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November Edition: Cozy and Reflective Ways to Plan Your Month by the Seasons

November is the perfect month for reflection, coziness, and preparation. It’s a time to be present, express gratitude for the bounty of the year, and set the groundwork for winter's coziness and the festivities ahead.

Setting Your Intentions for November

November offers a unique energy of introspection and slowing down, encouraging us to prioritize meaningful connections and mindful living. In a season often associated with busyness, setting clear intentions helps maintain balance between productivity and rest.

Gratitude: With Thanksgiving on the horizon, this month naturally calls for a focus on gratitude. Consider starting each day with a gratitude journal, noting three things that bring you joy. Dedicate a specific time each week to reflect on what you're thankful for in different areas of your life: work, relationships, health, and personal growth.
Daily Gratitude Exercise: Place a small notebook and pen beside your bed. Each morning or evening, write three things you're thankful for. Keep this habit up through November for a month of mindful gratitude.

Mindful Simplicity: In the lead-up to the holidays, life can feel frantic. Combat this by simplifying your days intentionally. Review your commitments for the month and cut back on what feels overwhelming. Incorporate mindfulness practices, like slow mornings with a cup of tea or short afternoon walks, to break up the day.
Actionable Tip: Write out a simplified daily routine that reduces multitasking and encourages moments of pause. Commit to one act of mindfulness each day, whether it’s savoring a warm drink without distractions, lighting a candle, or doing a 10-minute meditation.

Setting Boundaries: November invites you to protect your energy. As the holiday season can bring a whirlwind of obligations, now is the time to establish clear boundaries with work, social engagements, and personal time. Be intentional about scheduling rest days or evenings to recharge.
Example: Set specific "unplugged" evenings for yourself or your family, where screens are off, and you enjoy cozy, low-key activities like reading, baking, or crafting.
Examples of November Intentions:
- Commit to a daily gratitude practice.
- Embrace rest by setting aside specific days to slow down.
- Create boundaries around your time to avoid burnout as the holidays approach.

Seasonal Foods and Recipes for November

November brings a rich harvest of hearty, grounding produce perfect for comforting meals. The flavors of the season are warm, earthy, and deeply satisfying, making it the ideal time to embrace cozy dishes that nourish both body and soul.

In-Season Foods:

Fruits:

Apples: Crisp and versatile, perfect for baking into pies, making sauces, or adding to warm salads.
Pears: Juicy and sweet, ideal for poaching in spices or roasting alongside meats.
Cranberries: Tart and vibrant, perfect for making sauces, chutneys, or adding to baked goods.
Pomegranates: Jewel-like seeds that add a burst of sweetness and color to salads, desserts, or breakfast bowls.

Vegetables:

Sweet Potatoes: Earthy and naturally sweet, great for roasting, mashing, or baking into casseroles.
Butternut Squash: Creamy and slightly nutty, perfect for soups, roasting, or pureeing.
Pumpkin: Flavorful and versatile, wonderful for pies, soups, or even as a roasted side.
Brussels Sprouts: Nutty and slightly bitter, delicious when roasted with olive oil and garlic.
Carrots: Sweet and vibrant, great for roasting, adding to stews, or even enjoyed raw as a crunchy snack.
Parsnips: Sweet and hearty, perfect for roasting alongside other root vegetables or blending into soups.
Leeks: Mild and sweet, excellent for adding depth to soups, stews, and casseroles.
Turnips: Earthy and slightly peppery, great for roasting, mashing, or adding to soups.

Spices and Herbs:

Cinnamon: Warm and sweet, perfect for baking, spicing up coffee, or adding to savory dishes like roasted root vegetables. Note: For the best flavor and health benefits, opt for Ceylon cinnamon, which is known as "true cinnamon."
Nutmeg: Earthy and slightly sweet, great in baked goods, creamy soups, or sprinkled over hot drinks.
Ginger: Spicy and warming, ideal for baking, adding to teas, or using in savory stir-fries and curries.
Cloves: Pungent and aromatic, excellent in spice blends for roasting meats, simmering in mulled cider, or baking.
Sage: Earthy and robust, perfect for stuffing, seasoning meats, or frying in butter for a crispy garnish.
Thyme: Fragrant and slightly minty, wonderful in soups, roasts, or savory pastries.
Rosemary: Piney and aromatic, great for roasting vegetables or meats, or adding to homemade breads.

