Ummm, happy first Friday of AUGUST!
This summer is flying by. We still have a few weeks before school starts, but somehow back-to-school prep is already in full swing over here. And in true content creator fashion, I had two meetings this week about fall partnerships—and even signed a holiday collab contract. This industry really does sprint ahead, and sometimes it makes my head spin!
We’ve got a big, fun weekend ahead: a cozy night in tonight, flag football tournament tomorrow (with Matt coaching!), an octuple date night with some neighborhood friends, and then we’re wrapping it all up with a few days at the beach with Matt’s family—our last summer getaway!
In Case You Missed It
This week I shared…
- My latest Catch Up With Christina covering vacay highlights, what makes me happy, my favorite photo hack, and lots more.
- A look back at our Dive In Movie Night that was such a hit with the kids! Everything we used to set up our moving night: Chaise Lounge Floats / Projector Screen / Movie Projector / Floating Snack Table
- 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 evolving list of Tween Girl Back-To-School items…straight from the 6th grade girls group chat—Caroline keeps adding new finds daily!
Recipe Spotlight: Overnight Chia Pudding
We are back on a chia pudding kick for breakfast this week, and I forgot how much I love having it prepped and ready to grab. I made a high-protein version by mixing: 1/4 cup chia seeds + 2 cups vanilla almond milk + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 2 tbsp maple syrup and popped it in the fridge overnight. It makes two jars (I love these jars with the built-in spoons—especially for Matt, who loves taking breakfast on the go).
Top 5 Reader Favorite Items
Your favorite items from the past week…
- The French multitasker I never travel without. One tube, six uses—and yes, it really does replace half your skincare bag.
- The perfect everyday tee that is easily one of my most worn summer staples. Get it 40% with my code CE-CAROLINACHARM!
- The party game that had everyone in tears (the good kind). It’s fast-paced, super easy to learn, and even better with the spicy expansion pack.
- The body wash that smells amazing and actually works. My go-to after a sweaty workout (and a favorite things party hit!)
- These fun lunchbox jokes from my Amazon School Favorites List (which also includes our favorite snacks)!
On to the 5…
1. The Mary Janes I Can’t Stop Wearing
I love that Mary Jane flats are officially back and better than ever. These are comfy, chic, and easy to dress up or down. I grabbed them in black, but they come in three colors, and are on major sale!
2. Summer Dinner Tradition
One of my favorite traditions of summer is having the kids each pick out and learn to cook a new dinner recipe for the family. This week, Thomas made ground chicken and sweet potato enchiladas (a bit hit!) and Caroline learned to make one of our longtime family favorites…spinach and feta poached eggs (technically called “Eggs In Purgatory”) with homemade toasty sourdough on the side. Both dinners turned SO good, and the kids were beyond proud of themselves!
3. Favorite At-Home Mani Kit
I recently scooped up a new Dazzle Dry color (The Duchess) and love it. This is my go-to for at-home manis—it dries in 4 minutes, lasts over a week, and doesn’t chip. If you haven’t tried the mini kit yet, it’s such a good way to test it without committing to full-size bottles (because let’s be real… when’s the last time you finished a polish?).
4. Flag Football Cooler Essentials
Signing up for flag football in the middle of summer was definitely a choice, but it’s been so fun watching the kids play a sport they love (and even better, they’re on the same team!). It only took me until the last few games to finally perfect my cooler essentials, but I’ve got it down now: ice-cold towels, electrolyte waters, this facial spray for Caroline, and this continuous mister filled with ice cold water for Thomas.
5. Mahjong Just Got Prettier
I just got these acrylic lace racks from Middle & Main Mahjong and I’m completely in love. They’re gorgeous, sturdy, and pair so beautifully with my sunshine tiles. This line is designed by one of my girlfriends down in Charleston, and she truly thinks of every detail. Use code CAROLINACHARM10 for 10% off your order.
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 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.
- Cozy Earth: Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM at checkout for 40% off! Don’t sleep on the pool towels!
