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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

Books, Giveaways ·

Five Days of Fabulous: DAY TWO & BOOK REVIEW!


‘Tis Tuesday, friends!!!

Today, I’m extra excited because I’m pairing two of my favorite things together…my NOVEMBER BOOK REVIEW and…

…COLLEEN ROTHSCHILD!!!

Yessssssssss!!!

As you know, I am obsessed with Colleen Rothschild skincare (and so is my mom!).  I’ve been using it for 18 months now, and it really has changed my skin for the better.  We asked them if they wanted to be a part of this year’s Five Days of Fabulous and they JUMPED at the chance to change your skincare routine too!!  Today is fun because ONE WINNER will receive $500 worth of Colleen Rothschild products (their choice) for both themselves AND ANOTHER $500 FOR A FRIEND!  That’s $1000 in Colleen Rothschild products!!!

Not only is their site 30% off full-priced items right now BUT look what they have on sale just in time for the holiday season…

…their DISCOVERY COLLECTION!

Hellllllllllllo gorgeous!

Inside this black pouch are all of the things you need to try if you’ve never used Colleen Rothschild before.  It includes everything  from the Radiant Cleansing Balm I love so much to BOTH of the moisturizers I use (day and night) plus two masks and an oil!  I was thrilled with mine because I can use it when we go skiing this year instead of bringing my full-sized bottles.  These smaller travel-sized products will be perfect to throw in my suitcase!  This kit is on sale today, so if you’ve always been curious but never taken the plunge, today’s the day!

I am OBSESSED!

If you don’t know how to use each product, no worries!  Inside each Discovery Kit are…

…step by step details for both the AM and the PM routine…

…brilliant!

Also, today, you can get this bundle on sale too…

…the three piece Honey Vanilla Body Care Bundle is currently marked down for the holiday season!

I also want to add that in honor of GIVING TUESDAY today, Colleen Rothschild Beauty is Donating 10% of Proceeds to GiveDirectly’s Project100+ Program. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, GiveDirectly’s Project100+ Program has pledged to deliver cash relief to over 100,000 low-income U.S. households. Their donation will help to provide private, direct cash payments to vulnerable families across the United States.  I couldn’t love this more!!

So, BIG THINGS happening on Colleen Rothschild’s site today and BIG THINGS happening on DAY 2 of Five Days of Fabulous too!

Okay, now it’s time to talk about my very favorite thing: BOOKS!!

It’s my NOVEMBER BOOK REVIEW and as always, I’m making it very merry 🙂 …

Several years ago, I started reading holiday books in November that way, I could review them for you by the beginning of the Christmas season.  This November, I read FOUR holiday-inspired books!  I enjoyed reading them so much this year, that there’s a good chance, I’m going to read a few more this next month too.  There’s just something about 2020 that makes me crave all the holiday happiness 🙂 .

So, here we go, I kicked off the month with…

…25 Days ‘Till Christmas.  Okay, this little novel has all of the makings of a cute holiday story…single mom living in Britain, she used to love Christmas but now that she’s widowed, she doesn’t get excited about it any more, she sets out to make the 25 days leading up to the holiday joyful for her young son and of course, she meets a man.  I thought this book was sweet, rated PG and very Hallmark-y, but it did get a little slow for me about halfway through.  Each  chapter highlights one of the days until Christmas and around Day 13ish, I was ready for it to pick up a bit.  I wrote in my notes that it was cute but slow and that I “lost steam” but when it was all said and done, I found it sweet and uplifting and really, do we need more than that right now?

In a Holidaze by the writing duo Christina Lauren, was the second book I read this month.  For the most part, I really enjoy novels by Christina Lauren, and their brand new holiday story did not let me down.  This book is a “Groundhogs Day” story where the main character keeps having the same holiday weekend, and she’s trying to make it stop while also realizing she needs to make some sort of significant change to get her life back.  At first, I was nervous that the repetitiveness of this tale would wear on me (the same weekend and events on repeat), but honestly, I was really intrigued and couldn’t wait to see how it all played out.  Now, I will say this book is more rated R, so please note that, but it entertained me and kept me curious throughout and overall, I’m going to give it two thumbs up!

