Happy Friday, friends!
The kids went back to school yesterday which means that today is my first “normal” day in a long time. As much as I LOVE having my peeps with me all summer, I do love my normal routine too 🙂 .
I have a very random and eclectic mix of Favorite Things today! As always, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and wishing you the best start to your weekend. I WILL BE HERE TOMORROW, so please make sure you come on back to see me!
Here we go…
Well this girl going to middle school was certainly a favorite of mine. I blinked and we went from the first day of kindergarten to…
…middle school orientation on Tuesday. Ashby Shull has BY FAR been THE MOST READY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL of our kiddos. Kensington started middle school in 2020 (so hello, COVID, everything was bananas) and then Smith started the second year, and he thought he was ready, but I’m not sure I was convinced. Speaking of him, one of my favorite stories is that on the first day of Smith starting 6th grade, we picked up Ebby Lee and Nixon and Andrew and I dropped off all four kids. I remember calling Erika dying laughing because the two 6th grade boys JUMPED out of the car with their big backpacks on and started RUNNING towards the school. They were that eager and that excited to be in middle school that they weren’t “playing it cool” at all. Andrew and I could not stop laughing in the car at how cute they were as little 6th graders that excited to finally be in middle school.
Ashby though? She could have skipped orientation and been all set for yesterday. At one point, we walked past the principal and she said that Ashby didn’t even need me there because Ashby knew exactly where she was going and walking about 10 yards ahead of me. I’m SO excited for her!
More back to school pics and deets to come, but taking her to orientation this week was certainly a favorite of mine.
Andrew Shull points out at least 55 times a day that it’s about 30 degrees warmer here than on Nantucket. (He’s still in his post-Nantucket grieving period and the heat IS NOT HELPING!) I can’t argue with the fact that it’s flippin’ hot outside which is why I have spent the week living in athleisure…
I LOVE my new Vuori shorts! I love them so much that I’m not just wearing them around the house/for errands…
…but I’m actually getting dressed and wearing them to places where I would otherwise wear denim shorts. They are so comfy, soft and cool (which I need right now!). They come in other colors too 🙂 .
Right now, Nike is having a huge AIR MAX SALE, so I bought myself THIS PAIR and bonus, they come in 12 other colors too. Now, I personally size up a half size on Air Max, but that’s just me. I bought mine in an 8.5 instead of an 8.
I told you that I loved THIS TEE so much I bought it in a second color…
…and I did 🙂 . It’s SO SOFT and just super easy to wear. It comes in so many different colors and right now, many are on sale 🙂 .
Once again, looking back at my pics this week, I guess Charlie was a fave 🙂 .
This guy at DFW last week. I think he might have more frequent flier miles this year than me! Here he is after his…I don’t know…13th or 14th flight since April? He’s such a sweet and easy little traveler.
They do not like him at all. Clearly.
We are big fan of “fourths” in our family 🙂 .
Well, last week, “Sheaffer told me to”, so I did!
She featured THESE JEANS on her blog, and I thought they were so cute! I ordered them and they arrived next day.
They run TTS, and I bought mine in a 26. I love them!
Here’s a little random fact for you…whenever my mom or I find a new book we love (cookbook, coffee table book…not novel), we buy one and ship it to each other. I always know my mama has been thinking of me when I find an Amazon package on my front porch with a new (always happy) book. This week…
…NOT THAT FANCY by Reba McEntire arrived on my porch, and it is SO HAPPY!!!
The photos are beautiful, the recipes are simple and very “family” oriented…perfect for fall, and the anecdotes and the words of wisdom sprinkled throughout are just too good. I loved it from cover to cover.
…and finally, an updated edition of my 25 BACK TO SCHOOL BREAKFAST BITES!
Whether you have kiddos to send off to school right now or not, these are savory and sweet recipes you can make ahead and enjoy all season long…and bonus, they’re all easy too!
That wraps up this week’s batch of Friday Faves! Don’t forget, I’ll see you back here TOMORROW! Have the best day, friends! xx
Diane Moore says
Happy Friday!
Those jeans are so cute on you!
And the girls & Charlie just make me smile.
So glad day 1 was a success for you all!
Erika Slaughter says
Look how much that sweet Ashby has grown over the years! I hope she had the best first day. She’s gonna rock middle school!
Kate says
Good Morning,
Mine started middle school as well. This has been a tough transition for us. That’s awesome Ashby is ready!!!!
Question: Does Ashby attend general education or special education (for dyslexia)? I know all schools do it different. Does her IEP/504 give her more time on test, someone to ready it to her, less questions….? Any tips would be helpful.
