Happenings Around the Nest - Week 11
This Week's Happenings Around the Nest
It has been one of those slow, behind the scenes weeks here that feel very November. Nothing too exciting, just steady progress on blog updates, holiday prep, and tying up loose ends before the rush sets in. So pour yourself a cup of something warm and let's catch up.
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November is for clearing the decks
I don't decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. That's a tradition I hold onto. But that doesn't mean November is quiet around here. It's actually when I like to get everything in order before the bins come out and the holiday sparkle begins.
Lately, I've been on a pre-holiday mission: deep-cleaning, organizing, and giving certain spaces the attention they've been waiting for. I did a full bedroom and closet overhaul this week, partly to clear some visual clutter and partly to make room for my Christmas tree in the bedroom. Yes, that's happening again this year. On the first floor, I've been stripping the white slipcovers off the couch to give them a good wash. It's a small task with big "fresh start" energy.
I love entering the holiday season with a clean, blank slate. It makes all the decorating feel even more special.
Monstera mania on the blog
This week on the blog, I've been deep in Monstera territory - updating several posts in my Monstera care series to make them even more helpful (and hopefully more visible in Google's eyes). I've refreshed posts on fertilizer, soil, and light requirements, and gave a good polish to one of my most unique topics: the elusive Monstera albo.
If you've ever admired those striking white-and-green leaves or wondered why some Monsteras cost as much as a plane ticket, that's the one to check out. These updates are part of my ongoing effort to make my houseplant content more searchable, more readable, and more rooted in experience.
Whether you're a fellow plant person or just like peeking into the plant corner of my home, there's plenty of greenery to go around this week.
A fresh start (that smells amazing!)
In between deep cleaning and plant editing, I carved out time this week to whip up another batch of my DIY Lavender Lemon Laundry Booster. It's one of those little homemaking rituals that feels like a luxury - even though it's incredibly simple.
A scoop tossed into each load leaves our clothes and linens smelling fresh for weeks, with that soft herbal-citrus scent that makes even folding towels feel a bit more special. I like to keep a jar on hand this time of year as I wash blankets, freshen guest bedding, and get everything ready before the Christmas bins come out.
If you've never made it, it's a quick DIY that takes less than 10 minutes and uses ingredients you likely already have. And bonus: it makes a thoughtful gift in a pinch, especially when poured into a pretty jar with a little scoop.
This week in a quick snapshot
ā¢ Trending: My How to Decorate a Sled for Christmas topped the chart this week. Such a fun project!
ā¢ Watching: Watching Pluribus as it rolls out weekly! I'm a big fan of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul so I jumped on Vince Gilligan's newest! Also watching The Studio on Apple TV - it is hysterical!!
ā¢ What I bought: Ray and I finally took the time to hang a couple of canvases I bought for our bedroom three years ago. One went above my dresser and the other out in the hallway just outside our room. The moment it was up, I realized the hallway needed a runner (Loloi of course - my favorite dog friendly rugs), so I bought this one! I'll share photos soon. (You can find more of my favorite runners over on my LTK.)
This week felt like a good one for small resets and simple comforts. From clearing out corners of the house to mixing up a batch of my favorite lavender lemon laundry booster, I've been leaning into those little rituals that make home feel good as we head into the holidays.
Missed the last few weeks? Catch up here!
Wishing you a restful weekend and a smooth start to the week ahead. I hope you find time for something that brings you joy, whether it's a walk outside, a hot cup of something cozy, or a small project that's just for you.
