Monday Pep Talk No. 14

Need a little pick-me-up to cope with Monday? We’ve got a few fun ideas to carry you through to the weekend.

3 fun things to do this week

Since it’s Halloween week and World Origami Days (through November 11), I think making an origami bat or two might be mandatory this week.

Are your kids doing NaNoWriMo (a.k.a. National Novel Writing Month) this year? Now’s the time to get your ideas ready for the November 1 kick-off.

Earn your DIY animator badge or just try some of the fun projects for junior animators on DIY.org. Wednesday is Animation Day.

3 ideas for this week’s dinners

Spicy pumpkin soup with bacon and spicy fried chickpeas just tastes like autumn—and oh my gosh, I can eat these fried chickpeas by the handful.

We always have chili for our pre-trick-or-treating dinner, and this Bowl of Red is my go-to recipe. (The sour cream and lime for serving are essential.)

Risotto-stuffed mushrooms are an easy vegetarian dinner if you have leftover risotto in the fridge (and not too complicated even if you have to make your risotto from scratch). 

one great readaloud

Time Cat: The Remarkable Journeys of Jason and Gareth

By Lloyd Alexander

Pick up a copy of Lloyd Alexander’s Time Cat in honor of Black Cat Day (on Oct. 27)—or just because it’s a charming time-hop story.

one thought to ponder

in case of emergency {because sometimes you need something stronger than inspiration} 

apple cider doughnuts

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