Five on Friday

Happy Friday!

Wow—what a week it’s been behind my keyboard! I mentioned on Instagram that I’ve been deep in a long-overdue blog clean-up, and let me tell you—it’s been sweet, cringey, and so emotional at times. Since I started writing in this space 14 years ago, so much has changed—both personally and technically! My goal over the next few months is to go through every single post and decide: Is it worth keeping (and updating)? Is it getting trashed (because let’s be honest, no one is missing a blurry, broken-linked dinner recap from 2012)? Or does it need to be archived for safe keeping (because do I really need my pregnancy bumpdates living on the internet forever)?

I know some of you are deeply invested in this process (hi, my fellow nostalgia lovers!), and I promise—none of the good stuff is disappearing. The heart of this blog isn’t going anywhere! I’m just making sure what stays is actually readable and relevant.

This week I tackled 2011–2013, and wow, what a trip down memory lane. Old-school blogging really was so different and I absolutely LOVED everything about it. I documented everything—overshared to the max—and it’s wild looking back at how much my life (and my approach to sharing) has evolved. From a technical perspective, it’s been a labor of love—updating posts worth keeping, reformatting, categorizing, and optimizing for SEO. So much work behind the scenes, but it feels really good to tidy up this little corner of the internet.

My Top 5 Favorite Items This Week

1. These inexpensive divided snack containers I use to prep snacks for the entire week! See #4 for my latest snack fave!
2. Just restocked my prickly pear cactus syrup for Valentine’s Prickly Pear Margaritas—because festive cocktails are a love language.
3. Pre-ordered the Shred Happens Cookbook and cannot wait to get it next month! One of my favorite Instagram follows, and the book is packed with 100+ protein-packed, Mediterranean-inspired, low-carb recipes!
4. This cute heart pocket shirt.
5. My new CURTAINS! See #5!

In Case You Missed It

This week I shared…

• Valentine’s Day Gifts for Women
• Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men
• 10 Valentine’s Day Recipes to Make
• Super Bowl Recipes

Alright, on to the 5!

1. Hot Dogs Taste Better In Baskets

According to my kids (and their friends!), everything tastes better when served in a food basket. Last weekend, I pulled mine out for burgers and hot dogs, and you’d have thought I served them a five-star meal—major excitement all around. There’s just something about eating out of a basket that makes things feel more fun (and saves me from washing plates is a win).

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, feeding a crowd, or just want to shake up your usual weeknight dinner routine, I highly recommend grabbing a set. Easy, festive, zero cleanup, and guaranteed to make your kids think you’re the coolest.

Find them here: 12 pk baskets (available in black, red, green, yellow or brown) / 8 pk white baskets / Deli Paper

*Tip: I accidentally bought a pack of tiny deli paper sheets. Make sure to get the 12×12 so you don’t have to use multiple sheets to cover the basket! Also, these sheets are fun for wrapping lunchbox sandwiches too!

2. Open Can Espresso Martini

Last weekend, McKinsey hosted a little mahjong afternoon and checked off a cocktail from our shared cocktail bucket list folder in Instagram—open can espresso martinis! You’ll need a soft edge can opener for this one so the rim is smooth!

The recipe is super simple: remove about 1/3 of the espresso from the can, then add 1 oz vodka, 1/2 oz coffee liqueur, and 1/2 oz cream liqueur. For the finishing touch, mix Cool Whip with a little instant espresso to make a cold foam, top it off, and garnish with espresso beans. So cute, so delicious!

3. Porch Progress

We made some big progress on our porch this week, and I’m getting more and more excited to see it all come together! We lived on our last porch, and this one is shaping up to be just as cozy—tying the whole outdoor space together.

This week, we tackled the heaters, which turned out to be a much bigger project than expected. Since the space was already finished, the electrical work was way trickier than we anticipated. We had to remove sections of the ceiling and crown molding to get everything wired properly—not exactly a fun surprise for the budget, but I know it’ll be worth it when we’re toasty out here year-round.

We also closed off the weird extra door that we don’t use (the steps were already removed)!

I can’t wait to see it all come together!

4. Meal Prepping & Treat of the Week

I did some meal prepping this week, and honestly, it has been such a gift to myself (and Matt). Having everything ready to go has made hitting my protein goals so much easier, and I’ve loved not having to think about what to eat every day.

On Sunday, I hard-boiled eggs for salads, snacks, and breakfast, prepped a bunch of veggies, grilled chicken for quick lunches, and even made some high-protein snacks! My snack this week was inspired by my favorite Quick Bites from Target. I love those little packs and figured—why not make my own (and a little healthier)? I mixed almonds, reduced-sugar dried cranberries (win!), and chunks of parmesan, and they turned out so good.

Also, I have to shout out these divided snack containers again because they make prepping so easy. I use them for my snacks and also for the kids—so when we’re running from school to practice, they’ve got something ready to grab on the go!

And the sweet treat I’m loving this week? Clementines dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with a little bit of sea salt! SO good!

5. Master Bedroom Updates

I can’t believe how low of a priority we made our bedroom for so long, but I’m so glad we’re finally giving our little oasis some attention! Over the past few months, we’ve been slowly working on this space.

After two years of waking up at sunrise thanks to all the windows in our bedroom, we finally installed blackout drapes from Amazon, and WOW—what a difference. Not only do they look absolutely stunning, but they’ve also completely transformed our sleep. Now, if only we had a free weekend to actually sleep in… maybe once sports season slows down!

I also have to share how much I love our new rug (also from Amazon!)—it’s even prettier in person and completely pulls the room together.

As a reminder, this is what we were originally working with!

And here’s where we are today! We still have some finishing touches to make, but I love how beautiful this space is and how far we’ve come!

Room Sources: Pinch Pleat Blackout Drapes / Gold Curtain Rods / Rug / Fireplace Screen / Frame TV / Burl Wood End Table / Gold Leaf Lamps / Similar Swivel Chairs / Woven Basket / Chandelier

February Promo Codes

• Skin Pharm: My go-to for skin treatments, but my absolute favorite? The Moxi laser. I’m in the middle of a series right now, 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!
• 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. I have had so much fun renting all my holiday party outfits this year and now using it for some fun winter sweaters that I wouldn’t normally splurge on.
• Cozy Earth: Use code CE-CAROLINACHARM at checkout for 40% off!
• Minted: Use code XOCAROLINA2025 at checkout for 20% off classroom Valentine’s cards + a free 24 pack of matching stickers!