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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

Fashion, Friday Favorites, Shay's Closet ·

Shay’s Friday Faves {01.06.23}


Hey, hey, hey, it’s my first Friday Favorites of 2023!

As always, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and sharing my favorite things from the week.  This week though?  I have crazy big collection of Favorites because I’ve been saving them up all winter break long.

Grab a coffee and settle in.  I have a TON to share!

Here’s hoping you have a relaxing weekend ahead of you…full disclosure, I still have two suitcases that need to be unpacked and tended to in my garage, so if you’re looking for me, I’m going to be over here getting caught up on life.

Happy weekend! xx

This movie came out back in the fall, but I just now had time to watch it…and it was SO STINKIN’ CUTE!  I watched this on the flight to Salt Lake City and already know that I’ll be watching it many more times.

WHY DON’T PEOPLE MAKE MOVIES LIKE THIS ANYMORE?!

This is funny, light-hearted, sweet and both actors are adorable.  I give this one TWO BIG THUMBS UP!

Speaking of two big thumbs up…

…on this recent trip to Park City, Kensington and I discovered the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag and…IT LIVES UP TO THE HYPE!

When I was in Disney World with my team before Thanksgiving, so many of the girls had them, but I don’t shop that much at Lululemon, so I didn’t have one (but admired theirs).  Fast forward to last week when our luggage didn’t arrive, the Park City Lululemon store opened up before Athleta, so we stopped by and fell in love.  We used them all week long and…

…K skied with her bag on while I snowshoed with mine.  It held a phone, lipstick, car keys, gloves, sunglasses…it has a lot of room and is really sturdy (with great adjustable straps).  I was VERY pleased with this purchase and thought it very much lived up to the hype!  From what I hear, they sell out quickly.  You can see the current options HERE.

Speaking of Park City, THESE BOOTS Y’ALL…

…I just cannot stress to you enough how warm and comfy they are.  I bought my boots in white, but they come in so many other colors too (they’re selling out quickly though!).  The lining on the inside is like the inside of your softest puffer coat.  It’s just COMFY and WARM!  I love them!

And one more boot for you…

…I wore my Sorel boots every single day…except for the last two days when Kensington started wearing them and didn’t want to take them off.  They were the perfect snow boot in case you’re heading to cold weather.  They come in brown too!   You can find my TOP HERE too 🙂 .  It’s super warm but not bulky!

Anyone else binge Emily in Paris over Christmas break?!  Season 3 just dropped, and I loved it just as much as the other two!  This show is SUPER adorable.  I love the clothes they wear, the places they visit, the music…it’s all so fabulous, over the top and wonderful.  It is a bit mature (which kind of stinks because if it wasn’t, I bet Kensington would love it!), so just know that.  Most episodes aren’t “mature” at all but then all of a sudden, one will have a quick moment.  If you’re looking for something just easy to binge and pretty to watch, this is it!

You guys, WE ARE SIX DAYS INTO OUR GROUP!!!!  If you missed the news, I started a group for all of us to read through the Bible this year following The Bible Recap plan.  You can read all about it HERE.  I have already been SO BLESSED by reading my Bible each day with you ladies.  I really can’t tell you how much it reaches me in my soul to know I’m not doing this alone.  If you haven’t started yet or want to share this group with a friend, please do!  Again, read all of the info HERE, and then you’ll start on DAY ONE.  I would love to have you join!!

What does one do when they are wandering around the mountains by themselves snowshoeing and hoping not to end up a Dateline feature?

They put in their Airpods and listen to…

…Bethenny Frankel’s new podcast!

Erika told me I should listen one day while I was on the mountain alone, so I did…and then I couldn’t stop.  Now, you will only love this podcast if you watch The Real Housewives and love Bethenny.  If you don’t, you won’t.  I do…so I love it!

Whether your family is gluten-free or not, buy these.  I’m not really a sweets person and definitely not really a cookie person (I like dip…and cheese…and cheesy dip…), but after I ate my first one, I had three more on the spot.  These are delicious!

