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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, Madeley, Shay's Closet, What's Up Wednesday ·

What’s Up Wednesday {October 2023}


What's Up Wednesday Graphic

Happy happy What’s Up Wednesday!

You guys…

…today this baby right here is 42 years old.

And that baby would be me 🙂 .

Yup, it’s my birthday, and I’m feeling extremely blessed.  Anytime I start to think about getting older, I think about…

…this girl right here.

My sweet friend would have LOVED to have turned 42.

Getting older is a privilege.  I feel incredibly blessed to be 42 today.

I’m also incredibly blessed to be spending my birthday with YOU!  It’s one of my very favorite posts of the month plus today, I have a BONUS POST later on this morning for you as well, so it’s double the fun Wednesday on my birthday.

Settle in for POST #1 of TWO today as always, on the last Wednesday of every month, Sheaffer and I host this little linky party where we share what’s going on with us right now.  It’s a little food, a little family, a little what we’re wearing, a little what we’re doing, a little what we’re watching and a little bit of everything else all in one post.

Here we go on this October 25th…

Run don’t walk to Trader Joe’s to get this Cinnamon Sugar Toffee.  I can’t even really explain it other than it’s perfection.  You know me…I LOVE TOFFEE, but I don’t believe I’ve ever had a cinnamon-y toffee before.  This one is delicious and would be fabulous this holiday season, but I hear it’s seasonal, so like I said RUN don’t walk.

…on Thursday, our sweet Madeley turned NINE YEARS OLD!

On Friday night, we did exactly what she wanted to do for this year’s birthday party…

…we had a pajama party with 14 of her friends.  Listen, I’m not sure if it’s my old age or the fact that she’s the fourth child or that I’ve become way more chill as a parent or that my fourth is way more chill than my first, but Madeley very much loved her party last year, but this year, she wanted one at home.  She wanted to go to the grocery store with me to pick out all the snacks, she wanted nuggets from Chick-fil-a, she did not want dessert (I twisted her arm and she let me buy cupcakes), she wanted deli meat and cheeses, pajamas and a movie.  She was a nine year old with a plan, so we made it happen.

Of course, my sweet friend Amy made another fabulous birthday sign 🙂 .

Her pajamas don’t match (those are Ashby’s old pj pants by the way), but it was EXACTLY what she wanted to wear to her pj party 😉 .

Can you believe she’s nine?!

Our party favor this year was…

…slippers for each girl 🙂 .

Now, Mades had a movie she wanted them to watch and after we ate our nuggets and such, they were going to have popcorn and movie theater candy while watching said movie.  My husband, who happens to be the volleyball coach of 9 of the 14, kept saying “There’s no way they sit down and watch a movie.  They’re going to run around screaming for two hours.”  I kept telling him no and that he was wrong.  He was not wrong.  My 9 year old led the way in the running around and screaming…and didn’t care one bit that they did that instead of watching the movie.  Hopped up on nuggets, popcorn and candy, those girls were a crazy silly blast to spend a Friday night with last weekend.

Our family of six continued celebrating the littlest love all weekend…

…Saturday night family dinner on our town square was gorgeous and always my favorite part of the weekend…

…and we wrapped up our weekend with her favorite meal and The Addams Family Two.

The Mix and Match Travel Agency family grew by one more this month!  Our sweet office manager Caroline welcomed her third adorable kiddo, and we are SO excited about his arrival!  We already love Hendricks BIG TIME over here!  Caroline is on maternity leave right now, but do you think she’ll mind if I just move my computer over to her house and hold a baby while I work?  I miss baby snuggles!  I feel so proud of my travel agency for so many reasons, but one of them is that I get to be a part of these amazing women’s lives and get to know their precious families.

Smith took this picture of me getting into the car on Saturday morning.  I was heading out to volleyball, then soccer, and then dropping K off at a cheer thing (while Andrew took Smith to an orchestra competition) and had water with me, a big cup of coffee and two hardboiled eggs.  Anyone else living this kind of mom life on Saturdays?!

We started our day with everyone being able to attend…

…Mades’ volleyball game!  This doesn’t always get to happen, so I celebrate it when it does.  Please note, Teen Boy was only interested in his thumb being in said photo.

I found our resident artist in the kitchen drawing this weekend and noticed that she was making an “All about me”.  Please note that precious little American flag.  This girl might have a bright smile and happy go lucky personality, but she has a story.  May we never forget that she has a story.

I’m not really dreading it, I’m just being honest about the reality…

Speaking of which…

Yay!!!  I love Halloween!!!  It’s going to look a little different this year because Smith has a football game that night (boo), but it’s one of the most special nights of the year for the Shull family, so we’re going to still make the most of it and celebrate great food, fun costumes, candy and being together.

My OCTOBER BOOK REVIEW will be out next week, but in the meantime, if you haven’t read through the comment section of my SEPTEMBER BOOK REVIEW, I highly suggest you do that ASAP!

When I saw THIS SWEATER, I instantly knew it was mine (with my favorite jeans and booties-on sale!)!  Not only is it the perfect color for the holiday season, but it’s my very favorite color too!  THIS SWEATER also comes in many other colors as well and IS ON SALE!! It runs TTS (I bought xs) and is not itchy or scratchy at all.

