HOLY. COW.
TIME MANAGEMENT is one of THE MOST frequently asked questions around here, but I had NO IDEA how many of you/us were thinking about it until I asked the question this week on Stories. I get emails, DMs, blog comments about it daily, but when I opened it up for questions, I was blown away by the number. Honestly? It told me that like 99% of us are struggling with it and want someone to help us sort it out. I totally don’t want to come across as any authority on time management today…really, I’m just going to answer your questions and then maybe you guys can comment and together, we can help each other better manage our time. Sound fair? There were SO MANY questions of different varieties, that I finally decided to split this post into two…so here is PART 1 and then later, I’ll share PART 2.
Disclaimer to start: I really kind of love and hate this time management question. I think people see that I have a whole bunch of kids, a whole bunch of dogs, a whole bunch of hobbies and a whole bunch of jobs…so they don’t get “how I do it”. What they don’t see is that I drink a whole bunch of coffee, delegate a whole bunch, complain quite a bit, am often a little tired and have a FANTASTIC PARTNER IN LIFE…Andrew Shull. Also, I manage my time pretty well and consistency most of the time, but there are FOR SURE days when I’m a hot mess way behind on work because I can’t stop scrolling around on Instagram and so please know, I don’t always follow my own advice well either. I can easily get caught in the poor time management merry go round too!
I love to be busy…that is my JAM, but I know it’s not for everyone. I have tweaked the heck out of my routine over the years and changed it as my life has changed, so some things I do today, I didn’t do when my kiddos were little.
For many people, having the same routine each day would get super old and boring, but for me, it energizes me and allows me to do a lot in an efficient way and not waste a lot of time. The downside? If my day doesn’t go as planned, I have a HARD time recovering. I’m not a “go with the flow” person, so one kink in that routine throws off the whole system and makes me feel anxious/frustrated/annoyed/sad/all the things.
Here we go…on Monday, I asked you on Stories what specific questions you have about my time management, and I put answers to all of them below…
No way. I would love to share a calendar with him…but he is no fool. He understands that I keep up with not only my stuff but four kids’ stuff…and he doesn’t want to clutter up his calendar with five other people’s things. Bahaha! IT’S SO TRUE!! For me, it would be easier to have him on there, but for him, the thought of pulling up his calendar and seeing all of the STUFF would drive him crazy, so instead, we check in with each other the day before and make sure we have our ducks in a row. In an ideal world, we’d have one color-coded family calendar…in the real world, Andrew Shull prefers for me to just let him know when and where he needs to be regarding the kids. 😉
The older my kids get, the more I work. When Kensington and Smith were little, I only worked early in the morning before they were awake and then about 2.5 to 3 hours every afternoon when they napped. Now, I work way more than that, but my kids are all older. Madeley went to preschool more than the other kids did, so I would work when she was at school or during her nap time/early in the morning. Now, my kids are all four in elementary/middle school, so I work during the day while they’re not home. When it’s summertime, I plan our day to allow for us to “play” a bit and then for me to work when we’re done. For the most part, my kids respect my office hours during the day, but sometimes, I have to gently remind them that it’s my work time and they need to allow me that space.
We have someone who helps clean our house once a week but other than that, the rest of the inside stuff, we do ourselves (laundry, meals, dishes, sheets, etc). I try and stay on top of it daily. For me, that’s the key to success…if I do one or two loads of laundry each day AND PUT IT AWAY, then it never piles up. Same thing with cleaning…if you tidy up as you go, it doesn’t become a bigger issue.
I block out three sets of time a day to answer email…Mix and Match Travel Agency email always goes first and then, with whatever time I have left, I am able to answer Mix and Match Mama emails. I use an out of office assistant reply on both emails as well so that people know that I did receive their email and am trying to return it as quickly as possible.
My day is completely scheduled out to help me maximize every minute. I even schedule in working out and stopping for lunch…because those are priorities for me, and I don’t want to miss them. I’ve been writing this blog for 13 years and owned my travel agency for 8, so I’ve had plenty of time to figure out a good balance. I always look ahead on my calendar too because if I know I have an appointment/something coming up, I can work around that in the days before, so that I don’t get behind.
