Happy 2025, friends!
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. We had a lovely Christmas at home with Andrew’s parents, and then went on an epic adventure to Australia with mine. It was a full and fun few weeks, but I am SO thankful to be back here with YOU!
I feel a bit behind as it’s already January 9th and I’m just now kicking off the year, so I thought I’d start today with a little “housekeeping”. (Let’s be real, my jet lag is so bad that I’m not even positive it is January 9th!)
Here we go…
First up, HOLY COW and a huge THANK YOU to everyone who left me blog post topics/ideas/suggestions last week. I am thankful every single year when you ladies help me decide what we should chat about for the upcoming year. Per usual, I took so many screenshots of all of your AMAZING ideas and will refer back to them all year long. Should you EVER have a blog idea for this space, please feel free to put it in the comment section of any blog post and/or email me with it. I have a running list that I also refer to where I jot all of this down. I am always thankful for your suggestions because this has to be a place YOU want to visit every day. This is a community 🙂 .
There are so many topics you guys want me to cover in 2025 that I can promise you this year, we will have lots of extra weekend posts and “three posts” blog days too. Some of the most requested topics were more teenager stuff (spoiler alert, I have no idea how to raise teenagers), more Andrew (you girls always want more Andrew!), more faith (love!), more Nantucket (easy!), more travels (another easy!), more organization, dogs, books, home decor, style, and much, much more but the #1 requested topic was MORE WELLNESS which is why this year, I’m starting…
Please bear with me as we kick this off as I’m sure it will start as one thing and sort of morph into another, but every week, I will have an EXTRA Wednesday post that is purely “wellness” related. That does not mean you won’t see wellness on other days of the week (because you will!)…it just means you’re guaranteed that bonus post each Wednesday regarding something “wellness” related.
You guys left so many requests for more “Shay’s Ways” and more “leaning into living your most content life through routines, etc” that you’re guaranteed to see that this year too…and of course more TOP FIVE/BOTTOM FIVE because you guys gave me oodles of ideas for that as well.
Next Wednesday, January 15th, we are kicking off another year of…
…this monthly link up will be the second Tuesday of each month (with this month being the exception) and should you want to blog and link up too, here are our topics…
We hope you link up!!
I made a BIG effort last year to load more outfit ideas for not just me but for Andrew and the kids on my LTK, and my promise this year is to continue doing the same. Make sure you’re following MY LTK PAGE for in the moment/real life ideas for what my family is using/wearing/loving.
I always try to keep a variety!
Hey, hey, hey! Book Club is back in 2025! We are reading and discussing…
…The Secret Book of Flora Lea on January 22nd as our first book of the year. If you missed my annual BOOKS IN REVIEW post where I named my TOP THREE BOOKS OF 2024, make sure you catch that too.
Of course, I love my four children and I love my community here but my “other baby” in life is MIX AND MATCH TRAVEL AGENCY! Did you know that January is our biggest and busiest booking month of the year? People LOVE planning their travels in January, and we would love to help you too! Please fill out this easy inquiry HERE for more information, and we will connect with you about your next trip.
You guys, it’s a snowy day in Dallas today! The Shulls have gone from summer to snow in only a few shorts hours. We’re tired and jet lagged and well, this “snow day” could not have come at a better time. We are going to cozy in and enjoy the snow today and then try to go to sleep at the “normal” time tonight. Before I go though…what’s the most important blog post you can read today? This one…
…we’re celebrating ASHBY’S 10TH GOTCHA DAY ANNIVERSARY and you for sure need to check that out 🙂 .
Happy happy happy 2025! Friends, I am so grateful to be with you here again this year. Sending you so much love! See you tomorrow! xx
Elspeth says
Welcome back Shay!! Can’t wait to see what this year brings for you, your family and the blog!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
So excited for more wellness content this year! It’s turned into my favorite topics to read from you!! Glad y’all are back–we’re waiting on the snow to hit us tomorrow!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Laura says
Welcome back!!! Happy New Year!! I am excited to read all these future posts (both new themes and also the oldies but goodies) and am excited for the Let’s Look ideas 😊 Here’s to a great year!
Traci M says
welcome back!! i’ve missed your daily dose of happiness!! thanks for always sharing your world and heart with us!
Kathy says
I always enjoy your blog and have for many years. Happy 2025!
Amy Hamill says
Can’t wait for all your posts this year, Shay! Sounds great. Thank you and Happy New Year!
K.K. says
GLAD you made it home!! 🤩
Dianne says
Regarding travel, would love to know more how you decide on smaller places to go when you have a destination in mind (ex- going to Paris but want and trip somewhere) and finding reputable and interesting tours and/or tour guides
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s all part of the process here at our travel agency! For me, it all depends on the time of year/where we’re going/what I hope to do, see, accomplish. It’s something we flush out with our clients for each trip.
Kara says
Happy for all the content in 2025, new and old!! 🙂
Sara Alexander says
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear about Aussieland. I went to Australia in my teens, and going there is literally my kids #1 wish. I hope to take them someday.
Taeryn Jurd says
Welcome back Shay! Greetings from a freezing but sunny (for a change) London, England! I have been reading your blog for many years – since just before you adopted your beautiful Ashby and I have really missed you over the Christmas break. It made me realise what a bright ray of sunshine your blog is in my life!
Emilee says
Welcome back! My morning routine has missed you! Looking forward to all of your content in 2025. 🙂
Melissa says
Welcome back, Shay!
I was looking forward to your post today. I love that you get so much input from this group & use that to shape your blog.
I’m looking forward to more wellness topics & Wellness Wednesday posts.
Happy New Year!
Kelli says
Eeeeek!!! What a fun year ahead! Thanks for creating this cozy, encouraging corner on the internet! It’s a bright spot in my mornings 🙂
Jessica Shobe says
Welcome back! Can’t wait for all the fun content this year!
