This and yap 🤍 Don’t forget to create holiday magic for yourself too! I can’t tell you how nice it was to do some gingerbread decorating without having to follow a three year old’s vision (or fight the sugar battle)! It’s fun to do it with kids, too, but sometimes you just need coffee, baked goods, and little bit of kid-free catch up time with your mom friends! Thank you for hosting @blueskyehouse!!
I wrote down a list of things I wanted to do for fun in 2024. I crossed off exactly zero of them (having a baby will do that to ya) and my only hope of accomplishing one would be to host a cookie exchange! I wanted to SO bad but I was also feeling exhausted after a long year (losing a dog, having a baby, running a business, etc.) and I didn’t know if I had hosting a party in me. I sent out the invitations and told myself I’d figure it out. There was no going back! It was SO FUN though and I will be doing this again. I feel like so much of the holidays as a mom is spent making the magic for kids. It’s Santa meet and greets, Christmas shopping, holiday pageants…. And then seeing Santa again (and again and again). THIS party was for us! 🥂
🎧 Five 5-Star Audiobooks I Listened to This Year ✨
Audiobooks have been my secret weapon for fitting reading into a busy life. Whether I’m folding laundry, driving to preschool drop-off, or squeezing in a solo walk, I can dive into a story at the touch of a button—and @Audible makes it so easy. Eligible new subscribers can sign up for a one month free trial of #Audible Premium Plus anytime! #AudiblePartner #amazoninfluencer @amazoninfluencerprogram
This year, I listened to some incredible audiobooks, but these five stood out as absolute favorites:
📚 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith: A beautifully written coming-of-age classic. I didn’t want it to end and could absolutely see myself re-listening in a few years.
📚 None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell: A psychological thriller with unreliable narrators that kept me guessing the whole way through.
📚 Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter: Part mystery, part family drama—flawed characters, a gripping storyline, and a chef’s kiss ending.
📚 All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker: A masterpiece of storytelling that starts as a serial killer mystery and evolves into something much bigger.
📚 Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors: A stunning exploration of sisterhood, grief, and imperfect people. The ending left me in tears (happy ones!).
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Holding on for dear life this December ❤️ I have had SO MANY conversations this week with my friends near and far and we are *all* struggling. I have to say, just knowing it’s not just me feeling the pressure of “end of year-holiday magic- cold/flu/stomach bug season-darkest days of the year,” has made it a little easier to handle. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too 😮💨 (Telling myself this because I could use the reminder too!)
I would also add a pair of leggings and sunglasses 🙂
Great post! Is this waterlouge or did you water paint this?
AJ | http://www.TheAJMinute.com
This is a GREAT list! The only thing I would add is a v-neck sweater. They can do SO much! Over a collared shirt, under a blazer, with jeans shorts and flip flops in the summer…. I love them!
— Alex at Cashmere Kangaroo
Ooh I agree with the cashmere sweater!
I would add the perfect pair of jeans; the ones that can be thrown on for running errands, brunch with girlfriends, or casual date nights. It seems like a silly thing, but let's be honest we'd be lost without it.
I love these pieces! My go to pieces are my J. Crew popover, Lucky Brand jeans, leopard flats/heels, and my Gap polka dot dress!
Hunter
Prep on a Budget
Only thing I would add is a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans! Love this list 🙂
xoxo
thebouquineuse.blogspot.com
Definitely a pair of jeans! Love this list.
Definitely riding boots! I have one pair in black and another in cognac – they are my uniform October – February. And let's be honest, probably through March this year…
and now i want to go shopping! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Agreed on all points!
The perfect cashmere sweater, ballet flats, trench coat, and fit-like-a-glove denim or cropped pants!
<3
Amy
I totally agree on the "little black dress" however the perfect one is so hard to find. I love the fit and flare style of this one though.
xoxo
AnnMarie
http://annmariebanasik.blogspot.com
Great items – loving that Tory Burch bag! I would add a pair of leggings and a good watch!
Amy
xchampagnepearls.blogspot.com/
Hi! I love your blog. It has great content and a fabulous layout and style. I would love to see a blog post about how to rep school pride but in a stylish way. I know I hate just wearing boring t-shirts to sporting events. How do you stylize your school pride?
Awesome picks! I would definitely add a good pair of jeans and a cute bikini, that you feel beautiful in!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
I love the watercolour images!
The Life & Times of Belle
I'm so trying to do this at the moment, though editing my wardrobe is a lot harder then I thought! Helps to have a list of must have basic/classic items and work from there.
http://www.thelifescout.com/
Great list! I would just add black skinnies/leggings and a cashmere pullover 🙂
xo
Tara
shoesillneverhave.blogspot.com
Depending on your climate, I think a pair of dress boots, riding roots, a long cloth coat, and a peacoat (and cashmere scarf and lined gloves) would be a great addition.
-Katherine
http://scallopedandbows.blogspot.ca
Love this! The only thing I would add would be a great pair of blue jeans!
I definitely need to do this, my closet is getting really fun! Those graphics are adorable. i love the watercolor look 🙂
daughterofasonofasailor.com
LOVE THIS!
http://preppyfairytale.blogspot.com/