One of the most requested topics from you to me this last year was for me to start using LTK again.

I know so many of you use the app to shop…and so, I’m hopping back on.

If you want to follow me and see more fun sale finds/everyday outfits/cozy home details/etc, I’m going to try really hard in 2023 to keep up with it.  #fingerscrossed

Speaking of sales, right now…

…I posted this on my LTK last week when all five pieces were on sale.  Right now, a few of them are still marked down and all are still in stock.

SHERPA JACKET//QUILTED BOMBER

These two jackets are both in stock and so easy to throw over anything this winter/spring for an added layer.  I bought both in xs and find they run TTS.

OVER-SIZED HALF ZIP//MINI PUFFER//LIGHTWEIGHT PACKABLE PUFFER

These are all also TTS as well!  The second two are on sale too!

Speaking of sales…

…yesterday’s sweatshirt is on sale too!

Wow!  Every year when I ask you for blog post ideas, you ladies BLOW ME AWAY with questions/topics/things to discuss.  This year, I easily had over one thousand ideas from you.  This makes me SO EXCITED because I know that means we’re in this together.  I started looking through your responses and pulled a few we could cover today for grins.

Here we go…

Nine years ago, I did a post on this very topic!

I have a very systematic, organized, easy to use system.

It’s phenomenal.

It’s amazing.

I don’t do it any more.

Ha!

Here’s the deal…nine years ago, I had two kids, fewer jobs and like an iPhone 1.  Today, I have four kids, about 25 jobs and an iPhone whotheheckknows…life is just different and even though my system was super solid, I don’t have a system anymore.  That’s a lie. I do have a system.  My system is that every photo is on my iPhone, and I don’t delete them.  That’s it.  End of story.  Is it a great system?  No.  Is it the only system I currently have?  Yes.  While we’re on the subject, I don’t have photo albums either.  You guys…forty years from when my kids want to know what they were up to as children, my answer is going to be GO LOOK AT THE INTERNET.  The end.

You really should check out my system though…it’s a good one 😉 .

I couldn’t even tell you how many times I saw something like this.  I LOVE THIS RESPONSE!  Here’s the deal though, if you don’t mind me asking, how could I better incorporate that?  I feel like I’ve shared a lot about my faith (you can read MY DAILY QUIET TIME, QUIET TIME FOR KIDS, and FINDING FAITH posts that I’ve previously shared).  If you have other ideas/need more updated versions I would love to know as I got this response so many times!  I want to make sure I answer it perfectly for you as I consider it so important.

Back in August, I had a vaginal sling implanted to help my bladder.  You can read a bit and listen to our podcast episode where I talk in detail about the surgery/recovery/why I did it HERE.  You guys…I am so happy I did this!  It was this time last year that I asked you ladies out there for advice and many of you told me to do it.  I was super hesitant (hello, surgery!), but boy, almost five months later, let me tell you…AMAZING!  In December, I went to my final post-op appointment and about kissed my doctor.  I feel amazing and wouldn’t change a single thing.  Talk to your urologist if you have specific questions, but I am thrilled with my results.

I have a note on my phone!  So, my note currently says 2023 Books and then under it, I typed January and then under that, I’ve listed out the books I’ve read with any notes next to it.  Sometimes, I take notes as I read and then other times, I take notes at the end, but that’s what I do.  When it’s time for me to write my book review, I just pull up my iPhone and look at my notes.

And finally, for your Friday…

…34 Cozy Winter Soups!

It’s dark.  It’s cold.  It’s January.  Let’s get our soup on 🙂 .

That wraps up this week’s Faves!  (I told you there were a lot!!!)

This year, I’m going to end each Friday Favorites post with…

If you’re new around here, I’ve been at this now over 15 years!  I thought it was time I brought back a few of my favorite posts from the past in case you wanted to revisit life prior to what it’s like right now.  Here are TWO OLDIES BUT GOODIES for you today…

BEING A YES MOM

Our first LIFE LATELY WITH ASHBY

Happy Friday, friends!  I hope you all have a WONDERFUL WEEKEND! xx

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Comments

  1. Kelly Marie Sites says

    For faith content- I’d love to know how you organize your prayer life. For example, I have a prayer journal that when people ask me for prayer, I date a page and write a list in it, so I can keep praying, follow up, and NOT FORGET. And I list out all the things I’m praying for.

  2. Jess says

    Were you able to snowshoe and sled in the sorel boots? Looking for a pair that will be waterproof for snow activities and those look cute!

  3. Erika Slaughter says

    What a group of faves! I had so much to say but then baby Ashby and baby Kensington got me distracted at the end. Absolutely adorable!

  6. Lauren says

    Love the idea of flashback Friday!

    For a faith question, i’d love to know what you do when you’re walking through a difficult time. Do you reference certain passages of scripture? Do you have a certain prayer you pray? Talk to friends and family about it and ask them to pray with you?

  7. Jami Romano says

    I read the smartest photo storage tip ever this week… each day this year (I set a reminder on my phone), go in to your photos and type in that day’s date in the search bar. So for today, you would type January 6, and every photo or video you took on each January 6th over the year & you can delete/keep as needed. It is way less overwhelming than finding time to sit down and go though photos in bulk!

    Happy New Year 🙂

  9. Dana P says

    I’m so happy you’re back!!! Maybe you’ve answered this before, but didn’t you used to be more of a sweets person? Like when you ate your one brownie a day? And how did you transition out of that? I’m wondering if it’s age…I feel like I crave sugar a lot less now at 42 than when I was younger!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Honestly, I used to be a really big sweets person but the older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve become a spicy/savory person. I don’t know if it’s the chicken or the egg. Is it just age or is it that I started eating less sugar and now my body craves it less? I really don’t know. I would say most days, I never eat anything sweet anymore and back in the day…I had something sweet with all three meals and a brownie at the end.

      • Nicole says

        So interesting!! Do you think you lost weight/your body changed? I always love hearing about what you eat!! Has your go to meals changed at all lately? Thanks!!

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          Hmmmm…I don’t know. I think size/weight-wise everything has stayed the same, but I do think I function at a really high-energy level for someone who doesn’t get a ton of sleep, so maybe it’s given me more energy? I don’t really know, Nicole.

  11. Kristen says

    I am soo curious about the 1x a day brownie too.. what made you end that and you replaced it with anything else?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Going gluten-free. That was 100% why it ended. I tried and tried to make other gf brownies and honestly, they just weren’t as good, so we stopped. They weren’t terrible…it just wasn’t the same and Andrew and I lost our enthusiasm for them.

  12. Laura says

    Delightful Friday post! Thank you for sharing!

    Also, could you share more info on snowshoe-ing in your vacation recap? My fam snowboards, I do not. But I love snow, I love mountains and scenery…so I feel like cross country skiing or snowshoe-ing would be a good fit??

    And, looks like you put away your Christmas decs? You may have a couple suitcases unpacked, but good for you for getting that done, even with a vacay during the break! Have a great weekend!

  13. Allison Ferrell says

    “I like dip… and cheese… and cheesy dip”…. HA!!! I couldn’t have said it better! Best line. LOL!

  15. Molly L Summers says

    May I ask… what is your 1/4 zip top in the second “Sorel boot” picture? Thank you Molly

  16. Lyssy says

    I always liked reading about your goals for the month years ago. You’d write them on a fun notepad and it would inspire me to make some goals for the month too 🙂 Back then you wanted to read 2 books a month and look at you now!

      • Marisa Tompkins says

        I loved your goals too! That is what I put on the double pages of each new month of my EC calender. Books to read, seasonal stuff to take care of, bdays, projects, Etc.

