Hi!


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.

Read more

Mix & Match Mama

Fashion, Friday Favorites, Shay's Closet ·

Friday Favorites!


Friends!

Tomorrow is AUGUST!

Which basically means it’s September.

Which totally suggests that it’s fall.

Which absolutely means there should be a pumpkin candle going in my house, and I need to wear a sweater.

Stat.

Before we switch over to the next season, today’s post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and it’s all about wrapping up summer.  It’s so easy to browse the Nordstrom website for your favorite summer picks. Whether you’re hanging at home, spending time outdoors, or doing activities with your kiddos, they’re always my go-to for all things warm weather.  Now, I haven’t stepped foot in a mall since February, but I’ve still been able to easily get my favorite things thanks to Nordstrom’s free shipping, free returns and curbside pick up.  Speaking of Nordstrom, their annual Anniversary Sale goes live on Tuesday, so make sure you stop back by here then to see what I’m loving and buying this year.  Nothing kicks off the fall season for me quite like their new fall items at discounted prices 🙂 .

Here’s the breakdown of when you can shop the Anniversary Sale this year:

Okay, as always, I’m linking up with my girls Erika and Andrea and sharing my faves.

Happy Friday to YOU!!!

First up, if I’m going to be a busy working mom and also home-school four kids here in a few weeks, I better have a simplified routine for getting ready each day!

Here’s my uniform…

The perfect tee.

The perfect shorts.

The perfect sandals.

Easy necklaces for layering.

And repeat.

Let me break it down for you…these tees right here are a staple in my wardrobe.  I wear them all.the.time.  Year after year.  I wash, I dry, they always look brand new.  I love a white tee…it always reminds me of those French style books I read that say when in doubt, wear a white top.  This tee comes in other colors too and pairs perfectly with those shorts I’ve now worn for THREE YEARS!  Yes!!  I bought these shorts at Nordstrom three years ago and have worn, washed and dried them approximately 8 billion times.  They are MY FAVE.  The fit, the length…it’s all perfect (and true to size!).  My sandals?  YES!!  There’s a reason why the Miller sandals are iconic.  They’re comfffffffffy!  And of course, I layer every day with Gorjana necklaces.  Now, the tee will be available again next week when the Anniversary Sale goes live, so make sure you remember to grab it on sale!!  This is the perfect summer outfit from Nordstrom…and will be my go-to uniform later next month when I’m going crazy/homeschooling my kids 😉 .

BUT.

Did you see my new best friend????

Girls, I’m smitten with this backpack!!!!

My mom always carries a backpack for errands and traveling.  In fact, other than “what’s your mom’s skin routine”, the most common question I get about her is “where does she get all of those backpacks”.  I finally decided to buy one…why did it take me so long?!?!  I am obsessed with it!!  I can only imagine how much easier things will be this fall when I have my hands free (my kids’ sporting events, grocery shopping, etc).  I’m obsessed!  This particular backpack also comes in black too!

I made you a little video so that you can peek inside…

The other day, I glanced at it in my car and thought…

…I’m in love 🙂 .

One last thing about my easy little summer routine from Nordstrom, if you missed this video…

…here is my 5 Minute Makeup Routine along with all of my favorite products from this video:
1: Foundation Stick: you can read my FOUNDATION REVIEW post, but this one here is my absolute fave!  I love that you can apply as much or as little as you want.  I love that it feels hydrating on my skin and not drying.  I love that it easily glides on.  I love everything about it.  I’m wearing it in the shade light beige.
2: Under Eye Brightener: If I haven’t convinced you that this stuff is gold yet, I’m not sure what else I can do??? This is amazing!!!!!  When I only have a few minutes to apply makeup, this instantly brightens my face!!
3: Bronzer and bronzer brush: Okay, I really think the brush is key when applying bronzer here.  If I only could pick two products to wear the rest of my life, I’d pick lips and bronzer.  Nothing wakes you up and makes you look glowy and vibrant more than bronzer.
4: Blush: There is a reason why this blush (in orgasm) is a cult classic.  The universally flattering peachy pink color looks good on all skin types.  Don’t believe me?  Read the reviews!!
5: Lip Color: I love this matte lipstick!!  I started wearing this one in Goals last summer.  I love it because it lasts for hours (seriously, this one has staying power!!).  It comes in many, many colors, but this pink color is the perfect pop when I’m not doing a lot of other makeup.
6: Eyebrow pencil: I started using this one in blonde thanks to you guys!  So many of you recommended it to me, and now, I love it too.  It goes on a little creamy and not harsh.
7: Eye Shadow Stick: When I’m doing my normal makeup routine (and not the abbreviated one), this is what I use as an eye shadow primer.  It works for quick eye shadow too.  I’m using it in rose gold.
8: Top Eye Liner in Noir: How many years now have I been saying this is my favorite eye liner?!  I wear it every day.  I love it for so many reasons, but right now during the summer, I love it the most because it’s waterproof!!
9: Bottom Eye Liner in Blanc: A little white eyeliner instantly wakes you up!
10: Mascara: You can read my full mascara review post HERE.  For years, I’ve been saying Mac’s Haute & Naughty is my fave!
11: Beauty Blender: Last but certainly not least, a damp Beauty Blender is the only way to be!  I love how seamless it applies everything, how easy it is to clean and how great it is for mid-day touchups!

