It’s the Friday before Thanksgiving!
T-minus a few hours and my kids are off all week. Woohoo! We.are.pumped!
One thing to note…this month and next, we’re going to be posting What’s Up Wednesday a little early. For November, it will post this coming Wednesday and then in December, it will be on the 20th. The bonus question for this month is a good one. Ready? We need new ideas for our Elf on the Shelf. This month, share your favorite things to do with that darn elf. I beg you. 🙂
Alright, just like every Friday, I’m linking up with three of my besties, Andrea, Erika and Narci today and sharing my favorite things from this week. If this is the start of a break for you too, I hope you enjoy it! I’ll be blogging next week, so come by and say hi 🙂 . Happy Friday, friends!
On Tuesday, I shared some products I recently tried from the Uniquely J line off of Jet.com and hosted a giveaway. Want to know who won???
Congratulations STEPHANIE FRANK, MEGAN MCCALLISTER AND JESSICA LEWIS!
You have all three won $50 to use towards Uniquely J products! I emailed you all this morning. I just need you to email me back and claim your prize 🙂 .
Speaking of Uniquely J, I mentioned that I ordered the biscotti thins snacks from there too. Well, they came this week…
…and they’re seriously so good. I bought four boxes (all different flavors) and so far, we LOVE them! This is the chocolate biscotti thins. Yes, ma’am!
Okay…some of you young people out there aren’t going to know who the heck I’m talking about…and some of you older folks out there (cough, cough ME!) are going to love me for adding this favorite today…
…this came out today.
Okay, some of you my age don’t know who this either. I’m an old soul…with parents who insisted we appreciated artists like Dan Fogelberg growing up. His tribute album comes out today, and look at the artists covering his songs. AMAZING! I pre-ordered mine earlier this week (#oldsoul) and cannot wait to listen. I heard in him concert before he died and loved him even more after that. I am so pumped about this one!
Side note: here are some other concerts I’ve been to in my life…Barry Manilow, Elton John, Kenny Loggins, and Glenn Frey just to name a few. Ha! I’ve also been to a Justin Timberlake concert, so does that balance me out a bit? #probablynot #iblamemyparentsformytasteinmusic #someonepassmeacarpentersalbum
After much prayer and consultation with you people here in blog world 😉 , look what I finally purchased…
…a Kindle Paperwhite. I know. It was about darn time.
Here’s the thing, I’m pretty sure I’ve polled you guys at least 100 times about to Kindle or not to Kindle and the reactions and responses I received were very split. Many of you suggested that I use both actual books (when I’m home) and a Kindle (for when I travel). You ladies are brilliant. We have several trips booked in the future, so I thought I’d get this baby and use it for those. Here’s something I didn’t expect…my two big kids are now asking Santa for one too…which I LOVE because, hello?! Anything that encourages my kids to read is what I want to buy them!! I decided on the Paperwhite based on your comments, and while we were in Mexico this fall, one friend brought a Paperwhite and one brought a Fire and I felt like the Paperwhite was a better fit for me. I already downloaded my first book and am ready to go!
I was leaving the gym this week and thought, my friends might like to see my cute gym clothes…
Depending on my workout that day, I either shower or just fix myself up before I leave the gym. This was a “fix myself up” day. I washed my face, added a bit of makeup and left to run errands. The back of my top is my favorite part…
So cute, right?
I topped it with last year’s puffer vest and was ready to roll. Here are the details: TOP//SPORTS BRA//PANTS//VEST (similar)//NIKES
Last Friday, I showed you these pjs and how they would make a super cute gift set for the holidays (they come in loads of patterns!)…
Well, over the weekend, Erika invited me and my girls over for dinner in our pajamas (all of the boys were at the OU/TCU game), so I wore those pajamas and look what I threw on top…
…this little red cardigan. I bought this cardigan to wear during the holidays with a tee and jeans, but it made a cute holiday “robe” too.
