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I'm Shay! Iā€™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 1st Day of Christmas: I explained a lot to you and gave away a HUGE gift card!


Are you ready for this????  Sheaffer and I have been like Santa’s little elves over the last 6 months planning the 12 Days of Christmas!  We want it to be fun!  We want it to be spectacular!  We want to share our Christmas excitement with all of YOU!  We will have giveaways, recipes, holiday ideas, traditions, and of course help you with your shopping.  It’s going to be FABULOUS!  This is us celebrating the holidays with YOU!
Let me explain what I’ll be doing…
First, I will be giving you a recipe a day for the 12 Days of Christmas.  They’ll be simple, festive, and fun recipes to make with your family, take to parties, help with your entertaining, or just to enjoy by the fire.  Simple and festive are the keys!  We will not be slaving away in the kitchen this holiday season!  We will be making quick and fun treats while enjoy Bing Crosby on Pandora and cocoa with marshmallows.  Repeat after me, I will not slave away in the kitchen this Christmas.
Second, the Shull family is FULL of Christmas traditions!  We do something “Christmasy” every night.  I will be sharing my Christmas traditions, ideas and creative ways to enjoy this season with your family (and once again, they’re simple and often free…perfect for busy families!).
Third, our Elf on the Shelf is out and about, I will be posting pictures every morning on Instagram of what Buddy (our Elf) is up to.  I’ll also be showing you on here too.  Need Elf ideas?  This mama has you covered!  Watch our Elf move about here or on Instagram @mixandmatchmama #whereourelfistoday 
Fourth, I am the entertaining queen!  I love hosting parties and having friends in my home.  But I never make it complicated!  Whether you’re just having a few friends over, your entire family or a huge party…I’m going to share daily tips, tricks and advice for pulling off a holiday party without the stress.  Don’t stress people…tis the season to be merry, right?
And finally, every day, I will share with you great deals, good finds, gift giving ideas and such.  It’s that time of year when we’re all shopping, so I’ll be sharing with you my shopping ideas, style finds and more!
But don’t worry…Fifty Two Shades of Shay and my Instagram pics of the week will still be incorporated…there is just too much fun ahead!
Plus, every day over on Sheaffer’s blog, she will be sharing her 12 Days of Christmas joy too!  Make sure you check all 3 of our blogs every day (this one, Sheaffer’s and my food blog!).  So much fun!
Let’s get started!!
First things first…
…are you flipping out?  Are you screaming?  Yes!  We’re giving away one $500 Nordstrom gift card for our 1st day!  (I hear the Hallelujah Chorus being sung right now…).  That’s how excited we are about spending the Christmas season with you…we’re giving away $500 to our favorite store!  (And…you don’t have to have Face Book to enter to win…we made it easy so that everyone can participate!)
OK…calm down (if you can).  Deep breaths.  We have so much more fun ahead…
Every day, I’ll be giving you ideas for your Elf on the Shelf…
Our elf is named Buddy and he made his annual debut on Friday morning!  This year, we decided to do a donut breakfast with Buddy’s arrival and give the kids two of their Christmas presents.  My kids can get overwhelmed with their gifts on Christmas morning, so giving them two in advance gives them extra time to enjoy those two (plus, they think it’s really neat that “Buddy” brought them gifts!).  All you need is a strand of colorful lights, some donuts, your Elf on the Shelf book and a letter from Santa explaining your Elf’s arrival.  Simple and fun!
Over the weekend, we decided to take in the activities around our town.  We live about 45 minutes from my parents but both of our towns host really fun Christmas activities and lights during the holidays.  Make it a tradition to visit your city’s Christmas festivities and lights each year!  Here we are…
The weekend after Thanksgiving, our little town square hosts such a magical Christmas celebration!  This year, they even borrowed some of Santa’s reindeer!
Carousel rides, sledding, ice skating, a petting zoo, face painting, train rides…just too much to do!
My kiddos’ favorite thing to do was the sledding!
They look forward to this every year!
My cuties šŸ™‚

