Happy weekend, friends!
It finally feels like fall here in the Carolinas, though we all know the weather can surprise us with a warm week or two. AnnMarie and I have had a wonderful, but busy, week full of projects and prep.
Even though it’s only the first week of November, we’re already in holiday mode—planning decorations, gathering ideas, and sharing what we find so you can shop with confidence when you’re ready.
Check out our holiday preview on TikTok from @simply2moms — a little early decorating inspiration to kick off the season.
Please don’t feel pressured to decorate before Thanksgiving if that’s not your tradition. We decorate early because readers ask where we found certain pieces, and we want to share sources and ideas while items are still available. If you prefer to wait, enjoy the season at your own pace.
If you’re looking for tree decorating ideas, we share many of our favorite techniques and items in our guide to decorating an amazing Christmas tree.
One of our favorite places to shop for Christmas decor is Piper Classics. Right now they’re offering free shipping and seasonal discounts, so it’s a great time to browse classic ornaments, garlands, and entryway pieces.
This weekend we enjoyed an unexpected family dinner when all the kids were home Friday evening. Simple, tasty recipes that don’t take much time are our go-to—these pork chops in butter garlic sauce and a quick pressure-cooker green beans recipe were a hit.
We’re always on the lookout for easy, delicious meals that fit into busy schedules. If you love fuss-free dinners with big flavor, those two recipes are worth trying.
We also celebrated AnnMarie’s “momiversary” this weekend—technically her oldest son’s birthday, but for moms those days are milestones worth celebrating. She started the day with a healthy chocolate treat: Cacao Bliss from Earth Echo Foods. We’ve been enjoying it whisked into coffee or tea, and it’s tasty in recipes such as a Mexican chocolate chia pudding.
Good news: use the code MOMS at checkout for 15% off Cacao Bliss. It makes a delicious, nutritious addition to hot drinks and snacks.
On a different note, we belong to a book club (I actually started it), and this week we shared a list of 31 books we’ve read together. If you’re searching for your next great read—fiction, memoir, or something to discuss with friends—our list has a variety of picks to consider.
AnnMarie also published a simple, rustic centerpiece tutorial that’s perfect for Thanksgiving and other fall gatherings. It’s an easy project that adds a cozy, handmade touch to your table without requiring a lot of time or money.
If you’re still planning Thanksgiving, we’ve collected over 70 healthy recipe ideas for appetizers, sides, mains, and desserts to help you build a menu that suits your family’s tastes and dietary preferences.
We found some more inspiration for you from around the web:
As bloggers, we read a lot of great content from friends and fellow creators. When something inspires us, we like to pass it along. Here are a few things we loved recently:
- Beautifully styled neutral built-ins for cozy winter decor.
- Spiced pecans—planning to adapt these to be THM-friendly.
- A simple pinecone Christmas craft that’s perfect for kids and quick projects.
- Dried orange slices and other natural, pretty ornaments for holiday decorating.
- A fresh, seasonal salad idea that we can’t wait to make for Thanksgiving.
- A unique way to hang stockings using birch branches for a rustic display.
- A fall appetizer idea featuring sweet potato and goat cheese rounds that’s perfect for entertaining.
- A natural simmer pot recipe to keep your home smelling amazing through the season.
- A lower-carb version of a classic soup that swaps cauliflower for potatoes to reduce carbs without sacrificing creaminess.
We hope you have a fantastic week and find a few ideas here that spark your creativity. If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us or leave a comment on our site—we love hearing from readers.
Don’t miss any of our tips, tricks, or stories—follow us on social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to see what we’re working on next.
