November : A Celebration of Gratitude
November is the month Of THANKsgiving - Gratitude
December is the month of advent- preparing
November: To be Thankful
I’m focusing on slowing down and embracing the month by choosing to take it slowly and savor each moment, color, and breeze as the fall season peaks here in the northeast. I work on continuing each day by honoring this month as the month of giving thanks. I am thinking about this season and all the layers that come with it.
Reflect
Find your purpose and be thankful for all you have in your life
Design
Style for Entertaining
Savor
Food for the Soul and Kindness to the Earth with Vegan Influences. Relax your mind and your body with the power of whole, nutritious foods. Nature's medicine has your back in the holiday mayhem if you know how to administer it.
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Read these related posts to learn more…
Let’s Get Organized for The Holidays! 10 Organizing essentials for the holiday.
Best Sales for November: a curated collection of the best home decor sales this month.
To see ideas on adding seasonal elements and how we decorate for the season see my post “ Fall Decor Tips and Shop My Favorite Etsy Shops”
Decking the halls with boughs of holly! Whether you are greeting your guests at the door or serving dinner and cocktails this holiday, you will want to decorate your house to welcome them and celebrate the season.: Wreaths and Garland You Will Love
November: A Month of Gratitude
November is a time for slowing down and embracing the changing seasons. It is also a time for giving thanks. In this article, I will share some ideas for how to cultivate gratitude throughout the month of November.
Reflect
Find your purpose and be thankful for all you have in your life.
I have taken the 30 Days of Gratitude challenge in previous years This is a simple but powerful way to focus on the good in your life. Each day, take a few minutes to write down one thing you are grateful for.
Think about this season and all the layers that come with it. What are you most grateful for this November? When I meditate, I focus on those people and things that I am grateful for. Like my job, my co-workers, even the mean ones!
Design
Style for Entertaining. November is a great time to entertain guests. Set the table with festive autumn colors and serve seasonal dishes.
Food for the Soul and Kindness to the Earth with Vegan influences. Vegan cooking is a delicious and sustainable way to eat. I’m sharing some of my favorite vegan recipes this month. (see below)
Savor
Take your time and savor each moment, color, and breeze as the fall season peaks here in the northeast.
Gather loved ones to share a meal, to share your time and your heart.
Be present each day. It's hard to be thankful when we're constantly thinking about the future or the past. Take a few minutes each day to focus on the present moment and appreciate all that you have.
REFLECT:
To be Thankful
10 ideas for Daily thankfulness.
While Thanksgiving is only one day at the end of the month, I am thinking with gratitude all month long.
This helps to shift my mental state from the list of things I wish we had and return to the present moment to realize how much I actually do have today, and give thanks.
1. Keep a gratitude journal. Write down one thing you are grateful for each day. Journaling is the most common method that many of my friends have mentioned. They spend each day, usually the mornings, in gratitude and select a person each day and tell them how thankful you are for them in their life, remind themselves how thankful they are for being safe and living life each day.
2. The end of November is the culmination of the gathering of loved ones to share a meal together. Gather loved ones to share a meal, to share your time and your heart. Invite someone who is without local family to join you.
#1 I am thankful for you. I want to thank you for visiting today, and for supporting my little spot on the interweb, and for reading my updates on Home-Life- Garden. I have been writing for the last 7 years sharing my tips, and resources for anyone who is interested. I appreciate you, my reader, and would love to hear from you in my comments. Welcome - Deborah
3. Thankful Meditations: Practicing gratitude and thankfulness each day brings it top of mind. 7 days of giving thanks and being grateful with Dr. Joe Dispenza . I Love Me= How you think, and how you feel, broadcasts into the collective field. Thoughts= electric, Feelings = magnetic What are you broadcasting? - Dr. Joe Dispenza ( Connection- Love- Compassion- Joy- Gratitude - Unity - Acceptance - Selflessness - Healing - Wisdom - Wholeness - Clarity - Higher Guidance)
4. Thankful Journal Challenge: What to write each day? I don’t always know how to do this, that’s why having 30 days of prompts to think about your year and the people in your life brings me closer to my goals. I'm sharing one such resource , Outersparkle. the OuterSparkle 30-day challenge with daily prompts to move you and help you achieve this goal.
EX: Day 1: I am thankful for all those near and far who have made me the person I am. Every time I think of you.
5. Nature: Take a walk in the woods. Enjoy the new sounds, colors, and a little fresh air. It’s good to leave my desk for a walk, not just to exercise, but to rest my mind in nature.
6. Thankful E-Mail Messages: Practicing gratitude and thankfulness in an email to one person each day brings people into your life, and lets them know you appreciate them. Be present and notice them. 30 days of giving thanks.
