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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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What’s Up Wednesday {10.25.17}


whatsupwedupdated

It’s  What’s Up Wednesday !

Once a month, my friends Mel, Sheaffer and I host this link up where we share some random and fun stuff that’s up with us today.  If you blogged WUW too, make sure you link up at the bottom of the post!  Every month, we answer these questions…

wuwquestions-edit

…in our What’s Up Wednesday posts!

Today is…my birthday!

Ha!

I mean, we might as well acknowledge it, right?!  If you missed my post on Monday, all week long, I’m celebrating my birthday by doing giveaways for YOU!  On Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week, I’m giving away a $600 Nordstrom gift card to one lucky winner!  If you didn’t win on Monday, no worries!  You can try again today 🙂 .  The giveaway is at the bottom of this post!

Today, Nordstrom asked me to talk about something I rarely ever talk about…wait for it…men’s things.  Why don’t I talk about that?  Andrew wears a ton of stuff from Nordstrom (especially shoes and shirts), but I don’t know…I just forget.  With the holidays coming up, I thought now was as good of a time as any to share a few of Andrew’s favorite pics from Nordstrom.  I told him to pick and here is what he liked…


Scroll and click through on the images.  All of the sweaters come in multiple colors!  He ordered these things (and already had the shoes), and I loved them when they arrived too…

What man does not look good in a buffalo check shirt?!  I dare you to find one.   I also loved the v-neck sweater and the pullover sweater too. My mom gifted all of the men in my family this body wash a few years ago for Christmas and Andrew has continued to buy it because it smells so nice.  Throw in his shoes and his favorite jeans (not pictured) and he’s a well dressed guy (that smells nice!).

So, that’s a little start to our post..here’s what else is “up” today!

1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:

Meal Planning Monday

Meal Planning Monday was up earlier this week!  Five simple suppers, a fun Halloween treat plus a breakfast bite too.  See it all HERE.

2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:

I mean…look at those babies!!  This was me and Sheaffer on our babies’ first Halloweens.  Look at little Kensington and Carter (who are five days a part).  I can hardly stand it that they’re NINE now!  I remember this day like it was yesterday.  Time is flying by.

 

3: WHAT I’M LOVING:

I just think my kids’ Halloween costumes are on point this year.  Ha!  They each picked something so different and so THEM!  We have Little Red Riding Hood, a Storm Trooper, Queen Elsa and Moana.  Now, Erika actually suggested Madeley’s costume…but seriously?  Isn’t it just perfect…

Sweet Moana!!

 

4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:

Living our best fall life.  We’re making the most of this season!

 

5: WHAT I’M DREADING:

All the people telling me I put up my Christmas decorations too early 😉 .

6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:

Right now, lots of vacations!  I talk to people EVERY.SINGLE.DAY about Alaskan cruises along with other trips like Walt Disney World and Mexico (plus other cruise spots!).  If you want us to help you with your next vacation, email us at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com.  We are currently accepting new client trips departing after January 1, 2018 to Mexico, Walt Disney World and cruises all over the world.  We’d love to help you too!

 

7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:

Halloween is on Tuesday!!!

I.Am.So.Pumped!

Here we are last year.  This year is going to be even more fun because Madeley gets it now.  I cannot wait to trick or treat with my little family!  (And steal all of their Heath bars…)

8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:

My October Book Review will be on Monday!  If you missed my September Book Review…

September Book Review

…you can see it HERE.  I read several good ones last month that you won’t want to miss!  You can see all of the books and read my reviews HERE.

This is such a good time of year to read!!

9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:

I’m just itching to listen to Christmas music.  I will start on November 1st and you can judge me all you want…but it makes me happy!  In the meantime, I have been listening to a lot of this in the background while I work…

I just can’t get enough of the Fall movies on Hallmark Channel.  They’re predictable and cheesy, but they’re HAPPY!  And I just can’t get enough happy in my life 🙂 .  This starts on Friday…

…and you better believe my DVR is set!

10: WHAT I’M WEARING:

Look at this dress that I bought to wear this December…

Okay, the lighting was not in my favor when I took this on Sunday morning, but trust me…this red dress is PERFECT for Christmas.  The dress is lined, so you don’t have to worry about it being too revealing and the color is just perfection!

Look how cute the sleeves are!  I bought this dress back in the winter in the pink color, so I knew I liked it already…

This dress comes in a total of five colors, but trust me, the red is pretttttttty!