Important Note: Be mindful when purchasing spices, as recent studies have found that several brands contain elevated levels of heavy metals like lead and arsenic. For peace of mind, consider purchasing from trusted brands that have been tested and found to be free from harmful levels of heavy metals, such as Frontier Co-op or Simply Organic. Always check for reputable sources to ensure the quality of your spices. For more information, you can check out the full report from Consumer Reports .

Recipe Suggestions:

Main Dish: A hearty butternut squash and sausage casserole brings together the sweetness of roasted squash with the savory, herbaceous flavor of sage and thyme. For a cozier twist, try a slow-cooked beef stew with root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips, perfect for chilly November evenings.
Dessert: Consider a spiced pear and cranberry tart. The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweetness of roasted pears and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. Or, for a classic with a twist, try a pumpkin pie with a gingerbread crust.
Breakfast: Start your November mornings with baked apple oatmeal, spiced with cinnamon and topped with pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Pro Tip: Make the most of November’s seasonal bounty by preparing large batches of soups and roasted vegetables. Freeze extras to have easy, homemade meals on hand as the busy holiday season approaches.

Holidays, Birthdays, and Celebrations for November

November is a month filled with meaningful moments, from expressing gratitude during Thanksgiving to celebrating personal milestones. As the weather cools and the holiday season approaches, it’s a wonderful time to gather with loved ones, reflect on the year, and create lasting memories.

Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November)

A Celebration of Gratitude: Thanksgiving is the centerpiece of November’s celebrations, offering a special time to reflect on the blessings of the year and share gratitude with friends and family. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or keeping it intimate, it’s an opportunity to focus on the joy of being together.

Plan a Moment of Gratitude: Before sitting down for the meal, have each person share something they’re grateful for, or pass around a “Gratitude Jar” where guests can write down and reflect on their blessings.
Thanksgiving Traditions: Beyond the traditional turkey, stuffing, and pies, consider adding new traditions to your celebration. Try hosting a post-dinner family walk, organizing a cozy movie night with seasonal favorites, or playing Thanksgiving-themed games to foster connection and laughter.

Pro Tip: Begin your Thanksgiving prep a week in advance. Plan your menu, shop early, and prepare any make-ahead dishes like pies or casseroles. This will give you more time to enjoy the day without stress.

Veterans Day (November 11th)

Honoring Service and Sacrifice: Veterans Day is a time to recognize and honor the service of military veterans. Whether you attend a local parade, visit a memorial, or simply take time to reflect on the sacrifices made, this day offers a chance to show appreciation.

Acts of Gratitude: Reach out to veterans in your community or family with a handwritten note, a phone call, or even a small gesture of thanks. You could also volunteer your time or donate to a veterans’ organization.

Personal Celebrations and Milestones

November is also a great time to reflect on personal accomplishments as the year begins to wind down. Whether it’s a fitness goal, a new job, or simply making it through a challenging season, take time to celebrate your personal victories.

Create a Special Moment: Light a candle and spend a quiet evening journaling about what you’ve achieved over the year. If you have personal goals you’ve reached, treat yourself to a small reward—whether it’s a relaxing day at home, a favorite meal, or a special outing.

November Birthdays and Anniversaries

Celebrate Loved Ones: If you have friends or family members with November birthdays or anniversaries, use this month as an opportunity to honor them with heartfelt gestures. Plan cozy, intimate gatherings that align with the slower, reflective energy of the season.

Gift Ideas: Thoughtful gifts like a luxurious blanket, a seasonal candle, or a handmade treat can make your loved ones feel cherished. Consider personalizing your gifts to align with the coziness of November—think spiced treats, cozy socks, or a custom blend of tea.
Gratitude-Focused Celebrations: For those with November birthdays, consider making gratitude a central theme. Ask everyone to share one thing they appreciate about the birthday honoree, creating a warm, uplifting atmosphere.

Prepare for Winter’s Arrival

As November progresses and temperatures continue to drop, it’s important to start thinking about preparing your home and lifestyle for winter. From cozying up your living space to ensuring your wardrobe and car are ready for the colder months, taking these steps now will make the transition into winter smoother and more comfortable.