This is something we work on all the time! Our kids are typically in bed by 8:45 or 9, and then we go to bed around 10 or 10:15, so we always make a point to hang out during that time if we can (sometimes, it’s just him watching the Yankees while I sit with him and read a book…it’s not always us talking but we make a choice to do those things together). During the week, we build in at least one or two charcuterie chats where we make a little board, grab a little drink and sit a minute and talk about our day before dinner. On Thursdays right now, all four kids have after school activities, so once they’re all dropped off (and because of Covid, parents can’t come inside), we head home and meet up for a mini-date before we turn around and pick them back up. There are seasons when we’re better at this stuff than others, but really do try and make an effort when we can.
I get up earrrrrrly. My alarm goes off at 4:10 and then I go to bed around 10. I get so many comments when I post this from people saying that’s not enough sleep, but honest to goodness, for me, it works. If there is ever a day when I feel really tired, I sleep more! I personally feel that I operate better when I have that downtime in the morning to focus on things without any distractions. This energizes me and then also allows me to really focus on my kids when they wake up because I’ve already checked off my to-do list. Smith had a very late baseball game on Sunday night, so I slept in until 5:00 this past Monday morning, so there are times when I make adjustments because I know I need the extra bit of sleep…but for the most part, grabbing my coffee and settling in to a quiet, cozy house early in the morning speaks right to my soul.
You bet I do! I write down on my daily to do list every minute detail from going on a run to an errand, picking up prescriptions, etc along with a time for me to do each thing. I write it out before I “leave work” each day so that the following morning, I have an organized list already waiting for me on my desk.
I think you have to set boundaries. I have a time when I “go to work” and a time when I “leave work”. I try really hard to only work during those times (and not do laundry, empty the dishwasher, etc) and then vice versa, when “I leave work” for the day, I don’t go back in later and answer emails, do other work related things. I try and pretend my office is away from home, so even though I have that extra 15 minutes, I don’t spend it on work if I’m not “at work”. I keep my home office very cozy and inviting as well to stay motivated…I play nice music, have a candle going, there’s a blanket and little heater…it’s just a cozy space.
Okay, this answer ended up being so long, so instead of typing it out, I made you a little video that explains the method of my madness 😉 …
1: I don’t do it all. 2: I definitely wasn’t doing nearly as much when I had two babies at home! Girl, you don’t need to try and do it all. You need to focus on your sweet kiddos and enjoy this time with them…it will go by in a blink, so sit there and enjoy it. My routine/daily life/responsibilities looked much different 10 years ago. You should go back and read those posts. Truly, I did a lot less.
Trust me, I don’t! There are some days when I’m dragging…please understand that! I think the basics like drinking coffee, working out, staying active help me stay energetic, but I have my sluggish days too!
You guys are going to think I’m nutty, but I have two rules for checking Instagram: 1. I only check it when I’m sitting down. I realized a few years ago that I would aimlessly walk around scrolling and well, that’s just stupid. So, I only check it if I’m sitting down (which isn’t very often). 2. I set a timer on my watch and only give myself 3 or 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, I turn off the app. I don’t post on my personal FB very much at all and haven’t used Twitter in years, so for the most part, it’s only Instagram.
Over the years, I’ve struggle with this too. I am quite the control freak about things and always certain (especially when it comes to my house) that I can do it better and/or faster…BUT I really try and constantly remind myself that 1+4=5 and so does 3+2. Just because someone (cough, cough, Andrew) isn’t unloading the dishwasher like I would do it…it still gets done. I am really working on delegating in all areas of my life.
Cleaning…they’re hiding from me so they don’t have to help. Sigh.
Working out…I always do that in the morning before they wake up.
