Month Ahead // November 2023
MONTH AHEAD // NOVEMBER ’23
A SMALL TASTE OF WHAT'S COMING UP THIS MONTH
EDITOR’S NOTE //
It’s November 1st which means we’re officially entering the holiday madness, er, I mean holiday festiveness. Meanwhile, here in LA, it feels like we’re at the tail end of summer. Ha! Gotta love the SoCal weather, even if it does make you feel a bit delusional on what season it actually is.
Speaking of the holidays, I have to admit, I’ve been having mixed feelings about the upcoming season (she says as she listens to Jazzy Holiday on Spotify a mere .2156 seconds into November). Part of me feels anxious, remembering how last year’s festivities were shattered by the break-in and like I’m holding my breath for something to happen again this year. Part of me feels sad with everything going on in the world and like celebrating is a bit ridiculous at times like these. Part of me keeps forgetting that it’s even the holiday season because of the weather (see above). But then, at the same time, part of me has never been more ready for festivities and holiday cheer and I find myself asking things like “How early is too early for a Christmas tree?” and “Is it acceptable to watch holiday movies before Thanksgiving?”. I don’t have the answers yet, but I’m strongly leaning towards just “going for it”.
I saw a post on Instagram the other day (Thanks to my friend Kirsten for sharing!) talking about a book in which the author observed how it was specifically those who still found purpose in art, in truth, in beauty, in the midst of even the most difficult circumstances that managed to survive such circumstances with their souls intact. Purpose, beauty, joy, art, these are the things that helps us to survive. That’s why I always go back to creating. Sure, it may be a part of my job now, but it’s always been a part of how I survive. It’s also how I feel called to add more love, light, joy and brightness to the world, a dark world that needs more light now than ever before because as Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us “darkness can’t drive out darkness, only light can do that”. It may seem like I’m oblivious to what’s going on (I’m not) or that I don’t care (I do) as I post a silly little recipe or a frivalous little moment, but it’s actually quite the opposite. I am so deeply aware and care so much that I want to do all I can to add a little light and joy to the world however and wherever I can.
You know, on second thought, maybe it’s actually not too early to start the holiday merriment…
HAPPENINGS //
WHAT I’M PINNING //
A dose of seasonal, festive, moody vibes over on my NOVEMBER INSPO BOARD
WHAT I’M COOKING //
We’re entering cozy season which, for me, means rotating between cozy pasta recipes and cozy soup recipes. I’ve been making a lot of bolognese and chili (both recipes that I need to still share on my site) as well as squash soup but thinking this soup needs to happen soon. Oh, and also this delicious autumnal salad because, ya know, apparently it’s good to get some greens in every once in a while.
WHAT I’M WEARING //
I just got this Sezane bag in the chocolate brown shade and it’s such a beauty! So well made, so chic and it gives me Celine vibes, minus the price tag. I can’t stop toting it around! Also loving this dark brown nail polish and I recently re-discovered these timeless (and sustainable!!) classic shoes in my closet and I’ve been wearing them with almost everything since.
WHAT I’M LOVING //
Vanilla bean lattes (I use this vanilla bean paste to make them, along with our Breville and Nespresso frother, both of which would make great gifts, btw!), the combo of this tool in the morning and this tool in the evening for clear and glowing skin, using this every night (at the risk of sounding old, but it’s just so nice for achy arm and back muscles and it’s basically like a warm, cozy hug and who doesn’t want that, especially this time of year?!) and this scent in our Pura diffuser (if you want your home to smell warm and cozy, just TRUST ME when I say you need this).
WHAT I’M EYEING //
These sneakers, this serving dish that is raw, minimal and will be beautiful on a holiday tablescape and eyeing a few things from the Sephora sale, including this, this and this
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO //
It’s November 1st, so that means it’s finally acceptable to listen to Christmas music…riiight?! Just going to leave this playlist right here for whenever you’re ready for holiday tunes because it’s such a nice relaxing one for the season.
WHAT I’M WATCHING //
Still steadily chugging along on my Gilmore Girls kick (Should I be embarrassed that I’m already into season 4?! wait…don’t answer that!); also watched the new Jennifer Lawrence Netflix movie “No Hard Feelings” which was decently funny
WHAT I’M WORKING ON //
You may or may not have noticed but the holiday pages are officially live on the site and I’ve been busy prepping new content to fill them/update them. Check out the THANKSGIVING PAGE and the HOLIDAY PAGE for all your festive season needs, from recipes to style to table decor ideas and more. Also, stay tuned because gift guides will be updated soon!
WORDS TO LIVE BY //
Be the type of person that you want to meet.
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