This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure policy.
Good morning all! I can’t believe I’m waking up on the last day of November here. Where did this year even go?
This month has been filled with so much excitement. From Hema and Vedant’s wedding to Thanksgiving weekend, we’ve been running around all over and I absolutely love it.
But I did want to pop in here at some point today to do a “Lately” post since it’s my way of documenting the in-between stuff too because those are the things we most often forget. Hope your month has been full of pie, love, and lots of beautiful memories!
Lately, I’ve been….
Reading
Brene Brown. I love how open and vulnerable she is and everything she writes in her most recent book, “Braving the Wilderness,” resonates with me over and over and over again. The theme of the book is “true belonging,” which – if you can imagine a brown liberal girl living in the middle of Appalachia – really hits my heart because I feel anything BUT a sense of belonging. This book was written around September 2017 so touches on a lot of the political divide in our country. And it honestly feels like my Bible some days because I reference it in an effort to feel inspired and connect with the community around me. This chapter title runs through my mind a lot. When things feel difficult. And when I’m met with extremely different views. “People are hard to hate close up. Move in.”
Eating
We have indulged in all sorts of goodies during the month of November. But I’ve jumped right back on the low-carb train since Friendsgiving was over and it feels really good to get back to a routine. This is one of my favorite dishes to make because it’s so simple, and yet, has so much flavor. Deconstructed egg rolls. Even Ankur loves them.
Playing
I ordered this board game from Amazon last week and played it with a few of my co-workers and, again, brought it to Friendsgiving to play with everyone there. It had us doing push-ups in the kitchen, nuzzling our neighbors like cats, and drinking a whole lotta wine. I highly recommend it for a ladies night in or, heck, even a ladies night out. Yes, I did in fact bring this game to the bar.
Watching
This past Sunday, Ankur and I sat down and watched the first two Harry Potter movies. Ankur has seen them a million times each, but this was my first time watching them! I’m a late bloomer to this Harry Potter thing. If you’ve been reading this blog awhile, you may remember that I only finished the Harry Potter series back in the summer of 2016. I enjoyed them so much and hope we can watch the next two over Winter Break!
Baking
I’ve been buying a few low-carb items to have on hand when the sweet tooth cravings strike. Good Dee’s baking mixes are made with sunflower seed flour and are sweetened with erythritol. These – along with my KNOW cookies – have been really helpful to have because they satisfy my sweet tooth, but don’t upset my stomach.
Listening
CHRISTMAS MUSIC!! I felt like I did a great job abiding by the holiday rules this year. Normally, I have my holiday music playing after Halloween and I’ll get our Christmas tree before Thanksgiving. But, this year, we waited until Thanksgiving was over to get our dear Winston Churchill and I turned on the Christmas music for the first time THIS WEEK. (Note: this was not an intentional decision. We’ve just been busy. Things will revert back to normal in 2018).
Questions of the Day:
- What have you been reading lately? Cooking lately? Listening to lately?
Very fun post. I can’t believe November is already almost gone!
Sounds like you had a really great November. I know December is going to be difficult with all the sweets around but I am still trying to eat as well as I can! Would you be able to share the recipe for those deconstructed egg rolls? That sounds amazing!!
I’m glad you’re finally watching the Harry Potter movies. I just love them so much – and really anything HP related! That’s great you are enjoying them; they just get better in my opinion!! 🙂
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Christmas Gifts for Newborns (with Put Me in the Story)
That brownie mix looks delish! I might need to try that. Also, Brene Brown… yes please! I need to read her new book.
That game sounds amazing! I am going to go look for it.
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups recently posted…Fall bucket list review and 2017 holiday bucket list
Great post! I went out and ordered Braving the Wilderness. And those brownies look good – so does the mean you made. I haven’t started my Christmas music yet, but might today – I try to wait for December because I enjoy the anticipation. 🙂
I was late on the Harry Potter wagon too so I totally get it! The movies are so fun, especially at this time of year! I’m curious about that Brene Brown book. And I’m listening to all the Christmas music too! Best time of the year!
Beth recently posted…Thinking Out Loud – Current Events
Ready for Christmas…..December is right around the corner.
God Bless you and Ankur for making the best of your life in TN.
I am sure a lot of your friends and blog followers get motivated reading your blog.
Your positive attitude towards life and accepting all what is coming your way.
We are so so proud of you.
xoxo
‘Braving the Wilderness’ was SO good! I want to read it again and again and again because it really was that powerful!
Katie recently posted…Thursday Thoughts #1
Looks like you had a very busy (but fun!) month! I’d love to try that board game… even in a bar 🙂 Thanks for sharing… may have to add this one to the Christmas wishlist!
Also I’d really like to read a book by Brene Brown. I love that quote you shared so much: “People are hard to hate close up. Move in.” Now especially I find so much truth in those words, and I’m trying to make peace with things (and people) I don’t always understand, which requires 1) patience 2) peace 3) love. SO MUCH LOVE. Not always easy but it’s a good practice, I think 🙂
Love that you are getting in the holiday spirit. I need to start pumpin some Christmas tunes up in here, too. Also, I have not seen the Harry Potter movies either. I’m on season 7 of Game of Thrones though. FINALLY!! XOXO
Charlotte recently posted…Ramblin’ woman
Low carb brownies?! YES PLEASE! I haven’t see the last 2 HP movies or read the books but I will eventually! I am not reading anything currently but am all over Longmire and The Frontier on Netflix. I am all turkeyd out. Its back to watching what we eat and cooking at home. That wine game looks like FUN!
Kim M recently posted…Family, Food and Football with #HormelGatherings
Brene Brown saves my life on a regular basis. I’m in the middle of reading Braving the Wilderness right now. It’s my favorite book of hers to date and I think it’s because she is so vulnerable in it and it’s so relevant right now.
I saw deconstructed egg rolls on Instagram not too long ago and they looked delicious. I will have to try them!
Courtney A. Casto recently posted…The Pink Eyed Monster
Can you believe that November is over?!? It seemed to go so fast! I’m sad to see it go – I love the fall colors and the nip in the air.
Penny Struebig recently posted…Friday Favorites – December 1, 2017
I have a confession to make: I’ve been listening to Christmas music since November 1. (I know, I’m crazy….) I’ve been meaning to check out Brene’s book – I love her stuff so much!!
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries recently posted…The Nostalgic ’80s Just Got A Little Bit More Awesome
Braving the Wilderness sounds fantastic!
Akaleistar recently posted…My year of adventure (Glossies Made Me Do It!)
Ahh! Welcome to the Harry Potter world! I LOVE the series and have read them through many times. How fun you’re now able to go through the movies! It has been a while since I’ve seen them. Maybe I should watch them again on winter break too!
Laura @ The Mindful Mom Blographer recently posted…6 Zero Waste Gift Wrap Ideas – Zero Waste Challenge – Week 12
November was over in a rush… but it sounds like you made the best of it.
San recently posted…What I read in November