Here is everything that i will be doing in November to bring me as much joy as possible. I hope that you can take something from this to help you find happiness this November ✨
I am going to be completely honest, i actually have never liked November. I think it is because it’s an in between month that sits between Halloween, thanksgiving (in Canada), and Christmas.
In Canada, November is cold and dark and it is usually when real winter starts. It is also the month that i have to put my winter tires on my car and it’s just a reminder of how cold it is about to get!
This November however, i am making it my mission to find the joy. I have decided that each month i am going to embrace the energy it brings and make the most of this one precious life that i have been given.
I feel like i am the only one that can get myself out of my usual November slump and if this little guide can help and inspire you, nothing will make me happier. Always remember that you can be in control of how you feel and the season, the weather, or what is happening around you doesn’t have to dictate your happiness.
November Energy
November definitely has a quiet energy. The orange and gold tones of October have well and truly faded and the trees are bare. Gardening season is officially over and the views outside are more simpler. It is a month where we are naturally drawn to being inside more.
There is something wonderfully grounding about November if we let it be just that. It is the month of gathering, preserving and preparing. We move from the abundance of the summer garden into the comfort of the kitchen, turning what we have stored and saved into soups, breads, pies, roasted vegetables and slow-cooked meals. Rather than rushing toward the holiday season, November gives us a little space to settle in and enjoy the transition.
What is in season in November?
If you know me, you will know that i love to eat with the seasons. I believe that since we are a part of nature, that we must be intine with what is growing and being produced around us.
November’s produce is all about root vegetables, storage crops, and hearty vegetables. In Canada, November is all about carrots, beets, cabbage, potatoes, turnips, rutabaga, garlic and onions, along with broccoli and cauliflower in some regions. Apples, pears and cranberries also fit beautifully into the month. Think apple pies and roast dinners. This is the month for roasted root vegetables, creamy soups, apple cakes, pear galettes, cranberry desserts, homemade bread, hearty stews and beautiful Sunday dinners (you can take the girl out of England but not the England out of the girl!) November in the kitchen is simple and doesn’t have to be complicated.
I hope that if you too don’t love November, that my list helps to inspire you to try something!
Homemade bread
A few months ago i was baking sourdough bread almost everyday. I am now in a phase where my starter is in the fridge and i am taking a little break but, my plan for November is to wake up my starter again and get back to bread making.
I feel like i go through cycles of doing something everyday and then i naturally want to take a break. I also used to feel intimidated by sourdough, so the fact that i got perfect loaves every time, made me feel like i had conquered it!
I have an easy sourdough starter recipe for perfect loaves every time, that you can copy here.
If you are into gifting baked goods, sourdough can also be a great homemade gift idea. I love gifting sourdough because each loaf takes around 24 hours to make and you know so much time and love went into it.
I am also going to be trying other recipes with my sourdough like bagels cinnamon buns. There are so many possibilities when you have a good starter.
Making homemade butter
Another thing on my to do list is to make homemade butter. I bake a lot and i go through so much butter, i swear the price of butter has tripled in the last year!
This had me thinking about trying to make my own. I have watched so many videos and it seems like it is something i can do. Making butter is actually easier than it seems and can make a great little kitchen project for those days when it is too cold to go outside.
I find it so fascinating how you can turn something so simple, like heavy cream, into butter to bake with. Tell me i am not the only one?!
I have included a recipe card below, of the methos i will be using, that you cab save to Pinterest and try.
Planning next years flowers garden
I learnt a lot this past summer on the farm about what flowers i like growing, and which flowers i didn’t. I know it is not even winter, but i am already making a plan for next years garden.
Although i am still winterizing my garden, i am so excited for spring!
Planning next year's flower garden is one of those things I can do from the warmth of the kitchen, with a notebook, a cup of tea, and a few seed catalogues. Honestly, this is my dream way to spend a cold afternoon.
