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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

Giveaways, Shay ·

#shayeveryday2014 Week 37


Well, this was certainly a BIG week in the Shull house!  With Kensington’s birthday, we celebrated all week long.  Such special memories for my little family.  (And make sure you read the entire post!  There is a giveaway at the end!!)
Day 253: This was the last hot day of the year (at least that was predicted…let’s hope it’s true!), so Erika and I took the boys swimming.  I love this little guy so much!

Day 254: September 11th

Day 255: I don’t take it for granted that Kensington had all four grandparents at her school on Grandparents Day.  She is one blessed little girl.

Day 256: Kensington’s British Bash!!  We had so much fun at her sixth birthday party!

Day 257: Her last day as a five year old. 🙂

Day 258: Happy birthday Kensington!  My sweet baby girl turned SIX on this day!
On her special day, Andrew, Smith and I ate lunch with her at school, Andrew was the “volunteer dad” of the day and read books to her class along with doing some other volunteer work, and then right after school, we hosted 7 of her friends for a little swimming/cupcake party.  After her friends left at five, we took showers and ate pizza.  It the perfect day :). 
Lunch at school with my girl 🙂

Blowing out her birthday candle with friends at her pool party!

My friend Emily made her another batch of Sugar Cookie topped Cupcakes :). 

When I went to kiss her goodnight, she and puppy had their eye masks on…I laughed out loud!  She slept like this all night long.

And the next night too :).

Day 259: Mama’s boy.  I just love him to pieces.
You can keep up with me every day in 2014 on Instagram @mixandmatchmama or find me here too…
Find me on Twitter here.
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Yesterday, Stella & Dot launched two new bracelets that support Breast Cancer Awareness…

…100% of the net proceeds of the Strength and Inspire bracelets go to the Noreen Fraser Foundation (a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for women’s cancer research and creating awareness for the importance of early detection).

And if you shop my trunk show, you are eligible for this great deal too…

Today, I’m giving away both bracelets to one lucky winner!  Just enter the Rafflecopter below!

And on the foodie blog…

…my Sausage and Potato Chowder!

So yummy and simple too!

Happy Thursday!

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Comments

  3. Alaleh Sadri says

    One day when I have kids I'm totally coming to your blog for bday party ideas 😉 so creative! Those bracelets are so cute and love that they're for a great cause too!

  8. Meghan Bird says

    I love the birthday party you threw for Kensington!!! I am getting great ideas for my future kids one day! 🙂

  10. Brooke says

    Love the elephant bracelet! xoxo

    And Kensington is quite possibly the most beautiful little girl ever! I'm so glad she had a great birthday week!

  12. Bookworm's Shelf says

    I love the bracelets!!! Such a great cause too! Also, Kensington poses so sweetly in her photos, like a little lady 🙂 Happy birthday,

  15. Erica Gammon says

    Hi Shay!! I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog every morning and whippin' up some of your yummy recipes! They are a hit in our house. Thanks for the giveaway!

  29. Anonymous says

    It is so sweet how your family celebrated Kensington's birthday! She must feel so special; I love all these ideas for when I have kids one day (hopefully!)

  36. Jenna S says

    Looks like a fantastic week! We have a similar programs at our school called "Watch DOGS" (Dads Of Great Students)! It's great to see men (dads, uncles, grandpas) helping out at the school!

  41. Jennifer Haag says

    Love the new bracelets by Stella and Dot!!! Your party for Miss K was so cute! Love the cupcakes 🙂

  43. Anonymous says

    You're attention to details in your family birthday party had me looking forward to Kensington's "friends" party. I would love to see the specifics of her friends party. Did you keep the British decor up? What goodies did you serve? What favors did you give the little girls? I love your ideas 🙂

  51. tpatters5 says

    Such a sweet collection of pictures. The parties all looked fabulous. The picture of K with her grandparents is priceless. So many good looking people in one picture. :). Great giveaway for an even better cause.

  52. Danielle says

    Love sweet Kensington's birthday party theme. I also need some of those bracelets to go along with my Alex and Ani collection!

  53. Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says

    Happy Happy Birthday K! Her in that sleep mask slays me. And that picture of you and Smith? SO CUTE! I hope you took a full outfit pic of yourself that day! You looked great in your buffalo plaid shirt and leopard belt!!!!

  54. Kimberly says

    Looks like a wonderful week! I love those bracelets and like them even more since they are for a great cause!

  58. Dana says

    Those cupcakes for Kensington's party with friends are so cute!! Love your blog and I'm a newbie to Stella & Dot! Love their jewelry!

  66. Molly M says

    Such cute bracelets! Love keepin' up with your family. You're one fun and creative mama. And i'm sure your kiddos love you for that.

