So I missed October but I'm back with a bang this November sharing what I have been loving and buying over the last couple of months. Today it is 6 weeks until Christmas Eve - can you believe that?! This time of year is my busiest workwise and social life wise with events and things going on with the children, I'm totally fried. I'm certainly looking forward to some time off in January - although that seems like a long way away right now!
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Reading
I have been taking lots of time to read even though it has been really busy. I find that getting into a good book is a really great way to relax and it also stops me from procrastinating and wasting time scrolling on my phone as I use moments of downtime more constructively reading books that I can't put down!
I have just finished the two part series It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover and I loved them. They were recommended by a book club I follow on Instagram and they were a good, easy read with relatable characters that had me invested in the story. They follow the story of Lily who survives a traumatic childhood where she is a witness to the domestic abuse that her mum suffers. She meets a kindred spirit in a homeless boy Atlas and throughout the books as they come together and lose each other again and again they end up saving each other.
I was also sent this great cookbook from fellow blogger Jo Kenny. Cook it, Eat It, Live It. Jo blogs at Girl Eats World and her book covers a spectrum of recipes inspired by family and travels in the UK, Japan, Guyana and the Carribbean. The tomato and smoked paprika coconut rice is delicious and the sticky orange loaf is to die for.
Listening
Our new audiobook for the car has been the brilliant The Beast and The Bethany. It comes across in much the same manner as a David Walliams story and we have thoroughly enjoyed listening to it, and are now listening to the second book in the series - The Revenge of the Beast. It follows a man called Ebeneezer who keeps a pet Beast in his house - but the Beast is actually a very dangeous creature, capable of extraordinary things. For over 500 years Ebeneexer has given the Beast everything it desires to eat, and in exchange the Beast has bestowed riches and luxuries, including eternal youth upon Ebeneezer. Things change however when the Beast request that Ebeneezer brings him a child to eat. Enter Bethany, who will turn Ebeneezer's life upside down - will she be a match for the Beast?
You all know how much I love listening to Podcasts and with driving the children here there and everywhere this past month I have had time to listen more than normal! Here are some of my favourites...
Nurturing Our Childrenโs Hearts Through Lifegiving Words | Sally Clarkson & Simple Farmhouse Life
In our increasingly digital age, it is more important than ever to make sure we are using our words to affirm and guide our children. In a world that tries to tell them who they are and what is important, it is our job as parents to encourage them toward virtue and faith. Through book writing, podcasting, and speaking, Sally uses her words to mentor a generation of young moms who want to give their children a life full of beauty, creativity, faith, and family. May you come away from this conversation with a renewed vigor for creating a verbal home that breathes life into the hearts of your children.
The pro-metabolic approach to wellness has been gaining popularity lately, but it is rooted in ancient ways of eating and supporting the body. This way of life goes hand in hand with the from-scratch homestead kitchen. Whether you are new to the pro-metabolic conversation or have been embracing this approach for many years, join this rich conversation about supporting our health in a truly sustainable way.
Creating A Healthy Home With Andrew Pace
Ever feel overwhelmed trying to find the best non-toxic paint? Or maybe you want to remodel using non-toxic materials but you're not even sure where to start? Andrew Pace, the Healthy Home Concierge, is here to help!
Whether you're building an entire house or just doing a bedroom refresh, Andrew is sharing the ins and outs of finding healthier home products and which areas are worth focusing on.
Watching
Don't hate me but I have started watching Christmas films! We were all poorly over half term and they make such great, easy, feel-good watching. I've seen lists of Hallmark Christmas movies to tick off and I think I'm up for the challenge!
We also have been watching the Jeffrey Dahmer series on Netflix, I think we have two episodes to go until the end. I only really watched it as I had FOMO as everyone was talking about it. He's not someone who I had heard of before and to be honest, it's rather grim watching so I don't think I would recommend it. I always wonder what has gone wrong in the minds of people like him.
And of course we have just started watching I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. We had a binge watch session last night and I know that everyone has strong opinions about Matt Hancock but I find it absolutely hilarious that he is in there and it has really made the series for me. I in no way support him and will be voting for him to do every task but he is another character who absolutely baffles me. I do feel very sorry for his ex-wife and his poor children too.
Wearing
My Vinted obsession carries on, although the only thing that I have bought recently has been Disney outfits for our upcoming trip to Disneyland Paris. I've managed to bag a couple of sweatshirts with Mickey on so we will all have something themed to wear - even my hubby who won't be happy!
Twice a year I go through all my clothes and sort them out and I did that this week. My summer clothes have all gone into boxes in the loft and my winter clothes have come out. I love doing this as it makes it easier to see everything without so much crammed into my wardrobe and it also makes me re-discover clothes that would have lingered at the back of drawers etc. I also use it as an opportunity to get rid of anything I haven't worn for the last 6 months.
The only new item I have had recently has been this gorgeous coat from Lands End. A decent winter coat is a must and this is just perfect. It is soft, comfortable, lightweight and super warm because it has a down filling. It is stylish enough too for everything from the school run, to walking the dog, meeting friends for coffee or winter date nights. My little boy took these photos when we were walking the dog along the beach!
Anything else...
I just wanted to also share with you a couple of other things that I have been really loving this month. Bear with me with this one but it is a radiator brush! I saw a video on social media and I was influenced but to be fair it is really good and well worth it! I haven't cleaned behind our radiators for years and there was so much dust and other bits down the back of them. I'm sure they will work much more efficiently now!
I've also fallen in love with our new water flosser! We had a family dentist check up in half term and the dentist mentioned flossing (which I am terrible at doing). So I bought this water flosser on Amazon and it is amazing. Without going into too much detail, without fail there is always something stuck in my teeth after brushing and this gets it out! It is also great for my eldest who has fixed braces. I'd definitely recommend getting one. Just don't put cold water in it like I did the first time - that gave me a shock!
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