I want to think carefully about which flowers I'd like to grow, where they'll go, and how I can create a garden that feels full of color that is low maintenance and easy.
Some of the flowers I'd like to grow again are:
I think next year i will keep my focus on flowers that i know i can grow very well. I did attempt snap dragons this summer, but i have yet to get them to germinate.
I am already planning a growing timeline!
2027 growing timeline
February–March
Order seeds and dahlia tubers; sow sweet peas indoors if conditions allow.
March–April
Start dahlias in pots indoors; sow cosmos indoors closer to spring.
April–May
Direct-sow suitable poppy varieties when the soil is workable; prepare beds and trellises.
Late May–June
Harden off seedlings and plant tender flowers outdoors after frost danger has passed.
July–September
Enjoy the blooms, pick regularly, and keep dahlias watered and supported.
Making Homemade Gifts for Christmas
I've always liked the thought of giving homemade gifts.
November is a good time to start because it gives you the chance to try recipes, gather supplies, and work out how you want to package everything before December becomes busy.
This year, I'm thinking about a few simple homemade gifts that are useful, thoughtful, and enjoyable to make.
Some ideas include:
Homemade shortbread
A traditional treat that can be packaged in a decorative tin or food-safe gift box.
Homemade herb salts
A simple project for anyone who enjoys cooking, using suitable culinary herbs and salt.
A baking gift basket
You could assemble a few baking ingredients with a handwritten recipe card and a wooden spoon.
A handmade clay ornament
Something that you can make and get the kids involved.
I think price shouldn’t matter when gifting. I would much rather receive a handmade gift than a store bought gift. If you are shopping for the gardener in your life this year, take a peek at my budget friendly gift guide.
Organizing the Pantry for Winter Cooking
I like to do this for every season because it just makes life a little bit easier.
I find that cooking from scratch becomes much easier when I can see what I have available. There's nothing worse than starting a recipe only to discover that an essential ingredient has run out.
A pantry reset doesn't have to involve decanting everything into matching containers or buying a whole collection of organizers.
I'd rather start by using what I already have.
Here's how I'd approach it.
First, take everything out one shelf at a time.
This gives me a chance to see what I have and identify ingredients that need using soon.
Next, check dates and condition.
I'll discard anything that's unsafe to use and make sure open packages are properly sealed.
Then, group similar ingredients together.
I like to keep baking ingredients together, cooking oils and vinegars in one area, and tins, beans, and other pantry staples grouped where they're easy to find.
Finally, make a simple shopping list.
I'll note the ingredients I use most often, such as flour, oats, rice, pasta, tinned tomatoes, beans, stock, and baking essentials.
Once I know what's already in the pantry, I can plan meals around what needs using rather than buying more of the same.
I'm also hoping to make a small list of reliable meals that can be prepared from pantry ingredients when I don't have time to plan anything elaborate.
A well-organized pantry isn't just about appearances. It helps reduce waste, makes meal planning easier, and can save money over time.
And if I can make the shelves look a little prettier while I'm at it, that's a bonus because when things look better, i feel like i want to cook!
Propagating my house plants
Since i can’t get out into the garden in November, i am thinking about propagating some of my houseplants.
Propagating houseplants is a lovely way to grow your plant collection without having to buy new ones. One of the easiest methods is to take a cutting from a healthy plant, making sure to cut just below a leaf node, where new roots can develop.
Remove any leaves from the lower part of the cutting and place the stem in a glass of clean water, ensuring the leaf nodes are submerged but the leaves remain above the water.
Position the glass in a warm spot with bright, indirect sunlight, and change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer your new plant into a small pot filled with a suitable, well-draining potting mix.
Some houseplants can also be propagated directly in soil, while others, such as succulents, require different techniques. With a little patience and the right conditions, you can turn a single houseplant into several new plants to enjoy around your home or share with friends and family. This can also make a great gift idea.
