Happy Friday!
Guess what? We had a FULL week of school this week. I truly cannot believe it. The kids were supposed to have a half day on Wednesday, but after missing so many days lately the district switched it to a full day and honestly…hallelujah.
We’ve got a slammed weekend ahead with two full days of basketball, including a tournament, flag football, a birthday party, and we’re hosting a Valentine party tomorrow night (see #5 for behind the scenes party details). It’s going to be packed, a little chaotic, and a lot of fun.
In Case You Missed It
- On my latest Catch Up With Christina, I shared about the Valentine’s Food Competition we’re hosting tomorrow with our neighbors, a weird work dream I had, and lots more.
- Everything I made this week for dinner!
- A round-up of stunning resort recommendations along Florida’s shores.
- If you’re a fan of the classic French 75, you’re going to LOVE this Raspberry French 75!
- PSA – Valentine candy on sale at Target! Both kids picked these out.
- 10 Valentine’s Day Recipes…including the BEST STEAK recipe ever.
Recipe Spotlight: The BEST Restaurant Style Steak EVER
The steak you should absolutely make for Valentine’s Day. Trust me. This is one of my all time favorite recipes.
Top 5 Reader Favorites
YOUR favorite items from the week!
- This go-to tween boy gift is the #1 seller for the second week in a row! We’ve purchased this for so many birthdays.
- Our favorite alcohol alternative with a livelier buzz are these seltzers I mentioned in my newsletter. They give a light, happy, euphoric feeling without the hangover. See #4 for more of a rundown and promo code!!
- The top item from my Valentine’s Day gift ideas for her/yourself!
- The Target plate bowl!!!!! It really is the perfect hybrid dish for anything and everything.
- I re-shared the barely zero bra from my Top 25 of 2025 because it is STILL my favorite. It’s got anchored cups, is insanely soft and supportive, but also doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a bra. I was sent one to try last year and loved it so much I’ve purchased two more.
On to the 5…
1. The Dessert I Can’t Stop Thinking About
My friend Courtney is known for bringing the best desserts whenever we get together, and recently she showed up with a Nutella bundt cake that I have not stopped thinking about since. I’m not even a big chocolate cake person and Nutella is usually just OK to me, but this cake completely changed my mind. It’s unbelievably soft and fluffy, and not overly sweet or heavy. Caroline made it last weekend for Grandad’s birthday and we ate the entire cake SO fast. I’m already hoping Courtney brings this to my dessert competition this weekend because it would absolutely crush. Recipe below because this one is too good not to share.
Nutella Bundt Cake
A rich, chocolate bundt cake made extra moist with sour cream and pudding mix, finished with a simple Nutella cream cheese frosting. An easy, dependable dessert that always feels a little special.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 (3.9 oz) box chocolate instant pudding mix
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup Nutella
- ¾ cup oil
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup water
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan well.
- In a large bowl, combine all cake ingredients and beat on high speed for 3 minutes until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cake sit in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack and cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
- Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Nutella in a bowl.
- Beat on high until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon frosting into a large zip-top bag and cut a small hole in one corner.
- Once cake is fully cooled, pipe frosting back and forth over the cake.
2. Sauna House Reset
This week I was invited to experience Sauna House and oh my gosh, it was honestly one of the most relaxing places to reset your mind and body. The contrast therapy cycle between the dark sauna, light sauna, salt room, and cold plunge just melts stress away, and I always leave feeling calmer and more clear headed. They also have private suites that are perfect for reserving with friends, your valentine, or even going solo when you just need a quiet reset. Highly recommend checking out! I have a referral link for $25 off your first visit.
3. Book Review: All The Little Raindrops by Mia Sheridan
Rating 5/5: I’m not a nighttime reader, but this book turned me into one because I could NOT put it down!!! It’s a DARK, emotional thriller that blends suspense with a really layered love story following two people connected by tragedy who are forced together in a horrific situation. The way their relationship evolves through trauma, survival, and healing felt so intense. It also has a little spice, and the pacing kept me completely hooked all the way to the end.
Book Teaser: The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime.
4. Choose Your Vibe
Lately I’ve been getting questions about what I’m reaching for instead of a cocktail, so here’s the honest breakdown depending on the vibe…
If I want something to sip socially, whether I’m bringing something to a gathering or just swapping my cocktail at home, these Willie’s Remedy+ seltzers are my favorite alcohol alternative. They give a fun, happy buzz without the hangover or anxiety and feel the most like having an actual drink in your hand. I mentioned these in my newsletter this week and they were an immediate a hit. I’ve actually been buying these (along with the social tonic) at Total Wine for awhile, so I was excited when Willie’s reached out and offered me a code!! Now we just order them online instead and save a little too. Use code CHRISTINA15 for 15% off.
For nights when I just want to wind down and sleep well, the Earlybird gummies are still my go-to. They help me relax, fall asleep easier, and wake up feeling good the next morning, and they were the second best seller from my Valentine’s gift ideas for her and one of my top sellers in December.
And now Earlybird just released dark chocolate bars (in 10 mg and 30 mg options), which are definitely more of a “not ready for bed yet” option. Stronger than the gummies, but still smooth and relaxing, and honestly such a fun new way to enjoy them if you want something a little more elevated than a gummy. They sent me a code too! Use CHRISTINA for 20% off.
5. Valentine Party Bow Wall
A little sneak peek at the Valentine vibes happening at our house while we get ready for our party tomorrow. This bow wall took a little longer to pull together than I expected, but it ended up being such a fun, inexpensive decoration with a big impact. I used disposable tablecloths (red, pink, heart) for the bows and the whole thing came together for about $10, which makes it even better.
February Promo Codes
- Earlybird Gummies: 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.
- Willie’s Remedy+: Our favorite alcohol alternative with a livelier buzz are these seltzers. They give a light, happy, euphoric feeling without the hangover. Use CHRISTINA15 for 15% off.
- Laundry Sauce: The detergent I can’t shut up about. Psst — start with Italian Bergamot! Use code CAROLINACHARM15 for 15% off.
- Coco & Eve: My favorite sunless bronzing foam and bronzing drops for my face! I like the dark color, but it is very dark! Use code CHRISMAR15 for 15% off.
- WISKII: Absolutely stunning athletic wear. Obsessed with their leggings and anything from their tennis line. Use code Christina for 15% off.
- Epsom It: The next best thing to taking an Epsom salt bath without actually getting in the tub is this soothing muscle lotion – it helps my sore muscles and achy joints so much! And y’all loved it so much they sent me a code! Use CHRISTINA15 for 15% off.
- 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!
- 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: Restore volume, balance and skin integrity with our February special. Save $100 off filler, PRP gel, Sculptra and Skinvive through Friday, 2/27. 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 for a discount!
