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!)
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!!
Aw Carly don't let this get you down. Unfortunately, silly stuff like this happens on the internet 🙁
Remember you are AWESOME.
XOXO.
That's so odd. There are so many weird people on the internet; I wouldn't let it bother you.
What an awful thing to say and accuse! Clearly she isn't a follower to see just how lovely you are!
there has been so many issues of bloggers taking other bloggers identities, ect. this needs to stop 🙁
i think you should know that today, i had a meeting to go to that had a "business casual" dress code, and when i was going through my closet trying to decide what to wear, i kept thinking, "would carly wear this? is this a CollegePrepster outfit?" and i totally think it was. rocked it.
just know that you still rock and i love you and your blog!
hope you have a great rest of the week(:
TFM is a disgrace. It bothers me that I go to a school where people post all the time. I know people who use the term "TFM" in real life…yeah you're not cool.
Don't feel sad about this, just feel sorry for that individual, who cowardly hides under anonimity. That kind of comments only reveal envy and boicot intentions. And are far away from achieving their evil purposes. Remember Don Quijote's quote: "They are barking Sancho, it means we are riding our way" XoXo.
Sad! Some people can be so rude. Keep your head high and don't focus on it! x
I saw "College Prepster" post on TFM and automatically knew that it wasn't YOU! I know I don't know you personally, but have read those posts… and I am an avid blog reader. I think anyone who truly follows your blog and appreciates it will know it is not you!
That is so rude 🙁 I'm sorry someone would think that could be you! You are too cute and sweet! Don't let it bother you!
While I actually enjoy TFM (albeit I see it as satire, not serious), I think some of it goes overboard.
I sent you a message about this on your tumblr last month! I saw a CollegePrepster posting on there and was like, "Def. not Carly." Regardless, don't let it get you down!
This, and another "Anonymous" comment I've seen, are totally out of whack. Don't ever let these sorts of comments get you down (if you're like me, and are sensitive to what people say about you), because I assure you there's no truth to them. You're a wonderful blogger, and I'm sure that reflects your wonderful personality!
Hey, one of my sisters pointed this out to me. I know that one of the girls in my sorority who graduated last year has gone by College Prepster as a nickname since she was a freshman. I'm not really sure where it came from, but we are pretty sure that it's her posting on TFM. She's mentioned it a couple times and there can't be more than one posting on that site, right? Anyways, I don't think she's heard of this blog so I'm sure she doesn't mean to offend you. Next time I see her I might mention it because it seems to be creating some annoyance for you. Please know that not all girls in sororities like that website and think that kind of stuff is ok.
Sarah G.
don't let it get to you. We know (and like) you for who you really are!
xoxo
.
What's TFM?