Happy Monday Everyone!
This is my usual Friday Five update for the month, but I’m sharing it a little early since Friday falls right after Thanksgiving. Can you believe how late Thanksgiving is this year—and that Christmas follows just three and a half weeks later? Add in Autumn’s birthday and my mom’s birthday right before the holiday, and it’s officially the start of my busiest season. But honestly, it’s one of my favorites, and I’m excited to kick things off with this month’s Five!
One – Living Room Updates
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Over the summer, we had new carpet installed in our living room, and it sparked a full-on refresh of the space. This room used to function more as a “sitting room,” but we decided it was finally time to turn it into a space we truly use and enjoy—especially since our big Christmas tree sits by the front window every year. Adding a fireplace felt like the perfect touch, and I am obsessed with how cozy this fireplace mantel from Wayfair makes the room. We also installed a picture-frame TV, and I love it even more than I expected. When we’re not watching something, we display artwork on the screen, and it looks so polished with the fireplace below it. I still need to decorate the mantel for Christmas, but I have a few ideas brewing and can’t wait to bring them to life. And thanks to some recent collaborations with Slumberland, we were able to add a new sofa with a chaise and an ottoman, which really completed the whole space. It’s honestly become one of my favorite rooms to relax in—especially during the holidays.
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I had so much fun decorating our new mantel for Christmas this year. I found a 6-foot light-up greenery strand on Amazon—it even has a built-in six-hour timer!—and added a nativity set and two glass light-up trees from Target. All the soft, twinkling lights make the whole space feel so warm and cozy for the holiday season.
Two – A Short & Sweet Halloween Recap
We had a very low-key Halloween this year. Once you have teens, the holiday feels completely different. I’ll admit—it took me a few years to adjust! But now I’ve come to appreciate the slower pace, and I treat myself to things I normally wouldn’t. For lunch, I tried Shake Shack for the first time, and it was fantastic. It actually reminded me a bit of In-N-Out, which we don’t have here. Then that evening, we ordered frozen cocktails—basically boozy milkshakes—and they were just as amazing as they sound. We only had a small handful of trick-or-treaters stop by, but honestly, it made for such a relaxing, easygoing evening.
Autumn went to a bonfire with friends, but I had to get a photo of her before she left. She dressed up as a deer. She is holding Aurora, her cat.
Three – Autumn’s 17th Birthday
And just like that… Autumn turned 17. I can hardly believe it. Just one more year before she officially becomes an adult—these babies really don’t keep. We’re hosting a birthday party with her friends in a couple of days, so I’ll probably share some photos from the celebration in next month’s post.
Nathan surprised Autumn with the Birthday Cake Jellycat for her special day, and Brian picked out the sweetest bunny holding a birthday cake—he even had her name monogrammed on its ear. Such thoughtful, sentimental gifts!
Four – Delicious Holiday Eats
Brian is always so thoughtful—he even runs to Starbucks before the teens have work or school, making sure to grab drinks on Red Cup Day. I’m curious, has anyone managed to get the glass bear cup?
We just had our second bruncheon with my Bible Study group, and I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of my plate—egg casserole, banana nut muffin, blueberry dumplings, and fresh fruit. Next month, we’re having a Christmas lunch at one of the ladies’ homes, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Five – Latest Finds
I got an email about the TreatBox Christmas Advent Box a few months ago and signed up immediately! They’re already sold out now, unfortunately. Last year I tried their larger 12-day advent box, which had fewer but “bigger” gifts. This year they only offered the smaller 24-day version, but I’m excited to experience it. I’ve been getting their monthly TreatBox all year, and it’s been such a fun little treat each month!
Here’s my November TreatBox, and I’m really happy with this one! I especially loved the Glazed Doughnut Body Mist, the Sipping Chocolate with Pink Himalayan Salt, and the Stroopwafel. The cozy brown socks were such a fun bonus too!
Here is my latest Runner’s Subscription box from Fuel Goods. It is fun to try some new running gels, snacks, protein shakes, etc. This would be a great gift idea if you have someone you know that loves running!
Pixi has perfumes! My favorite scent is the Mimosa (sweet, yet subtle). The Fig scent is fun and unique (warm and comforting) and then there is a Rose scent that would be great for the spring. These would make great stocker stuffer gifts or the entire trio for a small gift for someone that loves perfume!
Have a HAPPY Thanksgiving to my American followers!
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