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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

Fashion, Friday Favorites, Shay's Closet ·

Friday Favorites


Happy Friday!

It’s my first Friday Favorites of the year and I’m pumped because I have good stuff to share!  As always, I’m linking up with my friends Erika, Andrea and Narci and sharing my favorite things from the week.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

The first two things this week are books that make me happy.  Starting with…

The Golden Crayon.

My friend Brooke told me I needed this book, so I bought it and we love it!  This book is about a crayon that’s different.  The book teaches that being different is special.  It’s so sweet and has been perfect for my family.

And then I love this beautiful cookbook too.  Years ago, I noticed that someone with the Instagram handle Passion for Baking was commenting on my pictures, so I looked at her profile and instantly fell in love.  Manuela Kjeilen lives in Sweden and posts the most outrageously spectacular baked goods on her feed every day.  So, over the years, we have become friends and I have learned so much about her and her faith in the Lord and I adore her.  Her newest book Love, Manuela is just beautiful.  You can find it in English HERE.  And you should totally follow her on IG too 🙂 .

And speaking of books…

2016 Book Review

…last week, I posted my 2016 Book Review where I shared my top three favorite books of the year and compiled a list of every book I read last year.  If you missed it, click HERE.  Reading books and sharing them with you is another favorite of mine!

I was working out on the stairmilll the other day and I started admiring my polish color, so I took a picture (and somehow, did not fall off!). It’s OPI’s Chicago Champagne Toast and it gives me all the happy feels.  It looks like a January polish to me.   I love it 🙂 .

And speaking of working out…I thought I might start sharing some of my favorite YouTube channels for workouts.  What do you think?  They’re free, they can be excellent workouts and there are a gazillion of them!  Right now, I’ve been loving this girl here who teaches Pilates.  You can see one of her videos HERE.  She makes it so much fun and so easy to do at home.  I’ve done several of her classes and they’ve all been about 15 minutes or so.  If you have any favorite people on YouTube for at home workouts, share please!  I’ll check them out!!

I had a reader ask me this week what shoes I brought to NYC for all of the walking we did and I thought, dang, that should be a favorite of mine!  I wore three different pairs for three different weather related reasons and loved them all.  I don’t believe you can see my feet in any picture…so I found other pictures of me wearing them.  I didn’t know I should have been taking pics of my feet 😉 !  Here they are:

So, I wore these booties on day one for the plane ride and thought I’d change once we reached the hotel, but they were still comfy so I kept wearing them.  It was like 60 that day, so I knew my feet wouldn’t get cold and friends, THESE SHOES WERE AWESOME!  I’ve worn them a million times around home, but I walked several miles in them that day and not a blister one!  They come in 11 differnt colors. ELEVEN!  I bought the black back in November, but now I think I might need one more pair because they’re so comfy and cute.  They’re even a little bit padded, so that’s a bonus. Love these booties!  I couldn’t believe how well I could walk in them all day without any discomfort.

This pic is from when Erika and I went to NYC in April and it was freeeeeezing cold and I wore my Ugg boots the whole time.  Well, last week on day two, I wore them all day because it wasn’t raining and it was COLD!  These boots are water resistant and insanely warm.  I walked and walked and walked so much the last time in them and my feet never hurt that I did it again this time.

And I packed a third pair of shoes.  Which yes, in hindsight as I type this seems excessive, but at the time, it made sense.  I wore my booties on the plane because they’re easy to take on and off when you go through security and it wasn’t super cold in Texas, so I didn’t need my boots.  I brought my Uggs because I knew how much I loved them the time before and I brought my Sorel boots because before we left, the forecast said perhaps a wintry mix on our last day…and I didn’t want to be caught without them.  So, day three meant I wore my Sorel boots while it rained and rained and rained…and my feet stayed so dry.  No blisters, no rubbing…just warm, dry feet.  (And FYI, that sweater is still in stock HERE in pink, black and mustard yellow.)  And I did find a picture of me wearing my Sorel boots from NYC…and that leads us to favorite #6 this week…

How much do we love this sweater?!?!  I ADORE it!  It’s from Loft and it’s light and suuuuuper soft!  I bought the navy and cream stripe but it also comes in a red stripe too.  Love, love, love, love!

My little teal hat is on sale now for $15 at J. Crew and my scarf isn’t in stock but this one is very similar.

And then if you’re in to the Loft sweaters, I love this one too…

…the front and the back…

…I wore this sweater over the weekend and it’s comfy and soft.  My necklace is from Stella & Dot and those boots are the tall slouchy ones I’ve been telling you about.

