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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

Fashion, Shay's Closet, What's Up Wednesday ·

What’s Up Wednesday {May 2024}


What's Up Wednesday Graphic

Happy What’s Up Wednesday!

It’s hard to believe that one of my favorite months is coming to an end.  It was a great May 🙂 .

I know we’re only about five days into summer over here, but I’m already panicked that we won’t get “all the things in”.  I do this.  I really, really like “life” and each season brings its own amazing and special “things” and well, I always get super excited and a wee bit high strung about making sure I experience and savor each of them.  Needless to say, right now, I’m just a ball of summer energy (all the coffee is probably not helping me ‘calm down’).

Okay, as always, on the last Wednesday of every month, Sheaffer and I host this little linky party where we share what’s going on with us right now.  It’s a little food, a little family, a little what we’re wearing, a little what we’re doing, a little what we’re watching and a little bit of everything else all in one post.

Here we go…

Since we arrived on Memorial Day weekend, the first few days felt very much like “vacation mode” here (Tuesday felt more ‘normal’ life).  Here are some pics of the yummy food we’ve been enjoying…

Dinner #1 at the Sea Grille.  That baked cod is my fave.

Dinner #2 at Bar Yoshi.  We are sushi people over here!

Memorial Day snacks at Cisco Brewery followed by…

…we grilled out that night and made a surf and turf.  This was our first time to bring home live lobsters and you know what, it wasn’t hard!  I mean, Andrew did all the work, but he made it look easy 😉 .  We had my PEACH CAPRESE SALAD to go with it but used fresh figs instead of peaches (delish!) as well as air fryer asparagus.

On Tuesday morning, Smith and I went to The Hub for our weekly breakfast.  We hadn’t done this together since August 1st (he reminded me that I teared up at the last one knowing it was ‘the last one’ of the season).  Biking to breakfast and spending one on one time with my 14 year old kiddo is just about my favorite thing in life.  I will break that fast early every day to spend time with my boy.

Don’t forget, I have an entire post on NANTUCKET RESTAURANTS that you can see where I divide them out by “type”/location/time of day/etc. It’s your one stop guide for my current restaurant recs here.

Today, I’m also sharing…

…my STRAWBERRY BANANA BLENDER MUFFINS.   They’re super simple to make, very delicious, and can be tweaked to be g-free.  Anyone else just love the combo of strawberry and banana?!

All the memories from last summer are certainly resurfacing right now…

…it was such a special time for our family, and I’m thankful we get to make a whole new crop of memories this year too.

During the off season, we refreshed our yard and fixed it up a bit.  I am LOVING the improvements!

I did an entire post on our YARD & OUTDOOR SHOWER last July that you can see for more specifics and details.

Here are some current pics…

We painted the house and replaced the exterior shingles which is why it’s now “blonde” instead of…

…grey.  The blonde will naturally fade and turn into this gray over time (probably about two years).

Over the winter, we added gutters and underground water wells, painted the shed, replaced all of the exterior lighting (including handmade lanterns), added more cameras, sod and made…

…an actual path leading down the side of our house.

We added gravel to the bike area.  This was the “before”…

…much better now!

We expanded and used new stone for our patio.  Here is the “before”…

…and now, here is the after…

…it’s much bigger and makes me super happy!

We have two chairs and a little table coming to put on this end here for a little sitting area/place to watch our outdoor TV.

We changed out our flowerbeds against the house.  Here is the “before”…

…and now, here is the “after”…

We just cleaned them up a bit.

It won’t be long before our hydrangeas bloom too.  I am very excited to see them pop up this summer!

I hit the ground running on Saturday evening.  Andrew came up to Nantucket on Friday to plant flowers/work on the yard, but Smith, Ashby, Mades and I came on Saturday.  We landed and within an hour I was at our neighborhood Memorial Day party at the pool.  It was SO lovely!  It was 5:00 to 7:00, but I could have stayed all night.  I really enjoyed getting to know some of my neighbors better and getting to meet new ones.  I also loved that as soon as we pulled into the neighborhood, there were about 15 of my little girls’ friends outside playing and then Smith was off in a flash to fish.  Everyone just immediately jumped right back into things.

