If the holidays seem to sneak up faster every year, you’re not alone. Here’s a reminder to slow down, find gratitude, and savor the season with faith and peace.

One day it’s blazing hot and we’re sipping iced tea on the patio, and the next… the leaves are falling, the air smells like rain, and somehow the holidays are right around the corner.

This morning, my daughter and I were sitting over coffee when it hit us — Thanksgiving is only three weeks away! How does it always sneak up like that?

Make a Little Plan Before the Rush Begins

Now is the perfect time to take a deep breath and make a simple plan before the busyness hits. You don’t need to have every detail figured out — just a few small steps that will make the next few weeks more peaceful than panicked.

1. Find out who’s coming.
Send a quick text or group message to confirm who plans to be at your Thanksgiving table. It’s amazing how fast those numbers can change — and knowing early helps you plan seats, dishes, and portions.

2. Start the menu conversation.
Write down your must-have dishes — the ones that always make it to your table (looking at you, mashed potatoes and pie!) — and decide what you’d love help with.
If family or friends ask if they can bring anything, say yes! Sharing the work makes the day more joyful.

3. Watch for baking sales.
Stores are starting to roll out discounts on flour, sugar, spices, and butter. It’s the perfect time to stock up — not just for Thanksgiving but for the whole holiday season.
Having a few extra essentials on hand saves last-minute grocery chaos later.

4. Do one thing early.
Pick one task — clean the dining table, polish the silverware, or check your serving dishes — and do it this week.
You’ll thank yourself later.

Remember the “Why” Behind the Planning

It’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of lists and errands and forget what we’re really preparing for: a table full of people we love, and a quiet moment to pause and give thanks.

God’s blessings often arrive quietly — in laughter over coffee, in shared recipes, in the sound of family gathering again.
Let’s make room for those moments as we prepare our homes and hearts.

“The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.” —James E. Faust

A Verse for Your Heart

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
— Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

So yes, the holidays may have crept up again… but this year, let’s meet them with calm hearts, warm kitchens, and grateful spirits.

Love you all!
Elizabeth XOXO

If you’re ready to bring a little more peace and purpose into your Thanksgiving prep this year, I created something special for you.
The Holiday Home & Heart Planner – Thanksgiving Edition is a printable guide filled with faith reflections, cozy checklists, and gentle reminders to help you prepare your home and your heart with calm and joy.

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From My Kitchen

Every fall, as the leaves began to turn and the kitchen filled with the scent of apples and cinnamon, my mom would bake this Fresh Apple Cake. It wasn’t fancy — just warm and full of love. If you’re easing into Thanksgiving planning and craving something simple and cozy, this is the one to make.

Fresh Apple Cake

This week, I’m sharing a cozy favorite — Fresh Apple Cake — an old-fashioned classic filled with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a crisp, buttery nut topping. It’s simple, nostalgic, and perfect for fall gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

When a recipe card looks like this, you know it’s good!

Serves: 12
Yield: 1 cake
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 2 cups brown sugar packed
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 4 cups chopped apples peeled if desired
• Topping:
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter softened
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 8-inch square pans).

Mix the wet ingredients.

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.

Add dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and flour. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined.

Fold in apples.

Gently stir in the chopped apples until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and chunky—just right for a moist, hearty cake.

Prepare the topping.

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and butter using a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cake batter, then scatter the chopped nuts over the top.

Bake 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the internal temperature reads 200–205°F. The top should be golden and the edges just pulling away from the pan.

Cool and serve.

Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before cutting into squares. It’s delicious warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!

12 servings | 420 cal | 5 P | 22 F | 54 C

*Recipe Notes

Apples: Use firm, flavorful apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. A mix of sweet and tart adds depth.

Texture tip: If the center tends to stay doughy, try chopping apples a bit smaller or reducing to 3½ cups. The internal temp test (200–205 °F) is your best guide.

Nuts: Walnuts add classic flavor, while pecans give a sweeter crunch. Toast them lightly before adding for extra richness.

Serving idea: Fantastic warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.

Storage: Keeps well covered at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. Freezes beautifully in individual squares.

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Want to bake along with me? You can open the full Fresh Apple Cake recipe right in Cook’n here →