This is taken from my bi-weekly newsletter which hits inboxes every other Monday morning. At the beginning of each month, I add in an Editor’s letter which you can read below and check out the other elements you can find in my weekly newsletters.
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Friday 3rd November 2023
Hello, November.
Can you believe it’s November?! I don’t know what it is about this year, but as soon as I flipped my calendar to November 1st, I had my Santa coffee mug at the ready, the Halloween decorations in the bin and Mariah Carey blasting through the apartment.
I can’t tell you why, but something feels extra special about this Christmas and I am fully ready to be immersed in all things tinsel, mince pies, Christmas carols and Hallmark movies.
October was a full month of social activities, stressful times at work – three beauty launches, an event and gearing up for launching a new (but old) brand into the UK on the 2nd of November. For those people that wind down for Christmas, I do envy you.
But I’m feeling quite inspired for the first time in a while. I received an invite to go to a gig in London on the 1st of this month, so I think that’s definitely set the month off on a good note.
I’m hoping for a creative month, with more YouTube videos (I really need to get the rest of my East Coast Road Trip videos up!) and more posting on TikTok and Instagram for a change – we’ll see!
But I hope you have a wet, cold and cosy November ahead filled with movies on the sofa, hot chocolate, winter markets and getting excited for Christmas, because I know I am!
As always, you can follow everything I’m up to on the daily over on Instagram @orlaghclaire.
Orlagh Claire x
What I’ve Been Watching
Beckham (Netflix)
This four-part documentary was all over social media when it came out in mid-October. As someone that missed the era of the Spice Girls and was a whole one year old when David Beckham was sent off during the 1998 World Cup, it was an eye opener for me and also quite educational.
I really enjoyed seeing what the couple are like behind the scenes and hearing about their long history in the celebrity world. I’d definitely recommend a watch.
What I’ve Been Listening To
Paddy James
I was invited down to The Bedford Pub in Balham, to see Paddy James play to a sold out crowd. An unknown artist to me, he has worked with the same producer as Rhys Lewis (someone I saw play live in New York).
Although there was a storm raging outside, the room was full to the brim by the time Paddy James stepped onto the stage full of energy, ready to dance and sing for the next 60 minutes.
What I’ve Been Reading
Everyone is Watching by Megan Bradbury
I did the thing that seasoned readers aren’t meant to do and picked this book up purely because of its cover. I mean, if I see a book with the Empire State on the cover in my local library, then I’m going to pick it up. Although it was a work of fiction, it was loosely based on real people and real occurrences in New York. I learnt things about the city and how it came to be the mega metropolis that it is today.
Now where do I find other books like this?
You can find the ratings and reviews of all the books I read in October 2023 here.
Where I’ve Been Eating
Brasserie of Light, Selfridges
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to Selfridges in the month of October.
Mostly before store opening hours to film content with influencers, but on the final morning of filming, we celebrated with a little breakfast in Brasserie of Light.
This is a beautiful restaurant upstairs in Selfridges and I’m yet to have a bad breakfast here. The avocado toast is highly recommended.
Where I’m Going Next
The Lake District
I’m heading up north for Thanksgiving – the first friendsgiving I’ve had since New York – and I’m very excited for it.
If you remember, my first Thanksgiving was spent in The Hamptons in New York, so this is going to be a little different.
Although there’s 18 of us attending so I’m expecting a fun-filled weekend!
Recent Podcast Episodes
50. When is the ‘Right Time’?
When is the ‘right time’ to move to the other side of the world, to start a new job, to buy a house, to settle down? I’m having a quarter-life crisis and figuring out how to navigate my mid twenties.
49. Does A Dream Job Exist?
I’m debating if dream jobs actually exist and questioning whether what I think my dream job is, is actually my dream job. Can you have a job that you love, or is it just there to put food on the table?
Recent Blog Posts
There were 21 new blog posts on orlaghclaire.com during the month of October, with another 19 lined up for November.
I’ve added in my favourites from the month, but there are plenty more to choose from if you head over to the blog!
My 8 Favourite Bookstores in London
There’s nothing I love more than independent bookstores. And while I don’t think London has enough compared to New York, there are still a few dotted around the city that are worth browsing.
Why New York is the Best Place on Earth
Maybe you like hearing (reading) me talk about New York City, and maybe that’s why you’re here. Maybe you too dream of someday living in the best city in the world. And if that is your dream, I’m here to tell you that it’s definitely possible.
Reviews of Every Colleen Hoover Book I’ve Read
Colleen Hoover has been writing for years, so she has a catalogue of books waiting to be bought, and because someone discovered her fiction and started shouting about it on TikTok, now the whole world is reading every book she’s ever written.
10 Places I Have On My Travel Wish List
If I could magic myself into being a full-time travel blogger, I would do so today. I have many, many places on my travel bucket list, but I thought I would put together a list of my top 10 and share them with you to give you some wanderlust.
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