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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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Mix & Match Mama

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What’s Up Wednesday {October 2025}

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What's Up Wednesday Graphic

Happy What’s Up Wednesday!

I have all the feels on this last Wednesday in October.

I hope you’re somewhere cozy all geared up for Halloween.

I bought my candy for trick or treaters, I have my menu planned, I cleared my calendar so that my Friday can be more “fun” than normal.

I’m ready, y’all.

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.

Happy October!

Alllllll the festive foods!

Ghoul-ash

My mom did such a good job growing up making mealtimes feel festive around the different holidays and seasons.  Her signature Halloween dinner was always Ghoul-ash 🙂 .

You can see that recipe plus other spook-tacular dinner ideas (seriously, all so easy!) for Halloween night HERE.

Because who doesn’t love…

…yummy and easy festive dinners in October?!  You’ll love my PUMPKIN PESTO PASTA too!

On Saturday, it was my birthday.  It was such a nice little Saturday.  We all slept in, I got caught up on some laundry and household chores, all of my kiddos were home all day with me.  It was just simple and easy.  That night, my mom invited us over for a birthday dinner and oh my goodness, that was EXTRA special.  We have a big family, and it’s next to impossible to get us all together these days…but EVERYONE was there for my birthday.  Everyone.  I looked around at all my favorite people, my grandparents, aunt and uncle, cousins, in-laws, and about four thousand kids and just felt very grateful.

My mom’s house was so cozy and so very fall for the occasion too…

Such a special night.

I know, I know, I KNOW but you guys…

…TARGET PAJAMA SETS ARE THE BEST!  I wear a pair just about every single night.

I took THIS SET (it comes in so many other colors!) to Disneyland and then came home and immediately washed them and packed them for Boca Raton too.

I also bought…

…THIS SET for the holiday season and have already started wearing them.  They come in several other fun wintery prints, but it was the trees for me!  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

I had a travel agent conference in Boca Raton, Florida this week…

…I left on Sunday morning and arrived that afternoon.  The view from my hotel room 🙂 .

The first night, we had a really BIG dinner for everyone (several hundred people)…

…and I wore THIS DRESS with MY BOOTIES.

The print was very “fall” with fun extra details for a dinner out.  Love!

It was POURING rain when the dinner was over.  I sprinted back to our hotel and was so so so soaked that one of the hotel employees offered me a towel.  I Facetimed my family and my eye makeup was running down my face and my hair was plastered to my head.  Bahaha!  I looked like a drowned rat!  I got back to my hotel room, showered, put my jammies on…

…and watched a Hallmark Christmas movie!  Woohoo!  I love this time of year 🙂 .

The next morning, I worked out and then walked to…

…a festive Starbucks location before getting ready for my meeting.

We had a meeting all day…

…so I wore THESE CUTE PANTS and was oh so comfy all day long!

Just so cute!

It was a quick 24 hours in Boca…

…and then I was off back to the airport to head home.  My conference was for three nights but at the last minute, I had to change my flight plans and head home after just one day?  Why?  Well yesterday, my sweet husband was supposed to have had surgery.  Boo.  On Thursday night, Andrew ruptured his long head bicep tendon on his right side.  We went for the MRI on Friday, and he has not only a ruptured bicep but a torn rotator cuff and bone spurs too.  They told us Friday late afternoon that they were hoping to get him into surgery Tuesday morning.  What did the Shulls do?  I changed my Boca Raton plans and Andrew put up our Christmas tree.

Bahahaha!  Yup.  It’s October 29th and our big tree is up.

After last year’s poor excuse for a Christmas tree due to his spinal fusion, we weren’t about to hear the grumbles of how small it looked this year.  So, he put it up on Monday.  Once they set his bicep, he’ll be in a sling at least four weeks unable to do anything, so he did it now while his arm is already a big mess.

Needless to say, when they couldn’t get him in for his surgery yesterday and instead he’s going to have it late November, WE DIED LAUGHING.  You have to laugh.  I’m home (not at my conference) and there is a big Christmas tree in my house with all of the fall decorations.  You just have to laugh 🙂 .

