How many times do I start these posts with an apology for always forgetting to write them? Well I won’t do that this month. I’ll just get on with the catch up for November instead.
If you’re new round here, then these posts are a chance for me to catch you up on the month. From all of the bits and bobs I’ve been loving to what’s been going on in my life to all of the exciting things I’ve been up to (usually not very much).
November has been a bit of a strange month. I left my job at the end of October for two months of relaxing before I move back to the UK in January.
Related Posts: My Honest Feelings About Moving Home
It hasn’t been the blissful relaxation and fun I expected. The reality is that I’ve have nothing to do which has really impacted my mood. For the first part of the month, I felt really low and deflated. But things seem to be picking up and I’m starting to feel better!
So that’s an update on how I’ve been feeling, but let’s get chatting about all the things I’ve been loving and doing during November.
The Binge-Worthy Reality Show
Obviously, the first thing I did when I quit my job was slob on the sofa and watch loads of telly. Is it any surprise that I ended up feeling so rubbish? Nope, I didn’t think so.
However, I did get round to catching up on Love Island Australia which I became fully obsessed with (just ask my parents). Love Island Australia is SOO much juicer and more dramatic than the UK version which is all we want from reality telly. I was living for all the drama! I mean, that recoupling with Grant and Cassidy had me on the edge of my seat.
The first season was brilliant but I’ve not been able to get into the second one. Has anyone watched season two? Does it get better?
The Candles for Feeling Festive
When you live in a country that rarely gets colder than 18°C, it isn’t easy to get into the autumn and winter mood. But that is where Bath and Body Works candles come in. I love treating myself to a couple of them to get myself feeling more cosy and festive – even when the weather doesn’t reflect it.
My favourite autumn candle is Marshmallow Fireside which instantly feels cosy with its ridiculously sweet and slightly woody scent. Whilst for Christmas, I’m loving Fresh Balsam, which makes the house smell like a forest of Christmas trees, or the ultimate festive scent from Tis the Season.
The Place to Eat
Ok, so this is one for all the Dubai folks. Recently, I went for lunch at Parker’s and loved it. The food was really unique (pretzel coated fried chicken, anyone?) but delicious and the interiors were lovely.
The thing that I loved mostly was their Unplug Movement. It challenges you to put down your phone and spend time actually socialising. To entertain you whilst you wait for your food, they provide you adult-versions of colouring sheets and fun games like Uno or quizzes.
I think it’s such a brilliant idea that really reminds us that to get offline and enjoy time with our family or friends.
The Eyeshadow Sticks
I went into the H&M this month to look for a belt. I came out of the store with no belt, but some beaut eyeshadow sticks instead.
I bloody love an eyeshadow stick because, as much as I wish I was, I’m not a beauty guru who can do ultra-glam cut creases. I’ve recently found that whenever I decide to wear some eyeshadow, it always looks crap and I end up taking it off.
But with an eyeshadow stick, you can’t really go wrong! Just slap them all over your lids and you’re pretty much good to go.
I was really drawn to these H&M ones because of the purple shade was sooo gorgeous! They don’t drag across your eyelids, they just glide on. Plus, they’re really pigmented and last really well.
The App That’s Got Me Moving
As I’ve said, leaving my job has left me with a lot of free time. I spent the first week watching loads of Love Island Australia and not doing much else apart from overthinking. Inevitably, I ended up feeling really crappy.
For the first time ever, I decided to take my own advice. In attempt to pick myself up, I decided to get outside and start trying to move my body more. I can’t afford to get a gym membership at the moment and when I do yoga it is in my bedroom, the Couch to 5K app has been perfect.
It not only gets me out of the house every other day for some fresh air, but it is giving me that much needed focus and endorphin boost. Whilst writing this, I’m on the second week of using it and, I never thought I’d say it, but I’m loving it. I’m really enjoying feeling my body stronger and fitter whilst pushing it but not so much that I give up.
The Denim Boilersuit
I am someone who is ALWAYS late to trends. It’s mainly because I spend some time considering whether I actually like the trend or I just want it because everyone else has it.
So with that in mind, I have finally jumped on the boilersuit bandwagon. If it’s even a trend anymore?
I hadn’t even considered the boilersuit trend but my stepmum persuaded me to try one on and I fell in love with it. This seems to happen fairly often, she seems to spot things that I’ve not noticed but always end up loving!
Anyways, the boilersuit in question is from Red Herring at Debenhams and I’ve been wearing it nonstop. Well, I have since I got it back from the tailors after nearly destroying the legs with some scissors.
It’s so easy to chuck on without having to think too much about it. It can be dressed up or dressed down – not that I dress up that often. The denim is perfect because it isn’t too thick or stiff.
The Things I’ve Been Listening To
During November, I discovered Desert Island Discs. I don’t know how it took me so long to discover it, but now I’m completely obsessed. I’ve been spending the month making my way through all of the old episodes because with some absolutely brilliant songs and nosey, chatty interviews, it is right up my street.
As always, I’ve got a playlist for November with all the incredible music that I’ve had on repeat for the month which you can listen to here. However, the stand out songs from this month are:
- Billie Ellish / everything i wanted : I’m not the biggest Billie Ellish fan but this song sounds is incredible. I love her voice and the lyrics, plus it is so chilled.
- HAIM / Hallelujah : Obviously, I love their newest EP because I swear I’m such a HAIM fan girl but who cares because they always produce bangers.
- Triple One, Matt Corby & Kwame / So Easy : Such a laidback, smooth vibe and I love it.
- Mura Masa : The latest two singles have been so incredible. The one with Slowthai has a kind of old school The Street’s vibe that I’m obsessed with.
So that was November in a nutshell – a lot of boredom, a couple of good purchases and getting myself into an exercise regime.
How has your November been? Have there been any exciting things happening or have you discovered something new?
Hannah xx
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Well, my November has been a lot of lazing around as well because I broke my foot at the beginning of the month, and I’ve taken to spending a lot of time seated. Ugh. You’ve inspired me to get moving again!!
Ohhh no!! Definitely give yourself time to rest because that sounds painful.
That jumpsuit looks AMAZING on you!! Everyone is addicted to Love Island, I guess I have to watch it now lmao!
Erika Marie | https://imerikamarie.com
Thank you so much! You totally do, it is one of the best reality shows haha.
Your updates were filled with so many great and fun ideas to try out! I thought that was really cool about the unplug initiative at Parker’s.
Thank you! The unplug initiative made lunch so much more fun and sociable x