Happy November, Fresh Friends! 🍁
November? NOVEMBER?! How did that happen? I could have sworn it was just the 4th of July! If you’re anything like me, the days are zooming by like leaves in the wind.
Oh boy, the 4th quarter is a BUSY time for food bloggers! I’m already hard at work whipping up cozy holiday recipes and beyond. Want a sneak peek at my latest creations before anyone else? Be sure to sign up here and be the FIRST to try out all the new recipes coming down the line!
I’m thrilled to reveal our November Cooking Club Challenge in this month’s newsletter, and trust me—you’ll love it! I’ll guide you every step so you can feel confident and wow your family and friends. Keep reading!
And October’s Cooking Club winners? I’ll announce them in next week’s newsletter!
A Couple of Quick PSAs:
- Daylight Savings Time Ends! Don’t forget, Saturday night before bed, set your clocks back an hour. Ah, that one precious extra hour of sleep! For those of you in states without DST—lucky you! I wouldn’t mind saying “goodbye” to it forever.
- VOTE! Our voices matter, so don’t miss the chance to cast your vote.
Along with all this November excitement, I’ll share my latest recipes, favorite books, movies I love, all the fun stuff going on, fun finds, and a little encouragement for the soul. I hope this month’s newsletter will feel like a cozy catch-up over coffee, with a sprinkle of inspiration.
Stay tuned—it’s going to be a delicious one! 🧡
Use the Table of Contents below to skip to what interests you most.
🍥 November Baking Challenge: Cinnamon Rolls
Who couldn’t use an extra $100 right about now?! Jump into this month’s Baking Challenge (trust me, it’s a sweet one) for a chance to WIN a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
This month, we’re diving into one of my all-time favorite recipes—my soft, ooey-gooey Cinnamon Rolls! This is one of the most popular posts on my site, and it’s easy to see why. These rolls are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and I’ll guide you through every single step so they turn out just right.
Listen, anyone—and I mean ANYONE—can bake these! I promise! If you’re nervous or have questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. Just email me, and I’ll be your cinnamon roll cheerleader, ready to help you nail this recipe.
Rate the Recipe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love it when you try my recipes, rate them, and share your thoughts! It really helps others and boosts the recipe’s visibility. I so appreciate you!
Fresh New Recipes
Here’s a recap of all the new recipes I made in October — I hope you try them!
Brand New Recipes
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce – quick easy and WAY better than anything canned.
- Sweet Potato Pie – A Southern classic that is now my western favorite!
- Sweet Potato Casserole — with streusel topping is a favorite in our family.
- Christmas Tree Charcuterie — say that 5x fast! It’s so easy!
- Best Focaccia Bread — A great beginner yeast bread recipe! SO GOOD!
- Crockpot Shredded Chicken — A meal prep winner!!
Recently Updated Recipes
The following are tried-and-true recipes that just needed a little sprucing up! So here they are, you will love them!
- Salted Caramel Sauce — Make it with or without the bourbon; it’s delish!
- Maple Pumpkin Scones — a wee bit healthier but every bit as yummy!
- Chicken Salad with Grapes — an oldie but super goodie!
- Broccoli Cheese Soup — what is it about these flavors? So darn good!!!!
- Biscoff Cookie Butter Snickerdoodles — nuf said!
In Real Life
This past month was filled with sweet moments and a little adventure! We took a much-needed weekend getaway to visit dear friends in Glenwood Springs, and I’m always reminded how refreshing time away can be. A simple change of scenery together makes such a difference! Check out the little collage below for a peek into these moments from the past month.
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I also got some cherished time with my mom and bonus dad earlier in the month (time to plan another visit already!). My mom has a way of making the simplest meals taste extra special. You know those meals that are somehow better when someone else makes them? Her egg salad is one of those little comforts I always look forward to.
We celebrated our lovely, spunky neighbor’s 86th birthday with a cozy dinner at our house. She’s full of energy, joy, and a zest for life—exactly who I hope to be when I grow up!
Another highlight was a long, blustery morning walk with some dear, longtime friends. There’s nothing like getting outside, catching up on life, sharing laughs, a few tears, and lifting up each other’s prayer needs.
Oh, and in a blink, our youngest turned 21 last week! I’m still in disbelief. Time, you can slow down any day now!
To top it all off, four of us friends who have been scrapbooking together for at least 10 years (or longer) got together last week—I worked on my Christmas card! YAY! We all digital scrapbook, but still, it’s always a great time together!
What I’m Reading
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Where Butterflies Wander — I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. A friend had read it and given it to me. A grieving mother seeks a fresh start for her shattered family by selling a family estate in New Hampshire. But her plans are upended when she discovers a mysterious veteran, known locally as “the river witch” (not what you think), occupying a cabin on the property. As tensions rise between the two women, Marie’s family and the community are drawn into an intense struggle, with fate stepping in to reshape their paths unexpectedly.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Wonderful World of James Herriot: A Charming Collection of Classic Stories a wonderful inside look into the life of this amazing author—a treat for any Herriot fan! I hope you read it!
I just started Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini. Based on the true story behind the poem and song “I Heard The Bells” by America’s Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, so far, I love it. If you haven’t watched the movie of the same name, I highly recommend it.
Favorite Movies
Here are a few of our recent favorites: Peace River, powerful, grab the tissues. The Firing Squad (not the greatest acting, but the story is amazing). One Life is amazing (another based on actual events) and so well done, another story of how one life matters!
Fresh Finds: Amazon Deals + More
Browse the visual version of all my weekly finds HERE! (more than what’s below)
- I just got this pretty vase this week – putting this pampas grass in it.
- I’ve already opened this lovely smelling hand soap — makes a great gift.
- While scrapbooking – one of my friends said she bought this porch light — we desperately need a new one! I’ll show you a picture once it’s installed, BTW it’s crazy on sale!
- I love this large, round, braided hyacinth tray! It arrives today, I can’t wait.
- While we stayed with our friends in Glenwood, she had these pretty, sleak tissue box covers, I’ve since bought several too, love them!
- Loving this velour top – perfect for casual holiday gatherings! 30% off all tops!
- I’m crazy about sweater vests, loving this oversized one!
- Check out my weekly finds for a few of my favorite Christmas decorating ideas!
Fresh Inspiration: Let’s Not Grow Weary
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
As the election approaches, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, divided, or even uncertain about the future. But in times like these, God calls us to keep doing good, to stay faithful, to love our neighbors and to remember that He is at work even when we can’t see the full picture.
When we engage thoughtfully, vote prayerfully, and act compassionately, we plant seeds of hope and trust in His sovereignty. God reminds us not to “grow weary,” knowing that we will see the fruit of His plans in His perfect time. Take heart in this season, knowing that every prayer, every kind word, every smile, and every choice rooted in love makes a difference.
Just a quick reminder that I read and respond to every email, and I’m truly thankful for every one of you who comes back week after week! Your support means the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to read and click through to a few recipes—I’m incredibly grateful!
Please come back and rate and comment on a post if you try it.
Coming soon…Best Chicken Soup Recipe, Overnight French Toast Casserole, Snickerdoodles (so good!), Italian Minestrone Soup, French Onion Soup (it’s soup season, after all!), and crème brûlée! And that’s just the first half of November.
P.S. If you missed last month’s Fresh Fridays, recipes, sales, tips, ideas, and more!
Check out my favorite things and more HERE! Plus, previous week’s finds!
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