This month was a mix of joy and sadness. The best part for me was having my daughter home for a visit. It was wonderful to be able to spend time with her and have her home for Thanksgiving. The sad part was that my other three children were not here with us. They are all working, live in other states, and, with the pandemic, couldn’t be here. Other good news included the outcome of the election and now hope for a brighter, safer future.
This month we lost our beautiful lab, Ziggy. We’ve never had to make this decision before as our shepherd passed on her own. and this was one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make. With all the love we received from Ziggy in the past 13 years, not allowing him to suffer was the least we could do for him. I know it was the right time, but I will so miss this beautiful boy.
Here are some things that helped me pass the time this month.
Emily in Paris: This was a cute show and a welcome distraction from all the stresses this month. I love being able to binge watch a show on Netflix and Emily in Paris was short and fun. Watching it also gave me the itch to travel (actually I’ve never lost that itch!). Since I know I’m going anywhere for a while I started reading books based in Paris and it’s been fun. I love when I’m reading or watching something and I recognize the places having visited there myself. So far I’ve read One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan, Letters from Paris by Juliet Blackwell, and Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay. All were light reading , but very enjoyable.
Hair Dryer: For my birthday my husband gave me the Dyson Airwrap Styler Complete. Everyone has been raving about it and so I was excited to see what all the fuss was about. Usually I let my hair dry naturally and then use the flat iron to straighten it. With the Dyson I was able to straighten it while it was damp and forgo the flat iron. It took me a few tries to figure out which attachments worked best for me as between friends and videos everyone has their own favorites (and different hair types). I like using the round brush as it gets my hair the straightest but still has some bounce to it. I’m still playing around with all the attachments, but so far it seems to be a good investment. I say investment because it is pricey, but Dyson products are well made and usually last a while.
Evie Lou: I love to shop, support small businesses, and wear pretty clothes and Evie Lou allows me to do all three! They carry beautiful clothes at different price points, have a variety of styles, and since I’m not ready to go out yet, I can shop online. Although I am excited to shop in store in the future.
Only Light Candle: As previously mentioned, I really want to support small businesses. Add in Black female owned and it’s even more on my list to support. Then find a great product and it’s like hitting a trifecta! That’s exactly what I felt when I received this hand poured Japanese cherry blossom, eucalyptus, and jasmine scented soy candle. It’s beautiful, smells delicious, and from a company I want to support.
UEndure Tea: I love a good cup of tea and when Robin, the owner of UEndure Organic Tea Company contacted me I was excited to try her products. Another Black woman owned small business so you know I’m happy to support! The first cup of tea I tried was the Japanese Mulberry and it was really good. It reminded me of the tea I’ve had in Japanese restaurants. I love that it’s organic and caffeine free. Robin says to squeeze some lime in for a little kick! Then I tried Enduring Wellness, the organic herbal menopause relief tea which is their newest tea. It was so good and my daughter is hoping it helps my hot flashes-me too!!
North of 30: This boutique, located in New Zealand, caught my eye on Instagram. I love what they carry and how they are catering to women “north of 30’ years old, although they have so many gorgeous styles I’m sure even those younger will find more than a few they’d love. This skirt, with it’s a line silhouette and tie back, is one I will wear year round, with booties in the colder weather, sneakers as it gets milder, and then sandals in the warm weather. If you’re not in New Zealand, no worries, you can easily shop North of 30 online!
SHOP THIS POST:
The holidays this year are bound to be different, but I hope you find some safe, healthy ways to keep from being bored.
SO many great ideas – can’t wait to shop and watch the items on this list!!!
Hi Emily, You love the shopping and the shows! Enjoy and thanks for reading. xo, Michele
I was just researching ways to beat the winter blues. Lots of good healthy light exposure and vitamin D3.
Hi Rebecca, yes those will help so much! I actually bought a happy light as it gets pretty gray here most of the winter. It helps! And I take D3 year round as suggested by my doctor for a number of reasons. Thanks for reading and sharing! xo, Michele