Shit, it's November already. Thanksgiving is next week for crying out loud. Here's what's on my radar this month:
* I shop year round for my holiday gift list. My presents tend to be more thoughtful when I shop (or at least collect ideas) all year rather than choosing from whatever I can find the few days before. Plus, the money spent is spread over the year rather than in a big lump. I am hyper organized thanks to a spreadsheet I created years ago, each year with its own tab so I can see what I gave friends and family for Foxmases past. Here's a basic spreadsheet for you to customize.
I'm wiping down every surface of my house with Mrs. Meyer's cranberry countertop spray.
* Just as some people go crazy for pumpkin everything in October, I go gaga for all things cranberry in November. The New Englander in me is on a quest to incorporate the tart berry in more ways each year. My latest obsession: a cranberry quinoa salad that's great for lunch or as a simple and speedy dinner. Prepare your fave quinoa, mix in steamed mukimame, dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese. Squeeze half a lemon, drizzle olive oil and grind fresh sea salt and pepper to taste. It's healthy, filling and looks bright and pretty.
* I'm on a DIY kick. My latest project is a Thanksgiving garland with a French twist to hang from my mantle. Using scallop edged cards from Paper Source, Martha Stewart letter stickers, wooden clothespins and a brown satin ribbon, my merci garland will be a festive but unique twist on traditional decor.
* Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is my go to lip color right now. I've been taking a break from everything but clear lip balm - because I'm constantly kissing my boys - but when I feel like adding a punch of color, this is it.
* I'm super excited one of my fav-o-rite magazines is BACK! I was so bummed when domino folded a few years ago. I saved all my old issues, clipped a ton of content from their website to my Evernote account and bought the hardcover book. Imagine how thrilled I was to see it back on the rack...and just in time for the holidays. The new twist? Many featured items can be purchased via their e-commerce shop. It's what I'd call synergy. Side note: the word synergy makes me dream of Jem and the Holograms. Every. Damn. Time.