Life – Ellie Black Lifestyle

Grateful Flatlay

It’s November, the month of Thanksgiving and a cliche month to encourage people to show appreciation. It may be cliche, but it’s always a great time to show those around you how grateful you are for them. I’ve put together a list of a few of my favorite ways to say “Thank you,” some simple and some a little more elaborate! Whichever side you tend to lean to, just take some extra time this month to be thankful.

Send a Card
Snail mail is one of my absolute favorite things. Between the funny cards, colorful pens, and unique postage, how could you not love it!? When I’m thinking about someone I pull out my stash of cards, write them a note, add a couple of fun doodles and seal it with a colorful strip of washi tape. I think it is so much more personal than shooting over a quick text. I probably enjoy sending mail as much as a enjoy getting mail, it’s a dying art!

Cook a Special Dinner
In my house, my husband does most of the cooking. We’ll say it’s because he loves it, and not because I just rotate my three favorite meals. Anyway, when I’m feeling extra thankful for my husband or want to show appreciation for him being so patient with my craziness, I’ll surprise him with dinner. Most of the time, I try to go out of my comfort zone to make it extra special.

Give a Simple Gift
I used to think a gift card was such a lazy and insincere gift, but the older I get and the more I realize how much I enjoy receiving gift cards, I think they’re a great and easy way to say thank you. There are a handful of gift card options I think can never be wrong: Starbucks, Target and when in doubt Visa!

Go Somewhere
Sometimes a little time away from everything is needed for both sides of a relationship. It can be the smallest of outings, like taking a co-worker to happy hour, or your mother-in-law to a little boutique she’s been talking about. I also like to think that taking my dogs on a nice hike is showing appreciation for their love, but they never seem to take it that way.

Make Something
Everyone is gifted with a talent; crafting, baking, the list goes on. Take time out of your day to make them something they didn’t ask for. Baking is my thing, during the holidays I try to bake as much as I can for other people. It’s my way of gifting those I care about with my talents.

Be There
In a world that’s hectic and fast-paced, giving someone your full attention is hard. One of the most sincere ways to say thank you might be to just shut everything off, and just be present. Whether this is over wine with a girlfriend, or before-bed conversations with your significant other, make a mental note to put everything else aside and give them your full self.

Simply Say ‘Thank you!’
Wow! That easy, huh? I mean seriously how many times does someone do something for you and you either slide right past, or throw out an empty “thanks”? I have tried to make a point to give more genuine, look ‘em in the eye “thank you’s.” Not only does this show the other person you’re sincerity, but I also think it has helps me realize how much I have to be thankful for.

Sometimes it is easy to take for granted the people in our lives. I encourage you to take some time today and show your appreciation!

The weather is FINALLY starting to cool down in my neck of the woods, which only means one thing.. Fall is here! Fall is on the top of my list of favorites because it’s the beginning of all my favorite times of year; you’ve got fall, that leads to costumes at Halloween, that leads to pies at Thanksgiving, that leads to presents at Christmas, that leads to Champagne at New Year’s, that leads to… well we won’t get too far ahead of ourselves. Anyway, I love fall and to help everyone else get ready for their Fall, I’ve put together a list of things I want to do this Fall.

Attend a Football Game and Tailgate. This one isn’t much of a bucket list item as it is a tradition. Football, especially college football (Wreck ‘Em Tech!), is a major part of our lives in the Fall. Nothing is better on a Saturday than getting dressed in your college colors, watching College Gameday, then heading to campus and spending the day with thousands of your closest friends.

2. Autumn at the Arboretum. @thedallasarboretum Every year, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden hosts a Fall festival with that includes a themed village made of more than 90,000 pumpkins, squash and gourds . I’ve lived in Dallas for almost five years, and have never made it to this Dallas staple. I’m determined, this will be my year!

