Friday Favorites-1.29.21

Friends, we made it to FRIDAY!  This week was a busy one.  You might have noticed with my lack of blog posts over the week.  😉 We had lots of new clients reach out about a Walt Disney World vacation for 2021 so I was practically glued to my computer every waking minute.  But I missed talking to clients, so it felt so good!  

I talked to many, many clients who said that they were ready for a getaway after the last year!  Pumped about helping each and everyone make magical memories!  Remember to check out the Mix and Match Travel Agency website or e-mail us here if you'd like more information mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com.

Now on to the subject at hand-FRIDAY FAVORITES with my girl, Andrea!

My FAVORITE husband brought me an afternoon coffee this week.  When we saw what they wrote on the side, we cracked up.  Tab is a tough name.  He gets it all...Tad, Todd, but we thought Tav was a first.

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Some of my FAVORITE Disney clients checked into their villa and sent me this pic with a view.  Not much beats that savanna view especially when you have an animal loving two-year-old like this family.

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Let me tell you about a new FAVORITE Instagram follow, Madeline Moves.  Madeline has a training program you can subscribe to but she also posts her daily workouts on her Instagram page.  If you're looking for something different to add to your workout regimen or just wanna change it up, I recommend giving her a follow.

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You know who's been on their, "A" game lately?  LOFT!  I've found some FAVORITE things for not only Valentine's Day but just these cold, dreary days...from left to right, pink sweater, heart sweater, heart tee.

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Do you guys remember those three weeks when I religiously juiced celery every morning?  I was buying celery in bulk, juicing daily, and cleaning up a big mess on the regular.  Needless to say that was a three week habit that ultimately did not stick even though it was supposed to make me look twenty years younger, lose weight, get taller, become wrinkle free, and the list goes on.  I don't actually think any of those things happened but what I did do was develop a taste for said celery juice.  If it wasn't so much work, I'd still juice every morning.  Instead, I've been buying these cold-pressed juices from my grocery store and drinking one each morning before my coffee.  Who EVER thought I'd be adding celery juice as a FAVORITE {NOT ME!!} but here we are.  It's 2021, anything can happen.  {Trader Joe's has a great option as well.  I just don't get there weekly.} 

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And that's a wrap of my FIVE FAVORITES on this FRIDAY!  Hope you have a great weekend!

XO

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What's Up Wednesday-1.27.21

I'm linking up today with Sheaffer and Shay for What's Up Wednesday.  

What We're Eating This Week...

After a weekend of fast food and pizza delivery, a week of real food is so refreshing!

Monday-Bang Bang Shrimp and Trader Joe's veggies

{My review of the shrimp was-we REALLY liked the Bang Bang sauce but the breading or crust of the shrimp was made with corn starch and that wasn't my favorite part.  I'm sure it would have been better if I'd pan-fried it but we air fried it to be a little healthier.  We'll definitely make it again but next time I might just add some olive oil, salt, and pepper to air fry them.  I'll skip the whole breading process.  My kids like shrimp just baked or air fried.  We'll top it with the sauce and I think it'll be just as good and easier!}

Tuesday-Grilled Chicken with veggies

Last night we had grilled chicken with veggies.  I prefer my chicken EXTRA crispy.  Tab would say that I like it almost burned and my chef delivered my requests.

Wednesday-Cod with Bayou Sauce

I've been making this fish recipe for years. It's one of our favorite ways to eat fish.  I'm looking at you, heavy cream.  ;)  It's what's for dinner tonight.

Thursday-BBQ Chicken Tacos

Yes, yes, yes!  Tacos are my FAVORITE food.  Tomorrow-I'll throw the chicken in the slow cooker and whip these up in no time.

Friday-TAKEOUT!!

Kitchen will be closed on Friday evening.

What I'm Reminiscing About...

With Spring Break around the corner, I keep reminiscing about Spring Breaks from the past.  This was us in Beaver Creek in 2019.  SO MUCH FUN!

What I'm Loving...

I'm like a broken record with this.  I know.  I know.  But I truly am loving this plan, The Bible Recap!  If you want to read more about it, you can see this post.

What We've Been Up To...

 I've been in the car a lot lately carpooling kids to and from all the places.

Nixon and Tab went on a little ski trip over the weekend.

What I'm Dreading...