Shull family tradition…always participate in your community’s Christmas activities!
And since we’re giving away a $500 gift card to Nordstrom…I thought I would remind you of my favorite Nordstrom gifting ideas.  $500 people!  This is HUGE!!!  
This is the perfect time to pick up quick gifts and stocking stuffers!  
Click here to see all of the fun stuffers under $25!
And I know I keep repeating this…but seriously, grab each lady in your life a different pattern of the same set of pajamas!  Click here for the flannel sets and here for the fleece bottoms.
And you know how much I love scarves as gifts!  The perfect gift for every age, every size, every kind of girl you know…
Blue & Navy Scarf (in 3 other colors!), Colorful Infinity Scarf (in 2 other colors), Floral Infinity Scarf (in 2 other colors)  Solid Infinity Scarf (in 13 colors!), Stripe Infinity Scarf (in 3 other colors)
Scarves are perfect for babysitters, teachers, sisters, friends, moms, daughters…every girl on your Christmas list! 
  Toms are such a fun way to give gifts!  Pick out a fun color for each girl on your list!  Plus, with Nordstrom’s great free shipping and free return policy, if the shoe doesn’t fit…she can take it back without any hassle whatsoever!
Leopard, Red, Camo, Zebra, Pink Paisely, Dark Green
Click here to see all of the Toms.
Click here to see our recipe of the day!  Today, I whipped up the cookie recipe you’ll be using all season long!  It’s simple and oh so versatile!  From start to finish, it only takes about 15 minutes to prepare and bake these little cookies.  Plus, they are so simple to mix and match!  You can actually use the same method all season but prepare a dozen or so different varieties.  Fun!!
It’s just the 1st Day of Christmas and we’re already giving away a $500 Nordstrom gift card?  Are you flipping out over the fun?  We sure are!
Merry Christmas!
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Comments

  22. Unknown says

    I would LOVE this to finish my last little bit of shopping, and then I would treat myself to some new jeans! Banks for hosting sub a fun giveaway!

  44. Alaleh Sadri says

    This is SO fun!!! Reading this post is making me late to work but I don't even care it's that exciting! šŸ˜‰

  92. Regina F. says

    Thank you so much for your daily blog. I read it first thing every morning, it always starts my day off right. I love Nordstroms!

  108. Micaela Violette says

    I'm so excited to see what you and Scheaffer have in store for the 12 days of Christmas. Kicking it off with a Nordstrom gift card give away is amazing!!!

  129. Carey says

    I love love love Nordstroms!! $500 would be amazing for my holiday shopping! Love your blog too. I will be making the cookies today =)

  134. Julie Connelly says

    I am SO, SO EXCITED about this 12 days of Christmas!!! Thank you for the awesome giveaway!!!

  155. Denyelle says

    Wow, I think my heart stopped when I saw your giveaway to NORDSTORM! Hello Nordstorm people! The best store ever, LOOOVe that place! Thanks for throwing such a great contest! I would love to win! I love your blog and pretty much stalk it! Lol! Fingers crossed!

  186. Anonymous says

    Allison(at)18stonedesign(dot)com
    Awesome giveaway! I love your recipes! They always turn out delicious.

  204. szmom says

    Holy Guacamole! This giveaway is AMAZING! Love, love, love both your and Shay's blogs. Thanks for the inspiration and the laughs!

  205. Ny says

    Omg, Omg, Omg!!!!! I am trying to breath, but i am not going to lie that might heart might been skipping a beat or two! Thanks for The giveaway

  206. szmom says

    Holy Guacamole! This giveaway is AMAZING! Love, love, love both your and Shay's blogs. Thanks for the inspiration and the laughs!

  222. Michele Curran says

    Love your blog!!! Read it first thing every morning after getting my kiddos to school!:)

  226. Heather Alley says

    Your excitement is contagious! Love your blog and all of your awesome ideas-Christmas and non-Christmas! Thank you for sharing!!

  229. beaner says

    I started following your blog about 6 months ago and I love it! I love to see your clothes selections, your decorating ideas and am very amused with the amount of bows Kensington has! I love your recipes, we have made quite a bit of them and my husband is very happy to have new suppers!
    Thanks!

  233. Michele Curran says

    Love your blog!!! Read it first thing every morning after taking my kiddos to school! Love your happy family!

