The CarryTM List

We’re not carrying it all — but here’s what’s made our load lighter lately.

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The Carry All

Edition #204 | Read time: 5 Minutes

Hi Mamas -

We’re excited to bring you a brand-new once-a-month roundup! Think of it as a quick, curated collection of things we know you’ll love as busy, working mamas: easy recipes, noteworthy news, worth-it dupes, and the ideas that made us pause and think.

Mid-month, you can expect a little love note from us filled with load-lessening finds and links. We scout it, we test it, we share it — you just enjoy it.

Our hope? That this becomes a fun, helpful moment in your month…something that feels like a breath of fresh air, not another thing on your list. If you have any feedback about this monthly drop, we’d love to hear it in our comment section at the bottom. xo

Without further ado (drumroll please 🥁) - we’re not carrying it all, but here’s what’s made our load a little lighter lately.  

Know someone else who would love The Carry™ List in their inbox too? Pass on the love with your referral link at the bottom of the newsletter.

Enjoy!

-Carry™ Team

What’s your go-to holiday parenting philosophy?

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 📚 BOOK Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand

This first book in Hilderbrand’s Winter Street series brings all the cozy holiday vibes you want: family chaos, festive cheer, romance, and that perfect winter feel as the Quinn family gathers on Nantucket for Christmas. It’s the kind of read you can curl up with by the fire, sip cocoa while you read, and get lost in a story that feels like a warm holiday hug.

✉️ SUBSTACK — An Ode to Online Shopping by Melanie Shankle

A hilarious, honest take on how online shopping became both a life‑saver and a source of chaos, especially around the holidays.

Do you feel like COVID shifted your shopping habits too? How often are you braving stores in person these days — or is online totally ruling your life? Leave a comment and weigh in!

 

🎬 WHAT’S ON

  • Cheesy, Hallmark‑vibe rom‑com: Champagne Problems (Netflix)

  • Forever classic: The Holiday

  • Feel-good, binge-worthy show: Jury Duty (Apple TV)

📅 WHAT’S COMING

Calling all Swifties!

  • Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era (docuseries) — Streaming December 12 on Disney+, first episodes drop that day.

  • Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour: The Final Show — Also premiering December 12, a recording of the final Vancouver show.

 

Family-Friendly Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

’Tis the season of feeding the people with minimal time and effort! A complete meal on one sheet pan — toss chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs, add chopped seasonal veggies (think carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes), and roast at 425°F for 25–30 minutes.

Want to bulk it up? Serve over rice for a “make-your-own bowl” dinner. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor — and happy, fed people all around. 🍽️

🎄 Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls

Naptime Kitchen never lets us down, and these cinnamon rolls are no exception! 🎄 If you want a Christmas morning treat that tastes indulgent but doesn’t take three days to prep, this is your recipe. Cozy, gooey, and totally doable — your holiday morning just got easier!

 

“As you plan your week ahead, remember that your capability and your capacity are two different things.” - @suzyreading

And some more thoughts below on Suzy’s quote from @_kellynolan_. Read her whole post here.

If you haven’t listened to the Good Hang podcast with Amy Poehler yet, you’re missing out on a genuinely good time. And this episode with Leanne Morgan? Laugh-out-loud, fold-the-laundry-with-a-smile kind of funny. Add it to your queue — you’ll thank us later. 🎧

Oh, and this too. 👇

 

The reality? It isn’t an ambition gap, it is a CARE GAP.
A workplace design gap.
A structural support gap.

Women are not the problem.
Motherhood is not the problem.
The workplace still has so many outdated expectations that simply weren’t built with caregivers in mind.

 

Instagram Post

Leslie Bibb on Jenna & Friends dives into the impossible expectations women face to “do it all.” It’s the kind of conversation that makes you pause — and we’re glad someone is talking about it. It feels like we’re all sacrificing something, and sometimes it’s just nice to hear that out loud.

 

Have you gotten hooked on Lake Pajamas yet? They’re a splurge-worthy find, and their die-hard fans will make sure you know it. Cozy, soft, and perfect for lounging or holiday mornings — they feel like a treat.

But if you’re looking for the same vibes without the brand-name price, this girl swears by this Amazon dupe. Just as soft, true to size, and holds up beautifully after washing. Perfect for keeping cozy without breaking the bank!

Last week’s poll results: We asked: Which holiday tradition is stressing you out the most? The winner for nearly half of you? Hosting and managing expectations. Juggling family, meals, and holiday plans remains the ultimate test of patience — and we feel you, mamas! Keep reading for a few of your thoughts and comments!

➡️ “Haven’t even ordered Christmas cards yet and friends and family cards are coming in! Considering not doing it this year, like just taking one thing off the list….?”

➡️ “So much shopping left to do. Even Amazon can't help me get it done any faster. There is just not enough time in the day!”

 ➡️ “I said NO to the Elf a long time ago. Why put yourself through that torture?”

 ➡️ “...cooking always stresses me out. Yes, just the daily. Haha! It's my least favorite chore. I'd rather clean the whole house. Ha!”

 ➡️ “I ordered things a month ago and they are still not in. I am worried that I will be shopping on Christmas eve at the store! 😱

 ➡️ “End of the year work commitments, work travel and all of the above! 😩

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