Happy LAST DAY OF MARCH, friends!
I feel like March is always such an odd month. Here in McKinney, it starts out cold and feels “wintery” and then you move to the end of the month and the forecast looks like it’s almost summer. Throw in some seasonal allergies and major thunderstorms and you have the month. It’s clearly complex 😉 .
This has been a very FULL WEEK over here in blog world! Just to recap, we’ve covered everything from MY WEEKLY WORKOUTS to SUPER SIMPLE WEEKNIGHT SUPPERS, GRAPHIC TEES, RESURRECTION ROLLS, MY MARCH BOOK REVIEW and more! PLUS…The Bestie Breakdown is BACK, and we had TWO NEW EPISODES THIS WEEK! Make sure you follow along and “favorite” us on your podcast platform as we will be putting out several episodes a week in more “real time”, so you never know when a new one will drop.
Whew! There has been a wide variety for (hopefully!) everyone to enjoy!
As always, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and sharing this week’s FAVORITE THINGS!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! xx
Guess what?
My friends at Victoria Emerson are collaborating with me on this first Fave because guess what they did?!
They took…
…all of my dainty pendant necklaces and made them all only $25 each (no code needed!) PLUS…
…they made all of the dainty letter pendants available IN SILVER TOO!!!!
Look at that?!
Now, you can grab your favorite letter(s) in both gold and silver for only $25!
If you are looking for a graduation gift, a Mother’s Day gift, a birthday, baby shower or wedding gift for the bride (or your bridesmaids!), how cute would an initial be?!
For instance, I have a sweet friend named Braiden graduating from college, so I could get her a B (or a C for Clemson!). I could get my mom an S (for Sherry) or an L (for Lovie) on Mother’s Day too. I could get my sister-in-law (who has an April birthday!) either a C for Catherine or I could get her three to layer: S,I,M for her kiddos 🙂 .
An A for Andrew (or Ashby would say, an A for Ashby!), the anchor and star.
Easy and super cute necklaces all $25 right now! Don’t forget, each necklace is adjustable in length, so it’s easy to layer them as you can adjust each necklace to three different lengths.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Victoria Emerson for coming out with these new silver initial pendants and for making them only $25 today (no code needed!)! I’m always SO THANKFUL to work with you!!
Another Fave this week was our 24 hours trip to Oklahoma City last weekend! You guys, we had SO MUCH FUN! Who knew we needed a little OKC in our lives?!
Over the summer, Smith started rowing with a club in Dallas and has loved it so much that he hasn’t quit. We’re even the proud owners of a 27′ single scull now. Who knew we needed that?! Bahaha! Andrew and I have always tried to let our kids try anything and everything. We’ve done everything from tennis to gymnastics, dance, cheer, swim, football, baseball, soccer, basketball, golf, track, volleyball and probably something else (I just can’t remember). I feel like I’m playing BINGO right now. I’m currently looking for lacrosse, wrestling and softball to get my “blackout” 😉 .
On Friday afternoon, Kensington stayed with the Slaughters while we took the little girls and drove the 3 hours to OKC for the night. Smith left with this team earlier that morning, so it was just the four of us which was so special and so much fun!
We arrived and checked in for the night at the Omni there in downtown OKC. The gentleman behind the counter was super, super sweet and chatty with the littles. When he handed Andrew the key, he smiled and said they would like the new room he moved us to…
…it was a huge corner suite with two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms…
…these two were in HEAVEN! Madeley said “Oklahoma City is my favorite vacation ever”. Ha! It was very sweet of him to do that, and it was very much appreciated by my girls.
For dinner that night, we walked right down the street and enjoyed a delicious meal at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse. Andrew had made us reservations earlier that week, and it was a total hit! I highly recommend!
We walked back to the hotel and headed to bed.
The next morning, Smith (who we still haven’t seen at this point) had to be at the river at 7:45, but we didn’t need to be there until 9:45…
…the gang was excited for our first regatta!
I did a terrible job taking photos of his first race (only videos which I posted on Stories). Agh! We had so much fun watching and were able to see him after and chat a minute. We had a break between his events, so I asked on Stories where the four of us should eat lunch and several people suggested…
…Cheever’s! This place was DELICIOUS!!! I highly recommend this OKC spot too! I had the chopped salad with salmon and loved it!
We had some time between lunch and the next event, so we took the little girls to…
…the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
This was a special moment as parents to reflect and pay our respect to the victims and survivors of the bombing. We were able to have a lot of really good conversations with the littles about that day and what these chairs represent.