For a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your home and daily life for the upcoming season, check out my Winter Prep Guide for practical and creative tips to help you embrace the winter months ahead.

Preparing for the Winter Holidays

Though November is dominated by Thanksgiving, it’s wise to start preparing for the winter holidays during this time. Getting a head start on holiday shopping, planning, and decorating can save you from the stress of last-minute rushes in December.

Gift Planning: Start writing out your gift lists now. Thoughtful gifts like homemade jams, knitted scarves, or experience-based presents often require time to prepare. Starting early allows you to personalize gifts and avoid the frantic nature of December shopping.

Decor Transition: Slowly begin transitioning your home from fall decor to a cozier winter atmosphere. Add touches like evergreen branches or twinkle lights, and incorporate cozy textures like wool throws and flannel cushions.

Pro Tip: Break your gift planning into small steps each week. Write out your gift list in early November, and set a shopping or crafting day for the second week of the month to get ahead on homemade or hard-to-find presents.

Work and Personal Life Organization for November

As November settles in, it's the perfect month to focus on reflection, prioritization, and balance before the holiday rush. The quieter energy of the season invites us to look inward, plan strategically, and find a harmonious rhythm between work and personal life.

Set Clear, Focused Goals for November

Year-End Planning: With just a few weeks left before the end of the year, November is the time to get clear on what you want to achieve before 2025 begins. Review your annual goals and break them down into manageable tasks that you can realistically accomplish by the end of the year.

Actionable Tip: List your top three priorities for the month and create a timeline for each. These might include finishing a work project, preparing for the holiday season, or even setting the groundwork for personal development goals you want to carry into the new year.
Break It Down: Focus on smaller, specific goals that build toward your larger objectives. For example, if you're working on a big year-end project, break it into weekly tasks and set daily mini-goals. This will keep your momentum going through a potentially busy month.

Embrace Seasonal Adjustments in Your Workflow

Shift with the Season: November’s shorter, cooler days can impact your energy levels. Align your workflow with the season by structuring your day around the natural light. Consider starting work earlier to take advantage of the daylight, and aim to complete high-energy tasks in the morning, leaving more relaxed tasks for the afternoon.

Actionable Tip: If possible, adjust your work hours to capitalize on the sunlight. For remote workers, this might mean shifting your day to start and end earlier. Take advantage of natural light by working near a window or taking brief walks outside during breaks to refresh and recharge.
Rest and Recharge: With the holidays on the horizon, it's easy to burn out. Make sure you're incorporating rest into your schedule by planning intentional breaks and downtime. Use November to balance productivity with self-care, so you don’t enter the holiday season feeling exhausted.

Pro Tip: Schedule mini "reset breaks" during your workday—5-10 minutes to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, stretch, or simply sit in silence. This will help you maintain energy levels and stay productive throughout the month.

Organize Your Workspace for Winter

Declutter and Reorganize: November is a great month to refresh your workspace before the year-end push. Take time to declutter, file away unnecessary documents, and tidy up both your physical and digital workspace. A clean environment can help you focus better as the holiday season approaches.
Create a Cozy Work Atmosphere: With the cooler weather, bring some warmth into your workspace. Add soft textures, like a cozy throw or a warm-toned lamp, and seasonal scents like cinnamon or clove to make your space inviting and comfortable. Small touches can create a sense of calm and comfort as you navigate November’s tasks.

Pro Tip: Swap out your lighter, summer decor for more winter-appropriate items—perhaps a wool blanket for chilly mornings or candles that bring a hygge vibe to your workspace.

Personal Intentions for November: Journal Prompts & Meditation Themes

This month invites us to pause, embrace gratitude, and prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally for the holiday season and the coming winter. By setting mindful intentions and practicing self-care, we can create space for personal growth and inner peace.

Journal Prompts for November

Reflecting on the Year:

"What personal or professional milestones have I achieved this year? How have these accomplishments shaped who I am today?"

November is a time for reflection. Use this prompt to consider your progress throughout the year and celebrate both big and small wins.

