You guys, it’s the beginning of a four day weekend over here 🙂 . I will resist the urge to jump on my soapbox and say that I much prefer longer summers to all of these long breaks…buuuut I would. That being said, we don’t have any real plans this weekend, so I hope we sleep in a bit, chill a lot and enjoy some family time.
I found this pic…
…on my phone this week as I was looking for something else, and it made my heart happy and hurt at the same time.
You guys, I have spent a lot of time with this boy over this last week. We’ve driven so many places together, he’s accompanied to the grocery store, watched a movie with me, and we’ve had so many great late night chats (as he’s always the last to go to bed, so when I went to say goodnight, I stayed a bit longer since Andrew wasn’t home). I would truly give anything to go back to that day in the picture and give him a giant hug, a kiss and a cuddle, but I do love him at this age right now. From four to fourteen overnight.
Okay, as always, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Last night was the end of season cheer banquet for our high school. You guys, it has been such a sweet year for this girl. Tryouts for next season begin on Monday, so we’ve officially wrapped season #1.
For all of you mamas sending your oldest off to high school next year, let me just say, we are having the BEST time! Middle school was fun (I am excited to send Ashby next year), but high school has been just extra, extra fun for our entire family, and I am thrilled to send Smith in the fall.
If you’re nervous, I hope this is encouraging for you. Good things lay ahead. I know I’m still very, very new at this, but my suggestion would be to get your kiddos plugged into a group. From cheer to a sport, student council, theater, art, band, choir…whatever it is, plug ’em in. This whole year has been one big favorite of mine as it’s been so sweet to see how much my girl has been loving it.
Back on December 31st, I asked you what you ladies wanted from me in 2024 and some things were super clear (more Andrew, more teen content, more day in the life, more Nantucket), but other things were a little more complex…
…you guys, there was a big split between “show us more affordable options and show us more luxury”.
I read and re-read all of the comments many times (and still refer back to them almost daily!) because this community is for you, and I want you to come here and find content you enjoy. So, I’m going to *try* really hard this year to incorporate more of both even if that means stepping out of my comfort zone and trying things/sharing things I normally do not. This also means that some of it you will love and some of it will be for someone else.
Does that work for everyone?
For the most part, I’m going to just “do me” per usual, but occasionally (like today!), I’m going to step out of the box a bit.
This week, I decided to wear “more affordable” athleticwear as so many of you have requested that in the past. I might truly, truly love Vuori and Athleta, but I know they’re not in everyone’s budget, so I found a few pieces that I really bought, wore and loved to share (and the things that I didn’t love, I returned and am not sharing).
Here we go…
Well, you already know how much I love THESE SHORTS (also pictured below), but how cute are they with THIS TANK?! I bought it in florescent green (it’s neon yellow), but it comes in 17 other colors too!
I clearly love these shorts 🙂 .
On Monday, I wore this super cute athleticwear all day long and loved it…
MY TANK comes in so many different colors (mine is Green-1)…
…I love how it ties in the back. Side note, my dogs were all clearly being quite active back there!
I also loved how THE LEGGINGS had side pockets and the material was soft and buttery without being thick and hot.
I topped it with THIS CUTE JACKET (in black but it also comes in other colors!) and was good to go! For as size reference, I bought this jacket in xs.
I also grabbed this cute TOTE BAG as well! I love how it zips!! I’ve shared them before…but THESE ARE UGG DUPES!! I wear them out and about all the time!!! So cute, so many colors and a fraction of the price.
One more “dupe”…
…here I was heading to the dermatologist on Wednesday in my Free People “dupe” jacket 🙂 .
And to round out the “show us more affordable/show us more luxury conversation”, today’ I have our first “steal versus splurge”…
You guys, I have been seeing people already wearing the new Prada platform slide sandals this season, and I thought they were oh so cute! That being said, they are oh so luxury, so when I also saw these Steve Madden platform slide sandals at a fraction of the price, I bought both to do a comparison.
So fun, right?! Similar aesthetics for this spring/summer season at very different price points.
Frenchie was clearly intrigued too 🙂 .
