November Bucket List 2023

Happy November! A new month means 30 fun and festive ways to romance every day in November. November is all about giving thanks and indulging in the cozier side of life.

  1. Homemade Soup. Start building a soups board on Pinterest so you’ll always have inspiration and ideas. Lentil, French Onion, and Minestrone are at the top of my list.
  2. Craft Shows. Check Facebook and local websites to find out when local craft shows are happening. They’re a great way to support local businesses and also get some ideas of your own.
  3. Volunteer. Volunteering at a soup kitchen during the holiday season is a great way to give back, but it’s also a time they desperately need help.
  4. Homemade Gifts. To me, there is just something special about a homemade gift. Instead of buying gifts make something special for everyone on your list?
  5. Friendsgiving. Consider hosting an intimate Friendsgiving at your house. Maybe you have a potato bar, you can do a potluck and everyone brings a dish, a chili board would be fun too. Or make build-your-own pizzas. The possibilities are endless.
  6. Cider Mill. There’s still time to visit a cider mill and enjoy hot mulled cider and donuts.
  7. Yoga. During the holiday season, we tend to get stressed out, overwhelmed, and frustrated. Why not get ahead of the chaos and take a yoga class to help center yourself?
  8. Cabin. Make reservations for a little getaway. I’m dreaming about staying in a log cabin in the woods during the Christmas season. How magical.
  9. Hallmark Channel. Don’t forget about all those romantic Christmas movies playing on the Hallmark Channel this month.
  10. Plaid. Get yourself a new plaid shirt, blanket, or pajamas. It’ll make the season feel even cozier.
  11. 5K. Sign up for a 5K race. I love doing the Turkey Trot in Detroit.
  12. No Technology. Put the technology down and have a day to relax and enjoy the little things without being glued to your phone.
  13. Moody. It’s moody nail polish season. I love dark purples, grays, and even black.
  14. Holiday Market. Look for holiday markets in your area and support local.
  15. Tree Lighting. Look up local tree-lighting ceremonies and mark your calendars.
  16. New. Learn a new skill. I am currently learning how to sew!
  17. Hike. Today is National Take a Hike Day! What better way to spend a November day than to venture around the woods and crunch through some leaves?
  18. Pie. ‘Tis the season for pies. Try making a pumpkin pie, apple pie, or pecan pie.
  19. Christmas Cards. Everyone loves receiving mail, so why not send your friends and family snail-mail Christmas cards this year to add holiday cheer?
  20. Peanut Butter Fudge. Today is National Peanut Butter Fudge Day. My Great Grandma Bea used to make the best peanut butter fudge for the family at Christmas time. In memory of her, I will be digging out that old recipe and whipping up a batch of her delicious fudge.
  21. Sip on Something Warm. Head to your favorite local coffee shop and grab a drink. My favorite is a chai tea latte with oat or coconut milk.
  22. Bowling. Do something fun with friends and visit a bowling alley.
  23. Happy Thanksgiving. Write down what you are grateful for today.
  24. Black Friday. Best of luck shopping for everything you wanted.
  25. Small Business Saturday. Make an effort to shop small and local today (and every day). I also try to support my favorite local businesses from other places where I have lived.
  26. Brunch Board. Make an epic brunch board filled with pancakes, bagels, waffles, fresh fruit, and all the fixings.
  27. Carryout. Support local and get carryout from your favorite local restaurant.
  28. Wreath. Get crafty and create a winter/Christmas-themed wreath.
  29. Hot Cocoa. ‘Tis the season for warm drinks. Cozy up with a cup of homemade cocoa.
  30. Shopping. Make a list of who you are buying presents for this holiday season, and create a budget.

Bentkey Kids Streaming Service + Giveaway

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Bentkey. 

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Bentkey. Sometimes it can be challenging to find appropriate shows for kids to watch. But with Bentkey Kids Streaming Service, you don’t have to worry. Bentkey is a kids’ entertainment streaming service with original programs that parents can feel good about their children watching.

Bentkey is a kids entertainment streaming service that includes original and licensed content and characters that families will love, and parents can trust. Bentkey is dedicated to creating the next generation of timeless stories that transport kids into a world of adventure, imagination, and joy. Bentkey’s new app is available now with over 150 episodes of 16 shows — including four Bentkey originals. Over the last year, Bentkey has produced four original series called Bentkey Adventures. New episodes will arrive every Saturday morning, and new series will be added to Bentkey on an ongoing basis.

Bentkey’s dedicated team curates content from around the world that they would trust their kids with. They watch every minute of every show to ensure they are great for kids while never insulting your values.