Mix and Match Mama says
Our district has a dyslexia program that *typically* takes about three years to complete where the kiddos are pulled each day from their English classes. She graduated in May but the district still allows accommodations as needed for testing/time/etc. If you’re in a public school system, I would imagine they have the same programs!
Lyssy says
I can understand Andrew’s post Nantucket grieving period. After a week on the island NYC seemed extra smelly, hot, and crowded. So ready for fall weather!!
Katrina Goodman says
I love those Vuori shorts! I bought brown last year and wear them all the time! I need those tan ones! Hope your kiddos have a great Friday at school!
Beverly says
Wow, middle school Art teacher here. so glad we don’t go back til the 27th. Love my job, but I’m not ready for summer to end. Love your blog. you have everything under control and do it all with style and ease.
Mix and Match Mama says
I know! We go back SO EARLY! Enjoy your last few weeks!
Faith says
What a fun post! Miss first days with mine. My college daughters know to send me a FDOC picture every year!
I’ve been a little sad with them leaving. I don’t know why I don’t make sausage balls more often. But I am going to make them this weekend since it’s the last weekend all 3 girls will be home together for a while. Trying to add little things to make this time of year happier.
Love Reba so I’ll def be adding this book to my collection.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that they still send you a first day pic! I hope my kiddos do too!
Marian says
Mine knew to send me a pic from her First Day of Work when she started her first post graduation from college job last month! I LOVE that they know we love this 🥰
Faith says
That’s awesome! I will have to add that to things they need to do lol
MelanieL says
Oh my word, my mom is the biggest Reba fan, I just bought that book for her! Thank you for sharing! Have a great weekend!!
Jessica says
Did you do an XS in the Vuori shorts or smaller? I have read the villa line runs big! Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I still bought mine TTS (xs).
Debbie says
Happy Friday! I recently received the Olukai slippers. Does it rub between your toes feel uncomfortable or giving blisters? The color pink is so pretty.
Mix and Match Mama says
Not at all! I’m wearing mine right now.
Candice says
My son will be a junior this year. I cannot believe it. My daughter is starting middle school and I am very excited for her. You have inspired me with the book ideal between you and your mom. My mom wants to read the Elvis Presley book that’s coming out in October written by his daughter, Lisa Marie and granddaughter Riley, so I ordered it for her and had it shipped to her house on October 8. I told her it was part of an early Christmas present.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this!!! I’m so happy you’re doing it too. It’s such a lovely little tradition.
Taylor says
Question!! In the photo of Ashby and Madeley holding the sweet pup- what are the books in the background with travel destinations on them?!? They’re so cute!! If they’re photo books I have to know the name of them!!
Mix and Match Mama says
The brand is Assouline!
Sheaffer says
Several things:
1) ASHBY! My goodness am I proud of that girl!!!!
2) Her kn pic made me want to bawl.
3) Those jeans are SO CUTE on you!
4) Charlie is quite possibly the most adorable dog on the planet.
Emily says
Here’s a favorite for you Shay! Pandora (and Spotify) have Autumn Jazz playlists! It’s *cozy* and calming and the perfect way to ease into the fall season we’re waiting for 🎃 I’ve had mine on as house background music this week while the kids are back at school.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just looked it up, Emily! Thank YOU so so much!! Happy Friday!
Elspeth says
What a great first day!! So happy for your crew! Have a great weekend!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Colleen T says
Where are your shorts from that you are wearing with the comfortable Athleta top? I’m assuming maybe have had to long to link? They look very cute on you. Hope all your kids have an amazing year! My husband and I are going to Scotland soon and I was reading your post from when you all were there. I swear it was not that long ago but the kids have all grown so much! I cannot believe how fast time goes.
Mix and Match Mama says
In one pic, I’m wearing Vuori shorts and in another, Lululemon shorts 🙂 .
Kim Carberry says
Aww! Good luck to the kids in school. It sounds like Ashby is more than ready for middle school.
Those shorts are so cute and those Air Max’s are cheap, I am sure they cost a lot more over here.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Our students started school on Thursday, too! We get out of school the week before Memorial Day–when does your district let out for summer? I wish we didn’t start school until after Labor Day because like Texas, Alabama is soooo hot in August!! I hope your kids have a wonderful school year!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Sarah Madsen says
I just bought another pair of Air Maxes- thanks to you! I’ve been searching and needed a more “fall” pair so this sale was perfect. Ordered the green swoosh version, so I’ll report back. You probably need that color too 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
Green?! I LOVE GREEN!!