November 2025 // A List

1. Well, my goodness, November! If October was a whirlwind, I don't even know how to describe you. Sure, there were some slow days, but overall, I feel like you arrived, I blinked, and now it's time for you to go.

2. The first week of November is always a strange one. I'm usually still on a Halloween kick with bits of Christmas excitement mixed in. And a dash of Thanksgiving anticipation. 

3. The weather gave me whiplash. Some days were unseasonably warm, and then the next day, winter popped by to say hello. The past few days have been cold (I'm talking high 20s and 30s in the mornings), but a bit warmer in the afternoons. I wish it would just stay one weather. It's always tricky deciding what to wear in the morning because I wonder whether to wear a coat or a sweater.

4. I started lighting a candle every night in November. I absolutely love it. I've even indulged in quite a few candlelight baths. It's absolutely relaxing and a new favorite part of my self-care routine. 

5. Thanksgiving was full of celebrations. We went to Raphael's Thanksgiving feast at school and had a blast. Raphael was so excited to show us his desk and introduce us to his friends. 

6. We also celebrated Vivi's first birthday. I can't believe she's a year old now! I remember holding her when she was still an infant. 

7. Thanksgiving was a success. We went to Mami's for dinner. I love that Mami already had her Christmas decorations out and on display. She did a fantastic job decorating her home. 

8. I'm trying to be intentional with shopping during the holiday season. So even though I don't usually get up early on Black Friday, I did this year. I was able to buy a few things we needed and a few gifts here and there. I also did a bit more shopping on Small Business Saturday. I really want to support more local businesses, and I'm happy to say I found quite a few gifts made or sold by local shops. 

9. There is nothing like a moody sky in November. 

10. A song on repeat: Tell Ur Girlfriend by Lay Bankz

11. November was a good month for reading. I read so many great books. I read a mix of fall/Halloween books, Christmas books, nonfiction, romance, essay collections, and children's books. 

12. I've been on a Humans of New York kick. I finished reading Humans of New York a couple of days ago. Now I'm reading Human of New York: Stories. Next up will be Humans. I put Dear New York on hold at my library.

13. We need to put our Christmas decorations up. I'm hoping to put the tree up by December 1st. 

14. I loved seeing the holiday decorations in our city's downtown square. I can't wait to see them at night, and I'm looking forward to the Christmas tree lighting. 

15. We tried a new-to-us pizza spot, Ruby's Sourdough Pizza, and loved it. 10/10 highly recommend.

16. The state of the country is still worrying and angering me. Every day, it's something new, and yet I'm also not surprised. 

17. My creative rut is still here, but I've found some inspiration in a few things. I'm hoping this means I will be working on a few projects, or at least my sketchbook/journal, in December. I'm planning to join a daily challenge in December, and I'm looking forward to it. I'm giving myself grace, and if I miss a few days or choose not to complete a few prompts that I'm not into, then that's ok. 

18. Thanksgiving Break was a much-needed, much-wanted, and much-appreciated week off. I'm sad that it's almost over. However, I feel more rested and at ease. 

19. So long, November. You were a busy month, but I'm so grateful for the slow, cozy days that were sprinkled in here and there. Oh, December. I already know it's going to be a busier month than November. Here's to a month full of joy, peace, hope, family, and festive cheer. May December be a month full of magic. 

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash

If You and I Had Coffee

If you and I had coffee...

We'd meet up at one of our favorite coffee shops that's near the grocery store. It's the day before Thanksgiving, so we'll take our drinks to go, brave the crowd at the grocery store, and buy the last-minute things we forgot to buy earlier in the week. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. It'll be nice to spend time with family, eat good food, and watch the Thanksgiving Day parade. I'm also looking forward to playing board games, reading a good book, and maybe (hopefully) taking a nap.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I can't believe November is almost over. This month flew by even faster than October. I'm excited for December. I already know December is going to be another busy month. I just looked at my calendar, and my jaw dropped at all the events, appointments, and meetings I have already scheduled. I am already looking forward to our two-week holiday break. It is very much deserved.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm still dealing with this creative rut. The main issue is that I'm having trouble deciding which journal/notebook to use. It seems like every time I sit down to make something and look at several new notebooks and journals, I end up unable to pick which one to use. The sketchbook is either too big or too small. Or it doesn't have the right paper. I've been thinking of using my Get Messy Art Journal, and it would be a perfect sketchbook, but I wish it were smaller. Then I think about using a Moleskine sketchbook or a watercolor sketchbook, but I can't decide which paper to use. I've also been unable to decide whether to use a landscape or portrait sketchbook. Every time I think I've made my decision, I end up changing my mind, and then I get frustrated. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I can't wait to put up our Christmas tree and Christmas lights. I'm also looking forward to buying a new ornament for the tree. This is one of my favorite family traditions. We'll visit a few of our favorite small businesses to check out the ornaments. I'm also really excited to check out the Kris Kringle Market during our city's Christmas tree lighting. A few of my favorite vendors and small businesses will have their booths set up. I can't wait. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I have been devouring Terry's Chocolate Snowballs. These are so good. I've tried the original Terry's Chocolate Orange, and it's pretty good too. I've also been drinking a lot of hot chocolate, and sometimes I'll add a piece of chocolate like Ghirardelli squares or even a slice of Terry's chocolate to it. 10/10 highly recommend.

