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!)
What a gorgeous trip!! I would love to visit Alaska one day!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
I visited Alaska a few years ago with my parents and it's definitely been one of my favorite family trips we've taken! Alaska is just so breathtaking!
https://thecourtneydiaries.wordpress.com
Ahh soo cute!! Alaska is just too beautiful!
xx, Mikkaela
The Southwestern Prepster
Gosh so scenic! That bakery looks fab!
Love these pictures! Who takes them when you all have group shots? Do you have a professional photographer come on vacation with you like KJP does, I may have to invest in one for my next trip. Looks magical!
We did this trip as 100% fun so no photographers… but Thomas is an excellent photographer (he works for Julia's blog!) so we had great photos the whole trip!
Love all of your pictures! Gorgeous backdrop.
http://www.kristajacobs.blogspot.com
Loving those pics- it looks like y'all had such an amazing time! That climbing pic is pretty epic!
This Side of Paradise
Ah! This makes me miss you guys SO MUCH & Alaska! I love you guys!
xoxo Jules
This trip looks like a blast! Julia, I LOVE your coat!! Where did you get it?! 🙂
These pictures look like they're straight from a magazine! After seeing your trip, I have definitely added it to my list of places that I want my husband and I to visit to 🙂
xoxo, SS
The Southern Stylista
Beautiful and lively!