Okay,  I’ve had several of you ask me if I’ve been curling my hair differently and the answer is YES!!

You guys are so observant 🙂 .

I’ll do a new video on how I’ve been curling my hair soon…but I’ve been using a flat iron!!

Yup.  Yup.

I pulled out this flat iron and started using it instead (just for fun) and have loved it!  Do any of you also use a flat iron when curling your hair?  If you have tips or tricks, do tell!!

Of course my July Book Review is a fave!!!

Did you see it??

Did you get new book recs?!

I LOVE Book Day so much!!!

Did you see this as well…

…these are our two new books for August’s book club!!  I have LOVED reading books with you ladies!!  I can’t wait to discuss these books next month!!

Oh my gosh, this picture sums me up…

…Ashby took this one and later, I cracked up when I saw it!  It’s so ME!  After the gym, I came home and showered…but didn’t put on “real clothes”…I put on these pajamas/lounge clothes instead.  It might be July, but this little set is light and HAPPINESS!  I bought this pattern for myself but there are several others you can get too…

…they’d make great holiday/birthday gifts!

Living my comfiest life 🙂 .

I even threw my shorts on with the top and was out the door to hang with the kids a bit.

I love lounge wear. 🙂

 

Last but not least…

…the perfect air fryer recipe for your weekend!  Whether you make these potatoes with your brunch or your burger, you will LOVE them!!!  They’re so easy!!!

Okay friends, happy last day of July!! I hope you have the BEST weekend!! xo

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

You’ll Also Love

Friday Favorites
Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Boots
Friday Favorites {09.17.21}

Comments

  4. Kim C says

    What’s left of our county fair starts on the 3rd– and it’s supposed to be in the high 70s with lows in the 50s! Never happens and will be breaking out allllll the sweaters! And every year after the fair is when I drag out tote after tote of fall decorations =]

  6. Tracy says

    So has your school announced that you’ll be homeschooling this fall? We are going back to in person classes on the 27th.

      • Leslie S says

        In SC, huge spike and we have a choice to start school. But if we choose virtual they tell us we are stuck for the year ?

        I just read Number the Stars before I give it to my daughter. I thought it was great. Do you have any other rec’s on kids books?

  8. Ramona says

    This post just made me smile. I think you finallly convinced me to buy an air fryer. And this backpack too. I love it. Stylish and functional just like all of your suggestions. I have become a Charlotte Tilbury creme eyeshadow fan because of you! Happy almost fall!

  10. Jaren says

    I ordered a backpack purse to try last week! I can’t wait for it to come in! Also, I ordered that Replica sample kit. I’m obsessed! I love Lazy Sunday Morning the most and several of the others!! I’m so excited to have found a new scent.
    And I love curling my hair with a flat iron! I use the Lange La Reve and it’s the best flat iron I’ve ever had!

  11. Michelle says

    Obsessed with those denim shorts. I just ordered a second pair. I live in them!

  14. Valerie Allen says

    I think I am going to pull the trigger on the lounge wear set, but I have a question first. Shay, did you size up or did you buy your usual size?

  15. Skye says

    I’ve been home educating Or “homeschooling” my kids for 5 years now. While I am sorry that many parents are having to make adjustments to do virtual Learning at home, the term “homeschooling” is not being used correctly. Most “homeschool” parents learn the learning styles of their children and choose and pay for individual curriculums and individually teach them different curriculums. Virtual learning is very different. The teacher of the school decides the curriculum and teaches via a computer, etc. . If you are picking and paying for all of your children’s curriculum and learning it and teaching it, hats off to you! But, homeschooling and learning at home via other schools agendas and curriculum are far from the same thing. 🙂

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Totally! I can absolutely see your point! I really wish this virtual learning was not quite as parent dependent. I feel (especially for my little two!) that I’m going to have to sit next to them from 8 until 3 every day and that stresses me out.

