November Recap
November flew by! 💨
I was busier than ever at work as the lead copywriter on the Cyber Week campaign (our busiest time of year)—while battling a cold that wouldn’t go away for weeks. Daylight savings hit us hard, with our busy toddler missing his post-daycare outside playtime that the 5pm darkness snatched away. He was bored being cooped up inside so we dealt with more tantrums and meltdowns than ever—from getting in the car to diaper changes to dinner—which tested my patience for sure. All that, plus planning for the upcoming holidays (travel and hosting, family schedules, decorating, gifting, and festive activities) had my mental load at an all-time high. But the month was filled with lots of good stuff, too…
I went on a hike with an old friend from college who recently moved back to Minnesota. It made me want to do more hiking, and inspired me to think about embracing some outdoor winter activities in the coming months—from skiing to sauna culture and cold plunging. (These and these are similar to the hiking boots I wore.)
Chris and I reinstated our monthly finance meetings to check in on our budget, expenses, upcoming purchases, etc. The convos are never easy (I’m a spender, he’s a saver), but it’s important to us to communicate and align on goals.
Escaped to a new local restaurant for Moms’ Night Out with two of my new neighbor friends. So grateful to have new friends in a similar stage of life! (This and this are similar to the jacket I wore.)
Celebrated Thanksgiving and successfully merged our families for one gathering this year instead of the 3 we had last year. I was anxious about the whole thing, but it saved our sanity, allowed for actual R&R during the long weekend, and everyone got to enjoy turkey and mashed potatoes together. As my sister reminded me, the holidays don’t have to look the same every year (or how it did 20 years ago). Also: wine helps!
We bought a new Christmas tree and decorated for Christmas! Browsing the aisles at Menards and The Home Depot was a whole experience for Cash—lots of lights and displays to entertain him! He loves pointing out all the different ornaments on our tree and seeing Christmas lights in the neighborhood. He says “Christmas lights!” and “More!” all the way home from daycare each night.
Here we go … time to make the most of the next 3 weeks before Christmas!!! ❤️
Shop what I wore, bought, and loved this month 🦃
Target makeup picks - I tried out some inexpensive picks to see if I can cut back on my Sephora spending. I don’t wear much makeup daily, but I did wear concealer, serum foundation and mascara to Moms’ Night Out! This $16 serum feels just as good on my skin as the $48 ILIA serum I was previously using. Now if I can just find the right shade …
Beaujolais wine - recommended by my neighbor as an annual Thanksgiving must! Delish!
The pre-lit tree we bought from The Home Depot with multiple lighting options
The kitchen tower I bought for Cash - he used it to help make corn casserole and muffins on Thanksgiving morning! Loves helping “cook.” Warning: he has slipped out of it a couple of times so we watch him closely.
The styling cream I use on Cash’s hair
New holiday books for Cash (I took him to the bookstore for the first time this month - it had been years since I stepped foot inside Barnes & Noble, and I love how they merchandise to help you find what you’re looking for!), plus some of the new toys we bought in response to Daylight Savings-induced meltdowns - the drawing pad is great on the go, and he loves the horn in the instrument set
Follow along on Instagram and LTK for more of what I’m up to day to day 🐝
Plus, don’t miss my gift guide for her and gift guide for toddlers 🎁