  243. Cindy McF says

    Made your pecan bar recipe for Thanksgiving instead of pecan pie this year and it was a HUGE hit!! Everyone said they loved it more than pie- and that is saying a ton. Thanks again! Thx also for this awesome giveaway <3

  250. Amber Crawford Walker says

    Looking forward to reading all about Christmas on here!!! It's my favorite time of year šŸ™‚

  263. KatyA says

    I ordered two of the striped Gap sweater, including the gray/yellow one, and I love them. Even my husband complimented my look (he usually doesn't notice such things). Thanks for your help in that! šŸ™‚

  266. KatyA says

    I ordered two of the striped Gap sweater, including the gray/yellow one, and I love them. Even my husband complimented my look (he usually doesn't notice such things). Thanks for your help in that! šŸ™‚

  279. Stephanie says

    What an awesome post! I need to read it all again to make sure I got it all! Sweet giveaway. Looking forward to the rest of the 12 days of Christmas!

  324. Jules says

    How fun!!!! I was in Southlake visiting my in-laws for Thanksgiving and we went to Nordstrom one day. I was really hoping you and Shaefer would be there šŸ™‚

  344. Jillian Collura says

    I'm so excited for the 12 Days of Christmas posts. I'm not a momma yet but I'm adding all your tradition ideas to my list of future family traditions. Thank you!

  356. Chelsey P says

    I love seeing elf ideas! My cousin posted a picture on Facebook today of an idea she had gotten from Pinterest – she had lined up her sons' little green army men and had them surrounding the elf, who was taped up to the door as their "hostage." Boys šŸ˜›

  359. Melissa says

    Thanks for hosting an awesome giveaway! I'm so excited to read the 12 days of Christmas. Your recipes are always amazing and I appreciate everything you share!

  360. Tara says

    What a great giveaway, I'm a new blogger, I posted your giveaway on my blog. Would be blessed to win and share with others!

  372. Heather says

    Yayy for Christmas! What a wonderful giveaway to start off the holiday season. LOVE, love, LOVE what you ladies do!

  380. Liz/happymommy says

    You two are just so much fun! That cookie recipe looks delish and I may just have to try that and I love all the scarves you posted about….I kind of think I need one of each!

  401. Anonymous says

    I am totally addicted to Nordstrom since I started reading your blog! Would love to win!

    Monica J

  412. Suzie says

    The pictures of your kids are priceless. The traditions and memories that you are making with them are some of the best things you can give to them. Love it!!! Suzie

  423. Anonymous says

    Thanks for making this easy for those of us without Facebook šŸ™‚ The cookie recipe looks divine!
    lindsay.w.webb.rj4hATstatefarm.com

  424. Kelly S says

    $500 sounds devine!! I could take care of the rest of my gifts and maybe get something for myself. Y'all are awesome!!

  431. Kim Fleming says

    Shay, I am on here each Monday for great ideas and I thank my TX family from Frisco, Granbury and Galveston for helping me find your blog! FYI LOVE My Vigoss jeans too even though I have 4 kids I feel a little cooler in them!!

  438. Autumn says

    Amazing giveaway! Thanks for the chance! We're planning to go to our local Festival of Trees and town celebration next weekend. It's only supposed to be a high of 14 degrees, but I'm still excited! šŸ™‚

  459. Joy says

    I don't remember any of those Christmas activities when I lived in McKinney. Perhaps it is because I don't have kids. Looks like a fun family day.

  461. Tessa Hurd says

    I love your blog! So many fun and creative ideas and recipes! And of course, your kids are so adorable! šŸ™‚ I would definitely be excited to win the gift card to help spread the holiday cheer of gift giving!

  470. Malinda Hall says

    Just started following your blog last month, and I love it! You have the cutest family! Merry Christmas!

  551. Kim Kauffman says

    What a fun giveaway! I am so excited for Christmas!!! Except for the fact that we close on our new house on the 23rd and I have a five month old (and three year old). Ay yi yi!!

  567. Andrea says

    Every recipe I have made has been awesome. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of style and taste with us.

  571. Melanie Kaltakjian says

    Wow! this is so exciting! I love your blog and I am so excited for this 12 days of Christmas posts!

  573. Lauren McClain says

    I was struggling to get into the Christmas spirit, until I read this blog post!! How fun and how festive! I can't wait to see what you Ladies have in store for the season!

  577. Kari Kirkland says

    Thank you for the help! I have a party on the 21st coming up. I will love ideas. I have the Elf EMMA at our house and I will need extra ideas! Plus….I want a gift card! DUH!

  581. marilyn says

    You are so festive, and inspiring me to get my decorations in place for the holidays! This is an amazing giveaway!!! Happy Holidays!

