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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

Christmas, Fashion, Friday Favorites, Shay's Closet ·

A few of Shay’s favorite things!


Shay's Favorite Things

It’s Black Friday!!!

Hahahaha!  Right?!

Want to hear a funny tidbit?  Andrew Shull loves him some Black Friday shopping.  He loves getting a deal on electronics and has been known to shop for friends just for the thrill of it.  While I’m cozy in bed, he’s fighting his way through Best Buy to get his buddy a TV.  Ha!

So, what is today about?  Well, raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…blah, blah, blah, these are a few of MY favorite things!!

This year, I started a list on my desk of random things that I love that would make great gifts this holiday season (most of them things posted in my Friday Favorites).  This is a very random assortment of things…with a wide variety in price range too.  I had fun putting this list together, and it gave me several ideas for my own fam!  Here’s hoping you had the BEST Thanksgiving and are already in the holiday spirit!  Sending you so much love this Black Friday!  COME BACK ON MONDAY!  Crazy fun is right around the corner 🙂 . #fivedaysoffabulous

Here we go, my list of favorites for the holidays this year…

PJs and Robes

I gift pajamas every year!  I love to get the ladies in my family pjs in different prints.  This cozy soft pair comes in 8 different prints.

 

Just add socks!

You could also add a bright red cardigan as a robe too!  Also, my Ugg slippers are THE most worn item in my closet.  They are on my feet EVERY MINUTE I’M IN MY HOUSE.  You could get different ladies in your family all different colors.

I have talked about this robe approximately 4 billion times and am currently wearing it while I type this (because I wear it EVERY.DAY!)  This is hands down, without a doubt, my very favorite robe.  It is just soooooo soft!  It also comes in multiple colors!

Hunter Wellies

I have given and received the gift of Hunter rain boots over the years.  One year, I bought three ladies in my family all three different colors.  These are such classic boots that they will have forever.

I am obsessed with Hunter boots.  They keep your feet dry and warm in both rain and snow.  Plus, they’re COMFY!

 

Cold Weather Gear

Old Navy makes great cold weather gear (scarves, mittens, hats) at fantastic prices!  These are perfect for kids too!

Barrington Bags

I’ve said it a million times…these tote bags are my fave!  I have gifted them so many times!!  I love how functional they are plus, you design your own, so they’re very personal too.  Love, love, love!

Clutches

My new favorite little clutch would be fun to gift this season!  I bought it in black, but it comes in many other colors.  Right now, it’s 30% off with code THANKS17.

 

It’s just the perfect size!

Simmers

You should gift Simmers too, right?  That plus…

…my favorite slow cooker would make a great gift!

Personalized from Etsy

My friend Amanda makes the cutest personalized stuff through her Etsy shop!  She does these fun cups…

…and custom signs among other things.  You can shop all of her fun goodies HERE.

 

Erin Condren

I am obsessed with my Erin Condren Life Planner!  My whole entire life is inside of mine.  With January 1 right around the corner, wouldn’t that make the perfect gift?!

Love, love, love!!

Stella & Dot Engraveables

I have gifted these personalized necklaces and bracelets for every occasion (Christmas, birthdays, mother’s day, graduation, etc).  I’m obsessed with gifting these!

 

You order them right from Stella & Dot.  Easy as that!

Sleeping Bags

Santa brought our kids these sleeping bags a few years ago and they’re the gift that keeps on giving 🙂 .

Bean Bag Chairs

Santa also brought our kids these giant beanbag chairs one year too.  We all fight over them at our house 🙂 .  Even adults fit in them!

Apple Watch

I’m obsessed with my Apple Watch.  You all know that.  I am absolutely dependent on it 🙂 .  My hubby has one, maybe your hubby would like one too?  Love. It.

Garmin Jr.

Speaking of watches, my kids bought themselves these Garmin Jr. watches back in the spring and have not taken them off.  I love so many things about these watches, but my favorite feature is that they don’t have to charge.  These guys run on a battery, so my kids really and truly never have to remove them (they’re waterproof too!).

Kindle

We’re new to Kindles around here, but we’re already in love.  Both of my big kids are getting Paperwhites this year for Christmas.  Anything that encourages them to read is a win in my book.

