Best of November

I’m really excited about this! You might notice that my website has been updated and looks completely different! I’m so happy about this transformation to a new, sleek, and modern theme. I went with the “Madeira” theme from Underline Designs. I love it!

Lol, this was simultaneously the best and worst time of the past few years. Unsurmountable stress, followed by the sweet, sweet relief of a new president-elect. I’m still high on the fumes. Thank you, America. Now, let’s continue getting to work.

Fall isn’t over yet, and the evidence is in my coffee cup at home. I got a pumpkin spiced creamer, which is a huge deviation from my standard cup of straight black bean sauce. It’s a nice treat, and really makes staying home a splash easier.

I’ve been a busy e-seller and consumer this month, thanks to Facebook Marketplace. I was able to find new homes for well-loved items, including two loveseat couches, three pieces of art, a dining set, and a bunch of random wedding decorations. And, we brought home a new dining table. There’s a rush to this, I swear. It’s addictive.

• Queen’s Gambit
• Dawson’s Creek
• The Boys
• New Girl
• The Mandalorian
• Love, Guaranteed
• The Bachelorette
• Attack on Titan
• Scientology Documentary – Leah Remini
• Brokenwood Mysteries
• Great British Bake Off

I’ve nicknamed Chad (secretly) Mr. Luxury, because lately it feels like he’s been yearning for some serious (and expensive) upgrades. For example, he spends a lot of time researching high-end espresso makers and his dream truck and all-inclusive island vacations and homes triple our price range.

Lately though, he did the first bougie thing and went and got our car fully detailed. Mr. Frugal Fix It Himself Always made a giant leap into the world of luxury, and even threw in an oil change. I’m not complaining! This has me feeling like we’re driving a brand new car.

Another nod to Chad, who has been upgrading our weekend breakfasts with a delicious avocado French bread toast. He lovingly crisps the French bread on the stove, and serves it with tomato, avocado, and a balsamic vinegar drizzle. So fancy, so delicious. He’s the best!

Though I wish I was talking about money, my 10K a day is in the currency of steps. This started to be my goal about half-way through the month and I’ve worked hard to meet it almost every day. Since I work at home, literally on my bed (lol), my step count was previously really pathetic (maybe 3k??) and I didn’t like that I was suddenly living a sedentary lifestyle. So, first 10! After this is an established routine, I hope to bump it up to 15.

I go on walks during the day, do a cardio workout, and then end up pacing around the house right before bedtime to get ‘er done.

As I mentioned last week, I recently unveiled some new products for sale in my digital store: holiday cards! I’d love if you could check them out. 🙂

This year, we had a very low-key celebration with my parents in Grand Junction, after several weeks of isolating. It was fabulous! We were able to relax, go for walks, hang out with the pups, watch great television, play a few games, and eat delicious food. Our feast included squash, brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, apple pear crisp, stuffing, and prime rib. Yum. Chad and I are so thankful that we were able to spend quality time together with my family.

November has been full of home updates and small projects. I’ve transformed a bar cart, shuffled some décor around, added a new dining table, purchased (and assembled) dining chairs, office chairs, and a bench, and most noticeably—painted our kitchen countertops. I’m hoping that next month, we paint our kitchen cabinets, followed by re-doing the backsplash.

I’m happy to report that I’m still working with some fantastic clients! My content creation business (Sunshine Creatives) has gone through a small work shuffle; now that the election is over, I’m no longer working with the Garco Dems (though I hope we collaborate again in the future!), and one of my clients is picking up and moving to a different state. I went and found a new real estate client (woo!), and have upped my pay/responsibilities/hours for another. Overall, all changes are good ones! I feel very fortunate to have some solid partnerships.

Chad and I lucked out a few weeks ago when we were able to meet up with our friends Bobby and Paige for a fabulous night spent at the Ritz Carlton in Beaver Creek. Bobby was able to stay in a penthouse suite through his work, and we crashed their party, complete with incredible balcony views, an amazing hot tub, delicious chili, drinks by the fire, and the best company. It was incredible, and a definite highlight!

Though I wish we could say that we’re “above” Black Friday shopping and the pulls of capitalism, Chad and I did succumb, a little. (I mean, we’re balling on a budget, and this house is a work-in-progress.) I’m actually really excited that we scored a few items (digitally, of course) for our house, hugely discounted. I got some lighting (pendent and flush lights for our entry way, dining room, and bedroom!), Christmas lights and décor (hopefully a one-time investment!), a new fire stick, and a Google Nest thermostat. Woo for upgrades!