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!).
#sponsored Bedtime with two little boys can be hectic to say the least! 😅 But I try to do what I can to make the transition smoother and help my baby get the best sleep possible. 💤 Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream is the #1 pediatrician-recommended choice for diaper rash relief. The rich, thick formula creates a protective barrier on Rory’s skin, working for up to 12 hours to treat, heal, protect, soothe, and prevent diaper rash. And after bathtime, we use @aveenobaby Calming Comfort Lotion. This nourishing lotion, made with prebiotic oat, keeps my baby’s skin soft and smooth for 24 hours. Plus, the calming scent is perfect for winding down before bedtime. A little prep goes a long way in making bedtime easier for everyone! 🍼💤 Both are available on Amazon
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
AHHH!!!! I would LOVE this!!!!!!!!!!
I would love these! Love my Jacks, and of course anything with a monogram!
holy guacamole this is an AMAZING giveaway! i'm literally crossing my fingers and toes in hope of winning!
thank so so much!
xox
I love my jacks, and I'd be so happy to add a monogrammed pair to my closet!
AH! Amazing giveaway!
HOLY COWS!
I'm having a hard time breathing right now….
In….out….in…out…
Thank you so so very much for this amazing giveaway Carly!
I've always wanted something monogrammed as well as a pair of Jack Rogers so this is totally killing two birds with one stone (figuratively of course because animal slaughter is bad)!!
I'm crossing my fingers now and trying to remember to breathe.
Best of luck to all the girls who enter this giveaway!
Have a wonderfully lovely weekend Carly (and anyone else who sees this)!! Hopefully it isn't too hot wherever you guys are 🙂
~Alice
The Ace of Hearts
I'm getting married next May and would love to have these for the reception with my new monogram!!
AKB
I would love to win these!! i want a pair of jacks!
Adorable!
I never realized how adorable these were until now!! So high on my wishlist! XO
http://southboundbelle.blogspot.com
I need these. So cute!! Please Lord!
Such an amazing giveaway!!!! I'm so excited!!
LOVE these!! Id love to win!!
Awesome giveaway! New follower, discovered your blog yesterday & have been reading through posts basically nonstop haha. Thanks for the fun giveaway & keep up the awesome work with the blog! 🙂
Oh my goodness. My birthdays on monday and I asked for monogrammed jacks- but my parents said no :(. I really hope I win this!
Thank you!
oh my gosh!! FREAKING OUT! i am so excited for this giveaway!!
Ahhh this is so exciting! Thanks for the giveaway, this is definitely a great one 🙂
beyond awesome giveaway!
Amazing giveaway!
This is an awesome giveaway!!!
I have a GIVEAWAY for a Figure Eight Monograms Product! A Personalized LILLY Keychain!
http://theboardingschoolprep.blogspot.com/2012/08/giveaway-figure-eight-monograms.html
love!
Just entered, I really hope I win a pair! These sandals are awesome and so cute!
Best giveaway ever, check!
EEE! Such a great giveaway. Thanks, Carly!
I entered! These are so adorable and pefect to replace my havianas that just broke.
Awesome giveaway! Will be purchasing these regardless. 🙂
Those sandals are so pretty, I would be happy to have them!
<3
So cute! These are so fab!
LOVE these. Need for honeymoon.
I forgot to enter my twitter: Megriffin
So cute!!! I love this
I would LOVE to win these! They are perfect. I would love to go back to school with new monogrammed jacks, my students will love them!!!
I've been itching for a pair of Jack Rodgers! Winning would make this college prep very happy!
Fingers crossed….I LOVE Jack Rogers!! 🙂
This contest has me sooo excited! I would love to win these. Especially for back to college. Thanks so much for the contest. I entered. [email protected]
Candace Nicole
I hope I win a pair!! Great giveaway Carly, hope you are having a great post-grad summer xoxo
they are so cute!!!