It comes in 7 different colors and right now, it’s 35% off. You can find my slippers HERE 🙂 . You ladies know how much I love those darn slippers! And look at that sweet clean baby in the background. Is there anything better than a freshly washed kiddo in pjs? I think not 🙂 .
Ho! Ho! Ho! Remember my cute Christmas tee from last year? It’s back this year too! This (plus so many more!) are HERE. This little online site has the cutest holiday tees (it’s where I get all of them!).
And I don’t know about you, but watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of our FAVORITE Thanksgiving traditions! We always stay in our pjs and eat something yummy along with it. Today, I’m sharing my Thanksgiving Day Parade Breakfast Menu. Easy recipes your family will enjoy Turkey Day morning.
That’s it for today! See you guys on Monday. xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I LOVE biscottis – but no one else I know likes them. The little snacks you got look yummy!
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Bethany says
I love Christmas pajamas so much! We got our first matching set this year! Soooo excited!
Sheaffer Sims says
Those Santa pj’s are adorable. And I’ve never in my life seen a cuter sports bra. #youwin
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Love love that gym outfit!! Those colors look great on you. I think that chocolate biscotti would make a great hosting gift during this season too! Have a great weekend 🙂
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Sarah says
I love reading your blog in the morning because then I six other tabs to look at after scrolling through your post haha!! Always love all of your recommendations!!!
Happy FRIDAY!!! Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Narci says
Well, I’m thinking you should wear that gym outfit every single day. It is so adorable on you!! Happy Friday, friend!!!!
Erika Slaughter says
Happy Friday, Friend! I see you or talk to you almost every single day and I would fall into that category of, “Who?” with that album. 🙂
Janet says
I cannot believe it!!! I am the biggest Dan Fogelberg fan!! Although I am more your parents age!! I’m listening to his Christmas CD now!! I saw him in concert many times & took both my kids (who are more your age!). Thank you for brightening my day!!!
sydnee says
I love my paperwhite too!
Design by Sydnee | Friday Faves ?
Mama V @ Snowflakes & Coffeecakes says
Hi Shay,
Two things to love – a Kindle Paperwhite and Dan Fogelberg! Have a great day!
Cindy Rabe says
My kids have Kindle Fires and we LOVE them! SO much safer (and cheaper) than ipads. The parental settings are easy to use and I never have to worry about them accidentally going somewhere they shouldn’t and a game download that isn’t age appropriate.
Dani Fry says
I hosted an Elf Survival party last night. Everyone brought 2 ideas with ready made supplies for 12 people. We all left with activities for the whole month! It was awesome! I’ll post on my facebook all the ideas that were brought. There were some super cute ones I would have never thought of!
Erin says
I grew up on Dan Fogelberg too (and I’m 32!). I was actually just listening to him yesterday ? I didn’t know about that tribute album but can’t wait to check it out!! Happy Friday!!!!
Janey Polk says
I just recently got a Kindle Paperwhite too and I love it! What kind of case did you get for it?! Hope you and the family have a great Thanksgiving!
Connie says
Glad you made the move to a Kindle! You will love it. Put the screen on black with white letters, and you can read at night without keeping your Hubbie awake from the bright light. Enjoy!
Angelique Dale says
Your gym outfit is AH-MAZING! So cute! I’ve been online searching for Christmas PJs for the whole family and for just the kiddos and I’m stuck. Where are your favorites? We already have the Hanna Andersson Christmas Eve ones for the kids but I’d love some cheaper throughout the month ones too. Thanks!