Planning Christmas decor
This year i am leaning towards a more natural decor theme for Christmas. I try an live as much of a low tox life as possible, and i just don’t want to fill my house with unnecessary plastics and toxic materials.
I love the combination of greenery, warm lighting, beautiful textures, and traditional decorations that can be used year after year.
This year, I'm drawn to the idea of using:
Fresh or suitable preserved greenery.
Natural branches arranged in vases.
Pinecones and dried citrus slices - so fun to make!
Linen ribbons and simple natural textures.
Candles and warm, soft lighting.
Traditional ornaments that have sentimental value.
I also want to think about how decorations work with the things I already own.
A beautiful tablecloth, ceramic dishes, and a few branches down the center of the table can create a lovely seasonal setting without requiring an entirely new collection of Christmas accessories.
I'm hoping to create a home that feels festive but still comfortable enough for everyday family life.
Making homemade soup
I am currently obsessed with making my own tomato soup. It is as easy as roasting tomatoes, garlic, and onions in the oven and then blending them up with some bone broth and cream.
This winter there will be lots of soup being made and also lots or sourdough that goes perfectly with it.
I love to add bone broth to my soups because bone broth is rich in collagen, and i actually find it strange to sip it out of a mug!
Bone broth benefits:
Provides protein: Bone broth contains protein, although the amount varies depending on the ingredients and preparation method.
Supports healthy joints: It may contain collagen-derived compounds, including gelatin, and amino acids that are involved in maintaining connective tissues.
Provides amino acids: Bone broth can supply glycine, proline and other amino acids used by the body for normal tissue maintenance.
Supports hydration: Its fluid content helps contribute to your daily hydration needs.
May support gut health: Gelatin and amino acids are involved in normal digestive and tissue functions, although strong evidence that drinking bone broth directly heals the gut is limited.
Contains minerals: Depending on how it's prepared, bone broth may provide small amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Can support muscle maintenance: Its protein contributes to daily protein intake, although bone broth may not provide enough of all essential amino acids to replace a complete protein source.
May support skin health indirectly: Bone broth provides collagen-derived amino acids, but evidence that drinking it improves skin elasticity or reduces wrinkles is limited.
Can make nutritious meals more flavourful: Use it as a base for soups, stews, sauces, risottos and other homemade dishes.
May help you feel satisfied: Its protein and fluid content can contribute to fullness, depending on the recipe and serving size.
Offers a practical way to use leftovers: Making broth from suitable leftover bones can help reduce food waste and create a useful kitchen staple.
Can be prepared ahead: Homemade broth can be portioned and frozen, making it convenient for quick, nourishing meals.
Working on self care
My self care games goes up a notch in the winter time. Since i am not the biggest fan or November, i will be putting some extra love into me.
I already like to infuse my weeks with pockets of self care but in the winter time it is needed even more.
I like to give some extra attention to:
My feet. They become extra dry in the winter. I apply a good moisturizer after i shower and some warm socks to keep the heat in my body.
My hair. winter hair care is essential especially in Canada.
My body. I can tend to not want to exercise when the mornings are colder but i know this affects my mental health. I am going to crank up the heat and then head down to my basement gym at least 3 times a week.
Getting home projects completed
There a few things in my home that need some attention and November is actually a perfect time to get them done, before the busyness of December.
On my to do list:
Fix the draw in my kitchen. I have to replace the track.
Replace the runners in my hallway.
Give the coffee table a refresh.
Organize my book cabinet. I want to edit the books i have and donate the ones i wont read again.
One of my favorite things to do in any month is complete the little projects in my home. That feeling of accomplishment is unmatched. I you have been putting off jobs in your home, let this be your sign to get on with it.
What are you cooking, creating, or preparing at home this November? I'd love to hear what you have planned for the season.
Thank you for spending a little time here with me. If you enjoy seasonal homemaking, cooking from scratch, natural decorating, and gardening, explore more of my ideas and inspiration here on anjeetRatansi.com.
Things to do in November 🌲