  72. Lauren says

    Those cupcakes are adorable! What fun to have a friend that can make those for your parties! Wish mine looked that good 🙂

  74. Jamie Steigerwalt says

    Love reading your blog and seeing your beautiful pictures. Happy birthday to sweet K! Love those bracelets!

  76. Jamie Steigerwalt says

    Love reading your blog and seeing your beautiful pictures! Happy birthday to sweet K! Love those bracelets!

  78. Ashleigh K says

    Love looking at pics of your cute little family! You throw the cutest parties! I would love to win this give-away! I do not own one piece of Stella and Dot! Crazy I know! These pieces are so cute!

  82. Kait Oglesby says

    I love those bracelets! I also loved the signs you posted with all the kids' names! I hope you will be getting to go get her soon!

  83. mailynmykelle says

    Happy Birthday to Kensington!!! I always support breast cancer awareness. My mom has been in remission for 15 years. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 34. I thank God for her.

  90. Stefani says

    Happy Birthday to such a sweet little girl! I still can't get over how amazing those birthday signs are!

  93. shesneverfull says

    I would love to have the elephant bracelet! I always buy all things elephant (it's a "theme" for my 4-year-old son) and would rock this bracelet!

  100. Megan Burchett says

    The Lord hasn't blessed us with children yet, so I live vicariously through your blog lol 😉 But seriously I keep making a mental list of ways to show my ( future ) children know how much i love them. You are a great mom!

  111. Shesabigstar says

    My daughter sleeps with her eye mask on too… cutest thing ever, right?! Looks like K had a pretty perfect birthday week! 🙂

  112. Lizmarie Steel says

    I absolutely love the strength bracelet! Not only is it for a beautiful cause, but it reminds me of the beautiful elephants we hung out with on our recent honeymoon in Africa! I wanted to buy it regardless but it is already sold out on the link 🙁

  116. Kim Fleming says

    What a wonderful and BEAUTIFUL support for women like my mother who have survived, and continue to fight cancer!! Thank you.

  124. Katie Oman says

    Looks like a great birthday week for Kensington!! I need to try some of those sugar cookie topped cupcakes!!!

  125. Brooke says

    Kensington looks so sweet! Happy birthday to her! And you officially have me hooked to yet another jewelry brand.. sigh.. I'll be buying those bracelets whether I win them or not!

  131. This Gingers Journey says

    Your kiddos are too cute!!! Love all the birthday festivities 🙂
    I saw those bracelets last night and they are amazing with a great cause too! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

  134. Christine says

    Hi! Happy Birthday Kensington! And as much as I'm ready for all things fall, I will miss going to the pool with the kids. We had some really great family times at our neighborhood pool this year. 🙂

  137. Angela Pino says

    I discovered your blog through watching Sean on The Bachelor and I absolutely love it! You have such great ideas and your family is just beautiful! 🙂

  138. Angela Pino says

    I discovered your blog through watching Sean on The Bachelor and I absolutely love it! You have such great ideas and your family is just beautiful! 🙂

  162. Ronda Petrin says

    I am a Breast Cancer Survivor so these are so dear to me. I love that S & D are helping the cause!

  164. Ronda Petrin says

    I am a breast cancer survivor of almost a year. Still involved in this crazy fight!

    I am so happy to see that S & D is involved in the fight!

  171. Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says

    Kensington is absolutely precious! Love her birthday smiles! And her British birthday party! Adorable!

  172. Kristin Kunz says

    Happy birthday Kensington!

    I just placed my first Stella & Dot order through your trunk show, and am looking so forward to ordering more pieces!

  174. Candice Ibarra says

    Happy birthday sweet Kensington!! Thanks for the giveaway Shay!

    And your Dad is the absolute best. How cute is he for getting so into the theme with his outfit?? K will always remember that!

  177. Tatia Huipe says

    Always enjoy reading about your cute little family. Love how your husband also took time off from work to spend it with the birthday girl. My husband does the same every year as well. Such a special tradition.

  182. Lisa Barker says

    I love how family oriented you guys are. You show so much love to your kids. They have to always feel so loved!!

  183. Nicole says

    Kensington's birthday looked amazing!! I'm not a Mama yet, but if I ever become blessed I hope to be as good as one as you!

  189. Christine says

    You have NO idea how much I would love to win this bracelet set! I worked in the oncology industry prior to becoming a SAHM 7 years ago. My best friend, better known as my sweet momma, is a 2 year breast cancer survivor and several of my very dear, close friends are within their 1st year out of their journey with breast cancer. I have such a heart for those affected by cancer and will unequivocally return to oncology when I return to the work force!
    christine.hicks5@gmail.com

  190. Jessica Stroud says

    Love reading your blog and Stella and Dot jewels! My grandmother was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer this year and is having surgery next week. These bracelets would be perfect for her!

  192. Jordan O'Brien says

    Those cupcakes are the cutest! I love that S&D are hopping on the breast cancer awareness bus, the more awareness and money donated- the better chance a cue will be found soon.

