Seven simple joys of November

[AD.PR] It seems I've neglected my simple joys series over the last couple of months. Not because I haven't had any joys to write about, more because I've not been able to find the time. I've been so busy with simple joys! And if I'm honest I'm still chasing my tail now! With that being said I did want to write a simple joys post this month. As we approach December there's lots of festivities going around, and I've had a pretty flipping joyful month.

If you're ready for some pure joy, strap in!

Simple joys of November

Getting in the festive spirit

I can't kick off November's simple joys post without mentioning festivities. Christmas songs are starting to creep in, the nights are drawing in and I for one am already in the festive spirit. It's definitely elevated because of my two small children, but I'm already really excited.

We have our advent calendars at the ready. The girls obviously have non Instagram friendly, brightly coloured, characterised £1 calendars, whereas I have something a bit more special this year. La di da sweet treats have sent me their hand decorated festive offering which consists of 25 (yes 25! That's important) mini oreos covered with delicious milk and white Belgian chocolate. Their oreo advent calendar is hand created by their very own artisan team and will make for the most amazing slice of luxury on a frosty December morning.

_{[Taken from La Di Da sweet treats as I haven't yet started my advent calendar]}

Friendship

This month one of my nearest and dearest friends moved house. Her and her family relocated to within a 15 minute drive of where we live and it's been bliss. She's in a similar position to myself so it's nice to not only have my old friend back but for our kids to become good friends too. We've already had lots of lovely afternoons out and long may it continue!

Essex

Speaking of friendship we spent a weekend visiting friends down in Essex. We don't get to go that often as it's one hell of a drive for us, but every time we do it's just lovely. We've been friends for a long time. And our girls are of a similar age. It's wonderful being able to all catch up. The weekend was spent visiting various parks, visiting a miniature railway and indulging in the best burgers I've had in a long time! It was bliss!

Solo parenting

This month I had a week of solo parenting. I always worry before my husband goes away whether I'll be able to cope with the girls on my own. Will I be able to keep them entertained? Will I be able to get to school on time? Those sorts of worries. And every time I do it, I think why on earth was I so anxious. I always succeed and we always make it out alive. I don't know why I doubt myself. The joys of being a parent ey.

My simple joy this month is sheerly just surviving and realising that I'm actually a really great parent. Sure, bed time might have been a bit later and I might have let them get away with more than I usual, but we had a blast!

Working with Very

Working with very.co.uk has been a recent highlight of mine. I had a bit of a 'pinch me' moment when the email came through. Sure, I've been blogging for a long time and this is my full time job now, but I still very much feel like 'who, me?' when it comes to securing brand collaborations. I had a blast with this one though! Everything from start to finish was excellent. My contact was a breeze to work with, the products are brilliant and the content I produced about developing your child's fine motor skills (tooting my own horn, yes) is really good! I'm really proud of what I've put together.

I'm thrilled to say I'll be working with very again very (no pun intended) soon, so expect some more humble brags from me. Ooops!

Small adventures for my 1 year old

My youngest has been walking for a couple of months now however somethings she's only done recently is exploring outside. We've had quite an awkward adjustment to wearing shoes with her. Whenever we'd pop shoes on her, she'd just freeze. Kind of like she was grounded by whatever shoes we put on her. This month however something's clicked and she's off exploring like the little adventurer she is. It makes me so happy seeing both my girls in their little matching wellies stomping around exploring outside.

What have been your simple joys of November? Do let me know in the comments so we can get all giddy together.