Personal

Hello, Happy December!

I have been meaning to sit down and write out more of a personal post. Seriously every day it seems like that is my goal and it slips through the cracks. This time of year feels like a BLUR; thought I had all this time after Thanksgiving and then, bam, we’re one week into December.

(We only have three and a half weeks left of the year…. HOW!)

Monogrammed Plaid Mug

Mug + Gingerbread House Topper + Snowman Marshmallows + Hot Chocolate on a Stick

ONE // Reading, reading!

So I was pretty unhappy with the amount of reading I was doing for the year. I was barely getting through a book a month, which is on the very low side of me. At my “peek” I was reading at least one a week, but that was when I was in college and had a ton of free time between classes (and no social life). I challenged myself to read every day for 30 days and I did it. I told myself it wasn’t about how long I was reading, but just that I was incorporating reading into my routine, even if it was only a paragraph. I know it sounds lame but reading every day gives me a better outlook on life– maybe because I can escape from reality for a few minutes.

TWO // PACKING PEANUTS

I was texting a good friend of mine who happens to be a blogger and we were both expressing some feelings of burnout. The fourth quarter is always the “biggest” for bloggers since we tend to follow retail schedules. I’ve been pretty good about keeping this whole quarter in perspective. I haven’t taken on more projects that I can handle. I’ve dropped the ball on a few gift guides, but I was enjoying living instead and I’m fine with that. Generally speaking, I’ve just decided to do as much as I can and to try not to get too overwhelmed. I figure you guys would prefer to see a positive blog than a complaining-stretched-too-thin blog anyway, right?

There is ONE exception to this and that is PACKING PEANUTS. Who invented packing peanuts and how can we ban them from existence?! This is definitely a privileged struggle, but I am extremely overwhelmed by the number of PR packages being delivered right now. I think my doormen think I’m a hoarder or compulsive shopper. I can’t get through the boxes quickly enough and I’m doing my best to keep things going out of my apartment too. Again, it’s not that I’m not grateful for things, but when a six-pound box of makeup that I don’t and would never use shows up on my doorstep, I don’t even know what to do.

It’s the packing peanuts that are really putting me over the edge this week. I spend at least 40 minutes a day receiving, opening, categorizing, and breaking down packages but these peanuts are getting everywhere and my dogs think they’re toys. (I’m a psycho about picking them up because I know they would eat them and could hurt themselves.) I filled an entire garbage bag with packing peanuts from one box and I was just horrified.

THREE // Hot chocolate

Every December, I try hot chocolate. I always hate it, but it hasn’t stopped me from trying… year after year after year. Fun fact: The first thing I ever got from Starbucks was a white hot chocolate in Lake Placid, NY. I think I was 12. I was so excited to have my little Starbucks cup and felt incredibly grown up. But… I ended up with a stomachache and I’ve never enjoyed hot chocolate since, haha.

Instead, I’m all for Christmas and holiday teas. I’m not particularly picky. Any will do and it’s something I look forward to every night. The bonus is not getting stomachaches too!

FOUR // New Year’s Resolutions

Remember a few weeks ago (or was it a month?) when I talked about trying to think of my resolution for 2018? I decided on what I want to focus on and I’ve already started! I swear, the key to sticking to resolutions is to start them early. I already feel successful and it’s not even the new year yet! I’m going to a longer post about why I chose it and how I’m planning on sticking with it, but here’s a sneak peek: WRITING. I want to write a lot more and I’m starting with journaling. I’ve been journaling at least five days a week; definitely the longest I’ve ever stuck with it. So far, so good.

FIVE // Fitness

I’m getting ready to do a recap of my past year of working out. I feel like a broken record, but it’s been the best change in my life and I can’t believe I am where I am. I never pictured myself as someone enjoying working out and now I hate when I have to miss a class. (Vague spoiler, but I may be moving next year and the thought of leaving my gym is really killing me.)

SIX // My family is visiting!

My parents and sister are coming into town tonight. We have some plans and they might change so we’re kind of playing everything by ear. Should be a nice weekend though here in Connecticut with the dogs! They haven’t visited in a while and I definitely see some shopping, eating, and trips to the beach with the pups in our future. We may even go into the city for a night. I wanted to surprise them with tickets to a Broadway show and now I’m just waiting for schedule confirmation about a few things before committing. Other than Hamilton, have you seen a good show lately?!

