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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

Grab Bag Questions ·

Shay’s Random Grab Bag #2


Hey, hey Thursday!

It’s Shay’s Random Grab Bag #2!

Now, don’t worry, I am not going to do these weekly, but I had room on my calendar, so I thought I’d do one today.  If you missed Grab Bag #1, I covered everything from Kensington’s daily g-free meals, to where Andrew buys his clothes, marriage advice and more!  Catch it HERE.

Ready, set, here we go!  Here are the five random questions from my grab bag this time…

Oh I have crappy days.  I most certainly do.  I would say that for me, the best way to cope with yucky days is either to shut down or get out (depending on my mood).  I either take an early bath or shower, put my comfies on, eat something hearty and veg out on the couch.  Sometimes, the only way to get through a crappy day, for me, is just sitting still and physically doing nothing.  Sometimes though, I prefer to handle my crappy days by getting out and moving.  I would say going for a walk (without my phone…no distractions!) is one of my favorite ways to handle a crappy day.  I almost always return home feeling better (even though it doesn’t change the situation, it elevates my mood regarding the situation).  Honestly though, most of the time, my crappy days are in the middle of my normal days, and I just have to persevere, right?  Just like you guys, I have to suck it up, make dinner, drive carpool, help with homework and do a load of laundry.  I try really hard not to let my crappy days cause too much noise in my head, but sometimes, you know…they just do.

Awwwwww!  Congratulations!!!!  Here’s my tip…enjoy it.  Enjoy every stressful, sleepless, exhausting minute because you will blink, and it will be over.  That’s my tip.  It’s going to be amazing with some hard stuff thrown in, but you will spend more time not parenting these people over the course of your life than you will parenting them, and if I had to do it over again, I would have relaxed more, sat down more, held them more, enjoyed the middle of the night more, cared less about my dirty house, my dirty hair…my dirty life and reallllllly tried to savor it more.  Enjoy it, mama!!!

In June, Mix and Match Travel Agency will celebrate TEN YEARS!!  Whoop! Whoop!  How crazy cool is that?!   Spoiler alert, this is going to be discussed on an upcoming podcast episode, so stay tuned.  One of the biggest “please tell us more” questions from this year was about the ins and outs of our agency, so Erika and I will “break it down” for you very soon.  In a nutshell though, I grew up in a home with an emphasis on traveling.  When Andrew and I got married, I told him upfront that saving for traveling and seeing places outside of where we lived was a high priority for me.  I was blogging our trips and adventures here and so many people reached out and asked me if I could help them with their trip.  I saw a very natural and organic opportunity to turn my passion and sales experience (I sold insurance for over 12 years) into a business.  I reached out to people in my community I knew were in the business, did a lot of research online and found the right path for me to get the training, certifications and resources to create a very legitimate travel business.  Over the last ten years, I’ve turned this little operation into a very successful business where I now have a team of women working with me.  I have both fulltime team members and part-time who spend their days helping me plan amazing and custom vacations for all of our clients.  I ABSOLUETLY LOVE IT!  I’m proud of many things in my 40 years, but this agency would rank up there as one of my most proud.  Every single trip is such an honor to be a part of, and I’m so thankful for each client who allows us to help them make their travel dreams come true.

I streamline.

Big time.

Anytime I receive samples or smaller sized items (you know how when you place an order at Nordstrom or Sephora for beauty, they’ll often throw in travel-sized or smaller samples from a variety of random brands?), I put them in a big baggie in my bathroom to keep for trips.  I rarely, rarely, rarely ever take any full-sized items with me on a trip.  Now, a few years ago, my favorite skincare line started selling travel-size kits that I now purchase and use with each vacation, but outside of that, my perfume, lotion, even some of my makeup is an eclectic assortment.  I always consider my trips as an easy place to try new products.  I also have invested in some key travel accessories to help me when I’m taking these items…

I am obsessed with this right here! OBSESSED!!!

My mom is the first person who told me about this bag for traveling with your makeup, and once I bought one, it was love at first use.  I will not travel again without this!!  I had seen them before but was concerned my makeup would get broken or damaged just inside this big bag…but I was wrong.  I just put all of my makeup and brushes inside, cinch it up, pack it and then when I arrive, it easily opens and everything I need is right there easy to see.  I just love this so much!!

I also use THIS…

…for everything else!  I put my skincare, haircare, razor, lotion…everything goes right in here and then I’ll hang it on the back of my bathroom door in the hotel room.  Easy!