Working…they’re playing independently. Now that my kids are older, this is much easier. When they were smaller, I had to fit work in during the day when they were napping or early in the morning. Now, they’re all old enough to entertain themselves from time to time,
I aim for very little! I must be on my phone for work stuff, but in my head, that’s “work” so I build it into my day. I try to pick up my Kindle instead of my phone as much as possible when I have downtime. Try setting a timer on your phone when you start looking at social media…give yourself some time to enjoy it (don’t feel guilty for being on your phone a few times a day!), but then when the timer goes off, move on and do something else.
Okay, whew!
Why do I feel like I still have more to say???
A few things before we go:
1. I feel like the fact that I received SO MANY questions tells me we’re all on the struggle-bus of managing life and honestly, I hope your takeaway from this is that I like to wake up early and I just try my hardest. No one has it down perfectly, and I fail CONSTANTLY, so please don’t forget that.
2. I have the most amazing husband. Andrew does fifty percent of everything. He has a very flexible work schedule and helps with so much. My dad was always super helpful and clearly, I married a man just like it. If you think I do a lot, well, Andrew is doing half of it.
3. I have a wonderful team at Mix and Match Travel Agency! My travel agency is BOOMING which is amazing but requires a team that can help me with every aspect. I could not own or operate my agency without them. Seriously, they’re amazing.
4. I have Caroline! Sweet Caroline doesn’t get enough time in the spotlight, but she is my other half. She is the office manager for Mix and Match Mama LLC and under that umbrella her job is basically making my job easier. She helps me stay on top of everyone’s vacations we’re planning, she processes trips, makes payments, gets my travel pics edited, oversees the team and then also does random daily things like add links to my blog posts (for instance, that Mix and Match Travel Agency up there…I just typed it, she’ll go back and link it). I want to have all the personal contact with my travel clients, readers and also create all of the content, but she does the technical stuff for me behind the scenes as a full time job. She needs credit 🙂 .
So, that’s PART 1!
I’ll share PART 2 later on and maybe even break down my day into minutes so you can see it all laid out. In the meantime, YOU go out and have the very best Thursday! xo
Lauren says
I read your part “If my day doesn’t go as planned, I have a HARD time recovering. I’m not a “go with the flow” person, so one kink in that routine throws off the whole system and makes me feel anxious/frustrated/annoyed/sad/all the things.” out loud to my husband and he said “Geez, did YOU write that?!” I mean I’ve never read something that hit home so hard before!!
This blog post is helpful for so many reasons:
1) I feel “not alone”. It’s such a relief to know that I’m not the only one struggling with this
2) It’s motivating! I read this and now I’m ready to hop out of bed and conquer the world today– first step, check my to-do list!
3) It helps us to see that you’re human too! You always seem so perfectly put together and like you accomplish 10x more in a day than the rest of us. It’s so good to know that you don’t do it all by yourself and you definitely didn’t when your kids were little.
You’ve been my favorite blog to read for YEARS now, and today’s post was just one more reminder of why! Thanks Shay! Now I’m off to go get a million things done ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, Lauren! Thank you for commenting. I appreciate it more than you know. Us mamas have to stick together.
Keisha Dawson says
Lauren,
I felt exactly the same way when I read that. I felt so seen! I went to therapy early last spring to help me establish some good skills to get through those moments, and it helped tremendously. Such a great, helpful post.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh gosh, thank YOU!!!
Genelle Pretty says
This is helpful and inspiring!! Thank you for sharing!!
Elspeth says
This is so informative and so helpful!!!!!! I am a big schedule and organized person so getting tips for you made it even better! Can’t wait for part 2!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Erika Slaughter says
You also keep me in line when I forget a date! ??? Headed to watch that video now!
Sarah M. says
I like the comment about giving your kids a “gentle reminder” that it is your work time. After being at home with the kids since March (they just went back to school this week!!) and working my full time job, my gentle reminders were often me (on mute) yelling “I AM ON A PHONE CALL, BE QUIET AND LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!!” or occasionally telling the person I’m speaking with on the phone, “Excuse me, I have to go break up a fight, you guys talk and I’ll just go on mute”.
Mix and Match Mama says
Sometimes, my gentle tone is rather loud. Bahaha!