SEVEN // Gifts

I’m pretty behind on buying gifts this year. My list of recipients seemed to have doubled and I felt like I had more time. Now I’m starting to feel the scramble (a little bit). I got a huge task checked off my gift list by purchasing my corporate gifts for everyone that I’ve worked with over the year. Nordstrom was amazing and expedited my shipping for me and everything! I’m doing chocolate bars and candy bento boxes this year. (Did them last year and it was a huge hit!!) Now I’m just waiting for my custom blog holiday cards to come in so I can wrap and get everything shipped out.

What else do you guys want to know about?!? These are just some of the things that have been top of mind for me.

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74 Comments

Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's

I love how festive this photo is! // It’s pretty crazy how much material is wasted for all these products. I understand that companies want to make sure that their products arrive in pristine condition, but the cost to the environment is so much! // I’ve given up coffee for maybe a month or two now, so now I’m obsessed with hot chocolate! But tea is also good because it’s lighter, and god knows I’m already filling myself with enough baked goods 😛 // Really enjoyed this personal post! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s

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Lisa Teixeira

Dear Evan Hansen is a heavy but beautiful show. Tickets can be hard to get but I think they’re worth it. If you’re looking for something lighter, I loved Waitreess. Jason Mraz is playing the male lead right now, and the music/story is very cute (it’s so much better than the movie!)

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Elyssa

I was going to say Dear Evan Hansen as well! Even if you can’t get tickets for this week definitely keep it on your list for the future!

I haven’t seen Waitress but I like the soundtrack and my friends really loved it.

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Claire

Come From Away is also INCREDIBLE!! It’s about a small town that took in about 7000 people who were on planes that were forced to land on 9/11. It’s emotional, but the music is gorgeous and it’s such an uplifting story about community.

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Rita

You can take packing peanuts to a UPS store and they will recycle them. Please don’t trash them; they are not good for the environment and wildlife.

P.S. I enjoy reading your blog.

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carly

Do you know if they recycle them or reuse them? Because my building has a great recycling program that I take full advantage of! (I put them in garbage bags to recycle, not to throw out, felt like that needed clarification!)

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Katy

Are they the foam ones or the corn based ones? If they are the corn based ones, they dissolve in water or can be composted.

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Jessica

Hi Carly! Love this post, I think it’s so great to focus on the positive side of life. I’d love to hear more about how you structure your days/the behind the scenes of full-time blogger life. I know you’ve written about it before but it’s an inspiration for an aspiring full-time blogger over here! 🙂 Happy December

Jessica, http://www.roomforgelato.com

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Leda

If you’re looking for a great (more low key) broadway musical I would 100% recommend Waitress! It’s that perfect combo of fun and heartfelt. And the music is amazing!

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Andrea

We love your blog, and would never want you to stretch yourself too thin (though I know that’s inevitably going to happen from time to time in any job)! Seriously in the big picture, one less gift guide isn’t going to alienate any loyal reader…I’d rather see you living life and enjoying the holidays! I personally think it ultimately makes for a better blog 🙂

Re: Broadway shows, I highly recommend Groundhog Day! Such a great message about slowing down and making human connection, especially this time of year, and I thought it totally worked as a musical.

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Sophie Kahler

It’s pretty difficult to get tickets, but Dear Evan Hansen is EVERYTHING. It’s beyond amazing, so definitely go see that if you can! I’d also look at Come From Away, Book of Mormon, and Once on this Island. Have fun with your family!

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Jenn

I know this isn’t groundbreaking news, but Dear Evan Hanson is an amazing amazing play.

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Hannah

Instead of just complaining about the peanuts, why not try to do something about it? Keep a list of which companies were the worst offenders and write them a complaint. Tell other bloggers who are fed up to do the same. You have a voice, use it do some good this holiday season!

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carly

Unfortunately, that’s the problem… there are so many packages that come from shipping departments unrelated to the actual PR firm where they’re coming from. So it can be hard to figure out who sent it and why!

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Elizabeth

Why not simply refuse the shipment if it’s from a company that is off brand for you? You know, return to sender. That way you don’t have to deal with a six pound box of Kat Von D makeup that will end up in the trash.