I just caught a glimpse of our outdoor refrigerator...there is something that's WAY old in there.  It's on my to do list this week to clean out.  Dreading that for sure!

What I'm Working On...

I've been working on Walt Disney World vacations!  Things have been busy, busy over at The Mix and Match Travel Agency offices.  Lots of clients are reaching out to head to Walt Disney World.  If this is you, please head to the website to get more information!  We'd love to plan your family a magical vacation!

What I'm Excited About...

☝☝☝☝☝☝

All the new clients I'm talking to about upcoming Walt Disney World vacations!  I didn't realize how much I was missing this until it picked back up at the start of the year.  I've really been missing working with clients and I'm so glad it's back.  Because of that, I'm only blogging three days this week so I'll be off tomorrow and then back with Friday Favorites.

What I'm Watching/Reading...

I've been watching The Bachelor with Matt, but am a little behind this week.

And I need a great new book to start.  I took a reading hiatus that accidentally has lasted approximately nine months.  It is time to get back into reading!  Let me know if you've read something fabulous you recommend!

What I'm Listening To...

Kids playing outside...one of my FAVORITE sounds!

What I'm Wearing...

Loft has been getting all the love lately.  This sweater is one I can wear on other occasions but is perfect around Valentine's Day!

Yes-to this quilted sweatshirt! {50% off with code, HURRY}

Give me all the bright pink right now!  {on sale with code, HURRY}

And this simple heart tee {50% off with code, HURRY} was perfect under my favorite denim jacket.

What I'm Doing This Weekend...

Our school added a few at-home learning days to our spring calendar so we actually have a long weekend at home BUT one of those days will be school at home.

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month...

VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

I'm sure our class parties will look different and there will be no school dance this year, but we'll do our best to make our day feel a little extra special.  If you're a room mom and in need of some ideas, I did this post around this time last year to help us all out!

Thanks for reading today!

XO

5 Things

Hey There, Monday!

We had a great weekend in our house.  Tab was out of town and let me just say I realized he brings out the lazy in me on the weekends.  hahaha!  I had to-do lists I completed on both Saturday and Sunday.  It felt so good to get caught up on my life and to begin the week feeling accomplished.  Hope your weekend was a great one too!

I got a new graphic for these 5 Things posts...you know the posts where I share 5 Things that have been on my mind?  Sometimes they go along with what happened over the weekend and other times they're COMPLETELY RANDOM!  So brace yourselves.  😉

#1 Fast Food

When Tab is out of town one thing the kids and I are in agreement on is we should grab some fast food.  Tab's very particular about his meals so he only has a select few fast food places he likes and guess what isn't really one of them?  WHATABURGER!  After church the kids and I enjoyed drive-thru burgers yesterday.  Wanna know the best part?  The NO CLEAN UP part of the meal!  

#2 More Food Talk

Have you guys ever made Bang Bang Shrimp at home?  I stumbled upon a Pinterest recipe and am trying it tonight.  All of my kids like that spicy, sweet sauce and shrimp which means I'm expecting my dinner to be a hit.  I'm using this recipe...wish me luck!  I always stock up on Trader Joe's Argentinian Red Shrimp because it's our favorite!

#3 PJ's and Pancakes Day

Britty had PJ's and Pancakes Day on Friday at her school while I ran some errands and met some friends for lunch.  Win-win for the both of us!  

#4 All the Rage

Around our house this weekend was this Disney Princess version of Candyland.  The only negative is it's only a three player game.  If that doesn't matter in your house, it'd make a great addition to an Easter basket.

#5 Clean Car {Kind of}

One day last week I got my car detailed. It was so stinkin' clean I almost slid out of my seat.  I'm talking SQUEAKY CLEAN!  I'm not gonna mention any names but overnight and all of one day one kid left a pair of his/her stinky sports shoes inside the closed up car which left my freshly cleaned car smelling AWFUL!  WAAAAHHHH!!!  It was nice while it lasted.

I off to tackle Monday's to-dos!  Here's to making it a great one, friends!  Thanks for reading today!

XO

Friday Favorites-1.22.21

 Hey There, Friday!  Am I glad to see you!  Those short weeks get me every time.  Today, I'm teaming up with my girl, Andrea, for FRIDAY FAVORITES!  It's a little list of some FAVES from the past week.

