Happy November! We’ve crossed the Halloween finish line, and now it’s that weird time between spooky season and full-blown holiday madness. This week was a whirlwind of sugar highs, a few questionable costume choices, and an inner debate about when it’s socially acceptable to start playing Christmas music. Let’s dive into this week’s shenanigans, shall we?

Let’s talk about the post-Halloween candy situation. I may or may not have eaten my weight in fun-sized chocolate bars a solid week or two prior to Halloween. I figured if I space them out across the day, it’s technically not that bad, right? But now I’m at the point where I’ve got all the leftovers no one actually wants—looking at you, off-brand gummy bears—and I’m seriously considering how I can pawn them off on unsuspecting visitors. ‘Oh, would you like some candy with that coffee?’ seems like a solid plan.

November is here, and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s that sweet spot where the air turns crisp, cozy sweaters become my daily uniform, and everything just feels a little more magical. It’s the month where I start dreaming about Thanksgiving feasts, all things pumpkin, and the fact that it’s now socially acceptable to light every scented candle I own. Plus, let’s not forget, early November is like the calm before the storm—the perfect time to savor those peaceful, golden fall moments before the holiday chaos officially takes over. I’m ready to soak it all in!

Mom and Uncle R got into a heated argument this week—over who gets to hide the TV remote. You see, they’ve developed this game where they hide it from each other, just to see who can go longer without finding it. The prize? Bragging rights, of course. The kicker? I found it stuck inside the freezer while looking for ice cream. Let’s just say their memory may be slipping, but their sense of humor is still sharp.

Midlife is when you get excited about new socks and pajamas. Seriously. Last week I bought a set of matching flannel PJs, and it felt like a life upgrade. Forget fancy dinners or nights out—give me a comfy couch, a cup of tea, and soft socks, and I’m living my best 48-year-old life. Who knew luxury was so… cottony?

I started meal planning to help me in the grocery store a little more. WE shop monthly and well lets be honest sometimes I don’t buy enough of something or I buy too much of something else. So, I thought I would share what our dinner plans are for next week and see what you think.

1. Monday: Roasted Vegetable Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
2. Tuesday: Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage and Parmesan
3. Wednesday: Baked Ziti with a Garden Salad
4. Thursday: Chicken Pot Pie with Homemade Biscuits
5. Friday: Seared Salmon with Wild Rice Pilaf and Roasted Brussels Sprouts
6. Saturday: Beef Chili with Cornbread
7. Sunday (Family Style): Herb-Roasted Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables, and Apple Crisp for dessert

I thought I take the time to share three things that you can do or read for a little self care, a moment of peace and quiet or more.

• Unplug from your phone for an hour and enjoy quiet time.
• Try a guided meditation for relaxation.
• Spend time in your favorite cozy spot at home, doing nothing.

Did you know I write more than one blog? Well I do and here are a few highlights from Storied Conversation. Please note that clicking any of the links below will take you away from Rita Reviews. I just wanted to let you know but please click away and give these blogs some love as well. You never know what you may find.

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