Embrace November with this Cozy Fall Bucket List

Hello darling,

November is upon us, painting the world in warm hues of amber and gold. Even in Florida, I am feeling all the cozy vibes. It’s a month of transition, when autumn begins to gracefully give way to winter. While the scent of pumpkin spice still lingers, it’s the last bit of time to indulge in the simple pleasures of fall. In that spirit, I wanted to share a cozy, heartwarming bucket list to help us embrace November before we throw on our favorite holiday song and put out the Christmas decor!

1. Leafy Strolls aka Nature Walks: I love going outside during this time of year because Florida gets 2 degrees cooler which is basically sweater weather around these parts. No matter where you live, you can start taking leisurely strolls through parks or nearby forests to witness the beauty of the changing leaves. Crunch through fallen leaves underfoot and breathe in the earthy aroma of the season.

2. Homemade Soup Nights: We all know I love a good recipe! This time of year, I feel like all I see online are soups, and even though I am not a huge soup fan, I still try to enjoy it. Experiment with hearty soup recipes with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or kale. Host a cozy soup night with some awesome friends or convince your family to sit still for a soup dinner, complete with warm bread (one thing I do love!) and good conversation.

3. DIY Craft Projects: I feel like everyone is getting so creative with their DIYs, and I need to get better about it! I want to start getting creative with autumn-inspired DIY crafts – wreaths, candle holders, or potpourri sachets using leaves, pinecones, and acorns. These crafts can add a touch of fall and be custom!

4. Harvest Baking Adventures: Baking is my happy place, and I love to channel my inner baker by whipping up delectable treats infused with fall flavors. Mmmmm apple hand pies! Bake up some cinnamon rolls or snickerdoodle cookies. The aroma of freshly baked goods will fill your home with warmth and yumminess.

5. Book Nook Coziness: I am still in the process of redecorating my new apartment, and I really want to create a cozy reading nook with soft blankets and fluffy pillows where books and warm beverages are welcome.

6. Gratitude Practice: I mentioned this is my Stress-Free Holidays blog post also because changing your perspective can change your life! When you realize how amazing your life is, you have a sense of peace & contentment that is unmatched by anything else. Start a gratitude journal and dedicate a few moments each day to jot down things you’re thankful for.

7. Farmers’ Market Exploration: My friend and I have a goal to visit our local farmers’ market at least once this month, and so hopefully we get to it! I love to visit local farmers’ markets to discover fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts like soaps and candles. It is vital that we all support local businesses to keep them thriving!

8. Cozy Movie Nights: I spend so much of October and December watching movies because #holidayvibes but there are still a few nights in November that I will relax on the couch with some snacks and a good harvest movie. My fav fall movies: It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Dead Poet’s Society, Mona Lisa Smile, and October Sky. The first two are great for families, and the last three are great for those of who enjoy a good mature movie.

9. Seasonal Photo Shoot: There are multiple points in my life that I don’t have many photographed memories, and it makes me sad. I really want to try and do more sharing of not just amazing, cute things I find but also myself and my life. You are worthy of being remembered and captured in a moment of time. Grab your camera or smartphone and head outdoors for a photo shoot amidst the fall foliage.

10. Reflective Journaling: I do try to journal everyday, but something about this season puts me in the nostalgic, reflective mood. Set aside time for introspection and self-discovery. Reflect on the year, your aspirations, and the lessons learned. Use this reflective practice to prepare for the upcoming new year with clarity and purpose, and also write about your day. Reflect on what just happened. These moments will only happen to you once. Enjoy them.

This is just the beginning of the holidays, so DM me on Instagram or comment below to let me know what else you are doing this season!

Wishing you a November filled with cozy adventures and heartwarming moments,

 

 

Relax & Revitalize: Best Tasks for a Monthly Reset Routine

Hello darlings,

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in never-ending to-do lists and lose sight of our well-being. That’s where a monthly reset routine comes in—a dedicated time each month to rejuvenate, refocus, and recharge. In this guide, we’ll explore the best tasks to include in your monthly reset routine. I’ll also give you some personal tips that I use to make each month run smoothly.

