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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

Christmas ·

On the 11th Day of Christmas: I started organizing with you!


On the 11th Day of Christmas, I started sharing some organization tips to help you get ready for the new year!
Beginning in January girls, we’re getting organized.  My 52 Shades of Shay posts will be about organizing your desk, your closet, your photos, your scrapbook, your calendar, your pantry…YOUR LIFE!  I may have a lot of flaws (many!) but there’s one thing I am…ORGANIZED.  And I want you to be too!
So, we’re starting today with help from my good friend Erin Condren and we’re organizing your day planner (at this point, my mother needs to really focus, the other day, I was telling her how we had 3 parties the first 5 days of January and then I asked her if she had a calendar and she said no…listen up mama!).  And this day planner business is totally a Shade of Shay (so this is a double-duty post!).
Right now, you’re either totally clueless or totally excited…it all depends on if you know who Erin Condren is…
Collage courtesy of 4 You with Love
…Erin Condren is the queen of all things organized, whimsical, practical and FUN!  I could go on and on about how much I love her stuff…but today, I’m focusing on her Life Planners.  This is mine…
…I love, love, love mine!  Every year when mine arrives, I get giddy with excitement!  Now, you know me…my year runs August to July (because that’s how my brain works…the beginning of school, will always be the beginning of the year in my head)…and the fabulous thing about Erin Condren is that you get to make your Life Planner fit your calendar year!  I picked the cover that includes photos but there are also some really pretty pre-designed covers you can chose from too.  Click here to see all of your options.
So, how is this planner a Shade of Shay?  Because my entire life is inside.  This is my right-hand man that keeps my family and me organized!  Take a peak inside…
…I had to show you blank pages in mine because I write so much personal info all over it!  I write down recipes, travel plans for clients, our personal finances, notes about what I’m going to bring to parties (food and such), reminders…everything is written in here!  I use Erin’s special markers that don’t bleed through and my book is full of color coded details (my travel clients’ info is written in orange, Mix and Match Mama stuff is in blue, birthdays are in red, etc.).  I love that it has a “keep it together” folder for all of our party invites, it comes with reminder stickers, a ruler…so much!  This little planner can totally help get your life in order this 2014.
Here are my thoughts on day planners verses planners on electronic devises…
1. I’m already on my phone way too much, I don’t need to be checking it even more often to see my schedule.
2. For some reason writing things down on paper makes me remember it more.
3. I love crossing things off in my planner once the task is accomplished…it’s a feeling of productivity.
4. I like how this planner has folders to keep things like invites and such grouped together (my phone can’t do that).
5. I can talk on my phone and go through my calendar at the same time (something Sheaffer and I do often as we’re organizing our blogs).
6. There are note pages in the back of the planner where I keep Christmas lists, party ideas, recipe ideas, banking information…seriously, my entire life.  I love having those notes and lists right next to my calendar.
Everyone is different, but for me…this day planner keeps me super organized and together.  
To celebrate this Shade of Shay and our 11th Day of Christmas, we are giving away one $200 Erin Condren gift card and one $50 Erin Condren gift card.  Woohoo!!!  It’s time to ORGANIZE!
To see everything Erin Condren, click here.   
We’ve had such a busy and full last few days!  A new Shull family tradition is participating in our church’s Christmas Journey.  Andrew has done it several years but this was mine and the kids first time.  Christmas Journey is our church’s drive-thru nativity.  It requires 1000 cast members from our church, live animals (like horses, camels, donkeys, etc), fire pits, huge sets that they start building Labor Day, very realistic costumes…it’s amazing!  We had around 15,000 cars drive through in 4 nights.  My family participated the first 2 nights and it was really special…
Cutest.shepherd boy.ever.

And then this was Smith by the end of the night.  
You’re constantly on stage (there are about 15 scenes with stages that each car drives by one at a time while listening to the Christmas message on a CD  that we’ve given them at the front gate).  At 8:20, Smith came up to me, lifted his arms and said, “I’m ready to go to sleep Mommy”.  I picked him up and he went right to sleep.  So, I acted out my scene the remaining 40 minutes with sleeping Smith.  This was us walking back to the car.

And then this is my sweet little villager.  Love my girl.
On Saturday morning, we got up and headed to the mall to meet the family!

I love how they stood there for such a long time chatting.  They’re so sweet together :).

Their favorite part of the weekend…having their balloon animals made!  They have played and played and played with these things!

