Kicking off this post with a bit of a PSA. I was just reflecting how different I feel right now than I have previous Novembers. This is usually the time of year when I start, for lack of a better phrase, losing my mind. The end of the year always gets me. Between work and personal obligations. Travel for the holidays. Throw being a mom into the mix and it’s like being in a pressure cooker. Except… not this year?! I’m not pregnant and I’m not breastfeeding, which is certainly helping, but even before I had kids, I would always be stressed out. What’s different this year??? Honestly, taking an SSRI. That’s it, that’s the PSA. I have taken medication for my anxiety before with mixed results, but this time it really seems to be working. The right dose, the right type. I was super upfront with my doctor about how others have made me feel and that I was skeptical. But I was also pretty desperate this spring.
If anything, my obligations right now are more. I have children. I have more campaigns than ever with no photographer and no videographer (so I’m doing all the shooting, editing, and writing myself). I’m class mom for Jack’s preschool class. I joined a board for our local hospital. I’m reading more than ever, I signed up for a tap class, I’m consistently working out, and I’m seeing my friends every week. I’ve been going to more events, personal and work….. and I…. don’t feel overwhelmed like I used to. It’s kind of amazing and I wish I had known this was even a possibility. So I’m telling you in case you’re feeling overwhelmed with anxiety
My gift wrapping “station.” The Joy Creative Shop gift tags and stickers are really sparking joy!
Here’s what was on my radar this week:
ONE // An Inslee Holiday Season
I’ve been a fan of Inslee for over a decade. (I even have a custom piece by her that my mom commissioned!) Her artwork is everything. I love that you can spot an piece of Inslee art from a mile away– everything she touches is gold. Lucky for us, she has some really great things out right now just in time for the holidays: a collection with Chappy Wrap and special holiday needlepoint canvases from Coco Frank.
TWO // Black Bow Top
I neeeeeeed this black bow top for the holidays and beyond. I’ve actually been quite drawn to blazers and pants for holiday dressing over the years and this top is everything. The bows! It would look great with jeans and flats for a daytime event or jeans and heels for a fun night out with girlfriends or black pants for a party!
THREE // SOTO Method Black Friday Sale
The Soto Method is my favorite way to workout right now. I am obsessed with the program and have seen the best results. (I’m back in my pre-Jack-pregnancy size jeans and I owe a lot of that to the Soto Method, honestly.) It’s a type a girl’s dream workout. (Here’s my full Soto Method review if you’re interested.) Their annual Black Friday sale is happening– here’s the post with details on how to take advantage of it.
FOUR // DIY Trampoline Ottoman
OMG, this is one of the best DIYs I’ve ever seen. A DIY project to turn a run of the mill (aka eyesore) trampoline into a gorgeous design-friendly ottoman. I was shook when this popped up on my FYP. I’m tempted to make this for our playroom basement. (Tackling that space is on my winter to-do list.)
FIVE // The BIG Card
If you’re into mahjong, your feeds have likely been taken over by the drama this week. New mahjong cards are hitting the market and people are…. up in arms. I will say that I fall in the “curious” camp and definitely ordered the Oh My Mahjong card to see what it’s like. But I also ordered Mahjong Line’s The Big Card and that’s what I’m most excited about. I have a lot of thoughts about the 2025 NMJL card, beyond the mistakes, and I’m very curious about The Big Card. I’m excited to get my hands on it….