Those four weeks when Andrew can’t use his right arm.  He tore his left bicep in 2020 and had that surgery…which seemed much easier because he’s not left handed.  His right side though is going to complicate things for me, urg, I mean him 😉 .

And I have no shame about it whatsoever.

Like I said above, already on repeat over here.  ‘Tis just the BEST time of the year for Hallmark TV!

Have you watched a new one yet this season?  If so, which one and what did you think?

I’m about two days away from holiday music!!

A little fall variety over the last week…

My CARDIGAN is so cute, and it’s a TARGET find!  I paired it with MY JEANS and MULES for the day.

So cute, right?  It comes in other colors and a Christmas-y red too!

I wore MY CORDUROY PANTS and THIS LITTLE JACKET to my birthday dinner.  THESE PANTS come in so many good colors.  They’re comfy yet more “elevated” than denim.

SHERPA (on sale!) for the win!

My new JACKET FROM TARGET!  How cute is this buffalo plaid?  I bought it in xs, but it does come sizes xxs to 4x. So fun for Leopard football games and the holiday season!

My OH SOFT SWEATER DRESS arrived, and I love it!  It comes in several other “fall-ish” colors and is under $30.

It’s just really cute and very soft without having any itchiness.

And of course…

OLD NAVY CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS are back!  Woohoo!  In this pic, I’m wearing THIS SWEATSHIRT with THESE WAFFLE PRINTED PAJAMA LEGGINGS (they come in other prints too!).  All of the holiday jammies are on BIG TIME SALE!  Woohoo!

It’s GO TIME, people!  I mean, let’s be real…the tree is already up after all 😉 .

November is going to be a BIG month!

There is so much to look forward to.  I’m sad September and October are already almost behind us, but I’m excited about what’s ahead.

Okay, that wraps up this month’s edition of WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY!

If you blogged WUW with us, please link up below.

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL October Wednesday!  Don’t forget, if you want to enter to win a walking pad, make sure you head to THIS BLOG POST HERE!

Have the best day! xx

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


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Comments

  3. J. Couvutsakis says

    I watched all the new Hallmark movies! I fell asleep during the ranch one. It just couldn’t hold my attention. I really liked the message of the angel one. It was slow at times but enjoyable. I laughed a lot at Ted Cooper. My daughter and I are loving Mistletoe Murders!

    Reply

  4. Sarah Shaneyfelt says

    Poor Andrew! I hate that he got hurt and that now his surgery isn’t for a few more weeks. That stinks!! We are putting up all Christmas on Saturday and I am so excited! I have some friends that have also put up their Christmas already 🙂

    Also, have you watched the Great American Family channel yet? If not, you must!! It’s the old Hallmark CEO and a ton of former Hallmark actors moved over to that channel and I love it! It’s very family friendly!

    MeetTheShaneyfelts

    Reply

  6. SS says

    Ugh ..so sorry Andrew nothing like not being able to use your dominant hand. I injured my dominant hand when I was young….my bball coach saw it as an opportunity to make my left hand much stronger for the season! 😆 So many wall passes!
    I love Miss Ashby was sporting a 44 shirt in your bday pix!!!
    A big tree in the house… Too fun. We put ours up one year and put orange lights on it… especially since the time change makes it dark so quick. We also hung up hunting themed ornaments! 😆
    Have a great rest of tht week!!! .

    Reply

  8. Bren says

    Before I even got to the bottom of the post I had ordered those red Target pajamas and the brown Target sweater! How festive and fun are those pajamas?!

    I am oh so sorry to hear about Andrew’s right shoulder/arm issue and the delay in surgery. Wishing him the best as he waits for surgery later next month and for his healing afterwards.

    Reply

  11. Susan says

    Speedy Recovery to Andrew when he is finally able to get surgery.
    I have caught several “old” Hallmark Christmas movies I haven’t seen before so new to me and so cute this time of year. So weird watch spooky Halloween one night hallmark sweet predicable the next but just perfect.
    HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

    Reply

  12. Maria says

    Oh Shay so sorry to hear Andrew needs another surgery. It was a good idea to get the big tree up ASAP. Better to be safe.

    Just so you know, your Apple Watch bands are no longer available on Amazon. Do you have a replacement to recommend? I’m needing new colors.

    Also, girl when did you get a love bracelet? I’ve had mine on my wrist for 25 years!

    Reply

  13. Paula Hobbs says

    Your conference outfits were on point!! So, so cute! Poor Andrew, we will be praying for you guys. I know everyone is super happy you brought the BIG tree back!!!

    Reply

  14. Leslie says

    Counting down the days to cue up your Christmas Instrumental playlist. It’s perfect to have on in the background during work.

    Reply

  16. Susy says

    Sending up prayers for Andrew and you! Having had two (complication in 1st) spinal surgeries in four weeks, I am so grateful for my unselfish, patient husband’s care. I didn’t expect this plan at all, but I know God is there every step of the way in His plan. Funny how the word patient has double meaning. May God grant us all trust and patience as patient and caretaker. God’s got this. . . and everything else!

    Reply

  17. Tish says

    Prayers for Andrew’s upcoming surgery and for complete healing! Curious how he injured it? I’m hoping snowboarding or something adventurous. The older I get I want my injuries to come from something fabulous and not something silly like I ran into a wall. lol Of course, no injuries is most preferred!! Our Christmas tree goes up Saturday and I am giddy to think twinkle lights will be lit this weekend!! Your mom’s home is so cozy and beautiful! I think you should do a Q&A video with her someday! Would love to hear more about her stage of life and just how she does all the things!

    Happy Halloween week!

    Reply

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh we are slowly rebuilding Andrew piece by piece. He injured it a gazillion years ago playing football, and it’s just been hanging by a thread. We saw this day coming a long time ago, so it wasn’t a surprise. Boo.

      Reply

  20. Anna Hettenbaugh says

    Oh my goodness, we’re living parallel lives! My husband tore his right bicep 5 years ago and about a month ago, he tore his rotator cuff and bicep tendon in his left arm. Having surgery in about a month, too. Looks like that tree will be up early here, too! Best of luck to him. And Happy Halloween!

    Reply

  22. Melinda Bridge says

    I love looking of pictures of your mother’s house, it is so pretty! I have some of those velvet pumpkins, they are one of my favorite fall items in my house.

    My husband had that same surgery on his right shoulder a couple of years ago, not being able to use his right hand was really hard on me……I mean him🙂. Good luck with the surgery.

    Reply

  23. Heather says

    I’m so sorry about Andrew. Will keep y’all in my prayers. 🙏🏼 Such a happy birthday evening for your sweet family and love all your outfit!! The one you wore for your conference was tres’ chic!! Have a fun rest of your week!! 🧡💜🖤

    Reply

  25. Elizabeth S says

    Hate to hear about Andrew’s arm and shoulder. He has a lot of therapy in his future. Prayers for a speedy recovery.

    Reply

  26. Elizabeth L says

    I love that you have your tree up already, whats a few days early anyways! What a bummer you had to miss the rest of the conference and the surgery got pushed back. I feel like life always happens that way though right? Hopefully itll be a very nice low key Christmas for you guys then while he recovers..I hope you didnt have a skii trip planned for after xmas this year! I ordered the same old navy family jammies this year but still waiting for them to arrive. Also really loving that plaid target jacket. I am currently pregnant so looking for anything cozy that is open like that! Adding to cart.

    Reply

  27. Hope says

    Thanks for all those links!
    So sorry to hear about Andrew’s upcoming surgery. Hubby had rotator cuff surgery a few years back and that was a tough one on me, I mean him😉
    Your moms house is gorgeous! What a fun birthday dinner with extended family.

    Reply

  28. Susan Fitzpatrick says

    Poor Andrew and poor you! The end of November is a long time to wait for surgery! I host Thanksgiving but I will put the Christmas trees up in my bedroom, kids rooms and family room before Thanksgiving. The day after Thanksgiving everything else goes up! Ha!

    Reply

  29. Frances Ryals says

    Aww, big family dinners are the BEST! So glad you had the best birthday!
    I love to host my family like this but I have to ask- what in the world did your mom cook for that many people???

