Currently Loving- November 2019

Happy, happy December! Though I thoroughly enjoyed November, I’m so happy to do all things Christmas. It really does feel like the most wonderful time of the year. I think a lot of that is because it’s so visually pleasing and the music is so good. 🙂 I know that music comment won’t go over well with a few of you (ahem, Paul), but I don’t care. I am who I am. November was particularly busy and fun. If you’re new around here my monthly wrap-ups are about things I’ve done and products I’ve enjoyed. It’s basically a monthly account of what life has been like for me. It started off pretty great and ended great, too. Let’s get started.

Products

Peppermint Bark Oreos– These came in the form of a “treat” my mom brought back from a Target run. They are for real delicious. Not as good as regular peppermint bark but a nice treat nonetheless.

Undies– Aren’t they the hardest things to buy? Like, you can’t exactly try them on. Because that’a little weird. But then you’re worried about them not fitting and then you have to keep undies that don’t fit great. It’s a whole thing, am I right? So I decided to take a leap of faith on these Hanes brand undies, and I love them! All the praise hands for new undies! Quite possibly my favorite product this month. 🙂

Small Scarf– Though I’ve not worn it to it’s full potential, I’m having fun with this small scarf from True South. There’s still some just like it available in store plus a few other colors and styles. My favorite two ways to wear it so far are to tie it on my purse and wrap it around my wrist as a bracelet.

Target Jammies– If you’re following Living with Landyn on Instagram, then you’re familiar with the Target jammies. I just told Paul that I really needed new pajamas. I’ve been wearing my current faves for far too long. Enter Landyn with her cute red striped pajamas. Her followers kind of went nuts over them, myself included. I didn’t get them from online right away because I was thinking it’s Christmas, and I’ll likely get a pair from my mom like I do every year. But I was walking past the display of them at Target last week, and they sort of just jumped in the cart all by themselves. 🙂 In all seriousness, they are insanely comfortable and totally worth looking like every other woman in America that follows Landyn.

Then one day I was wearing them and making an Instastory video talking about Landyn and what she calls a pimple (it’s Sharon by the way) and wouldn’t ya know she reposts it to her Instagram. I woke up to so many direct messages from y’all that told me I was featured on her page. Made my absolute day to be Insta-famous for 24 hours.

Beautycounter Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm Stick– Beautycounter has the best holiday sets every year. But I think they’ve outdone themselves this year. I’d say to check out all the holiday sets, but this particular set, the Counter+ Skin Care Favorites Set is my favorite. However, it’s sold out. But when you click the link, select the Notify Me button so that you will know exclusively when it comes back in stock. It’s got the best product in it, the Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm Stick. It’s just like the Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm which also has it’s own giant size holiday version. Check out all the wonderful things it has to offer, buy it, and thank me later.

Beautycounter Citrus Rosemary Body Oil– Hate that dry winter skin as much as I do? Then you absolutely must treat yourself to this body oil. Doesn’t that sound luxurious? It kind of is and that’s what self care is all about, ladies. It is an excellent product that I’ve had for literally years because I only use it in the colder months. Like most Beautycounter products a little goes a long way, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck.

Sam’s Leather Jacket– Yep, that’s right. A leather jacket from Sam’s Club. Well, maybe a faux leather jacket, but a nice one that I’ve been reaching for over and over again. Officially named it Roger so I can say “Roger that” to all my outfits. (I heard SJP say that once about a belt, so I can’t take credit for the originality. But if SJP does it, it’s cool right?) I highly recommend this jacket, though. It comes in four colorways, fits true to size, and has these great stretchy panels at the sides to ensure the most incredible and comfortable fit.

Sam’s Ribbon for my Christmas Tree– Another Sam’s find this month was the ribbon I got for my Christmas tree. The last two years I’ve used ribbbon from Sam’s on my tree, and I’ve been very pleased.

I wanted to do something different this year, so I was on the hunt for black and white stripe ribbon. Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! 50 yards of wired ribbon for $7. It can’t be linked, but it’s available in store.

Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish- Pre-Show Jitters – I’ve shared this product with you before. I have several colors in Essie Gel Couture and find that this particular formulation plus the top coat really provide a lasting at-home manicure. I am all about a fun and festive red this time of year and a dark color for fall, but I’ve been into the winter whites also. I decided to repurchase a color I have preciously loved. This set makes for a great stocking stuffer for the girly girl on your list.

La Croix– I’m late to this party, like really late, but after cutting out most sugary drinks, I decided to give La Croix a go. Hello new beverage treat! I know it isn’t for everyone, but I quite like it.