Speaking of dresses, I’m still in love with this one that I wore on Saturday night…

…it’s just a simple little jersey dress that I will wear this time of year with my booties and a scarf and then in the spring and summer with sandals or wedges.  Easy as that!  (And PS: that is an infinity scarf, so you don’t have to worry about tying it…it ties itself!)  (And PPS: my favorite booties from this fall are now 20% off!)

And one last thing…remember on Monday, I mentioned my love for this Halogen top…

I just can’t have too many easy tops to wear with jeans.

The front and…

…how cute is the back?!  Well, look at this cute Halogen sweater…

 

Aren’t the ties on the sleeves so cute?!  I bought this sweater in navy peacoat, but it comes in 7 other colors too!

 

11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:

 

On Friday, our church is hosting Trunk or Treat in the parking lot.  If you are local, we would LOVE to have you come!!  Your kiddos can come, they can bring bags and collect tons of candy, plus, we’re going to have other live events out there that you won’t want to miss!!  I would love to see you out there!  I’ll be the one stealing the Heath bars from her four kids.

12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:

…it’s happening.

 

13: WHAT ELSE IS NEW:

Well, other than me turning 36 today, I think that about covers it!

Bonus question this month: What is your favorite Thanksgiving side:

Sweet Potato Casserole.

Yes, ma’am.

Okay!  That’s What’s Up Wednesday today! If you blogged too, make sure you link up below.  And don’t forget to check out the Men’s department at Nordstrom!  If you want your guy all fixed up for the holidays, that’s where you should shop 🙂 .

To enter to win today’s $600 Nordstrom Gift Card, complete the Rafflecopter below.  Good luck!!  The winner will be announced TOMORROW!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xo



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Comments

  3. Amy Heinl says

    Happiest of birthdays to you…may you have a blessed day. I love the Fall Harvest Movies on Hallmark and can’t wait for the Christmas movies starting this week. I too am all Christmas and start decorating as soon as November comes and just enjoy the beauty of the lights. Can’t wait till Mondays book review..some of my favorite authors are out with their with ter or Christmas books so I have them waiting to start reading once the lights and decorations go up

  4. Samantha says

    Happy birthday Shay! Your blog brings me a little joy every morning. It’s like a quick chat with a friend. Enjoy your day and get those Christmas decorations ready, it’s go time!

  5. Erika Slaughter says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FRIEND!! I hope you have the very best day! Love you so much! XO. And I loved the throwback picture of you and Sheaffer with the babies!!

  6. Susan Jeffries says

    I love that red dress!! Perfect for Christmas parties!! And thanks for adding some men’s items in your post today. I have a hard time finding gifts for my husband and I think he will love the tip up sweater! Happy bday week!

  7. Sarah says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! You are too kind to host a giveaway for YOUR birthday, but us readers really appreciate it!! 🙂
    My favorite Thanksgiving side is green bean casserole hahah!! And stuffing! Thanksgiving is an interesting meal – I’m not usually a fan of “mushy” foods, yet, that’s basically Thanksgiving and I love it all!
    Hope you have a wonderful day lady!!!!
    -Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com

  10. Elspeth Mizner says

    Happy birthday to my favorite blogger and the person who encouraged me to start my own blog! I hope you have a fabulous day with your girlfriends and family!!!

  15. Carly M says

    Happy Birthday Shay! I hope you have a fabulous day with your people! The Halloween costumes are so great…that Madeley as Moana! All the heart eyes. Add in those pictures of her and Britt the Panada. Too cute! Thanks for the giveaway

  19. Jess B says

    Happy Birthday!!! Love the men’s clothing suggestions and that they all have Tall options! My man is a handsome giant and it can be tricky buying him good looking clothes.

  20. Sheaffer Sims says

    Happy Birthday, friend!!! OMG, that picture of us with our babies!!!!! I’m looking ROUGH! Hahahahaha!!!! That red dress is so cute on you, and I’m going to have to pick up that body wash for Chris!

  22. Karen says

    Happiest of Birthdays!!! It’s my Moms today too. I love the hallmark movies too and can’t wait for the Christmas ones!! No judgement here on the Christmas decorations-I’m ready!! Enjoy Halloween with all your little ones?

  27. Holly Allen says

    I am the first of all my friends to decorate for Christmas (November 1!) and I hear about it ALL year long! And Hallmark Christmas movies are jam! They are my favorite things on earth! I feel like you are me replicated in Texas!?

