Happy Friday!
If you read my weekly newsletter, you already know we’re in that weird in-between stretch of summer, shopping for school supplies, knocking out doctor appointments, and tackling all the paperwork/new apps/sports registrations…while still trying to savor the last bit of pool days and late bedtimes. I’m definitely feeling the end-of-summer fatigue creeping in, while still trying to make the most of these last few weeks.
I’ve also been working hard on a little project I’m so excited about, something to help all you busy moms with easy back-to-school dinners. It’s almost ready…just a few finishing touches left, and then I’ll probably overthink it a million times before finally hitting publish.
In Case You Missed It
This week I shared…
- My latest Catch Up With Christina covering summer burnout, way too much Fortnite, and eating out less.
- A few of my favorite supper club menus from over the years!
- Dinner outside just hits different.
- A round-up of Tween Boy Back-To-School items…curated by Caroline and approved by Thomas. The trendy Ice Cream Shorts have been the most popular — and so have the look-for-less version!!
- The constantly growing list of Tween Girl Back-To-School items…straight from the 6th grade girls group chat—Caroline keeps adding new finds daily!
Recipe Spotlight: Breakfast Tacos
Warm tortilla + fluffy scrambled eggs + ground sausage + sprinkle of cheese + lots of crumbled bacon.
Top 5 Reader Favorite Items
Your favorite items from the past week…
- Our latest snack restock favorites—perfect for back-to-school or a summer pantry refresh. Find them all in this list!
- The debit card that lets me track Caroline’s purchases in real time—like when I waited in the parking lot while she ran into Harris Teeter for some viral candy she had to try.
- So many of you are reading this twisty thriller with me right now! I am halfway through and am hooked! A newlywed couple gets snowed into a creepy, remote house and uncovers a secret room with therapy tape recordings…
- Another week in the top 5, this everyday tee is easily one of my most-worn summer staples and will transition right into fall with my new jeans. Get it 40% with my code CE-CAROLINACHARM!
- They’re not built for long walks, but dang they are cute…I’ve been wearing these cute strappy ball flats all summer with everything!
1. Boozy Slushies I Wish I Discovered Sooner…
I recently grabbed a cocktail slushie kit for a thank you gift for my girlfriend (for feeding Sprinkles while we were on vacation) and had to share this fun find! There are so many good flavors! From Crackle Citrus (a nod to mahjong) to Espresso Martini, you just add booze to these all-natural mixes, freeze, and sip. I wish I’d found them earlier this summer, but they also have frozen holiday cocktail mixes I’m 100% trying next.
2. Not a Plate…Not a Bowl…But Perfect
I shared these bowls on Instagram earlier this week and got so many DMs asking for the link. We use them almost every night—they’re wide enough for pasta, shallow enough for salads, and perfect for pretty much anything in between. They look fancy on the table but are only a few dollars, and of course they’re microwave and dishwasher safe. Basically…once you try them, you’ll never reach for a regular plate again.
3. Game Show Battle Room Octuple Date Night
We rounded up eight couples from the neighborhood (yes, an octuple date night) and headed to Game Show Battle Room for the most epic game night. Our hosts were absolutely incredible—so funny, welcoming, and they kept the energy buzzing the whole time.
Upon arrival, we split into random teams, came up with ridiculous names, and instantly it felt like we were on a real game show with stage lighting, sound effects, buzzer sounds, and of course, classic games!
We booked the Classic Game Show package, which included three rounds of fun: Survey Battles (think Family Feud), Spin and Solve (like Wheel of Fortune), and What’s That Cost (our Price is Right moment, scrambling price tags to match the items on a shelf).
The competition was intense with plenty of cheering, hysterical laughter, and a healthy amount of trash talk. By the end of the night, we were still friends, laughing about the funniest moments over drinks and dinner, and already plotting our rematch.
If you’re in Charlotte and looking for a unique night out with friends, I highly recommend Game Show Battle Room—it’s high-energy, hilarious, and the kind of fun you’ll be talking about long after it’s over.
4. False Lashes
I haven’t been wearing mascara again this summer (I went mostly mascara-free last summer and LOVED it). Instead have been wearing false lashes!! I love the look and they make me feel a little more pulled together when I’m makeup-free (which is most days)!
At the beginning, this took me a lot of trial and error learning how to put them on quickly (I apply them UNDER my lash, not on top) and making them last. These Lash Clusters are the ones I wear the most. They are the least expensive and the easiest to apply. My lash connoisseur friend April recommended them to me (C-12mm and 10 mm for the corners)!
A Few Tips
- Apply your lashes UNDER your eye lashes, not above. They look so much more natural that way.
- I LOVE the FlutterHabit glue and it’s ALL I use no matter which lashes I’m applying! This underlash adhesive is long lasting and allows the lashes to stay on for up to 5 days, depending on how delicate I am with them when washing my face.
- I use these Applicator Tweezers for applying my lashes
5. Family Dinner Fun
Nothing gets our family chatting and laughing faster than pulling out a Table Topics deck! We have several versions we rotate through, and it always kicks family dinner fun up a notch. These are perfect for back-to-school season too, when the kids are too tired to actually tell you about their day, they’ll still answer a silly or random question instead.
August Promo Codes
- Nuuly: Get $30 off your first month’s subscription. Love using this subscription for summer or vacation dresses I wouldn’t normally splurge on.
- Skin Pharm: My go-to for skin treatments, but my absolute favorite? The Moxi laser. I just finished a series and WOW—it’s completely transformed my skin. My complexion is brighter, smoother, and more even, and I’ve been getting so many compliments! If you’ve been thinking about a treatment to refresh your skin, this one is so worth it. Use code CHRISTINA-322793 at checkout to get $50 off your first visit!
- Middle & Main Mahjong: Use code CAROLINACHARM10 for 10% off anything at Middle & Main Mahjong—I’m obsessed with my sunshine tiles!
- Cozy Earth: Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM at checkout for 40% off! Don’t sleep on the pool towels!
- Greenlight Card: The debit card we use for Caroline! If you’re interested in getting a Greenlight Card for your tween or teen, I’ve got a referral link that earns you $30.
- Coco & Eve: I am so obsessed with the Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam. I love the shade dark and it’s honestly the prettiest tan I’ve ever had—super natural, glowy, and even (zero streaks, zero orange vibes). It smells good, gives a little instant glow when you apply, and develops into a deeper, gorgeous bronze over the next few hours. Tip: You must use a mitt—I usually skip it, but trust me, you’ll regret it if you don’t. Use code CHRISMAR15 for 15% off if you wanna try it!
- Dagne Dover: Matt loves his Monaco Garment Duffle for traveling with suits, and I’m a huge fan of my Dakota Backpack and Landan Carryall for travel! Use code CHRISTINA20 for 20% off full price items.
- ShopMy: The affiliate platform I love for linking products. If you’re a creator looking for an affiliate platform, I have a referral link that can help get you in the program!
- Avaline: My favorite Rosé! It’s made with organic grapes and free from unnecessary additives such as sugars, colors, and concentrates. And it tastes delicious – very light and refreshing, not too sweet. Save 15% off with code SIZZLE15..
- Seed: The daily probiotic I’ve been using for several years now! Seed initially stood out to me with their capsule technology which protects the probiotic from stomach acid so it makes it all the way down to your lower small intestine where it provides the greatest benefit.
- Cozy Earth: Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM at checkout for 40% off!