What would you tell me?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Adrien Brun on Unsplash

Just Five Things

1. We're on Thanksgiving Break, and this week off work is much-needed. I feel like I've been non-stop busy since October. I haven't really posted much here except for my Happy and Grateful lists. I'm hoping to write more soon. It seems my creative rut is slowly creeping into my writing, and I'm not happy about it. Or maybe it's just my body and mind telling me that I need to rest. Either way, I've been giving myself grace, and surprisingly, I'm not too stressed about not creating much recently, but I do wish this creative rut would just go away. I think I just really want to know what is causing my creative rut. 

2. I'm in my candle era. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this before, but I have so many unused candles. However, lately, I've been lighting a candle every night, and it's been such a balm to my soul. It's a new part of my self-care routine, and I love it.

3. I saw this really cool DIY Drippy Candle Plate, and now I want to try to make one. It would look really great on our dining room table. Even though the video lists this DIY for Fall, I think it would be perfect for winter too. 

4. I went grocery shopping with Mami over the weekend to prepare for our Thanksgiving feast, and I was hit with a heavy dose of nostalgia. It may seem silly, but it really warmed my heart to do this simple thing with Mami. It reminded me of my childhood. 

5. I'm currently reading several books. I'm still on a Halloween kick, so some of the books are Halloween-themed. However, I'm also reading Christmas-themed books, too. I'm still slowly reading Mary Oliver's Little Alleluias, and so far I'm enjoying it. I've been reading a few poems and some prose before bed. It's been a good way to wind down.

What have you been up to?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Nina Mercado on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! Today I'm sharing my happy and grateful list. It was a pretty great week. I've read, listened, and watched so many good things. We had a few fun events happen, too. Also, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas (even though Thanksgiving hasn't arrived yet). What are some things that made you happy or grateful this week?

1. It was a busy week, but a highlight of the week was going to Raphael's Thanksgiving Feast at his school. It was nice to join his class and check out the work he's been doing. He was so excited to show us his drawings that he had made with one of his friends. 

2. I watched The Nun II, and now I want to do a Conjuring series rewatch. #spookyseasonforever

3. The Pender Island Fire Rescue's Twilight parodies have had me cackling.

4. A Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate. A bit sweet, but so delicious.

5. A song on repeat: Slow Motion by Charlotte Lawrence

6. This is the good stuff.

7. I received a paperback copy of Cleo Wade's Remember Love from Random House, and I'm so happy to read this new version of the book. I'm excited to check out the annotations. I remember when I first read the book, I absolutely devoured it. 

8. I bought these amazing joggers from Old Navy. The name, SoComfy, suits these joggers because they really are comfy and so soft. I also bought a couple of Old Navy's Dynamic Fleece Jogger Sweatpants. These sweatpants are a great alternative to their SleekTech Cargo Joggers. They are perfect for colder weather and for staying indoors, too.

9. I love the pops of color in this home.

10. We're officially on Thanksgiving Break, and I am so grateful to have the week off work. I can't wait to spend time with my family, eat good food, watch some fun holiday movies, and listen to Christmas music.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today I'm sharing my happy and grateful list. With the current state of the country (and the world), I believe it's important to remember the things that make us happy and grateful. For me, this weekly ritual is an essential part of my self-care. Also, it's nice to balance out the good and the not-so-great.

1. I don't usually get excited about movies, but I just saw the teaser trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2, and I can't wait to watch it! 

2. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I've already asked the boys what they would like for Christmas, and I've been making all the lists. We are planning to shop for a new holiday ornament (love this tradition!). I'm also planning to go through all my holiday clothes and accessories to start preparing for my staff's holiday spirit dress-up days. 

3. I absolutely love the idea of mothering myself. This was such a good reminder. 

4. A song on repeat: Hurricane by The Aces

5. "You are more than the roles that you play in other people's lives." -Alex Elle

6. I finished reading I Remember Nothing by Nora Ephron and absolutely loved it. Now I'm on a Nora Ephron kick and just picked up a copy of I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman.

