Musings on Momentum

design a life you love

Gratitude in November

To be honest, I nearly skipped writing a gratitude post this month. That decision had nothing to do with being unable to find things to be thankful for; it is the month the United States celebrates Thanksgiving, after all. Gratefulness is a national pastime come November. Rather, the presidential election still has me feeling a jumble of conflicting emotions that I’m having a hard time wading through.

However, three weeks post-election, it is more important than ever that we collectively attempt to come from a place of thankfulness and connectivity. It is for that reason that I am going to keep the tradition alive and share something a bit unorthodox that I have found to be grateful for in November.

gratitude-in-november

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A Fresh Look in Vegan Skincare with DERMA E

If you’re a regular visitor to Musings on Momentum, you know that I strive to use natural skincare products whenever possible. One such brand that I have become acquainted with is DERMA E. You can find their GMO and cruelty-free lotions and potions at local retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts and Ulta Beauty, meaning that their products are exceedingly easy to get your hands on here in the States.

DERMA E has a long history of making sustainable, natural products and have managed to stay at the top of their game and evolve as decades have passed. The company’s latest evolution comes in the form of their packaging which they recently revamped. I had the opportunity to take an early look at it and absolutely adore their simplified new look. Not only are DERMA E’s vegan skincare products top of their line, their packaging is now as well.

DERMA E Vegan Skincare Main

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Tuscan Green Beans – A Holiday Side Dish

The recipe I’m sharing with you today is one that is particularly close to my heart. Originally my grandmother’s recipe, my mom made this holiday side dish every single year while I was growing up.  Not only does it have a very unique tang to it that perfectly offsets the holiday sweets we consume each year, it’s also a gorgeous dish that compliments any holiday table.

Holiday Side Dish

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Dress Up Your Shower with DIY Shampoo Bottles

It feels as if it was ages ago that I first mentioned my plans for a mini bathroom makeover. Oh wait, it was ages ago! What can I say, life got in the way and I ended up with a buildup of bathroom-related DIYs.  I’m happy to report that I’m back on track and have a brand new project to share with you today, these super simple DIY shampoo bottles!

DIY Shampoo Bottles

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Music Mondays – November Playlist

This November playlist is a bit of a departure from the upbeat one that I shared with you last month.  As the days grow shorter, I’m finding myself longing to stay in with my husband and be cozy at an increasing rate.  This playlist was created with cold, dark, and snug days in mind and features moodier and, at times, bluesier, sounds from an eclectic mix of songs and artists.  Most notably? The xx have made the list with a brand new single that I’m absolutely loving.  It features the haunting melodies the group is known for paired with rather poignant lyrics about missing out on love.

I have been a big fan of The xx since I first saw them in 2013 at the Hollywood Bowl.  My now-husband took me to that show relatively early on in our relationship and now listening to them always makes me reminisce.  Their live shows are beautifully stripped down and raw.  I highly recommend checking them out in concert if you haven’t already.

I hope that this November playlist helps get those of you that live in colder climates through the early days of winter!

Music Mondays - November Playlist