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
we're having our last garden BBQ party 🙂
Have a nice Sunday
xo dVb
V
http://thegermanprep.blogspot.de/
Definitely not judging the leggings….I'm impressed you're even dressed. I'm still in my pajamas "embarrassing*.
Still cute! More put together than me most days. What is your job at fashion week? Gosh I wish I was there right now.
From~
http://morgan-alexandra.blogspot.com/
Perfection! Not judging the leggings at all, I totally understand it. As much as I used to say "leggings aren't pants!" I find myself wearing them that way more and more … Sometimes you have to choose comfort over style 🙂
http://whisperwordsofcouture.blogspot.com/
i love the chambray…i NEED to invest in one.
I'm guilty of doing the same thing today. And it feels great! 🙂
actually wearing this outfit with jeans. I'm about to take a walk with my friend and starting packing my room.
I sometimes secretly wish: if I ever leave home again, and I am pretty sure it will happen soon, make my roomy be just like Carly. Organized and energized.
🙂
(Not judging) Great confortable look
😉
Have a great week.
What are you doing for fashion week? I'm curious 🙂
I'm not judging…I'm jealous! I wish I had gotten to lounge in leggings.
SHF
thechroniclesofs.blogspot.com
Still looks cute and put together! That was my day yesterday, today was a lot of running around. Tons of work at the beginning of the semester!
My go-tos as well, haha! Leggings are most definitely pants.
Fashion Week!
Ahhh I'm so jealous of anyone who is there right now!
I'm interested in seeing what you're doing for NYFW. Pictures please?? 🙂
As for this outfit, I'm definitely not judging.
Chambray shirts are like one of the holiest shirts ever. Nothing beats them. Seriously. They go with everything and can be dressed up or dressed down!
As for the leggings, um who said that they aren't pants? I always thought they were…. 🙂
Heehee 🙂
Enjoy your relaxation for as long as it lasts Carly!
I hope you enjoyed your weekend and got enough rest to carry you through!
~Alice
Ainfinitaire