Monthly Favorites: November 2022

And just like that…November has come to a close! Recapping some things I’ve been loving, and my early start on holiday shopping. Check out my favorites for this past month below…



Indulging: Dazzle Dry. I saw the hype about Dazzle Dry (vegan, non toxic, fast drying, long lasting) and had to try. I started with their mini kit and am so impressed with it. As a gal that can’t get her manicure of any type to last longer than a day, I put my nails through the ringer with cleaning, and general wear and they did great. Application was a breeze (I’ll get better with practice too) and it does dry super fast. Get $20 off orders $65+ here.



Gifting: I think literally every person we are buying gifts for is receiving at least one of these below. They are fun, purposeful and can check off everyone on your list- from friends & teachers to kids!

Geometry House: These towels are not only gorgeous, but they are true workhorses. SO addicting. They carry all kinds of towels but if you want to give them a try or give as a gift, I’d suggest starting with tea towels. Get 15% off with code ValerieP15

Rey to Z: This brand has such adorable personalized items. From baby/toddler/kid/adult baseball hats and beanies to pullovers, it makes for such a thoughtful gift for a kiddo that you aren’t sure what to buy. Get $5 off here. 

VMP prayer journals & books: Whether it’s one of her books or prayer journals of various types (kids, pregnancy, etc.) I’d highly recommend anything from this shop. Get $5 off here.

Chatbooks: Perfect grandparents/great-grandparents, order a photo book from Chatbooks. So many gorgeous covers to choose from and it doesn’t take an eternity to make by getting overwhelmed with designing from scratch. Super fast. Get 20% off your order with STYLEFILES.  Looking for a unique and fun pet canvas portrait? These are great.



In the kitchen: these pumpkin protein chocolate chip bars are SO good. And it makes a big 9×13 pan…perfect for quick weekday breakfasts! Also making an effort to have at least one smoothie or salad per day through the end of the year, a time when sweets notoriously get the best of me. The fresh fruits/veggies will help balance that out. And when hunger does strike, I reach for a Zing bar. These are our current favorites. Get 20% off your Zing order with Valerie20.



Moving: I’ve been a long-time fan of Madeline Moves strength program but was craving something different. She recently released Endurance Moves, which is a great mix of her great strength program AND cardio like running and Peloton rides (which if you are considering, Peloton has extended their Black Friday sale through 12/6 and has $600 off deals PLUS $100 in accessories with code KCSBNB). The MM strength workouts are a bit shorter and the cardio days are exactly what I’ve been craving to balance out all the weights. I also did a hot yoga class (my 2nd one ever) and really enjoyed it and would love to incorporate that in once a week…likely next school year when it works out better with our schedule.



Organizing: I had a hodge podge of spices jars and used a Sharpie on the tops of them to label them and needed something to help me identify what was what a bit better. This labeler came in at under $10 and it helped revamp my spices in a big way! Not onto labeling all the jars or dry goods in the pantry! And a fun activity for kids to help with spelling too…win win.



Reading: Recently finished Colleen Hoover’s Verity and WHOA. Just whoa. It’s definitely intense, more than the others I’ve read of hers. Also did a quick read of Jen Hatmaker’s Christmas book and it was perfect to start the holiday season. Simplicity books. Lastly, just grabbed the newly released Home Repair Record Keeper. Not so much to read but more a helpful resource. (Great gift for new homeowners or as a housewarming gift too!) Fun fact: my husband went to high school with the author!



Learning: I recently did a hand lettering workshop with a friend and had a blast! Renee did a great job of teaching us the calligraphy basics. I’ve been practicing and addressing holiday cards with my new (beginner) skills. If you aren’t local, you can find an event near you here. I also got a watercolor painting book from Emily Lex (love her Truth for Today cards) and am addicted! Blake loves to do his painting while I work on mine. We listen to music too…so relaxing! 

Wearing: I’m setting intentions for clothing in 2023 and took advantage of sales to stock up on some closet staples. I ordered some Madewell denim from Zulily with some gift card money from my latest collaboration with them…in LOVE. Great prices and the fit is on point. And I treated myself to a new bag…perfect for toting my laptop, planner and notebook to work in the afternoons! (I have the smaller crossbody purse and have used it for YEARS, such quality.)

Also stocked up on Everlane‘s activewear during their recent Cyber Monday sale (particularly their leggings & Perform Bra…which I consider to be better than Lululemon.) See posts featuring them here.

PS- if you are doing ANY shopping online- clothing, toys, gifts, etc. make sure you sign up for a FREE Rakuten account.  Did you know you can get FREE money when you use Rakuten to shop? You get a percentage of your purchase in cash back (and there are some AWESOME deals– some 15-20% back) which is mailed to you as a check every quarter. It’s easy and truly adds up…I’ve earned nearly $1,000 using this over the years! AND…if you sign up, you’ll get extra cash back as a welcome bonus! That’s the best deal I’ve seen from them yet.

Tell me about fun finds you have in the comments! Anything you’d like to see me feature or focus on more in a post? I’m all ears! As always, thankful for all of you that take the time to read, follow, like and support me…I deeply appreciate it today and every day!