http://www.FOURPOINTSMOM.com
Connie says
Elf on the Shelf ideas: Make a tiny paper box for 6 little “elf donuts” (Froot Loops or Apple Jacks) -I don’t buy these, but I bought a pack of the tiny boxes for this). I wrote elf donuts on the top and left the paper lid open some. I also used the Froot Loops for the elf to make a string necklace and put it around his neck another night. If you have a barbie couch, sit him on there with a barbie and a tiny bowl of popcorn (i have a Tupperware keychain bowl I used) and a barbie t.v. for them to watch. We have Let’s Go Fishin’ that I used a fishing pole from and had him fishing for baby goldfish from a bowl. I bought some tiny mustache stickers that I put on him a few different times. Also, made red paper santa hats with a white pom pom and taped them on each of our heads on a family photo with elf sitting near the frame. Put elf on tummy and turn head sideways under your Christmas tree skirt with his/her head sticking out only. Build a marshmallow snowman and write the face and buttons on with a sharpie. Use pretzel sticks for his arms. I hope that gives you a few fun ideas. haha! 🙂
Yvonne C says
You will seriously love the Kindle and so will your kids. We bought our granddaughter one (she’s 4) and we downloaded a bunch of kid friendly apps. Love the parental controls on it too! I’m definitely older and appreciate Dan Fogelberg. My children (who are in their mid-late 20’s) like a lot of ‘music’ too! Happy Friday!
Kim says
I am considering getting the Paperwhite you suggested, but am wondering if you bought the bundle on Amazon (I see you have a case)? I will want something to protect it when I throw it in my purse, etc.
Mix and Match Mama says
I did!
Taylor says
You should do a review on your favorite work out clothing brands for a future post!
Elizabeth Alqueza says
Hi there-I love your Friday Favorites!! What size your red sweater? Thank you Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
xsmall
Susie says
Did you get the petite or regular? The info says there is a 3-inch difference in length between the two, & the size guide says their petite is for 5’4 ” & under. I like the length on you in your pic.
Mix and Match Mama says
regular 🙂
Whitney Pegram says
Such great favorites!! I love that gym top!! Happy Friday, girl!
Alexis deZayas says
I’m so interested to hear what you think of the Kindle when you travel! And I’m loving that red cardigan for the holidays!
Rebecca says
#someonepassmeacarpentersalbum……….LOVE IT! Nothing wrong with loving all kinds of music. You made my day! Happy Weekend.
Erin Port says
Great stuff today – we leave for Seattle today and I thought of you as I bought my gum for the gum wall. We are excited to visit my sister and her husband for the week! The kids can’t wait to see that Freemont Troll 🙂 xoxo ERIN
Erin H says
Well that Dan Fogleberg album has made my day. I had no idea! He’s from my hometown and I listen to that Same Old Lang Syne song on repeat all Christmas. It is my guilty pleasure song. ha!
Sheena says
Great post!!! I think you should do a new closet tour soon 🙂 Thanks:)
Danielle Rigg says
Thanks h my favorite time of the year… Christmas. I have so many Elf ideas I want to share.
– put under glass cup with note that says help.
– put in a plastic jar, etc. with lid. On the last day, our girls get a note saying today you Cana bring “Georgie” with you wherever you go. Since you won’t be touching her just the container. My girls went crazy. We have to drive to ever family member to show them. Went back for another picture with Santa and Georgie.
– I purchased the snow spray you can put on windows. I traced the elf, then cut out a stencil. Sprayed the stencil inside the fireplace. Then spayed a little more on the side and wrote “Good-bye. See you next year!
– doll bath filled with marshmallows and the elf taking a bath.
I could go on and on. Lol
Happy Holidays to you and your Family ☃️?????❤️?
Callie says
I am sure someone has already mentioned this, but you should check with your library to see if they have an ebook checkout process. I know in my state you go to a website (log in with your library card number) and there are TONS of books to choose from (for free) and you can put some on hold and then when you check them out you do so via Amazon which delivers the book to your device through the magical Internets. You will LOVE this thing!!!
