A slow, golden start to November
There’s something special about November — that quiet shift between autumn’s warmth and winter’s chill. The mornings grow misty, the evenings darker, and the city feels softer somehow. It’s the time of year when everything slows down.
Here, just outside Rotterdam, the fields are lined with pumpkin farms, and local farmers’ markets are filled with the last harvest of the season. I can imagine the same rhythm in London — the city alive with the smell of roasted chestnuts, coffee to-go cups steaming in cold hands, and cozy market corners glowing under twinkling lights.
Pumpkin farms and homemade comfort
Last weekend, I visited a nearby pumpkin farm — a sea of orange and green that instantly sparked that autumn feeling. I came home with far too many pumpkins (as always) and made my aunt’s classic soup recipe. Simple, earthy, and full of spice. I added a bit of cinnamon — because in November, cinnamon just feels right.
It’s also autumn break here, and you can sense it everywhere. Families strolling through markets, picking out the last apples and root vegetables of the year. The air feels slower, warmer somehow. These are the moments that make November feel like a deep breath before winter begins.
Close-up of hands holding an autumn wreath with mini pumpkins, leaves, and berries, surrounded by festive fall decorations
A nod to St. Andrew’s Day
While we don’t officially celebrate it here, I always love reading about St. Andrew’s Day in Scotland — a day of music, food, and togetherness. It’s a reminder that this season is meant to be shared. Whether you’re cooking for family, having tea with friends, or simply lighting a candle at the end of the day, November invites connection.
Green moments in the city
Even in this colder season, there’s still so much you can grow indoors. I’ve been starting small batches of herbs using Botanian Grow Pellets — just add water, plant the seeds, and let nature do the rest. My kitchen windowsill is now filled with tiny pots of rosemary, mint, and thyme — perfect for teas, stews, and cozy winter dishes.
It’s proof that you don’t need a big garden to enjoy green living. A windowsill, a balcony, or even a sunny corner is enough.
Slowing down with the season
November is a month of small rituals — visiting your local market, cooking from scratch, and taking time to breathe. It’s about finding comfort in simplicity and warmth in the everyday.
So wherever you are — in London, Rotterdam, or somewhere in between — let this season remind you to be present. Brew that tea, bake that banana bread, or start growing your own herbs.
BE mindful. BE cozy. BE a Botanian.