Nicole says
Being such a planner, do you plan out your meals in a day? Or track them? What are your main goals with eating in a day? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have posts on Meal Planning and our suppers are planned about a month in advance (I try to meal plan monthly). I basically eat the same things for breakfast and lunch most days.
Nicole says
What do you usually have for breakfast and lunch? ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Like a piece of toast and an egg…something like that (I like protein in the morning). And for lunch, it’s like a salad (just ate one!) or soup/sandwich combo from Trader Joe’s.
Laura says
I agree with everything you said. As the Mom of four teens (oldest taking senior photos today) I have a ‘system’ for everything! Literally every thing that gets done. To ALL Moms: Don’t forget to teach the kids how to help you!
Kelly M Sites says
I have been a faithful blog reader of yours for YEARS and I appreciate that you put out TEN blog posts a week. That is unreal. But I especially love these types. I’m very similar to you- an obvious Type A who has a million things going and I get a ton done every day. My secret is LISTS- and a planner. And I DO NOT allow myself to slack on things that are most important to me: My quiet time with Jesus every single day, and Bible reading and prayer, and exercise. Those things are my number one each day, and they keep me focused. I also clean as I go, and stay on top of things so they don’t get messy. Everything has a place in our house, and that makes it easy. Great post- I love posts like this. Keep them coming.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, Kelly. I could cry. God bless YOU. You made my morning. xx
Dana says
I LOVE THIS! Every time you do these kinds of posts it makes me super motivated and I really do walk away with a new idea that helps. I think this one will be setting a timer with social media and only scrolling while sitting. I’m starting to think all that input from being online also leaves me feeling scatterbrained and I need to really limit it. Thanks, Shay!
Joanne says
I completely agree that it is so much easier with older kids! I felt like I was drowning so much of the time when my boys were tiny and underfoot all the time. Now I delegate so much of the household stuff between us all and I can work when they’re busy. It’s great. Now if only I could manage to keep everyone’s schedules straight this fall that would be great.
Lisa D says
I certainly admire your motivation and determination to stay on top of “everything”! Just a reminder to all the ladies…. as Gretchen Rubin says, ‘The days are long but the years are short’.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!!!!!
Meg Frey says
This blog post really motivated me today. Love these! Thank you for starting my day off right ❤️
Libby says
Ha! Andrew sounds a lot like my husband, “just tell me where I need to be.” Glad I’m not alone. I must say, it would be helpful if he would just look at the kids’ calendar hanging next to the pantry once in a while.
Mix and Match Mama says
It overloads Andrew’s brain to look at our kids’ calendar on my calendar. It’s really pretty funny 😉 .
Stephanie says
LOVED this post! I am also a girl that struggles with just going with the flow… I like structure and being organized. Looking forward to part 2!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m that girl too 🙂 .
Katie says
Great post! One question I have is how do you keep track of all your kids’ school stuff? My son is in Pre-k twice a week and they have library day one day and wear the color of the week the next day. I can only imagine these types of things will get harder to remember as we have more kids in school full time.
Mix and Match Mama says
I write it all down in my Erin Condren planner. I put all of those details on there and then I have them. I also make my kids be responsible for many things…like library day…I can remind them, but it’s up to them to take care of their school responsibilities.
M says
Love this post! The only thing that surprises me about your schedule: your kids usually stay up late. My daughters (7 and 9) are asleep by 8 about 98% of the year.
Mix and Match Mama says
Our kids’ activities keep them up later than that now. When K and S were younger, they went to bed earlier, but now, M and A have more of a “big kid” schedule mimicking their older siblings.
Lori says
Can we meet Caroline sometime? I think that would be interesting! Also I did not realize Mix and Match Mama is LLC! Can you talk more about that?
Great post – thank you! I have 1 18 year old and work and take care of the home – and am much older than you – but your posts are lovely and inspire me every day!
Mix and Match Mama says
It is! It’s the mama brand with MMT underneath it. And yes! You should “meet” Caroline. She’s amazing 🙂 . Thank YOU for commenting today!!