My girl and me at Starbucks…the perfect way to end the day.
And now, on to our Elf Buddy…
…underwear humor is a big deal at our house.  My kids thought this was hysterical!  And it was so simple for me to do!
It’s Monday…Christmas is 9 days away!  Here are your daily deals…there is still time (especially if you’re buying something for New Years Eve!).
 This is Gap’s Deal!  Click here to shop.
Loft has 40% off all sale items!  Click here.
J Crew has 30% off site wide!  Click here.
And you still have time for free delivery at Nordstrom by Christmas Eve!  Shop their sales too by clicking here.

Happy shopping sales!

And this recipe is the perfect marriage between coffee and chocolate.  Whoopie Pies are simple to make but they look amazing…and they are always, always the first things to go when I take them to a party.  Click here to see my Chocolate Cappuccino Whoopie Pie recipe (and Meal Planning Monday is there too!!).
Happy Monday!  Tomorrow is our HUGE 12th Day of Christmas!!!  Sheaffer and I are so excited!  
And the winner of the Origami Owl giveaway is Mary Rood!  Congrats Mary!  Please email Sheaffer at pinteresttoldmeto@yahoo.com.
On the 1st Day of Christmas: I explained a lot to you and gave away a HUGE gift card!
On the 2nd Day of Christmas: I wrapped presents galore and gave away jewelry! 
On the 3rd Day of Christmas: I went for a carriage ride and spent all of my awesome Gap cash!
On the 4th Day of Christmas: I talked to you about…so many fun and festive things!
On the 5th Day of Christmas: I told you how to have your own Jammy Cocoa Christmas! 
On the 6th Day of Christmas: We had a snow day and ate lots of yummy goodies!
On the 7th Day of Christmas: I hosted a recipe exchange!
On the 8th Day of Christmas: We met Santa Claus!
On the 9th Day of Christmas: I told you how to hang those Christmas cards!
On the 10th Day of Christmas: I helped you with your men!
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Comments

  4. Kristi says

    I got my first Erin Condren Life Planner this year and I love it! My calendar year also starts in August when school starts.

  6. Andrea says

    Oh my! I have been wanting one of these planners. I sure hope I am the lucky person! Loving your 12 days of Christmas!!

  14. Melissa Chambers says

    I get giddy when my Erin Condren planner arrives! I am excited to start using my new one in January!

  17. Susan says

    This would be so amazing to win! Looking forward to your organizing posts. I need to get my house organized – so tired of my not organized house.

  28. Mary says

    I have been eyeing these for a few months now, what a great opportunity to get one! Love the teacher one for me! Love all you do for us!

  34. Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says

    LOVE the picture of those 2 at Northpark! But if we're being honest, not as much as I love Erin Condren. 🙂

  42. Julie Connelly says

    I ordered my very first planner this year…LOVE. IT. Like you, my life is in there & keeps me so organized!!! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!!!

  49. Sarah Allen Davidson says

    Love Erin Condren, lover her planners, love her stickers, love both of you ladies blogs! Thanks for making my day everyday! (And for confirming it's totally ok to be addicted to Starbucks 🙂

  50. Anonymous says

    Ah, would LOVE to win the planner! I've heard such good things about Erin Condren products but have not yet tried them out for myself!

  52. Amber says

    Ah, would LOVE to win the planner! I've heard such good things about Erin Condren products but have not yet tried them out for myself!

  55. Danielle Morman says

    I live by my planner. Without it I would be lost in this world. My planner def. holds my sanity!! It makes life so much easier.

  57. Katy says

    I've been using a life planner for 3 years now–Erin Condren is my absolute FAV!!! LOVE this giveaway:)!!

  58. Amy Flemister says

    I LOVE my planner!!! It's the best money ever spent. Do you use both the monthly planner and the weekly planner?? I want to use all parts but I don't know how to organize it using both parts…

  62. Margarita Simonetti says

    I love my planners too! I don't seem to remember to put anything in my phone anyway!

  63. rebekah f says

    great giveaway!! thanks so much for the opportunity! was wanting to order that life planner for a while now!

  66. Jessica says

    I NEED one of those planners : ) this organized momma needs more than her phone to keep this life in line!! Happy holidays!

  73. LINDSAY says

    OMG I LOVE Erin Condren!! And I totally agree- I love planners where I can write things and keep notes and lists and cross stuff off! I am just about to get my first real teaching job and am dying to get one of her teacher lesson planners, they are amazing! Love this giveaway!

  74. Terrie Mathison says

    I love my erin condrin planner. I've been using her planner for 3 years and my 2014 is on it's way! Thanks for the great giveaway and blog. Love it!

