Five on Friday

It has been the absolute best week…that has felt like a million days long. I’m still recovering from time zone changes, late nights, and living entirely on adrenaline and caffeine. My suitcase is half unpacked, my laundry pile is out of control, and I’m just trying to remember what day it actually is.

Tonight is our neighborhood Halloween party, and I cannot wait to show y’all our family costume! Tomorrow is flag football-filled, and Sunday is definitely going to be a Snooze Day with soup simmering all day on the stove while I work on this super cute Halloween puzzle (with a pumpkin chai martini in hand)!

Recipe Spotlight: Creamy Bacon and Tomato Soup

This Bacon and Tomato Soup combines smoky, crispy bacon with rich tomatoes and fresh basil for a comforting dish that takes cozy to the next level. Serve this soup with bite-size grilled cheese sandwiches! These mini sandwiches have crispy buttery bread with warm stretchy cheese inside— they are perfection in every single bite. They’re easy to make and seriously take soup to the next level!

Holiday Gift Guides

Getting your holiday shopping done early? I’ve got you covered with gift guides for everyone!

On to the 5…

1. Amazon Creator Summit Outfits

I am home from the Amazon Creator Summit in Palm Springs (if you read my newsletter, you know I’m recovering from equal parts inspiration and exhaustion. It was such an incredible few days connecting with brands and other creators. Here were a few of my favorite outfits from the trip…

Day 1 Conference Fit

Day 2 Conference Fit

Halloween Party Costume

Cocktail Party

2. Two Rights Don’t Make a Pair

Thomas’s teacher sent me a photo this week that had me laughing out loud…he wore two right-foot sandals to school. He has flag football before class and packs his shoes in his backpack, which apparently is a system still in progress. Thankfully, Matt was able to run the correct shoe up to him before the day really got going.

3. Tiny But Mighty Sound Machine

This little sound machine absolutely saved me at the hotel this week. Between the hallway noise and jet lag, it was the MVP of my suitcase (tied with my sleep gummies). It’s tiny, easy to pack, and makes the best travel companion. Also filing it under “perfect stocking stuffer for the traveler.”

4. Favorite Gluten-Free Snacks Right Now

I love seeing what other people pack to eat when they travel, so here’s what I packed in my snack bag for the Amazon Creator Summit. I have my own snack drawer at home (the kids mostly leave it alone), and this bag came straight from there. All of these are gluten-free.

Bobos PB&J Oat Bars (grape is my fave, but I also like the strawberry)
Bobos Chocolate Chip Oat Bites
Roasted Chickpeas (fave flavor is ranch, but also love BBQ, and lightly salted)
Roasted Edamame (one bag has 11g of protein)
Legendary & Quest Chips
Simple Mills Nutty Banana Bread Soft Baked Almond Flour Bars
Travel creatine
Ultima Electrolyte Powder

5. Hello, Bright Eyes!

My favorite little beauty hack for travel. One drop removes any redness and lasts up to 8 hours while helping your eyes look a lot less tired than you actually are. I always keep a bottle in my toiletry bag.

Minted: You truly can’t beat the free recipient addressing, luxe paper, and beautiful designs. If you’re planning to order your holiday cards soon (or anything else from Minted), I’ve got a promo code for you: CAROLINA20 for 20% off Minted stationery and gifts. Exclusions apply. Valid through 12/31. The code works for everything from holiday cards and gifts to baby announcements, wedding invites, and more!
Nuuly: Get $30 off your first month’s subscription. Love using this subscription for summer or vacation dresses I wouldn’t normally splurge on.
Grove: Use code CAROLINACHARM for 25% off order $75+.
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!
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 XL 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 FALL15.
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 20% off!