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Hello! And Welcome to November! This is one of my favorite months of the year. I have no idea why Jo March was so meh about it.

We've got a lot of ground to cover this month, but let's start with the biggest money-saver...

No Restaurants November

Yes, really!

Now don't get me wrong, I love my lattes and hot fresh donuts and taco supremes and double-doubles just as much as the next girl.

But I love having extra money in the bank MORE. Dining out is such a budge-kill and gets in the way of that extra money.

So, I've put together an "eat at home tool kit" to help you and me save money all month long -- while eating yummy, home cooked food!

Yes, really!

There is so much good stuff in here, complete with a simple 5-step process to making it easier and better.

Some highlights?

Good Cheap Eats Restaurant Faves - This is a Month of Meals to Replace take-out and includes some very yummy copycat recipes.

Breakfast on the Go - a breakfast freezer cooking plan to make it easy to prep breakfast ahead of time or even pack it for the road without breaking a sweat.

Coffee House at Home - I am a reformed Starbies addict. I use to get it weekly and now I'm done to once every blue moon. You can do the same, and trust me, these recipes for coffee, tea, and treats are better than anything the mermaid can cook up!

There's more good stuff in the tool kit, the perfect prep for a tasty month and more money in your pocket!

This Week's Top Ten

You know how much I love the weekly countdown. Takes me back to the days of radio. So pretend Casey Kasem is reading you this list of yummy desserts to make this season.

ONE. This dessert is requested every Thanksgiving. We've successfully made it both gluten- and dairy-free when necessary. And it's always amazing.

2. I didn't think I liked blueberries, until I made this. The whole family loves this recipe.

3. It's not too early to fill your freezer with these yummy treats for Christmas. Start now and it will be a very delicious season, indeed.

4. I was so excited to see that my Walmart now carries dried currants. I can be like Peter Rabbit's mom and make these more often.

5. It's hard to make jello look fancy, but this recipe totally eats it up. It's so festive without hardly any work!

6. I like to work whole grains into my baked goods whenever I can. This recipe totally works.

7. Ditch the boxes, you can make this chocolate classic from scratch! It only calls for a handful of baking staples. You probably have everything in the cupboard right now.

8. I know I mentioned this one a few weeks ago, but it bears another mention. This is the month to make it!

9. To me, fall is Hobbit weather and the perfect time to bake these and host a party.

10. You may find these at Trader Joe's, imported from Michigan. But I think this homemade version is way, way better. (And yes, I did a taste test and I was right!)

Tip of the Week

Alright then, I'm outta here. I'd love to know if you'll join me for No Restaurants November. Hit reply and let's chat!