      • Jennibell says

        Yes!!! That inspired me to do the Monthly Goals too….and I remember that is what started your reading journey too 🙂
        If you are considering adding a new monthly feature, that would be a good one! I’ve already been inspired (and done) two things from this post – start a “notes” page for my books this year(I can never remember them all and then ppl ask me for recs) and the person in your comments who gave the photo deletion suggestion. GENIUS. I use Google photos which helps with some of my organization but they are still all over the place :/
        Love reading content from you again!!

  17. Tabitha says

    Thanks for sharing your life on here, Shay! It’s always so fun to read!!! Happy Friday and Happy 2023!!!

  18. SS says

    Shay
    Loved Ticket to Paradise. We did the buy when it came to streaming. It was our last outdoor movie before the cold.
    We also love Emily. We are finishing Firefly Lane…almost done…then will move to Emily. So many interesting series right now. Yellowstone, then have to go to 1923, we are also watching Tulsa King. Lol night time in winter….
    Love your Flashback Friday idea…
    Have a Great weekend!!!

  19. Liz says

    I want to try snow shoeing and cross country skiing this March in Colorado – could you go through what you wore when you snow shoed? How many layers did you wear? What pants do you wear – ski pants? I am just curious because I am a total newbie and want to start gathering the things I need. Thanks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I’m a newbie too, so maybe I did it wrong…but I wore my Athleta fleece tights under my ski pants, a North Face top (actually the one in the photo with the black boots!) under my ski jacket, gloves and those Sorel boots. The weather last week in Park City was SO SNOWY but not super cold. The temps were in the upper 20s the whole time, so I didn’t have to layer much. I felt warm and not bulky every time I went!

  20. Susy says

    LTK requires waaaay too much personal information to join.
    Pkeeease go back to direct links!

  21. Amy says

    I absolutely LOVE the flashback Friday! I’ve been reading for a long time and it’s so neat to revisit.

  22. Jennifer says

    I read a good idea to de clutter pictures. Every day do a search for that date…ie January 6. Delete any pictures from past years on that date that you don’t need, any screenshots, etc.
    it is easy and manageable and you could also tag them, put them in folders, etc.

  24. Karen McAlister says

    I’m gonna love the Friday Favs look back as I only started following your blog posts about four years ago. Especially enjoyed (more like spoke to me) Yes Mom blog. My husband and I are now empty nesters and about to celebrate 40 years of married life. I’ve always felt like I didn’t say “yes” enough when I could have with our two daughters. However, our first grand baby is arriving in May and we’re super excited for a ton of “yes’s “ in our future. I’m also doing The Bible Recap with you this year and loving it so far. ☺️🙏

  26. Sarah says

    Okay. Can I just say how GOOD you look in that quilted bomber?!?! I am obsessed and need both colors NOW. Also, you look darling in that half zip pullover from Abercrombie, and I am convinced it’s because that color is your color. The bone/light grey/but also could be slightly light lilac is *perfect* on you and I now need everything in that color, too.

    Please come to SD and be my personal stylist. I love your taste!!
    Hope you have the best Friday! xoxo

  27. Terry says

    I’d love to hear about this year’s favorite things party…how you do it and what were some of everybody’s favorite things.

  28. Tricia says

    Oh how I loved reading Flashback Friday!! I didn’t read your blog back then and it was fun/neat to see what your life was like years ago…. You’re a great Mama, Shay! Love reading your blog! Happy New Year to you and your sweet family! ❤️ I’m also loving reading the Bible each day! I was telling my bestie, that as a Catholic school teacher, I’m embarrassed that I don’t know the Bible as well as I’d like to…. This was the “push/sign” I needed… 😜. Thank you! 💕

  29. Rachel says

    I watched Ticket to Paradise last week, love George and Julia, just wish they could’ve had a Brad cameo…but they did mention him in the outtakes at the end! Ohmyword, those baby girls in the last pic of today’s post…❤️

  30. Lauren says

    Two things – I cannot wait to watch Ticket to Paradise! and also – generally speaking, I ADORE your fashion. Seriously, your amazon picks make it to my cart more often that not. But girl, those platform snow boots, I cannot *laughing face* – I’m not saying this to be a mean internet troll, i just was amused at MYSELF b/c I generally love everything you wear.