  587. Julianne says

    Love that you and Sheaffer have been planning this since summer. You two obviously have a special friendship and that makes me happy – something we all need in life! What a blessing. Hoping to win so I can share this gift card with my BFF of nearly 40 years! šŸ™‚

  588. Stacy says

    I just love all this, such fun ideas for the family! I would love to win this gift card, it would really help us this Christmas!

  602. Lori f. says

    So many great gift ideas – please keep them coming!

    P.S. I'm wearing my new Gap shirt today!!

  624. Laurie S says

    Hi Shay!

    Love Day 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas… can't wait to see the other 11 Days.

    Laurie

  625. Suellen Long says

    This a great giveaway. I never really ordered anything or even looked at Nordstrom (online) until I started reading your blog. Now there's tons I want, but on a small budget. This giftcard would be awesome šŸ™‚
    Suellen Long

  631. kbdesign says

    The Holiday festivities in your town blow away any that are offered where I live. I grew up in New Jersey and I am still living here.

  660. Brianne Hunter says

    Thanks so much for always making your blog so fun and something I look forward to reading each day!:)
    Brianne Hunter

  679. Courtney says

    I'm so excited about the 12 days of Christams!!! I really needed something to be excited about seeing how this is the first Christmas with my brother being states away from me šŸ™ We are super close

  690. Megan D. says

    Shay-

    You guys are so awesome! My family could use this gift card for so many reasons. (as I know so many others can as well) Keeping my fingers crossed I win. Love your blog, love your family, love your heart!

  704. Chelsea Dickerson says

    What a great giveaway…and can't wait to see some of your holiday ideas as we start some of our own family traditions!

  723. Meagan Dunnam says

    Love your blog and have saved a bunch of ideas to cook for my soon to be husband, since I am an awful cook I need all the help I can get;) I am in the middle of moving from California, back to home sweet home Dallas, Texas to get married to my college sweetheart! This gift card will help my checking account out with Christmas shopping since I am already on a tight budget!:) Look forward to reading more posts this holiday season!

  726. Lizzi says

    I just love reading your blogs. Every morning I get up just a few minutes early to have my coffee and read your blogs. I would love to chance at a little extra money for this christmas season.

  732. Andrea says

    I'm SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO Excited about this!!!

    AND Actually- I'm even more excited for tips on Holiday parties that aren't stressful!!!!!!!!

  762. Nicki says

    I'm so excited for your 12 Days of Christmas!! And what an awesome giveaway… who WOULDN'T LOVE to win this one??!! šŸ™‚

  774. Judy Blevins says

    You girls are so much fun and it's wonderful how you are making memories for your kiddo's.

    A gift certificate to Nordy's would help out a lot this year! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

  778. Elvira Gratereaux says

    A Nordstrom giveaway!!! sing me in please!!! Love your blog and Imso happy to share chrismas with you girls… xoxoxo from the warm caribbean šŸ™‚

  803. Eryka says

    You've convinced me that camo goes with everything. I'm so excited to buy myself a little Christmas gift! Thanks for the great lists and ideas!

  814. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace} says

    Those cookies look to die for! Yum! And we did a donut breakfast with our Elf debut this year too! It's our first year with our daughter and we're having so much fun with him (his name is Olaf) each day!

  828. Anonymous says

    Love reading your blog every morning along w/ Sheaffer's! You ladies have some fantastic ideas! Thanks for sharing with all of us….
    Am loving this giveaway and crossing my fingers!

    Jan Fisher
    jan.fisher@comcast.net

  830. Lindsey says

    We will be close to you guys, in Prosper, TX, for Christmas this year! I think you and Sheaffer should do a blogger meet up the week of the 22nd!

  832. Teacupdogz says

    I may have already left a comment (not sure because Google gave me an error message). I'll post again.

    I just think it's great how your family gets into the holiday spirit. Your kids are going to have such great memories when they grow up. I hope I can do those things some day if I have kids.

  850. Heather says

    Am so excited about these 12 days of Christmas !! Can't wait for some more of your fabulous recipes!!!

  852. Heather says

    Am so excited about these 12 days of Christmas !! Can't wait for some more of your fabulous recipes!!!

  853. Anonymous says

    Shay, you and Shaffer are such amazing people. Your happiness and love for life and your family {and cooking and blogging} is so evident in everything you post.