So, which one did I love more and keep? You guys, I was so nervous. I just knew I would like the Prada ones more, but I actually really loved the Steve Madden ones the most. The Prada ones rubbed against my toes with every single step (at the edge, you’ll notice the Steve Madden ones have a leather part so the raffia isn’t rubbing against the toes). Both ran TTS (I bought my size 8 in both), but hands down, the Steve Madden ones fit me more comfortably.
If you guys like these comparisons, I’m happy to do more…but I’m not always going to like the “steal” the most. There will probably be times when I truly love the splurge, and I’m going to say so. In this instance though, the steal won. Now, I just need the weather to warm up and for me to head somewhere fun so that I can actually wear them.
This was perhaps my favorite thing on the internet this week. I do not understand you girls who vote any way other than #2! That is the only correct order 😉 . If you didn’t vote on IG, please, please share in the comment section today!
Did you check out my post yesterday? I shared my 10 WAYS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLAHS and one of them was to plan a vacation to some place warm 🙂 .
Should that be you, make sure you check out…
These are just two of the many, many promotions we have on our tropical vacations. Contact us TODAY! It’s not too late to make your Spring Break or summer vacation travel plans!
Plus…
Finally…
…ever wondered which of my many, many chili recipes were my absolute fave?
Today, I’m sharing my Top 10 Chili Recipes! From chicken to beef, stove top, slow cooker…they’re all crazy easy and super delish! You can see (in order!) my TOP 10 today!
That wraps up this week’s list of favorite things!
I hope you all have a blessed weekend! I’ll see you on Monday! xx
Emi says
2 is the only way!!! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
You are my new soul sister 😉 .
Caitlin says
I can’t believe your kids are in/entering high school because I was in high school when I first watched Sean’s bachelor season and found you… Now I have a 7 month old baby of my own! Time flies!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s happening too, too fast! Snuggle that sweet baby!
Andrea says
Definitely #2. If you don’t do outfit first then it ruins the makeup and hair by pulling shirts over your head.
Elspeth says
I love the concept of steal vs splurge! Keep them coming, plus that meme about getting ready was so accurate!
Have a great weekend!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jess says
Those Steve Madden slides are super cute! I am all about an affordable option (which I felt you already did a great job of this!) but please stay true to you! So many influencers are just out to make a buck, I’ve always felt like you’ve been true to what you wear/show. Thank you for that! I do love a good luxury piece so keep showing them! If I can’t afford I just find a dupe myself, it’s so easy! (Screenshot, search pic in Google)
Mother of a Freshman over here as well. He has been having the time of his life. So involved and is loving high school. Such a difference from when I was in HS!
Polly says
Totally agree with your comments here. Sheas blog is so refreshing because I dont feel like she are always selling us something.
Carolyn H says
I completely agree! There are 10 million influencers on Instagram sharing link after link of stuff, it’s easy to go follow them if that’s what you’re looking for. I enjoy coming here to see how you’re truly doing life. I love that you stay true to yourself and have said I’m not going to share Walmart clothing because I don’t shop for my own clothes there. I always appreciate you share your real life and purchases – high end and low end and not just random links – there’s enough of that on Instagram, you provide so much more value here and this is my favorite place on the internet. Thank you Shay for all you do here everyday – you inspire me to live a better, fuller life.
In a part 2 to things you don’t do or say no to – I’d love to see this in regards to parenting. And maybe even anything that was a no with the older kids but you’ve changed your stance on?
I did love the splurge vs save on the shoes and hearing why you chose one over the other.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this feedback. I always try really hard to make this a place for people to come and see the real me (the good, the bad and the ugly) while also balancing a bit of what they want too. I actually am going to dip my toe a bit in Walmart this year though as it was the #1 “will you please show us” retailer based on that Dec 31st data. It’s February and as you can see, I haven’t shown it yet, but that’s because I have been diligently trying to find things that maybe I’m not going out and buying for myself but if I can find some pieces that speak to me and my family and hit a price point that helps others, I will. It will not be a staple part of my blog because it’s not a staple part of my current lifestyle, but I don’t want to all together discount it if so many people requested it. I don’t know? It’s yet to be determined, but I’m going to *try* it hopefully soon.
Catherine says
I’ve never been a Walmart shopper, but I do like some of their activewear (Avia brand seamless sports bras and quarter zips) and girls swimsuits. The quality and style have pleasantly surprised me!