Loft currently has a lot of new holiday items on sale that you might also want to check out…

…I rounded up a great batch of options (on sale!) HERE!

Ohhhhh I love THIS HALF ZIP SWEATSHIRT.  The gold detail speaks to me as does the softness.  It’s not lined, so it’s not too warm inside…it’s just riiiight.

And in case you missed…

… THESE BLACK FLARE POCKET CORDUROY JEANS , they fit so well and are SO CUTE!

They come in FOUR OTHER COLORS TOO 🙂 .

One final find…

…this SUPER CUTE JACKET!  It’s just too cute.

My sweet mom and dad are hosting a little family birthday dinner for me at their house.  I might be 42, but I still love going to my mama’s house for my birthday dinner!

A sweet client sent me this picture this week.   She is taking her family to Hawaii here in a few weeks and her granddaughter made this to hang on the wall as a countdown to their trip.  Every day, she removes a ring to get her closer to their departure day.  I LOVE sending families on vacations.  It brings me such joy to know that a little girl is counting down the days until she gets to go to Hawaii with her grandparents and family…and that I get to be a little part of it.

And amen.

That wraps up this month’s What’s Up Wednesday!  Don’t forget, a fun little BONUS BLOG POST will be up this morning too around 6:00 AM CST, so make sure you stop back by.

In the meantime, if you blogged WUW with us, please link up below.  We love looking at all of your blog posts too!

Have the best, best, best day! I’ll see you back here tomorrow! xx

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Comments

  1. Natasha says

    Happy Birthday! Yes, getting older is a gift which not everyone gets to enjoy. Thank you for that perspective.

    Also, thankfully all our kids activities have been cancelled on Hallowe’en which I’m so thankful for. I don’t know what our kids will be doing (Grade 7 and Grade 9) but I’m glad we have the space to figure it out with them, rather than the usual dance-soccer schedule.

  3. Whitney says

    Happy Birthday to you! You and I have the same exact attitude towards getting older. Two years ago tomorrow my roommate and best friend from college passed away unexpectedly. She was few months older than me and that first birthday after she passed was so hard because I turned an age she never made it to. I am certain that she would give anything to be here turning 36 next month. It is such a blessing to get older. I would say I hope you have a great day, but I know how you are and you’ll make the very best of the day regardless of the circumstances! I enjoyed the post!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I am so sorry for your loss. It really puts things into perspective doesn’t it? I remember Manda’s 35th birthday…and in her heart, she knew it was her last. It was incredibly hard knowing that with her…I’m thankful for every year.

  5. Alison says

    Happy Happy Birthday!! Your memes always make me laugh out loud, and I can so relate to not liking candy, but when Halloween arrives, give me all the candy. Why does this happen!? Ha! I hope you have the best day!! 🙂

  11. Samantha Torres says

    Happy birthday to such a beautiful soul!!

    I know your October Book Review will be out soon, but would you help with a quick recommendation?

    I used to love reading when I was younger and I want to find the time to enjoy it again as an adult.

    What would you recommend as my first book to dive back into?

    Appreciate you and your daily posts! Hope you have a wonderful day!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh gosh, there are so many! Start with My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan. It was my favorite book of the year a few years ago and a great one if you’re diving back in. xx

  12. Dana P says

    Happy happy birthday, Shay! I’m so thankful for you on so many levels. You’ve been such an encouragement to me over the years, too. 💜 I woke up this morning and instantly remembered it’s your birthday! 🥳 Hope it’s a great one!

  13. Rachel Broomfield says

    Hi Shay!

    This is a totally random question but did/do your parents ever wish they had more than two kids?

    I have two sweet little girls and as I get horrifically sick in pregnancy we decided we aren’t having anymore. I really really struggle with the idea that I’ll never have any more little ones. I LOVE my two girls and I really am so content with them. I just worry we will regret the decision to have only two.

    Any advice or wisdom on why your parents chose (if it was a choice) to have two?

    Thank you so much!

    P.S I’ve been reading your blog for 10 years! I think this may be my first every comment haha!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh Rachel, first and foremost, THANK YOU!!!! I wish you would comment more often! I’m so very grateful for YOU!!!! Okay, my parents only ever wanted two kiddos. Four was “their number” from the start, so they don’t have any regrets. I feel like you probably already know me well enough to know I’m going to say this…but I was horrifically sick during my pregnancies too which only meant God was closing the door to more pregnancies for me but not more kiddos. If you haven’t prayed about adoption and bringing a precious kiddo into your forever family, I would encourage you to do that. xx

  15. Christine says

    Happy happy birthday, Shay! Wishing you SO many blessings and joy the whole year! Happy 42!! xx

  20. Paula McKaughan says

    Happy Birthday, Shay!!!! I hope your day is amazing!!! Have a wonderful rest of your week celebrating with your family and friends. You deserve it!! 42 looks good on you girl. 🙂

  21. Kay says

    Happy Birthday to you, Shay! I hope you have a joyful day and that you enjoy time with your family and loved ones. Thank you for all you do to bring this little community such joy, fun and inspiration on a daily basis!

