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
We call that color "scarlet" at Ohio State 🙂 but I like tomato haha
I love that tomato color! I got sick of bright orange a year or so into college at Syracuse, and wore colors like that as a way to get around that ugly neon orange!
definitely a yes.
YES. love the cut, love the color and LOVE the 3/4 sleeves. xoxo jillian:: cornflake dreams
I've been eyeing this dress as well 🙂 I love fall fashion! It's my favorite time of the year.
I love that dress and the color! J.Crew first shipment of fall hits stores end of July! 🙂
I like the color, not sure how it will look one me thought-I'll have to test it out!
I definitely like the color, but after having spent the winter in Boston I can't bear to think about fall clothes a moment before it's absolutely necessary!
I am loving the tomato color. How gorgeous would tomato color bed sheets be?! I'm on the prowl
Gorgeous! It would be perfect with my brown suede boots!
Hey Carly!
I found a great look a like dress for a lot less than the kate spade one. http://www.lulus.com/products/california-poppy-burnt-orange-dress/39907.html
So cute!
I'll definitely be interested to hear what they call that color! It's definitely a gorgeous shade; I can see myself wearing it this fall.
I actually haven't seen any of the J.Crew look books BUT Lilly's fall look books include almost this exact same color!! Lot's of "Tomato Pink" will be arriving in stores about the same time as the J.Crew fall stuff comes out! Can't wait to see it all in person 🙂
So cute! I think that specific shade is called "vermillion." 🙂
I love this color- and a plus is it looks AMAZING with paler skin tones!
it's called PERSIMMON!
i blogged about it a little while ago :)http://queenofla.blogspot.com/2011/03/cherry-bomb.html