november refresh

let's catch up, talk about what's coming, & more

Hi loves,

Where did October go?? I swear it only lasted a week this year. And this month does not seem to be passing any slower. I fear it may only go faster as the holidays approach. Maybe that’s just how time works the older we get, the days slipping by faster than we can hold onto them.

So much like the past month felt like a time for me catch my breath after an oh-so-busy summer and early autumn, I wanted to catch up with you all too. While I haven’t actually been up to much, it’s fun every once in a while to write something more informal and connect on a more casually personable level.

First, I think it’s time to reintroduce myself with so many of you being new since my last proper introduction.

Hi — my name is Kylee! I am 24 and currently based in the United States. I formally work in the corporate world of data, but my passion expands to many more things which is how I landed here, writing plum pits. I’m all about sharing thoughts on the journey through my 20s, being an eldest daughter, and the constant philosophical thoughts running through my head. I am a fitness addict and absolute foodie. I thoroughly enjoy a good grandma hobby. I love travel, F1, and have an undying desire to keep chasing knowledge.

I’d love to hear about you too! Drop a bit about yourself or just say hi :)

First let’s get into what I have been up to over the course of the last month or so with a R.E.P.O.R.T.

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reading

I have been resurrected from my reading slump finally and it feels incredible. My local library either hates or loves to see me coming — I am not entirely sure which.

Book Club Books

Finshed:

• Blood Over Bright Haven (Late Chapters Book Club ran by Martina )

• The Favorites (local book club)

Current/Next Reads:

• The Library at Hellbore (Group 7Book Club)

• Alchemy of Secrets (Late Chapters Book Club)

• People of the Book (local book club)

Other reads:

• Empire of Storms (finished my reread of this)

• Alchemized (less than 100 pages left as I write this)

• The Fourth Man

• The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine

TBR:

• Venus and Aphrodite

• The Language of Food

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eating

it is like the hot weather finally gave in and suddenly my love for cooking fully returned. iIt’s not that I wasn’t cooking or indulging in my love for food before, it was just the same rotation of meals on repeat, and anything that required turning on the oven was strictly avoided. I honestly think in another life I am a chef.

sushi bowl, sourdough loaf, borscht

On the Menu Recently:

• So many sourdough goodies

  • Artisan Loaf,

  • Crumpets

  • Bagels

  • Brownies

  • Banana Bread

• Kardemummabullar with Black Poppy Seeds

• Sushi Bowls

• Borscht

• Stew & Mashed Potatoes

• Mujadara

• Pumpkin Butter

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playing

I have had Olivia Dean on repeat, specifically this song:

Happy Escapism Season to all those who celebrate. Everytime the temperature drops the song has an absolute chokehold on me and Raye is such a talented artist in general. This is my playlist on replay for winter:

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obsessing

Ian Anderson. The guy riding his bike across Eurasia. It is the craziest, coolest thing. I have been binging all his videos on social media and he also has a newsletter (below is the start of the journey) so go check it out. I have been so interested in seeing all these different corners of the world and also just the fact he is riding his bike the whole way.

Lisbon: A Look Beyond the Negative Hype

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recommending

• Just going for it. Literally just going after anything and everything you want. I cannot stress enough the importance of going after your dreams even if you’re scared or unsure or worried what people may think

• Vitamin D. Naturally vitamin d levels dip in the darker winter months, but obviously consult a healthcare professional before taking advice from the internet

• Walks outside. I know it is cold, but trust me. Bundle up and get in a couple laps around the block. It can be so refreshing when sitting indoors so much.

• This post on avoiding winter blues

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treating

I haven’t indulged much in the way of treating myself, but I’ve been savoring the little things. I went out of the way with my boyfriend to stop at coffee shop and it was the cutest drink and so good. I took a day off work just to relax and enjoy a nice three day weekend after things have been so busy as of recent. My Christmas tree is up (usually I am not an early decorator but I adore the soft glow of the lights) and I bought the strala stars from Ikea! Oh! Also the Bonne Maman advendt calender that I cannot wait to dig into (it is one of my favorite things every December)

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looking ahead!

Not only is the end of the year coming up, which means so much excitement, but also so many things going on in my life from travel to the holidays to things I have in mind for this newsletter.

As the year winds down, I’ve been thinking about what’s next for plum pits. This time of the year has me craving a life audit to reset before the new year and also connection with people. I want to include you all in this too. I am thinking:

• a holiday snail mail club?? — I loooove that so many of these are popping up recently & also love getting letters in the mail

• christmas cookie box series — I make them every year and would love to share the process for anyone else want to do this as well

• reset & realign content — the holidays, new years resolutions, lock-in season, can all be so overwhelming so taking time to break it down and stay true to myself is so important

• some community & connection — little things to engage more because I truly love it

Thoughts?? I have a quick survey for you to help better provide content you love & gauge where I should put my effort. It’d mean so much if you took a few seconds to complete it <3

Okay, that’s all for this post, just a little catch-up before the chaos of the holidays sets in. Hope November’s treating you kindly so far. And thank you so much for being here — it truly means more than you know.

you can also follow me on instagram or fable