  29. Amy D. says

    Happy Birthday, sweet Shay! I hope you have a wonderful day! I’m so glad that I found your blog all those years ago! Meeting you at the Go Wild planner conference was a dream come true! Enjoy your day!!

    I listen to Christmas music starting on November 1st too! 🙂

    Amy @ http://befilledwithj0y.blogspot.com/

  30. Janie says

    Happiest of birthdays today Shay! Aren’t you just loving these cooler Texas temperatures? They make it feel like Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner! My favourite holiday side is a tie between mashed potato casserole and good ol’ fashion ‘stuffing’.

  33. Nicole says

    Happy Birthday!!! What a blessing you are to so many!! When will you be putting up Christmas decor this year? I love all the holiday cheer! ?

  34. Narci says

    Happy Birthday, friend!! I hope you have the best day celebrating!!! ❤️?❤️ That red dress has been sitting in my Nordstrom cart, and it is adorable on you!!! Perfect for Christmas!

  35. Kelky says

    Happy birthday Shay! Well, you read my mind because yesterday I wanted to ask you what shoes Andrew was wearing in the picture of you, Andrea, and Madely sitting on the bench at the fair? And then Bam! Today you have a post about men’s things!! Do you have a link up to the shoes he wore to the fair? Thank you!!

  38. Dustie Day says

    Happy birthday to you! I laughed out loud at the heath bar comments bc/ I do the same thing! So so good!

  41. Ralinn says

    Madeley has grown so much since last Halloween. Her costume is perfect. I love to shop for my husband. I will definitely check out the men’s department. The red dress is perfect for you! Thank you and Nordstrom for the giveaway. Happy Birthday Shea!!!

  43. Christina says

    Happy birthday!!! I’m pregnant and due in December, so my decorations are going up November 1st!!

  45. Marzia says

    Happy Birthday! I hope that you have a great one and many more! I love that Burberry perfume you posted. Might have to look into that for my boyfriend.

  49. Lauren says

    Hope you have the happiest birthday! You brighten my mornings with your sweet posts. Enjoy your special day!

  53. kellie carrara says

    Happy, happy birthday!! Wishing you your best year yet.
    Yea, those costumes are ON POINT this year — I love little red! My daughter did many years as a Disney princess, but I loved her Goldilocks costume, complete with three bears in the apron. I’m a sucker for the classics. But speaking of little red, let’s obsess about that red dress. I say the color of passion is always in fashion and this would be just the BEST Christmas dress! Speaking of which, as soon as those pumpkins get put away the stockings come out IMO…tho I did get a few more turkey decorations for Thanksgiving with my inlaws in VT. (they’re not big decorators, but I thought it would be fun to take some and make the house festive for the little cousins).
    Ok, happy happy to you!

  54. Angela says

    Happy birthday!! Quick question…when you were wearing that black jersey dress, did you wear those booties in the tan color or black? I wYs struggle with pairing shoes with a black dress!

  56. Katelyn Magerko says

    Happy Birthday Shay!! And November 1st is Christmas in my eyes too-no judging here!!

  57. Heidi says

    Happy birthday Shay, hope you have the most wonderful day !!!
    Ps the second Halloween is over bang it’s Christmas!!!

  62. Renee King says

    Happy happy birthday! My youngest daughter turned 14 yesterday and mine is on Friday . Tis the season!

  64. Laurie S says

    Happy Birthday Shay!!! I love the Hallark channel…. did you know there are now 3 Hallmark channels? The Classic one, which you are probably watching, plus Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, and the new Hallmark Drama debuted in September. I can’t find the Drama channel yet.

  66. Erin says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! Hope you have a great day!!! And it’s never too early for Christmas music or decorations. I’m right there with you ?

  67. Therese says

    1. Happy Birthday. October 25th is a great day as it’s also the birthday of one of my nieces and one of my cousins.
    2. I know you’ve mentioned before, but do you mind sharing again the brand of the black heels you have on with your red dress?
    3. My favorite Thanksgiving side is Broccoli Casserole. Not just any though, my family’s specific recipe that has corn flakes on top, NOT crackers or breadcrumbs!

  68. Jenna says

    November 1st is the day to start listening to Christmas music 🙂 I agree! I am soaking in these last bits of fall and excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas. What a fun recap of your month.

