It’s November, y’all! Perhaps my very very VERY favorite!

I love celebrating Thanksgiving. It is full of warmth and family without all the trappings and stress of Christmas. We are past our sons’ elementary school’s big fall festival, so my work load is lightened. The air is crisp. The PSL’s are flowing. Life is GOOD.

So let’s cover a few basics. y’all: thrifty decor, a little sewing for Sis, and turkey talk:

simple, beautiful fall “give thanks” banner

Our fall “give thanks” banner is swagged across the fireplace mantle and is the perfect aqua and orange and rust addition to the room. I just haven’t decorated for fall this year. I’m in a bit of an anti-clutter stage, and buying “stuff” to fill up surfaces just isn’t appealing right now!

But this banner is just right, and doesn’t clutter any surface. And since it folds down into a flat stack once Christmas decor hits in December, it’s a year-to-year favorite that just cost a couple of dollars to make.

cutie DIY acorn applique shirt and ruffle pants

I’ve been sewing up a storm lately, and this acorn outfit I made last year still fits too. One day Sis might revolt and demand I but store-bought clothes “like the normal kids.” But that day is not TOday. So we’ll sew on!

I just attended a Matilda Jane trunk show, so I am chock full of inspiration. i love the way MJ clothes blend several different prints seamlessly, without clashing or being matchy/matchy. I think fat quarter packs might be the way to go to get a nicely-blended collection of contrasting yet coordinating pieces of fabric.

I’m thinking purples and browns for fall. I love this little collection from fat quarter shop. Wonder if I could get something similar with my JoAnn Fabric 40% off coupon? Hmm…

Oh! Or this one I spotted on Amazon! Browns, aquas, and orange. PERFECT for fall, non?!

the best and easiest way to cook a perfect turkey {every time}

Oh! And can I just tell you that for YEARS I wouldn’t even attempt a Thanksgiving turkey. It just felt like too big of a meal to risk messing up. but guess what you ensure when you don’t try? Failure, that’s what. Boo on that! So one year I took the leap… And I’ve been cooking turkeys to easy perfection ever since! Now I make a whole turkey several times a year and we just eat off it for a few days. So.Delicious.

Follow these completely easy and practically foolproof directions on how to make your turkey come out just right!

Do you have special family traditions this time of year? Do tell!