Download the app to watch free episodes and get to know the characters. To access the full library, become a Bentkey subscriber and unlock:

  • Exclusive new Bentkey Adventures
  • Hundreds, and soon to be thousands, of hand-curated episodes for kids and family viewing
  • New episodes every Saturday
  • Access across multiple devices so you can watch your favorites on mobile, tablets, and TV apps
  • Entirely ad-free platform

Discover the first TWO series on Bentkey Kids Streaming Service

A Wonderful Day with Mabel Maclay

“A Wonderful Day With Mabel Maclay” is a happy, wholesome children’s show that celebrates creativity and inspires viewers to think, feel, connect, and create. Mabel and her dog, Jasper, make neat gadgets, complete fun projects, visit with interesting friends, sing sweet songs, and read charming books. With imaginative details everywhere you look, the show encourages kids in this increasingly loud, busy, fast-paced world to slow down and take the time to wonder. CAST:  Katy Chase as ‘Mabel,’ Ryan Chase as ‘Find-It Fred,’ and Rickey Boyd as ‘Jasper’

Chip Chilla

Chip Chilla” invites you to join the adventures of a close-knit family of homeschooled chinchillas: Chum Chum (Rob Schneider), Chinny (Laura Osnes), Charla, Chip, Chubbly, and their pet, Bug. In each episode, Mom and Dad create a world of wonder and excitement where the kids get to discover everything from world history to classic books and, most importantly, how to care for others. At its heart, “Chip Chilla” is a celebration of a family that deeply loves each other and has a blast while learning lessons that will last a lifetime. CAST: Josiah Hidalgo as ‘Chip,’ Lucy Capri as ‘Charla, ’Deacon Branscum as ‘Chubbly,’ Laura Osnes as ‘Chinny’ and Rob Schneider as ‘Chum Chum.’

Giveaway

One winner will receive a subscription to Bentley Kids Streaming Service (RV $99). Open to U.S. residents of the United States. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 11.10.23. See below for terms and conditions.

ENTER HERE

Coming to Detroit: A Magical Cirque Christmas & Giveaway

Hey Detroiters, have you heard the news? A Magical Cirque Christmas Holiday Variety Show is coming to the Fox Theatre on Friday, December 8th. No matter if you’re looking for something to do with friends, family, or an experience gift A Magical Cirque Christmas Holiday Variety Show is sure to delight. To brighten your spirits I’m giving away a family 4-pack of tickets to the show! Enter below

A Magical Cirque Christmas
December 8, 2023, at 7:30 PM – Fox Theatre
On-sale now at 313presents.com

Embrace the holiday spirit with A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Celebrate the magic of the season with the entire family at A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS. Coming to the Fox Theatre Friday, December 8! Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED
Enter to win a family 4-Pack of Tickets to see A Magical Cirque Christmas!

Broadway Review: Company

Phone rings, door chimes, in comes COMPANY! Company is the winner of five Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical. Lucky for Detroit, Company plays at the Fisher Theater from October 17th through October 29th, 2023.

Company is a musical comedy about the search for love and cocktails in New York, and one of the best parts of this musical revival is musical theater’s most iconic bachelor is now a bachelorette. And that bachelorette is played by none other than Britney Coleman a native to Ann Arbor, Michigan! I love it when a main character role is played by someone from Michigan. Anyway, let’s get back to the show!

Company is centered around Bobbie’s (Britney Coleman) 35th birthday party. All her friends are wondering why she isn’t married yet? Why can’t she find the right man? And, why she can’t settle down and have a family? Relatable for anyone else?!

The show is lively, raunchy, and relatable. If you’re looking for a fun evening out, grab tickets and go see Company while it’s playing at the Fisher Theater in Detroit.

Grab your tickets today!

Review: Allergy Free Bakery

Dairy hurts my stomach, gluten makes me feel awful and red number 40 makes me sick. That doesn’t leave many baked goods options, and let’s face it when you find something it probably doesn’t taste good. I was excited to learn that the Allergy Free Bakery recently opened in Metro Detroit, and I could actually walk in and eat things without needing an ingredient breakdown.

The Allergy Free Bakery is free from the top 9 allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, sesame, shellfish, soy, and wheat). ALL items are also dairy free, vegan, AND gluten free. I bet your first thought like mine was everything probably tastes awful, but that wasn’t the case. When I walked into the bakery, it actually smelled like a real bakery, and the baked goods (that I tried) actually tasted good. Did they taste like traditional cupcakes and cookies?! Absolutely not, but they tasted GOOD and that’s all that matters.

At Allergy Free Bakery you’ll find cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, ice cream (soft serve and they have dye free sprinkles!!), muffins, donuts, and more! This bakery is a game changer in metro Detroit when it comes to baked goods, and I am SO beyond excited to have them in town!

I was informed by the owner that Allergy Free Bakery WILL have make-your-own cookie kits. He’s hoping that he’ll have them for Halloween/Fall, but said for sure Allergy Free Bakery will have them during the holiday season AND you can order the kit dye free! You can bet I’ll be ordering a dye free cookie kit as soon as they launch.

Whether you’re looking for a treat for yourself, to have at a party, holiday sweets, or just want a donut reminiscent of a cider mill, head to Allergy Free Bakery you will NOT be disappointed! I am not a big chocolate fan but I LOVED the bumpy cupcake, and the sprinkle cookie was delicious. The vanilla soft serve with sprinkles is a must!! Who am I kidding, I would like one of everything.