Announcements, Updates, & Reminders

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Start With A Simmer: November got off to a slow start due to the trickster Halloween storm that caught most of us off guard, and left many without power. No heat, no lights, no phone, and no internet made for an interesting week of living "unplugged." Normally, I voluntarily "unplug" at least one whole day a week. The four and a half days without power allowed me to focus on other things. It gave me the opportunity to sleep extra hours, catch up on reading, organize piles of decor swatches, enjoy face to face discussions, work on the Here We Are editorial calendar for 2012 (omg - it's coming quick!), etc. I share this experience to encourage you to implement a block of time for yourself each week to tune out, turn off, and unplug... You'll feel extra energy when you plug back in!

Turn Up The Heat: Challenges are good for us, right? If nothing else, they get the blood pumping. This month on the HWA radio show, I will venture out on my own into new territory by hosting a show without a guest or a co-host. Join me live for Fall & Winter 2011: Beauty Tips And Fashion Trends on Sunday, November 13, at 11:00am EST to discuss helpful products, pampering your skin, and trending styles to help you look your best this winter. Call in to share your tips, ask a question, or comment. 

On The Menu: Whether or not you are cooking a holiday meal, November means food. Look for the upcoming HWA articles on an easy-to-do platter (my Grandma's trick), food storage to save you $, my lasagna in a crock pot recipe (yes, it is possible AND delicious AND easy!), and more, to make your life better, brighter, and easier this holiday season!

UPDATES

Stir The Pot: In any recipe, there is usually more than one step... Same with subscribing online. Please be sure to VERIFY your HWA email subscription when you receive the confirmation email from "Feedburner Email Subscriptions" - just click the link and you are all set to go! If not, you won't be included in our Gift of The Month giveaway drawings. It's easy, it's free, and we never share or sell your information... Ever! We value your trust.

Take It To Go: We are finally caught up on the gift giving for the last several months. In Spooktacular we reminded you that the radio show "secret word" contest from Lisa Kasper, Entrepreneur: Making Scents Of It All ended Oct. 31. Thank you to all who listened and emailed Lisa, it was a great response.

The November Gift of the Month is a new copy of the cookbook Gingerbread by Jennifer Lindner McGlinn. The book includes recipes for cakes, cookies, desserts, and more, ummm!

REMINDERS

Set The Timer: With so much to do during the busy holiday season, start early and pace yourself. Tasks are much easier done in chunks and completed during the time allotted.

Set The Table: Is your crystal and silver coming out for an appearance this season? Make sure they look good. Check out Sparkling Stemware: How To Care For Your Crystal and Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths, both articles will help you get your shine on for your next dinner party.

Flower of The Month: While you might not use Chrysanthemums as a centerpiece, they are a welcoming sight at the front door. They grow in a rainbow of colors, and their general meaning is, "cheerfulness; you're a wonderful friend."

When the winter chrysanthemums go,

there's nothing to write about

but radishes. ~ Matsuo Basho, poet