Mix and Match Mama says
As I dive deeper into Walmart, I would love more items, categories, brands you love!
Sandy M. says
I like the look of the Steve Madden shoe better as well.
Ashley says
Love the splurge vs steal content and honest opinion on both! Sometimes I want to save if and sometimes I don’t mind a good splurge. Thanks!
Emily says
Prepare to be stressed…Getting ready: base make up, finish blow drying hair, turn on curling iron, choose outfit from closet, turn on iron, finish half of make up, iron clothes, get dressed then curl hair and finish make up. 🙃
Mix and Match Mama says
I am exhausted by your routine 😉 .
Nicole says
Thoughts on getting ready…how is number 2 even an option??? Do you not get makeup and hair products on your clothes (especially powder)?? When out the shower, I put on my bathrobe with a hand towel on my lap. Do the bottom half of my hair, makeup, top half of my hair (no creasing from clips because it’s fresh) spray everything in place and then get dressed. This is the only way I would ever consider getting ready, so clearly all other ways are WRONG 😉!! Happy long weekend.
Mix and Match Mama says
I always get dressed first but maybe it’s because I wear a lot of pullovers? I don’t want to get makeup on my top or mess up my hair by pulling my sweater over it. I’ve never considered doing it another way, but my mind is BLOWN that so many of you girls do it differently!
Sheaffer says
Me dressed as the Christmas tree is a pic under “You’ll Also Love”. And I have to say, I do love it. 😉 Haha!
Mix and Match Mama says
That photo is EPIC! E-P-I-C
Bev says
I’m a 2 like you but have had the occasional makeup spill making me rethink that part of the process. It’s complicated! lol
Shelly says
More splurge vs steal please!! Those are the best, and I agree, sometimes you just have to splurge! 😉
Kay says
Such a fun post and I absolutely love the mix of affordable and splurge. I think you’ve always been great about providing both options so I’m excited to see more.
Okay. I’ve thought a lot about this-lol! I think part of the “getting ready” order is what type of clothes you have to wear that day! For example, if I have to wear work clothes for in person client meetings, I’m always nervous to put makeup on WITH a nice white blouse. What if I drop my mascara or my bronzer on said shirt? Then what do I wear? So, for work days, I have a different order than if I’m just wearing “house clothes.”
Also, my mascara works way better if I let my eyelashes dry for a bit? I don’t know? So I usually dry hair first so my makeup goes on easier.
I actually do feel like your order is the best way! But my eyelashes?? LOL!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love, love, love this breakdown, Kay! You are my spirit animal 😉 .
Karen McAlister says
I’m a #4 all the way. I would say it’s now because I tend to get so hot while drying my long hair but honestly, I’ve always followed the Makeup, hair, outfit routine.
Lori Whittington says
I am typically a #4 but I have been known to change it up to #1. 🙂 I actually love the look of the Steve Madden sandals better. Glad to know they are more comfy. Did you return the Prada ones?
Mix and Match Mama says
I am today!!
Kristen says
I always get dressed last! I don’t want anything to ruin my clothes. Shower then get right into bathrobe and get ready. Makeup , then hair then clothes! No other way!!!
Can we have more posts of teen clothes please!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!
Katie Stewart says
Ok a few things:
1. The photo of you showing the black jacket- favorite pic of your hair. Ever!
2. You inspired me to order Nutrafol. I’m on week 6. 🤞🏼Was there a point where you felt like “Hey, this is actually working”? I feel like *maybe* I see difference around my hairline but I’m needing some encouragement to keep going!
3. Getting ready routine: #4 all the way!
-If I’ve washed my hair, I do makeup while my hair air dries a bit. I also use this time to heat up any tools I’m using. Next, dry hair and style. Finally, get dressed. Now that being said… if I’m using some heatless rollers, I like to dry hair and style first and THEN put makeup on while rollers are in. I don’t know why. Women are such interesting creatures. 😂
Mix and Match Mama says
1: You are too sweet!!
2: I started noticing a significant difference with shedding less at the week 3 mark. By week 6, my hair just felt bouncier/shiner. I have a lot of thick hair normally, so I didn’t notice as much hair growth difference as overall texture/less shedding. How do your nails and skin look? I even thought my lashes improved on it. I’ve been using it daily now for almost a year!
