Happy happy FRIDAY, friends!
It’s my first Friday Faves of 2025 🙂 .
This is always one of my FAVORITE posts each week because I get to share the authentic things I find, love and experience with all of you (and then look through the link ups too!). I hope this Friday you have a few “faves” from your week to reflect on too. Thank you for being here again with me this year. I’m just always so grateful for this community.
Okay, as always, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and sharing the first edition of my weekly faves for 2025. Spoiler alert: this week has me all sorts of frazzled, and I feel anything but “on top of my game” today. Needless to say, only one post today and probably 14 on Monday; ).
Happy Friday!
We made it home from Australia! That’s my favorite Fave this week. We had the BEST time on our trip (approximately 805 recaps to come!), but we were supposed to leave on Monday and get home on Monday (because you cross that fancy schmancy international date line and repeat a day)…but things got all wacky, and we were stuck there another two days. At one point, there was talk of us not being able to get out until Friday or Saturday, so the fact that we walked through our front door earlllllly on Wednesday felt like a huge victory. More on that to come, but the eight of us were dirty, exhausted and oh so happy to beat the snow because that would have created an even bigger problem getting in. I love these people! We were like the McAlisters on Home Alone running not once but twice through different airports…and I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else.
Starting this week in summer and ending it in winter has been another Fave 🙂 .
My next “fave” this week is looking back at the TOP 10 MOST VIEWED BLOG POSTS OF 2024. You guys, this little list made my heart so happy because it really felt like such an accurate representation of me and what I’m trying to do here in blog world.
Just take a look…
#10: JUNE BOOK REVIEW
#9: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2024 EDITION
#8: INTERMITTENT FASTING + DAILY WORKOUT {UPDATE}
#6: TWENTY YEARS + A Q&A VIDEO
#3: MY SPICY CHICKEN BAKED TACOS
#2: OUR KITCHEN & GREAT ROOM REFRESH
#1: MY LEMON COCONUT NEIMAN MARCUS BARS
Two different posts about Andrew, two posts about my kiddos, two posts about wellness, a book review, a little refresh, and two viral recipes from back in the day. That is quite the line up of blog posts viewed last year. If you missed any of them, make sure you go back and take a look!
Speaking of Top 10 things…
Every year, I share the 10 MOST LOVED ITEMS HERE IN BLOG WORLD. Once again, I love this list because it represents me/us so well!
Here is what you ladies loved the most in 2024:
#10: CLEANSE & SHINE DUO SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
Well, 2024 was the year of “hair” for me 😉 . It’s longer, darker and healthier. The ONLY shampoo and conditioner I use comes in a duo (now on sale!) and was popular with you too!
#9: MY PAJAMA SET
My super soft pj set comes in so many different colors and patterns. I wear mine all the time!
#8: FLEECE JACKET
I love my “dupe” fleece jacket so much that I bought it in two different colors. It’s so soft, so comfy, and holds up to many many washes. It comes in over THIRTY different colors. I have “apricot” and “fluorescent green” and honestly, I could buy a third.
I wore this rain jacket all over Northern Ireland this year, and it’s continued to be a staple item for sporting events and rainy days. I LOVE IT! It also comes in many different colors.
Yes, yes, yes! I especially think the quality of this dress (also available in other colors) is exceptional for the price. Someone take me back to summer please!
#5: GAUZE TOP
It is actually hard to find a photo of me between May and September when I’m not wearing this shirt (I have it in three different colors)…AND I even wore it in both white and black in Australia last week. I love these tops. I’ve washed them a gazillion times and they still look and feel great. They don’t wrinkle which makes them excellent for traveling.
I now have four different pairs of these jeans (all different washes). I clearly love them and so do you. They are so so comfy and very cute!
#3: WALKING PAD
This was literally me yesterday on the phone while walking. I love my walking pad. If you missed my blog post about it, I have a WALKING PAD REVIEW for you too. It’s crazy how much I love it.
#2: NIKE AIR MAX
They’re comfy, they’re cute, they come in many different colors, and they’re always priced better than other Nikes. I LOVE MINE! Don’t forget though, I recommend sizing up a half size. I always wear a size 8, but I buy my Air Max in an 8.5 every time.
#1: WEIGHTED VEST
Yeah buddy, we’re loving our weighted vests!! I have two of these guys (one in McKinney and one on Nantucket), and I wear them all the time. Mine weighs 12 pounds, and it’s the perfect addition to dog walks, sprint work and light chores around the house. I absolutely LOVE that you guys love it too!
Maybe you have all already watched this show, but I binged watched the entire first season on the way to Australia and LOVED IT! I haven’t liked a show this much in a long time. It’s gritty and raw and written by Taylor Sheridan, so you know it’s excellent. Truly, I was so sad when I realized I had watched the last episode. I hope they bring out a season two!
