Happy What’s Up Wednesday!
Eeeeeks, it’s NOVEMBER 29TH! I don’t know about you, but I’m deep in all the holiday feels right now.
I saw this on Pinterest and thought it was too sweet. Yes and yes.
Okay, 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…
If you haven’t checked out this week’s MEAL PLANNING MONDAY, you totally should!
I shared SLOW COOKER RECIPES to make your last week in November oh so simple (and delicious!).
Plus today, I’m sharing…
…my PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE BROWNIES too! We made ours gluten-free, but you could totally make these with a “normal” flour as well.
You guys, she’s 15 now. I feel like we JUST celebrated her first Christmas.
We exchanged gifts with Andrew’s parents over Thanksgiving, so I can share with you one of the things we gave them this year. We purchased each of them one of these carry on sized Delsey spinner suitcases, and they are really fabulous! We love their large suitcases and use them with every trip, but this smaller size is really, really fabulous for quick trips and carry ons. They come in a wider variety of colors too which is nice!
If you’re looking for some other great gift ideas, here are a few more for men (as I know they’re often harder to shop for!)…
#1: 80×100 Monocular-Telescope for Adults High Powered Compact Monoculars with Smartphone Holder & Tripod, BAK4 Prism &FMC Lens for Stargazing Hunting Hiking Travel Bird Watching Camping Wildlife Scenery
#2: KANARS Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses with Luxury Box – 10 Oz Rocks Barware For Scotch, Bourbon, Liquor and Cocktail Drinks – Set of 4
#3: Ufree Beard Trimmer for Men, Waterproof Electric Nose Hair Trimmer Mustache Trimmer Body Shaver Grooming Kit, Cordless Hair Clippers Electric Razor for Men, Gift for Men Husband Father
#4: Adjustable Dumbbells 55LB Single Dumbbell 5 in 1 Free Dumbbell Weight Adjust with Anti-Slip Metal Handle, Ideal for Full-Body Home Gym Workouts
#5: YETI Rambler 30 oz Travel Mug, Stainless Steel, Vacuum Insulated with Stronghold Lid (Navy)
#6: Jack Black – Skin Saviors Set
#7: Homitem Men’s Cozy Memory Foam Slippers,Fuzzy Wool-Like Plush Fleece Lined House Slippers Men Indoor Outdoor Slippers With Anti-Skid Rubber Sole
#8: Bose Sport Earbuds – Wireless Earphones – Bluetooth In Ear Headphones for Workouts and Running, Triple Black
#9: AERLANG Massage Gun, Deep Tissue Massager, Portable Muscle Massage Gun for Back Neck Muscle Relieve, Quiet Brushless Motor 20 Variable Speeds Digital Display 6 Massage Heads and Carrying Case
#10: Hey Dude Men’s All Wally Styles | Men’s Shoes | Men’s Lace Up Loafers | Comfortable & Light-Weight
#11: Zitahli Wallet for Men Slim with 12 Slots Men’s RFID Wallet Minimalist Front Pocket Money Clip Wallet with ID Window Gift Box
#12: BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Ovens Wood Pellet Pizza Oven Wood Fired Pizza Maker Portable Stainless Steel Pizza Grill
#13: YETI Hopper Flip Portable Cooler
#14: Mini Projector, 2023 Upgraded CiBest 1080P Full HD Portable Projector, 12000L Outdoor Projector for Home Theater Movie Projector, Projector 4K Compatible with HDMI, VGA, USB, TV Stick, Laptop
Over the weekend, McKinney hosted its annual…
…Home for the Holidays down on our town square! This is my second favorite McKinney event each year (the first being our annual light parade!). It was the PERFECT Friday late afternoon/evening on our town square. I’m trying to soak all of these things in because I know I’m going to blink, and they’ll all be out of my house. Wasn’t it just yesterday that they were this age…
…someone come hold me. You guys, this was our first Home for the Holidays as a family of six. Stop it right now. They were all so LITTLE AND PRECIOUS!!
Back to this year…
…we stopped for root beer and popcorn at Mom and Popcorn…
These two were so excited to take a pic inside the snow globe 🙂 .
Smith got fried Twix and…
…Andrew is the better/braver parent and took Ashby up…
…on the ferris wheel. The rest of us don’t trust things that were only assembled 24 hours before.
It was just the best and most festive time!
Chicken fingers from the food truck? Why not?!
We love you, McKinney!
We wrapped up our night with…
…drinks at The Yard and dinner at Cadillac Pizza Pub.
I just love celebrating this season with my little family of six. When I’m old and grey, it’s going to be these memories I’m recalling.
Did you catch my NOVEMBER BOOK REVIEW?! I read one EPIC NOVEL (perhaps “the” book of the year!) along with four holiday reads this month. Make sure you read my REVIEW HERE, but also read the COMMENT SECTION TOO!
What am I watching?!
I think we covered that on Monday in my TOP FIVE/BOTTOM FIVE where the opinions were F-L-Y-I-N-G in the comment section. You guys, we are all very passionate about our favorite (and not so favorite!) Christmas movies. 😉
MY PLAYLIST is on repeat over here!
I’ve updated my list from last year and added it to Spotify as well. You can take a listen HERE.
You guys, it’s pretty darn amazing if I do say so myself!
