How to Enjoy November
In November, I feel like a squirrel geting ready to hibernate for the winter, filling my burrow with all the supplies I need for the coming months, notably candles, blankets, notebooks and dark chocolate bars!
To this end, it is a good opportunity to clean out the fridge and cupboards. You can get organised for more-time-than-usual spent indoors, when everyone seems persistently peckish (or perhaps that is just me, again!)
From my Mum, I learned to always have a large pot of soup ready. This is great as an after-school snack, or before dinner when hungry people can’t wait, for lunch in a flask or for dinner by the fire with cheese and pickle sandwiches. There are SO many soup varieties to choose from. We love roasted tomato soup with twice baked potatoes on the side, or vegetable and barley soup with noodles or croutons.
As the weather in the Northern hemisphere cools down a few notches and it seems hard (and expensive) to keep warm, I love to get outside for long walks as much as possible. Just getting your heart rate up and drinking in the life outdoors is invigorating and inspiring.
When we moved back to Ireland after many years abroad, November was the month that I feared the most. However, I have spent some time educating myself on the ways of darker and colder countries, to rediscover what is great about this month. For me it is an inspiring start to the season on winter, a chance to prepare for Christmas before the panic sets in, and a place to plan for my hopes and dreams.
Each month I create a little list of days to remember and ideas to bring happiness when things get a little humdrum.
Dates to Remember in November
31st Oct - 2 Nov Dia de Muertos, Mexican celebration to remember lost loved ones
Celebrate Wold Vegan Day on 1st with vegan meals all day
Visit an art gallery
Remembrance Day 11th - wear a poppy and observe 2 minutes silence at 11am “Lest we Forget”
13th - World Kindness Day - do a random act of kindness and watch it come back to you
17th is Homeade Bread Day - make a loaf of homemade bread and enjoy ist still warm from the oven. If you don’t like yeast, try Irish soda bread. Or if it’s your first time with yeast, focaccia is an easy and tasty option. I loved this beer risen bread that we use to make in Antigua.
Full Beaver Moon on 19th
Stir-Up Sunday 21st - time to make the pudding or Christmas cake - invite friends over and do it together
This year we will make this Caribbean Christmas cake with rum.
Caribbean Christmas Rum cake
170g dried pineapple cubes, 140g dried papaya cubes, 340g raisins , 120g candied orange and lemon peel, 120ml orange juice , 455g butter, 450g icing sugar, 8 eggs separated 400g raw almonds roughly chopped, 375g flour, Rum to flavour (optional), Toasted coconut flakes to decorate (optional).
Soak the dried fruit and peel overnight in the orange juice. The next day preheat the oven to 135 degrees C and line a large cake tin with greaseproof paper. Beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks. Fold in the soaked fruit and the almonds and then the sifted flour. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form and then fold into the mixture, giving everyone a chance to stir and make a wish. Pour into the tin and bake for 2 – 2 1/2 hours. Cool in the tin. Drizzle with rum, as you wish. Decorate with toasted coconut and enjoy a taste of the tropics.
21st is also World Hello Day - this is an opportunity to look up and say hello to 10 strangers as you pass by.
Make pumpkin pie for US Thanksgiving on 24th
Black Friday sales or Buy Nothing Day on 25th, depending which side of consumerism you lie
Make spiced apple cider & walk on a beach and collect driftwood or shells
I hope you enjoy these little threads of the seasons. Share with your friends if you think it will inspire them too. I always add them to my Instagram feed also.
Wishing you a happy November!