We jumped right from summertime to wintertime over here. Yesterday and today our schools are closed for SNOW! This is not always an annual occurrence, so it certainly must be documented here as a Fave.
Here is a little bit about our snow day…
I was working out in our home gym with Charlie who was anxious to go outside for his walk. Spoiler alert, he was way more interested in the snow than the walking, so we cut our walk short. Back inside…
…and the oldest and youngest dogs are looking at me like “What, more coffee, mom?”.
Yes. Yes more coffee.
Between the jet lag and the snow, I am drinking many cups today.
Speaking of jet lag, Smith was up and at the gym with Andrew bright and early and then outside running around with his friends in the snow, but the girls all slept until 10:30. My office was extra extra cozy while I worked.
I love my view all year long, but this might be my favorite version.
I see you, Texas!
We, of course, played in the snow. The older my kids get, the more I LOVE that all four of them were out there with me.
It was a full day of sass and snow!
We don’t get to pull the sleds out very often…
…but when we do, we LOVE IT!
Snow angel time!
We love a snow day!
Speaking of which, I better head off and enjoy this snow day too.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I will see you back here on Monday for hopefully a “normal” week 😉 .
Enjoy your Friday! xx
Sue says
Loved the Lioness too. You will be happy to know that the second season is already out! Enjoy!
Elspeth says
What a fun round up of favorites! Have a great weekend getting settled back in!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Rita says
Ahh, I gave a little yell when I saw you were in Manly. I’m in Melbourne. Hope you had a great time. Did you get to see the fireworks spectacular in Sydney on NYE? My brother and SIL flew up as they had friends from Italy come out especially to see them ( bucket list item for them).
Mix and Match Mama says
We did see them!! We had the BEST time in Sydney! I want to visit Melbourne next 🙂 .
Dawn Timmons says
Happy Snow Days!!! Enjoy!
Another favorite…
Lionness Season 2 is already available on Paramount.
Jami says
Love this list!!!! And there is a season 2 of Lioness that just came out!! I would say it’s even better than the first! 🙂
Mary Beth says
Lioness season 2 is already out on Paramount! Such a great show! You should also check out Landman (another Taylor Sheridan show)…so so good!
Mix and Match Mama says
Andrew told me to watch Landman too! I need to take my cozy snow day and binge some shows. Thank YOU!
Jess says
Happy Snow Day!!! You should check out the book Ashley’s War, it’s a true story of women in the special operations world and with your interest in the lioness tv show it might be a good fit! Have a wonderful day!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!!!
Amanda Wells says
Lioness is so good! Season 2 is on paramount+!
Mix and Match Mama says
YAY!!!!!
mary says
Happy New Year and so glad you’re back! Can’t wait to hear about your trip.
A complete season 2 of Lioness is already out. Truthfully I didn’t love it as much as the first season but it’s still one of my favourite shows – and one that my husband and I BOTH like which is hard to come by! 🙂
Kaley says
We just finished Lioness over here, too. It’s SO good. There is a season 2 already out on Paramount+. You may just not have realized you binged 2 seasons already or maybe you get the treat of knowing there’s 8 more episodes for you! Now crossing fingers for a season 3!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you! I had no idea! Now I guess I know what I’m doing this weekend 🙂 .
Kristen says
Hi, great favorites! You look amazing in the professional solo shot! Question, can you link that gold necklace?
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you! It’s from Evereve 🙂 . Here it is: https://shopstyle.it/l/clc4O
Faith says
I binged Lioness this week and season 2 is already out! I watch it on the Paramount app. Such a great show!
Love Fave Friday posts! We are expecting snow here (Charlotte NC) today and it will be the first measurable snow in 3 years so everyone is pretty excited. It might be more ice than we prefer but still exciting!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope you get your snow today!! xx
Maggie says
Lioness does have a season 2 out. And it’s just as good! 😊
Mix and Match Mama says
THANK YOU!!
Peyton Cline says
Would you be able to link your black puffer jacket you were wearing for your snow day? I am on the hunt for a new one!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s an oldie but goodie from The North Face. Those are my favorite because they’re so super warm.
Tara says
There is a season two of Lioness!
Mix and Match Mama says
You just made my day!!! I had no idea! Going to watch it STAT!
Heather Smith says
There is a season two! So good!
Mix and Match Mama says
There is?! I must watch it ASAP! Thank you!
Kay says
Your house and yard look SO beautiful with that light dusting! Love it. I’m in Mass and it’s so fun to see that we’re having the same type of lazy/cozy/stay warm week. My oldest is home from college for only one more week :(, so I’m relishing the chance to make hot chocolate and cookies for him while I can!
I also got your treadmill and it’s made a huge, huge!, difference in my activity level. I discovered I can use my Peloton screen for Netflix, so though I’m not typically a big tv watcher, I’ve been able to walk more while I watch a show! Question for you! Do you happen to know if this treadmill allows you to choose your own speed? Every time I hit buttons it goes up by a few and I’m looking to control (so I can get it to 4.0 instead of like 4.2 if that makes sense?)
