happy november :) i think it’s safe to say the holidays are now in full-swing and the mad dash to the end of the year has begun. no matter how busy your schedule looks this month, don’t forget to make room for these five things in your calendar.

5 things to do this month

vote.

most importantly.. clear your calendars and please vote on November 6th. consider it non-negotiable :) every election is important, and this year is no different. regardless of who you vote for, just do it.

spend time outside.

give your immune system a boost and get some fresh air. you are so lucky if you live in a place where the seasons actually change (talking to you, boston residents). but even if you live somewhere warmer where we don’t really experience much of a change when november rolls around, take advantage of pretty weather and get outside. go for a walk, watch the sunset, or have coffee on the patio. try to see if you can get outside for fifteen minutes a day and i promise you’ll notice a difference.

be a little selfish.

with the holidays just around the corner, things can get a little overwhelming. spend an evening in or treat yourself to a new candle and a good book. press pause before all of the holiday parties and festivities begin, and give yourself a few hours to reset. (currently obsessed with this candle)

have a go in the kitchen.

even if you are the worst cook ever like me (seriously, my mom says it’s “painful” to watch me in the kitchen, ouch), find a recipe you’ve been dying to try, or help out a friend/ family member. my friend introduced me to these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins a few years ago, and we make them every fall. i don’t like pumpkin so i was surprised at how good they are - the pumpkin taste is not overpowering at all. i’ll also be attempting to make an apple pie. last year i bought one from the store, put it on a nice napkin, and tried to call it mine, so maybe this is what growing up looks like. for those of you who are still into the fake-it method, use a dutch crumb as opposed to a woven pie top - it’s more believable haha

give thanks.

obviously thanksgiving is the main event of november, but don’t limit your gratitude to just one day. i’ve made it a habit in recent years to reach out to those closet to me and thank them for making a difference to me, and i try to also reach out to someone i don’t have consistent communication with that has impacted my life (like a former teacher). even if you aren’t big on holidays, incorporating a daily gratitude practice into your life is something you won’t regret. promise.