  76. kristenortendahl says

    An Erin Condren planner is on my Christmas list this year – I'd love to organize the chaos that is my life in one of these beautiful books! Merry Christmas to the Shull Family!

  77. Kristian says

    Oh my goodness! I've been dreaming of owning one of these planners since this time last year! I would love to own one AND to organize my life!! Looking forward to your next 52 Shades of Shay….yay!!

  82. Loni says

    I need to bite the bullet and finally buy one of these planners! They get such rave reviews from so many bloggers. Maybe 2014 will be the year I do it! 🙂

  83. Terri Tobias says

    I love these life planners! She also makes a teacher planner for all you teachers out there. Its great!

  85. Laura says

    Completely unrelated to this post 🙂 we are hosting a scarf exchange party as a women's gathering for our church in January! Thanks for the idea!!!!

  87. madhealthchick says

    I love that you have a giveaway for Erin Condren- her enthusiasm and creativity is inspiring!

  89. Jill Gruber says

    I have been wanting a life planner! My calendar year also starts when school starts in August.

  90. Angela Ellingson says

    I love being organized!! Makes everything better. The live nativity sounds so so amazing and yes the kids looked soooo cute!

  91. Angela Ellingson says

    I love being organized!! Makes everything better. The live nativity sounds so so amazing and yes the kids looked soooo cute!

  92. klmoore23 says

    This is right up my alley today! Sometimes I'll write down things I've already done on my 'to-do' list just so I can cross them off for a bonus feeling of accomplishment! 😉

  93. Erica S says

    I have always coveted an Erin Condren planner just couldn't ever justify the cost. They really are beautiful.

  108. Suzie says

    You know, I have gone digital on my planner and you're right, it's not the same. There is just something about having it all laid out in front of you on paper.

  116. Elaine Welte says

    Thanks so much for the giveaway! I have been drooling over Erin Condren planners for some time now!

  121. Katie Rokusek says

    Hi Shay – I've been reading for a very long time now, but have never commented! 🙂 I just clicked over to Erin Condren's website and I don't see the option for August-July calendars. There are the two options of 12 or 13 month calendars…but they begin in December or January. As a teacher, my year also goes August to July – so this feature would be SO great. HELP?! 🙂

  127. The BuckMaster says

    I heart Erin Condren life planners! I've been hooked on them the past 3 years and don't think I'll ever get anything else!

  136. Misty Flynt says

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE Erin Condren, I have had a planner from her for 2 years now and just ordered my 3rd. They are great gifts as well!

  140. Kari Kirkland says

    First time to see these and since I have a desk calendar, I am always needing to look at my TO DO when I am at home and not just at work…these will be perfect!

  145. Kim Kauffman says

    I love Erin Condren life planners! I didn't get one this year so I would love to get one 🙂

  149. Erin Stinson says

    I got my very first Erin Condren planner in July and I can't imagine my life without it! So excited for this giveaway! Thanks ladies.

  150. The Guerra Girls says

    Not only do I LOVE her planners, but her other personalized paper products are amazing!!

  151. Abbey Kruse says

    I need to get organized for the new year and I have been wanting an Erin Condren planner forever! This is just the way to do it!

  157. Ashley Ryan says

    I have been wanting to buy an Erin Condren life planner to organize my life during law school… I think you and Sheaffer just talked me into it 🙂

  159. alison says

    I *adore* my Erin Condren planner. Last year was the first year I've had one, and I'm already looking forward to cracking open 2014's! This gift certificate would come in SO handy. 🙂

  163. Emily Olson says

    I love my Franklin Covey planner for work, but usually use my phone for personal organization. I may have to try Erin out for my personal schedule!

  164. Sandy says

    I have been doing the phone calendar but I really don't love it, but it is the only thing I have with me all the time. How do you handle that? Do you always carry your planner?

  173. Karen says

    Your comment about " i may not be good at everything but you are being ORGANIZED" I am the same way!!!! I live for being organized so this contest is right up my alley

  176. Tara says

    I used to write in a planner all the time then started using my phone calendar but I dislike the new iPhone 5 updated calendar so I am ready to revert back! These are super cute!

  180. Heather Alley says

    Ahhhh!! LOVE LOVE this giveaway!! I have an EC planner and loooove it!! Best money ever spent!! Ohhhh, how I would love to win one of these prizes to go towards my next EC planner!!!

