november 2021 things.

In this series, I share my favorite things from the past month – what I’m watching on one of the streaming services, the book I can’t put down, what I’m wearing on repeat. So here are my November things. Now tell me: what were your favorites from the past month? Let me know in the comments!

Beauty

Jackson hit four months, started wearing a CrainoCap to fix his flat, I went back to work, and DST ended all within a 2-week stretch. The result: my sleep plummeted from averaging about 8 hours a night (I know!) to 7 and omg I’m exhausted. Thank goodness for Ilia’s True Skin Serum Concealer for making me look a little more alive. My shade: Burdock SC1.75. Also a big fan of their multi-stick cheek and illuminator (in polka dots and moonbeams).

Fashion

Current top obsession: half-zips. I can’t get enough! The high neck makes them so cozy for chillier days and the half-zip is so flattering. Here are a few of my favorites.

Recipe

I don’t know that I’ve mentioned it before, but for the past two years, Nick and I have been plant-based (he’s strict, I still occasionally eat red meat because I still crave it sometimes and I can’t quite give up a 112 or Parlour burger). It started pretty gradually – no meat lunches, no meat dinners a few days a week, and then we watched Game Changers, which quite literally changed the game. I’ve never felt better.

When I tell most people we’re plant-based, the first question I get is, “What do you eat for protein?!” There are so many options – beans, lentils, tofu, and most days I have a protein shake (my go-to: Ritual’s pregnancy and postpartum protein) – and while I’ve never really counted macros (it’s too tedious, and I’m lazy), I definitely don’t feel like I’m lacking. Given how good I feel and how long we’ve been plant-based, I don’t think we’ll ever go back, especially to poultry (the thought of chicken breast makes me gag a little). Anyone else plant-based?!

TV/movie

Have you watched MAID yet? So good, so intense, so sad, must watch.

Baby

Jackson’s recently started drooling up a storm so we’re all about the kerchief bibs. Our current favorites are the fun prints from Winter Water Factory. And with two snaps on the back, they’re easily adjustable and will fit for awhile.

Book

It took me awhile to finish – mostly because I could only manage about 10 pages before falling asleep before bed – but I thoroughly enjoyed The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. The story follows Addie over 300+ years after she makes a deal with the devil to live forever, but be forgotten by everyone she meets until she meets a guy who made a similar deal. Add it to your reading list!

Home

I loathe cleaning the house – who actually enjoys dusting and cleaning the bathroom?! – but it’s a bit better with better products. We switched to Branch Basics before we got pregnant with Jackson, and it streamlined all our smelly, not-so-good-for-you products into one. Dilute the giant bottle of concentrate with water to make bathroom cleaner, all-purpose countertop spray, and laundry detergent (different parts water to concentrate), and voila – non-toxic cleaners that are safe for everyone.

Sport

I’ve been back to a consistent running schedule for a few weeks, and gosh, does it feel good. I’m also pretty happy to fit back into my favorite running shorts – the little bit longer shorts from Malo Republic. Five stars for these! I’ve been wearing them since 2019 (starting with an early Wyn version for Twin Cities Marathon), and I’m not kidding when I say they’re the perfect running shorts. High-waisted, softest fabric, a back zipper pocket and side pockets, and they never ride up, slouch down or bag out.