7. Take the 30 Days of Gratitude challenge
Often this month is merely a vague memory. November arrives and we start to think about the holidays and all the work that comes with it, and once the turkey is cooked and devoured, we start to focus even more on thoughts about the approaching Christmas season.
With the frenzy on the horizon, 30 Days of Thanks - Cultivating Gratitude throughout November.
This is a time of giving and seasonal change, culminating with a feast together.
It’s time to embrace slow, by choosing to be less busy this month.
Enjoy this beautiful fall stroll in the park, Central Park, New York City.
8. Daily Affirmations: 20 Such new thoughts and affirmations of positive life changes for my daily mindset. I am a believer in sticky notes. Yup, I have noted some of these around the house to share these thoughts on mirrors and bedroom doors for my kids.
9. I Belong- Watch or Read Brene Brown on this very concept.
Gratitude is a prayer for your future. It opens your heart for goodness to arrive It is an attitude.
10. Remember also that FALL is a month of seasonal changes and many shifts.
As the seasons shift, so does our pace in life, embrace the change. We start spending more time indoors, more time reflecting, and hopefully, more time thinking about all that we have to be thankful for this reminds us of the goodness in our life.
If you must look back, do so forgivingly . If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is to be present in the present...Gratefully #quote ~ Maya Angelou
Bonus .- Here are a few Thoughts for helping in your community to cultivate gratitude:
Call someone you haven’t spoken to and ask how they are doing.
Tell people how much you appreciate them. Don't be afraid to express your gratitude to your loved ones. Write a Thank You Note to Someone Who Rocks. ...
Do something kind for someone else. Volunteering your time or donating to a charity is a great way to show your gratitude.
Take some time each day to appreciate the simple things in life. A beautiful sunset, a warm cup of coffee, or a good laugh with a friend are all things to be grateful for.
Grocery Shop for Those Who Can't Get to the Store. ...
Check Your Pantry for Extra Items to Donate. ...
Volunteer at a Pet Shelter After Your Meal.
A Few Hostess Gifts and Momentos of the Season
DESIGN
Gathering and entertaining with style
Make Your Home Magical - My go-tos for Holiday decorating and entertaining :
Set the stage for a memorable Thanksgiving Dinner, Friendsgiving, and caring for others. This is a labor of love. Loving my people with the food I prepare and taking care of them on this day is how I give thanks for having them in my life.
Click here to read my post on Seasonal Refresh and decorating for the Harvest Season. Browse 9 easy fall decorating ideas you can do this weekend.
Tablescape: Set for The Holiday
Collect items from nature; Adding a centerpiece can instantly set the mood. You want to impress your guests, but it does not have to be expensive or overly complicated. A touch of creativity and some natural elements will create a memorable table. I like to forage from my backyard to preserve areas for vines of bittersweet, bird nests, lots of candles, tea lights, and candlesticks, with a nice floral arrangement right in the middle.
Image via House & Home @chanlonprops
Add Fresh Greens and Garlands or Dried Foliage for Tabletop
A beautiful arrangement that finishes the table in style. Dried flowers that offer the beauty of the fall season.
Also our favorite, Fresh Greens, Garlands, Candles, and more for your table. These pieces are instant celebrations of the season.
9 Things Every Hostess Needs
In addition to Decorating your space, adding candles and votives for ambiance, polishing your silverware, and stocking bathrooms and bedrooms with necessary items, these items are a must-have.
Playing Cards like these will delight, and they are on sale, Serving Trays like these that are on sale at Serena and Lily, Beautiful Cocktail Glasses like these, these or these that I have by Juliska, The Essential Bar Cart, lots of Candles, a Wine Cooler - this one is also a great hostess gift, Cake Stand, Dessert Plates like this one, this one by Magnolia or this set by Aerin, The essential and classic holiday Apron for the cook.
SAVOR
Gather loved ones to share a meal,
to share your time and your heart.
Being thankful, taking care of others by reaching out, inviting them to dinner,
Congregating as a family ( it's optional), taking a walk in the woods, setting the table for the biggest feast of the year.
If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, it is time to start thinking about your table setting, and adding a centerpiece can instantly set the mood. You want to impress your guests, but it does not have to be expensive or overly complicated. A touch of creativity and some natural elements will create a memorable table.
Food: Some of Our Favorite Dishes to Inspire
Being thankful together, taking care of others by reaching out, inviting them to dinner, congregating as a family ( it's optional), taking a walk in the woods, and setting the table for the biggest feast of the year with a little fun.
Healthy Food & Food for the Soul.
Now I’m going to start by mentioning that everyone has a fond food memory from Thanksgiving, and I like to ask what they would want to rest. Food memoirs are emotional and it is always nice to honor one or two of them from your spouse, inlaws, or parents.
Invite someone new to your table this year.
