Happy Friday, friends!
It’s another HUGE Friday over here! First up, I’m partnering with Nordstrom and ShopStyle and sharing some FALL FINDS for your Thanksgiving Day plus a few festive HOLIDAY FAVES and also…it’s Veterans Day!
You guys, wait until you see my first Fave. Stop and get your tissues.
Seriously. Get them.
As always, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and wishing you a wonderful weekend! xx
My First Fave this week is so near and dear to my heart.
My 97 year old grandpa is a very proud Marine. Outside of being a man of God and a man who loves his family, being a man that served his country is what makes him the most proud. Yesterday, on the 247th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps and the day before Veterans Day, several other Marines (a total of 16 people) went to his house for the tradition of the oldest Marine in the room cutting the cake and serving it to the new recruit.
A recruiting officer was there and my 97 year old grandpa who served in WWII proudly passed the piece of cake to this new recruit who will now take the baton and serve his country. Truly what an honor for everyone in that room. What a full circle moment in history. A man who fought in Okinawa handing the cake to a young man embarking on his own military journey as a Marine.
These Marines then lined up and sang the Marines’ Hymn with my Papa.
My grandfather never received his Marine Dress Blue Uniform, but yesterday, they surprised him by bringing him one. My grandpa is so proud and said now, he will get to one day be buried looking like a Marine.
God bless every one of those Marines who visited my grandpa yesterday and every single person who has served our country.
There are simply not enough words to show my gratitude. God bless each one of you and your families too.
Nothing makes us more merry than…
…HOLIDAY PJS! Right now, Nordstrom has an awesome selection of family holiday pajamas just in time for you cozy December mornings.
Mades and I were pumped when our new pjs arrived 🙂 ! While she went with PLAID, I picked FAIRISLE. Of course, they’re both more adorable with ANTLERS and a FESTIVE POM BEANIE!
From fleece to flannel, jumpsuits, two-piece sets and mix and match, your entire family will be adorable come Christmas morning in Nordstrom PJs! I buy them every year, and they’re always my go-to jammy all season long.
‘Tis our favorite season 🙂 .
Speaking of favorite things…
…it had me at Buffalo. It’s not super spicy at all. It’s just delicious. Perfect with a corn dipper.
If you haven’t been to Trader Joe’s recently, it’s that beautiful time of year when you can find both Thanksgiving goodies AND holiday deliciousness. I went yesterday and already think I’ll go back on Monday just to see what new goodness has arrived.
It has been THANKSGIVING WEEK over here!
If you missed Monday’s post, we all argued about our TOP FIVE, BOTTOM FIVE THANKSGIVING FOODS (it was highly controversial!), then on Tuesday, I shared…
FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS//NECKLACES//DENIM JACKETS//BOOTS
…this year’s ideas for WHAT TO WEAR TO THANKSGIVING DINNER!
I included so many cute and COMFY ideas for your big dinner, and today, I have a few more…
My favorite WIT & WISDOM JEANS work so well with my #1 BOOTIE OF THE YEAR and THIS COZY SWEATER!! Friends, this sweater comes in 18 different color choices. EIGHTEEN!
It has zero itch (you know I don’t do itchy sweaters!) and is so soft and cozy! I am in love and really am contemplating a second color. My color is called SILVER HEATHER GREY, and right now, THEY’RE 33% OFF!!! They run TTS, and I love them! All 18 colors are so pretty!
Speaking of those jeans…
…they’re so super cute with THIS LIGHT SWEATER here that I keep wearing…
…which is under $30 and comes in 7 different color options. I’ve been layering mine and in this photo, it’s with this LACE BRALETTE.
Don’t forget, if you want to try WIT & WISDOM JEANS for the first time, I always recommend you size down one size. I normally wear a 2, but in these jeans, I always buy a 0. I love both THE PAIR ON THE LEFT (currently on sale!) and THE PAIR ON THE RIGHT this fall.
If your Thanksgiving is a bit more formal or you’re looking for a cute dress to wear to church (like me in these next two pics), look how comfy and cute these sweater dresses are…
Super soft, zero itch and THIS DRESS also comes in black too. Looks great with my booties too which are extremely comfy and currently 46% off!
