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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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Shay’s Friday Faves {43rd BIRTHDAY EDITION!}


Hey, hey, hey, it’s my birthday 😉 .

Birthdays should always fall on a Friday, no?  It just feels like the right day to celebrate.

I’ve decided to take the day off from work, grab me a coffee and go search for some Christmas decorations.  I’m 43 now.  I am no longer ashamed to say that on October 25th, I’m ready to see a twinkle light and Christmas tree.

While I’m off finding my Halloween/Christmas cheer, I hope you’re off having a wonderful Friday too.  As always, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and sharing this week’s FAVORITE THINGS!

Happy October 25th, y’all 😉 !

Without a doubt, this was my favorite Fave this week…

…on Monday morning, Jeni, Erika and I took a little road trip about 2.5 hours to visit…

…Sheaffer’s family’s ranch south of Dallas.  You guys, this was SO SPECIAL!!  We have been hearing about this property for almost 20 years, and we’ve always wanted to visit but getting nine moms and 796 children’s schedules lined up is next to impossible.  We were able though to squeeze in a quick trip this week, and I am so happy we did.  Just a few days before we left, our sweet Andrea said she wasn’t able to make it, and we missed her big so we Facetimed her so that she could be a part of the fun.

I was there only about 20ish hours but it was good for my soul.

I love spending time with these ladies so very much and am so thankful to now understand why the Sims call this place their second home.

Like I said on Monday…

…we did a thing we swore we’d never do…

…and put in a trampoline.  It’s only been a week, and it’s already one of our favorite things 🙂 .

I had several questions about it being in-ground, so I thought I’d share some pics so that you can see.  Pretty cool, right?

My neighbors have one as well which is how I knew to look into this option over an above ground one.

She doesn’t like it at all.

Clearly, she wishes we wouldn’t have gotten it for her.

We should probably take it away now.

Needless to say, she’s a fan 🙂 .

If you look closely you can see through the trampoline at the rocks below it.  There is a pump in there as well to drain the water when it rains and…

…it’s hard to see in a pic, but there are lights too so that one can jump at night.  Who jumps at night?  Well, I have jumped four nights this week, so I guess the answer is the girls and me 😉 .

You guys, I have been so excited this week about…

…my Old Navy finds!  Right now, they are having a MAJOR sale where I scored THIS MICROFLEECE!  It’s super, super soft and has nice roomy pockets plus, it comes in 10 different colors!

I also bought these items this week as well…

I bought each item in the color/print you see in the graphic, but every single one of these items comes in other options too!

#1: FAMILY PAJAMAS
#2: HALF ZIP FLEECE PULLOVER
#3: SO SOFT LOOSE V-NECK PULLOVER
#4: FLANNEL PAJAMA PANTS
#5: FLEECE HALF ZIP
#6: COZY WAFFLE HENLEY
#7: FAUX FUR SLIPPERS
#8: SEQUIN SKIRT
#9: SHERPA QUARTER ZIP
#10: SWEATER KNIT BEANIE

Don’t forget this Old Navy outfit on sale too…

SHERPA ZIP JACKET and LEGGINGS 

You guys…

…are you watching?!?!  I started on Saturday night with Holiday Crashers and haven’t looked back.

Andrew was busy watching some stupid baseball game that he kept blabbing on about “being important”, and me and my incredibly bad attitude watched the Hallmark channel instead.  I’ve watched several more during the day while I work since then (and at night too when I’m getting ready for bed!).  I just LOVE me a Hallmark Christmas movie!!

I received several comments requesting updated pictures of our “sign wall”, so I decided to make that a favorite this week too 🙂 .

If you’re new around here, let me explain.  Sixteen years ago, I had someone locally make a sign with Kensington’s name on it for her nursery.  On Kensington’s first birthday, I asked her to make a sign specifically for the party and then a few months later, she made a sign when Smith was born and thus…we have amassed quite a collection of signs for each birth/arrival into our family and every birthday that followed.

Here’s a little look…

Isn’t it UNBELIEVABLE how creative she is?!  Each time, I let her know what our party plans are and bam, the perfect custom sign is created.  She has clearly made me dozens, and I’m blown away and shocked by how awesome and original they are each and every time.  At this point, I *think* I’ll carry on this tradition until their 18th birthdays which means that Kensington only has TWO more signs to receive.  Isn’t that insane?!  I love our signs because they instantly let visitors know that this is a house with kiddos.  This is a house where we celebrate each other.  Each sign isn’t just a piece of wood, it’s attached to so many special memories.

