And just like that another month is over. As we begin the last month of 2023, it’s time to reflect on November.
Here’s what I was up to in November, 2023…
Reading
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I started this book a few months ago when my coworkers were raving about it. Along with the Pulitzer prize and Oprah sticker, it seemed like it was worth a read. I struggled to get into it at first but I revisited a few weeks ago and am working my way through. I’m not sure my opinion has as much weight as a Pulitzer, but I’ll report back when I finish. Stay tuned.
Eating
Thanksgiving Dinner. For approximately 14 meals.
Beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, lamb, ham… you name it! It’s amazing how one holiday can make up meal prep for the entire week. My brother and sister-in-law came to visit during the week of Thanksgiving and we went all out. I had the best time “hosting” my first Thanksgiving. I put hosting in quotation marks because the only things I made were mashed potatoes and cornbread dressing, so I can’t really take much credit when I only did a small fraction of the cooking.
To complement our meal, we did some experimenting with cocktails. If you’re looking for apple-based drinks, I highly recommend apple cider mimosas and this apple butter old fashioned. We decided we’d take a year to improve the cocktails, adding personal touches, then plan to bring the refined version for next year; forming a new tradition!
Aside from the meals that didn’t consist of Thanksgiving fixings, Columbia Foodie got to take them on a tour of my favorite hot spots, which we know is my love language.
Playing
Playing Officiant, or Father Madi if you will.
Okay so the wedding was in July, but they just got the pictures back and I am obsessed.
I had the greatest honor I have ever known officiating my brother and his wife’s wedding back home in Montana. Public speaking is one thing, but it’s a whole other level when you’re a big crier at weddings, and then it’s another thing when that wedding is your brother’s.
Now booking for weddings in 2024. 😉
Obsession
Gut health. For years and years I had complained about feeling yucky. At some point I had decided to do something about it and went to a naturopath. Enter a 2 year (and counting) rabbit hole of natural remedies.
I had such major anxiety that I was starting to have pretty regular panic attacks. My naturopath put me on probiotics, sharing how studies have shown probiotics to be equally effective, if not more, than prescribed anxiety meds due to the gut-brain connection. My anxiety has drastically improved since and I’ve been particularly mindful of ways to keep improving since.
Recommendation
Bone broth hot chocolate. I know, I made the same face you’re making when I first read it.
Circle back to my obsession of gut health, drinking bone broth on an empty stomach is highly beneficial to the lining of the stomach. I’ve gone the plain broth route for awhile, but I love love love hot chocolate during the winter months and I’ll try anything once. It is so weirdly unbelievable that it’s become a recurring treat.
I’m not really one to measure, but if you are, here’s a recipe for bone broth hot chocolate. I like to add a sprinkle of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Treating
Rest. This time of year is always crazy between end of year goals at work, back to back holiday events, friends coming and going, and with the days getting shorter it feels like we have less and less time to accomplish everything. I’ve been making an effort to make time for myself guilt-free. It’s always awkward cancelling plans, so I try to be proactive and schedule time for myself, similar to how I would other plans. Taking time to recharge allows me to be more present, making me a better friend, worker and pawrent.
November hosts my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving gives everyone the opportunity to take a look around and appreciate everything they have in their life. This November I felt beyond grateful for my support system. After a series of challenging situations, I feel so fortunate to have people in my life I can rely on in testing times, and of course, celebrate with in the greatest of times.
Thanks for reading my November REPORT!
Shut Up Madi 