  1. Declutter and Organize:
    • Start your monthly reset by decluttering a specific area of your home. This could be a closet, drawer, or even your workspace. Remove items you no longer need and organize what’s left. Decluttering creates physical and mental space for new opportunities. I like to categorize each item into need, want, and comfort. My need items are things I use daily in that space, like my mouse and keyboard at my desk. My comfort items are items I treasure that bring me joy in that space. I try to limit this to a reasonable number for whatever size space I am in. My wants are things that I may really love having around but don’t necessarily need to have and also don’t bring me comfort. I usually start by decluttering from the wants section and then moving to the comfort and needs.
  2. Goal Review and Setting:
    • Reflect on your long-term goals and assess your progress. If you set goals at the beginning of the year and/or the previous month, remind yourself of them. Are you on track? What adjustments do you need to make? Set achievable monthly goals that align with your broader aspirations for the year and even five year plans. This regular check-in keeps you focused and motivated.
  3. Digital Detox:
    • In our digital age, it’s essential to unplug and recharge. Dedicate a portion of your monthly reset to a digital detox—put away your phone, disconnect from social media, and spend quality time with loved ones or engage in analog activities like reading or crafting. I personally sit for at least 30 minutes each Sunday and read with my phone on do-not-disturb.
  4. Self-Care Day:
    • Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity. Devote a day to pampering yourself. Take a long bath, practice mindfulness, meditate, or engage in your favorite hobbies. Self-care rejuvenates your body and mind. I have an entire youtube video dedicated to my beauty and self care routine. Check it out and get inspired!
  5. Finances and Budgeting:
    • I know this part can really feel terrible for some people. At the end of the day though, we can only fix what we acknowledge. Review your financial health regularly. Analyze your spending, savings, and investments. Adjust your budget if necessary and set financial goals for the upcoming month. This practice helps you stay in control of your finances and feel more in control of life!
  6. Health and Wellness Check:
    • Prioritize your physical and mental health by scheduling a monthly wellness check. Assess your exercise routine, diet, and sleep patterns. Make necessary adjustments to ensure you’re taking care of your well-being. I love habit tracking for this because if I have been working out consistently all month but haven’t seen any progress, I can look at my other habits to see what might be causing a stall. You don’t have to track every moment of your day. Start small and just track how many hours of sleep you got or how many times you step away from your computer.
  7. Learning and Personal Growth:
    • Dedicate time each month to acquiring new knowledge or skills. Whether it’s reading a book, taking an online course, or practicing a new language, continuous learning keeps your mind active and engaged. I am currently getting my MBA and of course starting my little blog and Youtube. All of this requires me to learn new skills and engage my brain. Even if you just take 10 minutes a week to learn a new skill, it can you happy and healthy well into your golden years!
  8. Journaling:
    • Cultivate a sense of gratitude by maintaining a monthly gratitude journal. Reflect on the past month’s positive experiences and accomplishments. This practice boosts your mood and perspective. If you have trouble with gratitude, start with just stream of consciousness journaling. Starting writing and write out anything that comes to mind.
  9. Home Maintenance:
    • Tackle home maintenance tasks to keep your living space in top condition. This could include cleaning out gutters, changing air filters, or addressing minor repairs. A well-maintained home provides comfort and peace of mind. One exercise I adore is “One Thing a Day”. This involves fixing one thing each day that bothers you. I had a trash can in a very weird place, and out of habit I kept it there for months before I realized oh I can just move it. Small things that make your life easier make a bigger impact than you may think.
  10. Social Connection:
    • Make an effort to nurture your social relationships. Reach out to friends or family members you haven’t connected with recently. Plan gatherings or virtual meetups to strengthen your bonds. Each month, I reach out to my close friends that live nearby and plan something. If no one is free, I plan a self-day where I go by myself to have fun and maybe even make new friends. You can also video chat with someone while you do it!

