Near the beginning of each month we like to pause and take a look at what’s going on in the world around us and what we’re looking forward to in the month ahead. Here are previous Welcome November posts : 2014, 2015, 2017.

Welcome November!

How are you feeling? There are so many things that can overwhelm us at this time of year. The shorter days and longer nights, the colder and grayer daylight hours, the anxiety of the holiday-packed months ahead. Should I go on?

Yet on the flip-side, there are so many things that have me excited to wake up every day. At this time of year, I anticipate spending more time inside. I look forward to lighting candles, cozy dinners, and longer dark evenings spent being creative.

Knowing the transition to winter can be particularly tough we make a concerted effort to embrace the good and face the challenges head-on.

Looking Forward

This November expect to see a few posts where we encourage you to end the year with a bang! Nothing too crazy, but a few tips and tricks for practicing gratitude, being kinder to ourselves and others, getting outside (even when you think you don’t want to!), and for making the holidays more enjoyable (and no, that definitely doesn’t mean that you have to do or buy more).

Personally, I’m looking forward to making gifts with my boys. At some point, I’ll definitely share the cute gifts that we made last year. But now I’m trying to figure out what this year’s gifts will be? I’m sure they would love to mix up a batch of body scrub, but we may have to add a coffee spin…

I picked up this cookbook and am excited to try some new recipes this month. I’m in a cookbook club, and it’s also our book for this weekend’s potluck; that’s such a great way to taste a bunch of recipes at once (and come home inspired!). If you’re feeling the need for some hearty warm casseroles, our favorites include : Moroccan Spiced Shepherd’s Pie and the Choose Your Own Gratin (I mean, it’s in a pumpkin for crying out loud!).

In about a week, we’re leaving for a Thanksgiving road trip. I’m already looking forward to the adventure. Listening to our favorite road trip songs, and adding some new (to us) albums to the mix, including this one.

What’s Going On

As we mention every November, the holiday festivals are a’happening. They are a great way to support local artists while crossing some gifts off your list.

• November 10-11 : Boulder Mountain Handmade – this is a crafts market that supports our local firemen, whose work is so important for those of us living in the Colorado mountains!
• Throughout the month, there are many Maker Faires going on across the globe (not associated with B&N).
• Throughout November : The San Francisco, New York, and Austin Renegade Craft Fairs – this has become a global craft and design fair, and it’s a great way to find local artisans. You can also shop their website if you can’t find a market nearby.

Whether you decide to spend the whole month cozied up with a book, start the day with a brisk morning walk, get a jump start on your elving, we hope November treats you well. xo