7. On Saturday, I went to The Read Shop and tried their Gingerbread Latte. It was so delicious. I also stopped by my new go-to bakery, McEntyre's Bakery, and bought some thumbprint cookies, gingerbread men cookies, ginger bears cookies, and a strawberry cream cheese croissant. We devoured the thumbprint cookies. I may have to start making these at home, especially since it's cookie season. For the holiday season, I may try to make a different type of cookie (maybe a cake or some pastry) every week.

8. We celebrated my baby niece, Vivi's, first birthday and we all had a blast. It was great spending time with my family and seeing my nieces and nephews. I say this every time, but they are growing so much. I can't believe that my oldest nephew will be an adult next year. And now my youngest niece is a year old! 

9. Old Navy's Super Cash began over the weekend, and I definitely took advantage of all the sales. The boys needed some new cold-weather clothes (they are growing so fast). I also have my eye on a few pants and joggers for myself. 

10. We only have five more days before Thanksgiving Break begins, and I'm so excited. I'm ready to spend time with family, eat delicious food, watch a couple of movies or shows, play some board games, and rest. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! Today I'm linking up with Charlotte for a weekly happy and grateful list link up.

1. I lit my first candle for the fall/winter season, and it brought me so much joy. In fact, I can't remember the last time I lit a candle besides a birthday candle. I have all these candles that I either bought or received as gifts, but have yet to light them. This season, I'm in my candle era, and I plan to light a candle every evening. 

2. I recently learned about Fridge Finder, which is a website/app that allows people to find community fridges that contain free food in New York. I think it would be so cool to have this all over the country. 

3. John and I played a few rounds of Guess Who? and tried to teach Raphael how to play the game. I hadn't played Guess Who? in years, and it was so exciting to play it again. In fact, we (mainly me) haven't played many other board games in a while, but we plan to change that. There's just something about playing board games during fall and winter that soothes me. 

4. A song on repeat: Golden Brown x Love Story (Slowed and Reverb). I really like this mashup. 

5. This is so sweet. 

6. And this made me cackle. 

7. I returned a stack of library books and can't wait until the next batch of books I've placed on hold is ready to be picked up. One of the books I plan to read next is I Remember Nothing by Nora Ephron.

8. On the wishlist: This Speckled Ceramic Stubby Candle Holder. Also, this Brass Garland Golden Leaf Garland would look perfect around the candle holder. Shout out to Joanna Goddard of Cup of Jo and Big Salad for recommending this on The Good Trade's newsletter. 

9. The results of the November 4, 2025, elections gave me some hope. May people continue to ensure their voices are heard and continue to vote in every election.

10. I'm so glad it's the weekend, and it's going to be a much-needed, laid-back weekend, which I'm grateful for. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Alberto Bobbera on Unsplash

November Goals

Happy Wednesday! Can you believe we're already a few days into November? October flew by, and November might do the same. 

October was a fun-filled and extremely busy month. We attended a couple of festivals, including the Spooky Festival, the Smyrna Birthday Celebration, and the Crafts and Drafts Festival. We celebrated Jaileny's birthday, and I got to see my niece and my nephew. We also went to the last few farmers' markets before the farmers' market season ended. I indulged in all the treats and baked goods. I bought half gallons of fresh apple cider and apples every week. I tried a new-to-me bakery, McEntyre's Bakery, and fell in love with their seasonal cookies. The apple bread was also delicious. I've been listening to Florence + the Machine's Everybody Scream on repeat. I love that it was released on Halloween. We carved our pumpkin kind of late in the month (literally days before Halloween), and I loved the design John carved. I was thrilled that Halloween fell on a Friday. We handed out candy to some trick-or-treaters, and then we took the boys out to trick-or-treat. Overall, October was a dream.

In November, I'm hoping for a slower month. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving Break and spending time with my family. I'm looking forward to watching the Thanksgiving Day parade. I'm looking forward to celebrating my niece's first birthday. I'm looking forward to preparing for Christmas. Although I mentioned several events in that list, I'm really hoping for more days of rest and relaxation. I'm looking forward to cozy days and staying at home.

I'm sure there will be some busy days and some weeks in November, so I'm going to give myself some grace, just as I did in October, when it comes to my monthly goals. I still set some goals, as I love this monthly ritual, but it's okay if I don't complete any or if I forget about them. 

Now that I've mentioned goals, let's have a quick recap of my October Goals and take a look at my new goals for November.