  31. Alison says

    Loved Ticket to Paradise! You are so right. How come Hollywood doesn’t make movies like that anymore?! So adorable and just a feel-good flick. Please tell me you were also dying during the drinking pong scene? I was literally roaring in the theater. 😂

  32. Caitlin L. says

    For more faith content, I’d love to know how your faith relationship works with your husband or extended family? For example, do you differ in anyway or have any faith based traditions you love? As an aside, does your religion particpate in lent?

    I grew up Catholic and didn’t have the greatest relationship with God. Not a bad one but a low effort one. I started reading the Biblie recap and have been trying to learn more.

    Thanks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I love this too! Thank you, Caitlin! Lent is certainly practiced in some Protestant churches, but I would say that it’s not something with a huge emphasis. I had a pastor one time who really acknowledged it every year…but I’ve had probably 10 that haven’t.

  33. Tricia says

    Oh yay, so happy you’re back to LTK! Thank
    you! Could you link your phone case please?! I love how you change out your cases for the seasons, you’ve inspired me to do the same! Such a fun little thing that makes me happy! LOL 😆 Happy New Year!

  34. Jenna Unurh says

    What a fun post for the end of the world’s longest week! I’ve been following you for years for parenting, fashion, travel, time management, faith. You’ve really inspired my parenting and my organization. I think if I were to add anything to your faith question, I’d ask you to occasionally share what God said/spoke to/taught you (maybe you do this more often than I realize). Now, these learnings can often be very personal, so only what God prompts you to share! As a long time Christ follower and Bible study leader, you have done an OUTSTANDING job of helping us understand how you and your family live out your faith and practices you have. Your posts about how your kids practice a daily quiet time jump started me with my own three kids. So I think the way I see this increasing is perhaps by you sharing your personal learnings. I dont think this means the same way Jennie Allen/Annie F Downs/Jamie Ivey do this. You aren’t them! You are Shay and God has given you a different platform! But I think sharing in that way occasionally will spur many of us on in our journey. Thank YOU for all you do share. You have been a massive encouragement to me!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I love this, Jenna!! Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback!!! There were so many questions about it…but I’m like “where to start or what to say?!”. This is very helpful!

  35. Patty says

    Just curious, how long did it take for your luggage to catch up to you in Park City? Also, I cracked up at your comment about the Emily in Paris clothes. I burst out laughing at the outlandish outfits. Seriously, does anyone really dress like they do on that show? Definitely not in Utah! (Still a fun show to watch, though.)

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Listen, they are INSANE outfits but aren’t they fun to admire?! I always think “she lives in that tiny little apartment with Mindy and yet they both have the world’s largest wardrobe!”. We only had to wait 24 hours for our luggage! We were able to find it the next afternoon!!

  36. Sarah Shaneyfelt says

    I loved this post so much today!!!! I meant to type this on Ashby’s Gotcha Day post, but thank you so much for sharing your life with us! I was following along with your journey to get her right after I first got married, and then a few years later, we ended up going through adoption!! Your openness helped to plant a seed in my heart in order to pursue adoption with my husband, so thank you!!! I also found your MMM Adoption FB group so incredibly helpful!

  37. Erin says

    GAH! This post is just way too good! Shay on LTK, yes, please!! And I just bought the Lululemon bag for me and my besties for our girls trip next week. Love hearing that you love it!

  39. anita Gray says

    Shay, do you see anything wrong with one of your post promoting “Emily in Paris’ which glorifies sleeping around and pretty immoral behavior and then the next post is about your Bible Recap study group. That should cause you pause! I truly want to know what your thinking is on that!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I don’t think I need to think on that. I think I’m addressing a really big audience made up of a very diverse group of women and if my goal is to share Jesus with the masses (which it is), I cannot come across as judgmental or holier than thou. I wonder if more people would come to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ if they didn’t think it was just a bunch of rules/regulations/ultra conservative/judgmental people? Emily in Paris has beautiful music, costumes, scenery, food, cultural references…we can always learn a lot from things and not agree with 100% of it.

