Happy December! This month’s free wallpaper is ready for download.

Last month’s eat at home challenge went splendidly and I’m entering December with a lot of excitement. Not only will I be doing my version of vlogmas again, but it’s the first day of my brand new 31-day challenge. Lots on the go so I’m going to keep this update short and sweet.

Here are my self-reflection touchpoints this month:

Of course, I’m continuing with my core self-care practice of writing daily morning pages.

For more about what’s on my mind right now, you can subscribe to my newsletter, or check out my 2024 goals and my 101 in 1001 list. I’ve also got a few bits on my about page.

DAILY ROUTINE

My routine is my source of power. Each day is like a little puzzle, and everything always comes together. Read about my fluid time blocking practice.

Morning

The morning is the most structured part of my day. My alarm is currently set for 5:30am. I spend the first few hours of my day getting ready, oil pulling, making myself a hot herbal infusion, watering our houseplants, and writing morning pages. The rest of my morning depends on how busy I am with work. I’ll go for a walk at some point, which often includes a quick trip to the grocery store.

Afternoon

Since I practice intermittent fasting, I have my first meal of the day at around noon. The rest of my afternoon varies depending on how much energy and motivation I have. I spend the majority of my time on paid work and personal projects. Since I’m sleeping less at night, I’ve been taking longer afternoon naps. I spend another hour cooking or doing chores, and then I do some more work. Some days, I have a sweet video call with a friend. I try to finish eating dinner by 6pm.

Evening

After dinner, I do a bit of this and that. Hubby and I usually start to wind down at around 7-8pm. We spend this time together — sometimes together-together, and sometimes together-while-also-doing-our-own-thing. Each night is different depending on how we feel. I try to be in bed by 10-10:30pm on most nights.

SKINCARE ROUTINE

The general formula for my skincare products is toner + serum + facial oil + moisturizer. I’ll usually use up what I have before moving on to something else, but I also try to finish some of hubby’s products when he leaves them lying around. If you’re interested in which products are my favourites, you can find them listed here.

November is the month I re-stock on beauty products for the year. I’m really excited for my annual shopping spree!

MORNING

  • Rinse my face with lukewarm water and towel dry.

  • Apply my skincare products in this order:

    • Divine Essence Damask Rose Organic Floral Water

    • The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%

    • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

    • The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil

    • The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

    • The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

  • I’ve been loving Atomy AC Spot Solution as a spot treatment when I have breakouts. I use this when I first notice a pimple and then whenever I remember to reapply, in the morning and/or evening.

EVENING

  • Wash my face with Atomy Deep Pure Cleansing Oil, rinse with lukewarm water, and towel dry.

  • Apply the same skincare products as my morning routine. I’ve been using The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA (instead of the solution/serum combo).

  • Every once in a while, I use a sheet mask or the Atomy Evening Care Peel-Off Mask, or I exfoliate with the Cure Natural Aqua Gel.

Makeup Basket

I amassed a huge collection of makeup during my shopaholic days. Years later and I’m still in the process of downsizing my collection. One thing that’s helped me focus on using what I have is to keep a seasonal “makeup basket.” I use the products in this basket every day until I get bored, and then I switch them out. For hygienic reasons, I only use mascara and lip gloss for 6–9 months before discarding any remaining product.

Here’s what I have in my current basket. My makeup is very old, so some of the products may be discontinued.

Eyes

  • Laura Mercier eyeshadow palette (old)

  • Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown

  • Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold

  • Heroine Make Advanced Film Long and Curl Mascara

Face

  • Atomy BB Cream

  • Atomy Healthy Glow Base

  • Quo Baked Blush in Pinch*

  • FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Sun Stalk'r Instant Warmth Bronzer in Private Island*

  • Canmake Marshmallow Finish Foundation in MB**

*I use these products very rarely as I usually just wear brow powder and mascara.
**I use this as a powder concealer.

Lips

  • Jack Black Lip Balm

  • Carmex Classic Lip Balm

  • Hurraw Lip Balm

  • Atomy Lip Glow

Food & DRINK

Key Practices

  • Mindful eating. In 2015, I set a goal to focus on food while eating, which had a lasting impact on my life. For the most part, I try not to watch TV or work while I eat. But I’ve been so into books lately that I often will read while having my lunch now.

  • Intermittent fasting (time-restricted eating). This practice has freed up so much mental space as I used to spend a lot of time thinking about what to eat for meals and snacks. I generally fast outside the hours of 12–6pm but I’m not that strict with it.

  • Operation lower-my-LDL-cholesterol. My cholesterol numbers have gone up in recent years so I’ve been trying to increase my soluble fibre intake. I’m also trying to reduce my consumption of saturated fats.

  • Eat-at-home challenge. I do the 30-day eat-at-home challenge at least once a year and this is the month!

DRINKS

In 2024, I started reducing my tea and coffee intake so I’m no longer caffeine dependent. I did this right at the start of the year, so I currently drink herbal infusions for the most part. On the rare occasion, I’ll have a tea, coffee (usually decaf), or bubble tea.

Since leaving my full-time job, I haven’t had much desire to drink alcohol. I’ve thought about cutting it out completely, but I’m not quite there yet.

MEDIA

LISTENING

Lots of music lately, mostly upbeat stuff. I’m also really into financial podcasts right now, like Afford Anything.

READING

In addition to working through the exercises in my own book, I’ve been keeping track of the books I read in a blog post on my 2024 goals. I also posted a video on how I’m changing the way I read books.

I’m still on a fiction kick! Right now, I’m reading a book recommended by a dear friend — Butter by Asako Yuzuki.

WATCHING

Now that the season of horror has some to a close, I’ll be watching lots of hockey instead. By “watching,” I mean I usually have it as background noise while I do other things — which is just fine by me!

APP-ing

Here are the apps I use every day:

  • Lists: TickTick

  • Calendar: Google Calendar

  • Podcasts: Overcast

  • Music: Amazon Music Prime

  • Books: Libby

  • Games: Pokémon Go, Toon Blast, NYT Crossword

  • Social media: BeReal

That’s it for now! Let me know if I forgot anything. I try to update this page on the 1st of every month.