NOVEMBER’S 30 WAYS FOR LOVING THE ORDINARY EACH & EVERY DAY

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.

35 BEST TRIBAL BRAIDS HAIRSTYLES: SAVE THIS FOR YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT

Ready to transform your hair into a masterpiece of culture and style? Tribal braids aren’t just hairstyles; they’re a statement. Rooted in rich traditions, these intricate designs blend beauty with boldness. From classic Fulani braids to modern twists, get ready to explore a world of hair inspiration. Save this list for your next salon appointment and prepare to turn heads! Keep scroll!

CROSSOVER FISHBONE CORNROWS

Crossover Fishbone Cornrows offer a dynamic twist on traditional cornrows. This style merges the clean lines of cornrows with the intricate pattern of fishbone braids, creating a visually striking and modern look. The crossover element adds depth and dimension, making it a standout choice for those who love bold hair statements.

ELEGANT UPDO WITH TRIBAL CORNROWS AND PEARLS

An elegant updo featuring tightly braided tribal cornrows, beautifully pulled up and adorned with pearls. The addition of pearls enhances the sophistication and richness of the style, making it an ideal choice for formal engagements where a refined and culturally rich look is desired.

TRIBAL BRAIDS CROWN WITH SILK FLOWERS AND BEADS

It crowns the head with tribal braids, giving the appearance of a regal headpiece, enhanced with silk flowers and beads. This decoration adds a touch of elegance, making it especially fitting for special events where sophistication is key, such as weddings and cultural ceremonies.

TRIBAL BRAIDS WITH INTRICATE SCALP ART

Tribal Braids with Intricate Scalp Art blend traditional braiding techniques with detailed designs shaved or painted onto the scalp between the braids. This artistic element adds a unique personal touch, turning the hairstyle into a walking piece of art that reflects both creativity and cultural pride.

HALF TRIBAL CORNROWS, HALF LOOSE CURLS

Half Tribal Cornrows and Half Loose Curls create a striking visual contrast by pairing the sleek, tight cornrows on one side of the head with soft, romantic loose curls on the other. This style beautifully merges structured and free-flowing elements, making it perfect for those who appreciate both types of hairstyles.

TRIANGLE TRIBAL TWISTS 

Triangle Tribal Twists are a geometrically captivating hairstyle. This style involves creating a series of triangular sections on the scalp, with each section twisted into a neat rope-like braid. The result is a bold and edgy look that is both modern and reminiscent of traditional tribal patterns.

TRIBAL FULANI BRAIDS WITH A TOUCH OF MODERNITY

Tribal Fulani Braids with a Modern Twist combine traditional Fulani braid patterns with contemporary styling elements, like unique parting or modern accessories. This hairstyle merges cultural heritage with current trends, offering a look that honors tradition while appealing to modern fashion tastes.

TRIBAL PIN CURLS AND BRAIDED TOP KNOT

Tribal pin curls add a touch of glamour to this hairstyle, making it ideal for formal occasions. Who says tribal braids are only for vacation?

MIXED TEXTURE TRIBAL PONYTAIL WITH BRAIDS

The Mixed Texture Tribal Ponytail with Braids features a high ponytail that blends various textures, including smooth, twisted, and potentially curly braids. This dynamic hairstyle celebrates textural diversity, creating an eye-catching and stylish look that merges both modern trends and traditional elements.

ALICIA KEYS INSPIRED TRIBAL BRAIDS

Alicia Keys-inspired tribal braids will beautifully frame a woman’s curls with their curvy pattern. This style is especially flattering for women with round faces, adding a graceful complement to their features.

BRAIDS WITH TRIBAL SIDE TWISTS AND BEADS

Braids with Tribal Side Twists and Beads feature braids along the scalp with cascading side twists adorned with beads. This blend of textures and styles not only adds visual interest but also frames the face beautifully, making it a versatile and eye-catching choice for any occasion.