Life Happenings

Shopping the Christmas Open House sales with Mrs. Robyn
Early in the month, the shops around Greenville had their Christmas Open House, and Mrs. Robyn, who loves shopping as much as I do, and I decided to hit up the stores for some retail therapy. We had the most fun at The Roost. 🙂

Wicked
My love for the theater runs deeeeeep. I think it’s because my parents introduced me at an early age to musicals like The Sound of Music, Annie, and The Wizard of Oz. Fast forward to age 13 when I took a trip of a lifetime with Mr. W.S. Godwin to NYC and got to see The Phantom of the Opera and Annie Get Your Gun (with Bernadette Peters!). Then in my twenties Wicked entered my life. I was fortunate enough to snag crazy cheap tickets to see it in New Orleans while I was living in Baton Rouge, and I’ve not been the same since. I used to sing along to that soundtrack at the top of my lungs on those late night drives back to Alabama. And I do mean at the top of my lungs. My mom has never seen a Broadway musical production and neither had my sister-in-law, Anna, so Mom decided we needed to go. Hooray for Atlanta being close enough for a quick day trip matinee. It was the most fun, and though I didn’t cry like I though I would, I was enthralled the entire time. Thanks for the memories, Mom!

Last Christmas Movie Date
It takes a lot of convincing to get Paul Norman to the movie theater, but I convinced him to see Last Christmas. We both really enjoyed it. I laughed so much and even cried a little. I recommend it for a fun, heart-felt, holiday film you’re sure to enjoy.

Dad’s Birthday Surpise
My dad turned 65 this year. His birthday is always the week of Thanksgiving and often falls on Thanksgiving Day, so this year it was the Tuesday before and we managed to surprise him with some of his friends for cake and ice cream. He had no idea they were coming, and it was fun to see him figure out what was going on. Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you!

Thanksgiving
My mom has two brothers and a sister that live out of state. They all made the trek to Greenville and spent the holiday with us. We ate, we shopped, we visited, we ate some more. It was a nice visit with them.

Iron Bowl
As I posted earlier this week, I won the Iron Bowl. You’re welcome. Read about it here. 😉

I’ve Found My Coffee Drink
I have been all over the map this year when it comes to finding an every day coffee drink. I have had every single creamer imaginable. Then I had my big break up with Pumpkin Spice Creamer. That one still hurts sometimes. After several other tries, I think I’ve found my sweet spot with a splash of half and half and a dash or two of cinnamon. Absolutely delicious. Give it a try.

TV I Watched

Last month I mentioned that I had a few shows on my radar. One being The Politician on Netflix. I binged it over a weekend. It was a little over the top and even a bit strange, but I did like it a lot. If you know about Ben Platt then you were on this bandwagon quickly. He even sang in it, and I suggest you grace your ears with his gorgeous rendition of River.

And please listen to Vienna because Ben Platt sings Billy Joel.

The other show I was interested in watching was Modern Love on Amazon Prime Video. Paul and I ended up watching this together and really liked it. Who doesn’t love love? My favorite episode was the second one. If you watched, what was yours? The last episode was right behind it. Ah…it was so good, y’all.

Then I decided on a whim that I was going to watch The Crown. No reason at all to start it. Just did it. Then I found out season 3 was set to come out. I have finished seasons 1 and 2 but haven’t started watching 3. I’ll get that one over the Christmas break.

Decorated for Christmas
Decorating for Christmas began very early for me this year. It’s my favorite time of year. I love all the decorations, and I knew I wanted to do something different than last year, so I was ready to get creative.
There was great fun had at the expense of the ribbon I chose for my tree. It reminded me so much of Beetlejuice and almost had me taking it out. But it has really grown on me, and I’m enjoying the whimsy and fun it provides. I also added ALL the disco ball ornaments I own, so the dancing sparkles in the morning light are just a delight. I decided to use a good bit of color instead of my typical black, white, and gold color scheme. Do you keep the same tree every year or do you like to change it up every so often?

What I’m Looking Forward to in December

Christmas, duh! We get to start new traditions this year and hopefully keep some of the old ones, too. I’m looking forward to all the fun holiday fun!

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel drops season 3 on the sixth. I CANNOT WAIT!

I mentioned earlier that I’m excited to see season 3 of The Crown. Olivia Colman is a brilliant actress, and I’m looking forward to seeing her play the Queen. And let’s not forget Helena Bonham Carter as Margaret.

I’m also really into this whole Dolly comeback she’s got going on. I definitely am hoping to see the Netflix series called Heartstrings.

So basically I’m just looking forward to watching a lot of TV in December. LOL What about you? Did you have a good November? Tell me in the comments one of your favorite things you did and one thing you’re looking forward to in December.

Have a great one, y’all!