My now dear friend Amy (a stranger 16 years ago!) makes these signs professionally.  You can reach out to her HERE for not just birthday signs but she produces other custom artwork as well like…

…my fall sign that you see here (with all of my favorite fall words).  She made that sign for me 15 years ago, and I still love it so very much!  She also made…

…my Christmas sign as well over 10 years ago.

I adore her!

And finally…

…last week, I shared my OCTOBER BAR CART, so today, I am sharing my…

…BOO-ZY COCKTAILS AND FAMILY BEVERAGES FOR HALLOWEEN!

Take a look AT THIS POST for a beverage and snack to complement your Halloween season.

Witch's Brew Hot Chocolate

There are so many easy recipes and concoctions your family and friends will love!

I am off for today, but I will be back tomorrow for our bonus Saturday post.  I’m headed to enjoy every minute of turning 43.  Here is wishing you a wonderful day too! xx

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Comments

  1. Beth Knecht says

    Happy Birthday to you Shay! I hope you have such a lovely day filled with many moments of joy! I love, love, love the sign wall! Amy is so talented! I get giddy when a sign arrives at our house! She is just so talented. I can only imagine watching her as she creates!

  5. Jami Romano says

    Happy birthday, gorgeous! Thank you for always bringing a slice of positivity, happiness, and beauty to my morning each day! I know we’ve never met, but you’re kind of like my morning Bible in all the best ways.

  7. Diane Moore says

    That in-ground trampoline is a great idea! When my kids were that age, the neighbors had a regular one and when my kids wanted me to watch them jump, I’d say, “I’ll come watch but then I’ll have to make you get off.” 🤪 They look so dangerous!
    You found the best of both worlds!!

  18. Amanda says

    Have the best day Shay!! I alway take my bday off to enjoy the only day of the year that is for ME!!! Happy Birthday what a blessing to be another year older.

  19. Laura says

    Happy birthday, Shay, from a fellow October birthday gal! I turned 42 last week and the 40s are awesome. Praying for continued good health and a wonderful year for you and your family! Enjoy Christmas shopping!

  21. Trudi Cherry says

    Happy birthday Shay, have a wonderful day, sending lots of love from across the pond 😂 xx

  23. Kelli says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! You bring joy to so many each day. I hope you feel loved and celebrated! 🥳

  24. Callie says

    I am so happy to be in Hallmark Christmas movie season! My favorite new one this past weekend was ‘Twas The Date Before Christmas.. adorable. Currently watching one with my little girl now as we start our morning 🥰😝

    • Anneka says

      Happy Birthday! We’re all in for Christmas too! My kids decided on a Christmas theme for Halloween, so we have a 🎄🎅 💚 and 🦌. So fun!

  25. Natalie Alvarado says

    Happy Birthday Shay! ❤️
    May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you. May He give you peace!
    Have a lovely and memorable day!

  26. Sheaffer says

    I’m just so happy we were able to finally make a ranch trip happen! I see more in our future for sure!!! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Hope you have the best day and that your people spoil you rotten.

  27. Angela says

    Happy HaPpY Birthday Shay!!!!🥳🎂🌸 Praying you have a wonderful birthday and that God continues to bless you tons!! xo

  28. Courtney says

    Happiest of Birthdays to you, Shay!! I hope it’s filled with as much joy as you bring to all of us. Enjoy your special day!

  29. Robin says

    Happy, happy birthday, Shay! May you be blessed with good health, many blessings and much joy in the coming year!

  31. Robin says

    HAPPY HAPPY DAY, SHAY!!! Friday, looking for Christmas decor….I would say it doesn’t get any better than that!!!! Have the best 43! Thanks for always adding a bit of joy to start my days🧡

  33. Emily says

    Only fitting you were born in one of your favorite months of the year 😁 Happy Birthday Shay!

  36. Mare says

    Happy birthday! May this year bring you unexpected miracles! Also, Amy is so incredibly talents!

  38. Lisa says

    Shay

    It’s never to early for Hallmark Christmas. My husband and I have been watching for over a week now. Every night he will say which one are we watching tonight. And as per tradition with us, when they kiss at the end we will both clap. I know they are sometimes cheesy but we love them. I’ll be thinking of you when my Christmas go up next weekend and also when we visit Germany & Autria in December. We are visiting the Christmas markets.

  41. Lauren says

    Amy has been making me signs for my daughter as well. She’s so creative and talented they always are so beautiful when I receive them.

    For the trampoline did a company install it for you? Or did Andrew install it? I wonder how those would hold up in NY weather with snow since it’s an inground one.