  187. Elizabeth says

    Love my EC Planner! My 2014 is supposed to arrive today and I am super excited! We also use the "Oh, What a Week!" calendar for our refrigerator—makes it easy for everyone else in our family to know what's going on!! 🙂

  188. Randy and Jenni Bryce says

    I need to get organized in 2014. I'm excited to try out something new! Thank you for the tips!

  190. Randy and Jenni Bryce says

    I need to get organized in 2014. I'm excited to try out something new! Thank you for the tips!

  191. Hillary Kinzel says

    I love to organize and be organized but have struggled with it since having kids. I would love a gift card for all things Erin Condren.

  192. Anonymous says

    I have an Erin Condren Life Planner on my Christmas list!
    Sarah Chandler (sarahrchandler@gmail.com)

  199. Christal Kapteyn says

    I would love one of these planners! I am definitely a "cross off items on your list" type of person! Love your blog and this 12 days of Christmas giveaway!

  202. Amber says

    This will be my 3rd year using the Life Planner and I love it! I keep an electronic calendar too so that my hubby can coordinate with me, but I still need my written planner too for lists, notes, etc! And checking things off! 😉

  207. Karen Hendley says

    I have enjoyed all of your holiday treats – I'm making your Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with peppermint frosting today for my kids school – yum!

  208. Karen Hendley says

    I have enjoyed all of your holiday treats – I'm making your Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with peppermint frosting today for my kids school – yum!

  216. jim and lindsey says

    I am dying for this giveaway. Our little family has so much going on that a life planner would change the way I organize our stuff! Thanks!

  218. Begina says

    I love Erin Condren and would love to win this giveaway!! I can't wait for your organizing tips to start! I need more organization in my life!

  219. Deana says

    LOVE my Life Planner!! Mine runs out in December so I would love to win a new one for 2014!! This will be a special year for us since we are expecting baby #1 in May!!

  224. Suzee says

    We went to the Christmas Journey last night for the first time. How did I not know this was here?!?! I was so in awe of the sets, participants, and the story….love. My favorite scenes were the opened door at the tomb, and the Town of Bethlehem. And the Trial with Pilate. An hour in the carline was soooo worth it. Such a true labor of love.

  225. Anonymous says

    Hi Shay! I love Erin Condren planners too! I used one in 2012 and then decided to go electronic in 2013. It wasn't for me and I ended up ordering anothe Erin Condren planner over the summer! Looking forward to your organizing posts in 2014! Have a Merry Christmas.
    Cathy F

  228. Katie @ Team Skelley says

    I introduced my office to Erin Condren's life planners and now everyone has them! LOVE.

  232. Anonymous says

    I love the fonts and colors of Erin's planners. How can you not be inspired to achieve maximum organization with such an adorable and handy planner?!?
    J Mo in Michigan

  234. Nicole says

    I love being organized and these planners look amazing! So excited to look through Erin Condren's website! So many fun things!

  235. Nicole says

    I love being organized! These life planners look amazing! I can't wait to check out Erin Condren's website for more fun items.

  237. Jami says

    This may be the most excited I've been about a giveaway. Someone from my Bible Study has one of those, I can never justify the cost though. I am an awe of them!

  238. Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says

    That planner looks fabulous! I need something like b/c my yellow pad is so lame!!!

  248. Olivia says

    I LOVE Erin Condren! The best part is the quotes throughout and colorful fun design…makes organizing fun! I never win anything, but I'll try anyway 🙂 We missed the Christmas Journey this year, but plan to do it next year when my son is 3. I heard it was great!

  249. Brittany Lampe says

    You and your family are so cute! I'm so impressed with all you do and how happy you all seem. You are such an inspiration!

  254. Dawn says

    I LOVE a planner-there's just something about writing things down to me. I have had a planner since middle school…and let's just say that's been a few years ago! 🙂 I keep mine and love looking back at what I did, etc. I am SO looking forward to your organizational posts…while I'm organized in some aspects, there are others in my house that are in need of a FULL ON organization makeover!! 🙂

  255. Christine Tignanelli says

    I have been wanting a life planner for a while now. I hope I win so I can get myself organized!

  260. Meagan Dunnam says

    Such fun family traditions! Love seeing all the Elf on the Shelf ideas. That planner is so adorable..would definitely make a great Christmas/birthday present!

  264. Abby says

    You make the holidays extra special for your family! Your creativity inspires me, wow it's incredible! you make me excited to have a family. Cannot wait to see all the organization posts in January! Seriously exactly what I need. 🙂

  271. Aleessa Epstein says

    Wow I need to buy one of those planners, they look fabulous! Thanks for introducing us to Erin Condren!

