Catch Up With Christina 7.20
braces off, Alexa on, hack for getting things done
CURRENTLY INTO
Watching: I’ve been stalking the DMV website for Real ID appointments since my driver's license is about to expire.
Shopping: for swimsuits for Thomas…because he left all of his at sleepaway camp.
Eating: I’m on a chicken salad kick for lunch!
Reading: I brought this reader-recommended thriller to read while we’re in Florida this week visiting my family…we’ll see if I actually crack it open though.
Listening to: The news headlines at 8 a.m. every morning on Alexa because somehow this feature got randomly turned on, and we can’t figure out how to turn it off.
Loving: Seeing Thomas’s new smile! He got his braces off this week and looks so much older to me.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Summer snacks inspo for those of you with kids who are “so over” the snacks you stocked up on at Costco in May.
We surprised Thomas with a candy truck for his 10th birthday and it was EPIC — 170+ treats, wild sugar highs, and the sweetest party favor ever. You have to watch the reel!!
These rotisserie chicken enchiladas are cheesy, comforting, and the easiest way to turn a store-bought chicken into something everyone loves.
We’re obsessed with our travel backgammon set—perfect for the pool bag and hotel nights, and it takes up almost no space!
Matt’s favorite quick-dry shorts are still topping the charts as a reader favorite this week.
I finished this mystery thriller on vacation and it was 5 stars! This story masterfully intertwines a 9/11 conspiracy with a cold case murder and there are so many unexpected twists, and I was hooked until the very last page.
My latest poolside obsession: the Cantarito. Think of it as the cousin of a Paloma — bright, citrusy, and so refreshing
Ending the struggle to find the perfect basic tee with THIS ONE from Cozy Earth - and it’s 30% off, plus an extra 40% with my code CE-CAROLINACHARM!
You gotta try this Grilled Peach Burrata Salad…because I had no idea peaches taste better on the grill.
Restocked on my favorite body wash – it’s pH-balanced and actually works to keep odor in check better than regular soap - especially after a sweaty workout.
Bless the return of the trendy ballet flat. These are so comfy, cute, come in 3 colors, and are on big time sale ($50 off).
THOUGHT DROP
Okay, here’s a little productivity hack I’ve been using more lately that’s super helpful for getting small things done: timing short tasks. It sounds simple, but it works! The idea is that when you time yourself, your brain gets a little dopamine hit when you finish, which actually makes it easier to start the next thing. I used to absolutely dread unloading the dishwasher — like, it was my least favorite thing ever. I’d put it off forever, even though I knew I couldn’t avoid it. A few years ago, I decided to time myself, and it only took 5 minutes. FIVE minutes! I realized how crazy it was to waste so much energy hating something that takes no time at all. Recently, I’ve been applying this strategy to other tasks too — making doctor appointments, folding laundry, cleaning the trash out of my car, making the bed, and it makes everything feel so much more manageable.
XO