First up are these adorable custom crayon valentines!  Aren't they CUUUTTEEE??  One of my friends from years ago, Erin, makes these in Missouri and they made the top of the FRIDAY FAVORITES charts!  She has several design options, all come with the cute crayons, and the best part-ALREADY PACKAGED!  YES!  

I'd lost my daylight by the time I snapped a picture but I wanted to share the pretty colors...all are really bold, pretty colors.  If you're looking for a new options for Valentine's Day, check her out! 

Also-if you need a little gift idea for your own children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc., Erin's shop makes personalized name crayons.  That would be super cute in for Valentine's Day or in an Easter basket.

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Two new winter Loft items I ordered arrived this week and this pink top is a new FAVORITE!  It's currently on sale for 50% off with the code, LOVE.  I'm wearing my normal size, but I definitely could have sized up-it's more of a cropped fit so one size up would have been just fine.

This top had mixed reviews, but I really liked it.  It's more of a relaxed, boxy fit so I added a front tuck and loved the look.  I paired it with black jeans and sneakers but you could dress it up with booties as well.  It's also 50% off with code, LOVE.

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Who's watching The Bachelor? 🙋🙋🙋

I have to say my FAVORITE part of this week's episode was watching this contestant {who definitely wasn't a favorite contender with her first impression object on night one}, Katie, show so much grace to Sarah.  I was appalled at how all the girls ganged up on Sarah and just KEPT GOING!!  And GOING!  It was painful to watch.  I'm hoping this part of the show just got some really bad edits and other girls were being gracious as well.  But thanks to her actions on Monday night, Katie is now a FAVORITE!  Girls being kind and encouraging each other is a FAVORITE of mine!

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WHOAAA!!!  A new FAVORITE salad dressing around our house is this Tessemae's Creamy Ranch.  I'm a dill loving girl and this dressing is full of dill flavor.  {FYI-a girlfriend told me to add lots of dill with a little lemon to salmon and bake-DELICIOUS!}  I've seen this brand and actually tried a few of the flavors...the Green Goddess {wasn't my fave} but THIS Creamy Ranch IS!

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A FAVORITE quote from the week...💗💗💗

I'm off to drop off the pancakes for PJ's and Pancakes day at Britty's preschool...any guesses on the letter of the week.  ;)  Hope you have a great weekend!

XO

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Priming Lately

Whew!  So sorry about my absence yesterday.  Mix and Match Travel Agency has been BUSY!  {I'm LOVING it-by the way, but I just ran out of time to finish this post.  You guys know I'm the WORST sleeper-basically, if I'm wake up at 3:00 a.m. or later, there's no going back.  I'm up!  But that also means at 8:50 p.m. every night I start drifting off.  #always Needless to say, I crashed and there was no finishing.

Anyone else?  Amazon just makes it way too easy.

Here's a line-up of some items that have arrived at my house lately...

Supergoop Matte Sunscreen

I'm very particular about keeping sunscreen on Britt's scar.  We ran out of what we were using so I grabbed this.  On this same topic, I ordered this scar gel about a week ago to see if it will help.  We haven't been using it long enough to notice a difference yet, but I'll keep you posted.

ESV Bible

In my post on Monday about The Bible Recap I mentioned ordering a new ESV bible.  This is the one I bought.

Mavala

I have two nail biters in my house and my 2021 plan is to STOP THAT!  I've applied this twice and I've heard, "it tastes horrible", so I'm hopeful it'll work.  It's just like a clear nail polish I paint on their nails/end of their fingers every other day.  If you've had this issue at your house, please let me know what worked!

Storage Bag

On January 1st, when everyone I knew started thinking about how they were gonna be more organized in the new year I got a recommendation for these bags.  Let's hope these three bags help me stay organized.  #hahahahaha

Christmas Tree Storage Bag

We've never used a storage bag when storing the tree, but I decided this would be the year.  

Living Proof Dry Volume Blast

Okay, this dry volume blast doubles as both a dry shampoo and a volumizing spray.  I'm a FAN!

Rush Hour Traffic Jam Game

Britt got this for Christmas, but I'd say the three other kids along with myself took this over on Christmas night.  We played through ALL THE CARDS!  I need to get someone the regular edition for Valentine's Day or an Easter basket.

Number the Stars

Ebby Lee's history class is covering World War II so her teacher recommended this book before they begin.  I remember reading this one when I was younger...so good!

