Five on Friday

Happy Friday…finally!

It has been a long, wild week, so let’s recap it using our family’s favorite dinner-table tradition, high-low-buffalo.

• High: The kids finally made it back to school yesterday after what felt like a never-ending ice storm. Even a half day of school felt like winning the lottery.

• Low: If you read my newsletter, you know this week also came with Caroline breaking a few bones, which officially tipped things from chaotic to a lot. I am very much looking forward to a low-key movie night with her tonight while the boys play laser tag.

• Buffalo: Watching the kids sled down icy grass. And this sleepover request that came with a full minute of choreographed dance. Honestly, I should have seen that one coming, but it still made me laugh.

Top 5 Reader Favorites

1. The power backup I’m very thankful to have before the next winter storm hits.
2. This pipe cleaner flower kit is the perfect tween girl craft.
3. Y’all totally get the hype on these LED lights upgrade and I love it!
4. My favorite hair product right now. And many of yours too!!
5. For baby seal heels.

Recipe Spotlight: Chicken Tortilla Soup

One of our favorite soups. I made this during the ice storm last weekend and it absolutely hit the spot. It’s basically tacos in soup form, but without all the beans you usually get in taco soup, which makes it perfect for everyone at our house.

On to the 5…

1. Year 12, Let’s Go!

Last week McKinsey hosted Supper Club, and the timing could not have been better, right before the ice storm hit. We spent the night eating beef ragu, playing mahjong, and catching up, which is basically my perfect night. It also marked the start of our twelfth year of monthly dinner parties, which feels kind of unreal considering most of us were in such a different season of life when we started.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a dinner club, I highly recommend this post with all the details on how we got our Supper Club started and how it works…

2. Skip The Soak

The next best thing to taking an Epsom salt bath without actually getting in the tub. I use this soothing muscle lotion at night, and it helps my sore muscles and achy joints so much!

3. The Chicken Tacos My Kids Beg For

At the beginning of the week, I made a huge batch of our favorite chicken for tacos in anticipation of the kids being out of school most of the week, and let me tell you, they didn’t ask for Chick-fil-A once knowing this was on deck for lunch. We always use this spice blend from Gimme Delicious, and it gets rave reviews every time. Add chicken and all the ingredients in a bag or bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) in the fridge. Grill or cook your chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. Serve chicken in tacos, burritos, on salads, or over rice.

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional but great for extra juicy chicken)

4. The Detergent Upgrade I Can’t Shut Up About

It made my Top 25 Things of 2025 list for a reason. These laundry sauce pods clean so well and the scent actually sticks around, which is basically my dream scenario for laundry. My only gripe is that some of my favorite scents are limited-release and sell out so fast, so when I went to repurchase and they were all unavailable, I grabbed the in-wash scent boosters instead, and honestly might love them even more. A little goes a long way and every load smells amazing.

My favorites in order:

1. Italian Bergamot
2. Oregon Mint
3. Himalayan Cashmere
4. Australian Sandalwood

5. What Caroline Spent Her Own Money On

Last week Caroline used her debit card to buy this ridiculous and amazing jumbo croissant pillow from Target, and honestly it was money well spent. It is huge, soft, and somehow both hilarious and genuinely cozy, and she has been carrying it around the house ever since, and is even sleeping with it. I love seeing what she chooses when it is her own money on the line, and this was such a very Caroline purchase.

Also, when I shared on Instagram, I got a lot of questions about Caroline’s debit card. We use Greenlight for her allowance and spending money, and it has been such a great way to teach budgeting and earn money for chores. It’s also nice not having to Venmo other parents every time she needs spending money for something. If you are thinking about getting one for your tween or teen, I have a referral link that gets you $30 off.

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: Highly recommend the Calf Socks! They are so thick and comfy, and available in lots of colros. I actually love the extra cushion for the gym. Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM at checkout!