Yesterday I found such a surprise in my inbox. I was nominated for a Shorty Award, which features top people across social media. I’m so honored to be nominated for the lifestyle category but I’m up against huge influencers.
That said… I know you guys are the best and very loyal and I would love it if you could vote for me! You can vote every day through February 16 and you can double your votes by sharing to Twitter and Facebook. Even if you only vote once I’d appreciate it 🙂
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!)
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!!
So happy for you! Will vote 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
You’ve worked hard for this! Congratulations on the nomination. You’ll see that I cast my vote!
Congrats!
Voted! Hope you win!
How exciting! All ready submitted my vote, but excited to see you in the running. Best of luck!
-Sophia
SimplySophiaBlog.com
Congratulations, Carly! I’m so happy for you. You deserve this!
Molly
http://mcelizabeth.wordpress.com
Congratulations!
Kari
http://sweetteasweetie.com/
Congratulations! And will definitely vote!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com
Voted! I also scoped out the others, I think you have a great shot!! Regardless, the nomination is exciting enough!
xo, Sofia
http://www.thecozie.co
Thank you! I agree, I feel so honored!
Voted! Good luck Carly!
Congratulations Carly!! I will definitely be voting everyday; I already added the link to my bookmark bar! You deserve this 100%!
Thank you!
Congratulations! I cannot wait to see the outcome! best of luck. Voting now!
xxoo
Mary
http://www.BelleOnTrend.com
Congrats on the nom! You completely deserve it! Good luck 🙂 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Congratulations Carly! I voted for you, and will keep doing so. You inspire me on a daily basis and have encouraged me in many ways. Best of luck!
To be honest, I haven’t heard of any of these people except you and Amber Fillerup Clark! You have my vote for sure! What an exciting honor!!
xoxo,
Abigail
http://www.belleofthebrier.com/
Just voted and added reminders on my calender to vote every day! Hope you win xx
Voted for you! You’re my number one favorite blogger! x