November. I wouldn’t believe it considering it was 80 degrees yesterday. However tomorrow I’m flying off with my mom, dad and brother to WISCONSIN. It’s gotta be cooler there, right? I’m ready to feel some fall weather and see some football (GO PACK GO) but most of all to spend some time with my family. I’m not the best flyer though, despite my love of traveling, so I’ll be bringing my new planner with me to distract me with organizing the upcoming year (what can I say, I like to plan ahead).
But before I get to 2017, I want to look at now, November. In hopes of getting the most out of my favorite time of year, I compiled a list of goals to keep my attention where it belongs this month.
November Goals
Complete all our Christmas shopping. I’ve written lists and now just need to follow through.
Be more consistent with intentional exercise. Isn’t this always on my list? 3 days a week of bootcamp is totally reasonable and I need to be hitting that consistently.
See both my grandmothers. The week around Thanksgiving might very well be my favorite holiday stretch.
Pick an organization for our family to be involved with during the holiday season. I’m 99% sure we are choosing Levine’s Children’s Hospital. It’s been pulling at my heart with too many stories that hit close to home lately.
Clean out my closet in a real way. Sure, that shirt is comfy but it’s not flattering. And that dress? I haven’t worn it in over 2 years. I’m waiting until I have my tough face on then I’m bulldozing through it because I feel so much better when I wear items I feel good it (like this shirt that I wore yesterday that is now on sale (!) – I have dark teal but am considering olive and rhododendron too because it’s basically the perfect shirt for leggings).
Order Christmas cards. Now how to pick my favorite card layout from Minted? That will be tough.
Plan a fun night out with my babe. That would be David. But I call him babe so often that Hailey sometimes does it too in a mocking manner. It makes me laugh because I totally don’t realize how often I say it!
Don’t look at blog pageviews. I think it’s natural that when you put a lot of who yourself into something, you want it to do well. I put a lot of time and effort into this space and though there are multiple ways to gauge success, I tend to focus in on pageviews to tell me if I’m doing a good job or not. I know it’s not the best indicator, thank you social media algorithms for largely controlling that, but I tend to think a post with high views means people like that topic. Low views? Don’t write about it again. But honestly, it’s sucking the fun out of it and I want to do better at shielding myself from that kind of measuring stick.
Say no. I’m not great at this. But saying yes too often is leading me to saying no to much more important things unintentionally. I need to say no so I can say yes- to my husband, to my kids, to myself.
Do a gratitude project with the kids. We already play the “gratitude game” every night at dinner where we all have to say what we are most grateful so that day. I’m thinking we might write these down and do something with them… it’s a work in progress and I’ll report back.
Finish the two books I’m currently reading: Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone (I’m a first time Harry reader and secretly want the entire hardcover set so we can read as a family down the road) and The Basic School.
Do what makes me happy. If that means listening to Christmas music- do it. If it means wearing jammies and watching a movie with the girls at 2pm- do it. Light my candles every single day? Sure, why not! The holiday season is my favorite time of the year and I’m going to soak. it. up.
Speaking of, we finally got around the carving a pumpkin, 2 days late. My initial reaction when Hailey asked was to say why? Halloween is over. But instead I said- sure! And her face lit up. I want to say yes more often. Thanks Mr. Bob Spookypants for my reminder to be present and joyful during this busy and magical time of year. Disclaimer: I did not name him.
What are you hoping to accomplish/ soak up in November?
Is there an area in your life you feel like you are always trying to focus on?
Have you read any great books lately?
John J. says
Love that you are a goal oriented person! “If you don’t know where you are going any road will take you there”. See ya’ in Wisconsin. Go Pack Go!
Brittany Dixon says
My mom and dad taught me well π Can’t wait to be with yall manana!!
Karen says
You picked an awesome weekend to visit WI….I live in Green Bay and its predicted to be in the mid 60’s all weekend with lots of sunshine.
Enjoy!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my gosh you live in Green Bay?! We love that town. That’s where my dad and Grandma are from and where we will be this weekend. She used to live just outside of De Pere before she moved to Georgia with my parents a couple years back. So thrilled to hear the weather will be nice!
Karen says
We are about two miles from Lambeau Field…..which I will assume you are going to the home game this Sunday.
Have fun and enjoy Wisconsin before it’s covered in snow!
Anna says
I love your blog and have enjoyed reading it for a while now. Your girls are each a few months older than my girls so it has been fun to get your perspective on what new stages are coming up! I live twenty minutes south of Green Bay; I had no idea you had family ties to the area! What a small world. I wish I could offer to buy you a beer at the game to say thank you (we have season tickets), but we won’t be there this weekend. Have a great trip!! And thanks again for all your work on the blog!
Michelle Lamutt says
Brittany, I love your blog and the fact that I’ve known you for 20 years ( how is that possible?) Has nothing to do with it. I don’t always get to read it everyday, but love checking in and coming back to try different recipes that I love of yours. Have a fantastic time with family this weekend. Thank you for sharing snippets of your life with the world. Helps put my daily life in perspective.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my gosh Michelle, how is it possible we’ve known each other for 20 years?! That’s so crazy. Thank you for your kind words. I love seeing pics of your sweet family on facebook. It looks like y’all have so much fun together!
Jen says
I read a lot (like A LOT!) of blogs and yours has always been my favorite. I always take away something positive and today I need a kick in the butt to set some November goals. I love that you have a gratitude game with your kids. I think that is so important to teach our kids early and I plan on incorporating it into our dinner time routine. Enjoy WI!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you so much Jen!! That is a compliment I really take to heart <3 I can't wait for you to try the gratitude game- sometimes it is hilarious to hear what they come up with π
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
Saying no is something I had such a hard time doing! But I’ve gotten better about saying yes to things that better serve me, so I am overall more happy. It’s okay to say no, it’s realizing that is the hard part!
Parita says
Love these goals! For the month of November, I want to finish the book I’m currently reading, exercise at least 4-5 times a week, and be in bed by 10 pm (aka not fall asleep on the couch). π
Janna Walker says
I love your blog!!! It has quickly become my go-to reference for meal planning ideas, baby recaps and more!!! You are so relatable and I love that!!! Keep doing your thing!
Dionne says
I think you picked the perfect weekend to visit. Wisconsin be showing off for you! Enjoy!
Heather says
I can’t believe it’s already November. I like the idea of making goals, though. I feel like October breezed by and this time of year goes so fast! For me the holidays can be stressful, so I want to be better about going with the flow and not stressing. I want to spend more time with my family and more time disconnected from all things social media and phone related and fully appreciate this magical time of year!
Lauren @ Oh Hey! I Like That! says
I’m reading a great book right now! “The One and Only” by Emily Giffin–it’s like Friday Night Lights!
Jeannie says
I love your blog ..don’t count the blog Vhews bc yours is great. Any date night ideas yet? I’m trying to plan one myself.
Lisa says
What a great list! I love the idea of getting involved with a local children’s hospital–we have such a great one within just a few miles of our house. Thank you so much for thinking of that–I’m inspired! I just finished our family Christmas card, (I used Shutterfly–they have 40% off and free shipping right now, so I was able to go with a nicer card and stay within budget) . . . and it feels so great to check that off the list!
As for books, have you read any Lianne Moriarty? She writes fiction, and her writing is the equivalent of a Netflix show you can’t stop watching. Such a great storyteller! My top 3 favorites are Big Little Lies, The Last Anniversary, and What Alice Forgot. She often writes about motherhood and littles, so it’s something we can identify with which always draws me in!
Have a great day!!
Susanna says
Go Pack Go!! My family lives close to Green Bay and it has such a special place in my heart. Have a great trip!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh how cool- it’s special to me too! Such a wonderful little town with so much heart!
Cornelle van Rensburg says
Love this post! Your goals are inspiring. And please don’t worry about page views. I’ve been reading and enjoying your blog every day since 2012. And I live in South Africa, so no Whole Foods ect. here, but love ur recipes and posts about about motherhood, life and travels in the US. Think the motherhood posts are universal and most moms can identify and relate ;-). You live in an amazing country. Hope I get to visit one day!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you Cornelle for reading and for your kind comment! My brother’s au pair is from South Africa and I think she has the most amazing accent. π I hope to visit there one day myself!
Ashlee says
Great goals!! In the spirit of Thanksgiving month, I mostly want to focus on gratitude and really slowing down to be mindful of how blessed I am.. so cliche, but so true! What a better month for being thankful than November! Also, for books, I couldn’t recommend “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero more. It is a tell-it-like-it-is motivational book to get negative self talk OUT and BELIEVE in yourself to accomplish anything that you want to accomplish! I found the author to be awesome at speaking in a real way that made it sink in more than other things I’ve read.
Have a great weekend!
Julie says
I just love your blog! It is so REAL, it’s positive, and it’s inspiring. I follow my fair share of fashion blogs and what not, but I love your blog because it’s real life and it’s relatable. Thanks for being willing to share the great days and the bad days and the things that you do well and the things you are trying to work on.
Dana says
Just had to comment, LOVE you blog! I so agree what others have said, we keep reading because you are so real, relatable, positive and inspiring! You just motivated me to create my own goals for the month of November! I really want to be present this holiday season…it goes so fast and I just want to soak it all in! Thanks again for your inspiration!! π
Melanie says
I’m a little late in reading this post, but so glad I did! I’m feeling super inspired now to plan out my own time to make the most of the holiday season. I love the idea of finding an organization to get involved in as a family. Also, first time Harry Potter reader?! I’m super jealous you get to read them for the first time. I’ve read them all several times but it will never be quite like the first. Have you seen the new illustrated versions they just came out with? They are amazing! I can’t wait to read them with my girls when they get a bit older. Thanks again for the inspiration!
Julia @ Drops of Jules says
Iβm just now reading this postβ¦ and itβs November 15th. My apologies Brittany! Iβm playing some catch up right now. Life is throwing a lot at me- all good things- but I still love coming to your blog. I wanted to wish you well and say I hope all of these goals are coming along nicely! Especially the final one: Do what makes you happy. I can tell from your blog you are an incredibly selfless human being Brittany. Just make sure you are still treating yourself well along the way!