Hmmmmmm…let’s see.  I don’t think I do anything brilliant or unique.  I do have a very large closet, so that makes it super helpful.  Over the years, if you’ve read my blog since the beginning, that has not always been the case, but right now, I do have a lot of storage, so that makes organizing (for me) simpler.  I edit my closet regularly (like every month), and I do think that helps too.  I prefer to hang as much as possible because if I don’t, I won’t see my choices and will always just pull from the top.  For years, I had my jeans folded and in a drawer so I always just grabbed the top pair.  Instead of wearing all my jeans, I just kept wearing the top pair.  Now, I have the room, so I hang them.  I fold my sweaters though and keep them in drawers by color.  I have a drawer for whites and creams, one for blacks and greys and then another for multi-colored sweaters.  When I’m getting ready, I almost always know what color I’m going for, so that makes it easy.  I keep my workout clothes folded and separated into stacks.  In one drawer, I have a stack of tank tops next to a stack of sports bras, so I can easily grab one of both when I’m getting ready in the morning.  My shirts are hung by sleeve length (from tank tops to long sleeve), so that makes it easy to grab the right one.  I have a bin for all of my coverups and then a second bin for all of my “team” shirts (like Red Sox, my kids’ school tees, etc).  I also have a bin for all of my seasonal shirts/sweatshirts/sweaters (Halloween, Christmas, etc).  It’s not that exciting…just super organized.

That wraps up Grab Bag #2!

I will be back here tomorrow, but in the meantime, I think I’m going to have a super fun day today, so hop on Instagram and see!  I hope you have a super fun day today too! xx

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Comments

  2. Sarah says

    I really respect your privacy and I know you did a closet tour YEARS ago… but could you perhaps show some of your drawers in stories this week? I also have a lot of storage space but would love to see some visuals.

  3. Belinda says

    I’m becoming a mom for the first time this year too. Our baby girl will be born in May. I have a question, actually. How did you handle having K and S so close in age? We’d love to start trying for a second right away and then close shop lol Our family and friends seem to think we’re crazy as they all have or want to have kids with a 4/5 year age gap. However, we feel like it would be easier or better for us to go through the baby/toddler years as soon as possible and then enjoy them being little/big kids together. I guess what I’m asking is, was it harder having kids so close in age or would you definitely recommend it? Hugs.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I’ve done blog posts on that topic before! We didn’t intend to have our kiddos so close in age, but I’m so thankful we did!! It’s hard and crazy at times, but I always felt like it was awesome because we were in the same stage at the same time. For instance, they were both in strollers together, potty trained together, etc. I say you do what YOU want to do 🙂 .

    • SS says

      Belinda…. Can I offer you a couple pieces of advice??? Our first two are close in age. It was great they had a playmate. Our youngest has a greater gap. It is a bit tougher, The olders are teens, so not as interested in the same things as youngest, with that said they still find things. I wouldn’t change it for the world!!! I would tell ya a lot of people we knew had kiddos close (like within 2 yrs)and having a big gap was not as popular as it seems to be getting. You need to do what works best for you! Good luck!!!

    • Leslie S says

      We didn’t intend for ours to be close in age either (lol) BUT it has been the most awesome thing! Wouldn’t have it any other way now that we’ve done it! Agree with Shay, do what’s right for you and enjoy every minute – it goes by so fast!

    • Candace says

      I had four kids in five years and while there were definitely days I cried, my kids are best, best friends (oldest is now 10). I wouldn’t change a thing 🙂

    • Kristin says

      Hi there! My boys are 18 months apart and I planned it that way best I could. I was 34 and 35 when I had them. Make sure to join a mom’ s group like MOPS. It was a lifesaver as a mom for many reasons. You get free childcare for a few hours, as well as grow as a mom, partner, and woman of God. It gives you a few hours to breathe. Having two close together has been incredible. They are now 18 1/2 and 20. They are best friends even though they are very different ❤️ Good luck with everything! It’ll be a blizzard for about 5 years, but then it clears away ??

  4. Beth Knecht says

    Shay, would you mind praying for our son? He has a myriad of (hopefully temporary) health circumstances. Right now we are battling CDiff. He is almost 8 months old and is waking sometimes every hour at night. We believe he has had this infection for months but the doctors say babies don’t get CDiff, even though he tested positive for it on 2 tests. If you know of anyone who has had a baby with CDiff, please let me know! Thanks in advance!

      • Leanne says

        Beth, I just read your comment, and I’m praying right now! I’ll keep your son and your family in my prayers!

        From Leanne in Washington State!

        Hang in there!

  7. sc says

    Love your parenting tips and congrats on 10 years with your travel business!!!! We have 3 kids under 10, 2 littles with special needs. It is daily reminder to relax more, hold them more, tickle them and do not BLINK…Now it is tough some days, as this mom really likes a clean house too 🙂

  8. Kristy says

    Edit your closet monthly?! Tell me more! Donate to Goodwill? Sell? I’m excited for breaking down the travel agency!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I donate to a particular family, pass down to Kensington or donate to a local place here in McKinney!

  9. Carol says

    Love these random grab bag post. Thank you for sharing how you organize your closet. I too have a big walk in closet but have always thought it wasn’t big enough. That is until after reading how you organize your closet. I need bins for my seasonal items and find a space for workout cloths instead of hanging them. Adding a closet makeover to my list of things to do to be better organized in 2022.

  11. Gina says

    Yes, can we please see more of your closet, the whole thing, in pictures we only see the one side you post regularly. Even if we see Andrew’s stuff, that would be great. Have an awesome day Shay ?

