What's Up Wednesday: November 2023
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Hello there friends and family,
I blinked away November and it barely dawned on me that I needed to write this blog post before month end. My mind has been overwhelmed keeping up with everything on top of not sleeping well. I can laugh it off and say “Tis the season!”, but in reality there’s been a lot going on since the beginning of October and I can’t keep up with it all so when I wake up on any given day at any given hour I am immediately wide awake thinking of everything I need to get done in the day. So, I just get started. I guess it’s worked out well enough, but I’m seriously over being in survival mode. I want to rest. I want to escape my mind. I want to escape my obligations. But, I can’t. And I also do not want to miss out on opportunities to participate in anything festive. So, if you see me looking as ragged as I feel, just hand me some caffeine, give me a hug, and say a little prayer for me please. This month will NOT be an easy month emotionally and there’s no way around it but to go through it. 💔
Now, onwards we go…
As usual, I am linking up to share my monthly recap on the last Wednesday of the month.
If you’re new(er) to my blog site, this is what we recap every month:
What we're eating this week:
We have dinner plans every day and then travel plans so it’s safe to say we will be eating anything that a restaurant is making. I didn’t have the time nor energy to cook this past month and while that is just about the 12th month in a row aside from a few meals in August-September, I quite literally wish I had the time and energy to cook. HA! At some point, life has to settle down, right?
What I'm reminiscing about:
I’m trying to remain focused on fun trips I’ve taken in the past during this time of year, because my mind quickly shifts back to everything that happened this time last year throughout December. It was and remains a nightmare.
So the positive trips I am trying to keep forefront and center such as Christmas in the Netherlands and in Berlin, Christmas time(s) in NYC, Christmas time at Blackberry Farm and Jackson Hole, WY. Thanksgiving in Romania and Turkey, New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta, Christmas time in Gruene, TX. And many Christmases in Knoxville as well.
What I'm loving:
1) I received a text this month from someone who has been a blessing to me since the day I accidentally kerplunked into the back of her car in 2016. Thankfully I was just barely rolling along in traffic not even touching the gas pedal, but I was looking at the stop light ahead of the one I should have been looking at. She was so graceful and sweet while I was horrified and apologetic. It was dark already (this time of year) so we couldn’t really assess any damage well. Well, she was the absolutely kindest about all of it and we stayed in touch all these years. She has been encouraging and supportive of my blog all along and when I received this text from her it really touched me and eased my discouragement. To this sweet person, THANK YOU!
I know people read my blog because of Google Analytics, but when I do not receive comments on the blog posts (or texts or emails about them), it can feel discouraging to put so much time and effort into this. I know my content isn’t for everyone, but it can feel hurtful when friends, etc. do not follow along (like some literally do not subscribe or take the time to read it or ever encourage me). SO - receiving feedback (words of affirmation, one of my love languages) is truly a touching thing for me.
2) The Battery Daddy - I bought and also gave these as gifts a while back, but let me tell you - I do the most things around the house so I am the one typically handling things that need batteries. Every time I reach for the Battery Daddy I literally (LITERALLY) think about how happy it makes me.
3) Bells - I didn’t think it would happen, but after seeing bells more and more online I decided to order some not knowing where I would even put them. I hung them on our stair railing simply to take a photo of them and well, I loved them there and left them exactly as they were.
Then I went on to order some more vintage bells from Ballard Designs because I had free reward dollars and they were having a major sale. I’m still toying with where to put them, but those bells are the kind that could easily be used as accent decor all year long.
4) Lighted Birch Trees - It’s the simple things sometimes but these make me very happy. I wanted to add something festive to our small back patio area and this did the trick. The pricepoint is better than some individual trees I was looking at, too. These are $90 for a set of two 6ft trees. It has eight light settings, too.
What we've been up to:
November went by quickly…
We had birthdays and birthday parties, Friendsgiving, doctors appointments, appointments, appointments for the dogs, two volunteering events, the MD Anderson Boot Walk for Cancer, family dinners and brunches, attended a gala, hosted Thanksgiving for 30ish people, hosted a Park Lane Jewelry event, and managed to fit in some long runs in between all of the chaos and getting hives fives times. Ah, yes. ‘Tis the season.