  43. Susan McKain says

    Good morning, Shay, and Happy, Happy Birthday!
    Buc-ees – yay! What did you love from there? Such a fun stop.
    The Old Navy microfleece jackets – I love to wear exclusively these as my warm layer around the house!
    I missed the window to purchase new ones last year, so – thanks to your reminder – last night I stopped in and grabbed the red and pink ones. The perfect warm layer.
    Wishing you a wonderful birthday weekend ahead.

  45. Faith Kapp says

    HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! 🎉🥳 Enjoy your day and can’t wait to see what all you find! I. Am. Ready. 🎄🎄🎄

  47. Allison Diano says

    Happy Birthday to you! That sign wall is beautiful… I can imagine how special that must be to see everyday!

  48. Amy says

    Happiest of Birthdays Shay!! Hope you have a wonderful day and time celebrating with your family and friends!!

  49. Kathy says

    Happy birthday Shay! 🎉🩷 I agree that all birthdays should fall on the weekend as it’s so much more fun to celebrate! I hope you are enjoying your day off work and have the best time! 😁

    The creativity of your friend who makes the signs for your four kids is outstanding! Isn’t it crazy to think you will have close to 70 signs when all four reach the age of 18?! 😮

  53. Ranisa Brletich says

    Happy birthday Shay!!! Thank you for sharing your life with us. So excited for you to enjoy another year around the sun.

  54. Robyn Beers says

    Happy, happy birthday to you! Wishing you many blessings during your 43rd trip around the sun.

    Robyn

  58. Marcy says

    Happy Happy Birthday 🎉 absolutely love your beautiful birthday signs, such a fun and creative way to display special memories

  59. Carol says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Shay. Have a Blessed and Most Wonderful Day! Looking forward to seeing-reading about the fabulous party that your Mom always does. Never too early for Christmas lights. While I still have most of my fall decorations out, I also put up 5 Christmas trees this week and yes, I had them on last night. I even have a fall candle in my kitchen and a Christmas candle in my family room. So cozy and perfect with the Which’s Brew hot chocolate. Will have to try the Apple Butterscotch cocktail. H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !!

  61. Kay says

    Happy Birthday, Shay! Thank you for running this amazing, supportive and fun community. I love starting every day here with you all!

    I just turned 49 on 10/20 (last year in my 40s!!!) and I promise you it gets better and better. You really do start to appreciate all the little things that add up to make a happy life!

    I hope you have the best day celebrating with your adorable family.

  62. Melissa says

    Happy Birthday Shay!!! I hope you have the best day and feel so loved on by your people! Thank you for sharing all of your days here with us in this space. 💛

  63. Maryann P. Keller says

    Happy Birthday, Shay!! Thank you for being such a bright spot to visit. I look forward to your posts and all of the positivity & happiness that you share with us each day! Wishing you the best Friday Birthday 🙂

  66. Kay says

    Happy, happy birthday Shay!!! Hope you have the absolute best day filled with love, coffee, good food, pumpkins AND Christmas decor!

  67. K.K. says

    SHAY!!!! Happy, happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!! I hope you have the best day. I love that you’re jumping on that trampoline too! 🙂

  68. Katie Hahn says

    Happy happy birthday Shay! Thanks for always being a bright spot on the internet every morning! Hope you have the best day celebrating YOU!

  69. Karah Stracener says

    Happy Happy Birthday Shay!! I hope you have the best day. Thank you for sharing a part of your world with us. I come to your blog every morning for a little light in my day.

  72. Sharon says

    Please always share the birthday signs! I look forward to seeing the creativity with each birthday. And speaking of creativity… given that the holiday season is right around the corner, I am sure you and Sheaffer are thinking of your holiday giveaway. I’d love to give a suggestion! I love how you two have started to do a fundraiser — it’s so special. However, as a follower of over a decade, I truly do miss the five days of fabulous. In my opinion that was one of the most fun weeks on your blogs! I was wondering if you and Sheaffer would consider doing a hybrid this year — both a fundraiser but also bringing back the five days of fabulous. That would make this blog follower of yours very excited!!

  73. Sarah Pond says

    Happy birthday!!!🥳 it’s my dad’s birthday too! Oh and my hairstylist’s birthday! So many great people’s birthdays all in one day! I hope you have a great year and that year 43 is your best year yet!!

