A Cosy November Recap
Hey friends ♡
I hope you’re all enjoying the cosy vibes that this season brings! The chilly air, twinkling lights, and all the little moments that make the Christmas season so special are finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve already started thinking about wrapping presents whilst watching my favourite Christmas movies and of course, it’s Harry Potter season at my house—there’s just something about it that makes the holidays feel extra magical. I can’t wait to watch Elf (classic!) and Arthur Christmas—these movies always bring a smile to my face!
Hot chocolate is my current obsession. I’ve been experimenting with different flavours lately—mint, terry’s orange chocolate, salted caramel — basically any excuse to drink something indulgent and warm. It’s the little things, right? Those comforting moments when you can just curl up and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season.
As always, here’s a summary of what my month looked like:
I took a trip to Edinburgh this month, and it completely embraced me in all its winter charm. The crisp air, frosty streets, and that magical holiday atmosphere were so inspiring. I brought along my trusty Olympus MJU Zoom 140 camera, and it captured the city’s beauty perfectly, from the cobbled streets to the twinkling lights. The cold and festive vibe was so enchanting that I had to share some of my favourite shots with you. [Check out some of the photos I took!]
November has been a month of reflection (every month is! - I just enjoy reflecting) and creativity and one of the highlights has been revisiting my gold foil Christmas cards. These gold foil cards might be older designs, but they always manage to bring so much warmth to the season. There are three unique designs, each one with a touch of magic that makes them perfect for spreading holiday cheer. I can’t wait to see them on display, bringing joy to everyone who receives them. You can find them over on my Etsy shop!
But the creative journey doesn’t stop there! One project that has taken me some time to finish is my self-initiated design for The Secret Garden special edition. 🌱 This timeless children’s classic was reimagined with a fresh perspective, and I’m beyond excited to have created a cover that brings it to life in a new way. My goal was to capture the essence of the story—a journey of transformation, growth, and beauty.
For the cover, I designed a door-shaped die cut that, when opened, reveals a hidden world of gold foil florals beneath. It’s a design that feels magical, almost as if the book itself is opening to reveal its secrets. Every detail was carefully thought out, from the textures to the way the light hits the gold foil. This cover truly embodies the story’s spirit, and I hope it’s something that someone, somewhere, will fall in love with and want to treasure on their bookshelf.
Book cover projects are a bit of a dream for me—just hoping that someone sees it and feels the magic too!
I’ve also been diving into some great reads, and one book that deeply moved me was As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh. This book was an emotional journey that really struck a chord with me. It’s a powerful and haunting story set in Syria, following a young woman named Salama who is trying to hold on to hope in the midst of war. The writing is raw and emotional, and there were moments where I found myself utterly heartbroken. It’s rare that a book makes me cry these days, but this one certainly did. The way the author captures the trauma and resilience of her characters is nothing short of breathtaking. If you're looking for a book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, this one is definitely worth reading.
This month and year have felt a bit slower for me in terms of creativity and producing new products for Etsy, as well as working on my personal projects. I've had to take a step back at times and focus on my mental health, which I've learned is just as important as the work itself. Slowing down is not always easy, but sometimes those breaks are exactly what I need to recharge and refocus.
That being said, I’m feeling hopeful and already diving into goal-setting for next year. I’ve been reflecting on everything I’ve learned in 2024, and I’m excited to take those lessons and channel them into fresh ideas for 2025. There’s always room to grow, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me creatively!
I’d love to know—what are your goals for 2025? Whether they’re personal, creative, or something else entirely, let’s share and inspire each other as we head into the new year!
On the mental health front, I’ve been practising mindfulness and embracing moments of stillness. Here’s a little rundown of 5 Things I’ve Been Doing for My Mental Health Recently:
1 ~ Started doing puzzles again
Puzzles, because apparently, I don’t need to solve world problems... just the ones in front of me. It’s like a mini victory every time a piece fits. Honestly, it's more about the vibe than the end result!
2 ~ Been consistent with the gym
I love lifting weights! There’s something so empowering about working on my body—each rep feels like I'm getting stronger, both physically and mentally. I feel like I could take on the world—unless it’s a Monday, then I might just take on a nap. But the gym always leaves me feeling empowered and ready to crush whatever comes next.
3 ~ Watched my favourite show:
The Middle
Laughter is the best medicine and The Middle? Instant therapy. Seriously, Axl and Frankie are the funniest characters. If they can survive all the chaos they get into, I feel like I can handle whatever the week throws at me... like, I don’t know, accidentally locking myself out of the house while wearing pyjamas.
4 ~ Read As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
This book moved me deeply. The emotional depth and raw storytelling left me in tears. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love and hope in times of darkness. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
One of my favourite quotes from the book is:
“Empires have collapsed throughout history. They rise, they build, and they fall. Nothing lasts forever. Not even our pain.” 🍋
This reminded me that even in our darkest moments, everything—good or bad—eventually passes. Everything changes, and sometimes, the hardest moments eventually lead us to brighter days. It's a beautiful reminder that hope, even when hard to find, is always just around the corner.
5 ~ Also did absolutely nothing!
Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do is just... nothing. I took a nice, slow walk with no agenda, no rush—just me, fresh air, and all the time in the world. And after that? Just lay on the couch staring at the ceiling... and loving it.
How about you? What have you been doing for your mental health lately? Have you found any creative activities or simple joys that help spark your inspiration? Let me know—I’d love to hear what’s been helping you feel grounded or even creative during this busy season.
And that’s a wrap for my November reflections. How has your month been? Are you feeling the Christmas magic yet? I’d love to hear what’s been inspiring you or how you’re getting ready for the holidays.
Wishing you all lots of warmth, creativity, and cosy moments as we head into December.
With love and creativity,
Janki x
