Early November Weekending

I love this time of year. At first I always feel a bit sad that mid/late October is over. It's glorious living in New England with all of the leaves, that first crisp of cooler air. And I just don't want it to end, ever. Sometimes I almost feel panicked. Should we go to a park? Have a picnic outside? Go for another drive to see the leaves? 

But then it ends on Halloween night and November starts and I think, ahhh. I can take a breath from all of the beauty I try to pack into October and breath easy. 

November feels simple. And slow. And actually lovely. 

{side note: November does happen to be one of my busiest months teaching - there are report cards to write and conferences coming but even still I just love this month} 

November for us is sloooooowly decorating. Usually I do one little part of our home a night starting early in November. This week I completed two fireplace mantles. And that's it. I don't bring up any Christmas bins or totes. Just went in to grab what I wanted to play with and that was it. Tomorrow I think I'll decorate my teapot shelf in the kitchen. Bit by bit is how I like it to go. So I take my time all November long. 

It truly is a glorious lovely month. 

Here are some pictures from this past weekend:

Halloweening

I came home to the coziest house on Halloween afternoon after being with nine year olds all day long. We had what we always do: Tricker Treater Taco Soup. 

And then Anna and I gave out hot cider to the parents and candy to the kids. We had so much fun out there. It was windy and cold! Perfect Halloween weather! 

Random picture that I love. I do adore my kitchen not all perfect - messy from good food! 

Baking 

I wanted to make a trial apple pie because Thanksgiving is coming! I tried a new fat in my homemade crust {Abigail has lots of allergies and butter is out for us} 

Shining 

I decided to shine some things up in our home before I start decorating. First off: take all of my antique baskets outside, give them a good hose off, then use a paint brush to brush on Murphy's Oil Soap and rinse off again. Then I let them dry off in the grass with plenty of sunshine.  Oh they are ready for Christmas now! 

Noticing

As I was ironing out our bedroom window. The last of the fall leaves.