3: You are CORRECT!! 😉
Katie Stewart says
Ok! I noticed more shine around the 3-4 week mark. I shed terribly and do feel like there is less of that. I have alopecia so all of my hair growth issues stem from that. 🤦🏼♀️
My face looks so supple and dewey! 😂 I’ve really noticed the difference there more than anything! My nails aren’t as great, but I have gel nails to thank for that. 👎🏼 Thank you so much for the feedback!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s truly a remarkable product. I’m so happy you’re using it too!
Lindsay says
#4 for sure! 🙂
Melissa says
So, the real question is, are you keeping both slides and if so, which do you think you’ll wear or gravitate to the most? Have a great weekend!
Mix and Match Mama says
Nope, I am returning the Prada ones!
Carol says
I’ve been looking for some new athletic wear. Thanks for sharing and making it easier to purchase. I have the green jacket and it is one of my favorites. This week’s question about order of makeup, hair, and cloths was great. I am aa 4 most of the time, and sometimes a 2, just depends on the day. Out of curiosity, what is your Mom? I missed her vote.
Would love to have more of her, your Dad, and a day in the life of Andrew. But what would be totally awesome, would be your Grandmother. Such a beautiful lady that hasn’t changed since I first started reading your blog and I’ve been reading since almost the very beginning. Thank you for sharing your grandparents with all of us here on your blog.
Mix and Match Mama says
My mom voted #4. I just don’t understand! Ha! Thank YOU for being a part of this community. I am so blessed by you. YOU are so right, I need to include more of them too! Thank you for the feedback. I’m so very grateful.
Diane Downing says
Shay, I truly enjoy reading your blog. Although I’m pretty sure I’m one of your “older” readers (I’m closer in age to your parents). I’ve enjoyed so many of your recipes, your fashion suggestions, Nantucket trips❤️, and pics of your sweet family (Andrew is very handsome 😁). I also have 4 children, and now 3 grandchildren. Thank you for sharing!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh you are so sweet! Thank YOU for being a part of this community. I’m so thankful for you!
Erin says
Steal vs splurge!! Sometimes the splurge is totally worth it, and sometimes it disappoints. Love hearing an honest take on it! Totally #4 – with a slight disclaimer, if I’m really fixing up, I’m going to touch up my hair and make up one more time after the outfit. I never feel as good in any outfit without hair and make up done tho, so I have a hard time choosing the outfit without being fixed up first. If that makes any sense 😜
Laura says
I’m a #4 for getting ready! I like to sit in my cozy Skims robe and let my body lotion sink in and do my makeup while my hair slightly air dries. Then I style my hair because using a blow dryer/heat tools invariably makes me feel sweaty. Then I get dressed. I’ve learned how to slip tops over my head without mussing my hair too much or getting makeup on my clothes. By this time my makeup has settled enough that I can see if I need to top it with a finishing powder. If I’m in a hurry, the #2 way because it at least ensures I have clothes on to leave the house, haha!
Lindi says
Fun seeing the splurge vs cheaper option. I honestly think the Steve Madden sandals look prettier. I literally cannot IMAGINE spending over $1,000 on sandals. We’re not even talking bags or boots. Sandals? NOPE. Never.
I think you have to be in a certain income bracket to even entertain splurges like this. And honestly most American women are nowhere near actually affording these items. Notice I said “afford.” You can foolishly spend money you *don’t have* on luxury items. Very few can actually afford them.
V says
Yep. Splurging on leather shoes you can have resoled and wear for years and classic handbags is one thing. Straw shoes is not a splurge item. They rarely last more than 1-2 seasons, at best.
Debbie Alsip says
#4 All the way every day. I put a clean hand towel over my face and pull on a sweater or top. Then I smooth out my hair and spray and go.
I think I would like the SM over the Prada, too. I studied the pictures before I read the post. I just like the overall look more.
Amy says
For sure its #4! My OCD self will not allow me to even try any other way! Ha!
Terry says
So, am I the only #3? Bahaha!
Amy Branderhorst says
Happy Friday!!
LOVE the splurge/steal!!!
#4 is the correct order.