  12. Michelle Cooper says

    Love these grab bag posts! I already have the hanging travel bag based on your recommendation and would now like to add the makeup bag. Do you have the 13” or 20”? Thanks!

  13. Rachel Kinneberg says

    Wow 10 years of your business. So awesome.

    Next grab bag question but would you and Kensington ever do a Gluten Free cookbook? She seems to like to bake a lot and I bet it would be a huge hit and such a fun mother/daughter experience. I know you said no to more cookbooks a while back but I think that was before your family went GF.

  14. Leslie says

    Do you have the Large or Medium size in the Toiletry Travel Bag! I have one now that is soooo big that it takes up all the room in my suitcase! Lol I desperately need a more manageable size toiletry bag and want to get one of these.

    Congrats on 10 years and all you do! You are amazing! ?

  15. Marla says

    Hi Shay! Love your blog and follow daily. I have made a few attempts to contact you through your travel agency in hopes to get help with planning a trip late fall but have not heard back. I know you posted not long ago about your services so I feel certain you’re still helping with vacations but am very confused on what’s happening. Any thoughts ?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hi Marla! I just went to my inbox and searched your email. The only emails I see from you are the personal ones that you and I have shared about other issues. I don’t see any emails related to travel. We would love to help! Email me at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com 🙂

      • Marla says

        Shay that’s so odd. I’ve sent 4 starting in October /November but I honestly feel better knowing you’re not getting them. I will send one now but if you don’t get it please let me know . I’d love to talk and get the planning started

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          I just checked and don’t have one. I just emailed you off of our original thread. Please reply back to that one!

  16. Andrea says

    I was having one of those days yesterday so I went into our home gym, hopped on the treadmill and turned on the newest episode of The Bestie Breakdown. It was an instant mood changer so thank you for turning my day around!

  17. Julie says

    I just love these grab bag questions-they are so fun! Quick question, did you get the pink travel bag in medium or large size? It’s hard to tell from the photos which would be better. Thanks!

  19. Emily says

    Hi , I’m writing with a question in hopes you might pick for the next grab bag! I have five kiddos and last year after the remote learning went so poorly I homeschooled them for a year. They really missed their school though and asked to go back so they went back in September. They go to public school where they are being exposed to many points of view and ideas that do not align with our Christian values. I have told them that I always want them to talk to me about anything they hear or learn that doesn’t sounds different to them so we can talk about it and they have, I was just wondering if your kids go to public school, is this something you have dealt with and how?

  20. Marisa says

    Where is your cute gold chair and ottoman from in your profile picture! Also! I love that Tarte bronzer so much. Thanks for the recommendation.

  22. Lauren says

    Hi Shay!
    I have never commented but very much enjoy reading your blog each day. I have a question for you to consider if you haven’t written on it already. Was there a “defining moment” that significantly increased your readership for the blog or followers on social media? Or would you say it was gradual? I have read your blog for years and so appreciate your honesty about your love for Jesus and keeping this a bright, happy space! Keep doing what you are doing!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Well, I totally think Sean being The Bachelor helped! I also think 14 years of consistency has been a big factor too. Looking back, it’s grown steadily, but my favorite part is that so many “original” readers are still here. Their online friendship has always encouraged and supported me along the way.

  23. Tristen says

    I am probably making it more complicated than it is, but I am trying to figure out the Lay and Go bag. The only thing held down is the brushes? The make-up is just tossed it? I”m sure I need this but not sure I understand:)

  24. Carly says

    Love the random questions Shay! Here’s one: In Nantucket do you usually make lunch reservations as well as dinner?

  25. Emily says

    We actually don’t travel that much, but are hoping to take some overseas trips with our boys as they graduate high school over the next years. They both have Celiac, and I am wondering if you maybe keep an extra eye on GF information since you have to know for K. I’m thinking that is going to be key for us as we begin to plan.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We do!!! In fact, on this trip, we’ve taken note of several GF spots for future travels.

  26. Jaime says

    On your next Grab Bag can you answer this question please?

    Did Madeley ever start growing more? She seems taller in pictures! I know she had trouble growing though in the past

  27. Nicole says

    When did you take your first vacation, including flying, after having Kensington? I’m expecting my first this summer, but we love to travel and hope not to wait too long. Am I crazy to think 3-4 months is doable? I’m talking about bringing the baby. Any tips or experience with infant travel?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh we’re crazy 😉 . K flew for the first time when she was four months old. When K was one year old and Smith was five months old, we took them both to Europe for two weeks. That was super crazy but super fun! We have the BEST memories from that trip!!

  28. Amie says

    I needed to hear this exact post on this very day! I love how God works 🙂 I currently have a 9 month old that will NOT sleep through the night and I am exhausted to the farthest extent. My 6 year old did not sleep through the night until he was 4 so I’m really hoping that won’t happen again!! BUT you reminding me that this too shall pass is just what I needed to hear. Thank you!!

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