Recap of October Goals

• Read 1 book I borrowed from the library: I read a bunch of books I borrowed from the library. Yes, many of them were books for Raphael, but I'm still counting them. We read a ton of Halloween-themed books, and it was perfect. 

• Read 2 books I received from NetGalley: I read a few books I received from NetGalley, but I only finished reading one of them. I finished reading Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate, which was a delightful read. 

• Participate in Exhale's October blog hop: Unfortunately, I didn't work on the prompt for the blog hop. By the time I remembered the blog hop, the deadline was so close, and I didn't want to stress much about submitting something. I still plan to work on the prompts that I missed, and I may share a few on the blog.

• Work in my sketchbook/journal: Once again, I did not work in any of my sketchbooks or journals. I keep getting stuck on which journal to use, and it's been extremely frustrating. 

• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout: I completely forgot to work on some layouts, but to be fair, I didn't have the necessary photos to complete the layouts I wanted. However, I placed a large order of photos, which I'm hoping will arrive within the next week or so. I'm itching to make a couple of 6x8 layouts, and I'd like to use some in a layout and a traveler's notebook.

• Try 2 new recipes: I stuck to our go-to recipes and dishes this month. I honestly forgot about this goal. 

November Goals

• Read 2 books I borrowed from the library
• Read 2 books I received from NetGalley
• Participate in Exhale's November blog hop
• Try 1 new recipe
• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout
• Work on the latest round of Here: Five Things ecourse

What are your goals for November? How did you do in October?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

October 2025 // A List

1. Oh my goodness, October! You came in like a whirlwind and left rather quickly. However, you were full of good times and good vibes. October, you were a dream as always.

2. We did our usual fall traditions. We went to three different festivals and had a blast. We ate what seemed to be endless amounts of fried Oreos and other treats. 

3. Fall most certainly made itself known. The weather got so much cooler, and we had to bring out our sweaters and thick jackets (and eventually the boys' coats). The chill in the air was much appreciated by me. 

4. Weekly fresh apple cider and Honeycrisp apples were a delight. The best part: the apple cider and apples came from a great orchard, and it was nice to support a small, local business and farm. 

5. My favorite book of the month was surprisingly a Christmas-themed book called Mistletoe Meet Cute by Bella Matthews. 

6. On repeat: Florence + the Machine's latest album, Everybody Scream.

7. Also on repeat: Tame Impala's album, Deadbeat.

8. Trick-or-treating was a success! We handed out candy to some trick-or-treaters, then set out the rest of the candy outside while we took the boys to go trick-or-treating. The boys came home with a big haul, and we arrived to find a couple of pieces of candy left from our container. 

9. Christmas displays are now in stores, and it's been fun checking out some new mugs and other seasonal goods. I'm especially excited for some new Christmas and winter decor. 

10. I'm still watching the second season of With Love, Meghan.

11. We (mainly John) carved our pumpkin late into the month. We finally got it done just a few days before Halloween, which is the latest that I can remember ever getting our pumpkin carved. 

12. The state of the country is still worrying and angering me. It's just a lot going on. I took advantage of early voting and made sure my voice was heard by casting my vote early. 

13. I signed up for the latest round of Here: Five Things, and I was so excited to have a creative project to work on in November. 

14. I read so many great newsletters on Substack. My love for Substack continues to grow. 

15. October, I'm sad to see you go. You really were a dream. Hello, November. I'm so excited for this new month. May it be filled with cozy days full of rest, with fun events and activities sprinkled throughout. 

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! Today I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link up.

1. We (mainly John, with a bit of help from Raphael) carved our pumpkin just a few days before Halloween. It was fun to watch, and I love how it turned out.

2. I made sure my voice was heard and voted on Tuesday. I was surprised that so many people didn't realize there were two elections taking place in our county. Please, please, please make sure you go vote. 

3. The New York Times' games for Halloween were so fun. I loved that the game Connections used images instead of words/phrases. It was a nice change. 

4. An album on repeat: Everybody Scream. I absolutely love that it was released on Halloween.

5. This dressy top is so cute and would be perfect for holiday events. It's also available in black and red. 

6. I just finished reading The Devil by Michelle Heard. It's the fifth book in the Mafia Empire series, and it's the first book I've read from the series. Beware of triggers

7. This made me cackle. "The leaves are dead". I can't.

8. This was so incredibly sweet.

9. Halloween. We got to hand out candy, and I was so excited to see all the different costumes. The boys, especially Raphael, had a blast trick-or-treating. I loved seeing all the Halloween decorations. 

10. Crumbl just announced Martha Stewart's Crumbl menu, and I'm so excited!

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...