Friday was Soccer Mom’s birthday. Stacy had a “Bon Voyage Party” (she left for Spain yesterday) with her friend’s family. I made a cake to bring along for dessert. I went through so many pages of Martha Stewart cakes, but none of them were right for SM’s cake. I finally found a picture of a…
Cookies
After seeing some of my earlier posts about my cookie creations, some of my friends wanted me to make cookies for them! Obviously, being so obsessed lately, I happily agreed to. I made these fun pink & green cookies for my friend’s surprise party! The pink bucket is from Michael’s… and I took seersucker fabric…
More Baked Goods
Birthdays, and especially the parties, are so much fun! But, I always stress over what to get the birthday girl… I like gifts to be personal and original. Two of my best friends, Bebe and M, just had their birthdays this week. Bebe threw a surprise party for M, but I needed presents for both…


Carly A. Riordan
a little bit of life, a little bit of style, and everything in between.
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FROM THE ARCHIVES ❄️⛸️🌲some of my past favorite winter looks mostly because I miss real pants and being able to button my coats

This tree feels extra special this year. 🎄💫⛸️❤️🕯️ Jack is fully embracing the magic of Christmas (“kiss miss”) and his enthusiasm is downright contagious!
Not one of my best qualities, but I typically feel immense pressure trying to make things feel extra special and perfect and then I get disappointed when the reality doesn’t live up to my (unrealistic) expectations. I wish I could blame social media for this.... but I know the call is coming from inside the house.
This tree seems perfect to me, though, just the way it is. It was a true group effort getting it here. Another one of my not-so-great qualities is that I’m terrible at asking for help when I need it.... this year, I can’t ignore it though. I needed help, and a lot of it. Mike got every holiday storage box up from the basement (no small feat) and hoisted the into the house and got it up in the stand within minutes (then redid it twice to get the angle of the tree just so); my mom and I took multiple trips to the hardware store and drug store for the “right” colored lights (in case you’re wondering, “bright white” is warm yellow and “warm white” is actually bright white... make it make sense); my mom wrapped the tree in lights a second time when we learned the hard way that when the box says you can’t plug in more than five strands together they mean it; and Jack was there to help and hype us all up to say how “boo-full” the tree and lights are– and keeping us in line by scolding and reminding us that we aren’t allowed to touch the ornaments 🤭
I feel a little pang of sadness that we aren’t celebrating a first Christmas with a baby who was supposed to be here, while also struggling through a third trimester (just feeling physically tired and exhausted), while also cherishing our last Christmas as a family of three, while also getting excited knowing our baby will be here before we know it. Sure, it’s a lot of pressure to put on one single tree, yet here I am. ⭐️

Spent the weekend decking the halls 🎄 the garland is up, the tree is up, the wreaths are up! Fueled by three peppermint mochas, one bag of Milanos peppermint slices, one batch of chocolate chip cookies, and one loaf of zucchini bread… my mom and I got it done 🙏🏻

These boots are TOTALLY made for walking! Taking a spin in @stuartweitzman’s iconic 5050 Bold Boot and feeling like an it girl, who happens to value both fashion and comfort! ⭐️ Take advantage of #StuartWeitzman’s Black Friday sale with an extra 25% off full-price and sale styles with code FORYOU25! (Select exclusions apply; through 11/27) This *rarely* happens!! I’ve linked this exact pair of 5050 Bold Boots in the @shop.ltk app! You can shop the boots and a couple of my other sale picks here #liketkit https://liketk.it/4oWbB #fallfashion #swpartner

Five perfect gifting moments with @marshalls! #ad With incredible prices and a huge assortment, you can find a gift for everyone on your list at Marshalls.com this holiday season. Win the Coolest Aunt award with jazzy roller skates for your niece, spoil your pets with a fun squeaky toy, and more! Shop my favorites with @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/4owk8 #marshalls #liketkit

Love that @onepeloton lets me squeeze in workouts into my busy schedule! With Peloton’s extensive library of on demand classes, there is something for everyone no matter where you are on your fitness journey. I’m taking it easy today with a short low-impact ride on my Peloton Bike. 🚲 Run...don’t walk! @onepeloton has some amazing holiday offers right now! Save up to $700 on Peloton Bike+ Purchases or up to $550 on Peloton Bike Purchases (terms apply). #sponsored