The third book I read this month isn’t Christmas-y…

…but I had to read The Tourist Attraction first because the second book in the series is about Christmas and came highly recommended to me (it’s also the book I’m currently reading, so look for that review soon!).  This first book, while not Christmas-y, is set in Alaska and made my chick-lit heart happy.  I will say, I’m going to go ahead and say this one is R too (I always like to be overly cautious with my ratings because I know many of you are very sensitive to that), but it was really cute and super easy to read.  The main character is on a once in a lifetime vacation to Alaska when she meets a prickly bar owner who has lived there his whole life and doesn’t love all of the tourists taking over his town.  Is this story predictable?  Yes.  Was it the light and happy distraction I needed in November 2020?  You better believe it.  It’s a wee bit far-fetched at times, but I finished it up and wanted to see how the story continues with the sequel, Mistletoe & Mr. Right (and I believe there are even other books in the series), so I’m certainly happy I read it!

Now, the fourth book that I read this month was my very favorite…

…I love, love, loved Loving My Actual Christmas and hope you all read it!  In this memoir-style book, the author (mom of four) walks you through the days leading up to Christmas and how, she made a very conscious effort to really love her holiday season.  I found so much of this book to be helpful, encouraging, uplifting and just really endearing.  For instance, she talks a lot about setting expectations well in advance not only for yourself but for you children and your family.  I really loved it and have recommended it already to so many of my friends.  This is one of those books that I imagine I’ll read again and again with each passing year too.  It was the exact thing I needed to read leading up to this crazy fun season…that can also be crazy stressful.  Read this one!!

Okay, those are my four books for November!  Don’t forget that I highly recommend these holiday books too…

…and then I really think I’ll read one or two more holiday books this month and review them mid-December when I also announce my TOP THREE BOOKS OF THE YEAR!  If you have any book recs for me, please let me know in the comment section!

In the meantime, we need to give away $1000 of Colleen Rothschild skincare products!!!   Please note, this year, our contest will only run from 4:00 AM CST to 9:00 PM CST (this will allow us time to randomly pick the winners and get their names on the next day’s post).  Make sure you get your entries in during this time frame.  Every day, we will be changing up the different ways you can enter on the Rafflecopters, so make sure you’re paying attention with each one.  Some of the entries are weighted more than others, so please note that too.  If you are NOT on social media, then your entry option each day will be making sure you’re signed up for both of our daily emails.  Again, blog comments are not entries into this giveaway.

Here is this to make things a bit easier today:
Shay on FB HERE
Shay on Instagram HERE
Shay’s emails HERE
Sheaffer on FB HERE
Sheaffer on Instagram HERE
Sheaffer’s emails HERE

Don’t forget to tag the person you would share this prize with in the comment on BOTH of our Instagram pics today!

As far as yesterday’s prize goes…

…CONGRATULATIONS JENNA MAHONEY and our essential worker, MICHELLE ETHERIDGE!  You each one an Apple Watch Series 6!  We emailed you this morning!  Please email us back ASAP to claim your prize!!

Good luck, friends!!  I’ll see you back here tomorrow with another GIVEAWAY!!  Also, make sure you check out…

25 Days of Christmas Treats

…my 25 Days of Christmas Treats today too!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Comments

  4. Janice Williams says

    Hi Shay – I have the Discovery Collection in my shopping cart right now and look forward to trying their products!

    I’ve read some really great books lately – have you read any of these?

    -The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
    -When Time Stopped: A Memoir of My Father’s War and What Remains by Ariana Neuman
    -Oona Out Of Order by Margarita Montimore

    And my favorite book of the year: The Sight of You by Holly Miller. It’s such beautiful love story and stayed with me a long time. I can’t recommend it enough!

    Thank you for your book recs and I look forward to your year end review!

    • Julie Eggleston says

      I so agree with you about The Sight of You!! I recommended it to Shay last month in the comments. I’m surprised more people haven’t been talking about it, because it is just AMAZING. My favorite book of the year. Definitely stays with you.

  5. Susan Jeffries says

    I actually asked for a couple of books for Christmas this year. I have not wanted to watch tv over the past few weeks, so reading seems like the perfect alternative. I will be watching your book reviews closely! I started using Coleeen Rothchild products a few months ago and they are amazing. I think I will pick up the body lotion set for my daughter today! Thanks!

