Nourish Your November: Simple Self Care Routines for Cozy Days.

 

As November settles in with its crisp mornings and early sunsets, I can’t help but feel the pull to slow down. The rush of summer has faded, and even though the holiday season is right around the corner, this month feels like an invitation to breathe—to cozy up, to rest, and to take care of myself in small, meaningful ways.

Lately, I’ve been reminding myself that self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s often found in the little rituals that help us feel grounded. A soft blanket fresh from the dryer. A steaming cup of tea in my favorite mug. The sound of rain against the window while I journal or read before bed. These quiet moments may seem simple, but they do wonders for my spirit.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned about self-care is that it changes with the seasons. In the warmth of summer, I crave adventure. But in November, I crave comfort. I’ve started lighting candles that smell like pumpkin spice or apple pie, filling the house with those cozy fall scents. I’ll put on a pair of fuzzy socks, wrap myself in a blanket, and just be. No phone, no distractions—just stillness.

Another favorite routine this time of year is my morning check-in. Before the world wakes up, I sit down with my journal and jot down three things I’m grateful for. Some days it’s as simple as “the sound of leaves crunching under my shoes” or “a hot shower on a cold morning.” Other days, it’s deeper—like feeling thankful for family, friendships, or good health. That little practice of gratitude helps me start the day with a peaceful heart.

Taking care of my body has also become part of my November rhythm. With the cooler weather, my skin gets dry, so I treat myself to a warm bath with Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender oil. Afterward, I use a thick lotion and my favorite cozy robe—it’s a small act of kindness toward myself. I’ve also started going for short evening walks after dinner. The air feels fresh and calm, and watching the sun set earlier each night reminds me to embrace the slower pace of the season.

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s how we recharge our hearts so we can keep giving our best to the people we love. November is the perfect time to pause and nurture our souls before the hustle of the holidays begins. Whether that’s through journaling, sipping cocoa by the fire, or simply saying “no” when we need to—each act of self-care is a way of honoring ourselves.

So this month, I’m giving myself permission to rest more, worry less, and soak in every cozy, quiet moment that November offers. I hope you’ll do the same. Light the candle, brew the tea, and let this be the season where you remember that you, too, deserve warmth and care.

A Wednesday State Of Mind

 

                                     Wednesday Ramblings

Today, I got up around 4:45 a.m. to get my day started. I got ready and watched some news on TV this morning. My biggest thought was about the government shutdown—how are families and single parents going to feed their children and themselves without food stamps? I feel very fortunate that we do not rely on food stamps, nor would we qualify for them, but I’m grateful they exist for those who truly need them. I’m not sure how much longer this shutdown will last, but it’s beginning to feel like a hostage situation—nobody wants to give in, and the people who depend on help are the ones who suffer.

On another note, I’m a bit frustrated because I’ve lost my debit card. I’ve backtracked and searched every nook and cranny, but it’s nowhere to be found. I know exactly where I used it last, but it’s disappeared. As soon as the banks open this morning, I’ll be calling to cancel that card and order a replacement. Not having it pretty much affects everything I do since I rarely keep cash on hand.

This weekend, I plan to do our monthly grocery shopping at Crest in Norman, Oklahoma. I’ll probably just withdraw cash for that trip. Thankfully, I do have another debit card with a different bank that I use for “fun day Sunday” or dining out. I don’t keep much money on that one, but at least it’s something I can use in the meantime. Of course, losing my main card makes my husband nervous—he’s always worried someone will find it and use it. To make matters worse, I can’t log in to the website to check recent purchases, so that’s another thing to deal with.

Something else on my mind lately is getting my bills under better control. I want to get to a place where I’m one or two months ahead on everything, but that takes careful planning and discipline. With the holidays coming up, I’m not sure I’m ready to take that on just yet—maybe I’ll start fresh at the beginning of the year.

I do feel good about my progress with Christmas shopping. I’ve been buying for one family at a time, which makes things much easier. Luther already has gifts for Brody, Savannah, Lane, Landon, Sophie, Jacob, Alisha, and Jonathan—I just need to get them wrapped. Michelle’s kids’ presents are already bought and wrapped, too. Now I’m focusing on Blake and Jessica’s family. Most of their gifts are done, but I want to add an experience gift, so I’m planning to get Brooks and Hattie $25 gift cards each to Chuck E. Cheese.

For Jessica, I’ll probably go with something kitchen-related or a Bath & Body Works set—she always loves those. For Blake, I’m thinking a pair of Hey Dudes and a gift certificate to Harbor Freight, which is his favorite store.

As for me, I honestly don’t know what I want this year. I really don’t need anything. Maybe I’ll ask for a new printer since mine only works when it feels like it. I use it often, so that would be a practical gift. I just need to research which brand would be the best fit for me.

Last but not least, there are a couple of new job opportunities at work, and one of them—Business Solutions—has caught my attention. It would be ideal since I wouldn’t be on the phones with members all day. Most of the communication is just between supervisors and team members. My hesitation is leaving my current supervisor—she really looks out for her team and always has our backs as long as we do our part. It’s always a tough decision when you love your job but wonder what the next step could bring.