Cultivating Gratitude:

"What am I most grateful for this year? How can I express gratitude for these blessings in my daily life?"

With Thanksgiving as the centerpiece of the month, focus on gratitude for both external blessings and internal growth. Reflect on ways to integrate gratitude into everyday actions.

Preparing for the Holidays:

"How can I approach the holiday season with mindfulness and balance? What boundaries do I need to set to protect my energy?"

As the holiday season nears, this prompt helps you plan for a calm, balanced approach, ensuring that you’re prioritizing both joy and self-care.

Releasing the Year’s Struggles:

"What challenges have I faced this year, and what lessons have I learned from them? How can I let go of what no longer serves me?"

As November invites reflection, it’s also a time for letting go. Consider how you’ve grown through adversity and what you’re ready to release as you prepare for a new chapter.

Embracing Rest:

"Where in my life do I feel depleted? How can I intentionally make space for rest and relaxation this month?"

As the days grow shorter, November encourages us to slow down. Use this prompt to identify areas where you need rest and to create a self-care plan that nourishes your body and mind.

Meditation Themes for November

Gratitude Meditation: Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Begin by taking slow, deep breaths. As you breathe in, bring to mind something or someone you are deeply grateful for. With each exhale, allow the feeling of gratitude to expand in your heart. Let this meditation cultivate a sense of warmth and thankfulness that stays with you throughout the month.
Grounding in the Present Moment: As November draws us inward, focus on grounding yourself in the present. Visualize roots extending from your body deep into the earth, connecting you to a place of stability and peace. With each inhale, feel a sense of calm; with each exhale, release any tension or worries about the future. This meditation will help you stay centered during a busy, transitional month.
Releasing What No Longer Serves: Find a quiet place and close your eyes. Imagine yourself standing at the edge of a quiet forest, holding the weight of your worries, regrets, or past struggles. As you breathe in, acknowledge these burdens; as you breathe out, imagine them being released like autumn leaves falling from a tree. This meditation is about letting go and creating space for new growth in the coming winter.
Visualizing the Year Ahead: As the year begins to wind down, this is the perfect time to visualize what you want for the year ahead. Close your eyes and imagine the winter months to come. What feelings do you want to carry with you into the new year? What goals or intentions are starting to form? Use this meditation to plant seeds of intention, knowing they will grow in their own time.
Nurturing Yourself with Compassion: November can be a busy and stressful month, so practice a meditation of self-compassion. Begin by taking slow, deep breaths. Place your hand over your heart and gently repeat to yourself, "I am deserving of rest. I am deserving of peace." Let this mantra bring a sense of self-love and kindness as you navigate the challenges and joys of the season.

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How To Plan Your Month By The Seasons: (NOVEMBER)

Cozy Living for November

With the colder weather settling in, November is the month to embrace all things cozy. As you prepare for the winter months, focus on making your home a warm, inviting space that offers comfort and serenity.

Home Decor: Add extra layers of warmth with heavier curtains, plush blankets, and warm-toned lighting. Swap out lighter summer textiles for chunky knit throws, sheepskin rugs, and candles with scents like cinnamon, apple cider, or cloves to create an inviting, hygge-like atmosphere.
Hygge Moments: Embrace the Danish concept of hygge, which is all about finding comfort in small, everyday pleasures. Enjoy a hot cup of tea with a good book, bake your favorite seasonal treats, or take a few quiet moments to enjoy a candlelit evening. Savoring these simple moments can bring a deep sense of coziness and connection to your surroundings.

Mindful Bath for November

As November brings colder, darker days, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a ritual bath that nurtures both body and soul. The brisk air outside and the approaching holiday season can create stress, making this month an ideal time to slow down and embrace moments of warmth and stillness. By turning your bath into a sacred moment, you can create a space of deep relaxation, gratitude, and preparation for the winter ahead.

1. Create a Warm, Inviting Bathing Environment

Set the Scene: Start by creating a cozy, peaceful atmosphere in your bathroom. Dim the lights and light candles that evoke the comforting scents of late autumn, such as clove, cedarwood, or vanilla. These fragrances can help cultivate a sense of warmth and calm, creating an inviting space to unwind.
Seasonal Scents: To deepen the sensory experience, add seasonal essential oils or magnesium flakes to your bath. Lavender and chamomile provide calming, gentle aromas perfect for relaxation, while sandalwood offers a warm, woodsy scent that brings the coziness of autumn indoors. For a sweeter touch, consider adding vanilla or sweet orange, which evoke a comforting and warm feeling, ideal for unwinding on chilly November nights.