  6. Sheaffer Sims says

    I LOVE a Colleen Rothschild giveaway. And I love a holiday book cover! Just don’t make me read it.

  8. Marie C says

    I just finished The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss! It was wonderful and had all the feels. Sweet, sincere, and heartfelt. It takes place in England. And I learned all kinds of new vocab, like what a “gritter” is! ?? Such a fun book!

  9. Tracie says

    I read The Tourist Attraction this month too and had to force myself to finish it. It just seemed a little too far-fetched to me. I hate leaving books unfinished though. I also kept getting annoyed that the diner owner seemed to have a southern accent (that increased as the book went on?)( despite living in Alaska his whole life. Every time I read him saying “darlin” I cringed! Just me?!

  10. Jenn says

    I loved In a Holidaze!! I’m currently reading The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss. Super cute!!

  11. Shannon says

    A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg (same author as Fried Green Tomatoes). More meat than typical holiday fluff, but has all the feels.

  12. Bailey W. says

    I love your book reviews each month, but these holiday books are especially fun!! ✨?❤️

  13. Moria Cox says

    I’m so happy that you loved Alex’s book! I used to work with her at MOPS International and she is just a wonderful writer and person. She has an advent guide that goes along with her book-it’s on her website, I believe.
    Merry Christmas!

  16. Celina Shwam says

    I look forward to your reviews every month. I am really enjoying LOVE HER WELL. It is a book about raising teenage girls with a heart for Jesus and I know you would love it.

  17. Judy Pfretzschner says

    Hi Shay! I would share my gift with Diane Robbins, my friend of 50 years! Hope your home is pretty much back in order now.
    Merry Christmas! Jesus is the reason for the Season.

    Judy
    Arlington, TX

  18. Anna Phillips says

    I know you’ve had a love/hate relationship with Colleen Hoover, BUT please give “Ugly Love” a try! Everyone that has read it has loved it! It’s definitely a rated R book, but I was able to look past those parts and still fall in love with all of the characters. My book of the year goes to “Archer’s Voice” by Mia Sheridan. This needs to be a movie! It stayed with me for so long after I finished, and I think I laid in bed and cried my eyes out several times throughout the book. So, soooooooo good!!!!!

  23. Jen says

    You need to read The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down On Mischief Farm by Hilarie Burton Morgan! I know you love memoirs too, and while I never followed her before, this book was SO good! I feel like I just read a Hallmark movie as a nonfiction book- in the best of ways! So much simple joy, heart, and charm in this book… I think you will love it!

  24. Kathy says

    Fun, light-hearted holiday books are perfect right now. I really love the Colleen Rothschild products I’m using, so today’s 2nd day of Fabulous is so exciting!! Thank you for bringing Christmas cheer into my day. 🙂

  25. sandi says

    I have my library website open on one screen and your blog on another (I’m at work don’t have fancy stuff like two screens at home 🙂 and just put several reader suggestions as well as two of your suggestions on hold. Some are too new for the library to have. I recently finished Water from my Heart, Polish your Poise with Madame Chic and I’m half way through Heir Affair. Looking forward to some fun Christmas reading!

    This is a great giveaway. The cleansing balm is the only product from her line that I use and it’s fantastic.

    Merry Christmas!

  27. Lizzie says

    I love CR products! I need to restock. Would love to share these products with my mom. Thank you Shay! And, congrats to yesterday’s winners!

  28. BrittanyB says

    Thank you for the ratings!! ?? In the past, I’ve have had to throw out like 3 books so my kids wouldn’t find them and read them. ?? Appreciate the reviews!

  29. Beverly says

    I would love to win tis make up set for me & my daughter. I’m a middle school teacher who needs to look betteer on Zoom. We are all virtual. I’d like to tag my daughter Maya.

  30. Kelli says

    This might be my first comment ever…so it must be super important. 😉

    I just discovered The Christmas Tree Farm Mysteries series. It is super light, romance and gets you in the Christmas mood. I would highly recommend. (I listened to them on audible)

  31. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    Glad to hear Holidaze was good! I have it on order right now. I am reading my first Taylor Jenkins Reid book, In Another Life and it’s pretty interesting!