Lorie says
I love this post! I know you don’t think you are an expert, but you have so many good ideas and tips. Maybe a time management book in the future? I would definitely buy it!
Mrs. Plank says
So I have a question about the blog. I blogged back in the day (like 2009). I never really kept it up and ended up just being a reader. So now I’m restarting blogging. Mainly just for me as a creative outlet. But I do want to monetize eventually. I never got the hang of that before. Can you touch on that. Much love to you for your openness and transparency on all this. Not all bloggers are like that ?
Mix and Match Mama says
There are a variety of ways to monetize (and I’m sure I don’t even know of many of them!). I personally only use an affiliate network and ads.
Tracy Robinson says
We need a new podcast with Erika soon. It’s been too long.
Mix and Match Mama says
It has been!!! This Covid stuff has sucked the energy out of us when it comes to podcasting (hello, virtual learning?!). We need to tape another one soon!!
LB says
To the person who asked for any tips in delegating…my “trick” was to clean rooms as a team with my kids. We would focus on one room at a time and I would show them how to clean (how I want it cleaned, ha ha). It didn’t take long and when I would delegate rooms or responsibilities, like cleaning the bathroom or sweeping, for example, was done just as I would’ve done it by myself!
Dana says
This is what I did this week with my kids! Normally I get really frustrated with them, clean it myself, then tell them to keep it clean after that. After 18 years, I can say that that doesn’t work! They really need to do it with you and get actual training on how to do it. There are other things involved (like laziness…we all deal with that!), but I have seen that when they know how to do it, they are much more likely to actually do it rather than be overwhelmed at the thought of it. And Shay, I was so happy to read that my kids aren’t the only ones who hide when I’m cleaning! hahahaha
Kelly Davis says
I always love hearing how you do what you do, and it is especially so good that you are so faithful to remind young Mommas that this is not what it always looked like. Everything has a season, and I wish I would have been better at recognizing that when my girls were little, and I was so critical of myself (I have worked from home for 25 years, and had part time help with them, but still was mostly juggling kiddos, work, and the rest of life!)
Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
Yley Allen says
Time management is my biggest strengths! I think I set myself up for failure with a “to-do” list each day that is waaay too long. I need to figure out how to accomplish more in the mornings for sure. Thanks for your tips!
April Lin says
Great advice! Thanks for sharing! Especially like the timer idea for social media!
Carla says
Hi Shay, quick question…
Kendra Scott gold hoop earrings you wore in stories.. are they in gold or vintage gold? Thank you!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
gold!!
Lauren says
You’re video about your blog planning process was so interesting! I would love to learn more about how you started your travel agency and the behind the scenes of running it.
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a great post idea! I’m writing in on a sticky note 🙂 .
Emile says
be honest though…adderall?
Mix and Match Mama says
This made me LOL! Can you imagine? I’d literally bounce off the walls! Bahahaha!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
This post was so helpful, Shay!! It was a really great reminder for me that as the mom of a VERY active 18 month old boy, my days cannot look like your days do right now. We’re in different places, so it was really comforting to read your reminder for us to check your earlier posts for the differences. THANK YOU! It’s like I know it’s not realistic for me to have very scheduled days right now, but I couldn’t keep feeling like I was inadequate if I didn’t. I’ve got to remember to enjoy these crazy days because I will have my time back soon enough, and I don’t want to rush that. Can’t wait for part 2!
Mix and Match Mama says
Enjoy that sweet boy, Sarah!! He will be big soon!!!
Alisha says
I loved this post! Especially that video explaining how you do it all, so organized!!
In the video when you mentioned talking about trips, it reminded me we still haven’t heard about your trip in Feb/March to Hawaii. Do you have plans to talk about it soon?!?!
Mix and Match Mama says
Agh! Yes! Yes, we do!! I don’t know when?? We have planned on it and then changed our minds two different times. We will share our pics hopefully soon though!