After our stop here, we headed back…
…got snow cones and settled in…
…for race #2!
Andrew and I were cracking up because so many of the boys have the same hair. Our guy is #3 in this pic.
After a full day, the team loaded up the trailers and buses, and we started heading home around 4:45. We are certainly proud of this kid! It was a super fun 24 hours in Oklahoma City!
I always love when people do BIG THINGS, so I wanted to share sweet Erin’s new book with you because it’s BIG! I always love getting Erin’s family’s Christmas card in the mail each year (they’re so adorable!), but this was even better. Erin has a new children’s book out for families who have kiddos that feel worried and anxious throughout the day and lets them know that these feelings are normal and that it will be okay. Oh my word, this hits close to home for us. This book is about big emotions, positive thinking and affirmations. The illustrations are GORGEOUS, and the message is just so, so, so important. This is one we will be reading time and time again. I’m so thankful to have a copy for my kids. I hope you love it too! CONGRATS, ERIN!!!!
Okay, speaking of kids…
I’m trying to make Easter easy over here for you!
I have all sorts of things to include in your Easter baskets, home and family life.
Just take a look…
#1: Melissa & Doug Burrow Bunny
#2: Regal Games Sidewalk Egg Chalk Glitter, Neon, Tie Dye, or Original Chalks (Regular)
#3: 6 Pack Easter Wooden Puzzles for Kids Boys Girls Toddlers Easter Jigsaw Puzzles Toys for Easter Basket Stuffers Easter Toys Gifts Party Favor
#4: Little Kids Fubbles No Spill Bubble Tumbler Mini 3 Pack Party Favor Set, Includes 2oz of bubble solution and a wand per bottle (assorted colors)
#5: Light Up Bunny Easter Bubble Wand, 14 Inch Illuminating Bubbles Blower Wand with Thrilling LED & Sound Effect, Easter Bubbles for Kids Ages 1 2 3 4 5 6 Bubble Toys, Easter Basket Stuffers for Toddler
#6: Magformers My First Pastel (30 Piece) Toy of the year Construction finalist 2018 Magnetic Building Blocks, Educational Magnetic Tiles Kit , Magnetic Construction STEM toddler Toy Set
#7: LCD Writing Tablet Toddler Toys, 8.5 Inch Doodle Board, Electronic Drawing Tablet Drawing Pads, Yellow Chick Drawing Board Easter Gift for Kids Boys Girls, Easter Basket Stuffers
#8: Robo Alive Junior Baby Shark Battery-Powered Sing and Swim Bath Toy by ZURU – Baby Shark (Yellow)
#9: Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Book – Vehicles
#10: Easter Basket Stuffers: I Spy Easter Book for Kids: Coloring Book for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Easter Activity Books For Kids
#11: Easter Basket Stuffers for Toddler: Easter Scissor Skills: Activity Book for Toddlers & Preschoolers
#12: Biscuit’s Pet & Play Easter: A Touch & Feel Book
#13: Easter Basket Stuffers for Toddler: Dot Markers Activity Book: for Toddlers, for Kids Ages 2-4: Easter Gift Idea for Girls and Boys
#14: TOMY Toomies Squeak Toy, Hide & Squeak Eggs
#15: LUKAT Easter Egg Toys for Toddler, 8 Pcs Nesting & Stacking Chicks Toys Matching Game for 1 2 3 Yr Old, Plastic Eggs Fillable, Easter Basket Stuffers, Gift for Girl Boy Easter Party Favor, Easter Hunt
#1: Airplane Toy Foam Glider Plane for Kids: Best Outdoor Toys for Boys & Girls All Ages. Easter Basket Stocking Stuffers Birthday Gift Ideas. Summer Yard Games Great Gifts for Age 4 5 6 7 8 9 Year Olds
#2: Hey Buddy Hey Pal Mini EggMazing Easter Egg Decorating Kit 7 Pieces
#3: Set of 2 Surprise Growing Unicorn Hatching Rainbow Egg Kids Toys, Assorted Colors
#4: Scentco Graphite Smencils – HB #2 Scented Pencils, 10 Count
#5: Easter Basket Stuffers for Kids Toddler Boys Girls, Dodosky 4 Pack Soldier Deformation Prefilled Easter Eggs with Toys Easter Gifts for Kids Easter Toys for Boys – Easter Basket Stuffers Fillers Gifts
#6: Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars: Easter Gift, Science Toys, Kids Binoculars, Perfect Outdoor Play for Preschool Science, Ages 3+
#7: Move2Play “Egg Toss, Hilarious Game For Kids That Will “”Crack”” You Up” (EGG101)