    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams 

  32. Rebekah Parker says

    I enjoy your book reviews. I just finished Christmas at Carnton. It’s religious historical fiction set during the civil war. It was so good! I also enjoyed The Women of Christmas to prepare for the Advent season. Merry Christmas ?

  33. Kandi L Barber says

    I love your book recommendations. It led to my favorite book I’ve read in a long time “One to Watch” by Kaye Stayman-London. Oh my gosh, it was excellent. Must be because I’d describe myself as snarky and so did the character HAHA.

    But I have to say I’m clueless how to share graphic and tag (old lady syndrome I guess)!

    Thanks for all the new recommendations – can’t wait!

  34. Carol says

    Read “Loving My Actual Christmas” per Erika’s recommendation a couple years ago. Like you I loved it and plan to read it again. With everything going on now, this is truly a must read. Started the Life Way Women’s “The Weary World Rejoices” that you recommended in an earlier post this morning. As someone who usually keeps a journal to write my thoughts in when doing my morning devotion, Amazon had a Christmas journal that I also purchased and love it. As with every year, looking forward to your Christmas home tour post.

  35. Danielle Chambers says

    I have always wanted to try Colleen Rothschild so I am so excited for this giveaway! Also, hearing they are such a giving brand makes this even better! Thank you for this, Shay!

    Also loved the book review! Plan to purchase a few of these and start my Christmas reading!

  36. Johannah Mosel says

    I’m not sure if you do audiobooks, but I highly recommend Matthew McConaughey’s book Greenlights. I usually prefer to read rather than listen to books, but he tells the stories so well, I found myself laughing out loud A LOT. It’s so very Texas. Always love your book reviews! ❤️

  38. Alexandra Kuykendall says

    Shay, I’m so happy you liked Loving My Actual Christmas. It is near to my heart. Merry Christmas to you and your readers. May we all sit in the miracle a little more this year.

  39. Addison says

    Out of all the 60+ books I’ve read in 2020, This Tender Land was my favorite!!! It’s similar to Where The Crawdads Sing which I know you enjoyed! You NEED to read this!

  40. Kate says

    Read a few books this month and loved Holidaze! From the front cover (darling!) to the end, love!
    I was surprisingly disappointed by Sophie Kinsella’s – Love Your Life – I’ve always loved her books and I just could not get into these characters.
    One by One – Ruth Ware, very exciting, a quick read
    You Are Not Alone – original, suspenseful, interesting characters!

    I need more fun Christmas books!

  41. Sandy says

    What time does each day’s entries close? Both yesterday and today when I could get on in the evening it was done. I work and can’t usually get on here until late in the day.

  42. Aparna says

    Hi Shay, I have Holidaze in my TBR pile…read some awesome books in November, thanks to everyone’s suggestions here….
    The Last Flight…Julie Clark, was a good thriller
    The unhoneymooners…Christina Lauren, was hilarious
    The light we lost…Jill Santopolo was a great read and something I guess most of us can relate to, choices not made.
    Also read Sandra brown’s Thick as thieves…was a good thriller and Never have I ever which I enjoyed overall but thought the ending was a little meh.
    Have some recommendations from you all in my tbr for December…looking forward to that. Happy holidays to you!

  44. Chelsea Roman says

    I love your book reviews! ❤️ I just finished “This Time Next Year” by Sophie Cousens… read it in one day. SO GOOD! Would be great to add to your holiday list, New Years themed! ?

  45. Rayne says

    Have you read any books by Sarah Morgan. I read One More for Christmas and then Family fir Beginners and enjoyed both! Great easy, family centered drama with romance thrown in!

  46. Julie says

    Have you read Elizabeth Berg’s novels before? I think you would love them. Very sweet and heart-warming. She has a Christmas book ‘The Handmaid and the Carpenter’ that you would enjoy! And also, any of her other novels-she has a ton. I am loving ‘In a Hoildaze’ right now, and I just downloaded ‘The Wild’ 2.5 Christmas book which I’m super excited for! I’m so happy you introduced us to that series! Enjoy your holiday reading!

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