My November goals & plans!

I’m carrying on with my monthly goals and plans. Writing things down really gives me that little kick up the behind to actually get things done. I always feel more motivated when I have a list to look at instead of just thinking I should probably do that at some point. When it’s written down it feels more official, like I’ve made a little promise to myself.

I did pretty well with my goals in November and ticked a lot off my list. There was just one thing I never got around to doing and hopefully I can fit that before the month ends.

Make plans for my birthday - Yes! I have some great ones. Some with friends, some with family and some things just for me.

Make an apple crumble - Yes and a pie too!

Get back into a proper morning routine - Yes and it was easier than I though it would be. Going to bed earlier has really helped.

Work on my end of year blog post - Yes I got caught up with it.

Have a hot pumpkin spiced latte - Yes and it was so good. Hot drinks are so nice when it's cold out.

Light some candles - Yes! This one was easy. I think I have had one burning most days.

Make it through October without buying every seasonal food item I see - Almost! I did buy a few seasonal items but that was only because they were new and I wanted to see if I liked them.

Use the slow cooker at least once a week - Yes and I tried some new recipes. We got meals from Gousto and they were supposed to be cooked in the oven. I just threw everything in the slow cooker and it worked out well.

Start a new TV series - Yep, I started 2. I've almost finished The Gentleman off Netflix and I am halfway through Ted Lasso. That might be my favourite show of the year!

Have a pumpkin day - No but I have plans to over the next couple of days.

In November, I want to:

Have a great birthday!

This should be easy as I already have a few things planned. A night away with Stu and a family meal are what I am most looking forward to. I think you should always make a big fuss about birthdays, it's the one day of year just for you. I think my birthday is going to be a week long celebration which I am happy about.

Sort Christmas food!

I already have my Christmas grocery delivery booked. It's set to be delivered a couple of days before Christmas, so that's one less thing to worry about. Over the next month I want to get everything for the cupboards, chocolate, soft drinks and alcohol. Then I will start adding things to the online basket and make sure we have everything we need for the big day. Fresh food, all the veg for the Christmas dinner and anything else which takes our fancy.

Run the freezer down and get it defrosted!

I need to get this done before I go out shopping with my Dad for some of the Christmas food. Every year he takes me out shopping. We go to Home Bargains for a mooch around and get all the freezer food from Iceland (the frozen food shop). Now we need to use up everything inside of the freezer to create some space for all the goodies that I am going to buy. I think we are having New Year's Eve at home this year so I need to stock up on the party food too.

Try a couple of Christmas drinks from coffee shops!

I love all the seasonal drinks at this time of year. I'm hoping to get out and try a few Christmas drinks in November. Costa Coffee is my favourite at this time of year. I want a Black Forest Hot Chocolate and yule log in one sitting and the Terry's Chocolate Orange hot chocolate and muffin too. I also have my eye on the Candy Cane Mint Hot Chocolate from Greggs as well. Yum!

Deep clean and change the living room around!

I always want to and need to change the living room around this time of year to make room for the Christmas tree. I like to have a good deep clean too. Moving the furniture around makes it easier as I can get behind the sofa and cupboards. I think it's nice to put the decorations up in a sparkly clean room. I can't see much dusting getting done in December as the decorations take over.

Put up the Christmas tree and decorations!

We will put the decorations up the day after my birthday. My birthday falls on a weekend this year so it's perfect! It's a rule that we don't start celebrating Christmas until after my birthday. Once my birthday is out of the way, I'm ready to get the decorations out and make the house look all Christmassy. I don't think I need to buy any new decorations this year but it won't stop me buying some new things for the tree.

Watch lots of Marvel movies!

Avengers: Doomsday is being released in the cinemas in the middle of December and going to see it will be on my December list. This month I want to watch lots of Marvel films to get in the mood for it. Disney+ has been really helpful and has marked all the important films to watch so at least I know where to start.

Have a proper pamper evening!

I think I will need it towards the end of the month! November is going to be a busy one so I want to make sure I have some me time. My idea of a pamper evening is a nice soak in the bath while having a scroll through TikTok while I soak. I need lots of bubbles and a bath bomb of course. I want to dye my hair as it will need doing by then, do a facemask and paint my nails too.

Finish the present buying!

I'm getting there with the Christmas gift buying but I've still got a few more to buy. I do have things in mind, so at least I am not going in blind. Then I have the wrapping to do. Ugh! I hate wrapping presents so might get the girls to help.

Make a homemade soup that I've never made before!

It's soup weather and I want to try making something different this month. I love a good homemade soup when it's cold outside and it's a great way to use up vegetables that get thrown in the bin. I usually stick to the same recipes, so I'd like to try something new.

What do you have planned for November?