November is one of my favorite months of the year as I get to celebrate another turn around the sun! Autumn still brings warm, sunny days with slightly cooler evenings, signaling the arrival of winter and all the cozy feels and foods.

The deeper we get into autumn, the more I enjoy spending time in the kitchen preparing cool weather, family favorite recipes.

The end of August is always bittersweet as we bid farewell to thel ong, relaxed days of summer. Yet turning the corner into September after the holdiay weekend always seems to beckon fall with renewed energy and the excitements of reuniting with friends and colleagues whether at work or school.

July is the midway point of the summer; a delicious stretch of long, warm sun-drenched days and the promise of a continued slower pace unfolding in the days ahead.

Welcome back, summer, we’ve missed you so! While the season doesn’t officially kick off until the third week of the month, warmer temperature and a spirit of joyfulness have already made its way into the early days of June.

May is the gateway to summer in the northern hemisphere where days become slightly longer and warmer, and dreams of summer plans float expectantly on the horizon.

The old, familiar adage, “April showers bring May flowers” means that once the rainy season passes, we shall soon see beautiful spring flowers and sunny days.

March symbolizes new growth, transformation and new beginnings. Warmer days, birdsong and colorful crocus patches proudly emerging through frost-weary soil, thrust winter into the rearview mirror as we eagerly await the arrival of spring.

We made it through January, which for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere can be challenging, given the colder temperatures and shorter days. We charge on to another month of brisk temps, yet a slightly shorter one, filled with love hearts throughout most of the globe, Carnival celebrations around the world and new year celebrations throughout Asia.

Happy New Year! I and am looking forward to inspiring you with all new recipes, cultural and culinary adventures as well as comfort/wellness throughout the year. January is a great time to set goals for the year so if you don’t have on, start a goal journal, which is an ideal way to mark your goals in writing, so you can refer back to them often and track your progress.

December is a magical month filled with twinkly lights, traditions and festive gatherings. All around the world, people celebrate holidays with time-honored customs, food, decorations, clothing and gifts.

November represents all the beautiful autumn colors of yellow, orange, red, green in slightly muted tones. Chilly temperatures make way for crackling indoor fireplaces, and the distinct aroma of burning wood that wafts through the crisp fall air.

October suddenly feels a little different as we enter the middle period of fall, which brings cooler temperatures and the promise of favorite sweet and savory autumnal dishes.

September brings in a rush of new energy with return to school or work and a more regular schedule. It’s hard to be oblivious to this change, which is usually marked by Labor Day, as we go from a leisurely summer pace to a more focused entrée to fall.

The month of August generally moves a slower pace in the Northern Hemisphere with the buzzing of cicadas cutting through the dense heat of long summery days and fireflies sparkling haphazardly through the night.