Fall village ate Dallas Arboretum — @thedallasarboretum

3. Pumpkin Patch. I love decorating with real pumpkins, they may not last as long or be as cost-effective, but that’s just how I roll. I’m talking about taking the trek out of town to the closest pumpkin patch and going on a quest for those perfect pick. If it comes down to it, sometimes I have to settle for a tent set up in a parking lot, but I still always use a wagon and take a couple laps around to see my options.

Pumpkins at a pumpkin patch — @smallyetbeautifulll

4. Decorate for Fall. There’s no better way to get yourself ready for the season than to surround yourself with reminders of it! Ghosts here, skeletons there, pumpkins everywhere! Even if it’s as simple as a search on Pinterest for a new Fall wreath idea; fall decor can be as classy or as ghoulish as you make it. Find your style and go with it!

Front porch decorated for Fall — @kindredvintage

5. Halloween Costume. This is probably my favorite part of Fall. I love a good theme, and I absolutely LOVE to dress up. I’m the crazy person who wants to dress up for 80s nights at the gym, or make crazy shirts for family game night. Sometimes I even drag my dogs into it. It just means I’m fun, okay? Anyway, I’m not sure what the costume will be this year, but I’ll be sure to keep everyone updated on Instagram!

Girls dressed up as milk shakes — @studiodiy

6. Pass out Halloween Candy. You can’t tell me you don’t like to see all those little ones walking around dressed up! I think even the most anti-halloween souls can appreciate a mini princess or superhero. Either way, if you buy enough candy, you’re bound to have plenty left over to enjoy yourself and who doesn’t love that!?

7. Smores. Whether it’s over a bonfire or in a chiminea, making smores is a Fall classic. They’re the perfect after-dinner snack and can tell you a lot about a person. Are they a fire-kissed, or a fully engulfed mallow person? I’m the later, I’ll let you decide what that says about me.

8. Outdoor Movie Night. Living in Texas, it takes a while for our weather to turn bitterly cold, which means most Fall nights are perfect for outdoor activities. Grab your snuggle buddy (I’ll let you know if that ends up being my husband or a puppy), some snacks and a cozy blanket and have an outdoor movie night!

Outdoor movie night snack cart — @inhonorofdesign

9. Update Your Fall Wardrobe. Like you would expect any different. Fall is when I feel like my wardrobe is finally comfortable. Over sized sweaters, leggings and booties. Just call me basic.

Fall outfit flatlay — @thesisterstuidioig

10. Bake Fall Goodies. Baking, to me, is so satisfying. Nothing says ‘Hello Autumn!’ like a fresh baked pie and a house that smells better than any Bath & Bodyworks candle. Don’t get me wrong, some of those candle scents are to die for! Stay tuned for a post of my top candle scents for the season!

11. Take a hike through a nature preserve/scenic park. Take advantage of the crisp air and changing leaves for a nice stroll through one of nature’s best chapters.

12. Hit up Starbucks. Okay, this isn’t much different than any other time of year, but my order does change. I used to be a ride-or-die PSL girl, but I’ve outgrown my basic ways and moved on to Chai Tea Lattes. I’ll certainly have more than my fair share over the next few months!

Girl holding Starbucks cup — @laurenlefevre

13. Whip up a batch of homemade chili and cornbread. Cold weather means soups, stews and chili are back in the weekly dinner rotation. If you’re from Texas, you probably have a ‘family chili recipe,’ now is the time to break it out!

Bowl of chili with cornbread — @thecountrycook

14. Send notes to friends and family telling them the reasons you’re thankful for them. The most important part of Fall is Thanksgiving; a time where we get together with family and celebrate all there is to be thankful for. This year, take a different approach and send friends and family a quick note telling them why you’re thankful for them. We all know how much I love snail mail!

Thanksgiving Thank You Card — @craftaholicsanonymous

15. Donate food to the less fortunate. As we celebrate all there is to be thankful for, we should also share our fortunes with those who might not have as much to celebrate this time of year. There are many different ways to do so, donate food or funds to a local food bank or even donate your time to a local soup kitchen. No matter how little you give, I guarantee it will make a difference to someone.

Canned good display — @northtexasfoodbank

Category: Life

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