your november plans

let the holiday fun begin!

Author

Melissa Serrano
November 01, 2024

Hello! My second edition of my newsletter is already here! Lately, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed that there are only two months of the year left and with the time change this weekend, there will also be less sun light hours. For me, this is always a difficult shift. I have to remember that these changes always feel difficult at first, but there will be bright days ahead and holiday memories that make me excited for what’s to come. It’s not an easy shift, but it’s one that should come with thoughtful reflection and gentleness.

In these moments, I have to remember that by continuing to stay connected with the people I love, explore the place I call home, and engage my community (lately, it’s been yoga) helps regain my balance.

With Día de Muertos this weekend and Thanksgiving to follow in November, there’s lots to celebrate and appreciate this month. I hope you are able to lean into this shift, whatever it looks like for you, and remember to be gentle with yourself in the process.

xoxo,

Melissa

listen

Election day is November 5! I attended KQED Fest recently and sat in a panel discussion that highlighted local politics and California propositions to be aware of this election year. The panelists recommended a few KQED podcasts that I’ve listened to the past few weeks, which have helped me gain clarity on multiple propositions so that I can be an informed voter - I highly recommend you tune in if you’re feeling unsure about one or more propositions.

Check out: The Bay and Bay Curious, both highlighting propositions across the state and paint a broad picture of what voting ‘no’ or ‘yes’ means for you and CA residents.

food

The last few months I have been craving a Thai dish called khao soi. It was a dish I ate for the first time in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2023. This dish is now a wonderful food memory as I fondly remember eating solo on a small table of a local spot around the corner from my hostel. Only after devouring their bowl of delicious curry soup did I discover that it has been featured in the Michelin guide and on the Netflix show, “Somebody Feed Phil” (lol!). Now, I have high standards…but luckily for me, I live in a place with lots of options.

Below are some places I recommend you try as well as ones I haven’t had a chance to try, but have them saved on my Google Maps.

Places I’ve enjoyed: Khaosoi Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, Khom Loi in Sebastopol, and Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine in San Francisco, Oakland or Berkeley.

Add to your San Francisco list: Khao Tiew (top of my list to try next!), Saap Ver! Damn Good!, Kin Khao, Thai Spice, and Khao Soi Shop Pop Up at Nari (recommended to me by a friend).

events

I am sharing some really cool events that are happing in Sonoma County and San Francisco in November. This list could be much longer, but I’ll only ever share events that I would also check out. Enjoy!

san francisco

sonoma county