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!).
#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!)
I really do love the gem eraser! Ah yes, back to school shopping is so much fun! Over winter break, I have to force myself to stop buying stationary because of all the ones I bought during back to school season 😛 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
I hope whoever wins loves theirs as much as I love mine!
I love the new Kate Spade office supplies. I use a Kate Spade planner and it is darling. I have my eye on some of the notebooks as they would add some flair to regular grad school life. 🙂
Kate Spade is always such a great place for accessories!
Totally in the market for a few new paper goods with school starting in 2 weeks (!!)
xoxo
Hannah
http://www.frecklesandolives.blogspot.com
It's so weird not starting school this year! I miss going school supplies shopping, that was always my favorite part!
champagneandcitylights.com
Can I enter to win that donut too? It looks divine! 🙂
Carly, how do you get that clock background on your mac? I tried downloading it once and it didn't work 🙁
The notebook and agenda would totally be my fave but it's all great!
Love this giveaway! Lifeguard Press is great 🙂
Hunter
Prep on a Budget
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed! ^__^
Hope, hoping to win!! 🙂
This is the best giveaway ever!! Love, love, love!!
xo, Taylor
Carly – your business cards! I love them.
xo Tali
http://www.typicallytali.com
http://www.chloeanisabel.com/boutique/tali
Such a fun giveaway!!!
I love this giveaway, I'm obsessed with those pencils they're so cute!
Mana
Fashion and Happy Things
Stationary is my weakness!
I just received that Kate Spade planner as an early bday present…so adorable! I'm excited to use it and fill it up with special occasions and fun events.
I totes have that planner. Unfortunately, my kate spade pens are constantly breaking! Sad face. For their price, they're frustrating in my experience. I ended up spending less on a quality, refillable (cute) pink pressurized ballpoint pen from jetpens, and it's seriously my favorite back to school investment. They have great writing utensils, so I'll stick to just the stationery from the KS line for now 🙂
Currently it looks like Drupal is the best blogging platform
out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?