Satin Pillowcase

Another item my kids are getting for Valentine's Day or Easter...this pillowcase!  We already have two in our house and it's safe to say they get fought over.

That's a little look at what's arrived on my doorstep lately.  Hope you have a great day, friends!

XO

Tuesday Talk-Hamper Help

 

TUESDAY TALK with Fancy Ashley coming in hot!  Friends, today I'm coming at you with something I really need your advice and help with. 

How do you keep up with all your kids' sports uniforms?

Is there a name for someone who gets majorly stressed over the possibility of losing a sports' jersey {or one sock, or the practice jersey, or the matching baseball pants, or basically fill in ANY sports' uniform item here}?  Because if there is, I'm self-diagnosing.  

I can wake myself up from a great slumber and instantly think-WHERE ARE BOWEN'S FLAG FOOTBALL SOCKS?  And the next thing you know I'm up, out of bed at three a.m. looking in the laundry to see where his socks are.  FYI-as I'm typing this out, I'm realizing this maybe should have been an Owning It-type of post where I shared a little of my mom crazy because I'm pretty sure this qualifies.  😂😂😂😂

What makes me feel the most confident in my ability to wash, dry, and have the uniform ready to go at the next event is having the kid bring me the uniform and I handle it all.  But that doesn't seem like the way to encourage some responsibility.

I'm gearing up for the spring sports season and will have kids in a variety of activities with practice jerseys and uniforms galore.  I need to set something in place that makes my life a little easier.

Mamas, tell me your ways!

Do you have a laundry basket or hamper that is ONLY for sports uniforms?  Is there a special, designated area where your children put these and then you wash it?  Do you ask them to just bring you the entire uniform?  What do you do?  I want to teach them responsibility and make my life a little easier in the process.  We need to set this up soon so by mid-March it's a no brainer.

I do have one big tip for you...

After multiple panicked moments of, "WHERE IS YOUR OTHER VOLLEYBALL SOCK?!?", or "WHERE IS THAT BLUE UNIFORM?!", my girlfriend, Lori, told me years ago and I've been implementing it ever since is the day before practice or a game she asks her child to go touch the entire uniform.  I made the mistake of asking, "Do you know where your baseball uniform is?" and always got the "Of course, Mom", answer, but when it came time to get ready for the game we'd be scrambling.  She would make her kids go touch it...the pants, the socks, the jersey, etc.  If they have to touch it, then there's no scrambling fifteen minutes before you're wanting to leave.  

I'd love to hear how you handle this at your house!  My three a.m. sleeping self thanks you in advance!

XO

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The Bible Recap

 How was your weekend?  My kids have the day off and WE ARE LOVING IT!  When the weather is nice out and we're at home, I feel almost guilty for being super lazy but in the winter I have no guilt.  Give me ALL THE LAZY WINTER days.  :)  My winter weekends have been so lazy that I dare you to ask me if my Christmas tree is still up.  Tab and I have had big intentions every weekend and we lose our motivation around 10:00 a.m. every Saturday.  It's happening sometime this week though.

#butwhoreallyknows

Today, I'm talking about something I'm LOVING...

The Bible Recap!

Before I start, I want to remind you I'm by no means a Bible Recap expert. For the record I've only been working through this plan for the last 17 days {because I started a day late}, but I found this plan through a friend who shared she'd been reading through it in 2020.  I'm here to pass this on to you!

The Bible Recap's plan is a chronological plan to read through the entire bible in one year.  So far it's varied from two to four chapters a day for my daily reading.  And The Bible Recap then takes those chapters that we read and breaks them down into well, for lack of a better word, a recap.  The Recap breaks it down in such a way it's super easy to understand.

You can find all the ways to get started right here on their website.

This seems like a plan you can make work for you depending on whatever amount of time you have to commit...there are groups you can be a part of to dive deeper into the daily reading, the study guide questions can be answered, and more.  Or you can read the verses and the recap in under twenty minutes.  It can be adapted for whatever type of program you're looking for.

This is what I'm doing...I read the daily chapters, then the recap in the Bible Recap book, read the study guide daily questions and answer those and then listen to the podcast.  I'm also finishing up a devotional book and will change it up a bit with whatever I do with it-simply because the exact same thing for 365 days sounds like a lot to me. 