I wore them to church two weeks in a row…
…also with THIS COMFY SWEATER DRESS TOO! I bought both in xs.
One more fun find…
…I bought my faux-fur jacket for the holiday season and just pulled it out early to be Keeley 🙂 . I love this color so much, but it does come in other colors too.
Okay all of you who scoff at my Hallmark Christmas movies, I watched Lights, Camera, Christmas this week (one of their new ones for 2022) and loved it! It’s still very Hallmark-y buuuut I did think it was a bit more original than some of the others. If you see if on this weekend, everyone watch. It’s super cute!
If you need a little sparkle in your life this holiday season…
…I bought both of these Bobbi Brown palettes! The TOP PALETTE includes a nice highlighter and lots of sparkle while…
…the BOTTOM PALETTE has more everyday colors for the season.
Finally…
I found some sparkly, velvety and very gorgeous holiday dresses all under $100…
Nordstrom is always been my go-to for my holiday finds! As you know, I always love shopping there because not only do they have everything my family needs from beauty to shoes to home, clothes, bath and more, but they have impeccable service, free shipping, free returns, and curbside pick up (all so handy for the busy holiday-busy lady!). You can catch all of their services (including alterations, gift wrapping, style help and more HERE!).
Last but not least, whether you’re Team Andrew or Team Shay, surely you will find some delicious sides to make this Thanksgiving in my TERRIFIC TURKEY DAY SIDES post! Everything yummy you need to go with your ham (or if you’re Andrew, your turkey) this Thanksgiving.
Sending so much love to all of you today, but especially to those who are currently or have served our country. God bless you and your families this Veterans Day. xx
Denise says
What an absolutely beautiful story about your Grandfather. I never knew that the Marines did this, and it just warmed my heart. Thank you for sharing. .
Erika Slaughter says
You and Mades are Christmas ready with those pajamas! So cute!
Laura says
Oh Shay! Your grandpa! My nephew is at Parris Island right now and just finished the Crucible last night! We’re two weeks away from graduation and are so pumped to have him home for Thanksgiving.
Mix and Match Mama says
God bless your sweet nephew and your family!
Elspeth says
So many fun favorites as we get ready for the holidays!
Happy Friday!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Ani says
That fist story about your grandpa is precious. What a full circle moment.
Aaaand…
Your roasted garlic creamed spinach is now a requested staple at our family Thanksgiving lunch!!!!
Amy Heinl says
Not sure if you saw these 2 Hallmark movies that ran over the past couple of weeks but if nit, catch Jolly Goid Christmas. Entire movie was filmed in London and it is beautiful scenery. Storyline is really cute and funny. The other is Ghost of Christmas Present. Have to say it’s the best Christmas movie so far this season. You will love them both.
Lastly, thank you to your sweet Grandfather for his service to our country. How wonderful that he got to participate in that service with the new recruit. I am sure it is something neither will forget. Your grandpa is a true American hero
Dawn Timmons says
I had tears in my eyes reading your post today after your #1 Favorite with your grandfather. That brought me JOY too! What a beautiful moment! Thank you to your grandfather, those Marines at his house, and all who have/are serving. We pray for you, appreciate you, and honor you.
SS says
Shay,
What an GREAT thing to be a part of yesterday with your grandfather and the Marines. How touching they brought him a uniform.
We watched which will probably be our last, movie outside last night…Ticket to Paradise. It was super cute!!
Have a great weekend!!
Kate says
Oh my word!! Your number 1 fav got me like whew!! That’s so incredibly sweet and awesome they did that. I feel like I know your sweet grandpa from all your posts and he seems amazing ❤️
Callie says
I also loved that Hallmark movie. Another one I loved so far is “Ghosts of a Christmas Always”. I didn’t think I’d like it and it turned out to be my favorite so far!
Kristin says
Oh my goodness! I teared up at the cake cutting and serving, but the uniform sent me over the edge. What a wonderful thing for them to do! I do have a question however. Our Marine nephew got married this summer, and he and his wife used his sword for the ceremonial cake cutting. Did your grandpa use a sword or a knife?