Saltopia

Looking for a gift to give someone who has everything?  Or a gift for the foodie in your life?  My friend Kimarie has just what you need…

…you must buy her Saltopia Salts!  Look how cute they come packaged?!  I have been gifting these like CRAZY!  They are the perfect little something to give this holiday season…

You are going to go nuts over these salts!

My Pillow

For your spouse?  The My Pillow.  For your kids?  The My Pillow.  For everyone?  My Pillow.  Andrew and I are obsessed with ours!

Sleep Number Bed

I know a bed is a crazy expensive thing to buy…but if you and your spouse are looking for a gift to give each other this year, the Sleep Number Bed is one of the best things Andrew and I have ever bought ourselves.  I talked a lot about our bed back in January/February…and we still love it so much.  I cannot imagine sleeping on anything else now.  After almost a year of sleeping on it…get this…his number is a 90 and mine is a 25.  SERIOUSLY!  No wonder we never found a mattress we both loved!  He wants his so hard and I want mine to feel like a hammock.  This was a great gift to buy ourselves.

One Year Bible

Start your year off right with the One Year Bible.  This Bible breaks down the Word in 365 days, so you can read the entire Bible in one year.  Love.

Jesus Calling

Another great way to start your year?  Jesus Calling.  This daily devotional is the perfect accompaniment to your morning quiet time.  There is a devotional for every day of the year.

 

Gratitude Journal

Because Oprah said so many years ago, I completed a gratitude journal for 13 years.  For 12 of those years, I used this one right here.  I can’t say this enough…the habit of daily writing down five things I was grateful for changed my life.  It really did.  It changed me forever.

Whew!  So, those are a few of my favorite things from this year!!  I hope you have the best weekend, friends!  Do not forget to come back here on Monday for FIVE DAYS OF FABULOUS!!!!!

xo

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Comments

  2. Alexis deZayas says

    So many good finds in this list! I’m finally trying out the Apple Watch this year and can’t wait to see how phone less I can go after hearing you rave about it! Happy Friday!

  4. Mindy Tierney says

    My daughter is turning 13 next month. She has a beanbag chair on her list. Is the PB teen ones big enough for her? A lot of bean bag chairs I see look like for a 5 year old or bad reviews. Debating since the pb teen ones are expensive. Thanks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We have two large ones and two small ones. I fit in all four, but the big ones are my fave! All from PB Teen!

  5. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    So many great ideas! Simmers and Saltopia are great host gifts. I also love all your PJ recommendations and can’t stop buying them 🙂 Have a great weekend Shay!
    xo
    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams

  6. Angela Ellingson says

    Such a great list! So many of those are on my wish list! I’ll just forward this post to Santa. ?

  7. Lynn says

    Hi Shay, My little boy has been asking for an apple watch for Christmas. I just couldn’t justify the price. After reading your recommendation on the Garmin Jr I thought they looked brill. I showed him your kids wearing them and read to him how much they loved them and he was completely swayed!!! Just ordered his for Christmas. Thank you so much for that little piece of advice!!!! Got to love a Black Friday deal to top it all off!!! Happy Holidays 🙂 x

  10. Sheaffer Sims says

    The picture of the My Pillow guy hugging his pillow makes me laugh every single time!!!! Both sets of pjs are darling on you, and I loved all the great gift ideas! I would like to mention that you’ve never given me that salt that you said you were going to give me. I’m home today until about noon. 😉

  11. Emmy Burke says

    I love everything about this post! Please do a kids gift guide!!! My girlies are 2 and 4 too so its fun to see what others are asking for!

  12. Gentry Adams says

    Thanks for sharing so many fun & awesome ideas!! I definitely am adding a few to my list for my friends & family!

  14. Heidi says

    Ooh hat a fabulous post!! After you raved about ugg slippers I got them for Christmas last year and I have worn them every single day !!! Best thing ever !!
    Those kids garmin watches are great !

  15. Amanda says

    I bought the gratitude journal this year (2017) and it has definitely been a game changer. Some days it’s so easy and other days so challenging. Really makes you think of the little things to be grateful for.

  17. Lisa D says

    Keeping a Gratitude Journal has been a major source of joy and peace for me! Everyone benefits from being thankful! It is transforming.