Halloween at work

 

Celebrating Jonathan turning 31

 

 

Hattie turns 3 years old!

 

Busy Days, SweetMoments, and Birthday Celebrations

 

Today was one of those days that started early and didn’t stop until the evening — but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The morning began with some much-needed chores before we turned our attention to something much more festive: decorating our Christmas tree. There’s just something about seeing those twinkling lights and ornaments come together that fills my heart with joy. Once the tree was complete, I placed the wrapped gifts I had prepared for Michelle’s family underneath. It was the perfect chance to take inventory and see how many presents I already have for the four grandchildren. Spoiler alert — they’re pretty spoiled, and I’m not even sorry!

Just as I was finishing up, my stepdad called and asked me to come out to his place. He lives about thirty minutes away, so I planned to head that way around 2 p.m. But before that, I had one very special event on my calendar — little Hattie’s third birthday party.

Before the celebration, I stopped to pick up some Play-Doh to add to her gift from Trevor and his family. I had already put together a sweet bundle that included a doll and a pastel pop-it purse, but I knew she’d love some Play-Doh fun, too. Our personal gift to her was a Barbie doll set, a dress-up kit, a cute new dress, and of course, candy and chips — because what’s a birthday without a little treat?

Hattie turned three today, and she’s the perfect mix of sweet, sassy, and full of life. Lately, she’s been all about Spidey, and I love watching her excitement when she talks about it. At her party, she wanted to go outside and swing, so naturally, I followed her lead. She looked up at me with her big smile and said, “Not too fast!” That simple moment — pushing her on the swing while she laughed — was honestly the highlight of my day.

The birthday fun went from 3:00 to about 5:15 p.m., and after saying my goodbyes, it was time to head to the next family celebration — our son-in-law Jonathan’s birthday dinner at Cotton Patch in Chickasha, Oklahoma. I made a quick stop at home to pick up Mr. C, and we arrived at the restaurant right at 6 p.m.

Jonathan turned 31 this year, and his birthday is actually on October 28th, but tonight was the perfect evening to celebrate together. Joining us were Alisha and Jonathan, Savannah and Brody, Lane, Landon and Sophie, Elizabeth and Charles, and of course, Mr. C and me. We shared laughter, stories, and good conversation — exactly what a family gathering should be.

Our gifts to Jonathan were three golf shirts, some Dr. Squatch soap, and a bath wash set with mitts. He really seemed to like them — and he’s always so gracious when receiving gifts. I’m especially glad he enjoys Dr. Squatch products, since they’re easy to find at Walmart or Amazon.

For dinner, Luther went with his usual — the catfish basket — while I decided to try the Cajun pasta with blackened chicken and shrimp. I’ll be honest, it could’ve used a bit more Alfredo sauce because the pasta was on the dry side. But my margarita on the rocks more than made up for it — a nice little adult treat to end a long, busy day.

By the time we got home, I was tired but content. It was one of those days that reminded me what really matters — time with family, celebrating life’s little moments, and making memories with the ones we love.

#FamilyTime #BirthdayCelebration #GrandmaLife #BusyDays #MakingMemories #FamilyFirst #GratefulHeart #ChristmasPrep #LifeInOklahoma #SimpleJoys

🦃November Goals and Thanksgiving Prep🦃

November is here, and with it comes all the cozy feelings of home, family, and tradition. This month always feels like a gentle pause before the rush of December — a time to slow down, cook comforting meals, and make the house feel festive for Thanksgiving. I love the calm, thoughtful pace of November. It’s a month filled with planning, preparing, and counting blessings.

At the top of my November goals list is getting ready for Thanksgiving. I’ve already started gathering recipes and making my grocery list for our traditional meal. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole — all the favorites will be making their yearly appearance. I always like to add something a little special, too, maybe a new dessert or a festive side dish just to change things up a bit. There’s something so comforting about cooking family recipes that have been passed down year after year.

Another one of my goals this month is to get a jump start on wrapping Christmas presents. I know it’s early, but having a few gifts wrapped and tucked away makes the holidays feel a little less rushed. I’ve already picked up some wrapping paper with soft fall colors — golds, browns, and deep reds — so they’ll fit right in with my Thanksgiving decor until it’s time to switch to full-on Christmas.

Speaking of decor, I’m planning to spend a weekend decorating the house for Thanksgiving. I love mixing pumpkins with little touches of rustic charm — candles, fall garlands, and maybe a few simple table settings for the big meal. The goal is to make everything feel warm, welcoming, and ready for family. I’ve got my eye on a new centerpiece idea using pinecones, mini pumpkins, and twinkling fairy lights.

And in between all the cooking, decorating, and wrapping, I want to take time to just enjoy the moments — maybe a quiet Sunday drive, a cup of coffee on a cool morning, or a simple evening watching the leaves fall. November reminds me to slow down, to be thankful, and to savor the season before the hustle and bustle of December arrives.

So here’s to a month filled with good food, cozy homes, and grateful hearts. I’m ready to make the most of it.