And because it’s January…

Cozy Winter Soups

…it’s soup day too!  I’m sharing my favorite Cozy Winter Soups HERE today.

Happy Friday friends!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xo

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Comments

  2. Erika slaughter says

    Shoutout to Loft! Two cute sweaters! I’m an overpacker so I can totally understand your need for three pairs of shoes. Tab wouldn’t get it, but I do. 😉

    • Lindsey says

      Just checked out Momma Strong! This momma definitely needs help in the di-recti area. Looks pretty awesome, glad I saw this suggestion, thanks!

  4. Melissa says

    Love the Loft sweaters. Thanks for sharing. I always love your Friday favorites. Would you please share size info on your coat from NYC, did you take an XS or a S. Thanks again and happy weekend!

  5. Megan says

    Yesterday was our first snow day of the year so instead of heading to the gym I pulled up the PopSugar channel on YouTube for a workout. Then I threw in my Sorel boots for playing in the (tiny amount of) snow with the kiddos. They are the best and keep your feet toasty warm. Great favorites!

    http://www.lettinginthelightblog.com/

  6. Holly says

    Fitness Blender is my favorite on youtube! They are a husband/wife duo and they have so many quick (but intense) workouts.

  7. Lauren G says

    I’ve been eyeing those Lucky booties since you first wrote about them and now you’ve convinced me, I must have them! 🙂 I’m deciding between colors – the brindle or whiskey brown leather. Help me! Which one would you choose?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Eeeeks! That’s so hard! I’m going to say the whiskey brown but they’re both super cute!!

  9. Sarah says

    Love the sweaters!! I have the same black UGG boots and wear them just about everyday haha!! Love UGGs!!

    I’ll have to check out the workout videos you do on YouTube!! Would love a post on that 🙂 I do Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred on YouTube but that was last year…I’m not sure if they’re still on there now. I love her workouts thought!! I always notice a significant change around day 7 of them!

    Happy weekend!!!!

    -Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com

  10. Kelly says

    I love Fitness Blender on You Tube for workouts. Tons and tons of workouts. And also I love Sara Beth Yoga, also on You Tube.

  11. Alicia Lindenmayer says

    Always love these posts 🙂 and LOVE the idea of online workout videos. Much needed in these winter months! One of my favorite is Windsor Pilates videos-here a link to one but there are a few that are great https://youtu.be/YW2eRv4kCag

  12. Sheaffer Sims says

    I take 3 pairs of shoes to the ranch sometimes, so I totally get it. 🙂 Tons of cute clothes and shoes on today’s post. Love you in that striped sweater!

  15. Jenn says

    Have you tried Tone it Up? They are amazing! They have a whole community. They have a free YouTube channel but they also have made videos and have tons of meal options!

  16. Holly Hopkins says

    Those sweaters! Love them! Those first booties are so cute but I would need the second & third pair for our winters.

  18. Greta says

    Yes, I recommend Lucy Read as a YouTube fitness instructor. I really like her. She is the only one who made me feel good about exercising! I look forward to her videos!

  19. Susan says

    I would love to hear about more YouTube workouts! I love fitness blender and Yoga by Candace.

  20. Kendra says

    Would you ever consider posting more healthy options in your food posts (smoothies, salads kinda thing)? And your readers always give the best ideas! Currently spending my snow day on YouTube checking out all these channels!

  21. Brooke Richardson says

    All I can think about now is what cozy winter soup I’m going to cook up next, not to mention how much I love all those sweaters too! Oh and the book, well it’s just perfect. So glad you like it!

  22. Lizzie @ This Happy Life says

    What a great group of favorites! I will have to check out that crayon book, I’m sure my kids would love it. I love doing any youtube workout by fitness blender, they can be a bit boring as in they don’t really talk and there is no background music, but their workouts are great.

  23. Leiah says

    I have been doing Pilates with Robin at The Balanced Life for about a year now and love her videos! She has quick 10-15 min videos on you tube and she also has a monthly subscription which I belong to that provides a daily plan and full length workouts. She’s seriously the best, you should check her out 🙂

  24. haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says

    Ahh LOVE blogilates!!! And Fitness Marshall too- ha! Also- can’t wait to make all those soups!!

  25. Elsjebe Mostert says

    The YouTube channel I am following is Bikini Body Mommy. I like how she keeps it real during her workouts.

  26. Lindsay B says

    I have both of those sweaters from Loft and I love love love them! I got them when they were doing the 40-50% off after Christmas sales. The sweaters are so soft and not itchy at all. Historically Loft sweaters can be a little itchy so I was pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend!