Mix and Match Mama says
He used a knife…probably due to his age 😉 .
Kristin says
Probably for the best. The sword was a bit over the top!
Tami says
Your story about your Grandpa brought tears to my eyes. What an honor! My son was the youngest Marine at his first ball and also served in Okinawa! Thank Grandpa for his service and God Bless him!
Mix and Match Mama says
God bless YOUR son and family too!
Sheaffer says
Shayyyyyyyyy! What a special day and wonderful tribute to your sweet grandpa!!! I love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was just the sweetest!
Toni Cox says
Love the story about your grandfather! My dad was a Marine also♥️
What size is the lightweight green sweater you’re wearing? I’m trying to decide if I need an xxs or xs since I’m petite.
Mix and Match Mama says
xs!
Rebecca says
Well thank you for making me cry first thing thing this morning! What a precious story and what a memory! I come from a military family and so appreciate all the men and women of service do you protect our country and our freedom! Give your granddad an extra squeeze from me- he reminds me of my Daddy who went to be with Jesus in 2013. Miss him every day! 💜
Dana P says
Okay, and now I’m crying at the gym. 🥹 How precious! I just watched their anniversary video before I read your blog today. I never really understood the significance and impact of our military until our son just finished boot camp and we went to his graduation. Every American should attend one of those! It is incredible to remember the sacrifice of so many before us. Your grandpa is a true hero and how wonderful that he got to have that special celebration!
Mix and Match Mama says
God bless YOUR SON!!
Mary says
Your #1 favorite is my favorite 🇺🇸
Leigh says
The story of your grandpa shouldn’t be a favorite of the week, but a favorite of the year! I love it so much. God bless that man, and the new Marines. And may God help our country
Clare says
Wow! Thank you for sharing about your Grandpa! And thanks to him for his service. The story brought a tear to my eye and gave me chills! Have you heard of Honor Flight? It’s an organization that sends veterans to DC to honor them and tour war memorials and monuments made for them. My papa did it and had the MOST incredible experience! I hope your grandpa could be apart of the experience!
Mix and Match Mama says
He did it! My dad took him several years ago and he was SPOILED ROTTEN!
Katie Compton says
I teach 2nd grade at a school about 50 miles south of DC. Our school has been making cards for veterans for years and our local American Legion picks them up and delivers them to Walter Reid medical center, mails them overseas, AND gives them out to Honor Flight veterans! The messges my sweet students write each year always bring tears to my eyes. It makes me so proud of them!
NancyK says
Shay, As I was reading about the special day for your Papa a big lump in my throat was taking place. Then I read he never had his Dress Blues. When I read he was given his Dress Blues and his comment, I lost it! Tears fell hard. Here 30 mins. later I can finish your blog. Such a special time for your Papa. God Bless. Thank you for sharing all this with us.
Mix and Match Mama says
It was just the most special day for him. I am SO thankful he was able to fully enjoy it.
Lindsay D. says
I didn’t believe you…I didn’t grab those tissues, but now I’m crying! Beautiful story!! I’m so happy they honored your Grandpa that way!!
Paula says
Your Papa receiving his blues & his gratitude and pride in that had me in tears. Very sweer. Thank you for sharing.
Julie says
Love this story about your grandpa! So special that they went to his house. I love that they brought him dress blues. God bless your grandpa. My husband served 26 years in the Marine Corp.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Julie, God bless your family! Thank you so much to your husband and her service to our country. Wow. Twenty six years!
sandi says
What a sweet sweet story and memory for all in the room with your grandfather! My grandad also served in Okinawa; he passed away on Memorial Day 11 years ago. The pride on his face when a flag was raised was so apparent. No matter how weak he got, he stood and saluted the American Flag. My sister’s sister in law (who’s husband was a navy helicopter pilot for 22 years) was able to get my mom the flag that was flown over the Capitol Building on the day he passed.
My nephew graduated from Nuclear Power Training school in Charleston SC yesterday. We will see him at Christmas for the first time in two years! My oldest daughter’s boyfriend is on a full paid ROTC scholarship and will serve after college. With the world’s largest naval base in my backyard, we hear the sounds of freedom when the jets fly overhead and celebrate the homecomings when the air craft carriers come back home after months away. However, the generation that served along with your grandad was truly the last of its kind; they were a special group of men for sure!
