Happy happy Friday from Nantucket! Today’s post is EXTRA HUGE as I partner with Nordstrom and share so many holiday faves!!
Andrew, Smith, Ashby, Mades and my parents arrived yesterday afternoon for a fun filled holiday weekend. We are certainly sad not to have Kensington, but she has an obligation that she doesn’t want to miss (and is excited about!), so she elected to stay in McKinney this trip (with someone…certainly not alone 😉 ). We are so ready to Stroll this weekend, so make sure you’re keeping up on my Instagram. I have a feeling we’re about to have an epic weekend.
If you are looking for some super festive things to do this weekend too, make sure you check out my CHRISTMAS A TO Z post where I list out a whole lot of ways you and your family can be merry this season.
Okay, as always, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and wishing you a wonderful weekend!
If you’re looking for some quick holiday gift ideas, Nordstrom has you covered. Here are just a few of my FAVES:
I love my little initial pendants. As you know, I wear them all the time. They’re personal, they’re dainty, they layer well, and they make excellent holiday gifts. I love THIS ONE that you see me wear all the time because it’s adjustable (which is so nice when layering!).
My PAJAMAS! They just make me H-A-P-P-Y! So do MY SLIPPERS and BEANIE too! All three would make fabulous and cozy holiday gifts. Speaking of which…
…THROWS are a great gift idea! Who doesn’t love a nice blanket as a gift?! I know I sure do!
I bought THESE SOCKS for the flight to Prague but have loved them so much, that they’re keeping my toes warm around my house too. They would be so comfy and cute in a stocking or packaged with other cozy gifts.
I’m smitten with my GLOVES! These would make an excellent holiday gift idea too 🙂 .
On Tuesday night, I hosted my ANNUAL RECIPE EXCHANGE!
You guys, this is always one of my FAVORITE nights of the year! We each bring yummy recipes, we were our comfy clothes, and we share our favorite things with each other.
I had my table all set…
…festive cozy socks to go with it just for fun.
And large dinner plates because y’all, the food is DELICIOUS!!
Each year, I try to come up with a new theme, so this year I said they need to “bring a family recipe”. You know like your grandma’s or your mother-in-law’s or something like that. Y’all…apparently this was a bad idea. After about three weeks of talk of jello salads and “food from the depression” (that is an exact quote), I finally texted the group and said “scratch that idea and just bring whatever the heck you want” (another exact quote). Thus, the theme ended up being NO THEME…and guess what? Everything was EXTRA DELICIOUS!!!
This photo DOES NOT do it justice, but this was MEAGAN’S WINNING RECIPE this year!! You guys, it was so, so, so amazing! Had I known it would be the winner, I would have taken better pics before we devoured it. It is this cheesy potato dish that slices kind of like a pie. It would be amazing as a side dish to your entree, but also equally as amazing as a breakfast bite too. Two big thumbs up!
I made…
…my CHEESY BACON BRIOCHE BREAKFAST CASSEROLE which is always one of my faves 🙂 .
Everything was delicious…
…and super festive! Lori brought coconut margarita cocktails and then gifted everyone these super cute glasses. Adorable!
Now, I’ve hosted these parties for over a decade and even though they’re tweaked just a bit from year to year, they really haven’t changed much at all. If you want all the details and specifics of how I host them, the different themes I’ve had over the years, what recipes people should bring, how we incorporate a “favorite things” theme to them as well, make sure you listen to our BESTIE BREAKDOWN EPISODE where we discuss all the details and also read my tips, tricks and ideas for you in THIS BLOG POST HERE. This does not have to be a holiday party either! You most certainly can do this any time of the year with your best girlfriends. This is truly one of my favorite nights of the year, so I certainly hope many of you do it too!