I will have a senior and sophmore this fall I that kills me a little bit. Teenagers are THE BEST and I hate that high school is going faster than I even imagine.
Bailey says
What they ^^^ said! I think that a lot of influencers push “steals” or “dupes” because they can get Amazon commission. I only want the dupe if it’s actually a good dupe… so appreciate the transparency. Happy to splurge when I need to, and would love to get the steal if it’s really good quality! Love this new feature.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m glad you do! I know know how often/when I’ll do it, but it will be organic. I only want to share things I truly like.
Cher says
#1 is #1 for a reason — the best way. 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
I just lol!
Ginny Muse says
‘To each their own,’ but . . . if anyone reads this post and thinks I’m going to buy the $1150 Prada shoes instead on the $89 Steve Madden shoes, please contact me and I will gladly point you to some good charities that could greatly use the extra money you have to burn 😉🤣
And yes, high school years are so fun! We have a high school percussionist and HS cheerleader and it’s so extra fun when they’re both in action! (This might also be why I have the thoughts I do on a Prada purchase. We also have a college baseball player/pilot. I thought the diaper stage was expensive; but kid activities get more expensive!)
#4 works best for me.
Erika Slaughter says
Kensington did a GREAT job on her speech last night! I’d have needed to wear a turtleneck! Ha! I can’t believe freshman year is on the downward swing. It’s been SUCH a good one!
Gale says
Your comment makes me want to know more about the speech!
Mix and Match Mama says
She did such a great job!!!
Robbyn says
I’ve been a long time reader and love the content. What I have come to appreciate is the way you acknowledge the privilege of your income level in a way that is respectful. You don’t apologize for it and you also don’t pretend it doesn’t exist. You’re setting good boundaries around what you’re going to be sharing. It’s okay to be in a different level of income, but just don’t be ignorant about it— and you’ve nailed that, in my opinion! It’s a delicate tension and you’ve succeeded. Thank you for your blog— I look forward to reading it every morning!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for your comment and most of all, for being a long time reader. Thank you, thank you.
Jen says
I get dressed, then put a robe on while I finish my hair and makeup!
Mix and Match Mama says
What if you’re wearing a sweater, do you worry about pulling it over your hair and makeup?
Amanda says
I have never thought about the getting ready thing and wouldn’t have thought I have a strong opinion but I am a steady and true #2 and I can’t see how I would ever change that.
I also loved the steal vs. splurge! So fun!
Lizzie says
Great post, Shay! Target also has some cute raffia mules/slides/sandals at great price points–especially if it’s just a trend for this year. Keep up the good work!
Andrea says
I love the idea of steal vs splurge!
Kelly Brannan says
I’ve glanced over the other comments, and didn’t see any other #6’s, which is shocking to me! Lol. I always do my hair first, then get dressed, then do my makeup last. (Technically, I do my skin care first, THEN hair/dress/makeup). That said – “doing my hair” is blow drying it with a round brush…maybe if I used a curling iron or something, I would do it last?? I get so hot when I blow it dry that I like to wear next to nothing during that time, and my face needs several minutes to cool off after that before I’d think of doing my makeup. So funny to see how we all do things differently!
Shannon in PA says
Love that you’re going to show more affordable brands mixed in with the splurges. Would love to see some Old Navy and Target options mixed in as well, if possible 🙂
May I ask which earrings you have on in most of the clothes pictures in this post? They look like a big stud, which I’ve been on the hunt for!
Thanks, Shay!! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I love wearing a stud. It’s just simple and goes with everything, right?!
Lisa N says
#4 always! I’m way more likely to get make up/toothpaste on my clothes getting ready than I am while getting dressed. Besides it’s cumbersome working on hair while dressed, to me.
Donna Marie Winward says
Would you recommend this tote bag or another for overseas travel? I’m going on 2 week trip, 1 carry on bag, and I need a great tote! Suggestions, please!
S says
Numbers 3 or 4 are the best because I don’t like to sit/stand around with my bra on. Once my bra is on, I like to leave the house within ten minutes! This is also why I typically can’t answer the front door, lol.
Katie says
So many great finds!!! Question – do the leggings stay in place during workouts? I find sometimes with the cheaper ones they fall / move around during a workout. Thanks for doing all the legwork for us 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
For sure! These absolutely do!