This guy is the only one here with us right now.  The other three and Kensington will join us soon 🙂 .

Speaking of jumping into things we love, I’m back biking everywhere, and it makes me so happy.  I really, really, really love being outside.

Memorial Day weekend is also the Figawi Sailboat Race from Hyannis to Nantucket.  I’ve never seen so many sailboats in one place…

…someone who works at the boat basin told me that there were about 200 of them.  It was pretty incredible to see the harbor filled with sailboats instead of motorboats.

Charlie has clearly settled in nicely.

He agreed to a pic 🙂 .  Geez, I love this kid.   He had to be here on Memorial Day weekend because he started not one but two jobs.  He is LOVING it!  He’s only 14 but both jobs walked us through the process this spring with the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards so that he could be employed.  I’m not going to say where he is or what he’s doing (again because he’s only 14 so I don’t necessarily want strangers knowing where he is), but he’s doing things he really loves which makes me happy.

Memorial Day with these two 🙂 .

We stopped for lunch at Yummy…she thinks she’s his mini me…and he eats that up!

We’re just over here always wanting to go outside and play 🙂 .

I haven’t had to use them yet, but I’m on enough boats and small planes these days that my new go-to “snack” are these Dramamine Chews.  I ordered them from Walmart in case you want to try them too!

Alllllllllll the summer fun!!

I’m currently reading our JUNE BOOK CLUB PICK!  We would LOVE to have you join our Book Club discussion of THE PARIS NOVEL next month!  All you have to do is read it, and then visit our discussion blog post on June 22nd.

My full MAY BOOK REVIEW will be out soon, and friends, thanks to about one billion hours on board a plane this month and a bunch of days sitting on the beach…I have a big batch of books to discuss!

I am legit listening to French music AND Charlie snoring.  Andrew and the littles went to run a few errands and Smith is at work, so it’s just him and me…and he’s snoring up a storm.  His little puppy snores are the SWEETEST!

Right now, LAYERS!  I went from 97 degrees to 63 degrees, so layers are currently on the menu.  I shared this last month and you guys liked it, so I thought I’d share it in May too.

Here were your TOP 10 FAVORITE FINDS THIS MONTH ON MY BLOG:

I cannot rave about THIS HAT enough!  I’ve now packed it away in my suitcase for two different vacations, and it pops out perfect.  I LOVE that it comes in size options because…I have a huge head and can’t wear a “standard” hat.  Love.

New PJS are always a good idea!

I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again…I NEVER wear THIS TOP without getting compliments.  It’s guaranteed.

THESE SANDALS are so cute, so comfy and only $25!

I am not surprised at all that my TENNIS SKIRT is still a favorite this season too.  I can’t quit ’em!

THESE SHORTS come in so many different colors, are lined and have pockets.  I wear them on repeat.

My UBER CUTE WEDGES took the #4 spot this month!

I cannot get over the quality of THESE SANDALS!!  I have found myself wearing them on repeat and still cannot believe they’re only $25!  They feel much more than that when I slip them on.

Yesssss!  I love THIS TOP too!  It comes in many different colors (I bought it in navy).  Look at the texture…

Well, I certainly love THIS DRESS too!  It comes in other colors as well (including white!).  I bought it in a size “regular” XS.

Kensington is at cheer camp, and I am very excited to see my girl this weekend when it’s over!

You guys, this girl right here…

…is turning TWELVE!

Agh, my heart.

We are so excited to celebrate our girl next month.

Okay, that wraps up this edition of What’s Up Wednesday!  Can you believe May is coming to an end?  I just love this month so much.  I hope you’ve had a wonderful May!  Don’t forget, if you blogged WUW with us, make sure you link up below.

Have the BEST day, friends! xx

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Comments

  2. Beth Knecht says

    I love how cozy, quaint and fresh Nantucket seems! I should add it to my Bucket List! Have a great day!

  3. Erika Slaughter says

    Your patio looks great!! You guys will love that bigger space and use it all the time!

  5. Kristen says

    Have a great time in Nantucket! Are you there all summer or just for June right now?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We are kind of back and forth this summer to accommodate everyone’s schedules, so a little here and a little there.