‘ONE TRIBE FITS ALL’ BRAIDS

One Tribe Fits All Braids celebrate diversity and unity through hair. This versatile style combines elements from various tribal cultures, blending different braid patterns and textures. Think of it as a global hair fusion, creating a unique and inclusive look that reflects the beauty of different traditions.

LADDER PATTERN TRIBAL CORNROWS

Ladder Pattern Tribal Cornrows showcase a distinctive braiding design that mimics the rungs of a ladder, producing a striking and unconventional visual effect. This creative pattern is perfect for those seeking to elevate traditional cornrow styles, offering a modern twist on classic tribal braiding.

THREE-LAYERED FULANI TRIBAL BRAIDS

Three-Layered Fulani Tribal Braids feature a tiered design where braids are arranged in three distinct layers or sections of the head, often adorned with traditional Fulani beads or gold clips. This layered approach adds depth and dimension, resulting in a richly textured hairstyle that resonates with cultural significance.

PATTERNED SCALP TRIBAL CORNROWS

Patterned Scalp Tribal Cornrows are intricately braided close to the scalp, featuring a variety of patterns like geometric shapes or curved lines. This technique highlights the precision and artistry of cornrow braiding, turning the scalp into a key element of the hairstyle’s visual appeal and showcasing detailed craftsmanship.

HALF-UP TRIBAL BRAIDS WITH FLOWING LOCKS

Half-Up Tribal Braids with Flowing Locks offer a captivating contrast of structure and freedom. The upper half showcases intricate tribal braids, while the lower half boasts unrestrained, flowing tresses. This style beautifully balances precision and natural beauty, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.

BEADED TIPS TRIBAL BRAIDED BOB

Beaded Tips Tribal Braided Bob features a chic bob hairstyle with each braid ending in decorative beads. This adds a playful charm and a touch of weight to the braids, giving the classic bob shape a unique movement and a distinct tribal flair.

CROSSED TRIBAL BRAIDS WITH COLORFUL THREADS

Crossed Tribal Braids with Colorful Threads feature braids that cross over each other in a striking pattern, interwoven with vibrant threads. The colorful threads add a burst of color and emphasize the intricate crossing design, making this hairstyle a standout choice for those seeking a bold, artistic look.

TRIBAL TWIST-OUT CROWN WITH BRAIDS

The Tribal Twist-Out Crown with Braids combines braids along the scalp with a beautifully defined twist-out that forms a regal crown effect. This style showcases how textured hair can be shaped to create a voluminous, sophisticated outline that is both natural and elegant.

RIBBON INSERTED BACK-SWEPT TRIBAL CORNROWS

This style features a set of tight braids closely woven together, sweeping back from the hairline and adorned with colorful ribbons. The ribbons introduce a playful touch and add ornate dimension, bringing both color and texture to the hairstyle. It’s a great choice for festive occasions or for adding a touch of flair to everyday looks.

ELEGANT TRIBAL UPDO WITH SILK FLOWERS AND BRAIDS

This Elegant Tribal Updo with Silk Flowers and Braids is a sophisticated style featuring intricate braiding enhanced with romantic silk flowers. Combining classic braiding techniques with floral accents, it creates a stunning and graceful look, making it perfect for any formal occasion.

CURVED TRIBAL CORNROWS WITH NATURAL PUFF

Curved Tribal Cornrows with Natural Puff showcase smoothly curved cornrows that taper towards the crown, leaving the hair in a natural puff. This style elegantly blends sleek braids with the hair’s natural texture, creating a polished look that proudly highlights natural beauty.

BEADED TRIBAL FAUXHAWK WITH TRIBAL INSPIRATION

Beaded Tribal Fauxhawk with Tribal Inspiration shapes the hair into a fauxhawk using tribal braiding techniques, adorned with beads and other traditional accessories. This edgy hairstyle blends contemporary fashion with cultural influences, making it an ideal choice for a bold and distinctive statement.