      • Marissa says

        I really appreciate your answer and perspective. As someone who left the Christian church world due partially to the judgement and focus on rules, etc. your perspective had me considering exploring my faith again. Thanks Shay!

      • Jennibell says

        Good job. This was a tough one to answer and I appreciate how you tackle these, allow people to express their thoughts like this instead of deleting or ignoring them. (I’m guessing for every one comment you have 10 more thinking it…).
        Anyway, I’m in the Bible Recap now (thanks to your encouragement last year) but only yet in Deuteronomy…guarding your heart is a main theme there. I think we go through transitions in life and we filter different cultural aspects in relation to where we are personally with the Lord at that time.
        One thing that has REALLY helped me is the series The Chosen. I think it has something for everyone – pastors down to those who have turned away for whatever reason. I would love to know if you and your family have watched the series and your thoughts?

  40. Marisa Tompkins says

    For faith content, how do you get it all done in the morning. Seems like a lot. Read the bible, book, devotional, podcast and journal. I would need an hour plus to do all that. How much time you you typically spend? Also I have a goal to read more books this year. I Audible while I’m driving, 2 novels and 1 slept help. You are so good with reading,. When you you make that happen? Mom, jobs, kids, cooking, sleeping, working out. I. Help me find places to fit it in.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      The answer to this one is wake up early. My alarm almost always goes off at 4:10 and my kiddos don’t start waking up now until 6:45. This gives me 2.5 hours to do my Bible study, listen to her short podcast, workout, make my bed, empty the dishwasher, sometimes shower, etc. Waking up early is the key for me. I read primarily in the evenings. I also read anytime I’m waiting…so waiting for my kids’ to finish a speech/occupational therapy, at the orthodontist, in the car at carpool, etc. Sometimes I’ll read a minute early in the morning, but the bulk is done in the evenings. I don’t get a ton of sleep (not suggesting that, just admitting it), and I read a lot at night.

  41. Melinda Tate Marona says

    Did I miss the December Book review? I always save those newsletters so I can go back & choose my books from your reviews. Dying to know what your top three of 2022 were!

  42. Tiff says

    For faith content – would love if you’d be willing to share the things the Lord is teaching you and how you model your faith to the kids. Thank you for being so willing to blog about this and for the encouragement you bring through these posts.

  43. Erin says

    Maybe for the faith part, you could share what God is doing in your life or family. Or what He’s revealing to you through His Word. What prayers has He answered? Testify! It doesn’t always have to be about your “processes” of doing things- even though people love that. Lol. But really bringing Christ into your readership in a tangible way. What’s happening in your world where He’s concerned. Do you fast? Do you believe in healing? It would be great. I’ve read your blog for years, but I don’t really know this stuff. Just my thoughts!

  44. Kim westcott says

    I had my bladder sling done at 40 and now at 57 I need to have it redone. Just moved to McKinney and wondering if you would share your doctors name. I had my first surgery in Houston. Thanks!

  45. Jess says

    Did you snowshoe alone? Or did you have a guide with you the first time? I’d love to try but nervous if I would know what to do or that I’d get lost! Thanks for any advice! It sounds like a great alternative to skiing!

  46. Kacy M says

    I’ve had my Lulu belt bag for a year and not only does it fit everything I need while being hands free, it’s cute and matches anything I wear (black). I got my best friend one for Christmas. It’s the only Lulu item I own (I personally believe their stuff is overpriced/hyped). As for photo storage, I keep them on Facebook, Flickr, and print the ones I really love to be in a physical album so I’ll have it forever. The longest I’ll keep a photo on my iPhone is 1.5-2 years before deleting.