November is making a grand entrance here in West Michigan, with a solid week of 60º and 70º temps!
The kids are thrilled (the boys are still wearing shorts to school) and Dave and I have lots of time to work on yard projects.
We’re all sugared up from the local Fall Fest last weekend — the kids got SOOO much candy and goodies!
And… my Bumbleberry Pie won 2nd place (apparently, I lost by 1 point).
I’m not sure what the judging criteria were, nor do I know how many pies were in the contest (at least 3 because they had 3 prizes) 😂 but it was fun and we enjoyed the leftover pie!
Lovely fall weather, sugary sweets, and delicious homemade pie are a few of my favorite things… I’m sharing several more below!
FAVORITE MOMENT = Free Culver’s
As a family, we really don’t do anything special to “celebrate” Halloween… but whenever Culver’s offers their “free food when you dress up in a costume” you better believe we show up!
So when the “free concrete mixer” email arrived in my inbox on Monday morning, I told the kids the good news when they got off the bus and everyone chose a costume from our dress-up closet.
We enjoyed more frozen custard than we could eat …and I think the kids all looked pretty cute too!
FAVORITE ROUTINE = Brushing my teeth
Yup, you read that correctly!
Every morning, the very first thing I do after waking up is brush my teeth and it instantly wakes me up.
I will brush them again (eventually) after I eat, but that initial burst of minty freshness really helps me get a jumpstart on the day.
I didn’t realize the difference it made for me until last week when I got sidetracked and forgot to brush my teeth right away. I kept wondering why I felt sluggish until I remembered I never brushed my teeth.
If you’re looking for a 2-minute routine that could make a big impact on your mornings, you might try this too!
RELATED READING: My Morning Routine.
KIDS’ FAVORITE = Book Lamps
Back when Nora was learning how to read, we requested a rechargeable book lamp for her birthday… and it was an instant hit for our girl who takes FOREVER to fall asleep at night.
This eventually became a tradition as we purchased the same book lamps for the boys when they learned how to read (yes, Clara is very excited to “earn” her book lamp someday!
Our older 3 kids use their book lamps every single night before bed — often asking to go to bed EARLY just so they can have more time to read (yes please!)
These inexpensive lamps are such great gift ideas (paired with a favorite book) or even as a fun stocking stuffer.
The key is that you definitely want them to be RECHARGEABLE — otherwise you’ll be changing batteries all the time!
RELATED READING: Our most-read toddler board books
PAST FAVORITE = Bend Soap
It’s been a while since I shared anything about Bend Soap here on the blog… but since they just released all their new seasonal scents on November 1, I figured now is a great time to share them again.
Our family first started using Bend Soap lotions, deodorant, and soap in late 2019… and I’ve been hooked on them ever since.
Not only do they smell wonderful, I love knowing that the all-natural ingredients are good for my skin and for my family.
Simon’s dry scalp issues were quickly resolved when we switched to the Bend Soap products as well.
If you’ve never tried these products, I encourage you to start with one of the “bundles” (to try a variety of items at one great price). And if you’re already a fan, don’t wait to get your seasonal scents now — before they sell out (which they always do!)
And… the packaging is SO cute, making it a fantastic gift idea!
RELATED READING: Why I switched to all-natural beauty products
FAVORITE BOOK = Why I Didn’t Rebel
I first heard about this book from a mother who is about 10 years ahead of me… and then I realized I “knew” the author!
I also enjoy the author’s podcast that she co-hosts with her mother (Bare Marriage).
Both mother and daughter (Shelia and Rebecca) are researchers and have lots of great EVIDENCED-BASED advice and information for parenting, marriage, and relationships.
Why I Didn’t Rebel was a winner for me, especially as we’ll be entering the teen years before we know it!
READ THE BOOK: Why I Didn’t Rebel
FAVORITE MEDIA = World Watch News
For the first several weeks of the school year, I found myself increasingly frustrated with how SLOWLY the kids ate their breakfast.
I was constantly saying “take another bite”, “eat faster”, “5 more minutes until you need to brush your teeth”, etc.
We tried giving them smaller portions, waking them up earlier (and going to be earlier), experimenting with different foods (yogurt smoothies versus pancakes and eggs), and even offering rewards for those who finished on time… but nothing worked.
Then, a friend told me about World Watch News and how her kids love watching it every morning while they eat breakfast… and my wheels started spinning!
World Watch News is a 10-minute daily news clip specifically curated for children AND presented from a Christian perspective. It highlights national and international issues, sports, politics, current events, etc. and also includes humorous jokes and random “did you know” facts.
I immediately subscribed to World Watch (via the 30-day free trial) and give the kids a specific time I would turn the news on every morning. If they were completely ready for the day AND finished eating, they could watch the news… otherwise, they could simply listen while they finished eating at the table.
Wouldn’t you know… they all instantly became super speedy breakfast eaters, and our mornings are significantly less rushed!