  28. Rebecca says

    Can’t wait to check out the youtube channel you mentioned- I am always looking for good new workouts that can be done at home! Thank you for sharing- and those Loft sweaters are adorable!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Happy Friday!

  30. Amy says

    Would you mind sharing the style name of your North Face jacket? I want to find a similar one! Thanks!!

  32. Stephanie Zaleski says

    As some other readers mentioned, Fitness Blender is awesome! They have a wide variety of videos and even 4 and 8 week programs that schedule a new video for you each day so you don’t have to search for one. They do a great job explaining the exercises (I often struggle repeating what I’ve just seen on the screen).

    I used to do Blogilates, but I felt like Cassey got more into her clothing and look and the music became too much for me. Fitness Blender is a great alternative!

  33. Nicole says

    Can you share where your black coat that you have on in the pic from NYC is from? I’ve been looking for an exact coat like that! Thanks!

  34. Kristen says

    I definitely want to check out those workout videos. I’ve been wanting to try out Pilates since I’m normally a cardio/weights kind of girl. I do LOVE http://www.toneitup.com for videos, nutrition and their daily workouts which are great!!

  35. Nicole says

    Can you share where your black coat that you’re wearing in the NYC pic is from? I’ve been looking for an exact coat like that!

  36. Nicole says

    Love those Loft sweaters! What size did you get?

    Also, with working out at home – when do you usually fit this in? What does your weekly fitness routine look like? We don’t have a gym membership now (season of life with young kids), so I need some new inspiration! Thanks!

    Happy Friday!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I bought them both in XS. And when I work out at home, I do it before the kids wake up. This morning, I did it at 5:30 (I woke up at 4:10 to work before that). Insert big boo here!

  37. Angel Varney says

    I’ve been doing the same thing lately-check out popsugar fitness on YouTube. They are short, intense and free!

  38. Angela says

    I was just thinking of you and what you’ve said in the past for good shoes to travel with for lots of walking. We just booked London and Paris for our family of four for late May/early June. YEA!! I am so excited. I remember a while back you suggested Sketchers Go Walks. Would you still recommend them for Europe that time of year? One more quick question for you-do you take a dual voltage curling iron/flat iron when you travel to Europe, and if so, do you have one you recommend? Thanks, Shay!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh gosh! I am actually wearing my Sketchers right this second!! Love those things so much!!! And I buy my voltage adapters at Radio Shack! Bring them with you!!

  39. Kelly says

    Good Morning, Shay! Just wondering what your workout schedule is now that you have four kiddos:). Are you still going to the gym, working out more at home, how do you fit it in? Curious minds want to know;) Happy Friday!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I go to the gym twice a week and then try and work out twice a week at home. This week, I’ve only worked out once at home…so it varies!

  41. Kelly says

    I absolutely love the Loft sweaters especially the one with the floral back! Can you share where you got the 2 different rings you are wearing in both Loft sweaters? They’re so nice.
    A great 15 minute YouTube exercise lady is BettyRocker . She’s awesome!!

  42. Lisa says

    Love Blogilaties! Especially since she has a calendar on her website with what videos to do each day every month!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      That’s awesome!! I’m going to look it up now! I just found her posts on YouTube and have been doing them!!

  43. LindyH says

    I love the striped sweater! However, I’m 4 1/2 months pregnant. Do you think it’s stretchy and long enough to wear with a belly? If so, is it TTS in Loft sizes? Thanks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      It’s TTS but if it were me and I were pregnant, I would probably size up one. Congratulations!!

  44. Ridhi Heberer says

    BodyFit by Amy. She’s a smaller channel than Casey at Blogilates by a long shot (love me some Casey though!) but her workouts are super effective. Usually 20-30 minutes, she does a lot more strength and HIIT.

  45. Sara Fehrenbacher says

    That loft sweater… simple, but so cute! Do you have a short torso, or is it a little longer in length? I have a long torso, so I like to buy my sweaters a little longer 🙂

  46. Felicia Nguyen says

    Shay…since you fly so much you should apply for TSA…you go through security in a snap!! No worries about taking off your shoes or anything…ALSO GREAT WHEN YOU fly internationa!! You just pay a little more but it last for 5 years!! What you can do is apply online, when approve, make an appt online to the nearest TSA location (locations are on and off airport varies with the city) for an interview.

    Since you mention that you had to take your shoes off for the security…thought u might like this time saving when you travel with all your little ones and as often as you fly.