#8: YoYa Toys Toss & Catch 3000 Ball Game with Disc Paddles, 2 Balls (Big and Small) and PVC Carry Bag, Pink and Green
#9: Easter Mazes Book for Kids: Easter Basket Stuffers: 150 Mazes of 3 Difficulty Levels: Activity Book for Kids
#10: Easter Gifts: Easter Joke Book for Kids: Fun Puns to Color with Bunnies Eggs and Rabbits for Teen Children: Basket Stuffers for Toddler Boys and Girls (Easter Basket Stuffers)
#11: 6 Pack Easter Egg Stress Balls Decompression Toys Easter Basket Stuffers Stress Balls Animal Stress Balls Easter Gifts for Kids Easter Party Decorations Easter Basket Stuffers
#12: Dodosky Easter Basket Stuffers for Kids Toddler, 4 Pack Princess Deformation Easter Eggs with Toys Inside Easter Toys Easter Basket Stuffers Filler Gifts Easter Basket Toys – Easter Gifts for Girls
#13: Bluey, 36 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle Two Pack Toy Gift Set with Easy to Store Tube Easter Basket Stuffers, for Kids Aged 3 and up
#14: Partywind Glow Easter Temporary Tattoos for Kids, 100 Styles Luminous Easter Fake Tattoo Stickers with Easter Eggs/Rabbits/Chicks, Easter Party Supplies Goodie Bags Stuffers Gifts for Basket
#15: JoFAN 4 Pack Easter Pop Fidget Toys for Kids Boys Girls Toddlers Easter Basket Stuffers Stress Relief Gifts Party Favors
#16: Activ Life LED Bike Wheel Lights with Batteries Included! Get 100% Brighter and Visible from All Angles for Ultimate Safety & Style (1 Tire Pack)
#1: Klutz Nail Style Studio Book Kit
#2: FROG SAC Spa Headband for Washing Face and Matching Wristbands, Teen Girls Fuzzy Skincare Headbands, Kids Soft Facial Makeup Head Band, Shower Skin Care Girl Hair Sleepover Party Supplies (Tie Dye)
#3: The Ultimate Skip Ball – Water Bouncing Ball (2 Pack + Free Skip Disc) Create Lasting Memories with Your Friends & Family at The Beach, Lake or Pool – Great for All Ages
#4: LEGO Creator 3in1 White Rabbit Animal Toy Building Set 31133, Easter Bunny to Seal and Parrot Figures, Easter Basket Stuffers for Kids Aged 8 Plus Years Old
#5: AMENON 3 Pack Flying Ball Toys Kids Easter Gifts Holiday for Boys Girls 6-14 Years Easter Basket Stuffer Light Up Hand Operated Drone Hover Ball Recharge Helicopter with Remote Controller
#6: Foldology – Origami Puzzle Game | Hands-On Brain Teasers for Teens & Adults | 100 Challenges
#7: Planet Goody Spider Claw Hair Clip, 4-Count – Assorted Bright Colors – Medium to Long Hair – Long-lasting & Will Not Slip – Pain-Free Hair Accessories for Women, Men, Boys & Girls – All Hair Types
#8: Burt’s Bees Easter Basket Stuffers, 2 Moisturizing Self Care Gifts for Her, Spring Surprise Set – Dragonfruit Lemon Lip Balm and Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, Mini (Packaging May Vary)
#9: PURPLE LADYBUG 12 Colors Hair Chalk for Girls, Washable Temporary Hair Color for Kids -Great Teen Girl Easter Basket Stuffers, Easter Gifts for Girls, Gifts for Kids 8-12 Years Old, Birthday Gift Idea
#10: Easter Basket Stuffers for Teens: 100 Sudoku Puzzles, 5 Difficulty Levels. Easter Activity Book for Teens and Adults (Easter Basket Stuffers for Teens and Adults)
#11: Heart Initial Necklaces for Women Girls – Easter Gifts 14K Gold Filled Heart Pendant Letter Necklace Tiny Initial Necklaces for Kids Child Heart Letter Initial Necklace Easter Gifts for Kids Girls
#12: Easter Mandala Coloring Book: Easter Basket Stuffers: Easter Coloring Book for Teens and Adults
#13: TOSY 36 and 360 LEDs Flying Disc – Extremely Bright, Smart Modes, Auto Light Up, Rechargeable, Perfect Birthday & Outdoor Camping Gift, Easter Basket Stuffers for Men/Boys/Teens/Kids, 175g frisbees
#14: Educational Insights Kanoodle | Brain Twisting 3-D Puzzle Game for Kids, Teens & Adults | Featuring 200 Challenges
#15: Chocolate Bunny Easter Basket Funny Teens Gift My Butt Hurts T-Shirt
#1: RoseCraft Easter Decorations, 18 Inch Pre-Lit Easter Egg Tree Tabletop Decor with Delicate Oranments, for Home Party Wedding Holiday Spring Summer Decoration – Gifts, Green/White/Pink.
