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!!
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
I'm lusting over the Tory Burch watches as well! The navy leather strap is my favorite, but the whole collection is wonderful!
Maddie Hammond
aglitteringassemblage.blogspot.com
That cape! I've been wanting a cape for a few years now, but never take the plunge!
Kristin
Crumbs & Curls
Loove those pumps!
Love those gloves and pumps!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
I have some tortoise shell glasses on my wish list too! Warby Parker has an incredible selection, and these are perfect. 🙂
Zoe Grace
http://thepeculiarprep.blogspot.com/?m=1
Those gloves are so cute!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
A cape and new glasses are on my wish list, too!
http://www.thefunprofessional.wordpress.com
Quick question: I always love the way you layout posts like this and wonder how you do it. Do you use photoshop and cut all the images out and place them on a white background? Is there a specific program you use? I have tried using Polyvore but I can only do a square then and not longer images.
Thanks so much!
Annie Belle
I use Photoshop! I have the regular version now, but investing in Photoshop Elements isn't too expensive and you can do just about everything you'd want to do for your blog!
Love your wish list! I am obsessing over the Jack Rogers booties. Who says Jack Rogers are a brand only for spring and summer? Not anymore. Also loving the new Tory Burch watches! I was wondering when Tory was going to come out with a watch!
http://splashofpreppy.wordpress.com
Love your wishlist! Gorgeous picks!
Michaela || The Monogrammed Midwesterner
The orange face on that TB watch is to die for!
xoxo, SS
http://www.TheSouthernStylisat.blogspot.com
Great list. I'm especially lusting over that grey scarf!
Mina | Cream Coloured Ponies
Ooo those booties!!
Kristina does the Internets
Too bad those booties don't come narrow. I tried them on and they were way too large in the ankles. So cute though!
I love the cape and pumps. The beanie is SOOO cute!!! And I'm also loving the booties, which I saw on your Pinterest! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
What cute booties!
Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
great list 🙂
I like this hat and gloves. Usually I don't like to wear wool hats but this one looks very cute!
http://www.stylesprinter.com
Loving your wishlist! That's my friend in the cape 🙂 Always so fun to see her pop up on Instagram and blogs.