  72. becky says

    Happy Birthday Shay! I am in charge of next month’s pick for my book club, any books you recommend that are Christmas-y and good for a group? We’ve already read a bunch over the years – Winter Solstice (Rosamunde Pilcher), Winter Street/Winter Stroll/Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand, Christmas in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk, Dashing Through The Snow by MHClark, Let It Snow by John Green, Letters from Father Christmas by Tolkien, and A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg! Thanks for any help!!

    • GAIL says

      I L-O-V-E Rosamunde Pilcher! I would to take her paperbacks to the beach and I would lose all track of time! There’s a common theme to most of her books, but she’s so beautifully descriptive in her writing, you can almost picture yourself in the story!

  80. Betsy Siegal says

    HBD!! I had to tell you that I am right there with you on the christmas music and hallmark movies! no shame!! I love it!!!

  82. Ariadna says

    Happy birthday Shay!! I know you will have an amazing day surrounded by all of your loves!! My husband and I don’t put out Christmas decoration too early but we had a neighbor down the street that he would take down his Halloween decorations off and put up his Christmas decorations on Nov 1st and they were lit up until Dec 26 when he would take them down. Every single year he did that without fail until they moved last year. 🙁 And while I don’t think I can do that, I still miss seeing his house lit up for Christmas on Nov 1st! 🙂

  83. Emily says

    Happy birthday! No judgements about Christmas coming from over here.. I’ve started listening to Christmas music when I’m cleaning my house and I always decorate mid November. It’s so much work, you have to enjoy it for more than a month! ?

  85. Jennifer Fickett says

    Happy Birthday! I hope your day is wonderful! (I am dying to play Christmas music too!)

  87. Kayla B says

    Happy birthday, Shay!! I hope it’s a wonderful year. And I’ve already been turning on Christmas music! I think today would be the perfect time to do it– your birthday and exactly two months before Christmas!

  91. Shayla says

    Happy, happy birthday Shay! You inspire me in SO many ways! Thanks for being you 🙂 Make it a great day! You deserve the world!

  99. Heather says

    Happy Birthday, Shay!! November 1st our Fall decorations come down and Christmas start to go up. I say poo poo to all of our friends who tell me its too early:)

  101. Laci says

    Happy Birthday to someone who inspires all of us moms to be our best self! Your blog is a bright spot in my mornings!! Give me all the mens ideas as I live in a world of boys in my family. Sweet potato is my jam too! Have a wonderful day! PS I can’t stop looking at Madeley as Moana-it’s my favorite.

  103. Lauren Greci says

    Happy birthday, Shay! Mine was on Monday! 🙂 It was a bitter sweet day as we said goodbye to one of my friends and teacher in Allen. She and I worked on the same team and she will be greatly missed. But we picked the day up and took the kiddos to the Preston Trails Pumpkin Farm! I entered the contest and hoping Ill be the random winner! The hubs and I could SOOOO use some new clothes! Him especially! Love your men selections above! Looks great!!
    Again, happy birthday! Hope you have a blessed day!!

  105. Julie Bradford says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAY!!!! I know it will be a fabulous one!!! love the halloween costumes this year… Kensington is precious..love her hair in those braids… the storm trooper is serious! 🙂 Elsa is so pretty and little Moana is perfect! SO CUTE!!!

  106. Rebecca Walker says

    Happy Birthday, Shay!!! You and Shaffer both look like teenagers holding your babies. Have a wonderful birthday!!!

  108. Laura says

    happy happy birthday, Shay!! My sister and I just love you, we talk about you on a first name basis! We’re always saying, “did you see what Shay posted? Shay is the coolest” ha! Hope you’re spoiled today, thank you for being such a light to SO MANY ladies!! I’m so ready for Christmas too!!!!

  109. Ahsia says

    I really like the last sweater you posted, very pretty. What brand is the body wash your mom bought the men in your family. I am looking for something new for my husband, but cannot see the label.

    Happy Birthday !!! I hope you have an amazing day.

  110. Kathy L says

    Happy 36th Birthday! So many things to like in this post this morning, but Madeley’s cute smile and Moana costume are definitely #1! The picture of all your Christmas stockings is my 2nd favorite! 🙂

  112. Rho says

    happy Happy birthday!!! I hope it’s a great one!! In our family, we celebrate the entire month of the birthday person; hope you celebrate all month long!

  113. Michelle O says

    Happy Birthday to you, Shay! I hope you have the most wonderful of birthdays!! I always look forward to spending my mornings with you. We share the same love of Fall/Autumn and the Christmas Season. I can’t wait to start decorating, baking, Christmas crafts, wrapping and watching the Hallmark Channels Christmas movies! The kiddos look adorable in their costumes! Hope you have an awesome day!