Danna F says
Let’s hope they never stop printing calendars and sticky notes! I live and breathe by my calendar. I even have a notebook on ideas, future home remodel ideas, recipes, etc. In fact, you are the one who got me to buying the Erin Condren calendars….thank you! Now I want one of her notebooks 😉
10 post a week….wow and thank you! I have loved your blog for years and one day you didn’t post I thought the worst but didn’t know how to check on you. Thankfully you were ok.
I am always amazed at the moms who meal plan a week, two or month in advance. I have tried but my mind changes like the wind.
Enjoyed this post. Looking forward to part II. Have a great Thursday!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do everything on paper!! I cannot imagine having to use technology all the time for scheduling and such. Thank YOU for the sweet, sweet comment today!!!
jamie says
SHAY! this is probably one of my favorite posts and i love all your posts. but THIS— this almost made me weep. i recently started watching my VERY ACTIVE 8-month-old grandson. he’s been home with his mom because she {was} a pilates studio assistant manager and full-time coach. michigan closed their gyms back in march and she recently started working at a bank. and then of course michigan gyms opened last week, so in addition to her 40 hour bank job, she’s coaching six classes at the pilates {because it’s her passion}. and we’re virtually learning right now {i have an 11th grader + my 3rd grade granddaughter}. next week we go hybrid {every other day in-person} for two weeks, then full-time after that. so back to THIS made me weep…
“For many people, having the same routine each day would get super old and boring, but for me, it energizes me and allows me to do a lot in an efficient way and not waste a lot of time. The downside? If my day doesn’t go as planned, I have a HARD time recovering. I’m not a “go with the flow” person, so one kink in that routine throws off the whole system and makes me feel anxious/frustrated/annoyed/sad/all the things.”
i’ve had to LEAN INTO JESUS because i have a routine now after 4-5 weeks with rainer— but next week it changes drastically, then again in two weeks.
so THANK YOU— for writing this post, these words. they {and you} are a gift in my world.
Mix and Match Mama says
Jamie! You are always one of my favorites. Thank YOU for being a part of my little world every day. xx
Bethany says
This post is so helpful! Also, an extra thanks for all the time and effort you put into all your blog posts! It is SO appreciated by all of us readers!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! Thank YOU so much for reading!!
Jess Wade says
This part really spoke to me: “Over the years, I’ve struggle with this too. I am quite the control freak about things and always certain (especially when it comes to my house) that I can do it better and/or faster…BUT I really try and constantly remind myself that 1+4=5 and so does 3+2. Just because someone (cough, cough, Andrew) isn’t unloading the dishwasher like I would do it…it still gets done.”
I recently started going to therapy, learned I have OCD tendencies and that’s because for me everything in my house and life needs to be in “its place” and everything needs to be done “correctly”, which is code for “my way.” If it’s not, I am really anxious and upset. I have been working through that, and have taped on my bathroom mirror that “4+5 = 9, but so does 8+1. Not everything has to be done the same way and that’s okay.” It’s hard for me, but I’m working on it. Thanks for making me feel like I’m not the only one.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m right there with you!!!
Angela Ellingson says
I was so excited to read this post and now I’m looking forward to part 2. I’m definitely voting for a full breakdown of your schedule. I have 4 kiddos, 6 months to 9 years old, and I’ve homeschooled from the start. I am constantly struggling to keep up with the basics of school, meal planning and prep, dishes, laundry, kiddo activities… But if I’m being honest, I waste way too much time on my phone. I’m turning app notifications off right now and I like your idea about setting a timer for Instagram, etc. Have a great day!
Mix and Match Mama says
You have so much on your plate, friend!!! You’re doing an amazing job!! I just know it!
Bridget says
Love this post. You inspire us working moms!
Amy Grace Duncan says
I loved this post! So insightful!! Also encouraging as a mom of young kids that one day I’ll have more time to do other things! Could you do a post on Caroline? It would be great to know more about her!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!
Dana says
Sorry for the 3 comments today! I just remembered that I forgot to watch the video this morning when I read your post and I’m just in awe! Hearing how you get all those things scheduled and planned and implemented is pretty amazing. It reminds me of you saying that your parents often wonder how you get so many things done and now I totally understand!!