  273. Sarah says

    I LOVE Erin Condren!!!! I have the exact same planner you do, and it's so awesome. I would love to get the pens and some of her other fun accessories.

  274. Jess says

    That planner looks amazing! As a teacher, I'm sure it would be helpful. Also, your kiddies look ADORABLE in their costumes (though, they always look adorable…)

  280. mcoop1125 says

    I would love to organize with Erin Condren! I've never had one of her planners but would love to start!

  283. Lynette says

    I love being organized! My parents say that when I was a child that I could walk into my bedroom and I'd even know if a pencil was moved!!

  289. Ashley Farish says

    absolutely LOVE my life planner!!!! love your blog and your foodie blog. and love all your giveaways. I love that you and Sheaffer are besties. I pretty much just love everything about y'all! 🙂

  290. Laura M says

    I have yet to get anything 'EC' but absolutely **love** her stuff! Wish I would have stumbled onto your blog earlier ~love it!

  292. Nicki says

    I have been wanting to buy one of these planners for the past three years! Would be so awesome to win a giveaway for her planners! 🙂

  299. Sally Lillich says

    I bought an Erin Condren planner after seeing it on your blog, and I love it! I get compliments on it everywhere I go.

  303. Jill says

    I've been debating about getting one of Erin Condren's planners. This might help me bite the bullet!

  304. Jill says

    I've been debating about getting one of Erin Condren's planners. This might help me bite the bullet!

  306. Raelynn says

    I love Erin Condren planners and have been using them for the last 3 years! I'm so glad you're an EC too!

  309. Nina says

    I love being organized and would really enjoy one of these planners. I am planning to buy one for the new year. Nina Cox

  310. Danielle says

    Would love one of her planners. I need one for 2014. I like the idea of converting to August thru July now that our oldest child is in school.

  312. Leah McPeak says

    I love Erin Condren! I ordered the life planner after reading about it your blog a while ago. Got my Christmas cards from there too. They are awesome!

  313. Aaron and Shannon says

    I was just introduced to her stuff last week and was on her website today! I would LOVE to have some of her stuff!!

  314. Miss J says

    Ahh! These planners are perfection! And they have to be better than the boring old one I buy at CVS every year, including the 2011 one a few years ago that was missing the pages for an entire week in February!

  315. Angela Thayer says

    Oh how I love Erin Condren! I have the same planner as you…and just ordered mine for 2014! Love love love it!

  320. Rae Nolt says

    Planners are my love language. And
    I just got mine today!!! I was so happy!!! I love all things Erin. Loved this post.

  321. Michelle Willauer says

    Love Erin Condren! I traveled for Thanksgiving and accidentally left my Life Planner two states away…it was terrible! My husband (who never wants to spend ANY money) told me to go ahead and order a new one because my life was obviously wrapped up in my planner 🙂

  323. Trisha Nordstrom says

    My friend told me about Erin Condren a couple years ago and I've been hooked ever since. Would love to win!

  325. Anonymous says

    I need major help with organization in my life. One of these planners would be perfect!
    Emily Johnson

  328. Jen V. says

    I want one of these planners…just not sure how I would choose which one to get, they are all so cute!

  331. Chelsea Schartz says

    I LOVE planners more than Nordstrom!!!!! I'm serious I would absolutely die to have one of Erin Condren's Planners!!!!!

  332. Shoshanah says

    I just order my first Erin Condren planner for next year. I love it and am so excited to officially start using it!

  333. Chelsea Schartz says

    I LOVE planners almost more than Nordstrom!!!!! I would die to have one of Erin Condren's life planners!!!!

  334. Chelsea Schartz says

    I LOVE planners almost more than Nordstrom!!!!! I would die to have one of Erin Condren's life planners!!!!

  336. Hannah Gist says

    I love having my life organized and as a teacher, my year starts in August too! Thanks for sharing!

  339. Heather says

    One of these planners has been on my wish list for a few years – every since I saw them on Kelly's Korner. So beautiful and so functional!

  344. WotAGal says

    Such a sweet family tradition! I have great memories of acting out the nativity at church! ~Alex

  352. Whitney says

    I'm a first grade teacher & would LOVE to have a teacher planner! They look so cute! Will def have to get one of those! 🙂

  355. Katie says

    I loved your 12 days of Christmas with Schaeffer! Your giveaways are amazing! Thank you for sharing a littlepiece of your world with us everyday! Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🙂

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