      • Skye says

        That’s such a long time for littles to have to sit in front of a computer. I sure hope it ends up being different than you are expecting. Best wishes for all as you make these difficult adjustments.

  16. Maria says

    Those pjs are adorable!!!

    Which MacBook do you have? Love the color. Is it 13” or 16”? Air or Pro? I’m new to Macs

  17. Colleen T says

    I absolutely am obsessed with those shorts. I just bought the other denim color (who knew they existed?!?) because I have two pairs of the dark denim already since I wear them ALL the time. You recommended them long ago and I have not found any other pair I like as much so THANK YOU! Did you size down in them? I usually am a 27 but am a 25 in those shorts for some reason.

  18. Brenda says

    I am so in love with the Laura Mercier eye shadow sticks after seeing you use them! Your video sold me on them – so easy to use! Thanks so much, happy weekend!

  23. Jennifer says

    What lipstick are you wearing in the car selfie with your kids (green top)? Also, can you provide a link to your air fryer? Thanks!

  24. Laurie says

    Just ordered the backpack!!

    FYI-Sole society has it on sale!!! 40% off with promo code: summer40

    Thanks!

  26. Dawn Scheurich says

    My daughter breaks our her fall decor on August 1st—she can’t wait until tomorrow!!
    I use a flat iron to curl my hair also. I have no tips, but I only use a Bioionic because it’s so good for your hair! I also use a Bioionic blow dryer. These were both recommended by my stylist!
    Have a great weekend!

  27. Heather S says

    Shay-
    Have you looked into a fjallraven backpack? Perfect for running around, game days and traveling! So many gorgeous colors, several sizes to choose from the functional pockets have me like ? I now have 3 in various colors and sizes, ha!

  28. Paula says

    I just started using my flat iron as a curling iron within the last 2 weeks! I noticed that the curls stay in much longer than using a curling iron for whatever reason!

    It takes some practice, but for my long hair I start at the top of the head, pull/straighten until there is about 6 inches left of hair and then start twisting the iron, pulling down at the same time. I usually leave out an inch or two at the bottom for that “beachy” look.

    I burned by thumb and pointer finger last week on the top of the iron as I was twisting it,, so be careful if you are just learning! 🙂

  29. Kelly says

    I got a very similar backpack purse last fall and love it! Also noticed your new hair style, super cute AND I’m so impressed by your ability to put on eyeliner with one hand:).

  30. Kait says

    You’re looking so tan! Is it just from being outdoors so much or are you still using the Isle of Paradise self tanning for your body? Or maybe using something else?

  31. Pam says

    Can you possibly share where you all got the bed you are sitting in (in #4)?
    Or maybe the name or manufacturer?
    That is a beautiful bed! (Like everything else in your house! 🙂 )

  32. Carrie says

    I work for a greenhouse and we start shipping mums next week! My summer plants are pretty tired looking so I am excited to swap them out. Soooooo how soon is too soon for mums???? Give me all the fall decor!

  34. Lizzie says

    Is that Heart necklace part of the Gorjana collection? It must be sold out online but I’ll keep my eye out for a restock. Love it!

  35. Marie says

    Love your blog and I have learned so much from you. In one of your pictures your top loading washer and dryer are in the background. Would you mind sharing brand and do you like them? Thanks!

  36. Kiki says

    Shay – I have to say I am very pleased to see you picking more diverse books. I’m not sure but I get the feeling this is stepping out of your comfort zone and impressed. I think I might have had you pegged a bit wrong before – by the way a few of my all time favorite books recently were The Great Alone, Pachinko, and Americanah.

  37. Mandy says

    Hi, Shay! ? The Miller flip flops are so cute! But every time I try them on in a store, they feel stiff, with no support, and uncomfortable. Do they just take some breaking in?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hmmmm…stiff across the top? I don’t remember thinking mine needed to be broken in. I really find them surprisingly comfy enough to travel in/walk around baseball games/go pretty far in especially for a sandal!

  39. Danette says

    Hi Shay! I read in one of your older post that you have 4 piercings in one ear and 2 in the other.. do you still wear earings in all the other holes? I’m curious to know what kind of earings you would wear in the other holes? LOVE your blog!! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!

  40. Denise says

    LOVE your post..quick question..how long ago did you order your backpack? It is only showing available in black..and how does it feel it you slide both straps on your shoulder?