  193. Elaine says

    As a breast cancer survivor, I am always pleased to see fund raising efforts like this, especially pretty items that people would like to have. Thank you for supporting the cause with this give away!

  196. Karen says

    Hi!!

    I so need that elephant one since I have one who says "Roll Tide" all the time 🙂

    Have a Blessed Day!!

  205. Liz/ says

    Those bracelets are gorgeous! Also love Kensington's pictures from her bday week…she is one pretty little girl!!!

  209. Kim Taylor says

    Would love to win a Stella and Dot bracelet! Love your blog and your foodie blog! Have a great day!

  210. Kristen Tate says

    Happy Birthday Kensington!! My little 3 yr old girl has loved looking at pictures of your birthday on Instagram. Thank you for the great giveaway!!

  212. Kristin Faulkenberry says

    Happy Birthday to your little one-she is too cute! Love the bracelets, and I really like that bag -and I'm not even a purse kinda gal, great cause for all!

  214. Ansleighsmom says

    would love one of those bracelets! hope kensington had a great birthday! my ansleigh turns 6 on oct 13th how are our babies so big? its going so fast!

  221. Meghan Hancock says

    I love supporting Breast Cancer awareness all year, but especially in October! Supporting other women through a disease that takes so much, is just one small way I try to give back to others!

  223. Alicia M says

    love the elephant bracelet! my sister is fighting stage 4 breast cancer and i'd love for her to have it!

  230. Janet says

    Fun week. Kensington sleeping in the curlers, oh my. Brings back traumatizing memories from my childhood. LOL. I despised sleeping in the curlers.

  233. motheroftwo says

    I love her birthday bash and she has to be one of the cutest girls I have ever seen. Not just physically, but her personality just seems so sweet and excited. I love it. You have a gorgeous family and I love seeing how much you love each other.

  234. Jenny says

    Love Kensington in her Hello Kitty mask sleeping!

    The Stella & Dot bracelets are beautiful and for such a great cause.

  246. Helen Truesdale says

    Reading your blog is the first thing I do every morning when I sit down at my desk. You always seem to have the best attitude about everything! I come from a close family so I love how much you love your family!

  250. Meagan Smith says

    Love your party ideas! The British theme is TOO cute. Love the bracelets too. Thanks for another great giveaway! xo

  252. Kathleen Hulbert says

    What a sweet little girl! Happy Birthday, Kensington! My little boy, Aiden, turns four tomorrow and I just can't believe it! Love your blog!

  253. J.Blayke says

    I saw the new bracelets yesterday!! And I have a sweet friend who was just diagnosed with breast cancer! I need one!

  254. Stef Hunger says

    Love those bracelets! So beautiful and for such a great cause!

    Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter!

  256. Anonymous says

    Kensington is beautiful! I love the picture of her with both sets of grandparents. She is a very lucky girl.

  260. Sydney + Preston says

    The bracelets are lovely. I have tried a few of your recipes and my family loved them. Thank you for sharing easy, yet yummy recipes 😉

  266. Victoria Madden says

    I so enjoy reading your blog everyday Shay! Thanks so much for the giveaway opportunities 🙂

  276. The Bryan Family says

    Kensington had such a cute party theme this year. My oldest will be six this year too – can not believe time flies so fast. Enjoy those babies!!!

  277. Leslie says

    Love reading your blogs and i love these bracelets. I am a sucker for all things elephant! I decorated my sons nursery in elephants and since then I have been a little obsessed. These bracelets support such a wonderful cause as well. Having had close family members fight breast cancer it is something near and dear to me. Thanks for such a fun giveaway!

  278. Shannon says

    Happy Birthday to Ms. Kensington, she is so cute. Love the eye mask while she sleeps, so adorable!
    Have a great week!

  284. Doused In Pink says

    Love this Stella and Dot collection! Thanks for hosting an amazing giveaway!

    Jill
    dousedinpink.blogspot.com

  287. Ashley Olson says

    Loved this post and digging the bracelets! My mom just found out she has stage zero so I will be shopping for her as well!

  288. Ellen says

    Would love a bracelet for myself and for my sweet survivor Aunt Caroline! And Happy Birthday Kensington!

  295. Heaven's Roses says

    Hi Shay! I have been following your blog for close to a year now and have seen you post a few items from their collections. I would love to win a bracelet! Thank you for sharing your life with us on your blog.

  301. Erin @ Crafts and Sutch says

    I love the new bracelets! Especially the elephant one! Super cute and for a great cause! 🙂 Thank you for hosting the giveaway!

  303. Kelly S says

    My sister is going through radiation, after having a double mastectomy and chemo, so I would LOVE to give these to her!! She is the most amazing and strong person I know. Stella & Dot is the best 🙂

  314. ~Kristen says

    I love your blog Shay! I came upon it recently and I honestly don't even remember how. It's an inspiration on all levels. Fashion, home and food! Thank you for putting it out there for inspiration from one mama to another! God Bless.