    Felicia

  47. Hilary O'Neill says

    I bought the booties in ‘beet suede’ back when you posted about them in November and uhhh yeesssss! They are soo comfortable. I am a elementary teacher who is ALWAYS on my feet and they have never once bothered me. I definitely would recommend the beat color….now off to buy them in black! 🙂

  48. Stephanie says

    I would love to hear you recommendations on work out videos from YouTube! I’ve been thinking I’d like to try some out, but don’t even know where to begin, there are so many. Thanks.

  49. Megan says

    A while back you mentioned you were considering purchasing an Instant Pot. Did you ever buy one, and if so how do you like it?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I did not purchase one. I don’t know…I can’t seem to justify it. I’m not sure I would use it.

  50. Erin says

    Another vote for Fitness Blender for workouts! They are amazing – so many videos to choose from and all different types of workouts including strength, HIIT, Barre, Pilates etc. Their website is fantastic too for searching by workout length, intensity, workout type, body area targeted and equipment needed. Makes it so easy to find what you’re in the mood for. All videos are free too. Love love love them!

  51. Charlotte says

    This might be old news but a friend just introduced me to the SWORKIT app. It’s not a YouTube channel but it is awesome and super challenging! There are little videos for each move and each workout changes up the order of the exercises so you don’t know what to expect. It’s fab! And free! Happy Friday Shay!

  53. Nicole says

    Along with all the fitness talk, I would love to hear a day in your life with your diet!! We see your dinners on the blog, but would love to know more!! 😉

  54. Ariadna says

    If you like Blogilates you should check out Yoga with Adrienne, she has a playlist for beginners that I love to do when I remember and have time.

  55. Anna S says

    I have been loving Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. She has so many videos for specific needs: morning, bedtime, focus, weight loss, strength, and has workouts of various lengths. https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
    This may be a silly question, but how do you get your nail polish so perfect? It looks like it is done professionally. Do you have any tips?

  56. Eunice says

    I love fitnessblender.com (also on YouTube)! Tons of free videos but they also offer programs for very reasonable price. So much variety so as not to get bored!

  57. Carla says

    Happy New Year to you and your lovely family. I love reading your blog, its my mommy time. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing with us. FYI Love your cookbooks too. 😉

  59. Kelly Henderson says

    I have those Lucky booties and agree they are the most comfortable shoes! I wore them to do volunteer work where I had to stand for many hours without any issues. I also have some ugg booties that are to.die.for, regular looking booty but with ugg lining. They are ridiculously comfortable and perfect for jeans!

  60. Caitlin says

    Youtube video workouts are a plus.;) please share. Also, could you do a post about airplane travel? I am traveling out of the country next month, and I’m super nervous..

  61. Brandi says

    Shay, I love your book reviews. I just finished It Ends with Us and I feel like I need a support group! I am going through all these feelings and will be glad when I don’t constantly think about Lilly, Ryle and Atlas.

  62. Stacey says

    Hi Shay – question about the Lucky booties: do you find them true to size? I’ve only ordered the brand once before and found them to run small. Thanks! And happy new year!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I typically wear an 8 (almost always!) and I bought an 8 in these booties. 🙂

  63. Remah Franco says

    I use an app on my phone and it’s called NTC ( Nike+ training club). It’s free ???? and they have tons of high intensity workouts with different levels depending on your performance and your schedule.

  64. Kathleen says

    I agree with some of the posts above that fitness blender is awesome! They have low impact modifications on most exercises and have workouts of different lengths, from a quick 5 min workout to a 90 minute 1000 calorie workout. And I love how they stress being healthy above all else!

  65. Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side says

    Man, I need to stock up on boots! 🙂 Now it just needs to be cold where I live so I can justify them, hehe.

  66. Hayli says

    Bought the loft sweater & have that same black coat. It is my favorite! So warm but light! Trying to decide which color boot to buy! Love all those yummy cozy soups!

  67. Rachel says

    I have recently been discovering free workout videos on YouTube! I am loving bodyfit by Amy! She has a mixture of cardio and strength workouts and even some for pregnancy too!

  68. Jennifer says

    Hey shay! I am sure you have been asked this question before but do you have a trick to keep your nail polish on for longer than a few days without them chipping? 🙂 I am not hard on my nails but they seem to chip a day or two after painting them… Just wondering if you had any advice! Thanks! Ps- always love your Friday faves 🙂

  69. Sheila says

    My favorite is JessicaSmithTV. She offers a little bit of everything. I also like Robin from the Balanced Life for Pilates.

