November was a busy month but in that totally boring sort of busy way. I have a lot of projects going on that need to be finished. It was like a month of just staying busy and trying to stay focused and motivated. I have my own projects but I also took on some freelance projects. This is all good, just keeps me busy.

Plus, the month just sucked. Like it was a reminder of how shitty the world is. Sorry, not trying to be a downer but it was a downer. Events over the past month had me reflecting, thinking a lot. I think it had us all in a certain state of mind.

As far as fun stuff, I went to the MET a few times.There were a few gallery things I wanted to catch, but I wasn’t able to…mainly because I was too lazy to leave the house on a Saturday afternoon. It was one of the rare months where I really wanted to just hang around the house on the weekends unless it was to get a low-key dinner or meet up at a coffee shop or something.

Thanksgiving was a nice break. David took a few days off. It just sucks when you get in a place where you’re so behind with “life” that a break is used for catching up on things that need to be taken care of. That was our break. November was a month of getting shit done.

Here’s my favorites from November:

Wearing (fragrance) – I sampled a lot of perfumes in November, many I liked. I’m just really behind on reviewing but I’ve enjoyed trying new things. As far as what I wear when I’m not sampling (usually at night, after bathing), I’ve been into Estee Lauder Youth Dew (modern formulation) layered over Maja bath and body products. Oddly, I’ve had a sweet tooth too. I’ve been wearing Prada Candy or DSH Perfumes Piment et Chocolat over Malie Organics Beauty Oil in Coconut Vanilla. However, after Thanksgiving, I was sick of sweets, including sweet perfumes. Oh, and I had a week where I used LUSH Rose Jam Shower Gel and the EDP. I love that shower gel.

Summary – I hope to have some reviews of the new stuff that I liked up soon.

Wearing (cosmetics, etc.) – Ever since doing these “Favorites” posts, I realize that I wear a lot of different “looks” throughout the year. But, usually in a month there are two makeup “looks” that I rotate through. For November, I was into one look that was all about the skin using Korean BB Creams and a gold ColourPop Highlighter. I’d wear a few coats of mascara and NARS Blush in Outlaw (deep rose with gold shimmer). It’s funny because my “favorite” lipstick was that Revlon one that I totally dissed last month. I still think it’s gross but the color is so beautiful! My other look was all matchy-matchy and all about wine. I’d wear a thin line of burgundy eyeliner from Kiko (which is not on their site now and it’s the best color ever) and then a dark “matching” lipstick, Revlon Super Lustrous in Black Cherry. I add a few coats of mascara and a shimmery blush like Covergirl Contouring Blush in Purely Plum.

Summary – I’ve been all about the “strobing” and reds. It’s the holidays can’t you tell?

Wearing (clothes) – I honestly didn’t give a fuh about clothes this past month, probably because I bought too much the month before. I wore the same things that I wore in October like flannel and then a shift dress when I “go out”. I spent a lot of time browsing online in November looking for something the perfect shade of green. This is really out of character for me since everything I own is black, white or gray. But, I got in my head that I want jewel tones and I want something that is a deep emerald or like a ruby…or both. I never found what I’m looking for and I’m sure this phase will pass. But, gah, I’m loving jewel tones. I mean, I always have. It’s just back in my system again.

Summary – I wore the same ‘ole while looking for something new. I know this is odd, but when I start craving colors, I’m usually in my worst mood. Like when I get stressed, I want to wear colors. When I’m my most chill, you’ll see me in black. If you ever see me in some neon, call a doctor.

Using (skincare) – Earlier in the month, it was uncharacteristically muggy and mild. This actually messed with my skin and caused a breakout that is taking months to fade. I spent the month using brightening products to try to fade it. I ran out of a lot and started using new stuff like the Olay Regenerist Luminous line. I used a few sheet masks but for the most part, I’ve been into wash off cream and/or mud masks.

Summary – I’m not going to complain since the weather hasn’t been too bad yet. I’ll take some wacky skin if it means I’m not freezing.

Eating/Drinking – We’ve been in a food funk since moving. Moving will do that. It’s hard to know where to buy groceries and a lot of things are regionally specific. It takes some adjustment. This month was busy so we thought we’d try Blue Apron, a recipe/meal service. It’s been OK. I have some complaints but for the most part, it’s been good at freeing my mind for a few days a week. I just wish the food was like spicier and didn’t take double the time they said it would to prepare. I’m going to try it a few more weeks before making a final judgement. Also, Thanksgiving was good. How was yours?

Summary – Adulting is hard. I wish I could outsource all the adulting to someone else. I’m working on that.

Listening – I feel like I’m in a musical funk and just keep listening to the same ‘ole, same ‘ole. When this happens, I usually listen to goth-y, industrial 80’s/90’s stuff and hip hop. This is like my “background noise”. I was going to go to a Shamir show but once again, I didn’t feel like staying out all night on a “school night”. Man, I’m getting old.

Summary – Some months my consumption outweighs my output. This month my output outweighed my consumption.

Watching – This has been the year of my “Supernatural” obsession. We watched a few episodes and I can’t get over how we totally binged watched it this year. Like a decade of work I just breezed through in half a year…anyway, it’s a good show because it’s totally aware of its cheesiness. Even the dogs are into it.

Summary – I have a nephew named after a character in the show. No joke. I’m mad that my other nephew wasn’t named after a character in the show.

Reading – This month was exhausting for no fun reasons. I was so tired that sometimes watching a rather “no brainer” TV show was exhausting. I didn’t really read anything that wasn’t career/skill related. I didn’t read anything fun.

Summary – I have plenty of fun books to read. I just need to read them.

Wanting – A home in Palm Springs.

Summary – Basically, I’m telling you I’m ready to retire but that’s not happening. I’d settle for a vacation there. For now.

What were your favorites from November? Did you do anything inspiring? Go anywhere inspiring? Eat anything inspiring?

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*Creepy rose fashion from Dolce & Gabbana. Siouxsie pic from quotesgram.com. David Hockney “A Bigger Splash” from the Tate. Other pics are mine.