November Favorites

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! And “Friday” for some of us! I’m pretty thrilled to not be traveling too far this week for the holiday, but still getting to spend time with family and eat delicious food. I hope you have an amazing rest of your week with all the food but none of the stress.

Check out some of my favorite things that happened over the past month below!

November Favorites

Door County, WI – We probably did Door County different than most people because 1. it was cold and 2. a lot of things were freshly closed for the season (which we knew). However, it was still oh-so pleasant because it wasn’t as busy, and it was the tale end of fall’s colors. In case you aren’t aware, Door County is most of the peninsula that juts out on the east side of Wisconsin. Neither of us had been there before, but it was a nice little trip to take on a long weekend we took to start our November.

Volleyball – Shout-out to a college friend for bringing up the idea of joining a volleyball class together. It’s only 4 sessions, but it’s been refreshing so far to not only play my favorite sport again but also reconnect with a good friend!

Whine Down Podcast – This is one of my newer favorite podcasts. It’s a lot different than my other favorites, but I enjoy Jana Kramer (actress, singer) and the topics talked about on the podcast she has with her husband, Mike Caussin. There’s a lot of relationship themes, but also just life things and general humor. Apparently others like it, too, because it was nominated for a People’s Choice Award for Pop Podcast (along with another podcast I enjoy, Armchair Expert).

Homemade Sourdough Bread – I finally did it! After some failed starters and a dense AF loaf, I successfully finished my first loaf of fluffy homemade sourdough bread. I’m in the home stretch of Bread Baking for Beginners by Bonnie Ohara, which is now focused on\ fermented breads like sourdough. My original starter is a few weeks old (in the top left of the pic), and it’s apparently got some natural yeast going on, because it made this loaf rise!

Sugar-Free Condiments from G. Hughes – Matt’s been very label-conscious this past year or so, which I absolutely love. I am, too, but I have less patience than he does standing in a busy aisle at the grocery store. However, I’ve been reaping the fruit of his labor with products like these no-sugar added condiments. I’m a bit of a ketchup purist, so I must admit their version does not taste like Heinz. But it’s good in a different way, and there are minimal ingredients in all their products. (As far as I’m aware, they don’t use sugar substitutes, either, but I haven’t checked their numerous products’ labels.) Highly recommend for a better-for-you line of condiments!

Majesty by Nicki Minaj, Labrinth, & Eminem – A bit different from my usual music favorites, but this song has really grown on me. I’m not usually a Nicki Minaj fan, but I love some of Labrinth’s music. And I’m in awe of Eminem’s talent (rapping fast AFFF in this song). So here ya go: Majesty.

The East Family – Shawn Johnson is an Olympic gymnast from Iowa, and that last part is why I originally liked her several years ago (#MidwestFriend). I recently started Instagram stalking her and instantly became interested in her life. She and her husband, Andrew East, are what you’d call #RelationshipGoals and they’re adorable, especially with their new baby. They’ve had a YouTube channel for years and I believe a podcast now? Still need to look into that last one.

Turkey Cranberry Panini with Bacon and Brie – The “Moistmaker” might be the king of all sandwiches using Thanksgiving leftovers, but this colorful and gooey turkey sandwich is my #2. Since a lot of people will be eating their leftovers for awhile, I had to share this Turkey Cranberry Panini with Bacon and Brie recipe again because IT’S SO GOOD.

Will you be doing something special for the holiday?

What’s your favorite way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers?