Happy Friday!
We’re gearing up for what’s shaping up to be an icy, rainy weekend. On paper, our calendar looks pretty full with 3 birthday parties, 2 basketball games, and Caroline’s first flag football game of the season. That said, the forecast is calling for lots of ice and power outages, so we’ll see how things actually shake out. In preparation for a potential power-free weekend, I grabbed this portable power station and stocked up on batteries, bird seed for the birdies and squirrels who’ll have a harder time finding food, champagne, Unreal M&Ms, and groceries for cozy stovetop meals.
In Case You Missed It
- On my latest Catch Up With Christina, I shared a few Instagram accounts I’m obsessed with right now, an update on our hug journal, some favorite things, and more!
- Everything I made this week for dinner!
- My Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Women with a mix of things I own and love, along with a few wish list items.
- The internet has spoken…hot tub mahjong is the energy we all want right now.
- My family’s #1 most requested Soup Sunday recipe.
- Watch me make a cold brew espresso martini with a cocoa heart!
Recipe Spotlight
The protein balls I’ve been eating all week for snacks!
Protein Balls
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/4 cup protein powder (my favorite protein powder)
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- pinch of salt
Top 5 Reader Favorites
YOUR favorite items from the week!
- My winter MVP for dry heels: these hydrating sleep socks. The gel lining actually works, and the toeless design keeps you from overheating.
- These warm plug-in LED lights (color: 2700K) I shared in my top 26 items of 2026 instantly make hallways and bathrooms feel polished instead of purely functional.
- These Science Comics that both of my kids love to read over breakfast and in the car.
- The gel pens we all love…but in the colorful set! They’re smooth, fine point, never smudge, and somehow make even the most random lists feel more satisfying.
- A simple trick that instantly makes kid dinners feel more fun: these cute food baskets. Perfect for feeding a crowd with zero clean-up.
On to the 5…
1. Planning Our 2026
Better late than never, Matt finally came up for air after a really intense stretch at work, so we were able to sit down and have our annual planning meeting after postponing it more times than usual. I’ve shared before that some years this meeting has felt a little chaotic, but this one was actually really productive and felt good. We talked through a mix of practical and fun things, including updating goals, reviewing schedules and commitments, and getting aligned on priorities, along with dreaming up a few trip ideas for my 40th birthday and prioritizing updates to our master bathroom. You can see everything we cover during this meeting HERE, but walking away with things written down and agreed on makes such a difference heading into 2026.
2. Current Tween Girl Craft Obsession
Caroline is fully obsessed with this pipe cleaner flower kit right now, and honestly, I get it. It’s such a fun craft for tween girls, and the flowers turn out way more gorgeous and impressive than you’d expect. The kit is huge, so you can make a ton of flowers, which makes it the perfect project for an extra long snowstorm weekend when all the girlies are going to want something creative to do.
Note: Caroline recommends searching Pinterest for pipe cleaner flower tutorials for lots of variations.
3. Three Years in This House
This February marks three years since we moved into our home, and it still feels like one of the best decisions we’ve made. Over the past few years, this house and this neighborhood have truly become home, from everyday routines to hosting friends, kids running in and out, and all the little moments in between. It’s been really special to watch this space evolve with us, and I feel so grateful every time I think about how much we love living here.
A look back at one of my favorite renovation projects…
4. Tween Valentine’s Day Cards
Valentine’s Day cards are officially ordered, and once again Minted delivered. I’m sharing last year’s cards below because they were such a hit, but I’ve already ordered new ones for both kids for 2026 (Caroline picked THESE to give her girlfriends and Thomas picked THESE for his classmates). The tween options are funny without being cringey, fully customizable, and feel very on point for this age.
I also have a promo code for you. Use XOCAROLINA26 for 20% off Valentine cards plus one free 24 pack of matching stickers.
5. Glassy Smooth Blow Dry Spray
If you read my Coffee Talk earlier this month, you know this Chris McMillan Glassy Smooth Blowdry Spray ended up being my favorite hair product of the year. It’s officially my second all-time favorite right behind my thickening spray, and it makes such a difference for smoothing frizz and protecting hair from heat. I wanted to re-share it here since I keep reaching for it, and I’m also linking the cute top I’m wearing because so many of you asked about it over on Instagram.
January Promo Codes
- 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!
- Earlybird Gummies: They’re a great replacement for a glass of wine, and my go-to for winding down, sleeping well, and waking up feeling rested and energized the next morning. Use code CHRISTINA20 for 20% off.
- 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.
- Nuuly: Get $30 off your first month’s subscription. Love using this subscription for vacation and holiday party outfits 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!
