Smart Parents in November is a monthly post where I talk about a few things that I’m learning and loving in my life right now. This may include recipes, books, movies, gadgets, and DEALS -so be sure to read to the bottom for traditional deals for this month.
I do this sometime during each month. (Here are September and October) Let me know what you are learning and loving so that I can add that to future posts!
*This post may contain affiliate links. My full disclosure policy is here.
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Learning:
•Did you know that there is a huge Holocaust archive? Over 30 million documents. Check out this post and video.
•There are definite benefits of playing games with your kids like increased attention span and getting to spend time with the ones that you love. With the holidays coming up, this might be a good activity to plan ahead for. Here is a link to an article about the benefits by Scholastic.com.
•Family game time is a definite plus for learning and loving!
•Another fun activity for the upcoming month is Advent calendars, order one now! Here’s the link to my post – 25+ Advent calendars!
Loving:
Book:
•Do you love a good book series? I loved the Outlander series. If you have not read the actual books, then you don’t know what you have missed! Whenever someone tells me that they are reading this for the first time, I am jealous. If you’ve watched the series, you have only had a taste.
I didn’t love the series after reading the books, so if you didn’t like the series, you could still LOVE the books. Get to know Jamie and Claire for real! Disclaimer… I have only read the first 6 books in the series. Someday, when I have time, I’d like to reread those and then the rest of the series.
Book One: Outlander by Diane Galbadon
•My son was looking for a fun book to read, and an author we came across was Carl Hiassen. I read one of his books years ago, and loved it. He is a very snarky author, and I found out that my dad loves his books. We picked this one out for Jake. I will let you know how it goes! (For an older teen, some mature themes)
Skin Tight -Hiassen
After dispatching a pistol-packing intruder from his home with the help of a stuffed Marlin head, Mick Stranahan can’t deny that someone is out to get him. His now-deceased intruder carries no I.D., and as a former Florida state investigator, Stranahan knows there are plenty of potential culprits. His long list of enemies includes an off point hit man, a personal injury lawyer of billboard fame, a notoriously irritating TV journalist, and a fumbling plastic surgeon.
Now, if he wants to keep fishing into his golden years, Stranahan has no choice but to come out of retirement to close this one last case…
The Measure -Erlick
I just finished this one, and it was so good!
Eight ordinary people. One extraordinary choice. It seems like any other day. You wake up, pour a cup of coffee, and head out. But today, when you open your front door, waiting for you is a small wooden box. This box holds your fate inside: the answer to the exact number of years you will live.
From suburban doorsteps to desert tents, every person on every continent receives the same box. In an instant, the world is thrust into a collective frenzy. Where did these boxes come from? What do they mean? Is there truth to what they promise?
As society comes together and pulls apart, everyone faces the same shocking choice: Do they wish to know how long they’ll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge?
The Dictionary of Lost Words -Williams
This was a recent read of mine, and I had such a hard time getting into my next book because I was so caught up in this one!
Esme is born into a world of words. Motherless and irrepressibly curious, she spends her childhood in the Scriptorium, an Oxford garden shed in which her father and a team of dedicated lexicographers are collecting words for the very first Oxford English Dictionary.
As she grows up, Esme realizes that words and meanings relating to women’s and common folks’ experiences often go unrecorded. And so she begins in earnest to search out words for her own dictionary: the Dictionary of Lost Words. To do so she must leave the sheltered world of the university and venture out to meet the people whose words will fill those pages.
Set during the height of the women’s suffrage movement and with the Great War looming, The Dictionary of Lost Words reveals a lost narrative, hidden between the lines of a history written by men. Inspired by actual events, author Pip Williams has delved into the archives of the Oxford English Dictionary to tell this highly original story.
**Note: College admission counselors and future employers might ask your teen what they are reading…
Movie:
10 Things I Hate About You This is a great movie to watch with your teen. The whole cast is great including the late, great Heath Ledger. It has all the elements of classic high school drama with humor throughout. Sibling rivalry, puppy love, cliques… I love the dad! Lots of great discussions to be had with this one. The 10 Year Anniversary Edition is available here.
Game:
‘Tis The Season Christmas Trivia Game We have had this set of cards for years. They are fun to have out while you are just hanging around or after a holiday meal. We don’t ever really set up a game board, although I am sure that you are supposed to! We just have fun seeing who can come up with the most right answers. Here is a great list of games to play with your teens.
Recipe:
Gomer Pyle’s Chili (aka my mom’s) This recipe was published long ago in some magazine that my mom used to get. She cut out the recipe, and made it one fall night. We all loved it, and now it’s our one-and-only chili recipe.
My college boys insist that I make too much on purpose, so that they can come get a portion. Here’s a picture of my recipe card. This is so easy to make, and delicious! (All cans are 15 oz.)
I loved watching Gomer Pyle when I was younger!
Gadget:
3-Outlet Surge Protector with 2 USB ports Can I tell you how many places I have these?! We have one for each bathroom and our master bedroom. The kitchen and family room as well. I got one for each of our college boys to have as well. 
Holidays:
Daylight Savings (1), Dias de Los Muertos (1-2), National Nacho Day (6), Book Lover’s Day (first Saturday of the month), Veteran’s Day (11), Sadie Hawkins Day (13), World Peace Day (17), Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday), Advent begins (29)
Quote:
“It was November, the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds, deep, sad hymns of the sea, passionate wind -songs in the pines.” – Anne of Green Gables
Term to know:
Net Price—what you actually pay for college, almost always less than the published price. Ask what they can do for more merit aid. Be prepared with updated resume, test scores, and unofficial transcript in hand.
Deals:
If you do holiday cards, it is time to get those ordered. Great deals here… and here are some unique choices.
Huge deal on Kindle Paperwhite
Does your husband (or you!) need any new power tools -great deals right now!
Looking for a date night in for the holidays, or anytime? Gift cards are an option, as well.
Great stocking stuffers here! My boys love getting these throughout the year!
Advent calendar with the cutest cookies
And, here’s an Advent calendar with hot sauces!
Timely Posts:
Fun Movies to Watch With Your Teen for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
Things to Know About Amazon for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
How You Can Support Your Teen During Finals
Budget Friendly Ideas for the Holidays!
Best Year Round Posts for Parenting Teens and Tweens: 50+ Titles!
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