  19. Linda Grubbs says

    Great post today! Lots of good ideas. Thanks!!
    Glad you mentioned Saltopia again…. that had slipped my mind…what a great little gift for foodie friends!!

  20. Jess says

    Do you have the flex mattress? If so, do you like It? Or has the novelty of it worn off? I love the option of it, but not sure if I’d use it.

  21. Beth Dunham Swindig says

    Love all of these ideas! Our sleep number bed which we purchased thanks to your reviews has been a body changer for me! It took us years to find the right bed! I love that your kids are getting kindles. Hope they enjoy them as much as my family enjoys ours. Hope Andrew had fun shopping! We went out last night and got some great deals!!

  22. Kelly Franks says

    A serious planner question. 🙂 Do you carry yours with you all the time? I love a good planner but I hate to lug it around all day? If you don’t carry it around how do you remember what’s on your lists as well appointments throughout the day! Also, I bought two of the engrave able necklaces for Christmas presents!!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I keep it on my desk at all times (open to today’s date) unless I’m going somewhere where I need it to schedule appointments (like the doctor and such).

  23. Nita Sears says

    Hi Shay! Where is your red vest from that you are wearing with your wellies?

    Thanks for all the great gift ideas!

  25. Denise Hunter says

    Do you have a great girlfriend Christmas gift this year? I loved the previous years. I can never think of anything!

  26. Emily says

    I would love to see a post on how you decorate Xmas tree as yours looks perfectly done. Also really curious about your holiday decoration storage tips!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I wish I had great tips on storage…I just put everything in big bins and put them in the attic.

  28. Tanya says

    Thanks for the shopping suggestions! I have gotten so many great ideas from you over the years! Hope you had a very happy Thanksgiving!

  29. Susie says

    Just wondering if the Garmin vivofit jr would be good for my 10 year old or if I should just go with the vivofit. Any suggestions greatly appreciated

  30. Ashley says

    Would you mind sharing a gift guide for the men in your life? Husband, father, brother … that’s where I’m stuck. Also, what do you suggest for teacher gifts, or small gifts for the mailman or the front desk lady at school? ? thanks. You’re my go to gift guide!

  33. Abbye says

    Where did you find your navy band with the gold for your Apple Watch? Love (and have already followed) so many of your recommendations!! The slippers and robe are on their way to my house.

  34. Becky says

    I liked the grey sweater you wore in your Instagram story about the Christmas tree in your closet. Is it New? Where is it from?

  36. Adrianna Miller says

    I cannot wait to try the Gratitude journal! I did Jesus Calling this past year and will do it again in 2018. Loved everything in this post!

  37. Claudia says

    Thinking of getting a kindle paper white too! I already have an iPad though. Is it kinda redundant?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh my goodness, I love it! I used to have an iPad, but don’t any more (I use my MAC book instead). I love the paperwhite because it’s just for reading. No notifications or distractions…plus the screen makes it super simple to read in day or night.

  38. Kelly says

    Can you give more details about the Garmin Jr. watch please? What are your favorite features about this watch? I was looking at the VTech Kidizoom watches for my kids, but the more I look at them the more they look too babyish for them. My boys are 7 and 10. I see mixed reviews on the Garmin Jr watch on Amazon so I’d love to hear your thoughts on the features and durability. Thanks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I love that you don’t have to charge it, it’s waterproof, they can set their own timers (perfect for reading, chores and such), you keep track of the activity on your iPhone, and you get to give them rewards and stars for doing extra stuff around the house (it shows up on their watch as they earn them). 🙂

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You cannot. We bought them at Best Buy (they’re the ones that came with our watches last year).

  41. Peyton says

    Which Kindle case do you use? I just had to replace mine after losing my first one, and I thought a bright pink case might prevent me from losing it again – ha!

  42. jamie says

    SERIOUSLY???? how did i miss this friday favorites edition? i religiously go to your blog every morning between 5:45-6:00am! the answer to my sleep number question right there! ours will be delivered on the 8th. and andrew is a 90?!?! is that what he was in the store? i am a 40. my husband is a 50. both in store.

  43. Stacey says

    Love this post! What density do you an Andrew have for your MyPillow? I am having trouble deciding.

  44. Prudence says

    Thank you so much for your list of suggestions! I just placed an order with Saltopia last night. It’s already on it’s way. I got them as gifts for coworkers.

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