Five on Friday

Happy Friday!

We’re getting right down to it today! Lots to cover! Let’s goooooo!

Recipe Spotlight: Ranch Oyster Crackers

If you need an easy Thanksgiving snack that everyone will inhale, these Ranch Oyster Crackers are it. They take 5 minutes to toss together, 20 minutes in the oven, and somehow disappear faster than anything else on the counter. I love making a huge batch ahead of time for holiday hosting because they stay fresh for days, double as the cutest little welcome snack for overnight guests, and are totally addicting. Set out a bowl each day you have company, use the leftovers on salads or soups, or bag them up for neighbors and teachers. Check out the reel if you want to see just how easy they are and a great recipe for little helpers!

Holiday Gift Guides

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

On to the 5…

1. Decking The Halls

Last weekend Matt hung all of our exterior wreaths, and the house is slowly starting to look like Christmas! I’m completely obsessed with my twinkle tree, and every time I walk past it, I stop and stare like it’s the first time. After Thanksgiving, once we can give up a chair in the family room, we’ll put up our big family tree with all our sentimental ornaments. Maybe. Truthfully, I’m already starting to run out of steam with lots going on right now, and still need to decorate our mantel and hang the staircase garland too, but we’re getting there!

2. Chili, Margs, and Football with Friends

Last weekend we had our good friends over for chili, hot honey margaritas, and football, and it was truly the perfect fall night to sit on the porch. I made the chili cookoff winning recipe, the kids ran around living their best lives, and the whole night was just so easy and fun. The kids all slept over, and the girls had a printed agenda they followed to a T that included gingerbread house making, skincare routines, and approximately one million other activities before crashing into bed. Simple nights like this are my favorite.

3. My New Favorite Mini

Y’all already know how obsessed I am with my large Dakota Backpack for travel, well I just scooped up the mini version (in color camel) for our upcoming New York City trip and I am so in love with it. It’s the perfect size for water bottles, snacks, maybe a pair of socks or two, and feels so lightweight and easy to carry. If you want one, use code CHRISTINA30 for 30% off full-price items through the end of November.

4. Fire Station Chicken Salad

I meal prepped a big batch of Fire Station Chicken Salad this week, and Matt and I have both loved it so I wanted to share! The recipe comes from Amber Massey (her husband was a firefighter), and it’s the easiest, tastiest lunch to keep in the fridge. Here’s how to make it:

Fire Station Chicken Salad Recipe

2 cans chunk chicken (I used 3 cooked and diced chicken breasts)
1/2 purple onion, diced
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
15 sweet–spicy pickles, chopped
1/3 cup mayo
Dash of garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix it all together and let it chill in the fridge. It gets even better the next day and makes the perfect grab-and-go lunch.

5. Caroline’s Cutest Grinch Set

A few weeks ago Caroline snagged this Grinch set from Target, and I truly cannot tell you how many times a week I’m washing it. She puts it on the second it’s clean and wears it again every Friday for pajama day at school. It’s technically a women’s set, but the XXS sweatshirt and sweatpants fit her perfectly. I’ve already sent this link to so many tween girl moms because it is just that cute and cozy.

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!
Cozy Earth: Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM at checkout for 40% off!
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 CHRISTINA30 for 30% off full price items through the end of November.
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.