few gardening tips-strawberries take a few years to really produce, so you really need to leave the plants in the ground and let them grow a couple of years before they will start taking off! Also, you could grow cherry tomatoes in a pot upside down-there are pots for them or you can use a regular one and drill a hope in the bottom. Put the cherry tomato plant in there upside down and it will grown downwards. Hook it on a regular plant hook and you don’t have to put it in the actual gardening bed.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Do you do them in the ground or pots? I was doing them in pots, but maybe that’s the key!! Thank you for all of your tips!!

      • Beth Knecht says

        Put the strawberries in the ground-they will grow better and then mature from year to year providing tons of berries after the first couple years!

  39. Debbie Dehrer says

    Love your blog! I recognize that pool. We’ve vacationed there the last two years and my aunt works there. So sad that we don’t get to go this year. Thanks for being a bright spot in the day.

  40. Mary says

    Thank you for the fun “house in the backyard” idea! It’s no easy task keeping everyone busy without friends, parks or beaches, ack! ?
    Love the tropical amazon dress from last year! Thanks for all your fun posts during a crazy time!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      They’ve had so much fun…they’re filthy dirty, but they’re having fun 🙂 .

  41. Maureen Reynolds says

    Hi Shay, I was just wondering if you could share where you purchased the multi colored striped bathing suit cover up you were wearing in your anniversary insta pic? It was so beautiful on you, love the colors. Many thanks.

  42. Tammy says

    I’ve seen a lot of cute clothes on Amazon, but nervous about the quality. How do you decide if something is a good choice? Have you gotten anything that is poor quality?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I absolutely have and have returned it all. If I show you something on here from Amazon, please know I think the quality is fantastic. I have returned so much!

  44. Alison says

    Too cute!! I love the Maxi from Amazon- a dress with pockets, sign me up! 😉 I love your bedding and all the pillows. I have the same diamond quilt from PB. Have a wonderful day with your sweet kiddos!!

  45. Kelly Bonner says

    We did not switch surgeons, but I did have to switch pediatricians last year due to insurance changes. I fretted & fretted over this decision, because we LOVED our previous pediatrician & she’s seen us through some very scary stuff. Ultimately it was out of my control, but I do like our new pediatrician. Praying God works this out according to His plan! ❤️??

  46. Amber Stone says

    I would love to hear about your journey in yoga. I have taken classes before & LOVED it but now am unable to go. I do not know where to even begin at home.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Awe, I started when I was 19 and have continued consistently for the last 20 years! Really and truly, I love the Peloton yoga. The classes are broken down by beginner/intermediate/advanced and they have smaller (5 minute) classes to help you with harder poses to help your practice. Kristin McGee has always been my very favorite instructor. I have used her MTV Power Yoga DVD like a thousand times! She’s on Peloton Yoga too!

  48. Robin OSBORNE says

    Just a random comment….In the picture of your family by the pool your hubby kind of looks like a cyborg! Hoping you and yours stay safe and healthy.

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