Alrighty, lookin’ for a little more holiday inspiration right now? No worries, Nordstrom has you covered! I rounded up some great finds for you…
#1: CozyChic™ Ultra Lite® Open Front Cardigan
#2: Gretta Turtleneck Long Sleeve Sweater Minidress
#3: Hooded Quilted Water Repellent Jacket
#4: Original Rise Lace Thong
#5: Moonlight Eco Knit Pajamas
#6: Live In Pocket Joggers
#7: Extend Shoulder Colorblock Sweater
#8: Drop Shoulder V-Neck Sweater
#9: Center Seam Crewneck Sweater
#10: Imitation Pearl Cuff Sweater
#11: Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings
#12: Plaid Shacket
#13: Chamomile Oversize Cardigan
#14: Emma Faux Suede Moto Jacket
#15: Natalie Bootcut Jeans
#1: Recycled Cashmere Blend Beanie
#2: Cubic Zirconia Pendant Necklace
#3: Cubic Zirconia Teardrop Earrings
#4: Rowan Crystal Station Hoop Earrings
#5: Crystal Slider Bracelet
#6: Hera Chain Link Necklace
#7: Set of 5 Rings
#8: It’s My Way 53mm Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses
#9: Leather Belt
#10: Brow Care Kit (Nordstrom Exclusive) $49 Value
#11: Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Matte Liquid Lipstick
#12: Mini Nova Backpack
#13: Gender Inclusive 574 Sneaker
#14: Miller 2 Water Resistant Boot (Women)
#15: Laurs Platform Lug Sole Loafer (Women)
#16: Gender Inclusive 327 Sneaker
#17: Gamma Force Sneaker
Plus, HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS UNDER $40 AT NORDSTROM:
#1: Crystal Huggie Hoop Earrings
#2: Set of 4 Stacking Rings
#3: Cubic Zirconia Pendant Necklace
#4: Blush Duo $64 Value
#5: Collagen Lip Bath Icons Set
#6: Carter Move Mug & Splash Guard
#7: The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ 30 oz. Tumbler
#8: Volcano Glimmer Signature Candle
#9: She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm
#10; Patching All The Way Eye Gel Kit (Limited Edition) $21 Value
#11: NODPOD Nod Pod Sleep Mask
#12: Bliss Plush Throw Blanket
#13: Watch Hat
#14: 2-Pack CozyChic™ Socks
#15: Travel Size Eau de Parfum Discovery Set
#16: Indulgences Holiday Hand Trio USD $39 Value
#17: Pure Silk 6-Pack Skinny Scrunchies
My NORTH POLE SWEATSHIRT gives me all the happy vibes.
Isn’t it so cute?! I bought mine in xs, and it fits over-sized. It’s VERY soft!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on Nantucket!
On Wednesday morning, I flew up to the island by myself and got settled in before everyone else came up on Thursday. My quiet time was extra magical on Thursday morning 😉 .
This fall, I had a tree delivered to the house and then in October, I brought up a few little things that I’ve been able to add to the house to easily give it a holiday feel. I’m currently burning a pine scented candle, MY PLAYLIST is going, and the fireplace is on, so it does feel oh so festive.
You guys, we were walking into lunch last Wednesday with Andrew’s parents, and I took this pic of my three girls…
…they were all three wearing their UGG MINIS 😉 .
This year, K asked for the minis for her birthday and then Mades did too. I went ahead and bought Ashby a pair for Christmas, but after our first cold morning, she was so sad to be without minis like her sisters, that I gave them to her early. #iamsuchasuckerforthatkid
My ULTRA MINI PLATFORM UGGS would make a cozy holiday gift too!
I am a REALLY big fan 🙂 !
A huge thank you to Nordstrom today for always being my go-to for everything from clothes, to beauty, shoes, tops, dresses, literally all the things I need heading into the busy holiday season! As you know, I always love shopping there because not only do they have everything my family needs, but they have impeccable service, free shipping, free returns, and curbside pick up (all so handy for the busy lady!). You can catch all of their services (including alterations, gift wrapping, style help and more HERE!).
And finally…
…it’s my 25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TREATS!!!
I have all of your simple and delicious treats, sips and nibbles HERE! Friends, all of these recipes are EASY! You need to check them out!
I’m headed off to spend the day on Nantucket with my people! Make sure you keep up with the fun on IG, but I will be back here tomorrow with a Saturday post that *hopefully* includes a bit more Nantucket fun too. In the meantime, sending you so much holiday love! xx
Megan says
Hi Shea! Where did you get the festive socks that you used as favors? So cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
Amazon 🙂
Holly Breton @ Pink Lady says
Hi! Random question- where did you get your bronze puffer vest that is on your IG story? Just love it! Need it in my life 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
That is from Athlete from about three years ago. They do have an updated version out right now though too!
Maggie B says
Would you share all of the favorite gifts that people brought to the recipe dinner? It’s a great way to get fun gift ideas for girlfriends.
Mix and Match Mama says
It was such a variety (as always). Let me see if I can get one list together!
Elspeth says
Such a fun and festive post! Have the best weekend away!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sheaffer says
Your Christmas party is ALWAYS the best way to kick of the Christmas season!!! This year was no different!
Erika Slaughter says
Have so much fun this weekend!!
Kay says
Have the best time-can’t wait to see more Nantucket pictures! I know this wasn’t a main point of today’s blog, but I’m so glad you mentioned one of your kids can’t make it and it’s allll ok! One of my biggest struggles with my kids becoming teens was how hard it was to get us all together. When they’re little, you just tell the it’s movie night and everyone shows up. When they’re teens, not so much! They have plans, make plans, say they’re around and then realize they forgot! they DO have plans…Anyway, it was such a frustration and now I’m trying to just accept that it’s gonna be hard to get all three teens together with their parents on a regular basis. We’ve been able to schedule out special nights a few times a month but largely, spontaneous family time is not as regular. Anyway, thank you for touching on this! It was so comforting to know that others experience this too-and choose to be happy their kids have fun plans! (Not always easy ;).
