November air is chilled with the breath of coming winter. We have been waking up to a frost-covered meadow, and it’s magical to see it glisten in the morning’s first light. Everyday, the children look closely at the frost hoping it’s snow, but soon enough, my loves, soon enough. Crowded days of school go swiftly by, and our moments are full. November has also brought evenings of cozy reading aloud while drinking spiced tea. Does this time of the year turn you into a homebody too?

A good day is a slow one at home with a little nesting and a little baking. Time to read and time to make is what has been filling our November so far. The children helped put this list together of our favorite activities:

1. Collecting leaves and pressing them

2. Enjoying a bonfire for roasting marshmallows

3. Taking a leisurely drive to see the colorful trees

4. Making caramel brulee lattes: 1/4 cup strong coffee, 1 hot (steamed) milk, 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup, 2 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping.

5. Making a pumpkin pie

6. Harvesting our autumn garden: butternut and buttercup squash, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and kale – always more kale.

7. Adding Thanksgiving books to the fall book basket. You can read about our favorite Thanksgiving books here.

8. Making applesauce and serving it hot

9. Making the best apple cake with the apples we preserved

10. Making lots of homemade hot chocolate

11. Looking forward to spending time with cousins for the holidays and dreaming up a delicious menu

12. Taking turns adorning the Thankful Tree (full blog post coming tomorrow!)

As November’s autumnal splendor swiftly fades into all shades of pale, let’s reserve a slow day at home and savor the small slices of life that make us smile.

with love. Damaris