As an added bonus, they are becoming more aware of what’s going on in our world, asking good questions, and learning to decipher current events from a Biblical perspective.
The kids love it… and I do too!
NOTE: World Watch is very similar to my favorite email newsletter (The Pour Over)… it’s simply geared towards a younger audience and it’s video versus print, which is more appealing to kiddos!
This monthly subscription could be a wonderful Christmas gift for some of the kiddos on your list this year… and it’s clutter free!
TRY WORLD WATCH NEWS: get your free 30-day trial here!
FAVORITE GIFT = Wind Chime
I purchased myself this wind chime for Mother’s Day (Dave let the kids wrap it and think it was their idea) and I’ve enjoyed it every day since.
It’s such a lovely tone — not too high, not too low — and it looks great too.
Not only is the wind chime one of my favorite things, it’s also a fantastic gift for almost anyone on your list — especially those who live in a condo or apartment with limited outdoor space.
They could simply put a hook by their backdoor and enjoy the chimes every day! (This is the exact wind chime I have.)
RELATED READING: 5 gift ideas for the person who has everything.
FAVORITE RECIPE = Turkey Tips
Will you be making turkey later this month?
If so, save yourself a bunch of time, energy, and stress by following these 3 fool-proof tips for tender, juicy turkey.
Your holiday festivities will feel much simpler, more enjoyable, and less overwhelming!
GET MY TIPS: 3 Tips for Tender Juicy Turkey.
FAVORITE QUOTE = Busy is a decision.
“Busy is a decision. We do the things we want to do, period. If we say we are too busy, it is just shorthand for the thing being “not important enough” or “not a priority.” Busy is not a badge. You don’t find the time to make things, you make the time to do things.”
~ Debbie Millman, In The Company of Women
It’s been years since I’ve used the excuse “I’m too busy” to get out of doing something I simply don’t want to do.
Every person in the history of the world is “busy” doing various things each day — busy isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s also not an excuse.
If something is important enough, you’ll figure out a way to make it happen. And if it’s not important enough, own up to that fact instead of playing the “I’m too busy” card.
OK, I’m off my soapbox for today! 😂
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = Simplify the holidays
Now that it’s officially November, I figure it’s time to re-share my tried-and-true tips to simplify this often “frantic” time of year.
So often, we put pressure on ourselves to do certain things and follow long-standing traditions… even if others don’t care all that much.
Maybe this is the year you step back, scale back, and take a breather… you won’t regret it!
Read the full posts here.
That’s a wrap for this month.
If you’re interested, you can scroll through ALL my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Mrs.C says
I rarely ever comment but have been a reader of your blog since the early days (before Nora was born 😉 and not only do I appreciate your wonderful tips & perspective, monthly favorites, and recipes but I have to say I am LOVING your hair!! The length looks wonderful on you and it reminds me of the early days of your blog and the hairstyle you had then. Take care, Mrs.C
Andrea says
Thanks so much for sticking around all these years — this really means a lot 🙂
And I appreciate your kind words on my hair — wow, it seems like it’s taking forever for it to grow!!
Christina M says
Couple thoughts as I was reading through this post – book lamps are a HUGE hit with my kids, too! I learned about Bend soap from you and we’ve been using it exclusively for the last 1-1/2 years. So glad you recommended it. We LOVE it. My kids are hooked on World Watch. We homeschool, so our kids watch it while we eat lunch. It’s lead to the most interesting conversations.
Andrea says
yay — so glad that many of my favorites have become your favorites too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Tricia Wilson says
I love your monthly “favorites”. I usually end up buying one or two of the suggestions. This month I will look into the reading light. Thank You!
Andrea says
we love the reading lights 🙂
Chris says
October favorites.
My favorite moment – my only child, my son got married in October to a wonderful, wonderful girl! It was in another state so we also were able to combine it with another one our favorites – travel and vacation. 🙂
My favorite dessert – I made a delicious pumpkin bread that has coconut and coconut pudding in it.
My favorite work activity – working outside doing yardwork during this beautiful season.
New favorite healthy meal – liver and onions. lol. For real.
Andrea says
oh wow — congrats to your son and his wife. That’s exciting!
We’ve never tried liver and onions yet, but my dad says he really likes it!
Chris says
Congratulations on winning the pie contest! I really love your “Favorites” posts. 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks — I came in 2nd place, but still fun!
Leann Grace says
What ages are appropriate for the World Watch news? I have a 3, 5 and 6 year old.
They have that book as a free audio on Hoopla too!!
Christina M says
My kids – 5, 7, and 9, love World Watch. They usually put a disclaimer in the text under the video if there is going to be any violent content – for example the recent deaths from stampede in Korea. If I see that, I just fast-forward past it. I have a couple sensitive kiddos. My five year old asks to watch every day.
Andrea says
yes, they have a disclaimer if there’s anything sensitive. Glad your kiddos are enjoying the news too!