What I'm dreading:
December 26th.
One warm and humid day I tried to run outside…my long run fell about halfway short when my knee started to act up. I was drenched and gross, but nonetheless took these pics of my shirt. I have a long sleeve custom shirt on the way and a custom puffer vest so that I will be ready for whatever the weather provides on the day of the half marathon.
I really, really miss my dad and Marie. 💔
What I'm working on:
RUNNING. I have signed up to run the Aramco Half Marathon in January and to fundraise for CanCare. If you missed my blog post about why I’m running - click here. If you don’t care why I’m running but want to donate to my fundraising page for CanCare - click here.
My blog! I barely wrote a thing this month because I rarely sat at my desk and when I did I had other things to work out. UGH.
Decorating and wrapping. I am still finding new Christmas decor and moving things around. I also have a closet loaded with things that need to be wrapped.
My cousin’s baby brunch. 🎀 It will be so cute and fun.
What I'm excited about:
My family is coming to town in December and I am excited to see them and hug them.
I am participating in the You Serious Clark? 5k/10k benefiting Feeding America. Feeding America’s mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger. The Feeding America network is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, working to connect people with food and end hunger. My friend, Karen, and I signed up to do this run together. We will pick a date to run virtually together when our packets arrive. We completed the Hocus Pocus 5k/10k last month for the same cause. You can sign up here anytime before December 25th to participate. They’ll mail you your shirts etc. and then you can complete it whenever you want to once your shirts arrive. You can sign up for the 5k or the 10k and as they put it, you can walk, run, or skip. 😊 It’s a pretty cute shirt, too!
Christmas, in general. And, we have some festive things planned.
What I'm watching/reading:
Watching:
Not a thing right now. I’ve had either Hallmark Christmas or YouTube Christman scenes with Christmas music on the TV for background noise for me and the pups.
Reading:
I haven’t ran on the treadmill as much this month between the outdoor runs and hives. But, I am seriously enjoying this cute book about a an entire family who gets snowed in and there’s so many dynamics happening between each family member that the story is very interesting. The grandmother cracks me up, too.
I just started this book on the treadmill and am a couple of chapters in. I’m liking the story line so far.
I started the book Why Am I Like This in October and I am in the second half of it. I really like it, but just haven’t been picking up a physical book in the mornings to read despite the many (MANY) mornings I woke up before 5am. I think I’ve just wanted to keep my mind light because so many days were heavy emotionally, mentally, and physically this month.
I did purchase the following devotional that I am looking forward to starting in January.
You can click this link or scroll to the top of the page and click on “Books” to view all of the self-help books I’ve read if you are considering a topic and want a suggestion.
What I'm listening to:
Hallmark Christmas movies or a YouTube Christmas music classics station with a pretty Christmas scene.
What I'm wearing:
As usual, when I’m home I’m typically in work out clothes. SAME AS LAST MONTH and ALL YEAR LONG.
I’ve been adding more and more to my LTK profile throughout the month so you can always follow along with me there to see what outfits or (HOLIDAY) home décor items I’m sharing!
A little bit from this last 30-ish days:
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4mPqT
These pants are still available in tall sizes so since they’re cropped and I’m only 5’4”-ish, the tall length would likely work great for some of you. The gold cami is sold out, but the dress version is linked as well. The material is very soft, not scratchy at all.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4onxh
This skirt is sold out now (which is a shame!), but I linked similar ones.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4p0cI
So soft and silky. The skirt is available as of when I’m writing this (Cyber Monday night!) and the dress versions are as well.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4onmS and https://liketk.it/4nbQv
I so wished everyone would get these pants since I shared them in September. They go in and out of stock in black and in “sandshell”. I know they’re not everyone’s style and I actually didn’t think I’d like the wider leg but risked ordering them simply because I’m basically 87 in my mind and like pull on pants with no buttons, hooks, or zippers. 😁 Turns out, they’re my favorite and most flattering pair of pants right now. If you like them, save this in case they come back in stock. I’ve seen it happen a few times now over the past few months.
PS - love me a sparkly shirt and can’t wait to wear this ensemble this month.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4nxdK
I love ponchos and shawls and raunas. They’re easy to add to an outfit this time of year for a bit of warmth, without a bulky jacket. I’ve had this turtleneck for years (and have 3 other colors) and it’s lightweight and thin and stretchy so it’s perfect for layering. I’ve also had this skirt in two colors for years. Its a vegan suede and has some stretch to it. Exact items are linked.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4oHQM
These are also items I’ve owned for yearsssss, except the soft mock neck bodysuit. I wanted to wear this for Thanksgiving, but in the end with the ovens and stoves on I knew I’d be too hot so opted for a different outfit with a thin cardigan that I could take off if neeed.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4nRDI
This SKORT has been one of my most favorite purchases this year. I was worried it was too short for my almost 41 year old self at the time of purchase, but in the end I don’t mind the shorter length between the heat we’ve had and because there’s shorts underneath. I don’t worry about showing anything.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4nPDp
I shared this turtleneck last month and just love it. You’ll see it in black in a second… I waited too late to order it in the other color(s) I wanted and they’re sold out in my size. It is SOFT and runs LARGE so size down. It’s long enough to wear over leggings which you’re about to see.
These pants are also pull on style and I love them! I ordered them in Espresso (brown) which is a newer color released and am (not so patiently) awaiting my order to be delivered that’s been sitting in Houston since Friday. 😒
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4o3Kb
Same SKORT, different day. On repeat on the warmer days. This was my birthday dinner outfit. 🖤
Easy LTK link for pants: https://liketk.it/4oeMI
I loved this dress and had a ton of compliments the evening of the gala. A woman walked across the room to look at it. It’s sold out in black currently, but I linked other colors AND very similar dresses.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4okV9
On a day of transitional weather I managed to pull together this outfit last minute to go to brunch. These are stretchy and comfortable! The skirt is from last season but I linked similar ones. The top is available again this season.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4oOl7
This was my Thanksgiving outfit. Again, I hadn’t actually given it any thought in advance because life has been a bit nutty (as an understatement) and I haven’t been able to keep up with everything happening that I need to do. I thought I’d wear a midi skirt and tried two of them but it kept getting caught on the boot height so I switched to an older vegan leather skirt and bodysuit. This is the thin cardigan I mentioned above that I can wear without hot flashes.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4mPxG
I love this sweater! It’s mostly sold out now, but it runs HUGE so size down. I wore this for errands one day and then again to dinner another day. I paired it with faux leather leggings.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4mD72
This turtleneck was so popular they eventually made it in 7 colors and they all sold out. True story.
Some are still available, and it’s worth checking for your size and maybe even checking back to see if it’s back in stock. Pink Lily does restock items. BTW - I am newer to shopping from them, but I like the founder’s story, the reason behind the name, and the work they do with charities.
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4mXkz
I’ve had this sleeveless turtleneck for a couple of years (??) but the skirt I really tried to encourage most of you to get. I love the plaid without feeling like I’m 12 or potentially 16. The colors can go with multiple colors of tops. And it’s a comfortable length.
Last but not least and certainly not in timeline order:
Easy LTK link: https://liketk.it/4mW4M
I wore this for our Christmas card photos and loved it. Tulle has really been appealing to me for these recent events. I hope to and likely will wear it again in December for one of our festive events so if you see it again and wonder, then YES - I wore it a 2nd time but finally to something other than a photo shoot. It’s fun and festive!
You can view most of these details on my LiketoKnow.It page OR email me. =)
What I'm doing this weekend:
I was supposed to head to New Jersey for my bestie’s kiddo’s 4th birthday party, but had to cancel because husband now has to fly out of the country for work. That means I will get in a long run, take care of my pups, and attend the local events I had to previously decline, God willing.
What I'm looking forward to next month:
I look forward to enjoying the holiday season. I hope to bask in the cheer every moment I can before it’s all over again. We’re going to see Steve Tyrell at a “dinner club” thing on the 12th that will have dinner and Christmas music.
What else is new:
That’s about it for now…
How was your month of November? Did you decorate for Christmas before or after Thanksgiving? Comment below!
XOXO