Jeannie says
I am so happy you posted about your new Kindle! Just this week I started comparing the different Kindles…I have been leaning toward the Oasis for it’s larger screen. Did you consider it? I’m ready to pull the trigger but can’t seem to click the button because I’m not 100% sure on which one is right for me!! Ugh, I don’t enjoy being indecisive… oh, I love me some Dan Fogelberg, thanks for the head’s up. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Tracie says
Whole Foods is going to have a pop-up for Amazon products soon. 🙂
Brooke Richardson says
Okay! Now I’m totally wanting almost everything you posted today. Guess I’ll be forwarding this post over to Tyler now. 😉
Kerri says
I love Dan Fogelberg, he’s on my playlist, I think we have the same Music Taste! Love all these Favorites! Athleta is my obsession, love it. Wish I could find cute tees for my 9 year old girl! Love the tees, but the sizes go up to 8.
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
That workout shirt is cute!! And I used to have a love affair with biscotti. Haven’t had any in years but now it’s all I can think about. Workout? Or biscotti? Hmmm…. 😉
That Inspired Chick
Caitlin Cooney says
What size is your workout top? Super cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
xsmall!
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
Those PJs and cardigan are too cute! Love your workout wear, too! Happy Friday, friend!!!!
Christa says
You will love your Kindle! My marching band was in the Macy’s Day parade in 1986 so also a family tradition as my younger brother and I marched and my parents and youngest brother were there for the parade. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Madison says
This is so random and you probably think you are just throwing it up, but can you post a tutorial on how you pull your hair up? It also looks so cute with the extra volume in the front that you do, but I can never figure out how to give mine that little extra something!
LeAnn says
I know I may be in the minority here but I love to read but I hate buying books. You read them once and then they sit on a shelf or you donate them. But since I love to read I check my books out from the library. I recently got a Kindle Paperwhite but I’m super bummed that it doesn’t give me the ability to download a book from the library (at least I can’t figure out how to do it). Our library has many, many books online to download but I don’t think the Paperwhite is compatible. Do you or any of your readers have any insight on this?? Thanks!
Mandy says
Leann, yes! My library uses a system called Overdrive, and once you log in with your library card number, you choose what format of book you’d like. Kindle is one of the options. If you can’t figure it out, definitely call your library and ask. It’s so worth it!!
Kim says
You can definitely check out books from the library on a Paperwhite! I ended up having to go in to the library to have them help me get it set up, but it goes through OverDrive (I think?) and somehow is connected to your Amazon account. You can set it up yourself from your library’s website, at least I could have, but I was having trouble so I went in for help. It’s pretty much all I do now!
Beth Dunham Swindig says
When you go on your library’s website do you see an option for ebook and then a drop down for the Apple or Amazon version of the book? A huge portion of my kindle books I get from the library. The option you want for the book is Amazon.
Callie says
Yes you absolutely can download ebooks to your kindle via the free public library. In TN it is via the reads site but go to your library website and look for info there. This is a wonderful and progressive service. If you don’t see it on the library site then go in and ask them to help you. The library is likely using a company that will deliver the books via your amazon credentials.
Amy T says
Love the gym outfit!! Might need to buy myself a Christmas present early! 😛
Amanda says
I was a kindle-hater until my mom bought me one for Christmas. Now I love it. I take it to work everyday for my lunch hour and always when traveling!
Also, can’t beat a good pair of Christmas Jammie’s! We always get a new pair on Christmas 🙂
MinShien @ Joyous Apron says
Happy Friday!! A couple of things…
– Yay Kindle Paperwhite! It’s the best!!
– That light grey gym top is too cute! Love love the back!!
Lynn says
What size did you get in the pajamas?
Mix and Match Mama says
xsmall
Claire says
Hey Shay, what color is your nail polish in the gym change room selfie? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
OPI Let’s Be Friends 🙂
Claire says
Thanks 😀
Jenny Franchak says
I love your workout outfit!! What size did you get in the leggings? Thank you!! xoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
xsmall
Laci says
That gym outfit is just perfect on you!
Kristine Escalante says
The merry and bright shirt is so cute! what size do you wear and how does it run?
