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 love that navy trench coat!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
I love a good trench coat! Banana Republic makes a great, affordable trench but I do covet the Burberry version!
Chelsea
Haute Child in the City
My GOD Burberry trenches are the holy saints of the trench world.
Absolutely love the first one that is colorblocked or the navy one! I really need to get one too, since it has been raining where I live as well!
xo, Scarlett
The Trendy Chick
I just purchased that floral trench and I LOVE it! The fit is equally as amazing as the floral pattern and colors.
Ashley | History in High Heels
What beautiful coats! I need to get one!
Constance || Prep Northwest
I would love a floral patterned trench coat, they are lovely. Thanks for sharing :))
Julie,
http://thepreppysisters.blogspot.com
I love #5, I've been searching for a trench coat, thanks for sharing!
http://loriscreativity.blogspot.com/
Almost warm enough full time to break mine out. 🙂
Definitely can't wait for spring either! Trench coats are just so fab. Who says outerwear can't make a statement as well?!
Taylor Anthony :: Prep, Please!
I need to get my hands on a trench coat ASAP. My favorite was the first one!
xo,
Neidelyn
{getupanddressup.blogspot.com}
that floral piping one is so gorgeous!
x
http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au
Love love LOVE that 60's inspired shape, as well as the color blocked version! A trench may be in my near future 🙂
xo
Tara
shoesillneverhave.blogspot.com
I was JUST discussing trench coats with a work friend so this is perfect timing!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
I love the last one with the contrast trim. It is such a great color!
Madeline | Ring-a-Round a Rosey | Bloglovin’
I love trench coats. These ten are so cute! i love the color blocking one. Such a great take on a timeless piece. 🙂
daughterofasonofasailor.com
Gah a trench coat is something that my closet is so lacking!!
I absolutely love trench coats for the Spring! I have a Michael by Michael Kors one and it's perfect!
howchicitis.com
I have been looking to invest in a trench coat, and this post has helped me know where to start! I was pleasantly surprised to see how affordable the first option is 🙂
XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass
I invested in a pretty pricey trench coat this past summer and it really has been one of my best purchases. You really know how to rock them Carly!
~ Emily
Emily&Dot