JUMBO MIXED TEXTURE TRIBAL BRAIDS

Jumbo Mixed Texture Tribal Braids feature thick, jumbo braids mixed with sections of varying textures, such as curly or coiled hair. This combination creates a dynamic and voluminous look that is both modern and striking, offering a bold and stylish contrast.

BOX TRIBAL BRAIDS WITH WIRE WRAPS AND BEADS

Goddess Tribal Braids with Wire Wraps and Beads are intricately styled with thin wires and beads wrapped around the braids, creating a regal and sophisticated look. This elaborate style highlights elegance and enhances the wearer’s goddess-like aura.

THICK HALO TRIBAL CORNROWS WITH INTRICATE PATTERNS

Thick Halo Tribal Cornrows with Intricate Patterns showcase broad, halo-shaped cornrows that encircle the head, featuring complex braid designs. This detailed and robust style not only demonstrates the braider’s skill but also creates a majestic and elegant appearance, perfect for formal events and ceremonies.

DIAGONAL TRIBAL BRAIDS WITH COWRIE SHELL EDGING

Diagonal Tribal Braids with Cowrie Shell Edging feature braids styled in diagonal patterns across the scalp, with cowrie shells adorning the braid edges. This unique style blends angular sophistication with traditional accents, resulting in a visually captivating and culturally rich hairstyle.

SUPER LONG TRIBAL BRAIDED HAIRSTYLE

The Super Long Tribal Braided Hairstyle extends dramatically, often reaching the waist or beyond, making a bold and striking statement. This style highlights the beauty and versatility of long braids, offering a canvas for a range of embellishments and styling options.

SHELL ACCENTED LAYERED TRIBAL BRAIDS

Shell-Accented Layered Tribal Braids feature multiple layers of braids, each embellished with small shells that introduce an oceanic touch. These shells not only enhance the hairstyle’s visual appeal but also symbolize wealth and earthiness, adding cultural significance to the look.

ASYMMETRICAL TRIBAL BRAIDS

Asymmetrical Tribal Braids with Feathers showcase braids of varying lengths and sizes swept to one side, adorned with delicate feathers. This style exudes a bohemian and whimsical charm, making it ideal for creative or festive occasions where a unique, nature-inspired look is desired.

ZIGZAG DESIGNED CORNROWS

Zigzag Designed Cornrows with a Tribal Touch feature cornrows arranged in dynamic zigzag patterns, infusing traditional tribal styles with a modern twist. This hairstyle is both visually striking and a testament to intricate craftsmanship and creative braid artistry.

TRIBAL BRAIDED CROWN WITH HANGING TWISTS

The Tribal Braided Crown with Hanging Twists creates a regal appearance by shaping a crown of braids around the head, complemented by twists that cascade downward. This elegant hairstyle is perfect for special occasions and can be embellished with accessories like flowers or jewels to enhance its celebratory flair.

COLORFUL BEADED SIDE-SWEPT TRIBAL CORNROWS

Colorful Beaded Side-Swept Tribal Cornrows infuse traditional cornrows with a playful touch by incorporating vibrant beads and sweeping the braids to one side. This style blends elegance with a hint of fun, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.

LONG FLOWING TRIBAL BRAIDS

Long Flowing Tribal Braids cascade gracefully down the back, providing a classic and feminine look that can be styled both casually and glamorously. Often adorned with beads or shells, these braids enhance their visual appeal, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.

ANGLED BOB TRIBAL BRAIDS

Angled Bob Tribal Braids offer a stylish, modern twist on tribal braids with a sharp, angled bob shape. This hairstyle is ideal for those who want a sleek, structured look while still embracing the cultural depth of tribal braiding.

CONCLUSION

These styles are not just hairstyles; they’re cultural touchstones, works of art, and confidence boosters. So, the next time you’re looking to elevate your hair game, don’t hesitate to embrace the beauty and versatility of tribal braids. Remember, it’s not just about the hair; it’s about the story you tell through it. Which style will you choose to unleash your inner warrior?