A Plant-Rich Thanksgiving Feast Abundant in Nourishment and Gratitude.
In my house, I am crafting new food memories. I am practicing a vegan lifestyle, due to some recent health issues, and my family is supportive but has a few items that they will enjoy added to the menu. I’ve listed some of My Favorite Dishes below if you are looking for inspiration.
The Thanksgiving feast is a culmination of thoughts all around giving thanks to each other, our families, our health, and our friends. I am working this year to keep that top of mind.
Whatever your holiday gathering looks like, you can share these plant-rich dishes to celebrate with indulgence. After all, there is no better way to acknowledge the blessings, love, and life we have than with foods that provide vibrant health through a rainbow of colors, a medley of textures, and flavors that celebrate
Mother Earth's autumnal bounty. Give one or all a place on your table this year.
This is my Dinner Menu if you are looking for some suggestions and inspiration-
The Starters:
Truffle Popcorn: Black truffle oil, White truffle oil, and truffle salt.
Avocado toast. Avocado toast is a favorite in our house. especially these by Green and Tonic. https://greenandtonic.com/smashed-avocado-toast/
Mexican Vegan Shrimp Cocktail - https://dorastable.com/vegan-mexican-shrimp-cocktail/. yum
Soups:
Roasted Root vegetables make the best soups.
From my food subscription: Sakara
Full Moon Spiced Squash Soup - This soup has savory, umami undertones thanks to the chickpea miso and mushroom broth.
What better way to bond and catch up with friends than gathered around a food board? Our version boasts purple figs, bright red pomegranates, and marigold delicata squash.
The Main Dishes / Root Vegetables:
Root Vegi Enchilada w Coconut- Lime Crema with a side of Rice & Beans: turmeric jasmine rice, black beans, and avocado with lime juice.
Roasted Autumn Vegetables, or Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas with Smoky Tahini Dressing, over Rice.
The Stuffing: Gluten Free
The Potatoes:
The Deserts:
PIE of course! with Vanilla Ice Cream (non-dairy), vegan Vanilla Bundt Cake, or Egg Nog Bundt Cake., with a few cookies.
Thanksgiving Day: Enjoy Your feast, enjoy your thoughts, and consider the ritual of thankfulness and gratitude.
November is a special month. It is a time to give thanks for all the good in our lives. I encourage you to take some time this month to reflect on your gratitude. What are you most grateful for? How can you show your gratitude to others? Invite someone for dinner, and give yourself permission to slow down, and savor it all.
I hope this article has given you some ideas for how to cultivate gratitude throughout the month of November.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I hope the idea of daily gratitude will offer a little stress release and added growth of joy to your mindset. Blessings for a peaceful holiday.
Yours in design,
Deborah
December: The Advent,
the month To Prepare.
December = The month of Preparation and Creating Peace
December is the month of
Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace
(What it means to me. This is the month of preparing for Christ’s Arrival. Preparing for change.)
(my advent wreath)
The arrival of Advent allows me the much-needed peace and quiet that I crave in response to the excessive noise in our lives. It’s a very real human need.
And if I ignore this need for too long, I end up overstressed, burned out, and depressed.
What can I do about this?
Prepare yourself for change. Use the month of ADVENT and the five themes to prepare yourself for the change you want to be.
“Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.” - Anonymous
Tea Cup Advent DIY via Miss Mustard Seed
ADVANT CANDLES - What do the five candles of Advent mean?
#1 A green candle, symbolizing FAITH, is lit on the first Sunday that begins on or around November 15; on the second Sunday,
#2 A blue candle, symbolizing HOPE, is lit;
#3 On the third Sunday, a gold candle, symbolizing LOVE;
#4 On the fourth Sunday, a white candle, symbolizes PEACE;
#5 and for Christians, the fifth Sunday, a purple candle, symbolizing the arrival of the child, Jesus.
At Christmas time especially, a season of anticipation and expectation, we think about peace. The peace that we crave. For some faith can bring peace to our hearts.
The way to deal with the storms all around us is to put the right things into our minds. If we change what goes in, our perspective changes. Peace begins to take over from chaos.
Your mind determines your destiny.
Harvest Wreaths
See some of our favorite Wreaths and Garlands for your holiday decor. We completed a round-up of some of our favorite fall and winter decor. Nothing updates your front door and welcomes guest, more than a seasonal beauty placed in your entry, or living room than a well-appointed wreath.
Amazon Holiday Gift Guides, my Curated Magical Holiday Decor Selections
and More.
Holiday Gift Guides, Essential Oils, and Decor on Amazon: visit the dvd Interior Design Amazon Shop for Holiday Gifts. ... Shop now, wrap later. ... Happy Holidays Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Tower by Wine Country Gift Baskets.
NOVEMBER THANKSGIVING GRATEFUL