  6. Katie B says

    Have you tried Motion Eaze for your motion sickness? It helps me a ton when I am on smaller boats.

  8. Michelle says

    Thank you so much for sharing your Nantucket restaurant guide. I went for the first time for Daffy weekend (and yes, I live in MA) and we used your guide. My mom grew up spending her summers as a kid in Nantucket, so she was aware of the Brotherhood, but it was nice to have your guide for other restaurants. I love that you are loving it. I can see how easy it can be to become an islander.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Awwwww! I love that you were here too!! Thank you for letting me know the guide was helpful. I’ll add/update it as needed.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Restoration Hardware! I have it in McKinney as well. It’s really sturdy (considering it’s glass).

  11. Karah Stracener says

    I love reading about your Nantucket summers. I visited for the first time last year and it was just as dreamy as you have made it out to be. I plan on returning this summer with my family. I agree with you about summer time and feeling like you can’t get it all in. Summer is my favorite time of year. I love all the family time I get without so many obligations. Enjoy friend!!

  12. Lora LaRosa says

    I love your posts about Nantucket. Can you give details on your shirt you have on in your reel today? It is a long sleeved button down striped shirt.

  15. Rachel says

    Good grief, Smith has grown! It’s crazy when our baby boys get taller than us…and then just keep going! And, Madeley looks so Nantucket in that striped top!

  16. Elizabeth says

    I used Tummy Drops lozenges (Ginger Peach flavor) along with Non-drowsy Dramamine with Ginger to get me through a recent cruise, along with the bus, van and helicopter excursions. I found that they did help settle my stomach when the Dramamine just wasn’t cutting it.

  17. Sandi Kellman says

    I’m so glad you got away. I saw Schawn posted the other day that you had a terrible storm. Not sure how close that is to your home hoping everything is OK. Enjoy your summer and your beautiful children and husband.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      The weather has been so stormy and terrible rainy in the DFW area this spring. Our town faired pretty well, but I know others lost power and had severe wind and even a tornado or two. Terrible spring weather.

  18. Grace says

    Shay, I was reading your blog, and the first paragraph just set the tone for the day for me. I guess this is one of the reasons why I love your blog. It is this honest and sincere energy that you bring. I read this paragraph this afternoon and was like okay, I need to remember my why this summer. Thank you for sharing this wonderful energy! Hope you are enjoying Nantucket and am looking forward to what this summer brings 🙂 Cheers!

    ” I really, really like “life” and each season brings its own amazing and special “things” and well, I always get super excited and a wee bit high strung about making sure I experience and savor each of them”.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh Grace, thank YOU for the kind words. It’s just such a blessing that we get to wake up every day and live. xx

  19. Kim moore says

    Going to cape cod for the first time for 5 days this summer mid july and will be going to nantucket for the day. Any tips/suggestions for us? We will just he taking the ferry over and walking around. Thanks!

  20. Lori T. says

    Love the outdoor patio area, it looks beautiful!😍
    Thanks for sharing. Enjoy Nantucket! It is on my bucket list for sure!⛵️⚓️🐚🌊☀️

  21. Arika says

    I noticed your nails are done – did you find a place on the island this summer, or will you let them grow natural again?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I will let them go natural again. I decided last summer that the break was nice. I didn’t have to think about going/take time away from work/etc.

  24. Marla says

    Oh Shay!! I feel the same joy from you as I did last summer, which in turn, makes me feel joyful. You always exude happiness and gratitude but there is something different with your Nantucket posts. Thank you for sharing….what a blessing .

  25. Kacy M says

    Visited Boston and Fenway for the first time during Memorial Day weekend and thought of you! Can’t wait to read all about your Nantucket summer this year. Cheers!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We have a combination that includes a private security service as well as SimpliSafe!

  27. Lisa K. says

    I smiled so big at the pics of sweet Charlie! Anyone else get that way over dogs they’ve never met? Just me? 😂

  28. Gigi says

    Absolutely love hearing about Nantucket and all the improvements at the house! Can you tell us where you got your couch? I love it!

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