Amy says
Yea!! You bought the black Paperwhite!! You will be so glad you did… no chance of leaving it behind in the hotel bed sheets when you travel. You will love it!! You can also download the Kindle app to your phone so if you find yourself with an unexpected wait you can pick up reading your book even when don’t have your kindle with you. Bonus!
Nancy says
Omg Shay you just made my entire day! Your gym outfit is EVERYTHING. I just added every piece to my Christmas list!!
Danielle says
Love the red sweater. What would be your go to white shirt to wear under it?
Mix and Match Mama says
I love Halogen ones!
Kaycee says
I spy a cute little photobomber in the “close up” picture of you in the red cardigan! Hi, Madeley! ???♀️
Kathryn Story says
I’m so glad you finally got a Kindle! I feel like you’ll love it!! You’ve inspired me to read more, and I just love downloading a new, good book on my Kindle. 🙂 I’m currently reading Night Road by Kristin Hannah. Happy Thanksgiving Week!!
Marcia says
I like your taste in music! 🙂 We have also been to Elton John, Kansas, Boston and Barry Manilow. Our last concerts we went to were James Taylor and Garth Brooks. The next two that tickets are purchased for are the Trans Siberian Orchestra (Dec) and George Strait (June). We are kicking ourselves for not getting to an Eagles concert when Glenn Frey was still living. Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Brandie Dunn says
Hi Shay! I just got Simmers this week. You say to use a small crockpot for the dip recipes in it. I need to get one. How many quarts is a small one?
Mix and Match Mama says
You can get a 3 or 4 quart slow cooker for dips!
Cindy says
Download the kindle app to your kids iPad and you won’t have to buy them kindles!
Bethany says
You should check and see if your library offers the Overdrive app. It’s basically an online library (free)! Sometimes you have to wait for the more popular books but it’s definitely worth looking in to! Also, LOVE the PJ’s!
Lisa Richardson says
Love biscotti, Dan Fogelberg (my husband razzes me) and cute workout clothes. We might be #soulmates? Happy Thanksgiving break!!!!
Gina says
If you get a chance, my blog today is about a friend that lost her battle with breast cancer.
Gina says
Oops…forgot the link. http://thoughtsofamamaandwife.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Weaver says
Love all of your Friday favorites! I’m getting my 10 year old daughter a Kindle Paperweight for Christmas. Can you share a link to the case you bought? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s just the basic case off of Amazon. When I pulled up Paperwhites, it was up too!
Debbie lang says
Love your Friday favorites.
Kindle paper white is great by the pool also. Easier to through in a bag and read in the sun.
Do you have s favorite gym bag you would recommend? Or what is the one your carrying. Love this workout clothes. Buying now. 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
What a clever idea!!! And I love my gym bag. It’s from Athleta!
Erin says
How do you keep your Ansley ugg slippers so nice and clean? Mine need some TLC!
Mix and Match Mama says
These are new. You should see the ones I bought last year…it looks like a car ran over them :).
Laura Utesch says
Shay-I’m prob late to the game on asking about the slippers…do they run TTS? The reviews seem mixed. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I always buy my actual size and find them a tad snug at first, but after about 4 days, they’re perfect!
Shannon says
Hi Shay! I would love to see picture of each part of your closet. Everything looks so neat and orderly, and I would love to see how you organize it all! 🙂
Kris says
Love love The Carpenters! Makes me happy when their Christmas music is on! Had them and Dan Fogelberg on my radio the other day!
Jennifer says
You did a post a while back on different hot teas you were trying. I can’t find it! Looking for recommendations..
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m obsessed with Harney & Sons! I love the Hot Cinnamon Spice and Paris!
Julie Long says
I love your blog Shay!! How do you stay so petite and small?? I am 56 and nothing seems to stay put anymore.
Mix and Match Mama says
You’re so sweet. I’m going to say genetics plays a big role (that an exercise and a balanced diet).
Julie Long says
I love your blog Shay..you sent me a bible and devotional and I am involved in church now and loving it!! Thank you sooo much!