Mix and Match Mama says
Sending you so much love, Kay! It makes my mama heart a little sad, but I’m always so grateful for the time I do get when I do get it.
jennibell says
And, Kay, as they get older it gets harder :/. My kids kind of know my “absolutes” (I try to not have too many) and then I make sure to soak up that time and “roll” with who shows up to all the others. I keep hoping Shay has one.more.summer with her family like last year but it may not happen. Or it may not happen for 5 years and then all of a sudden the stars align and it happens again. Anyway, it’s so important that kiddos have their separate friends and activities outside of the family b/c that is the point, right? Put your stakes in the ground now (mine are Thanksgiving and the weekend we celebrate Christmas out of state with extended family) and then enjoy your time with the ones that can participate. With mine (I’m about a decade ahead of Shay) some rearrange plans for “non-Mom-must-attends” just to be together which makes my heart happy too. These seasons of separation are super-hard but don’t have to be sad.
{{hugs}} to all you moms struggling through these changes – they ARE hard.
sandi says
Kay, I am right there with you! Offering up big hugs because man, 21 years went by in a flash. We have four children between the ages of 15-21 and I really struggle with this too. Between college, work and friends sometimes the family time gets last billing. When all the college kids are home we try and schedule as many dinners together as we can and let them know we would like them to work around times we want to see them. Summers have become difficult also. They need money for incidentals but I want everyone to go to my parents lake house for two weeks like we did for ALL the years. Sometimes I have to be satisfied that they can take off work early on a Thursday and drive down for a long weekend. We have also tried to see them at college while giving them space to find their place. My husband went up for a quick weekend for a football game and took our two kids at that college and a few friends out to dinner that evening. Was it expensive, yep but worth it for the time together. On the way home, he stopped by to see our other college student for breakfast Sunday morning and joined her for church. We just take what we can get and try to be flexible.
Something I did not expect was that my kids miss each other. A few weeks ago, I took our youngest to visit her sister for the weekend at college and they both drove to visit the other two four hours away. I loved getting the pictures of them hiking and enjoying time together.
Well, now I am just rambling… but may of us here can attest to the struggles of wanting everyone together and it just not working. Hugs to you momma!
Arika says
Ohhh, if Lori has a link to those glasses I would love to have it! So cute.
Mix and Match Mama says
She said they are from Target!
Laurel Ross says
The Christmas tree glasses are adorable! Where did you get those?
Mix and Match Mama says
She got them at Target!
Kelsey Brandsted says
Does Lori have a recipe for the Connor margarita?
Mix and Match Mama says
Let me look!!
Brooke Richardson says
So much goodness in one post. 🙂 Happy December 1st.
Kerry says
Is there maybe a different link or discount code for the Bliss Plush Throw – not showing on sale.
Mix and Match Mama says
You’re right! It was on sale Wednesday when I checked it, but it’s not now. It’s only $29 though which is still a really good price for a throw, but I will update my post now!
Jennifer says
You mentioned burning a pine scented candle which company did you choose? That is on my list to get this weekend.
Mix and Match Mama says
I use a variety! I have pine candles from Circle E Candles, Magic Candle Co, so many! It’s one of my very very favorite scents.
Kathy says
Yes, please, the favorite things and dishes everyone brings was always one of my favorite posts!
Laura Crenshaw says
I love that red half button or snap sweatshirt that you have on in a couple of pictures showing your soft socks and mini booties. Do you have a link for the sweatshirt?
Mix and Match Mama says
https://shopstyle.it/l/b46Xo
Carol says
Inquiring minds want to know? What favorite thing did you gift this year?
Mix and Match Mama says
https://www.baublebar.com/products/custom-pull-tie-slider 🙂
Jenny N says
I would love Lori’s coconut margarita recipe if you can get it. We were at the beach this summer and had some and they were delicious! I had never even heard of a coconut margarita but we were hooked. I would love to make them at home!
Can’t wait to see your pictures from Stroll this weekend!
Jan says
I love reading your festive holiday posts so much. You are like Cindy-Lou Who all grown up! Do you recall where you purchased Madeley’s cozy jacket? So cute with the mini uggs. Enjoy your weekend!
Mix and Match Mama says
I AM SO LOVING THIS NEW WAY TO DESCRIBE ME! You literally made me lol and smile 🙂 ! Okay, I *think* that is from Old Navy but was Kensington’s. I have passed down almost all of their coats over the years.
Amy Ms. Azza says
OMG you had to mention the Bestie Breakdown, didn’t you 🙂 haha. Just when I finally got over not listening to it. I hope you guys do that again in the future.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Amy! You are so sweet! If we could just magically make an extra two or three hours in our week, we could do it (and if we weren’t so tech-challenged!). Maybe one day???
Allison says
We need the coconut marg recipe!!!! Lol!!
Stefanie says
What about the CUTE red sweatshirt you are wearing?? I love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! It’s right here: https://shopstyle.it/l/b46Xo
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I hope you share your Nantucket home decorated for Christmas! Have so much fun!