Gearing up for the holidays around here, though it’s funny that we had a huge amount of snow that’s already melted away. I hope we have a white Christmas, especially for small relatives visiting from Virginia! Now, on to November favourites…
Read
I haven’t finished this book yet, but it’s going in the post, so I have something to show for my November reading: The Bullet that Missed by Richard Osman. It’s the third in the Thursday Murder Club series and does not disappoint.
Eat
This month I made some delicious recipes that I found online and will be making again over the winter.
Andrew stopped after work and bought me Smitten Kitchen Keepers the day it came out! You know you’ll be hearing a lot about it here. So far I’ve made:
- Peanut Butter, Oat, and Jam Bars
- Chocolate Chip Buckwheat Pancakes
- Zucchini Cornbread
- Creamy Tomato Chickpea Masala
- Charred Salt and Vinegar Cabbage
- Skillet White Beans “Caesar”
So far the pb bars and chickpea masala have been the biggest hits. Two more recipes are on my menu plan this week and I’m definitely eyeing some desserts for the holidays.
Buy
I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before, but my local library has been holding a monthly book sale. Kids books are 50 cents each and I’ve hit the jackpot almost every time. For instance I found The Story of the Orchestra (with CD), two picture books of poets in a series we own, two Diane Stanley biographies that are on the Ambleside Online curriculum, and some items that seem perfect for my kids’ Christmas stockings.
I bought some Anne of Green Gables-themed birthday presents (planning ahead!) from Carrot Top Paper Shop on Etsy (I was introduced to it via a mug and personalized stationery from my sister). There’s a sale that ends today if you want to check it out!
Andrew and I both love shopping at Food4Less Plus (and have introduced our parents when they visit, haha). It’s in a warehouse, so appears a bit sketchy, but it’s fun to hunt for good deals. Excellent prices on Chipits, natural peanut butter, barbecue sauce, and breaded chicken strips, and recently we picked up cough drops, Fruit of the Loom socks, and many other things that are so much cheaper than other stores. Yes, they do sell expired food, so you have to take your chances!
Do
A highlight of the month was the Santa Claus parade, which coincided with a multi-day snowstorm. We were able to watch the parade just a few blocks from our house, then walk home for pizza, and head out again for the opening of the Festival of Northern Lights. Unfortunately the fireworks were cancelled but we go to look at Christmas lights and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies.
Listen
Such an excellent parenting podcast episode (It’s Paul David Tripp!)… I need to listen on repeat.
Also, Andrew and I started listening to No Quitting the Home Team, a fun, down-to-earth Christian marriage podcast (we’re only three episodes in, but so far it’s entertaining and provides great topics to discuss).
Meditate
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:32
I hope the Virginia cousins get to see snow too. I’m going to check out both those podcasts! 🙂
My daughters are fans of Smitten Kitchen, too.