JoAnne L says
A topic of interest is eating together as a family in this stage (teen) of life. All the studies, and personal experience, underscores the importance of eating together every night helps kids and parents stay connected. BUT… with all the schedules busy during dinner time, what does that look like this season. I am curious from your readers and circle of friends what strategies are ppl applying to try and eat together (or if don’t eat together, is there a time of day/activity that they use to connect?)
Kacey says
Welcome back and happy 2025!! Can’t wait to see where this year takes us all <3
Debbie says
Welcome back! Happy to have you back and looking forward to 2025!
Katie says
Yay! Welcome back!!!
Michelle Rader says
I live here in McKinney and bought stuff to make your brisket chili on the snowy day.😋
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay! I hope you enjoy it!!
Faith says
Welcome back and happy new year! We are expecting a little snow here in the piedmont of North Carolina tomorrow and I can’t wait! I love to look at it from my couch while sitting under a blanket by the fire. I then hope we have an early spring! 🤣
Can’t wait to read all the new blogs this year!
Angela says
So happy you guys had a wonderful Christmas break!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!! I missed your daily blog as it’s part of my daily morning routine… so happy you’re back!! xo
Sarah DeWald says
Happy New Year! Welcome home from the holidays! Can’t wait to spend 2025 with you and your family!
Kay says
Welcome back-we have missed you! And I’m so super excited for this year’s content. It all sounds amazing and is just what we need to keep motivated in the new year.
Beth Knecht says
So glad you are back to this sweet and inspiring community! Hoping all ended well with your travels and delays!
Nicole says
Yay!! You know I love the Wellness Wednesday series!! 🥰 Welcome back, life isn’t as fun without you! 🩷
Leslie says
Welcome back! Look forward to another year of this community.
Quick question…you shared a podcast episode on walking “recently”, but I can’t find it. Would you mind sharing again?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s in this post here: https://mixandmatchmama.com/2024/12/10-random-things-december-edition-2/
Penny says
I love and enjoy the “balance” of topics you bring to your blog. Thank-you for sharing.
Heather says
Welcome Back Shay!
You truly are missed when you’re away on your well deserved breaks. My morning just doesn’t start the same without the Shulls.
Amy Rae D. says
Happy New Year!
I would love to see more DITL type posts.
Robin says
Happy New Year!!!! Glad you are all back safe and sound. Boy, have I missed your blog the last couple of weeks. I forget how much it is part of my morning routine and what a bit of light it brings each day until you take a well needed reprieve! Looking forward to 2025 and what a sweet inspiring post on Miss Ashby❤️
Kristen says
Soo nice to have you back! Sooo excited to hear all about your christmas and your Australia adventure!!! Looking foward to those posts.
Brooke says
I feel like getting to read your posts again has officially put me back in my routine after being off 2 weeks! Welcome back!
Claire says
Welcome back- I’ve missed your posts!!
Bev byerly says
Happy New Year! So thankful you are back. Looking forward to 2025 and your blogs! God Bless You and your family in2025!
Holly C says
Yea!!! You are back… Happy New Year and can’t wait to share with you what 2025 has in store!!!!
Jeanette says
Woohoo, you’re back!! Happy New Year! Can’t wait to read about Australia! Very much looking forward to your posts this year, and thank you for making a Wellness Wednesday 😊.
Tish says
Welcome HOME! You have been MISSED, Shay!! Excited for all you have to come in 2025! I am working on catching up on some of your podcasts you have recommended. My question is when do you listen to podcasts? I love to listen when I go for a walk outside, but I don’t do that as often in the cold winter months.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have missed YOU ALL!! Thank you, thank you! Okay, I listen to podcasts all the time. I listen more than I watch TV these days. I’ll listen while I’m putting away laundry, emptying the dishwasher, making dinner, etc. I listen while I’m putting on my makeup or curling my hair. I listen in the car A LOT since I’m typically by myself in the car. I am always listening 🙂 .
Jeanne says
Can’t tell you how happy I was to see you in my inbox this morning!!
Karah Stracener says
I am so glad you are back. I have missed your blog but I am so happy you were able to take a break and enjoy the holidays with your sweet family. I am looking forward to see what 2025 holds for your blog. I am really excited about wellness Wednesdays as that is something I am truly focusing on this year. I want to be the best version of me for myself and my family.
Arika says
I agree with the person who commented about a detailed tutorial of the FitBod app. Please explain it to me like I’m a toddler! 🙂 Maybe I just haven’t dedicated enough time to figuring it out, but your how-to videos always help! Happy 2025!
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! Maybe I should make it one post?
Cris says
Those are especially interesting “Let’s Look” topics! I can’t wait to read (and think about for myself) January and July in particular!
~B~ says
Welcome home! So much to look forward to here in 2025! I always miss the blog while you are away on your well-deserved break, but enjoyed following on IG! Knowing Andrew had back surgery, I had wondered if your annual skiing/snowboarding trip was going to be possible and was so excited you were instead visiting summer in Australia! If you’ll be sharing, looking forward to the trip recap! However, I have to say…it’s so ironic you came home and it is snowing, as that was your usual winter break! It’s like the snow knew you always visit “them” (the snow), so decided to visit you instead! 🙂 Happy 2025!
Mix and Match Mama says
RIGHT?! We accidentally ended up with the best of both worlds…summer and snow!
Detroit Duchess says
Happy 2025! I may have missed this update in another post, but are you planning to bring back the podcast this year? I would love to listen to more!
Detroit Duchess
Mix and Match Mama says
We retired the podcast in 2023. It was just a lot of work (and we had many technical frustrations) for two girls who already have a lot on their plates. I’m glad you enjoyed it though! We did too 🙂 .