I was also realizing what a gift this blog will be to your kids and likely grandkids one day as well. They will be able to go back and remember you even after you’re gone and it’s like the best journal ever that not only documents their childhood, but also a great glimpse into their mama’s heart!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you sweet Dana!!!
Colleen T says
I’ve been following you for awhile and I remember you trying to wake up later in the morning (like 5ish?) and you said it worked well for you for awhile. Why did you go back to 4am? Was it not enough alone time in the morning? I’m starting to get up earlier to get my workout in with the kids home from school now and it is saving my sanity. Thank you for that tip.
Also, would you think of doing a video of you writing out your day schedule? I need more details on how to map out my time for the day. I try to come up with a plan but need to get into a routine of looking at my planner every morning I think. Thank you!
Melissa says
Great post! Thank you for taking the time you do to always put out great content! You inspire me daily!
Katie says
Maybe you already talked about this and I missed it, but how do you say no to different events or invites to do things? I always feel sooo guilty even though I know I shouldn’t!
Mix and Match Mama says
Years ago, I did a post on saying no…I haven’t read it in years, but I imagine I still feel the same way. When you say no to things you’re not crazy about, you’re saying YES to things you are (like spending time with your family). I decided to stop that guilt and say no more often a long time ago and am the happier for it.
Carrie says
I think a lot of this really great advice and I am going to be one of the many that you said commented that your lack of sleep isn’t healthy. It isn’t, there is nothing out there that would advocate for getting that little amount of sleep. I just worry that another Mom out there might think “why can’t I survive on 6 hours or less of sleep if she can”… It’s because we aren’t meant to survive on that little of sleep. Its your choice and your fine with it and we all have things in our lives that we do that of course aren’t the healthiest. Even the best of us have those little things we sacrifice.
Your time management suggestions are solid and I know they will help a lot of people. I like the iPhone calendar because we can have multiple calendars, it’s color coded. So my husband can check on the kids calendar and not have it right there on his calendar.
sandi says
What is this “Go with the Flow” you speak of? That is so not me! I like structure, organization and feel overwhelmed without it. Our family sits down on Sunday night and plans out the week… volleyball practice, music lessons, soccer practice, youth group (virtual), homework/tests, YoungLife leadership, what nights are we eating together and what nights are we staggered. We aim for four nights a week sitting around the table which is a far cry from seven when they were little. But we will take what we can get. It’s a game changer when a child suddenly can drive themselves to and from a practice or run to the grocery store and pick up the online grocery order!
I always learn from your blog posts and reading the comments. Most of my comments are on book days but I really liked today’s post.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m so glad you like it today, Sandi. I am not a go with the flow person…I hear rumors though that some people are…hmmm…it’s like spotting a unicorn 😉 .
Clare Butler says
The longer I know you the more amazing I think you are! Also, I could not survive without Caroline! She is the BEST!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh p-lease! That’s the pot calling the kettle black right there. YOU are amazing, Clare! You know how much I love you!!!
mary mathews says
i am a mom to adult children, but i have started a business that speaks to my heart. the thing i am struggling with the most is time management/organization. i loved your video about how you blog post. i would LOVE it if you did some videos, (maybe a little slower) that addresses your travel biz. everything from what you personally do, to what your assistant does to all the other people who support your biz. (ie. bookkeepers/accountants, employees, andrew, etc.) i think a lot of people who follow you would benefit greatly from your experience.
i would also like to hear how you DON’T manage life. i know you always make it clear that you don’t always manage life well, but i think it’s important for people (esp women) to hear the details about how we fall apart. you are always so upbeat and positive, which is wonderful, but as women, i think we should also detail the difficulties/hardships/tears/tantrums/whatever so others see all sides of humanness. AND i believe it’s possible to do it in a non-negative way.
thank you for always being willing to share yourself and your life.
blessings, mary
Kim says
Couldn’t love this post more!? You have motivated me so much over the years, with organizing, lifestyle tips and of course I couldn’t live without Menu Plan Monday!!