I purchased the Bible Recap book {I found it on sale at Christianbook.com} and the Bible Recap study guide {this guide has 2-5 questions for each day}.  I got lots of questions about these.  Do you have to have them?  Absolutely not!  The book is pretty much the podcast but in written word.  The podcast might have just a little more information.  I like reading and listening but it's absolutely not necessary.  

If you have the YouVersion Bible App, you can find this plan under The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble.  Once you begin, it's easy to stay on track with this app.  I use the app, but read the verses in my bible.  I will add here-The Bible Recap uses the ESV.  

I got TONS of messages via Instagram about how many of you guys are doing this plan in 2021 {and many of you have done it before} and are LOVING it!!

Some questions I received {many of these were asked multiple times}...

*Am I using an ESV Bible? 

No, I wasn't but after two weeks of using my NIV, I decided I'd prefer to be using the same version so I ordered one and am awaiting it's arrival.  You don't have to though.

*Is the book easier to follow than the app?

No, the book is {almost} the equivalent to the podcast...it's the podcast in book form.

*How much time each day do you need?

I'd say it's really up to you!  But at the least-I'd say 15-20 minutes.  I've heard from many of you that you listen to the podcast while you're getting ready.  I like listening in the early morning with a quiet house and a cup of coffee.

*Am I using a certain system for highlighting?

No, I take little notes for myself in my bible but don't use a highlighting system.

*Do you need a certain bible for this?

No, the app {or you can even print out the plan} tells you what chapters to read each day and you read those from your own bible or directly from the app.  

*Do you think it's boring?

No, not at all.  I'm sure some books are more challenging {I'm looking at you Numbers and Leviticus}, but for now I'm reading Genesis and Job-it hasn't been boring at all.

If you listen to the podcast, be sure to check out the show notes.  On certain days, you'll find links to The Bible Project's introduction to a new book or other resources allowing us to dig deeper into certain verses.

Again, I'm no expert or Bible scholar but am a mom/wife/daughter/friend who's found a new Bible plan this year that's helping me learn so much about God's word.  2021 is going to be a great year!  I'm so excited about reading through this with many of you! 

If you have any other questions, {I think I answered most that I got through IG}, please let me know and if you've read this plan {or are reading}, let us know what you think!

Happy Monday, Everyone!

XO

Friday Favorites-1.15.21

It's FRIDAY!  Girls, I've gotta be honest...I feel like I'm behind on my life this week!  Whoever said, "The days are long but the years are short", I need to have a word with because my days have been flying by.  Or maybe I'm overestimating and underselling the amount it takes me to get things done?  haha!  Could go either way!

I'm here with Andrea to share some FRIDAY FAVORITES from my week...

First up, so many FAVORITES in this pic...this casual easy pullover, those earrings {on MAJOR sale}, house shoes, and that cutie holding onto my leg.

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FAVORITE #2...is Britty and her love for this gymnastics bar.  Santa brought this for Christmas and she's in LOVE!

You'd be amazed at how many flips she had to do in order to get that picture.  My reflexes are so slow...they all kept looking like this!  

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I've shared this chronological bible plan already this year but I've gotten tons of messages with questions about the book, the podcast, the study guide and more.  I'm by no means an expert on The Bible Recap but I'm happy to share what I've been doing.  And spoiler alert-it's a FAVORITE!  If you have any thoughts or questions, please leave a comment or message me.  My entire Monday post is all about The Bible Recap....LOVING it!  {And I got that same message from lots of you when I shared on IG!}

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Tab and my kids started watching Duck Dynasty this week and it's probably Bowen's new FAVORITE!  They all enjoy watching it and the fact that at the end of every episode the family gets together to pray before enjoying a meal makes it one of MY FAVORITES for them to watch!

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Okay, let's talk about this FAVORITE...Matt James as the Bachelor!!!  I'm LOVING Matt as the Bachelor.  What do you think?  I followed along with he, Tyler Cameron, and Hannah Brown as the "Quarantine Crew" in 2020 so I knew of him but didn't know much.  He's doing SUCH AN AMAZING job as the Bachelor!  

My FAVORITES for Matt right now are...Abigail, Bri, Lauren, Mari, and Sarah.  Who do you like for Matt?  Do you have a FAVORITE or two?  I've watched with one eye open for the last few seasons but I can already tell this is gonna be a season I'm ALL IN!

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It's short and sweet today, friends but I want to wish you a very happy weekend!  Hope it's a great one!

XO

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