Today is Thanksgiving, and like every year I’m feeling thankful for my friends and my family, my health and all the blessings in my life. This year, however is a bittersweet one. 2020 has been a rollercoaster among other things, and the veil has been pulled back on so much pain and so many problems we have pushed aside both as a country and globally year after year. While I am feeling thankful for all that I have, I am also taking moments to reflect and honor those who have suffered and lost a great deal this year. When it comes to the pandemic, racial injustice, such a testy political and social climate, and taking time to listen and learn, our work isn’t done. As we enter the Holiday season we should all take the time to not only stay safe and enter every gathering with caution (if not cancel them altogether) but to take care of one another even if it needs to be from afar. This is the year to donate to a cause that matters to you, a year expand your perspective and examine your own privileges, to learn about the original owners of the land we are each inhabiting, and gather resources that allow us to be more supportive, understanding, and gentle to those around us. If there’s anything 2020 has taught us, it’s that we all face both unique and similar struggles. Compassion will go a long way as we all begin to heal from such a tough year, and as exhausted as we all are, we need to continue to show it.
Keep an eye on this space in the upcoming weeks, I will be sharing some of my favorite small businesses, BIPOC owned brands, and sustainable picks for holiday shopping. It’s a great year to change our shopping habits, to focus on the handmade and the sentimental, and to support the businesses that have real people like you and me behind them.
Now it’s time for my November favorites!
Beauty + Skincare Favorites
Lens Wipes for Glasses – Y’all this is the MOST boring favorite ever and I’m almost rolling my eyes at myself for bringing it up, but to tell the truth something as simple as wipes for my glasses has improved my daily life exponentially. I am not a lifelong glasses wearer (and I’m sure those of you who are don’t even think twice about your lens cleaning routine) I’ve only recently started wearing glasses in the past few years, and I’ve been bad about it as my only real vision problem is an astigmatism. Since I began working from home in March, I only wore my glasses when I remembered, and I only ever cleaned them with the included cleaning cloth. I don’t know what it is about me, but my lenses get SO smudged, even if I don’t touch them. Using the lens wipes once or twice a day means I can see clearly now, and my nose bridge acne is gone.
Aquis Hair Towel – Jackie from the Natch Beaut podcast sold me this towel, I’m pretty sure. I’d had it in my cart for ages and finally bought one in October when there was a really good sale. This is a product that backs up its claims. My hair holds on to water like no other and Aquis pulls the water out way better than other towels I’ve used. My hair drying time has seriously been cut in half. They also have turbans!
Handcraft Loves
Dogwood Stained Glass Suncatcher – This beautiful piece just might find it’s way under the tree for my mom this Christmas. Shh, don’t tell!
Rustic Wood Virginia State Sign – Speaking of dogwood flowers, let’s keep it VA themed this time around. Gone are the days of “gather” signs in the living room, let’s move on to celebrating the states we love. Those that live in the more western (square) states might just get away with hanging a standard wood cutting board on the wall, looking at you Colorado.
Wellness Favorites
Rescue Pastiles, Emergen-C, Elderberry Lozenges, Probiotics – Another boring group of favorites, but now that we’ve entered into the annual cold and flu season, it’s time to keep our immunity up even more. I’ve been partaking in at least one of these a day, in order to ward off the sniffles and hopefully keep my immune system fighting off the rest of the germs out there. Even if it’s all hogwash, it’s nice to feel like I have another insurance policy behind my mask. Wear your mask!
Fashion Finds
Roots Snood – This may sound funny but I HATE things around my neck. I’m not a scarf wearer, I like my necklaces loose, and I am honestly not that much of a snuggler. I did, however find a way to get around my distaste for things around my neck when I found the Snood from Roots. It’s not too tight, it’s not too bulky, and it will be really nice paired with a hat when it’s a bit more chilly out.
Hoop Earrings – For such a long time I was anti-hoop but plain silver hoops have been my go-to for dressing up for zoom meetings or when I want to feel slightly fancier on my weekly trip to the grocery store. My pair is around 40mm, which I feel is a great size for feeling like you have a substantial hoop, but not TOO big. I also have some huggies that I like to wear in my other 2 holes.
Miscellaneous Obsessions
Advent Calendars – This year, since we’re celebrating the Holidays Lite™ I’ve had a fascination with advent calendars in an attempt to embrace the holidays as much as possible from home. This year, my friend Liz and I have decided to build each other a 12 day advent calendar, with a gift from Dec 13th until Christmas Day. I’ve had so much fun picking out things to give her for our xmas countdown!
Emma Bridgewater – Cute, personalized, delightfully British pottery. I’ve been loving browsing the online catalog for some ideas for holiday gifts for friends and family.
Streaming Spotlight
Let Him Go – I watched this movie with my parents the last time I saw them and it was very intense. Kevin Costner does what Kevin Costner does best – breaking bad on people in Montana. If you’re into tearjerkers or movies where the characters risk everything for their family, this is the flick for you. It’s not my typical choice of movie but I would recommend.
My Spotify Xmas Playlist – When it comes to Christmas music, the classics are my fave by far. I have, of course, added some of my modern faves – covers and originals by none other than Kacey Musgraves, Ariana Grande, and Dolly Parton.
The Crown – I know everyone and their mother has seen The Crown in it’s entirety including the new season, but I’ve only just started. I hope to dive deep into it over the coming weeks and I’m especially looking forward to watching Olivia Colman’s season.
Feasting On
SweeTarts Ropes – For someone that doesn’t have that much of a sweet tooth, I’m really kind of obsessed with these sour ropes. They’re like half twizzler, half pixie stick. I rarely keep candy in the house, but these are so good!
Mortadella – I think I blame this one on Molly Baz’s instagram, she makes so many delicious subs and pizza and other things that feature mortadella. Up until this year I’d never had it before, and I’m surprised my love affair didn’t begin sooner. It’s similar to bologna, but it’s a bit “fancier” and has a funk similar to that of prosciutto. What’s not to love?
Sweet Potato Pie – SPP is superior to Pumpkin Pie and this is the Thanksgiving hill I’m willing to die on.
What are you loving lately?
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