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! What a legacy your family has, Sandi!
K.K. says
Your grandpa!! Thank you for the tissue warning!!
My grandfathers served in Army and Navy, and they are long in Heaven now, but it made me so thankful to have their influence, love, and example of service while growing up. 🙂
Also, yes to all the holiday things… I’m slower to get in the festive mood, but I think you almost have me there, Shay!
Kristin Lyngaas says
What a special day for your grandfather. Wow. ❤️🙏🇺🇸
Debbie K. says
How appropriate.. My students are making Thank you cards for veterans this morning, and I was able to show the pictures and share your papa’s story. Thank you Sir, for your service!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh wow! How special is that?! If you would like his address, I’d be happy to send it to you should any of them want to mail him a card. You can email me for it mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com. Thank YOU for remembering the veterans today.
Therese says
I just returned from volunteering at my daughter’s school’s Veteran’s Day ceremony. Dried up those tears and then see your sweet Grandpa! Thankfully I keep a box of tissues at my desk! What an honor for your grandfather. Also, how cool that he finally received his dress uniform? My twin brother is an officer in the Navy and I’m usually biased to their dress whites. However, the Marine’s dress uniform really is the best of them all!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh you are too sweet! Sending so much love to your brother and your family.
Jan says
How wonderful to hear of your grandpa’s incredibly special day! I’m sending much love, and many hugs to you all.
As an Army veteran, I would like to thank you for your kind Veteran’s Day salutations. I humbly, and warmly extend to you my heartfelt gratitude, and I want you to know that you, and your family are worth every sacrifice that my husband, my son, and I have made in our military careers. XO
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Jan, thank you so much for serving our country. God bless you. I am so grateful.
Melinda Bridgr says
Wow! What a way to honor your grandfather! The Marines are steeped in tradition. Although, we have never had a Marine in our family, their dress blues are the best! Thank you for sharing the story🇺🇸
Jinger Lamanna says
What a sweet story about your grandpa!! Has he gone on an Honor Flight Trip? If not, please look into it for him. My husband runs the one in our area and it’s an amazing program for our veterans.
Michelle Etheridge says
The story about your sweet Grandpa brought tears to my eyes. Please thank him for his service
Beth Valenta says
What a blessing your Grandpa is! That was just so special to see.
Halmark…always begins with The Chirstmas Train for me. 🙂
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
The story about your grandfather was so special! Thank you for sharing that with us! And have you heard of Great American Family yet? It was started by the former CEO of Hallmark and I love it even more than Hallmark movies! A lot of Hallmark stars have signed with Great American now and make movies for them. Have a great weekend!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Tina Mahler says
Hi Shay! My son was in the Marines about ten years ago. He traveled doing “cake duty,” I’m so happy to hear your grandfather was honored in this way! Marines are a special bunch.
Mix and Match Mama says
God bless your family, Tina. Please thank your son for me.
Terri says
My father is also 97 years old and served in Okinawa in the army. So proud of him and all who served. It truly is the greatest generation.
Tasha says
I listened to the bestie breakdown episode about bravo shows and had to ask, have you watched Buying Beverly Hills on Netflix yet?! It’s basically Selling Sunset but with Mauricio (Kyle Richard’s husband) and his real estate agency.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just started!!!!! I LOVE MAURICIO!!
Keri says
I need help with little girls Christmas dresses! We’re in big girls and I can’t find any I love this year!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m in the same boat! I typically get mine at J Crew but this year, it’s the same dresses as last year!
Kristin S says
Well, that needed a warning. I’m over hear bawling my eyes out reading about your Grandpa. What a gift!
Dr. Honor Franklin says
Beautiful Shay, this post about your grandfather and the Marines should be posted everywhere. What a touching tradition and a lovely tribute to your grandfather and all the servicemen and women who served and serve our country. A beautiful post. Thank you for sharing.
xxxooo
Dr Honor Franklin
Mix and Match Mama says
So much love back to you. xx