Do yourself a favor this weekend and take a few minutes to read the Company Memo. So. Much. Good. Stuff. What to do first? Pre-order my 12 Days of Christmas vino from Vinebox? Binge watch Stranger Things 2 with my hubby? Start a November Photo Prompt challenge for my Insta Stories? Thanks, Lorae, for always finding the best things for us. Have a beautiful November—or should I say Movember—weekend everyone!
Get Ahead: Virtual Christmas Lists
via Santa’s Bag
Traditionally, I am not someone who counts down days till Christmas. In fact, I grimace at the first sight of Christmas decor in stores. I do TRY to get a wrap on the holidays to bypass the last-minute hustle and scavenger hunt for gifts and wrap. One of my pro mom tips is that all year I avoid cases of the gimmes by taking photos of items the kids want (mainly to make a quick escape from any toy aisle). By taking a picture of the item, I dodge the 10-minute discussion about why we do not need another Lego set, and my girls feel their wish list item has been duly noted. To help manage the Christmas chaos, I have done some research and found a few apps that may make your holiday run a bit smoother:
FOMO: Wine Advent Calendar
via Vine Box
I know, this week’s memo feels very Christmas-y but I think November 1 is when people turn the page and kick into gear. I saw an article this week on Pop Sugar and almost got into my car and drove to Aldi, but their wine Advent calendar isn’t available in the US. Why?! I am not a big drinker but this would make a fantastic splurge gift for your favorite person! Have no fear, there is another option: 12 Days of Christmas from Vine Box. Last year it was on sale on Cyber Monday for $20 off so keep your eyes peeled and your glasses empty – CHEERS!
Grow It, Move It: Movember
via Movember
I am not sure if the weather has officially turned but this is the month my hubby starts to grow his winter scruff, and I look forward to it every year. There is an actual name for this venture called Movember, a movement that is bringing attention to men’s health, in particular testicular cancer, prostate cancer and mental health/suicide prevention. Both men and women can retire their razors this month (let’s not get too crazy, ladies!); Movember also encourages participants to walk, run, cycle, swim, or row to bring awareness to men’s health. You can join challenges, host events for yourself, and, as always, you can document your Movember movement or mustachery with the #movember for all to see. Encourage your man to get a little scruffy and get moving!
Insta Follow: Laci Fowler
via Laci Fowler
I love stumbling onto a new artist and seeing creativity in a different light. Laci Fowler is a Franklin, Tennessee resident balancing motherhood and art and seems to be mastering it. Laci has some beautiful work in her portfolio, and her Instagram feed is filled to the brim with abstract florals that could fit in any home. You can shop her original artwork and prints through her site (sadly, much is sold out) and she has a commissioned works menu as well.
Watch: Stranger Things 2
I saw the web erupt this week as Netflix released Season 2 of Stranger Things. If you need a recap, you can just watch Millie Bobby Brown throw it down in The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Maybe it’s time to “Netflix and Chill” this weekend with Stranger Things.
Gratitude: 30 Days of Gratitude
This week Molly is kicking off 30 days of gratitude for the month of November. I think many of us use November to be a mindfully present and focus on what we have and what we can give. I found a few more items that may help you keep your gratitude flowing. One of my favorite bloggers has started a 30 days of good deeds challenge; really small, easy things we can do every day to make a difference in our world. She will post them daily to her to her Instastories for the month of November so you can follow along.
There is a new black and white photo challenge floating around the interwebs and I love the abstract and real photos that people have been sharing. It is a great break from the norm. With that being said, I think doing a photo challenge in the month of November is a great way re-focus life before the craziness of December. This November photo prompt list may be the perfect launching pad for some inspiration. You can share or not, but do it for you!
A number of years ago, a friend introduced me to the Tree of Thanksgiving or Gratitude Tree (this is not her tree but the closest item I could find for reference). For those of us with littles, it’s a great exercise. You can use gift tags, construction paper, twigs or a fishbowl to write your notes of thanks, but I love the idea of capturing the season and going into December with a full heart.
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