  114. Katie Stuen says

    Happy birthday Shay! I have read your blog over the last two years and it makes my heart so happy. The first thing I do when I get to work is have a cup of coffee and open up your blog. Also, I loved that you put that you were dreading people telling you that it is too early to decorate. People tell me that for my fall and Christmas decorations and it is one of my biggest pet peevs. Enjoy your birthday with your amazing family.
    Lots of Love!

  116. Julie J says

    Happy Birthday Shay!!
    Can’t wait to see your Christmas decorations, you give me such inspiration.

  118. Marta says

    Oh I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!! Shay that sweater with the little bow on the sleeves is gorgeous! Smith who looks older to me every picture I see him in is just a stunning child. I can’t wait to see your book review.

  119. Rose says

    You and Andrew are so blessed to have 4 beautiful children and to have each other! Your life seems Idyllic and your love contagious! The kids costumes are absolutely adorable! How I miss thoughs days of long ago! Have a beautifully, blessed, birthday Shay! I hope you’re taking time today away from your busy life to do what you love to do! It’s Shays day! ????
    “May The Lord bless you and keep you;
    May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
    May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace”

  121. Kyla says

    Happy Birthday! I hope your day is amazing!
    I can’t get enough of Hallmark movies. I’m looking forward to their new channel, Hallmark Drama.

  126. Ana Espindola says

    Happy Birthday Shay!! You are AMAZING. Thank you for being so inspiring and motivational. Bring on CHRISTMAS!! I will be right there with you on November 1st. Have a wonderful day!!

  131. Christine Hicks says

    Hi, I love your What’s Up Wednesday posts! I want to order the red dress but unsure of size for me. How tall are you? What size did you order?

    Thank you!

  132. Kim says

    Happy Birthday Shay!! ? I hope all the love and happiness you share with others comes back to you tenfold today!! ❤

  133. M. Brimley says

    Hope you have a great birthday! I love your blog! I have read it almost daily for the last couple of years.

  134. Megan Palik says

    Happy Birthday Shay!! I hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends:) Read along with you every day! And just wanted to share, we need crazy Christmas lovers in this world to balance out those who do not like it as much! (like me :o( !!! )

  136. Melissa D. says

    Wishing you a happy day! How do you watch the Hallmark Channel (app, cable, on demand, etc.?) And a big yes to all things Christmas! If you find any new Christmas music stations (other than Micheal Bublé Holiday) please be sure to share!

  137. Nancy says

    Happy birthday sweet Shay!! 🙂 you make our lives a better place with your blog! Thanks for being you! 🙂

  138. JoAnn says

    It seems you like toffee! Do yourself a birthday favor and go order a box of Toffee To Go. I’m not a huge toffee fan, but this stuff is SO good!! My favorite is the dark chocolate, but they are all delicious! http://www.toffeetogo.com/ Happy Birthday!

  139. Brandye says

    Happy, happy birthday! You’re the sweetest for hosting a giveaway for YOUR birthday! I hope you are properly pampered by your sweet family today. My favorite side for Thanksgiving is, like you, Sweet Potato Casserole. And, I miss my Mimi’s dressing. We all try to make it, but it’s not the same. Some say it’s her stove that made it soooooo good (O’Keefe & Merritt stove that had all the bells and whistles). I prefer to think it was just her.

  140. Lara Brown says

    I LOVE Hallmark movies!!! I DVR them and watch them all year!!! Happy Birthday to you!! My son is 8 today. He is growing up too fast.

  141. AyRGalaxy says

    Happy Birthday! Mine is tomorrow 😀
    And I just love the kids’ costumes! My little doesn’t seem willing to wear a costume but we got one he liked, so hopefully he still wears it the day of 🙂

  144. Christina says

    Happy Happy Birthday Shay!!! Today is my 38th Birthday. 🙂 Thank you for hosting a birthday giveaway this week.

  145. Pamela says

    Woo Hoo! So excited that we “sort of” share a birthday! Mine is Nov. 1st. . You are just the best mommie, Shay. You exude love and you certainly brighten my day. Sorry about the Sox:( My Dbacks went down, too.

  146. Diana says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! I really enjoy reading your blog and especially love the book reviews. Enjoy your special day!

  147. Gabrielle Storey says

    Happy birthday, Shay! Thank you for constantly sharing your precious life and family with us. We love you!! Enjoy your special day and may God bless you!