November 2025 in a list 📝 family colds, cozy misteries and kale pasta w breadcrumbs
How was November?
November was a month of family flus, colds and seasonal bugs. Absolutely nothing went to plan - which seems to be a constant of parenthood - although a few moments of bliss also graced our house. Tbh, I almost skipped this month's recap (too tired - not enough time), and I had to remind myself more than once that recording the small moments today will bring immense joy tomorrow.
Writing of the month
I shared my notes from a week in the kitchen - from hazelnut cookies to cavolo nero soup, you'll find plenty of seasonal inspiration for your midweek meals.
What I cooked
A comforting pumpkin-borlotti soup, cavolo nero pasta with breadcrumbs and a decadent sticky orange polenta cake I can't wait to share w you.
Extra special thing of the month
I took a photo walk in my neighbourhood w my trusty Canon - first time in YEARS! - then popped into the monthly charity pop-up sale at the community project where I picked up some hand embroidered linen coasters and two cute cake-cover slips.
Festive moments of the month
November in Venice brings two much-awaited feasts: the day of San Martino (St. Martin's Day), on 11 November, and the Festa della Madonna della Salute (Feast of Our Lady of Health), on 21 November. Both come w their own traditional foods - a big colourful cookie shaped like a knight on horseback (St. Martin himself) and "castradina" - a soup of savoy cabbage and smoked mutton. Celebrating requires good timing, and we have none in this family! We managed to buy a couple of St.Martin's cookies and that's it... our plans to pop into Venice for a plate of steaming soup were curbed by yet another one of this month's family ailments.
What I wore
My mom gave me a red puffer jacket and I've been wearing it non-stop (similar model in the screenshot above). It's sporty and a little edgy... it works just as well w leggings+sneakers as w jeans+boots. LOVE IT.
Movie of the month
The Family Stone - a wholesome Christmas movie straight from 2005 starring a hilarious Sarah Jessica Parker.
Series of the month
The Watcher, a haunted house mistery horror story w the gorgeous Naomi Watts... inspired by true events!
Books of the month
The Kinsey Millhone cozy detective series by Sue Grafton (books 1 to 4). I was looking for a good series featuring a female detective to keep me company through the holiday season, and I think I found it! Recommended.
Cookbook of the month
Venetian Republic by chef Nino Zoccali: a collection of restaurant-style recipes from the core areas once ruled by the mighty winged lion (Venice proper, the Veneto mainland, the eastern Adriatic shore, and Greek islands). Some of the recipes I've earmarked: Carrot Hazelnut and Spelt Cake, Osteria alle Testiere Pistachio Cake, Venetian Crema Rosada, Red Corn Polenta and Treviso in Saor, Bassano Radicchio Vespaiolo and Stracchino Risotto, Pumpkin and Ricotta Gnudi with Black Truffle Burnt Butter and Parmigiano...
Purchase of the month?
Caudalie La Crème Riche - soothing and replenishing, this cream has been a game changer for me. It's an expensive workhorse that allows me to rely on a single product for my face, neck, chest, and hands.
Screenshot/Saved post/Article of the month?
Wonderful "beaded" wine glasses by Akua and a dreamy, floral version by glass artist Simone Crestani.
A wish for December?
Carve out little pockets of self-care so I can stay sane and manage all the big emotions that the festive season stirs so well like a proper adult. Ha! Fingers crossed.
Comments
Post a Comment