November was busy I finished my assignment with the election board, then started working on preparing to move and start school. So I spent most of the month burnt out. I have a bad habit of taking on too much at once. And that’s what I did the first part of November. Towards the end, I lightened up my workload and took breaks. So here’s what I was up to in November and what I have planned for December.

With winter comes cold and shorter periods of daylight. And for some, the shift from fall to winter brings seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A type of depression that’s related to the changes in seasons and begins and ends at about the same time every year. Those who experience seasonal affective disorder tend to feel unmotivated, depressed, or changes in their appetite. I’m no stranger to seasonal affective disorder. When winter hits I find myself struggling to get out of bed most days. My energy level dips, and it’s harder to stay on top of things. But I’ve found a little self-care can help during the winter months.

Thank you Henry Holt & Co. for a free copy of Welcome to the new World. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

Based on true events Welcome to the new world tells the story of a family of refugees fleeing the middle east to build a life in America. And the challenges they’ll face along the way. It gives insight into the refugee experience. The confusion, doubt, fear, and misunderstanding. That comes with taking a risk to leave everything behind and in the hopes to build a better life.

Being alone on Thanksgiving doesn’t feel great. It’s a holiday that’s centered around spending time with friends and loved ones. So when you’re solo on Thanksgiving it’s easy to feel lonely and depressed. For many this year, it might be their first time spending Thanksgiving alone. And there’s nothing wrong with feeling down or missing being with your friends and family. Rather you turned down an invitation or your family lives out of town, having a solo of Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you have to feel sad and lonely. There are ways to be solo and still enjoy Thanksgiving.

Biscuits and gravy are something I never had prior to going vegetarian. It’s typically made with pork, and I don’t eat pork.  So it was something my mother didn’t make for breakfast. I’d see it on the menu when we’d go out to eat, and wondered what it tasted like. Now that I’m vegetarian, I’ve learned a lot about making substitutions in recipes. And I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and creating plant-based versions of dishes I used to eat or haven’t tried. I haven’t been out to eat in months, and one of my favorite vegan restaurants added biscuits and gravy to their menu. But they were out of it by the time I got there. So I decided to try my hand at making it.