Five on Friday

Happy Friday!

It’s been a fun week! It snowed in Charlotte earlier this week, we officially have our Christmas lights up, the kids had a day off school, I finally unboxed my twinkle tree, and the house is beginning to feel so festive!

Today we’re celebrating one of my girlfriends’ birthdays with Merry Mahjong, and I can’t wait (my dining room looks SO cute and merry). Tonight the kids have fun plans (Thomas is playing flashlight tag with his neighborhood crew), tomorrow is a mix of basketball and the last flag football game of the season, and then we’re hosting friends for chili, hot honey margaritas, and football. On Sunday, we’ve got more basketball (Thomas is playing in 2 leagues!), I’m hoping to convince Matt to hang our exterior decorations, and I can’t wait to simmer a big pot of soup and relax a little.

Wishing you all a great weekend!

Recipe Spotlight: Sub In A Tub Bowls

These are one of my favorite go-to lunches for Thanksgiving weekend when we have overnight guests. They’re so easy to prep ahead, require zero reheating, and everyone can customize their own bowl. It’s the perfect make-ahead lunch that keeps things simple — a total hosting win.

Holiday Gift Guides

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

On to the 5…

1. Community Group Trivia Night

Last week Stephanie hosted Community Group and surprised us with the cutest (and most hilarious) trivia night. And not just any trivia — she made it all about us. Think group history, inside jokes, forgotten moments, random facts, and iconic memories. It was unhinged, unfiltered, and had us laughing until we cried. And we had buzzers! Oh, and prizes (which were absolutely next-level)! I highly recommend making trivia about your own friend group for your next girls’ night.

PS – None of us could shut up about this amazing cheese spread from Trader Joe’s! It was insanely good. Like move it from the app table to the dinner table to the couch kind of good. Perfect for holiday hosting.

2. Our Holiday Cards Are Here!

We took our family photos over the summer, and it made getting our holiday cards done earlier than ever. This is officially the earliest I’ve ever had them ready, and I’m obsessed with how they turned out. I ordered through Minted again this year (you really can’t beat the free recipient addressing), and I have a code for you! Use CAROLINA20 for 20% off Minted stationery and gifts through 12/31.

3. New Favorite Sneakers

Wearing these new sneakers is my entire motivation for getting my steps in right now. They’re incredibly comfortable, the colorway is gorgeous, and I’ve gotten so many compliments on them already.

4. Staycation Weekend

Matt and I had the best weekend celebrating our anniversary with an uptown staycation! We spent the day at the spa (I broke in my new watercolor workbook and paints!), had an incredible dinner at Albertine, and even slept in until 8 a.m. It was the perfect way to kick off 14 years together.

5. Popeyes Cajun Turkey

I picked up our frozen Cajun turkey from Popeyes this week, and honestly, it feels like the safest choice we’ve ever made. After Matt almost blew up the house frying our turkey last year, we decided to let Popeyes take the wheel. I’ve heard amazing things, and I cannot wait to see what all the hype is about.

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!
Middle & Main Mahjong: Use code CAROLINACHARM10 for 10% off anything at Middle & Main Mahjong—I’m obsessed with my sunshine tiles!
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!
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.
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.
Grove: Use code CAROLINACHARM for 25% off order $75+.
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!
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: So many amazing holiday gift options! I am so obsessed with my holiday sheets right now too. Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM at checkout for 40% off!