  76. Skye Rose says

    YAY! It’s your birthday! It’s your birthday! What a wonderful month you were born into. My youngest child was born Oct 13. My grandson has one of his friends born on Oct 31. He’s 23, so his group of friends are going to party for 3 days. Just because they are young and can do it. And yep, it’s a costume party! Yay! You are part of a special group of people. I LOVE October!!! Happy Birthday, Shay!

    And believe me, 43 is SO, SO, SO young! My youngest just turned 44 and she is still so young, so vibrant, so alive! Yep. 43 is a GREAT year! Yours will be just hunky dunky all year long! Blessings to you and your family and friends,

  78. Lori Whittington says

    Happy happy birthday!! I hope you have a fabulous day and weekend! (Mine is Sunday 27th) 🙂

  79. Deb says

    Happy, happy birthday! May the year ahead be filled with health, happiness, adventure and lots of laughs!

  83. Marla says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAY!!!!
    Is facebook the only way to get in touch with Any? She is so talented .
    Have a great birthday weekend

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      She used to have an Etsy shop, but it’s my understanding that now, she primarily works through FB. That being said, if you need to connect with her another way, please let me know, and I’ll make sure you get in touch!

  84. Melissa says

    I’m impressed that it seems like Smith has picked the same birthday activity almost every year, and she finds a way to make a completely original sign each time!

    Also, I can only imagine how much grandchildren will enjoy that wall someday, seeing a glimpse into what their parent/aunt/uncle were interested in at every age.

  85. Kerry says

    Thank you for sharing all of the birthday signs. They are AMAZING! I hope you have the very best 43rd birthday!

  86. Amy Azza says

    Happy Birthday Shay! You bring so much goodness and light into the world, you are a beacon of hope and a true testament to the Lord.. knowing you and reading your blog daily just makes my life and my heart so much better. I wish you the best day ever, 43 looks great on you..

  88. Stephanie Snyder says

    Happiest of birthdays to you! Hope you are spending your day with those you love most, doing what you love most!

  92. D Jackson says

    Happy Happy Birthday!! May your day be filled with fun and your year filled with blessings!!!

  93. Joanna says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope you have a wonderful bday weekend. I just bought a mini trampoline for exercise and so far love it lots. They are SO good for you. Enjoy!!

  94. Heather says

    Happy Happy Birthday, Sweet Shay!
    I can attest to Amy’s beautiful signage and skill level as well. I have ordered from her for the past seven years for our son, and his latest one is enroute as we speak. She is so darn creative!

  98. sandi says

    Happy Birthday, Shay from a fellow October birthday girl. I will turn 57 on Halloween! Enjoy your birthday weekend.

  100. Jessica Shobe says

    Happy happy birthday! I hope you’ve had an amazing day and wish you a fabulous year ahead.

  101. Nikkie F. says

    Happy, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Shay!!!!! Hope your day was special and filled with joy, happiness and everything and everyone you love!!!! Cheers to 43!!! 💖🎉🥳

  103. Kim Carberry says

    Happy birthday to you!
    I don’t care that Christmas seems to be starting earlier and earlier each year! I love Christmas. hehehe
    What a great week you have had, the girls trip sounds like a lot of fun!
    Your trampoline looks fantastic, I love the in ground one’s they, seem a lot safer than raised ones.
    Your signs are so cute! I love them.

  108. Cris says

    I hope your birthday was lovely, Shay! Your mention of Hallmark movies made me wonder: Have you ever written about how you watch TV? I’m 15-ish years older than you, and I’m just baffled by all of the options now. Cable was just so much simpler to me. I also don’t want to spend a fortune, but it would be so nice to be able to immediately access a recommendation!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh gosh, now that’s a post. I have not ever written about it, but I could. I think it would be interesting just to read the comment section and see how others do it. I’m jotting this down now. THANK YOU!!

  109. Penny Giesecke says

    Happiest of birthdays! I can imagine much time is spent by your children looking at “their” signs. What a wonderful tradition that reminds them of their birthdays and lets them reminisce of each special day. I love this.

  110. Valerie Stults says

    Happy Birthday!!! Hope you are spoiled and enjoy your day!! Love the sign wall!! That is so cool!! She is so talented!! Love your bar cart also!!

  111. Eliza says

    I’m late to the party but happy happy birthday, Shay! I want you to know I’m grateful for you & your willingness to share your life. You’ve helped me be a more fun mom & wife. 🧡🎃

  112. Marisa Patel says

    Hope you had a wonderful birthday!!! I am also watching Hallmark Christmas movies any chance that I get. My family thinks I am crazy and need to wait at least until mid November but we know this just means they are jealous of our festive nature 🙂

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