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Kristina

I love reading your day-to-day life updates! I also had to smile about the Starbucks white mocha because ironically, that happened to be my very first drink from Starbucks ever as well. Funny how we remember the most insignificant things sometimes. 🙂 Can’t wait to read about your 2018 goals – I started mine already too and I agree that getting a head start helps. Good luck with reading more, and writing, and enjoy your family visit!!

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Jordana @WhiteCabana

I like these random thoughts posts. I’ve started them on my blog, too. I enjoy writing them (and I hope my readers enjoy them, too). I hear you about the packing peanuts. On my end, things have been packed with environmentally friendly bubble and such. Much better – and cleaner! Enjoy your family time weekend!

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Olivia

Packing peanuts are the worse!!!!! I work retail, and when we get a package with peanuts from a wholesaler, “I’m like we’re never ordering from them again!!!!” Sometimes it’s one little box inside a huge box filled with peanuts. #eyerollemoji
But enjoy the holidays and have a Merry Christmas!!

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Taylor

Love this posts! Looks like you have a full rest of the year, hope you have a great time with you family!

I’ve been struggling on the reading front as well. I just finished reading ‘The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur – it’s a book of poetry by a younger author and it’s truly so inspirational, I would definitely recommend and I’ve actually bought a few copies as gifts this year! I don’t have anything new to read before the end of the year so I just picked up a Harry Potter and it’s been so fun to read a chapter before bed.

xo, Taylor

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Bailey

Hi Carly,
What books have you been reading? I’m always looking for new recommendations!

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Courtney L.

Moving? Very exciting. Best of luck with that! I may also be moving next year for law school but I have no clue to where… which is a little stressful.

Not to suggest you give stuff to us but if you get a big package of makeup you won’t use, are you allowed to do a giveaway?

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carly

I’m not sure if I can. I typically get my girlfriends together and do an Oprah’s Favorite Things-Esque thing with them. And send my sister a bunch of stuff to give to her friends!

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carly

I also donate a lot of things (like shampoo and soaps) where I know they’ll be put to good use!

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Evelina

My husband and I saw The Play That Goes Wrong in London and I’m pretty sure it’s in NY now. Hysterical!!! If you go, arrive about 15 minutes early as it actually starts before the show time. Enjoy your family time!

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Emily

This was such a fun post to read! I laughed at your comments on packing peanuts because i was just commenting with friends at how few of my packages now come with peanuts – they all come with those plastic air bubble sheets! It must be a vendor preference. I also think the candy bento boxes are a great idea – my wedding venue gifted us a set when we toured and it really sealed the deal! I hope you have a great time with your family in town!

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Colleen Cooper

If you are able, you should really try to see Come From Away on Broadway – it’s amazing!!

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Jessica

Love reading your personal posts. 🙂 As far as tea, I looooove buying Trader Joe’s seasonal teas!! I just bought their Winter Wake Up black tea (my fav) and an Apple Cranberry herbal tea, and they are both really yummy.

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Marcella

I cannot believe there’s not that much time left in 2017. I just turned 24 yesterday and I’m like… how did this happen???? I also want to get better about journaling next year! I’ve actually been keeping a journal since 2nd grade (crazy I know) and since I’ve gotten older it’s harder to keep up! I’ve been writing about once a month lately but I’m definitely going to try and write a few times a week next year (I also love starting a new one, haha).

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Ellie

Are there any women’s shelters in your area that could take the free, unwanted items you receive and give them to others in less fortunate situations? That’s what I’d do instead of giving them to your friends or sister.

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Kristen

If you were a fan of the movie Anastasia as a child you must go see the Broadway show!! It is absolutely stunning and the tickets are moderately priced for a Broadway show. I went in June and sat front row.. worth every penny!

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lauren

I haven’t read as many books as I usually do either…need to change that for next year! Can’t wait to read your fitness post!

Lauren

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Jessica

Waitress is also a great show! (and probably wayyy easier to get tickets to than Hamilton!)

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Jae (@gorjaeous)

Good grief—I had to google what “packing peanuts” are because I’d never heard of them until now. I knew what they looked like, but I never knew what they’re called! I thought they’re just some kind of box fillers or something. LOL.

I’m with you about failing to read more often as I’d like! I set a 12 books reading goal this year in the hopes of reading at least ONE book a month. Well, it’s December, and I’m still seven books behind!

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Gillian Redstone

I was going to recommend Dear Evan Hansen, but I see everyone else already has!! Miss Saigon is also fantastic, and for something light-hearted, The Spongebob Musical just opened (and stars two Vassar grads, so it must be good). Wicked also never disappoints!!