Andrea says
Hi Leann — our kids are 10, 8, 6, 5 and it feels appropriate for them. I know our 5-year-old doesn’t get a ton out of it, but the older ones definitely do. You could always do the free 30-day trial and see what you think 🙂
Lori says
Love your blog! You mentioned you purchased some new items from thred up, will you share? Also, are you still using same makeup products that you shared before, or found any new items? Thank you!
Andrea says
Thanks Lori!
I’m not really a “fashion blogger” so I rarely ever share my clothing choice — and with ThredUp, it’s not like I could link to something that you could then buy as well (it’s used clothing, so just random stuff).
In general, I wear jeans and “cute-ish” sweatshirts all fall and winter! I have 2 pairs of the exact same jeans that I rotate, 2 pairs of the same black fleece-lined “joggers” and 6-8 different sweatshirts (some are the exact same, just a different color).
The grey sweatshirt and hunter green vest I have on in the “pie picture” are both from Thred Up this fall.
As for makeup, I’ve been going super simple for the last year — just whatever mascare I can get for cheap at the store and a mineral bronzer to give me a little color! I never really look for “new” items so I’m not a good source for cosmetics!
That said, 8 years ago I did a post about Simple Beauty Minerals and I do think they have great products if you’re looking for something that’s good for your skin!
Lori says
Thank you! I love your “simple fashion”!
Andrea says
haha — thanks!
Me too!
I have several skirts and dresses for church and summer (I love dresses) but otherwise it’s jeans and t-shirts or sweatshirts!
It gets tricky when I need to come up with something “business casual” because I don’t really have anything. Then I just borrow from a friend or my sister!
Pascale says
I enjoy brushing my teeth as soon as I wake up as well.
One tip from my cousin who is a dentist:
After you’ve finished eating a meal if you consume anything acidic, please wait for 30 minutes or more before brushing your teeth.
I’m very fond of Bend soap products. My husband and I typically use their soap bars and I’m hoping they will have liquid soap in a near future.
I’m definitely not a fan of wind chimes or clocks that chime on the hour.
Andrea says
Yes, I actually DID know that “rule” about waiting 30 minutes after eating to brush my teeth 🙂
And I too hope that Bend soap will have liquid soap in the future!
I hate clocks that chime — but I could listen to a windchime ALL DAY LONG!
JJ says
Congratulations on your amazing pie and hair!
I will definitely try the World Watch. My kids enjoy the Christian news magazine, World Kids.
The busy meme is hilarious.
I am in the minority here. I love the windchimes. Our neighbor from our former home had one(and our houses only had about 3/4 of an acre). We would hear it when outside. It was just so magical sounding.
I also ordered the book. Andrea Dekker, you are the best!!!
Andrea says
yay for someone else who enjoys windchimes 🙂
You’ll love the book — I know it!
Nancy says
My husband and I have a book light, he has your brand, and we love them. Not only do the rechargeable lights not need batteries, they are significantly lighter too.
Unless you live in the middle of a minimum of 5 acres, just no to wind chimes, please, no.
Andrea says
Glad you are enjoying the book lamps and so sorry you don’t share my enthusiasm for windchimes 🙂 LOL!!
Jen says
Always love seeing your favorites each month. I’m applauding the longer hair–you go, girl! I just got mine chopped significantly this morning. 🙂 Happy November to the Dekkers!
Andrea says
haha — the longer hair is sort of driving me nuts, but I’m finally past the super awkward stage so I’m committed 🙂 I’m growing it until I can fit it in a ponytail!
Ashley says
It’s exciting to know that your kids enjoy World Watch! My hubby and I listen to The World and Everything In It every morning, it’s their full-length news podcast and we love it. I’ve debated about Works Watch but was thinking my kids were too young. Apparently not! You always make great recommendations so I’m confident this will go over well in our house too <3
Andrea says
oh, I’ll have to look up the podcast too — thanks!
I think your kiddos would love the World Watch!
Melissa Q says
We are big fans of World Watch News, too! I love the opportunity for us all to talk about what’s going on in our world together.
Andrea says
oh good — glad you guys like that new option too!
Lekshmi says
Congratulation on winning the pie contest. Noticed your hair first , looks good. 🙂
Got your test emails this week too.
Andrea says
I actually came in 2nd place (missed by 1 point) but thanks 🙂
And yes, the test emails — sorry about those!
Ann says
Re the wind chimes. I bought myself some as a holiday souvenir, many years ago. I had to take them down after my neighbour complained the sound kept him awake all night.
Ann, Northumberland England.
Abbie says
My mother had the same problem with her wind chime. Her solution was to put a rubber band around the chiming part each evening to prevent noise at night. This may not work for every design if wind chimr, but it worked for her.
Andrea says
This is a great idea… thanks for sharing!
Andrea says
oh no — our windchime is a very “low” chime so it’s not annoying at all. I also doubt our neighbors could really even hear it (but we do have a really big yard!)