November 2023 favourites

Here’s some of the things I’m loving right now for a more simple and sustainable life 😊

Hello! Finally getting round to posting on the last day of November, oops! As I’m trying to spend the free time I have away from screens, blogging has taken a bit of a back seat, but I wanted to reflect today at the end of the month on some things I’ve been enjoying doing which hopefully inspire you all to reflect on your month ahead of a very busy season and brand new year.

1. Cooking hearty food – Nothing better once this cold weather kicks in than sitting down in the evening with a steaming bowl of warm, filling food – the best! In a bid to make my meals more plant-based, I’ve now got a good collection of recipes I can make either vegetarian or vegan, which I enjoy cooking and love eating. These include chilis, curries, pasta bakes and bolognases. I like using split red lentils as my protein alternative, but I have also tried tinned lentils, which also cook pretty well. All of these can be cooked in large quantities and then frozen for a later date for that smug ‘tea’s already sorted’ feeling.
2. Winter walks – When it feels already cold inside the house, it can be offputting to go outside. But on a dry day, when you can cosy up in a big coat, hat and scarf, it is really beneficial to spend time outside, even on a quick walk to somewhere. Notice the little things, like the leaves falling in the path in front of you, the twinkling lights or the way you can see your breath. Each season has something to offer us, so try to find the enjoyment in these autumn/winter days.
3. Body Shop Shea shampoo bar – This is my current shampoo bar (Shea Moisture Restore Shampoo Bar 60g | The Body Shop), and I’m really enjoying using it. It hasn’t disintegrated, thoroughly cleans my hair and leaves it feeling very soft, which is great for this time of year. Not every solid product will work for you, so test out a few different brands and make a note of any that you enjoy so you can rotate them round, or put them on your Christmas list! I’m also making the most of everything pumpkin themed before autumn finishes once again, so loving the vanilla pumpkin range.
4. Making time to look after clothes – We’ve all got those jobs that are on a to do list but never get done, but it feels so good once they are completed! I like putting on a podcast or playlist, getting all my sewing stuff out and fixing any little holes or issues with my clothes or bags etc. Sure, more will appear in the future and I’ll have to repeat the process, but doing this gives me half an hour of quiet time and means I can keep my clothes in use knowing they are warm and well cared for going into the colder winter season.

I hope this month has been kind to you, it’s been fun to share what I’ve been enjoying and if you want to share any of your November favourites comment below. Making time for good habits both for our wellbeing and to show the planet kindness can help us keep consistent during the upcoming festivities and continue to do more into the new year. Sending best wishes for the month ahead happy sustainable seasons greetings! 🗓️