  70. Maureen says

    I love Yoga with Adriene! She is funny and quirky, but the videos are also relaxing and effective. I just had my third baby and the videos have helped me get toned and lean (and they help me feel sane with three little ones!).
    Also, my dear neighbor and friend just moved from Colorado to McKinney with her kids. I’m sad to have her leave, but I’m excited for them to live in such a great community. I have read your blog for a couple years now and your town looks like a wonderful place to live:)

  71. Leigh Clark says

    Love the Nike Fit App as well as Fitness Blenders kettle bell workouts – all can easily be done at home. Also, another good kids book that is baseball oriented so Smith may like is Knuckleball Ned. Written by a MLB player RA Dickey, but about a ball that is different. Good Read!

  72. Jessie says

    To add to the many recommendations for fitness videos, my absolute favorite site is toneitup.com. The two trainers are Karena and Katrina, and they are so great. They have challenges throughout the year, an entire nutrition program that you can purchase and become a member of Tone It Up, and the best part is that they come up with a weekly schedule so all you have to do is hop on the website and the daily workout is listed for you.

    I love your book reviews, by the way. I’m still not sure how you can read so many books in a year, you are superwoman! Happy Friday 🙂

  73. Maryellen Azarian says

    Oh Shay I enjoy your blog so much! You have amazing ideas and the most precious family. Thank you for sharing with us all. Happy New Year

  74. Kylee Tsuru says

    Wow thank you for sharing The Golden Crayon! My prayer is that as many children as possible will hear how wonderful they are in God’s eyes! Now more than ever we need to teach children that regardless of race, disabilities, or status, they are more alike than different. They are treasured, perfectly created and equally loved by their Creator. Happy reading!

  77. Kim taylor says

    I’m surprised that you all don’t have TSA approved numbers, especially when traveling with all your kids! You won’t have to take off any shoes and you just zoom right through the TSA checkpoint. It’s $85 per person but I don’t know if it’s less for children? And it’s good for 5 years.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Andrew just got it! We had already purchased these tickets when he got his but from now on, we’ll be able to!

  78. Maria D. says

    Have a great weekend! I want some Ugg boots too! I also want the LL Bean ones – but maybe I’ll check out Sorel

  79. Katrina Goodman says

    You have to read Along the Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams. I read all of them in 2016, and that one is her best! I finished it one night and the next morning I had to retell the whole story to my husband like it was something that really happened. Ha! It is a must read!!

  80. Leslie says

    Are your Sorel boots from Nordstrom? The fur lining on yours looks grey (which I like), but the ones on the Nordstrom site (and other sites I’ve looked) are tan. Thanks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yes! I bought mine in October (I think) and my lining is not available any longer but it’s the exact same shoe.

  81. Becca says

    I’m sure you’ve shared before, but I guess I missed it… where are your aviators from. I have spend way too much time trying them on and can not find a pair I love. Help!!

  82. Sara B. says

    I just did the Pilates workout! Thanks! It’s always great to try new workouts. Maybe you could add a workout tab to your page and link workouts that you like. I get overwhelmed with all the options out there.

  83. Holly says

    Thanks for posting this and asking for workout video suggestions! I live in OKC and we have been COLD AND SNOWY all weekend. I tried Fitness Blender and Blogilates for the first time thanks to this post. Love them!

  84. Jennifer says

    I love Body Fit by Amy workouts. They are just the right time and she has a lot to choose from. My favorite are her kettlebell workouts. She was a contestant for Women’s Health Next FItness Star. She seems to have a lot of knowledge and a great attitude toward fitness.

  85. Leslie says

    You would love the children’s book Audrey Bunny. It’s an awesome story about being chosen and loved BECAUSE you are different, told through the eyes of a stuffed bunny. It’s AWESOME. Available at Christian bookstores. Blessings!

  86. Olivia says

    Cassey Ho is one of my absolute favorites!! She is the cutest!! Her butt blaster workout, which is about 5 years old, is still one of my Go-To workouts when I need a good low impact day!!

  87. Julie says

    Hi Shay! I LOVE Cassey from Blogilates! She has a fantastic free app too with all the workouts, calendars, timers,and recipes on it! You should try her piit28 workouts !

  88. Katy says

    Tried the potato soup this weekend and contents burned at the bottom of the pot! Any tips to prevent this in future?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Andrea’s Potato Soup? I would guess one of two things (or both): there wasn’t enough stirring and the heat was too high. Sorry about that!

  89. Nicole says

    Do you still do Kristin McGee’s yoga videos? I got the app because of one of your posts and I really enjoy it!

      • Jennifer says

        Oh, I’m sorry, I was referring to the black with gold chain bag in the NYC pics above. It was a pic from your NYC trip in April with Erika. Sorry for the confusion. Thank you so much!

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