November 1     Place a daily limit on how much candy you and your family will eat now that Halloween is over- until the candy well runs dry.

November  2    It’s time to pack away summer clothes and bring out the winter wardrobe.

November  3    Wash your recently unpacked winter underclothes. And pack them into drawers for use.

November  4   Toss any unopened or junk mail.

November  5    Do all the winter coats still fit or have the children outgrown some of them? Now you have the makings of a list of garments that you will need to purchase or donate for the coming winter season.

November  6    Make room for new toys by donating a few dis-used ones from the children’s toy chest. Now the little ones will have room for Christmas presents and so will children who a less fortunate.

November  7    Today is Hug a Bear Day. Check with your local fire department if they hand out teddy bears to children in distress. Make a donation of one of the toys you’ve weeded from the toy chest. It’s proven that this form of therapy helps children recover from traumatic instances like witnessing a fire quicker.

November  8    Trying to get the family to eat vegetables can be tough. Add some spice to the mix. Place some salsa or a flavorful dip on the dinner table tonight for a change.

November  9    When candy is out of sight it is also out of mind. Time to put away the left over Halloween candy. People who display sweets and candy on their desk eat approximately 3 more pieces a day than those who placed their candy into a drawer. But sweeter than this – they ate 6 more than those who placed the temptation more than 6 feet away from their workspace.

November  10    Exercise in addition to Calcium helps build stronger bones. Why not introduce some gentle exercise into your morning routine.

November  11    Veterans Day in the US. On this day we show veterans that we deeply appreciate their efforts and sacrifices they have made to keep our country free.

November  12    Add your family’s favorite winter warming drinks to this week’s grocery list. Tip: If you find yourself hungry after dinner- sipping on a hot drink can lessen those lingering hunger pangs.

November  13    Cold weather is a common excuse to stay indoors. Keep in shape this winter by rooting out your favorite exercise DVDs.

November  14    Move your winter flannel sheeting to the top of the pile in your linen closet.

November  15    Today schedule an energy audit with your local energy provider. Slash utility bills this winter by using an electricity monitor to learn how much your appliances are costing you?

November  16   Declutter the amount of email lists you subscribe to. Do you use them, need them, or like them? Do you even get a chance to read them? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’ it might be time to stop it. 

November  17    Unearth your favorite hearty soup recipes for this winter.

November  18    Do your Thanksgiving shopping early this year to avoid the rush.

November  19    Make a note to change your furnace filters if you have them.

November  20    Keep mittens from being lost this winter – invest in mitten clips to keep them tethered to the sleeves of coats.

November  21    It’s time to start shopping for your 2012 Calendar or planner refills.

November  22     Today is Thanksgiving. Get the family together for a family meal and talk about what you are thankful for this year.

November  23    Clean your dryer vent today.

November  24    Examine all handrails, footings, supports and staircases for stability. Wet and chilly days often make people prone to slipping and grabbing onto a handrail for support.

November  25    Are you a Jogger? Do you have trouble relaxing your hand while running? Jog with a rolled up dollar bill in your hand, you will find that over time your hand adapts to the new handgrip.

November  26    Clean rain gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. You might like to invest in making a gutter scoop. Recycle a plastic bottle that has a handle and lid. Place the bottle on its side and carefully cut the bottom off at an angle.  Bleach or fabric softener bottles are great for this purpose.

November  27    Winter safety tip: go through your home today to ensure that electrical cords are not being covered by heavy carpets, curtains or bedding as overheated cords can become a fire hazard.

November  28    Clean your car’s exterior lights today – this will help improve visibility at night.

November  29   Check the weather stripping around your windows and doors in order to prevent cold air and bugs from entering your home and warm air escaping.

November  30    Winter thermostat tip: if your home uses multiple thermostats – for different zones in your home. Adjust temperatures for the way in which the room is used. Eg. The bedrooms are cooler while the bath and living rooms warmer.

November  31    This months flower is the Chrysanthemum.  Easy to grow with a preference for full or partial sun. They are often hardy enough to survive winter in most regions. If you live in a northerly climate – a thick layer of mulch should be applied over the plant once the leaves have died off.

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