Happy Friday!
If you read my weekly newsletter, you know Matt and I are on a little tropical getaway the next few days while the kids are at camp, so let’s get right down to it!
Oh wait — before we dive in, a quick camp update! I got a bunch of questions after I posted the above photo of the kids’ camp trunks and duffle bags, so here’s the scoop. This year we tried something new…we packed all their clothes and gear in their trunks, and then used the duffles just for bedding and bunk setup stuff (fairy lights, fans, bed organizers, etc.). It ended up being the BEST move – we could carry everything to the cabin right away and get them set up without waiting on the trunks to be delivered. Total game changer for snagging a good bunk (last year Caroline got stuck next to the bathroom and was up all night from the light and noise). If you’re prepping for camp (especially those of you with two separate drop-offs), I high recommend this strategy! You can find all our packing favorites right here!
In Case You Missed It
This week I shared…
- My latest Catch Up With Christina newsletter with thoughts on sleepaway camp drop-off, my all-time favorite playlist, a getaway with Matt, and lots more!
- S’mores taste better in a cone…and a few other favorite camping meals and snacks we love!
- Serving spritzes & clacking jokers…it’s pool mahj season and my pool party reel was SO fun to create!
- This week’s dinner line-up…BUT with the kids away, I ended up keeping it super simple with takeout and cereal!
- The secret to the best Lavender Lemonade – perfect for poolside cocktails.
Recipe Spotlight: Sub In A Tub
These Sub in a Tub bowls have been on repeat for my lunches this week — they’ve got all the flavors of my favorite Jersey Mike’s sub bowls! They’re high protein, incredibly delicious, easy to meal prep, and endlessly customizable. If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward lunch to add to your rotation, you’re going to want to try these!
Top 5 Reader Favorite Items This Week
Your favorites from the week…
- This Camp Stamp was the MVP of packing this year. It saved me from writing the kids names on 482 camp items by hand!
- Caroline and I crushed this beautiful puzzle last weekend (well, 499 pieces of it…Mabel ate the last one), and I’m ready for our next one.
- These $2 acrylic stripe tumblers are so perfect for summer – they’re cute, durable, and great for everything from water to cocktails.
- I’ve been using this serving tray on repeat for snacks, fruit bowls, and those $2 tumblers. It basically lives outside with us now.
- We go through so many pairs of these goggles – they’re easily our most re-purchased item every summer.
On to the 5…
1. Summer Snack Life
Endless popsicles, fruit bowls on repeat, and snack wrappers everywhere. If your kitchen feels like a 24/7 snack bar with tons of friends coming and going, you’re not alone. Just keeping the kids fed (and semi-hydrated) is basically a full-time summer job—and I’m thoroughly enjoying the break this week from slicing up watermelons. Last week’s poolside favorite? These throwback treats tasted exactly like I remembered from childhood.
2. These Deserve A Frame
Last weekend we took Mabel and Sprinkles to Framebridge for Personality Portraits, and their pictures turned out so cute – definitely hanging them in the dining room.
3. Spicy Rosé Spritz
I can’t believe I never shared this easy poolside cocktail from last summer on my blog!
Just pour your favorite rosé over a few jalapeño slices and top with Topo Chico and a Tajín rim. We tested it both with and without ice, and the no-ice version won—especially on a hot pool day when you don’t want your drink getting watered down. Light, spicy, and SO refreshing.
PS – Avaline has been my favorite rosé the last few summers! 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 ROSEALLDAY.
4. Cozy Towels
Cozy Earth just launched their Classic Resort Towel in the prettiest lemon color. These towels are oversized, ultra-soft, and super absorbent. They feel like resort luxury every single time we use them and they hold up beautifully in the wash. Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM for 40% off!
5. Puerta
Matt and I stopped for tacos at Puerta last weekend on our way back from dropping the kids at sleepaway camp, and I haven’t stopped thinking about the Tommy Margarita since. It’s super simple — just tequila, lime, and agave — but easily one of the best margaritas I’ve had in Charlotte!
June 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.
- 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 ROSEALLDAY.
- 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!
- Seed: The daily probiotic I’ve been using for more than a year 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.
- 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.
- Cozy Earth: Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM at checkout for 40% off! Don’t sleep on the pool towels!