    Reply

  30. Jaimee Shaffer says

    Your meeting outfit is my motivation to pull out the cuter clothes and shoes I have and stop wearing my normal stuff on repeat! So sorry about Andrew! Happy belated birthday too!

    Reply

  32. Mary says

    Sorry about Andrew’s surgery but you are handling it all so well! What a wonderful example to your children about flexibility and resilience. 😊

    There is a Buffalo Bills Hallmark movie coming out soon and Western New York is psyched! They needed extras during filming which is on my bucket list but the dates weren’t right. Someday!

    Reply

  33. Anne Miller says

    Hi Shay, I love the checked pants. What Christmas stations do you like on Pandora? Your recommendations really help me out.

    Anne

    Reply

  34. Kara says

    Praying for Andrew’s surgery! I fear this may limit his snowboarding again this year-boo! We will be decorating and watching Home Alone to bring in the holiday season Saturday!! (Well, after we watch our Buckeyes win another game!!) have a great weekend!

    Reply

  35. Gail says

    Starting Christmas decorating on November 1st as we will be traveling in a few weeks and when we arrive home it will be December and I want to walk into a Christmas House!
    I’ve mostly switched over to Great American Family movies as it is more Family Friendly. I’ve been watching all the old Holiday movies the whole month of October (but with my air Pods so I dont drive my husband crazy)!

    Reply

  37. Jeanette says

    Oh goodness, another surgery and it’s delayed! I think it was very smart to make use of the day and put up the tree ☺️. I loved your outfits for the conference. Sounds like you had a lovely birthday celebration 🥳.

    Reply

  38. Marisa Patel says

    Your birthday dinner at your mom’s looks so nice and heart warming! Your mom appears to have such a sweet and calm nature about her, I wish I could be like that and less scattered..haha! Prayers for Andrew, his doctors and for you, those types of things can be hard for everyone.

    Reply

  39. Faith Kapp says

    Poor Shay…..I mean Andrew 😉 the first thing I thought of when I read he is having surgery…….does this mean he won’t be able to ski again this Christmas break!?!?!?!?I

    I love that your tree is up. I’ll prob wait a week but I do plan to get my decor down this weekend!!! 🎄🎅🏼

    Reply

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      That was the first thing he thought of too. Ha! The doctor said they’re hoping he’s able to snowboard by February, but that means he won’t be boarding until then (it knocked out his hunting season too which he was also bummed about).

      Reply

  40. Marie Williams says

    My Christmas Tree went up not this weekend the weekend before 😬🙈lol We just have it lit but not decorated. Looks so cozy. Will decorate the day after Halloween. No shame 😂

    Reply

  42. Christene Demers says

    Yay, for putting up the tree. Mine is already up and lighted with Halloween decor hanging around. 🙂

    Reply

  43. Laura says

    It’s not on hallmark, but a Hallmarky movie “A Wisconsin Christmas Pie”. Everyone is talking about it as it was filmed in Door County Wisconsin where my parents live. I have it set to record Friday night so no reviews yet. But DC was listed in your fall towns list and is also cute at Christmas so the movie has to be good right!

    Reply

  44. Angela says

    Shay, I love seeing all of the pictures of what you’ve been up to lately! I’m so sorry to hear about Andrew, big prayers for him to recover quickly! That stink for all of you! I am having surgery December 15 on my labrum that I tore… and yes, that’s 10 days before Christmas! And the doctor said it’ll be six weeks of non-weight-bearing for me. That means I’ve got to be extra organized this year!

    On a sweet note… I loved seeing your mom’s cozy home. Were those gifts by the fireplace for you? They reminded me of how my mom used to do that on my birthday. She passed away three years ago and reading about your birthday brought sweet tears to my eyes… to see your mom making your birthday so special. My mom used to do that for me as she always made all of our birthdays special. God is so good that He gave us the best mamas, isn’t He?

    Reply

  46. Deb says

    What an amazing birthday! Your mom’s home is gorgeous! So sorry to hear about Andrew’s arm. Prayers for a swift recovery once he has surgery!

    Reply

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