A Season to Create, Connect, and Cozy Up

Dear Not So Secret Diary,

November has a way of wrapping the heart in warmth. It’s a time filled with family, food, friends (and that comforting feeling that everything slows down just long enough for us to breathe it all in). From the smell of a turkey roasting to the laughter echoing from the living room, this season reminds me that home isn’t just where we live; it’s what we create within it. One of my favorite things in the world is decorating a home. Growing up, while everyone else dreamed of being doctors, lawyers, or astronauts, my heart was set on interior decorating. It wasn’t just about making things look pretty — I was drawn to the feelings that came from a space that felt loved. Now that I’m an adult, that same joy has only deepened. Choosing color schemes, scent palettes, and cozy textures feels like therapy for my soul. But what makes it even sweeter is sharing those moments with my daughter: decorating together, creating memories one candle, pillow, or garland at a time.

For the longest time, I thought crafts were just for kids. Now that my daughter and I do them together, I realize how healing and fun they can be for adults too. Having a beautiful piece of décor is nice, but making that décor together — that’s where the magic happens. Some of our favorite Thanksgiving crafts include countdown rings, handprint turkeys, and “thankful trees.” Each one reminds us to slow down and focus on gratitude. Beyond the glue sticks and glitter, these moments have taught me so much about my daughter — and myself. We often share the same vision but have different ways of bringing it to life. Learning how to blend our ideas has strengthened our communication and patience. Crafting has become a small but meaningful way to bond, reflect, and grow — all while filling our home with joy.

Back to interior design, I love transforming any space into something that feels like home. Whether I’m in an apartment, a townhouse, or one day a mansion, the one thing that never changes is the love and coziness that fills each corner. Every decorating session starts with a deep clean — because let’s be honest, there’s no point in layering décor on top of dust. Once everything’s sparkling, I switch out my scents. I used to be a wax melt girl, but motherhood quickly turned me into a diffuser and spray lover (candles are now reserved for my room only). Then comes my favorite part — layering textures. I like my walls to feel bold and structured, while everything you touch — blankets, pillows, and plants — feels soft and inviting. Decorating isn’t just about looks; it’s about energy. It’s a ritual that helps me fight off seasonal blues and reminds me to ground myself in gratitude. There’s something deeply healing about transforming your environment when the world outside feels cold and gray.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: no matter how many people surround you, you still need time to connect with yourself. The holidays can be beautiful but also overwhelming, and sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is a moment of peace. I love spending time with loved ones, but I’ve learned to protect my quiet moments too. Solo dates are sacred for me — especially during the holiday rush. My go-tos are yoga and nature walks, but I also love taking a short drive with good music, going to a pottery class, enjoying appetizers and drinks alone, or even catching a movie. To me, a date doesn’t have to mean romance; it just means intentional time spent with yourself.

Thanksgiving is about so much more than the feast — it’s about the presents that don’t come wrapped: joy, peace, and the chance to slow down. This season always reminds me that life’s most beautiful moments often come from the simplest things — laughter around the table, the smell of cinnamon in the air, or a quiet moment spent in gratitude. As I look around my cozy, decorated home, I realize that thankfulness isn’t just a feeling — it’s a way of living. And that’s something I’ll always carry with me long after the leftovers are gone.

Love Always,

Capree'