The November round up

and a list of things that are currently on my wish list

Nov 29, 2023

Little me looking fabulous for a pony party

I feel kind of basic sharing any sort of list right now since my inbox is stuffed to the gills with every person on the internet’s gift guide, but I’m doing it anyways and I hope you enjoy it.

I was listening to one of my favorite intuitive’s monthly download and he noted that November would signify the energetic end to 2023. As we near the end of this month, I fully believe this. Something about this year’s November feels rounded out and complete. I have also never been more ready to step into a new year. 2023 has been one hell of a ride and I am ready to head into 2024 with a backpack full of lessons and a lighter spirit.

This month has been quite introspective. Perhaps another reason why it feels so conclusive. As I mentioned in an earlier edition, I spent the first half of this month recovering from the flu and a virus, and the second half of the month was spent in my family’s basement going through boxes from my childhood and recalling the journey I have coursed through so far. I’m still here while I write this round up. I found journals that I had kept at nine years old, and letters I wrote to pen pals before email became a thing. I found an old flip phone (kind of tempted to reboot it and make it my primary phone again(?)) DVDs of dance recitals, and agenda books from college. So much beautiful life. I will dive deeper into the sentiment of this basement clean-up in another edition of On Holiday I’m sure, but for now, let’s get into some of the things I found on the internet this month.

🔮 First things first(!) In the spirit of supporting small businesses this season, I’ve just relaunched my 1:1 service, The Brand Vision Call. This call is a great tool for anyone who is hoping to gain more clarity around their online persona and brand. We will work together to define your unique visual story and how and where you have the potential to shine brightest online, tightening up your efforts. IMHO I think this would make for a killer gift to yourself in a time of year that is practically made for cocooning and reinventing. You can book your spot here, and send to anyone you think would benefit from this type of work!

📸 As well, my portal shop is open for prints in many sizes. Email me if you’d like a custom size or personalized gallery wall options.

🎣 Dan and I are really into smoked trout lately. Maybe it’s our proximity to the Delaware River or the fact that the tavern at The Arnold House has an incredible smoked trout appetizer dish that we literally drove 30 minutes out of our way to get two weeks ago. Either way, we are high-key obsessed. One of the vendors at our now local farmers market sells fresh and smoked rainbow trout and we always are sure to grab some.

📚 I finished A History of Love this month and it was the first book in a long time that I truly could not put down. Luckily, I was sick for three weeks straight so I had a lot of time on my hands to read with abandon.

🎂 I loved this article on the return of sheet cakes. I’m here for simpler times in all aspects.

💃🏽 This is perpetually me:

mandybrookeofficial

A post shared by @mandybrookeofficial

🎨 These colors and general vibe:

mariustroy

A post shared by @mariustroy

🍪 And I’m very much still on my kick of seeking out and eating good chocolate chip cookies. I found my recipe for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that I used to make in high school and whipped up a batch. It was divine and so nostalgic.

🎵 This podcast episode really hits home and eloquently verbalized how I see self care: