Each month, I put together a list of 30 simple ways to embrace the beauty of everyday life. This list is designed to help you thoughtfully curate your days, focusing on home, garden, and personal moments. Whether you’re savoring time alone or sharing it with someone special, these ideas are meant to inspire more joy in the ordinary. Use it as a guide to create new moments or refine the ones you already cherish.
A saying about November: “There are so many beautiful reasons to be grateful.” (source unknown)
November is the perfect time to slow down, reflect on what you’re thankful for, live fully in the moment, and embrace the beauty of ordinary days. It’s also the perfect time to check off a few more items from your Fall Fun Checklist. Don’t have one? November’s Loving the Ordinary list is filled with daily ideas to help you savor everything this cozy season has to offer.
With that in mind, take a moment to choose one or two things to love and enjoy this month. Here’s November’s Loving the Ordinary list to inspire you.
- Gather your favorite holiday recipes and display them in your kitchen. Pick one or two to try, add the ingredients to your shopping list, and invite someone to join you in the fun of cooking together.
- Perfect your apple or pecan pie recipe and share your “practice pies” with friends and neighbors as you refine your technique.
- Add warmth to your home by filling tables, mantels, and bookshelves with candles and candlesticks.
- Treat yourself to a homemade fall-inspired latte.
- Start planning your Thanksgiving celebration. If you need guidance, I have a PDF to help map out your holiday.
- Order firewood to prepare for cozy fall and winter nights by the fire.
- Get organized for handmade gifts—don’t forget to replace worn-out sewing needles, scissors, or ink pads while running errands, so you’re ready to craft.
- Choose a favorite photo to use for this year’s holiday cards.
- Clean and prep your home for holiday gatherings and decorations—this is the season for home-keeping.
- Create a popcorn station for movie and game nights.
- Start organizing addresses for efficient holiday card writing. Need help? Head to our Facebook group where you’ll find a handy spreadsheet in the files section.
- On Veterans Day, thank someone for their service, or bring treats to a local veterans facility.
- Write notes or letters to those in your life you’re especially thankful for, letting them know how much they mean to you.
- Try a new pumpkin recipe—whether it’s pie, cake, cookies, bread, or pancakes. For inspiration, visit my Pinterest Pumpkin board.
- Stock up on hostess and service people gifts to hand out between Thanksgiving and the New Year.
- As you unpack your winter gear, donate what you no longer need or that no longer fits your style.
- Plan your reading list for the upcoming year and share it—there may be someone who’d love to discuss a book or two with you. Also, stay tuned for A Carefully Curated Life Book Club starting in December.
- Organize your board games—donate unused ones, replace missing pieces, or treat yourself to a new game.
- Schedule a few self-care appointments to keep yourself grounded during the busy holiday season.
- Create a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape—if you need help, consider taking a floral arranging class.
- Start a new Thanksgiving tradition by taking a group photo of everyone gathered together. Share photos from the past year, then update the framed ones around your home.
- Discuss family traditions with loved ones around the table, passing them down through the generations.
- Practice saying “No” to conserve energy and take care of yourself as the holiday season ramps up.
- Start a gratitude journal or make a list of everything you’re thankful for.
- Enjoy Thanksgiving with friends, family, and neighbors, or start a Friendsgiving tradition.
- On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, support your local small businesses for Small Business Saturday.
- Skip the busy malls and visit a local museum or take a fun class, such as canvas painting, ceramics, or candle making.
- Prepare countdown treats or gifts for next month.
- Now is the perfect time to shop sales at kitchen supply or home decor stores for table linens—stock up while you can.
- Finally, start thinking about next year’s goals, adventures, and vacations. What do you want to achieve or experience in the coming year?
I hope this list has sparked some inspiration for embracing the beauty of October by loving the ordinary moments each and every day.