2. Select Nourishing, Warming Bath Ingredients

Enhance your bath with ingredients that reflect the essence of November—warming, nourishing, and soothing. Here are two bath recipes that offer both relaxation and a touch of autumnal magic:

Pumpkin Spice Soak: Capture the cozy feeling of the season with this warming soak.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup magnesium flakes
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond)
- 2 drops cinnamon bark essential oil (optional, use sparingly)
- 1 drop clove essential oil (optional, use sparingly)
- 2 drops nutmeg essential oil
- 3 drops vanilla essential oil
Instructions:
Mix the magnesium flakes and baking soda in a bowl. Combine the essential oils with the carrier oil, then stir the oil mixture into the dry ingredients. Pour the mixture into your bathwater and soak in the warming, spiced aroma that evokes comforting fall treats.
Note: This bath may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin, as cinnamon and clove oils can be more irritating. Always patch test essential oils before use and avoid using large quantities in the bath.
Autumn Forest Bath Tea: Bring the soothing energy of a late autumn forest to your bath.
Ingredients:

1 cup dried rosemary
½ cup dried sage
½ cup dried chamomile
1 tablespoon dried juniper berries
(Optional) 1 tablespoon colloidal oatmeal or a few drops of jojoba oil for added moisturization

Instructions:
Combine the dried herbs, juniper berries, and optional ingredients in a bowl. Place the mixture in a muslin bag or cheesecloth, and hang it under the running tap as you fill the tub. Allow the herbs to steep in the warm water for a few minutes before stepping in. The herbal blend will fill your bath with the grounding, woodsy scent of a November forest, while the chamomile and oatmeal provide a soothing, gentle touch to the skin.

Note: This bath tea is ideal for those with sensitive skin. The dried herbs and gentle botanicals are less likely to irritate compared to harsher spices or essential oils. The addition of oatmeal or jojoba oil can further soothe and moisturize, making it a great choice for dry or sensitive skin during the colder months.

3. Mindful Bathing Practices

Make your bath an intentional experience by incorporating mindfulness and visualization techniques:

Mindful Breathing: As you sink into the warm water, focus on deep, intentional breathing. Inhale the comforting scents of your bath and exhale any lingering stress or tension. Allow your breath to slow, bringing a sense of calm and clarity that mirrors the stillness of the season.
Gratitude Visualization: While soaking, reflect on the blessings of the year. Imagine each inhale filling you with warmth and gratitude for the abundance in your life, and each exhale releasing any lingering worries or negativity. Picture the water enveloping you in comfort, creating a space for peace and relaxation as you prepare for the colder months.

4. Seasonal Bath Themes

Gratitude and Reflection: November is a time for reflecting on the year and expressing gratitude. During your bath, reflect on the growth you’ve experienced and the challenges you’ve overcome. Focus on cultivating a sense of thankfulness for the lessons learned and the abundance in your life. Let this theme guide your intentions, using the bath as a space to mentally prepare for the holiday season ahead.
Letting Go of the Old: Just as nature is letting go of its leaves, use this mindful bath as an opportunity to release anything that no longer serves you. Meditate on what you need to let go of—be it stress, old habits, or emotional baggage. Imagine the water washing away these things, leaving you feeling lighter and more at peace as you transition into the winter months.
Preparing for Winter’s Embrace: As November draws to a close, use your bath time to prepare mentally and emotionally for winter’s arrival. Visualize yourself gathering warmth and strength, wrapping yourself in the comfort of the season. Let the bath be a time of restoration, helping you feel grounded and ready for the cozy, introspective energy of the winter season.

By turning your bath into a thoughtful, intentional time, you can transform November’s chill into an opportunity for deep relaxation and reflection. This practice allows you to reconnect with yourself, preparing your mind and body for the slower, cozier months ahead while honoring the gratitude and warmth of the season.

With warmth,

Sarah Voiles