November Journal

November 2019 Journal

“October extinguished itself in a rush of howling winds and driving rain and November arrived, cold as frozen iron, with hard frosts every morning and icy drafts that bit at exposed hands and faces.”

― J.K. Rowling

     It's not uncommon for many of us to find the cold months difficult for a variety of reasons. And although November can be grey, stormy, and dreary, I really have to say that I genuinely enjoy it. We're not 'tired' of the cold yet - it's still novel to pull out our favourite warm sweaters and take brisk walks while the landscape is changing. The afternoon sun hits everything sideways, stretching objects out into long shadows. And there will always be those blustery days that shake off any remaining leaves who were afraid to let go - windy days are such an excellent reminder to us that change is inevitable. November gives us a chance to really settle in for the winter months ahead, and recharge before the month of December, which is a busy one for so many of us! I hope these intentions help to start your month off right.

Slow Seasonal Intentions

Take a few moments out of the month to live unplugged

✥Journaling - Do you keep, or have you ever kept, some form of journal? I used to only think of journals as long entries in a "Dear Diary" format recalling the events of your day, but there are so many simple options for those who have an urge to write and aren't sure where to begin. Journaling has incredible benefits, from increasing mindfulness to gaining a new perspective, it's certainly worth your time even if you only have a few minutes each day. This month set aside some time (and a nice notebook) to explore your writing style. Do you prefer free flow, one line a day, or doodle journaling? There's a style for everyone!

✥ Practicing Gratitude - Fresh off the heels of Canadian Thanksgiving, keep flexing your gratitude muscles this month. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude everyday can quite literally rewire your brain for a healthier outlook (among other amazing benefits). You can add this to your new journaling routine by jotting down the things you are grateful for each day, or better yet include your whole family! Leave a sheet of paper out that anyone can add to throughout the day and share at dinner. Even more simple, make a point to verbally include one thing each person is grateful for over dinner conversation. Children especially find this concept hard, but if they hear your thoughts everyday they will no doubt start to make their own connections.

✥Photo Through the Seasons - Early November landscapes still make the perfect Autumn photo, so take advantage this month and start a little project that will take you right through the year! Choose an outdoor area that is meaningful to you and your family (perhaps your favourite hiking trail, or simply a beautiful part of your own backyard). Snap a photo on one of these beautiful days while the colours are still vibrant, and then set the intention - and maybe even a reminder in your phone - to do the same on the snowiest winter day, the perfect spring bloom, and again in the fullness of the summer. Hopefully you will end up with a beautiful collage of one of your favourite places!

Mindful Media

Inspiring us this month

✥Kim John Payne (author) - I'm currently participating in a book club for Payne's newest book: Being at Your Best When Your Kids Are at Their Worst, and it's been amazing to have like-minded parents to chat about the book with. The first book I read of his (Simplicity Parenting) is an absolute must-read if you lean towards a minimal/simpler lifestyle. Through the book club I also learned that Payne hosts a weekly podcast called The Simplicity Parenting Podcast, covering topics from his books in more detail - so that's what I'll be listening to this month!

✥Office Ladies (podcast) - But also THIS! A total guilty pleasure, and I apologize to anyone who is not a lover of the series The Office. This podcast features 'Pam' and 'Angela' rewatching the entire series one episode at a time, while giving listeners fun facts and behind the scenes information. It's the greatest reason you've ever had to watch the show from the beginning for the 100th time. Love it!

Simple Connections

Setting the intention to connect with a little one in your life

     Is there a storybook you've read so many times that you could probably retell it from memory (without the book)? Surprise a little one in your life this month by doing just that. The practice of oral storytelling is thought to be as old as language itself, so there's no question that it remains an excellent tool for connecting with children. Listening to a story (rather than looking at pictures, in a book or on a screen) activates the creative aspects of the brain as the child works to create their own images of what you're describing. If you're feeling brave, they will love it even more if you make up your own story - don't worry, it's easier than you think! Tell a story about their life: something important like the day they were born, or even something simple such as their morning routine. Tell about a time they found something difficult, or make up a fantasy with their favourite characters. When all else fails, retell a classic (think 3 Little Pigs, Goldilocks...) Whatever story you choose, simply add a bit of fun and you'll have a captivated audience in no time!

#OneSmallChangeAtHome

Use the hashtag to share your best tips for becoming a zero-waste household

     Knowing how important it is to make changes in our household consumption is one thing, knowing where to start is something else entirely! Hopefully this is a way we can learn from each other and try to implement one small change at a time. We plan to tackle one area in our lifestyle that we'd like to change each month, also spreading out the cost of becoming low waste.

     Last month we addressed some of the plastic products in our bathroom. I mentioned before that this would be an ongoing job, mainly because it makes sense to finish using any products you already have before disposing of them, and secondly because it is overwhelming/expensive to find the right replacement products. We started with shampoos, conditioners, and face wash, all purchased from LUSH. Shampoo and conditioner were both purchased in bars (zero waste), as was one face wash, but my husband preferred their Kalamazoo beard wash (which incidentally works great to take off makeup) and that comes in a small container. Lush do have a container return program, but we're still trying to figure out if there are more local options out there - we'll keep you posted!