Can’t wait for more content next week!
Mix and Match Mama says
YAY!!! Kay, isn’t it really nice especially for the price? I’ve already used mine today! I am so happy you like it too!
Kim G says
You know you love Shay when you miss the daily posts so much… that you count down to Jan 8 return date ! Then when there is none YOU WORRY !! Is it just me?
Thank you so much for the positivity, humor and real life stuff you share with the community every day. You are a bright light !
Now… on to buy those jeans on the Friday favs post…. 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! Thank YOU! This means more to me than you know. xx
Ginger says
Landman is hilarious, but definitely not something you want to watch with your kids. Last week had a segment with Jerry Jones that was really, really good and pretty thought-provoking. We enjoyed Lioness too.
K.K. says
You look like you guys are living in a Winter Wonderland!! It’s beautiful! Happy Snow Day to the Shulls. 🙂
Kelly W says
Your favorites have become my favorites! I love so many Colleen Rothschild products thanks to you! I also appreciate being able to use your code to save on my products each time I order! Thank you for awesome recommendations! ❤️
Lizzie says
I just started Lioness. Love it, so far! If you’re looking for another show, watch The Diplomat with Keri Russell on Netflix. I just finished both seasons, and, it’s been renewed for S3!!! Word of warning, I do think the F word is used more in The Diplomat than it is on Yellowstone. Kind of hard to believe, but it felt that way, Lol.
Ashley Lewis says
Since getting your walking pad, do you notice a big jump in your step count? On a typical day how many steps would you say you clock in a day?
Mix and Match Mama says
My goal is always 15,000 a day. I would say that yes, I am totally getting more steps in now because of the pad. Absolutely!
Erika Slaughter says
EEEKKK!! Happy SNOW DAY #2! Hope your crew gets all rested up after those adventures!
Amy Hamill says
Hi Shay! Love all of this. I agree with another commenter, I was counting down the days until Jan 8th too. I really missed your posts while you were away!! Glad you had a great time in Australia. Question, the jeans you are wearing in the packable rain jacket picture, are those the same style/brand as the other?
Mix and Match Mama says
Great question! No, those are from Wit and Wisdom. They are no longer in stock, but I still love them 🙂 .
Robyn Beers says
Welcome Home! And, Happy New Year! Cannot wait to read your blog in 2025.
Frances Ryals says
Great post! Your hair really does look so healthy! Would you say it’s the Nutrafol that has made such a difference? I’m sure eating more protein has helped, too.
I agree with another poster who said that solo professional shot of you was so good!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am positive it’s a combo of Nutrafol, the new hair products, and the protein. For sure! Thank you, thank you, thank YOU for your kind words. Happy Friday! xx
Trish Kittrell says
Welcome home! I hear the jet lag from Australia to the US is brutal but so worth it to see all the beautiful sights Australia has to see. What a tremendous blessing to have your parents travel with you! I have a question about your sweet doggies. If they ever have tear staining is there a product you can recommend to remove the staining? Our precious Cavachon, Rosie, needs some TLC in the eye area. Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
I wish I had a specific product to recommend, Trish. We haven’t had an issue, but I know I’ve heard family talk about something they add to their pets’ food for it. I cannot think of what the product is called though. I’ll see if I can find out!
Trish Kittrell says
Thanks so much!
Holly C says
WECOME BACK!!!
Laina says
I went back to read about the walking pad and now want to get one for my daughter! Can’t wait for the Australia trip recap!! I can’t find your Instagram so I feel like I have missed so much! Did you change the name? Enjoy your snow days!
Mix and Match Mama says
Nope, it’s still the same!
Sheaffer says
We’re about to start The Lioness. Now I’m super excited!
Kristin says
You have more snow on the ground than we do in MN right now!!
Tina Cunningham says
I love the long sherpa coat you are wearing in the 4th picture. Can you please tell me where you purchased it? Also, love your new hair color!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love it too! I wear it all the time! It’s here: https://shopstyle.it/l/clj9q
Stephanie Goodman says
Hello!
What do you drink in your coffee? That cup looked tasty.
Mix and Match Mama says
I drink it black. I have a Jura, which like with a Nespresso, produces a foam-like topping when it first comes out of the machine.
Shirley says
I’d love to know what items you pack in your clear, quart size bag to pass TSA guidelines when flying. I have a hard time getting all of my facial & body items, hair products….etc to fit in a quart bag. Please give me some expert travel advice! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Honestly, I stopped using the quart sized bags years ago. I don’t pack many liquids to begin with (maybe a little thing of lotion and/or antibacterial), but I almost always check a bag, so my major liquids go under the plane. If you’re TSA precheck leaving from the US, you just put your whole bag through the security scanner and don’t remove anything, so any little miscellaneous liquids I have get scanned through my bag.