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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!)
If I hadn’t already mailed our Christmas cards*, I would be ordering a reprint because this first photo is IT. ⭐️💂🏻♀️
*Actually only half because for some reason, I didn’t order enough? Our list must have grown over the past year or I just underestimated how many people were on it! I had to order more so the second half will be going out later whoops!!
Traded in my mom jeans for a @jcrew tuxedo this holiday season! Whether you’re dressing up, getting cozy, or picking out a gift for someone special, J. Crew has you covered! #injcrew #sponsored
Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/509U2 #ltkholiday
Definitely chocolate chip cookies!
chocolate!
french fries, sugar, chips and salsa, and apples & peanut butter (:
Completely agree. Macrons make my heart melt. As does a new shade of nail polish. 🙂
Vanilla Latte from Starbucks always does the trick.
im sorry but how is this post preppy? can we get some creativity here, please?
Those macaroons look exactly like the ones at Cafe Luxxe in Santa Monica! Best coffee in town.
What makes me cave…….dark chocolate and a great cup of coffee. I could sit under a blanket and melt into happiness with those!
Sweet potato fries, a margarita, brick oven pizza
These pictures are absolutely STUNNING :)!
chocolate or cosmetics make me cave in, lol 😀
SUGAR!
gummy candy (peach rings, Sour Path kids, Haribo or black forest bears), nail polish, chocolate, wine, ice cream.
The last picture of the candy is beautiful and so vibrant! Where did you find it?
Who makes that candy? it looks amazing!
Macarons (Vanilla), Nutella, Chic-fil-a, and Frozen Yogurt (preferably with Reeses Pieces!)
~www.thealyway.blogspot.com~
(I'm hosting my first giveaway this week!)
those macaroons look amazing…..i can never resist some retail therapy!
i have a serious sweet tooth… so that is always a good thing to persuade me with 🙂 xoxo jcd :: cornflake dreams
Those macaroons look delicious – can you believe I've never had one?? I think your picture may have just inspired me to go find some 🙂
i think food period could persuade me to just about anything! especially sweets! i could eat cake, ice cream, and candy all day long! and probably shoes!!!!! omg shoes, i would do anything for shoes.
I adore that first picture. I cave for a second vanilla latté, an extra hour in bed, and always always always ice cream.
P.S. Get lost, anonymous.
Always the anonymous ones being snarky…
Otherwise, those macarons look DELICIOUS. Can I just say I'm glad other people spell it correctly?
Cake!!
Where are those macrons from?
I cave in when presented with a Skinny Vanilla Latte. Second a delicious brunch out in downtown DC. <3
cosmetics. i lovee visiting the clinique counter.
Love the blog, Carly! I'm another preppy WASP in college (small liberal arts schol in New England) and you inspired my roommates and me to start our own blog! Thanks for the inspiration!
I definitely cave in when presented with chocolate chip cookie dough or a cute guy (: Great blog!
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