  25. Sara says

    Hi Shay,
    I’ve read your blog for years and I SO enjoy all of your style and travel tips, recipes (love the Bundt cakes and slow cooker ideas), book reviews and just general positive life perspective while always keeping it real! 😉 I appreciate you and just felt like it’s time to say that! Wishing you a joyous day celebrating another year.
    Happy Birthday! With love from MA, Sara 🩷

  26. Chrissy Mathews says

    What a great bunch of events! A busy family is such fun! Have a Happy Birthday! 🥳

  27. Kristin Lyngaas says

    Happy birthday Shay!! I wish you a beautiful year 🙏🥰🎉🎂 Have a great day today 🩷🩷

  28. Amy Ms. Azza says

    Happy Birthday Shay! Oh my word do you look just like your mother and Sean looks just like your father in the picture you posted. Such a good looking family. You are a blessing to all who know you, to your blog readers, but most importantly you are a blessing to God, to your family, and to your friends. I wish you love and happiness today and every day.. cheers to 42!!

  29. Kay says

    Happy, happy birthday Shay! I love that picture of you & your folks when you were a baby! I look forward to opening up your posts every morning and thank you for sharing your life with us! You always give me great motivation, inspiration, tips and tricks to be the best version of myself. Have the best day my friend!!!

  31. Rebecca says

    Happy Birthday to You!!
    Hope you have the best day ever!!!
    Um, could you tell me where you found your tall Stanley pink straw?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Awwww, it’s actually a random straw off of Amazon as one of my children lost my actual Stanley straws. #sigh 😉

  32. Melissa says

    Happiest of birthday wishes Shay. Enjoy your special day!
    PS-can you please link your cute sunglasses? Thx.

  33. Katie Hahn says

    Happy Birthday Shay! I have followed your family for years..thank you for being such a bright spot on the internet! I enjoy your posts every day! You inspire me in many ways!

  37. Michelle Okerlund says

    Happy Birthday Shay!!! Wishing you a healthy and happy year to come! Thank you for always being your true self.

  38. Brooke I says

    Happy Birthday! Thank you for the fun loving, and positive posts on books, clothes, travel and family. Your joy and happiness shine through each day and offer a great fellowship. Have a wonderful day celebrating!

  39. Shelly says

    Happy birthday Shay! Love October birthdays so much. I forget that Madeley and I share a birthday and cannot believe she’s 9!! She’s just so darn cute. I felt the same with #4….way more chill.

  40. K.K. says

    Happy, happy birthday, Shay!! You are such a source of light in my day, and I’m very thankful for you!! I hope you have the BEST birthday – and most fun family birthday dinner.

  41. Kristy Moore says

    Happy, happy birthday Shay! Wishing a wonderful day celebrating you! Thank you for your dedication to this blog for many, many years! it’s been a blessing watching your family over the years!

  42. SS says

    Happy Birthday Shay!!!
    Your pic with your dear friend reminds me of my friend(really my cousin as well). We were the same age and she passed a few years ago. Every morning I get up THANKFUL, I woke up and get so spend time with people I LOVE!!!

    Miss M’s non matching jammers reminds me of our kiddos. They never matched jams it was like Halloween and Xmas jams or whatever they could find!!! Hand me down jams are the BEST!! Our youngest wears her older brothers old shirts. LOL!!

    Have a Wonderful day!!!

  44. Melanie M says

    Happy Birthday! I have been reading your blog for years and, of course, I really enjoy it. This might seem silly but I look forward to seeing the birthday boards that your friend Amy makes for your kids. So talented!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Well thank you, thank you, Melanie! You are ALWAYS one of my favorite names to see on my computer 🙂 .

  45. Sara Alexander says

    Happy birthday Shay! My brother’s first child was born this morning, sweet Camilla and you are now birthday buddies! ♥️

  46. Marie says

    Happy Birthday Shay! Thank you for sharing your life with us. May you have the most amazing year. Enjoy your special day.

  47. Amy Heinl says

    Happiest of birthdays. Shay! Enjoy your special day surrounded by the love of family and friends

  48. Barb says

    Wishing you both a very merry birthday!

    No, I can’t believe Mades is that old and tall already. They grow up way to fast.

    Blessings on your whole family.

  50. Erika Slaughter says

    AWWWWW!!!! I loved getting to see baby Sherry and Jay! And Britt had THE BEST time at Madeley’s party! Hope you have THE BEST DAY!! Happy Birthday!

  52. Debbie C says

    Happy, happy birthday, Shay! Hope you have an amazing day celebrating YOU!
    🎉🎈🎂🥰🎂🎈🎉

  56. Liz Thorson says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! You are such a shining light for so many reasons! You are gorgeous, talented in so many ways (In the kitchen, in your business, as a wife, mother, party planner, home decorator, travel planner, physical fitness advocate, shopper, pup mama, and many more areas! Here’s to you today and throughout your next spin around the planet!

  57. Susan McKain says

    Happy Birthday, Shay. Thank you for being a caring, fun, inspirational, interesting, and dedicated blogger. So happy to know you. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.
    🎂🎉🍰🧡💛🍁

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