A monthly reset routine is a valuable tool for maintaining balance and well-being in your life. By incorporating these best tasks into your monthly reset, you’ll create a rhythm of self-care, growth, and organization that enhances your overall quality of life. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress, and each month offers a fresh opportunity for renewal.

Ultimate Fall Transition Guide

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of gold and crimson, and the air becomes crisp, there’s no denying that fall is upon us. It’s that magical time of year when we bid adieu to the carefree days of summer and welcome the cozy comforts of autumn. To help you make a seamless transition, I have put together an ultimate Fall Transition Guide filled with all my favorite things to do in the beginning of fall. Get ready to embrace the changing seasons with style, warmth, and a dash of pumpkin spice.

1. Wardrobe Transition:

One of the most exciting aspects of fall is revamping my wardrobe. Even here in Florida, I switch out my bright summer colors for all the autumn vibes! If you live somewhere cooler, say farewell to sundresses and shorts and say hello to cozy sweaters, scarves, and ankle boots. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Colors: Embrace the fall color palette with rich hues like deep burgundy, forest green, and mustard yellow.
  • Warmer Fabrics: Swap out lightweight fabrics for cozy ones like wool, flannel, and cashmere.
  • Fall Accessories: I love to break out my boots and fall themed jewelry!

2. Home Decor & Coziness:

Transform your living space into a cozy autumn haven. Here’s how:

  • Decorate Mindfully: Select a few key pieces of fall decor like rustic candles, plush throw blankets, and seasonal wreaths. Of course pumpkins always put me in the fall mood, but anything with acorns, leaves, or in fall colors help me feel extra cozy.
  • Soap Change-Out: Switch to autumn-themed hand soaps in your bathroom and kitchen. This is one of the first things I do when I transition to fall. I have a cashmere scented hand soap that smells incredible! It is so easy to do this and can be so fun!
  • Book List: Curate a list of books you plan to read during the season, and include all things spooky or fall themed!

3. Kitchen Time:

Fall is synonymous with delicious comfort food and warm beverages. Here’s your kitchen to-do list:

  • Baking Adventures: Fill your home with the aroma of freshly baked goods. Try classics apple pies, cinnamon rolls, and pumpkin bread. I also love anything apple, and one of my favorite activities is choosing our dessert for the week and making it seasonal. Apple crisps, chess pies, and oatmeal cream pies are some other favs of mine!
  • Farmers Markets & Apple Picking: Make trips to farmers’ markets and apple orchards a seasonal tradition. I love to visit different farmers’ markets and choose which one to frequent based on the seasonal options they have.
  • Tea Time Snacks: Choose delightful tea-time snacks and nightly desserts. Think spiced chai, mulled cider, and spiced hot chocolate or you can try making your own pumpkin spice latte at home!

4. Self-Care:

Amidst the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself:

  • Spa Time: Create your own home spa experience with a relaxing bath infused with fall-scented essential oils. My favorite thing is to exfoliate and moisturize. I never truly feel clean until I am fully moisturized.
  • Skincare: Explore seasonal skincare products and face masks. Pamper yourself a little extra. I love to walk around Ulta and pick out cute little things that are fall themed. I don’t often try new face products, but I love trying new body products often!
  • Fall Makeup: Try out seasonal makeup looks with warm, earthy tones. You can buy fall themed palettes or buy warm tone palettes that you can use all year. I like to buy warm tone palettes that can be used in summer when I am tan and in fall when I am wearing darker colors.

That is my complete guide to transitioning to fall! Let me know in the comments what you do to get in the mood! Make the most of this amazing season. Smell all the smells and get excited for Halloween soon! I will be posting a lot of Halloween content starting in October, so get excited! Subscribe to my newsletter for all the feminine, seasonal content and follow along with me on IG for stories! Happy fall, darlings! 🍂✨