#2: VioletEverGarden Artificial Easter Wreath,18” Easter Egg Wreath Colorful Berry Wreath for Easter Decor,Suitable for Front Door Indoor Wall Window Decor and Easter Celebration
#3: Folkulture Easter Kitchen Towel with Hanging Loop for Easter Decoration, Set of 3-100% Cotton Dish Towels for Easter Sunday, Boho Tea Towels or Hand Towels for Easter Decor 20″ x 26″ (Palm Sunday)
#4: Certified International Easter Garden 8.5″ Dessert/Salad Plate, Set of 4 Assorted Designs, Multicolored
#5: Happy Easter burlap banner decoration,Easter decorative garland,Easter decor bunny sign,Easter décor For party, Easter Bunny Banner Gift for Kids hung on the wall outside
#6: Easter Beads Garland with Tassel, 2 Pack Spring Wood Bead Garlands, Wooden Beaded Easter Boho Decor Farmhouse Rustic Home Wall Hanging Decorations for Tiered Tray Shelf Holiday Party, 34″
#7: Creative Co-Op Hammered Metal Container with Rabbit Finial, Brass Finish Storage Box
#8: Certified International Easter Garden 3-D Deviled Egg Plate, 12″ Diameter, Multicolored
#9: Hodao Easter Bunny Decorations Spring Home Decor Bunny Figurines(Easter White Rabbit 2pcs)
#10: LampLust Easter Decorations Shelf Decor Spring Decorations for Home, Set of 2 Easter Bunny, 5 Inch, Cute Room Decor Easter Rabbit Figurines Table Decorations for Home
#11: HAUCOZE Cookie Jar Rabbit Candy Dish Ceramic Decorative Canister Storage Home Decor 8.1 inch
#12: ZaH Easter Bunny Coffee Mug Easter Decoration Gift for Kids Boys Girls – Ceramic Mug Cup 12oz (Rabbit)
#13: LA JOLIE MUSE Cupcake Stand Ceramic Dessert Plates for Snacks and Cookies, Bunny Candy Dish Gift, 8.3 Inch White, Home Decorations Gift
#14: Mandy’s 20pcs White Flowers Artificial Tulip Silk Flowers 13.5″ for Home Kitchen Wedding Decorations
#15: MicoSim Easter Bunny Decorations,Resin Moss Bunny Figurine,Garden Artificial Moss Rabbit Easter Décor Easter Party Favors Gifts (Small0102)
#16: Artoid Mode Home Buffalo Plaid Rabbit Decorative Doormat, Seasonal Spring Easter Holiday Low-Profile Floor Mat Switch Mat for Indoor Outdoor 17 x 29 Inch
#17: DAZONGE Easter Decorations – 6PCS Wood Bunny Peeps Easter Tiered Tray Decor – Easter Shelf Sitter – Easter Decor for the Home – Spring Wood Decor
If you’re looking for a very simple and oh so yummy recipe to make this week before Easter, look no further than my Easter Macaroons!
We love this recipe so much over here! My family would pick a macaroon over a regular cookie any day of the week.
These are simlple, yummy and can easily be made g-free. You will love them!
See the recipe HERE!
And finally…
…in honor of…
…Opening Day yesterday, I thought we could flashback to…
…last year when I shared A Day in the Life of {Boston} Shay. 🙂
That wraps up this week’s Faves! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. In light of the week we’ve had in our country, my hope and prayer for each of you is a time of peace and love spent with family and friends. I’m so thankful for you all. See you in April. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
So many fun favorites! Love reading about your time in OKC. Looks so fun!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Natasha says
I read your kids’ lists of sports three times (and maybe you weren’t trying to list everything) but you forgot VOLLEYBALL! How could you forget Volleyball?!?!?!? I’m sure with that you have a full Bingo card 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
SHUT UP?! I didn’t list volleyball? Bahahaha! I have two games TOMORROW! I’m editing my post now. That’s two funny!