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Jenny

How fun that your family is visiting!! I would love if you could do a post on what to do in NYC during the holidays (not sure if you’ve already done one in the past and I’ve just missed it). I know you don’t live there anymore but figure you still know all the good spots!

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Stephanie

My parents came to visit me in New York for Thanksgiving and we saw The Book of Mormon, which was amazing, but all my friends have been raving about The Band’s Visit, which is a new musical based on, I think, and Israeli movie. Everyone who’s seen it has said it’s fantastic, and their tickets are often at the half-priced ticket booth, too!

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Olivia

I was just in NYC last week for the Tree Lighting, and I saw two shows on Broadway: School of Rock and Beautiful (Carol King’s Musical). Both were upbeat and had amazing music (especially Beautiful). I recommend seeing Beautiful out of the two, especially if anyone in your family is a Carol King fan 🙂

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Jana

I LOVE these kinds of posts! I want to hear an update on podcasts you’ve been listening to!!

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Rachel

If you can get tickets, Come From Away is a must. It is probably the best Broadway show I have ever seen, and that includes Hamilton! Such a cool story and a very talented cast. It was just nominated for a Grammy too!

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Kate

Do you journal in a physical book or an electronically? I would love a post about that!

Some biodegradable packing peanuts dissolve in water so maybe look into that!

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Emily

For PR packages, is it possible to donate the items you don’t want to a local women’s shelter or another local nonprofit? Clothes, beauty items, shoes, and books are all things that they would be overjoyed to receive!

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Anne

You and your blogger colleagues/friends are definitely in a place where you could pressure companies to use more sustainable/green methods of packaging – I think it would be really cool for several of you to start calling companies out on this!

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carly

The problem (that I mentioned above) is that many times the products are shipped from a distribution center and it’s unclear which PR company is releasing them. When it’s clear, it’s an easy email to ask to be taken off the mailing list and they’re great about that. When it’s unclear, it can be difficult to figure out who sent it to begin with.

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Katy

Hi Carly,

I think what people are saying is not that you should simply refuse the mail so you don’t personally have to deal with the packaging – but you are in a position where you can put efforts to solve the issue of plastic based shipping materials for everyone. You wouldn’t even have to pioneer the movement there are other bloggers/influence who are working on this shift and post tips on how to shop more consciously.

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Anne

Exactly Katy! If you don’t know the PR company/firm that sent it, but you know the brand (so maybe you got a bunch of Fresh products) you should email/tweet the brand and point out that you’d love their products even more if they/the companies they worked with used more green or sustainable packaging methods. If you get enough voices saying, “hey, not cool” we may start to see companies shift to better environmental practices.

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Liz

You’ve been open about your love of Harry Styles’ solo album (which has validated my love for it as well!) I read ‘The Idea of You’ by Robinne Lee at the height of my HS obsession and it’s now my FAVORITE book of the year. You should give it a shot, it’s not about HS specifically, he’s just who I pictured throughout the story.

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Claudia G

Loved the post, fitness has been also one of my best achievements this year. Chocolate is my weakness though!

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Genevieve

If you recieve unwanted gifts, please consider donating them to a charity or womens center. There are SO many women in need of help that would be grateful to receive free beauty products. Dress for Success is a great cause or local battered womens shelters.

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Briana

Do you ever donate any of the PR gifts you receive but aren’t interested in? I’m sure there are lots of women’s charities that would love that!

Briana | youngsophisticate.com

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Mia

Loved this personal catch-up post! I can’t believe you don’t like hot chocolate…it’s so delicious, haha! Journaling is seriously the best. So therapeutic! Have a great time with your family 🙂

Mia | http://www.verymuchmia.com

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Bets

Can relate about the hot chocolate. It smells so good and seems so comforting. Like you, I can’t make it through a cup. Find it too sweet and gives me a stomachache as well. Chocolate may be best enjoyed when eaten. Preferably dark with nuts.

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Taylor

Happy December!! I love this month but I agree, it can totally feel like a blur. I definitely laughed out loud at the PR package story with the packing peanuts. I’m nuts about those too because I don’t want my pups getting them!

ALSO – cannot wait to hear more about your “Vague Spoiler” ahhhhhhhhh I love new adventures my favorite bloggers take us on!!

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