    God Bless!

  876. Adventures of a New Mom says

    I love yours give aways. I have never shopped at nordstrom before until this week. Two months ago I had my first baby. I had sleep nursing bras but it was time to get a nursing bra that had more support. I went to nordstrom. They had nursing bras in a variety of sizes. So glad I went there.

  889. Margaretsgaddy says

    Thanks for all the sale info. Hope I can use the $500 to buy some or ALL of it! šŸ™‚

  926. Abby says

    Shay, your family is inspiring to me as a college student struggling to balance everything in my life. The joy you have helps me during my day and I love your blog and creative inspiration!! You are amazing! God bless your family. And yay for $500 nordstrom giftcards too! oh how wonderful that would bee too haha! Thanks for your blog!!

  928. Anonymous says

    You and Sheaffer have made me a Nordstrom addict šŸ™‚ I love how you can buy with ease knowing you can return it if you have to without any fees! Thanks for the opportunity to win this awesome prize!!!!

    Maureen
    maxbox@aol.com

  929. Abby says

    Thank you so much for your blog you are inspiring to a college student struggling to balance everything in my life. Your creativity is astounding and you are an inspiration to me as a future wife and mom! God bless your family. Looking forward to this fun holiday season!

  938. Anonymous says

    Thanks for the giveaway!!! I can think of so so many items I would want šŸ™‚ Happy Holidays šŸ™‚

    Lisa

  939. Olivia says

    I never enter giveaways, but I thought what the heck. I'm sad I missed out on the festivities in McKinney this weekend…looks fun!

  941. Terry Dennis says

    Your family is absolutely beautiful, and I wish you a beautiful, blessed Christmas! LOVE your blog. Thank you for this lovely giveaway. God Bless!

  953. Arlene Bird says

    LOVE your blog, Shay!! Thanks for all the fun posts, great clothes and I LOVE your recipes. I use them weekly and have shared with so many friends! Here's hoping I can win some cash to Nordstrom's!

  959. Tana says

    Love your blog! I am wearing the 'best ever Gap shirt' and Hue leggings (crotchal covered with a long tank) as I write this!! Thanks.

  976. Anonymous says

    I would love, love, love to win this gift card!!
    P.S. I made your Oreo Bundt cake for Thanksgiving!

  993. Amy Flemister says

    I love the family traditions. I do not have kids yet, but we already do family traditions and add to it every year. Thanks for all the great tips…

  995. Nicole Louden says

    I love that you love Christmas as much as I do!! I'm so excited to hear all of your family's traditions. Traditions are so important and fun, and I look forward to my family's every year! Happy start to the holidays!!
    Nicole @ A Peek Into New Chapters

  1001. tricia says

    love your blog. helping me cope with infertility, keeping my marriage a priority in rough times and of course fantastic makeup and fashion help! thank you Shay.

  1003. Anonymous says

    Those cookies look so zesty and tasty! Also, your chocolate peppermint coffee rocks. Love it! I ordered several scarves based on your recommendations,too. Very happy girl! Thank you!

  1009. Ashley says

    I love your blog and how much you love Christmas, Christmas is the best time of year! What a great giveaway.

  1011. Jennifer says

    Nordstrom is the perfect treat!! We don't have one locally so I didn't shop there until I read your blog. You've gotten me hooked on their scarves! Love them!

  1037. Ilene says

    I love your family's Christmas/holiday spirit! It's definitely making all the more happy about the holidays!!!!

  1039. Anonymous says

    Love your blog! Have made some of your recipes and just went traveling in my gap comfy sweater you say is the best! Couldn't agree more.

  1065. JJaz says

    Love your blog! I enjoy reading stories about your family, and favorite things. Reading Mix and match family is part of my daily routine. šŸ™‚

  1091. Jordan O'Brien says

    WOW. My life would be complete if I won. Then I could stop adding things to my online shopping cart and my closet would be happy!!! Thank you for all the work you put into the blog, you and Sheaffer are so fun!

  1104. Serena Stuart says

    So looking forward to your Christmas blog posts! Thank you for the chance to win the Nordstrom gift card!!

  1118. Amy Kirshbaum says

    I just wanted to let you know your Oreo bundt cake made a debut at my Thanksgiving celebration. It was delish and enjoyed by everyone!