  327. storrence08@gmail.com says

    Love your weekly photo posts! It's so fun seeing all the fun things you do with your friends and family! It really is all about the "little things" in life 🙂

  329. Anonymous says

    I love everything from Stella and Dot. The strength and inspire bracelets are wonderful- thank you!!

  331. Anonymous says

    Lena

    Love the bracelets and love that they are for a great cause. My husbands grandmother is a breast cancer survivor and we support the research behind it. Thank you for the awareness and giveaway.

  336. Jaclyn Johnson says

    Hi Shay! What beautiful bracelets for a wonderful cause, very special of you to give them away to your readers, thank you! Have a good day!

  365. Lisa DeArmit says

    Hi Shay,
    Love your blog. Thanks for always being so upbeat and positive. I teach all day kindergarten so I can appreciate this new venture in your life.
    Blessings,
    Lisa

  366. Rachel says

    So fun to read your blog! You always motivate me to try new recipes because you make them so simple! Thank you!!

  374. Angie Jerde says

    These bracelets are so great and for such a wonderful cause! Thanks for the giveaway and for having an awesome blog…I look forward to it daily : )

  376. Heather Baker says

    Hi Shay. I LOVE reading your blog. The bracelets are so cute and what a great cause they are selling them for.

  378. realmommypreneur.com says

    I love that you are so open and honest and that you share your awesome family with us. Many thanks!

  379. Danielle says

    Love the new bracelets. Now I have to head over to your foodie blog to plan dinner for tonight 🙂

  380. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace} says

    Super cute bracelets!

    Love that K sleeps in sponge curlers! I did all the time as a kid. 🙂

  382. Melanie Cantelmo says

    I was just looking at those bracelets last night! They are too cute! I also need to get a sleep mask for my girls! Oh too cute!

  383. Anonymous says

    The bracelets are beautiful! Your kids are so adorable, and I have enjoyed reading your posts about the incredible birthday parties you have hosted over the years. Kensington's 6th birthday bash was soooo cool–I love England!

    Kathy Lang
    katsam02@yahoo.com

  390. Maggie Welsh says

    Hi Shay,

    I am a 14 year old and love your blog and Stella and Dot! Your kids are beautiful and your faith is such an inspiration in my life. Thank you for all you do and I will be praying for sweet Ashby!

    Maggie

  397. Kathleen says

    Those bracelets are gorgeous! I am always looking to spice up my arm candy! And I love that it goes to such an amazing cause! I would love them!!!

  404. Lindsey Kahler says

    These bracelets are beautiful and for a GREAT cause. Also, I loved Kensingtons British Birthday Party. You are so good at throwing parties.

  408. Jen b. says

    Hi! Love the bracelets! I just had a friend diagnosed this week and these would mean so much to her (hard to believe, at the age of 35, I have friends being diagnosed). Anyway, thanks! And happy birthday to Kensington!

  426. Dahlia Schudrich says

    LOVE LOVE LOVE you Shay! I love following your blog and your family! Hope Kensington had the best birthday yet! 🙂

  435. Kirch says

    Your blog is such a great one to follow, with so many ideas for fashion, house decor, cooking and more! Keep doing what you're doing!

  463. Andi Hogg says

    I remember all those nights when my mom and I would watch tv while she was putting sponge curlers in my hair, I would even try to wear eye masks when I was Kensington's age! So sweet 🙂
    Love the bracelets! Thanks for the giveaway!

  469. Holly says

    Love reading about your sweet family! You will be so glad that you've documented it so well! You think "I will never forget this" but sometimes you do. Having the pictures is so special!

  472. Ralinn Jones says

    I love the Stella & Dot bracelets. Breast cancer support is so very important.
    You did a beautiful job on Kensington's party. You also have very talented friend.

  475. neh says

    Glad to see Kensington had a great birthday! Hope we get to meet someday. My hubby played with your hubby at KSU and I love your blog!

  477. Anonymous says

    Hi Shay- I love your blog! Those bracelets are cute and what a great way to support breast cancer research!
    Laura R

  480. Anonymous says

    Love your Blog. Very inspiring. Most of all I love the way you love The Lord. Very glad I found your blog. Thanks for being so generous to all your readers. ?
    Blessing
    Sara M

  481. Anonymous says

    Love your Blog. Very inspiring. Most of all I love the way you love The Lord. Very glad I found your blog. Thanks for being so generous to all your readers. ?
    Blessing
    Sara M

  482. Anonymous says

    Kensington is just so beautiful! !! And so are her clothes. Could you please, please, please tell us where you bought her bday dress? Please please please. Lol . Can you tell I love it?

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