Erika Slaughter says
Happy Friday! I couldn’t have picked Smirh out of a line up OR that boat! 😂😂 Looks like you guys made some great memories!
Sheaffer says
GO SMITH! You know I was worried about cold and wet feet. 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
I feel like some weird fungus is bound to pop up before long, no?
Erin says
Shay! Thank you so much for you lovely words about my book! I’m so thrilled that you and your family enjoy it too!! It hits close to home for us as well which is precisely why it was written!! There are a lot of free printables and activities on the website (www.onedaychildrensbook.com) if your kiddos would like to enjoy them! I absolutely appreciate you sharing it as well! Have a wonderful weekend!
Mix and Match Mama says
Erin, it’s SO GOOD!!!!! It’s already been a blessing to my family. xx
Erin says
🥹 I am just so happy!! Thank you, truly! xx
Beth Valenta says
Why do I love all your caps? Love the Texas hat. We have spring break this coming week and heading through Boston and first thing on agenda is a new B hat! Love all these fun pics. Have a super weekend!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love a B hat! I hope you find a great one!!
Sara says
It must so strange to trade the baseball diamond in for the water! Congrats on a new adventure. And the OKC Bombing Memorial is breathtaking; so we’ll done.
sandi says
So fun when you get an unexpected upgrade at a hotel! When the kids were little (we have four) the best upgrade we received was at a hotel in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area. We had reserved the smallest room all of us could fit in and ended up in a concierge level room that was simply divine. Sometimes we will ask for an upgrade if it is off season, but it’s fun when they do it unexpectedly.
Our city is surrounded by water. Crew season is fun but difficult on parents. There is a bridge near our house where they begin so all the parents will line up there with cowbells and bullhorns. As soon as they row by there is a mad dash for the cars and they head to the next viewing location. It’s funny and causes such traffic problems because there is not a straight shot place to view the race as it winds around the many inlets and rivers. It looks like you were able to park in one location for the day which is nice.
Thanks for a light fun update as we head into a weekend!
Amy says
OKC is such an unexpected fun downtown stay!
K.K. says
I love the book posts SO much, but these posts are some of my favorites also. Love the rowing updates and that your kids get to try so many things! Thanks for always taking us along, Shay.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I love opening day of baseball! We are huge Braves fans here in Alabama and they won yesterday! Also love that the hotel worker upgraded y’alls room–so so nice of him! I know your girls probably felt so fancy haha!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Richelle says
OKC gal, here! Glad you enjoyed your quick trip in OKC! Cheevers & Mahogony are some of the best! If you come back, go to Bob’s Steakhouse right in the Omni. It is also excellent! And enjoy the big park across the street from the Omni. The little girls will love it!
Cole Strohl says
Thank you so much for the Victoria Emerson recommendation!!! I bought a necklace months ago after one of your posts and haven’t taken it off since! I love that it is dainty and doesn’t tarnish 🙂
Laci L Murray says
Smith is changing so much! I hardly recognized him!
Kristin says
I live in OKC and it was fun to see that you all were here! I’m glad you took the girls to the bombing memorial. The museum is very well done as well.
Alexandra says
I love the espresso martinis I keep seeing in your pics! That’s become my new go-to. Looks like it was a fabulous 24 hrs!! I love a short get-away 🙂
Abby says
Glad you enjoyed OKC. As an Oklahoman, it’s always nice to hear good reviews. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
It was LOVELY!!! We could not have had a better 24 hours!
Anna says
I had to laugh that right below your #4 What to Buy for Easter was an ad for the YES app (the Yankees app) – at first it looked like that was one of the things you were suggesting to give for Easter! I thought ‘wow – she’s a good sport’ or that you lost an opening day bet – then I realized that it was a pop up. Go Red Sox!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m still in a bad mood over yesterday 😉 .
Ali J. says
My daughter is rowing too! She started rowing at her boarding school and LOVED it. Her one coach said she’s a natural but most importantly, my daughter loves the sport. Evidently it is a sport that not many high schools have so her school actually gets a lot of rowers recruited for colleges.
Joanne says
That little trip sounds fabulous!!
Susie says
What?? Snickerdoodle french toast? Can’t get that out of my mind. I think you missed out after seeing that on the menu.