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
CONGRATS!! That is the coolest thing ever 🙂 And to say that I have an iPhone case that Reese Witherspoon uses makes me happy too! haha
Annie Belle
Ahh that's so amazing! I absolutely love reese! And that phone case is so cute.
http://thepreppysisters.blogspot.com
Congratulations!! That is so fabulously exciting, you deserve a proud moment like this for all your hard work 🙂 The phone case is adorable! (Reese looks pretty good too)
xoxo
thebouquineuse.blogspot.com
Ok, so this is THE coolest thing ever! Reese is basically the top of the list when it comes to girl crushes!
http://www.darlingdailyblog.com
Congratulations! That's amazing!
http://www.wordsbyelena.blogspot.com
WOW! You must be elated. I know I would be! What an accomplishment! And an awesome fangirl moment!
Oh my gosh, that is so exciting!!
Hunter
Prep on a Budget
That's amazing!! What a great life moment 🙂 You've made it, Carly!
Maria
From Metro Cards to Meal Plans: a College Lifestyle Blog
http://mariaefischer.blogspot.com
Ahh that is so exciting!!! I would have cried too!
Xo, MacKenzie
Simple, Classy, Chic
http://simpleclassychic.blogspot.com
Congrats, Carly! That's incredible!!
xo
Caroline
citrusandstyle.blogspot.com
That's so amazing, I'm so excited for you! And have even more reason to put that case on my wishlist now!
Mana
Fashion and Happy Things
Congratulations, Carly! That is SO awesome! She's my favorite actress.
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
http://ellenborza.blogspot.com
that's amazing carly!
Makeshift Munch
Congrats! That is so exciting!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
Such an accomplishment — and soooo cool that it's Reese Witherspoon! Congrats!
Pink Champagne Problems
Those white pants reminds me of our WHITE JEANS by Toi Et Moi from StyleCloset. I love Reese casual yet chic look. thanks for this awesome post. love your blog as always. Cheers! 🙂
http://stylecloset.com.au/product/white-jeans
I would probably cry too! That is SO cool! What a cute case! I don't blame Reese for getting one! 🙂
-Bridgette
http://bridgettenicole.blogspot.com
How ah-MAY-zing is this!! I have to say…I'd probably do more than cry if I saw a celebrity using something I designed. Probably faint.
Congratulations, Carly! The case looks great on Reese. 🙂
Love, Gigi
Dolce and Gabriella
???????????????????? -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
So exciting! I've loved Reese since her days in Legally Blonde! Looks like I might have to get one of those iPhone cases!
beirreplaceablydifferent.blogspot.com
Congratulations! It's really a testament to Reese Witherspoon's style that she knew fabulous fashion when she saw it. Great job!!
http://triplex3threat.blogspot.com/
Congrats!! That is amazing 🙂
xo, Amanda
Insta
So good all share…
iphone 4 cases
OMG So awesome!! Reese is amazing and adorable.
xo Tali
http://www.typicallytali.com
Great post i must say and thanks for the information. Post that you share this very nice, a lot of new things that I get from your post. ( Gejala dan Penyebab Diabetes Melitus )
I appreciate your post and look forward to more. Obat Herbal Penyakit Kuning