Jaren says
Loved loved loved this post! I’ve always been curious about how you do 10 posts a week. I’m on the struggle bus with 2 recipe posts a week, but I also work a full-time job as a teacher and have 4 kids. Thanks for reminding me to give myself some grace. I love the timer tip!!! Scrolling my phone is such a bad habit! I love how organized you are! It’s so awesome!
Tish says
You’re alarm is 4:10am. Wondering why that time?! 🙂 not 4:00am? Do you get up right away or do you snooze til 4:30am? Just curious as I know you and Andrew both have mentioned 4:10am before! #goalsforthismomma
Mix and Match Mama says
Bahaha! Honestly? I don’t know how we landed on exactly 4:10…in my head though, it sounds better than 4:00 (which is stupid, I know!). We don’t snooze…we get on up!
Tina says
Your time management always motivates me! I’ve been following your blog for about 8 years now, and always find one of your old “day in the life” posts when I’m needing some motivation to get back on track with a schedule.☺️ — Something that has helped me a TON lately is STOPPING NOTIFICATIONS for social media! Those little red numbers on my Facebook icon would constantly drive me to open the app, just to clear them. Now, I don’t know if anyone has commented/liked/whatever UNTIL I CHOOSE to open it. I find myself actually forgetting to get on there now.??
Mix and Match Mama says
I didn’t mention this, but I turned off notifications on IG and FB just so I don’t get distracted by them! I need to add that to my second post! Thank you for your sweet comment 🙂 .
Nancy says
Thank you for sharing! I feel inspired and motivated and encouraged!
Gina says
Shay you are such a blessing! Thank you for your time and work you put into this blog! I would love to see a breakdown of your day. I would also if possible see how you accommodate for your personal time- like time for the salon, clothes shopping (do you plan for that in calendar?)
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! All of that goes on my calendar and then, I plan around it so that (hopefully) I’m not behind on those days.
Chrys says
I would also love to read more about your travel agency, the behind the scenes of running it, and of course the girls who work with you. And I know that you will post about your cruise soon, but like, how soon? Lol. Girl, I need some traveling content because I am falling apart. This is the longest ever in my life that I have gone without traveling (mom and dad also traveled with me growing up) and I could use some happy travel picts right about now.
Sheaffer Sims says
What a great post! And listen, your skills in this area constantly amaze me.
Christin says
I was so excited to see the title of this post! I love this whole post and looking forward to post #2! Thank you so much for sharing has been so helpful! A big yes to the breakdown by minute of your day 🙂 Do you carry the to do list with you everywhere or how do you remember what to do each “minute”. Also, when filling out your notebooks, planner and calendars do you do this at one sitting or what is your routine for getting those filled out?
Mix and Match Mama says
I typically take a pic of it with my phone so that I can refer back to it during the day (and not have to carry it with me!).
Gina says
Shay – I have one more question. How do you get rid of clutter? How often do you donate clothes/toys? I feel a lot of my time is spent picking things up and maybe if I was clutter free I would have more time. I would love to see a blog post about reducing clutter.
Mix and Match Mama says
A lot! There is a donation center near our house, and I drop off a bag there about every month to six weeks. They accept clothes, toys, books, etc, so I do try and edit and drop off there on a regular basis.
Carol W says
It would be super helpful if you were transparent about the fact you have a nanny/ someone who picks up your little one from preschool last year. I think this would help moms see they don’t need to do it “all” and that we can’t. We are limited humans and in Christ it’s ok to ask for And need help.
Mix and Match Mama says
When Madeley was in preschool, I for sure carpooled after school splitting the week with a mom and a high schooler that lived by our houses, but I think carpooling to and/from school is a normal thing for mamas to do. Kensington carpools after middle school now…I didn’t realize that was something I should say, but yeah, I think carpooling really helps if you can do it!
Carol W says
That’s an awesome idea / way to save time and energy!! ?❤️ Thanks for writing this post on time management.