     This month we're kicking the disposable coffee cup habit. This is another area where we seem to have the right ideas in place (we both have well-loved travel mugs for home brewed beverages) but we don't often bring them with us for Tim's or Starbucks to fill, and those disposable cups definitely sneak in to our rotation. Because of the wax coating inside, the paper cups are not recyclable, and the lids seem to get mixed reviews in my research. We are committing that we won't drink from a disposable cup this month - so if we don't have the refillable mug with us, we just won't have a hot drink. Probably far easier said than done. Certainly hard to decline when someone offers to grab you a coffee at work but I'll definitely share our progress on Stone Family Living and please join in on instagram if you're with us #onesmallchangeathome

     We both have travel mugs, so no need to purchase one. However, I think we'll use our monthly swap budget to continue figuring out what needs replacing in the bathroom - this is an expensive area because unlike a reusable water bottle for example, it's not a one time purchase.   

#ExploreHamOnt

Sharing some of the best things to do in Hamilton and the surrounding area this month

✥Remembrance Day ceremonies in Hamilton are always beautifully done and incredibly moving. I've taken students to the main ceremony in Gore Park for many years and I know some areas do parades on the Sunday as well. Hamilton Attractions has put together a list of events for each part of the city so be sure to find out where your closest ceremony will be. Our own Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum also hosts an indoor ceremony that is completely FREE to the public (donations appreciated) and will also be televised on CHCH. If you're at work or otherwise busy that day, it's easy to tune in to the ceremonies on CBC Radio One (listen online here) and please don't forget to hold a moment of silence at 11:00 am.

✥ One of our family's Christmas traditions each year is to attend the Holiday House Tour of Distinctive Homes, put on by volunteers from the Junior League of Hamilton-Burlington. Buying a ticket allows you to visit 3 beautiful homes that have been decked out for the holidays by interior designers and businesses in our local community. Funds raised from ticket sales go towards supporting the League's community programs which focus on improving the lives of women affected by poverty. More information and ticket details can be found here.

✥ Is it really November if you don't attend a local church bazaar? It's impossible to link every Christmas market in the city, but be certain that your local church or community centre will be putting one on. These local markets often include lots of unique, handmade gift ideas - aim for a 'local' Christmas this year, and get started early!

Community Spotlight

Getting to know the work of a fellow Hamiltonian

     This month I had the opportunity to chat with Melanie from All Wrapped Up Events. Melanie started out in the non-profit event world and now runs her own planning and party decor rental business right here in Hamilton! Over the years she became uncomfortable with the amount of waste created at events from decor and party supplies that were 'single use', so she began to come up with alternatives to offer her clientele. 

     Now, Melanie's business has expanded to include party supply rentals, and themed upcycled decor! She also helps others create parties that are as close to zero waste as possible, which appeals to busy families like ours who don't know where to start. That's also why I love following Melanie on Instagram, where she shares her eco waste tips with everyone!

     Melanie answered a few of my questions to give us more insight into what she does - and why...
   

Tell us more details about the services you offer currently!
I create themed party decor rentals for kids parties & milestone events like baby showers and 50th birthdays. The decor ranges from simple things like welcome signs, high-chair banners, and donut walls to photo backdrops and dessert table displays. All of my rentals get reused at other parties so won’t end up in the landfill like most one-time use decorations found at the dollar store. I also teach others how to throw a party and entertain in a more sustainable way through social media and my weekly newsletter. As I become more eco-conscious in my everyday life, I try to share those tips to make it easier for others too.

     

What was the turning point that brought about your switch to low-waste parties?
I was taking down a party that I had done some custom decor for, and while some of it was reusable, most of it had the child’s name on it. The parents didn't want to keep it so I was stuck with all this decor I could no longer use. I was sitting there, popping the balloons from the balloon arch I created only 3 hours prior as garbage bags full of plastic cups, plates, table cloths and food were disposed of. It was then that I thought there must be a better way. I started planning ways I could still help parents achieve a themed birthday party without the waste. Many themes are done over and over again so if I put more money into the initial product, use second hand materials where possible and leave off the child’s name, the products would last and could work for many parties to come. That became the new model for All Wrapped Up and it’s what I’ve been doing ever since. 

     

Do you have any advice for families hoping to reduce their overall consumerism and waste this Christmas? This is definitely party season!

There are so many ways to reduce waste & consumerism (and spend less money!) at Christmastime - here are a few of my favourite tips. Follow along with me on Instagram at @allwrappedupto as I go into detail with these tips and many more in November & December.

1. Make a plan - list out everyone you need to buy for and ideas for their gifts. Then STICK TO IT! Buying gifts just because you might have someone to give it to is often a waste of money.
2. Give experiential gifts like concert tickets, wine tasting, food experiences, a special exhibit at a museum or a mani/pedi instead of stuff
3. Get a real tree! In Hamilton, Christmas trees get composted when they are picked up at the curb so are more sustainable than artificial trees
4. Switch to LED lights - they are more energy efficient and will cost less in the long run
5. Giftwrap! Most holiday giftwrap isn’t recyclable because of the plastic coating on the outside. Use reusable paper bags or Kraft paper that can be recycled instead. Or wrap with items you have in your house like newspaper comics, the photo pages of old calendars, old maps etc. You can also use a scarf or tea towel to wrap up smaller items which will also add to your gift. 

     

Thanks to Melanie for answering my questions!

Follow along with her #ecotips on instagram @AllWrappedUpTO
and check out her planning services or party rentals at All Wrapped Up Events

Wishing you and your family a happy November... remember to be gentle with yourself. 

Nicole xx