A pretty wide variety of things…
…you guys, how cute are MY BOOTS?! They’re all-weather boots, they’re super, super comfy and right now, they’re discounted over $100! What in the world?! They also come in three other colors, but when I saw the golden toffee color, I knew they were meant for me. They are truly SO COMFORTABLE!
MY COATED JEANS (with the super cute button fly!) are on major sale right now! I wore them to dinner on Wednesday night, and they were the perfect “not really jeans but also feel like jeans” jeans 🙂 .
My MOCKNECK TOP is soft like a sweatshirt but really a sweater. It comes in many other colors too and is on sale!
My FLANNEL TOP (on sale!) works well with my JEANS (on sale!) and SORELS!
My new NORTH POLE SWEATSHIRT is so soft and cozy!
On Thanksgiving Day, I enjoyed my GRISWOLD’S TREE FARM SWEATSHIRT for our lazy day at home.
I’m also loving this festive and sparkly JACKET!
This makes even the simplest outfit a bit more festive. So does…
this GREEN VELVET BLAZER (another Amazon find!)!
We are looking forward to a FESTIVE and FUN weekend!! I just love, love, love this time of year SO MUCH!!!!
Okay, friends! I’m off! I hope you have the MERRIEST WEDNESDAY!
Don’t forget, if you blogged What’s Up Wednesday too, make sure you link up with us below! I’ll see you back here tomorrow! xx
Erika Slaughter says
It’s the most wonderful time of the year….and you’ve got the pics to prove it!
Elspeth says
What a fun and festive time! I love the holiday season!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Nicole says
How are your nails painted?! So cute!!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re all white except my two ring fingers. One is sparkly red and the other is sparkly green 🙂 .
SS says
Shay,
I am jealous of the lil ones!! I love snow globes!!! What a great way to make memories and even saw a couple pix with the one who likes to escape photos. 😂
How is your driver doing???
Mix and Match Mama says
She’s learning!! By the time we get her driving, it will be Smith’s turn. Agh!
Kristin says
I thought that was Cotija cheese on Smith’s fried Twix for a minute there, and was relieved when I realized it was powdered sugar!
Lisa D says
It’s a busy, fun time of the year. Also bittersweet for many. Thanks for sharing your pics 🎄
Angela says
Hi Shay! Can you link Andrew’s gray jeans and flannel he has on in the pictures from last weekend? Just a suggestion, but I’m always looking for a great things to buy my hubby, and perhaps you’d want to start linking some of Andrew’s clothes on here as well! Just a thought, as you guys both have great taste in fashion!!! Have the best day!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that suggestion! Maybe I should start doing that more in 2024???? Those jeans are Rag and Bone and the shirt is Ralph Lauren. Thank YOU for the idea!
Mix and Match Mama says
Sorry, sorry! His jeans are 7 for all Mankind. Agh! Sorry!
Angela says
Thank you!!! I’m checking the jeans and flannel out now!!! And yes! I think that’d be awesome to link what he wears… definitely a great thing to start in 2024!! Thanks Shay!!
sandi says
Loving the memories that are being made this time of year. Our three college kids were home for thanksgiving and per tradition we picked up our tree from a local nursery Friday morning. The oldest was working and bummed to miss out, or so he said :-/. Later that evening we decorated and he took his 20 year collection of fire engine ornaments and put them all on the very tippy top, so I guess that is our tree topper this year. Sunday morning was a blessing, looking down the row at church, seeing all my people that are growing into some pretty good adults. Then came Sunday afternoon and we watched them all ride away heading in different directions. At least there is still one at home, but goodness among all the joy is some sadness too.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well Sandi, this just gave me all the happy feels. I love that your kids still decorate the tree with you.
Gale says
Wow, Sandy! Your comment brought tears to my eyes. I definitely know the feeling! Our family is not together often, and when they are, it’s so hard to see them leave.
Bri says
Those brownies look delicious!!
Mary says
Hi can you link you jeans you have on with the Anthropology sweater.
Thank you 🎄
Mix and Match Mama says
I love those jeans! They are Rag & Bone but about two years old. Boo.
Shelly Janac says
I cannot believe how grown up all of the kids are….crazy fast!
Laura JeanS. says
Love all the festive feelings!! And yes, PLEASE include more Andrew clothes for our style challenged hubbies 😉
My husband HATES shopping and I would love some help. Merry Everything!
Joanne says
I keep eyeing that green velvet blazer and have been holding myself back from buying one… but I may not be able to resist much longer!
MelanieL says
Love the flashback photos because, yes, they will be out of the house so soon. The only handprints I have of my kids are on a Christmas item they made at daycare when they were 19 months and 3 and every year I tear up and just can’t believe they are now 17 and 19.
But in happier news…your Christmas playlist is so special! I gasped out loud when Christmas in Killarney started playing as I remember it from my childhood and so many wonderful memories came back. I told my mom, she smiled and said, yes, we had that Bing Crosby tape. Aww. Thank you for that!
Jen says
Wait, wait, wait… I thought Oktoberfest was your favorite McKinney event! They can’t ALL be your favorite, you know… 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
No, I love Oktoberfest, but it’s my third favorite. Light Parade, Home For the Holidays and then Oktoberfest. All three are fantastic though!!